Graeme
Just set up this site:
http://www.hothouseconcerts.com/
Please spread the word.
And if any musicians are interested in joining please read our "musician's invitation" pdf:
http://1music4people.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/musicians-invitation.pdf
Averatu
This model could work really well. We did a 'warm up' gig in our lounge a few years back, but we did not have bread for a PA, so we asked the 'audience' to help with a R10 'donation'. We got a much better average, it was a nice intimate show and we would do it again. (Only dif is we're a metal band).
Just be careful with the metro laws about public gatherings and entrance fees. Technically you can only charge if you have a liqueur licence, and you have to have a permit for gatherings of more than 8 people. But if you are 'creative' there are ways and means.
Graeme
Thanks for the tip! I'm hoping that the fact we're working on a "donation" basis means that we're not really charging an entrance fee.
I've done a few really cool house concerts in the past. It's nice playing to a small audience who sit and listen, as opposed to loud clubs where everyone talks.
AlanRatcliffe
Interesting concept. I know a lot of pros would be interested if you can guarantee them their fee.
Bill Knight does a similar small, intimate shows and has mainly folk and classical shows (himself, Derek Gripper, Guy Buttery, Tony Cox, Steve Newman, Valiant Swart, et. al.), but he built a big room onto his house for the purpose (and is in tight with his neighbours). Seats about 40 I think.
Initial thoughts:
- You would have to make the hirer understand that the noise implications/risks are theirs and that they will need to clear it with/invite their neighbours. I don't think that will be a problem for once-off "parties" though.
- You will also have to make up a tech rider that the hirer signs, guaranteeing a certain amount of floor space for performance, a decent electrical outlet, food and drink, etc..
- Get the money from the hirer up front (but only pay the artist after completion). That way you ensure that both meet all their obligations.
- Contracts between yourself and both parties involved
I'd probably also insist on a slice and provide a small PA and engineer (to ensure that sound is up to snuff and reliable). Left to their own devices, a lot of "pros" gig happily with cheap-ass gear. Until it breaks down...
Graeme
I've written guidelines for hosts (which will be emailed to them when they enquire).
All I'm doing is putting the prospective host in touch with the band. I don't want to be an agent, just trying to generate more gigs for myself & friends.
The donation system works well in the U.S and appears to be the standard model there. Not sure how it will work here. We'll have to see.
I've left it up to the bands to request a minimum fee if they wish.
The concerts are for "mostly" acoustic gigs - ie small PA, no drums (perc is OK, as is a small kit with brushes).
The gigs are "soirees" rather than parties. I've made it clear that they're mostly for bands doing original music, no backing tracks.
Gigs will be small, so there's not a whole lot of money in it. Bands that sell CDs and/or merchandise will probably find it more financially viable.
As I said its based on a model that's been working well in the U.S. for years. Thought I'd give it a shot here. ?
Squonk
Sounds good, the only snag is the rule about about having a CD to sell.
I do original stuff, have gear etc but no CD?
Graeme
That's not a dealbreaker. We'd still be happy to list you. Main reason for requiring a CD is so that you can earn a bit more money from the gig.
Its probably worthwhile doing a CD on the cheap anyway. If people enjoy then they'd most probably like something to remember it by.
Bob-Dubery
For bigger names you'd have to qualify by saying "by mutual agreement" or something, so that they can fit the show in with their schedule.
I know that Tony Cox is keen to do this kind of gig (and did one at a friend of mine's house a while back). In the USA artists of the stature of Janis Ian will take on this kind of gig - though at that level they want a flat fee, but then if you can afford it she'll play to you and your dog. She has a strict "no taping" rule and expects the host to enforce that.
Graeme
I like the "no tapping" rule ?
I once did a background jazz gig (guitar & vocals only) and had a guy tapping along with a knife on a wineglass! Out of time! Not easy.
Bob-Dubery
No taping as in "thou shalt not record the performance" ?
Graeme
Ha ha! That's what happens when I multi task! I will concentrate on reading one thing at a time in future ?
I still like the idea of a "no tapping" rule though ?
Manfred-Klose
great idea graeme.
something like this would be very popular in cape town as well.
Renesongs
Yeah this would work well in Cape Town as well
Riaan-Combrink
Great idea!
Averatu
Momentum is building.
Keira-WitherKay
nice one Graeme , think i too will buy into this one .... email you soon
peace Keira
Graeme
Thanks Keira. Would be great to have you on board!
