Two weeks ago I had two back-to-back club nights in New York. In addition to the show ticket (which ranges from $10 to $25 depending on performer), there are drink minimums. One venue had a $10 minimum per show, the other had a two-item minimum. My friend and I joked that one glass of wine cost as much as two bottles, but that's the price of doing business. This was nothing compared to other friends, who spend HUNDREDS running up a drink tab if the night is going extremely well.
While it doesn't come anywhere near a night out in New York City, we still feel guilty requesting a $20/$25 person donation and a pot luck dish to share, even though we provide wine, beer, and soft drinks, which some of my fellow house concert hosts refuse to offer because they don't want to deal with potential liability issues and spilled red wine on the carpet (I told those hosts if I worried about stuff like that, I wouldn't be hosting house concerts. And I'm the only person spilling anything at shows, and there are no carpets, just hardwood floors that warm the sounds musicians make).
So why is it so difficult to get people to get off their sofas and out of their recliners to come out and hear an intimate live music performance? I'm not the only host with this problem; it's the number one fear of many a house concert/live music venue presenter. I know of two shows that were canceled this spring because of lack of interest. While one venue shutters, it seems two more open--coffee houses turn into listening rooms in the evenings, and I know of at least six house concert venues within an hour's drive from my house., but it's still a challenge to fill seats.
A friend and Cozy Cabin semi-regular brought a guest to one show and they seemed to have a blast. But when the friend asked the guest why they haven't returned, they said $20 PLUS bringing food is expensive. Gotta tell you, dear reader, I was stunned. Fellow house concert promoters bringing nationally recognized names to their living rooms are charging $25 , $30 or more for the pleasure of hearing the artist in an intimate (up to 75 guests)., up close and personal space, and it's BYOB plus a dish to share. Venues like City Winery in New York have gotten clever and have created VIP tickets for artist meet and greets, adding $25 or more to a ticket.
Here at Cozy Cabin and other house concert venues, the artist will happily pose for a picture, sign your CD, and talk to you in my kitchen for as long as you like. $20 gets you two sets/90 minutes of music, great stories, libations and sustenance (it's pot luck, sometimes we enjoy a dozen desserts, sometimes it suffices as dinner) without tolls, parking fees, and unruly patrons. Please, dear reader, If you know of a better deal, please share it with us, as we'll gladly support the venue. And if you have ideas on how we can make your Cozy Cabin experience more enjoyable, we'll happily let you have your say. Thanks for letting me have mine. ~ L
While it doesn't come anywhere near a night out in New York City, we still feel guilty requesting a $20/$25 person donation and a pot luck dish to share, even though we provide wine, beer, and soft drinks, which some of my fellow house concert hosts refuse to offer because they don't want to deal with potential liability issues and spilled red wine on the carpet (I told those hosts if I worried about stuff like that, I wouldn't be hosting house concerts. And I'm the only person spilling anything at shows, and there are no carpets, just hardwood floors that warm the sounds musicians make).
So why is it so difficult to get people to get off their sofas and out of their recliners to come out and hear an intimate live music performance? I'm not the only host with this problem; it's the number one fear of many a house concert/live music venue presenter. I know of two shows that were canceled this spring because of lack of interest. While one venue shutters, it seems two more open--coffee houses turn into listening rooms in the evenings, and I know of at least six house concert venues within an hour's drive from my house., but it's still a challenge to fill seats.
A friend and Cozy Cabin semi-regular brought a guest to one show and they seemed to have a blast. But when the friend asked the guest why they haven't returned, they said $20 PLUS bringing food is expensive. Gotta tell you, dear reader, I was stunned. Fellow house concert promoters bringing nationally recognized names to their living rooms are charging $25 , $30 or more for the pleasure of hearing the artist in an intimate (up to 75 guests)., up close and personal space, and it's BYOB plus a dish to share. Venues like City Winery in New York have gotten clever and have created VIP tickets for artist meet and greets, adding $25 or more to a ticket.
Here at Cozy Cabin and other house concert venues, the artist will happily pose for a picture, sign your CD, and talk to you in my kitchen for as long as you like. $20 gets you two sets/90 minutes of music, great stories, libations and sustenance (it's pot luck, sometimes we enjoy a dozen desserts, sometimes it suffices as dinner) without tolls, parking fees, and unruly patrons. Please, dear reader, If you know of a better deal, please share it with us, as we'll gladly support the venue. And if you have ideas on how we can make your Cozy Cabin experience more enjoyable, we'll happily let you have your say. Thanks for letting me have mine. ~ L