House concerts are a regular staple of the FSGW (Folklore Society of Greater Washington). Price depends on the performer, but is in the $10-15 range for non-members of the Society, amd the $6-12 range for members of the society (frequently $7/$10). The primary means of publicity is through the Society's newsletter; hence the discount for members. While there are exceptions, most concerts are evening events beginning at 7:30 or so for a weeknight, and 8:00 on a Friday or Saturday. The performer usually plays two sets of approximately 45-50 minutes, separated by a 20-30 minute intermission, during which punch and cookies are served (and tea or coffee or soda, and maybe brownies or cake). The food at intermission is usually provided gratis to the audience at an FSGW house concert, and the costs for purchasing the food are deducted from the gate.

Another format occasionally used has been that the guest performer leads a sing-around (we're a very singing/participation oriented group)--the guest performer gets to do every second or third number. We've very occasionally used this format for a few not-very-well-known performers who we felt couldn't carry a whole evening by themselves, but it's not our standard format. And for some other performers who are known as good song-leaders or song-collectors, at the home of music-loving night-owls on a weekend night, a full concert has been followed by a sing-around until the wee hours.

Basically, if you're the host, you can create the format, but we usually let the performer do what he or she would do in a hall, except for the more intimate surroundings of a living room. Needless to say, there's no sound reinforcement--no sound system. You get to hear the performer acoustically, unplugged.

--Charlie Baum