I’m in a strange town, en route to somewhere I’ve never been. I’m running a little early, just in case I have trouble finding my destination. I don’t want to be late - especially since I’ll be paid for my activities in the next few hours. People are counting on me. We have an arrangement, and a number of people have planned their evening around the house concert at which I will perform tonight between 7 and 9.

I think about what my hosts, the Johnsons, are doing at this moment - probably arranging chairs, clearing a stage area, putting out snacks and glassware and doing some last-minute cleaning. Most house concert hosts are very considerate of their performers and guests, wanting all to be comfortable in order to maximize their enjoyment of the live music experience. It’s an effort not wasted on me, as I’d much rather perform a house concert than any other venue.

The following Information is taken from a couple reliable sources: Pops Walker’s House Concert paper and “Producing House Concerts” by Glen and Cheryl Duckett.

What is a house concert? The short answer: it’s just that - a private performance by a performer you really like, in the comfort of your own home. You, as the host, invite some family and friends to your home for an afternoon or evening of live acoustic music. You ask your guests for a small cash donation - usually, $7 - $15 each - and after your set-up costs, the money goes to the artist(s).

Generally speaking, live music doesn’t mean loud music. Unless needed for large rooms or large audiences, sound reinforcement equipment is a rarity at house concerts. In most settings, the audience has the pleasure of listening to the instruments and voices in pure and natural tones - up close and personal. It’s understood that while the artist is performing, the audience provides the performer with attentive ears. There will always be time for socializing and talk during intermission or after the performance.

I find my host’s home with no problem and am welcomed enthusiastically by them, their 2 adolescent children and even their dog, a beautiful, well-behaved golden retriever named Wish. I’m told there is also a cat lurking somewhere. The Johnsons are putting me up for the night and show me the room they’ll have me use. I leave my bag in there and retrieve my guitar, autoharp and stands and proceed to the doorway between the living room and dining room, where I’ll be setting up.

We’re expecting about 15 guests tonight, and the Johnsons’ living room should accommodate them easily. I set up my stands and tune my instruments and check the lighting. We have about an hour before guests will start arriving, and I’m offered hors d’eurvres, which I gladly accept. The graciousness of my hosts belies the casual atmosphere of the concert setting - a couch, love seat, several chairs and some large pillows strewn about the floor. Wish has claimed her spot on her personal pad near the front, nose between her paws, watching everything.

Preparation is an important aspect of hosting a house concert. If yours is to be a one-time or infrequent event, the concerns are simple: parking for guests, food and/or beverages, lodging for the artist, artist fees, seating, e-mails, reservations for guests, an area for intermission or party time afterward, audio and/or video recording setup if desired, turning off the telephone ringer, and other details. Keeping it simple makes it less work.

There is a lot of information available to prospective house concert hosts, much of it online. I will be happy to provide the necessary details to anyone interested in hosting. Just call or e-mail for info.

After an introduction from my hosts, the 18 audience members (not counting Wish) settle back, and it’s not long before I have a good rapport with them. After I play 12 songs (about an hour), we all retreat to the kitchen area and deck for a break. Several guests purchase CDs, and I take the time to personally sign them, grateful for the opportunity.

My second set lasts about 45 minutes and gets livelier toward the end. I’m thrilled at the enthusiastic response and calls for an encore. After my last song, the Johnson family cat finally appears and nuzzles my ankles. Wish comes to my rescue, and the cat retreats to its hiding place. I meet with the guests again in the kitchen, sell and sign a few more CDs. Some of the guests make their way to the door to leave, but some want to talk a while. That’s fine with me, as it gives me a little winding-down time. Finally, I offer to play one last song so I can help the Johnsons clean up a bit while the rest of the guests leave.

It’s been a very nice evening for me and, judging by the reaction of the audience members, for them also. I’ve added many names to my e-mail list and expanded my fan base to include a number of people from this friendly town. Tomorrow, I’ll be off to another house in another town, making my way through life as a performing songwriter and loving every minute of it.