Miles & Mafale

Basically, it’s just what it sounds like — a concert in someone’s home! Think of it as a music-focused social gathering where professional musicians come directly to your home to play for you and your guests.

A house concert can be fully “private” where the host invites their friends, family, neighbors, co-workers, etc. It can be “semi-private,” where the host invites folks they know and then tells those folks that they can bring a friend, or friends, as well. And some hosts make their shows “public,” allowing people they haven’t met (yet!), but who are also fans of the musicians, to reach out and request to attend.

Whether private, semi-private, or public, the host’s address is never published. Someone who wishes to attend requests a reservation. The address is provided when the host confirms that reservation. The host will also advise their guests in advance that there is a “suggested donation.” This usually falls in the range of $20 to $30, with all money going to the musicians. (Most towns have pretty strict rules about these events not being a “business,” so it’s best to keep it simple in that way.)

There is often a potluck beforehand or sometimes the host provides the snacks. Some house concerts are BYOB and some are coffee/tea/soft drinks only. The music is what brings folks together, but the mingling and sense of community are equally important aspects of a house concert! Typically, people arrive and socialize over food and drink to start, and then everyone takes their seats while we play two 45-minute sets with a short break between (or sometimes a host might prefer a single 75-minute set).

Now that you know the basics, we want to tell you that house concerts are some of our very favorite shows to play! The comfortable, informal nature of these gatherings allows us to connect with people in a deeper way, with a more intimate and attentive audience, usually 15+ guests. (Although, we have played house concerts with 60+ people!) We get to know you, you get to know us, and there’s music! What could be better than that?!