House Concerts in UK?

Subject: RE: House Concerts in UK?
From: Anne Lister
Date: 07 Aug 11 - 05:39 PM

Anonyma is playing at three house concerts in the near future - one at our home in Pontypool on 26th August, one near Colchester in Essex (courtesy of Tony Winn, fine songwriter, once of the Popular Wobblies) and one in Kew. Anyone needing any details of these, please PM me!

Anne

Subject: RE: House Concerts in UK?
From: GUEST,GUEST Jenny Fitzgibbon
Date: 07 Aug 11 - 07:23 AM

Hello Lynne
Will you be at the Waltham Abbey Club on Monday?
I am visiing my Dad again.
Also I am thinking of driving to Braodstairs on Monday for the concert Monday night with chumbawumba
Jenny Fitz from Oz.
0777 5078846

Subject: RE: House Concerts in UK?
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 17 May 11 - 05:48 PM

Ralphie - I'd like to think that the 6 clubs you thought of included the one that meets at Pinner Green Social Club on Mondays, having survived 40+ years at the Royal Oak in Wealdstone...

Kitty

Subject: RE: House Concerts in UK?
From: billybob
Date: 17 May 11 - 06:51 AM

We are holding a "House Concert" in September in a small marquee in the garden. The Guests are " My Sweet Patoosie" from Ontario, details can be found on their web page.
We usually do one or two a year, Billy does a Bar bq and everyone brings their own drinks. We pass the hat round to "pay" the guest.
I ran folk clubs for years and also the Walton on the Naze Folk Festival which sadly finished a few years ago. So it is our chance to book old friends and is enjoyed by all.
Anyone wanting more information please pm me.
Wendy

Subject: RE: House Concerts in UK?
From: Leraud
Date: 17 May 11 - 05:57 AM

I have occasional House Concerts in my house - about 2 a year. I don't advertise as I already have enough people who want to attend. I can't seat any more than 25. The performers are always people people I have seen and really enjoyed. I charge £10 a head and this includes a two-course supper and wine. The rest goes to the guest. This is a completely non-profit making venture but a really enjoyable social occasion.

Should the Authorities cotton on try to stop me, I'll carry on anyway!

Subject: RE: House Concerts in UK?
From: Ana
Date: 17 May 11 - 03:35 AM

House concerts have been popular in NZ for sometime. Some are run with a meal to begin (potluck/BYO), but others maybe in the afternoon with tea/coffee. No legal hassles - guess the cost is regarded as a donation towards costs.
Insurance isn't an issue - we have an Accident Compensation system, which means you can't sue if you have a wee accident. Great way for northern folks to have a working holiday - get board, meet people etc - and for Kiwis to hear new songs and realise they aren't too bad after all!

Subject: RE: House Concerts in UK?
From: GUEST,Lindy
Date: 17 May 11 - 02:25 AM

Great to hear all the replies! I should mention that most of these house concerts are not really advertised in the way it would be if the concert was held in a small venue, hall, club or coffeehouse.

Some of the houses are not always that large. I'm going to a house concert this Saturday and they will be having one in the afternoon at 2 PM and another in the evening at 7:00 PM. The people that attend these concerts are very well mannered, respect neighbours and do not get drunk or anything. They just want to hear the musician/singer who is performing, meet the artist and talk to other people at the house concert. They are the type of people who do not get rowdy or loud after the concert (when walking down the street to where they parked their car.)

Of course the concerts draw usually a more reserved crowd as the music is folk and very acoustic oriented. I would say the
majority of people attending most house concerts are over 40 or 45 years old (there is always exceptions - but most seem to be around middle-age or even older. I'm not saying that these house concerts may not encounter a problem now and then but for the most part people attending are very respectful. I have never seen anyone who was drunk or acting obnoxious at these house concerts.

Many people often bring a pot-luck dish such as a salad or casserole. Also,I see that people take their garbage to the kitchen and throw it away themselves and do not leave their food dishes for the owner to collect. So..all in all I have not seen any problems at house concerts I have been to and I have been to a lot since the 1980's.
I would imagine though that the owners of the house have to have a certain type of insurance on their insurance policy in the event someone should fall or get hurt. I have not personally heard of it happening though. There could be anywhere from 15 people up to about 30 people attending on the average (depending who is performing).

You do have to make reservations by phone or email so the owner knows how many people are coming so that is why you don't see flyers around town advertising house concerts. It's kind of word of mouth or the artist's website. On the artist website it will usually just say "House Concert" the date and city with a phone number to call for information (but not address). Then you can pay when you arrive at the house. (average about $10.00 to $15.00 a person) which majority goes to the artist or artists.

Subject: RE: House Concerts in UK?
From: GUEST
Date: 16 May 11 - 07:35 PM

Probably googling will bring results. I found this:
http://www.houseconcerts.org.uk

And many arts trails have small gigs in people's houses. Most cities have arts trails.

Subject: RE: House Concerts in UK?
From: Surreysinger
Date: 16 May 11 - 06:08 PM

"And gosh, none of those pesky questions about legality and licensing because it's what pubs are *for*. "
But only if they've got the necessary licence, which is another reason why there are fewer pubs available as venues for clubs these days.

And a pub certainly isn't the be-all and end-all for club premises. Our current club is held on non-pub premises, which are vastly preferable to the ghastly pub which was the previous venue - dreadful upstairs room with leaky floors which allowed cigarette smoke (twas in the days when that sort of thing was possible four or five years ago) to infiltrate the room even though no-one smoked, strange staff and landlord, and nasty furniture. No ta!

Subject: RE: House Concerts in UK?
From: GUEST,Alison Scott
Date: 16 May 11 - 08:49 AM

Ah, Ralphie, it's true that we're losing pubs. But surely people choosing to organise these small folk concerts in unlicensed venues instead of pubs is just another thing that might hasten their demise?

And only 6 clubs left in London? There are at least 7 within easy reach of me (Walthamstow, Waltham Abbey, Islington, Cellar, Sharps, Loughton, Electro-Acoustic Club), along with a host of open mics, sessions, singarounds and the like. Plus fantastic small venues like the Green Note, and the all-powerful Magpie's Nest 'promoting collective'. Not all the audiences creak, either.

Subject: RE: House Concerts in UK?
From: GUEST,Ralphie
Date: 16 May 11 - 06:39 AM

Alison. Pubs in the UK are closing down at the rate of 50 odd a week. The recession and cheap booze available in Supermarkets are mainly the problem. Consequently, the clubs are closing as well. Back in the 70's in London, you could go to three or four clubs every night of the week.... I can only think of about 6 left ...and the audiences are getting older too. (there are few honourable exceptions, but.....!)
A new generation is taking over, (as it should be). I'm ordering my coffin today!

Subject: RE: House Concerts in UK?
From: GUEST,Alison Scott
Date: 16 May 11 - 06:13 AM

The word 'pub' is short for public house, of course. I'm not entirely sure in what way a 'house concert' could possibly be preferable to the back room or upstairs room of one of our many, many fine pubs, with a good real ale on tap. And gosh, none of those pesky questions about legality and licensing because it's what pubs are *for*.

Also, I don't know about the average size of houses overall in the US compared to the UK; but I do know the figures for the average size of new build homes; about six times as large.

Subject: RE: House Concerts in UK?
From: GUEST,Ralphie
Date: 16 May 11 - 05:48 AM

So, to answer Lindy's original question. Yes, They do exist in the UK, but, you'd be lucky to find one on a quick visit, unless you knew someone who was hosting one.

Subject: RE: House Concerts in UK?
From: GUEST,Phil B
Date: 16 May 11 - 05:39 AM

Just thinking about it again. I know two people who have actually modified their small houses to accommodate this activity. Also just to reiterate what I said earlier, probably half the people I know who do this used to run folk clubs and/or concerts, do so no longer, but like to keep connected and still have personal contact with the audiences that they built up over the years.

Subject: RE: House Concerts in UK?
From: Marje
Date: 16 May 11 - 05:14 AM

I don't think the law is presenting any real obstacles to one-off house concerts in the UK. The reason they'e not advertised is probably that if you only want 20 or 30 guests, you'll have ways of making sure the right people are invited, whereas if you advertise, you might have people travelling some distance only to be turned away because it was full.

It's also common enough in UK folk circles for people to hold a do-it-yourself folk music party. I think participative playing/singing is more common here than in the US, and we have occasionally held (and attended) a party that is more like a music/song session, but with no money changing hands and no paid guests - and only by private invitation, no advertising.

Another feature of the UK scene, as mentioned by others, is the many small venues available for small-scale, intimate, non-amplfied performances - many pubs offer separate bars or private rooms, and there are also places such as village halls where maybe 50 to 100 will be the maximum capacity. These, and similar small venues at festivals, provide the same direct, intimate musical experience that people enjoy at a house concert.

Marje

Subject: RE: House Concerts in UK?
From: Jack Campin
Date: 16 May 11 - 04:53 AM

Somebody on Footstompin advertised a house concert in Scotland recently, for some very boring American singer-songwriter who could never have drawn enough people to pay the hire of a regular hall. It does happen but it's a fringe activity,

Subject: RE: House Concerts in UK?
From: GUEST,Banjiman
Date: 16 May 11 - 04:39 AM

We've switched small scale concerts from the Village Hall to our dining room a couple of times. It's amazing how many people you can get in to a relatively small room...... we've had about 30.

We're also holding the other half's album launch in the back garden (with a small marquee on standby!)on a Sunday afternoon. This will be a free entry, invite "do" but with some charity fundraising...... so I don't think this one will be illegal?

Subject: RE: House Concerts in UK?
From: GUEST,Jon Dudley
Date: 16 May 11 - 03:59 AM

The Coppers have a regular house concert....once a year (we've had three so far)...lots of work but jolly fun.

Subject: RE: House Concerts in UK?
From: GUEST,Ralphie
Date: 15 May 11 - 09:47 PM

I think Phil B and Tom Bliss are right. They do exist in the UK. But, under the radar so to speak. Word of mouth seems to be the rule. In 30 odd years, I've done one. At the home of Roger Nicholson (fine appalachian dulcimer player, sadly no longer with us) a double header with Packie Byrne and Bonnie Shaljean. probably about 1978? Very enjoyable it was too. I'm not really gigging anymore, but for a "Pro" musician with a big contacts book, I could see that it could be a great way to fill in the holes in a tour! Even if it was a "pass the hat" event, (plus a bed for the night!) It would be worth it! And a great way to have an informal meet with old friends/fans, who wouldn't bother going to a club. It's just something I've never really done myself.

Subject: RE: House Concerts in UK?
From: SRD
Date: 15 May 11 - 06:53 PM

Interesting, although all of the comments regarding size of venue, licensing, parking, neighbours, taxman etc. etc. are valid there's one thing missing, I think that most Brits would find it rather infra dig to suggest to friends and acquaintances that they should pay for attending a function at their home. If I put on a party of any sort I don't expect those I invite to contribute, it's nice, but not expected, if they bring a bottle of wine/bunch of flowers/box of chocolates but heaven forfend that I should charge them.

Subject: RE: House Concerts in UK?
From: the lemonade lady
Date: 15 May 11 - 06:27 PM

We (Loxley) were in concert quite a few years at Dursley and had a wonderful evening. I still remember those baked potatoes. Can we come back again?

Sal

Subject: RE: House Concerts in UK?
From: GUEST,Tom Bliss
Date: 15 May 11 - 04:15 PM

From what little research I've been able to do, I don't think we can be certain that UK house concerts are in fact illegal - as long as they're handled as per the suggestions on the page I linked to.

But obviously it's all a matter of scale. If you were running big concerts every week, regardless of how the money changed hands, you'd soon have someone round asking questions at the very least - and reasonably so, in my opinion. The laws are, after all, theoretically there for the protection of artists, writers, organisers, landlords/house-holders (and their insurers), audience, neighbours, etc after all.

There's a sliding scale between a sing-song at a party and a fully-fledged, regular house concert, and the point at which each of the rules kicks in remains untested in the UK courts.

Subject: RE: House Concerts in UK?
From: GUEST,Folkiedave
Date: 15 May 11 - 04:02 PM

I suspect they are far more frequent than a casual observer might imagine. But for all the reasons Phil mentioned they spread by word of mouth.

But - the Royal Traditions folk club is a tiny venue holding about 40 people. And you can go to that. Almost like a house concert.

Subject: RE: House Concerts in UK?
From: Bonzo3legs
Date: 15 May 11 - 03:46 PM

But I would make sure that none of your neighbours is an Inspector of Taxes!!

Subject: RE: House Concerts in UK?
From: Surreysinger
Date: 15 May 11 - 03:03 PM

I can second the comments from Tom having played a house concert in the last few months ; it was a pleasant experience, and there were certainly more than 6 people in the room at the time! (I think the venue normally gets between 20-40 turning up on average, depending on the nature and reputation of the guest booked). During the interval there was also provision of jacket potatoes/cottage cheese/ biscuits etc etc. No set charge for audience, just a donation into the communal pot. And advertising by means of a circulated email to those normally turning up. Certainly from the conversation I had with the organiser things are kept low key for all the reasons mentioned by Phil B. I have also been having an internet chat recently with someone who is intending to start up a house concert venue at some point in the not too distant future. So, as already stated, the venues exist, but have a very low (if not even flat) profile for many reasons.

Subject: RE: House Concerts in UK?
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 15 May 11 - 01:34 PM

Here in the US, some people have run into legal issues, too. One way of getting around that is calling it a house party with a pot-luck meal and "suggested donations," usually $15-$20, to pay the musicians. Another issue is parking. People going to these events try to be considerate of neighbors.

Subject: RE: House Concerts in UK?
From: Bonzo3legs
Date: 15 May 11 - 12:38 PM

I might consider spending some of my "tax free pension drawdown" on a couple of house concerts, we could probably squeeze in 30 chairs at a pinch,and even have an asado afterwards!!

Subject: RE: House Concerts in UK?
From: the lemonade lady
Date: 15 May 11 - 11:34 AM

Waste of time even trying then, Phil. The law's an ass

Subject: RE: House Concerts in UK?
From: Ruth Archer
Date: 15 May 11 - 09:20 AM

Correction: that should be Wheel House, not Wheel Shed.

Subject: RE: House Concerts in UK?
From: Ruth Archer
Date: 15 May 11 - 09:17 AM

Has anyone mentioned this place yet?


The Wheelshed

Subject: RE: House Concerts in UK?
From: GUEST,Phil B
Date: 15 May 11 - 09:03 AM

There are a large number of people running house concerts in the UK. The reason that they are not advertised is that no-one wishes to draw attention to them for very obvious reasons.
Health and safety, licensing etc etc, annoying the neighbours etc etc. The folks who run them tend to choose entirely who they want to appear and inform the potential audience directly. I did six last year. The people who run them would not thank me if I let it be known who they are and what they do. We are always requested not to include them on date sheets and so on. Its a thriving thing but should not be regarded by the musician community at large as another source of work. Ce'st la vie. Many organisers used to run folk clubs in other lives and keep their interest alive in this manner. I don't ever seek them out. Just wait for people to get in touch. They are among the most enjoyable gigs anyone can do but there are no fortunes to be made.

Subject: RE: House Concerts in UK?
From: the lemonade lady
Date: 15 May 11 - 07:28 AM

Yes please... we need more and more house concerts. They can't be that difficult to organise. Loxley are well up for it. My house is a little cottage, so mine isn't any good at all. Maybe that's why we don't have many in this country... none of us can afford the american size house!

S

Subject: RE: House Concerts in UK?
From: GUEST
Date: 15 May 11 - 07:27 AM

Not far out of York there is a regular house concert - House Concerts York.

Kieran Halpin who played in our pub some yeas back I believe does a number

Subject: RE: House Concerts in UK?
From: GUEST,Tom Bliss
Date: 15 May 11 - 07:09 AM

I've played the Dursley 'club' and also a dozen or so 'occasionals' in private houses, There are quite a few like Dursley actually - and I know other artists who do plenty of House Concerts the UK every year.

It's a somewhat underground scene though. The gigs are not usually advertised, and many only book one or two favourite acts, and don't want lots of other people ringing up asking for a gig.

Actually It's surprising how many you can get in a typical semi (that's a house over here, by the way, not a truck) if you take all the furniture out and put in chairs - up to 20 (which as many as you'll get in smaller conventional clubs), and lots more in a bigger room. I've never played for less than my usual fee and always had a great time. Best of all is not having to drive anywhere - just stumble upstairs to bed.

Lots of info here

Tom

Subject: RE: House Concerts in UK?
From: GUEST,davemc
Date: 15 May 11 - 07:00 AM

Despite the last government's best efforts to kill informal live music, some hardy souls have been promoting House Concerts in the UK. Google "house concerts" +UK and you will find lots of them. The site that used to try and co-ordinate local listings seems to have ceased because it was too time consuming. There's actually lots of activity under the radar and there doesn't seem to be much overlap with the Folk Club scene so it is quite difficult to find local House Concerts but they are there in many areas of the country. One of the factors is that houses are usually relatively small over here so the promoters don't actually need to do much promotion to fill their capacity. Once they've got a bunch of regulars they hardly need to mention the events outside of their home crowd.

Subject: RE: House Concerts in UK?
From: Bonzo3legs
Date: 15 May 11 - 06:58 AM

"Yes, Rich people have big houses, but, they're not interested in music"

Typical negative comment.

A friend of ours held one for a visiting singer songwriter on Guy Fawkes night in 2010. He is an architect and designed an extension on the back of his house, which I can best describe as a small hall! As Hank Wangford says - there's no hall too small!!

Subject: RE: House Concerts in UK?
From: GUEST,Peter C
Date: 15 May 11 - 06:16 AM

One regular in Gloucestershire in Dursley http://www.users.waitrose.com/~cresby/dmn.htm

Subject: RE: House Concerts in UK?
From: Silas
Date: 15 May 11 - 06:10 AM

Try telling that pile of shit to the inmates at guanto bay, pal!

Subject: RE: House Concerts in UK?
From: GUEST,The Shambles
Date: 15 May 11 - 06:04 AM

Perhaps the difference is that those in the USA would not be prepared to tolerate the official obstruction with our essential rights, which those in the UK tend to accept?

Subject: RE: House Concerts in UK?
From: Ruth Archer
Date: 15 May 11 - 05:53 AM

We also have many festivals which offer small-scale concerts in a relaxed atmosphere with a chance to meet and chat (and often get a workshop or masterclass from, or play or sing in sessions with) the artists. Lots of folk clubs also offer that intimate concert experience and the chance to chat with the artist in the break or afterwards. So maybe the UK doesn't have them because we don't need them quite so much.

Subject: RE: House Concerts in UK?
From: GUEST,Ralphie
Date: 15 May 11 - 05:13 AM

In my experience. Nobody in the UK has a house big enough! In all the places I have lived in, I might get 6 or 7 people in one room. Yes, Rich people have big houses, but, they're not interested in music. America has lots of big spaces, big houses, etc. England, sadly doesn't.
It's just not a UK tradition. Whether that's good or bad, I don't know. It's just how it is.
Maybe, (even if space were available) Us Brits feel uncomfortable letting people into our personal space? Discuss!

Subject: RE: House Concerts in UK?
From: DMcG
Date: 15 May 11 - 04:58 AM

There are numerous long and somewhat tedious threads on Mudcat about the somewhat long and tedious UK licencing act. Summarising dramatically, such house concerts could be illegal in the UK and whether they are is very much down to the whim of the local authority. Few would be inclined to prosecute such things, especially if they were one-offs, but if they happened too often your neck could be breathed upon and your wallet taken into custody.

Subject: RE: House Concerts in UK?
From: breezy
Date: 15 May 11 - 04:51 AM

I could say that my performance in Eaton Bray, Bedfordshire, U K., at the salvation army hall on Thursday 26th May, will be similar to a house concert, intimate ,friendly, relaxed, chance to meet the performer.

No admission charge, collection on leaving, 7.30 in aid of Leukaemia Busters

Organised by Piggots Poultry breeders

Subject: House Concerts in UK?
From: GUEST,Guest - Lindy
Date: 14 May 11 - 08:48 PM

I have been attending house concerts to hear various folk artists since the early 80's in California and other states when travelling. I was wondering if there are house concerts in England or Scotland, Ireland or Wales?

I travelled extensively in England & Ireland during the 1980's and did attend a lot of venues to hear folk music in small clubs and pubs. However, I don't recall ever hearing about house concerts at that time. Don't know if they have them now. I know some folk artists from UK have performed in house concerts all over the States and always have a nice turnout. These are held at someone's private house in a residential area. (Usually the houses are fairly large or at least a large living room area).

However, very well known famous artists such as Joan Baez, Gordon Lightfoot, Fairport Convetion, etc. would not be able to play for a house concert because there would be thousands who go to hear them.

The house concerts are usually held in the living room of someone's house or sometimes in the backyard during summer months. I believe Dougie McLean played a house concert in California and Jez Lowe over the years. I love to go to house concerts because it is such a relaxing atmosphere and very easy to be able to talk to the artist during the break or after the concert.
Sometimes the artist is even staying at the house for a few nights while they are in town as the owners have the room to accommodate them.