by Scott Zensen
Photo by: David Matt Green

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Welcome to Venue Reports. Here we will showcase different venues in town or Special Reports on different kinds of venues.
This first month: A report on House Concerts.

House Concerts

House concerts have been going on for several years but they are growing in popularity. A house concert allows the fan to listen to a performer on a more intimate basis, with no distractions and on a more intimate basis. Typically we have to view local artist in a Bar or coffee shop or an occasional show that is done at a street fair or other special event. Although these venues are fine for listening to the performer with adequate PA systems and sound. But when you attend these events you have to deal with the people who are not really there for the music but their to party or socialize. Sometimes the party people make more noise than the performers with the PA system. Therefore people normally have to get way too close to the band and risk blowing out an eardrum or at least going home with their ears ringing, even with a pair of earplug's.

To combat this many local music lover's decided that they would hold concerts for these artist's at their homes. Typically the house provider has a home big enough for the event with good acoustic's and great neighbors. Most have different seating capacities and you sit on a set of folding chairs. The band plays for a couple of hours only interrupted by a break in the middle for the band. During the break people who come to listen also go and get something to drink and eat while socializing during the break. There is typically a fee to get in usually $15, but it goes directly to the band and many times the host incur's the expenses of the evening and also may provided some of the food. Most of the food many times is pot luck and usually good fair. Sometimes the host provided wine or beer but most of the time its BYOB. Parking is usually on the street. But always worth it!

There is no telling who had this idea first but many say Jimmie Duke was one of the first to have a house concert in this area along with Meeting Grace and Lizzie Wann. Slowly but surely the idea has caught on. Some have come and gone like the Clarke House Series of concerts. Chris Clarke say he is done with them for now but says you never know they may do another someday. Jimmy and Linda Duke do the Dart Thirty concerts but haven't sent their questionnaire back yet so if they do after I post this it will be tacked onto the end. Same with Heritage East, and Adobe Falls. So basically the most popular house concerts right now are Canyon Folk Concerts, Live at Rock Valley Concerts, John & Patty's Concerts, Meeting Grace, Frog Stop and Carriage Road Shows. Popularity is relative to who you talk to, so it is not in the order seen above. But there is a community growing as far as house concert hosts and guests. There is a separate page found in the table of Contents page this month that will list each house's concert schedule for those who sent it called House Concerts at a glance. Each of the represenative's from each of the house concerts filled out a questionnaire I sent of 20 questions with one optional question. The following is the each host's answers to that questionaire (each in its own section):

Canyonfolk House Concerts -
Hosts: Bill and Shirlee McAndrews

1. When did you decide to do a house concert? We decided to do our first show in 2003. What was the reason? Meeting Grace's series was suspended due to her moving and we offered her to use our place for her Gypsy series. Why? We liked her series and didn't want it to stop.

2. Who was your first concert with? What performer?
Our first performer was with none other than Berkley Hart, we then had Joel Rafael and Tim Flannery.

3. Do you only do a certain genra? I.E Americana, blues, rock, country or any and all?
We do all. Too much great music for just one style.

4. Please describe your house and what to expect if I was coming to see someone perform at your house.
Our house is inviting and has a wonderful vibe. It is in the country with a lot of mature Oaks, birds, stars, and wildlife. Our neighbors are great because they are friendly with our shows and many come to them. Inside the house is open and everyone enjoys just mingling and meeting new friends. Everyone is there for a mutual reason and that is to enjoy the music!

5. Do you provide any amenities or is it pot luck?
We provide coffee, various teas, bottled water, wine, beer, and a main dish and the rest is a dinner dessert potluck buffet.

6. What kind of equipment do you use?
We have a Carvin 8 channel mixer with mic's and two, 3 way speakers.

7. Do you do inside or outside concerts or both?
We do both.

8. Is you house intimate for a small gathering or overly large for a big show?
The inside can accommodate 50-60 persons and our backyard can accommodate 100-150.

9. What was your favorite show so far?
Our favorite show is always the next show, that allows us to meet new people and have others experience new talented singer songwriters.

10. Where are you located at? Do you have a website? How do we contact you if we want to come to a concert?
El Cajon, Harbison Canyon. www.canyonfolkhouseconcerts.com, canyonfolk@cox.net or 619-659-5753

11. What are your hours or season of operation? (do you do daytime concerts or nighttime or both. Is your season only summer concerts, winter all year?)
We do 6 shows year round. We open our doors at 7pm for the dinner dessert potluck and the shows begin at 8pm

12. Could you give me a tentative copy of your musical itinerary for the rest of the year?

FEB. 2, "JOHN BATDORF" 8pm $15.00

APRIL 5, "PHIL PARLAPIANO & DAN NAVARRO" 8pm $15.00

JUNE 14, "THE GRAMS" (OUTDOOR SHOW) 8pm $15.00

JULY 12, "JAMMIN IN THE CANYON 2" 3pm to ?
Free Summer party for Musicians and Canyonfolk patrons!

AUGUST 16 " BERKLEY HART" (OUTDOOR SHOW) $20.00

OCT. 4 "SARA PETITE" W/ CHRIS CLARKE $15.00

NOV. 29 "TIM FLANNERY" 8pm $20.00

12. What is the average cost of the concert?
It all depends on how the hosts want to do it. Some not very much, others a lot more. The only thing that matters is it has to be a labor of love for the music and those who appreciate the performers.

13. How does parking work?
We have an empty lot across form us that the owner lets us use.

14. Is alcohol provided for adults? Or is it BYOB?
Yes but only beer and wine and guests also bring some to add to the kitties.

15. Is there an age restriction?
No but children must be able to sit for both sets.

16. How long are the concerts generally? Is there a break?
Two 45 mins. Sets with a 20 min. dessert break.

17. What kind of crowd do you generally get?
Wonderful people, but each show varies because each performer is different.

18. A lot of musicians read the magazine. What kind of accomedations do you provide for the talent? Is there a separate number or email address for the artist to contact you about booking?
Accommodations vary on the performers needs and we can be contacted with the above web and email address.

19. In your words "Tell me why you think your house concert is better than going to a bar or coffee shop". And not to create any animosity between those of you who do house concerts. We have done both and each can be a lot of fun. Sometimes though the noise, drunk people, or the talking can really make it hard to hear and enjoy the concert. House concerts, people are there to truly listen and appreciate and enjoy. It is intimate and the artist is very in tuned to their audience and you can feel the positive energy fill the room thus making the artist even better.

20. (optional question)
But why do you think your house concert is better or do you recommend another house concert venue? We really don't think ours is better than anyone else's. Each series is unique to itself. No two are alike and neither are the persons who attend them.

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John & Patty's House Concerts

1. When did you decide to do a house concert? What was the reason? Why?

Patty and I have been doing concerts at our house in Encinitas for 2 1/2 years. We saw Eve Selis at a concert in El Cajon when they first returned from their summer 2005 European Tour. So few people showed up (and they had been selling out venues in Europe) that we decided we didn't want that to happen again as long as we lived in the area. So we started doing house concerts.

2. Who was your first concert with? What performer?

We in San Diego are very fortunate that there is a significant group of people that are willing to host house concerts for local and touring musicians. We host 4 - 5 concerts per year and so far we have had only two groups for the 11 concerts we've had; Eve Selis and Coyote Problem (Peter Bolland) and Eve has been here 10 of those 11 concerts.

Although we have enjoyed most of the local San Diego acoustic/Americana/blues musicians, we have chosen to promote bands that fall into the John and Patty, really-really-really like wicket. So far that's Eve and Peter.

3. Do you only do a certain genra? I.E Americana, blues, rock, country or any and all?

Practically speaking, we stick to country, rock, folk, Americana, with pop overtones but, hey, I was a trombone player so we may host the next Tower of Power .

4. Please describe your house and what to expect if I was coming to see someone perform at your house?

We live in Encinitas and are lucky to have a house that has a living room/dining room that (when Dennis Driscoll, Brian Dempsey, and Mike Adams remove all the furniture) makes a nice indoor venue. We have a two-story house so we can accommodate some "balcony" seating. We have had 90 people but that's a standing-room-only sell out.

In the summer we have concerts in the back yard. We are lucky to have a reasonably private yard that can easily hold 120.

5. Do you provide any amenities or is it pot luck? We always provide some hors d' oeuvres and desserts and ask for pot luck volunteers. The audience is always generous and we always have enough to eat. We also provide water, soft drinks, wine and beer. Some guests bring their own beverages.

6. What kind of equipment do you use?

Most times the band provides the sound but we do have a house system:

Mackie 808S Powered Mixer
Shure and Sennheiser mics
Yamaha BR 15 Main Speakers
Crate Monitors

7. Do you do inside or outside concerts or both?

We do both, with the outdoor concerts limited to the summer season

8. Is your house intimate for a small gathering or overly large for a big show?

We have hosted as few as 40 and as many as 100. We could easily have an audience of 10 people just sitting around the living room enjoying the music.

9. What was your favorite show so far?

It seems like it's always the last one we gave. They just keep getting better!!

10. Where are you located at? Do you have a website. How do we contact you if we want to come to a concert?

We are located in Encinitas. We do not have a Web Site but can be contacted at pattylmorris@roadrunner.com

11. What are your hours or season of operation? (do you do daytime concerts or nighttime or both. Is your season only summer concerts, winter all year?)

We do them year round, and we only do nighttime concerts, usually starting at 7:30pm and always on a Saturday.

12. Could you give me a tentative copy of your musical itinerary for the rest of the year?

We are hosting the Coyote Problem on July 26th, and then Eve Selis for the following dates:

August 9
October 18 (tentative)
December 3 (tentative)

13. What is the average cost of the concert? $20

14. How does parking work? There is plenty of parking around the neighborhood, either on the street in the neighborhood or in the community pool parking lot across the street from our house.

15. Is alcohol provided for adults? Or is it BYOB? We provide beer and wine, and some people bring their own. Some people even bring some to share!

16. Is there an age restriction?

No. Kids under 12 are free.

17. How long are the concerts generally? Is there a break?

The band plays for an hour, takes about a 1/2 hour break, and plays for another hour. Usually from 7:30 to 10 or 11pm, depending on whether they start on time and how long the intermission lasts.

18. What kind of crowd do you generally get?

Friendly people who love Americana Music and love to support the local musicians we have here. It's a big party. Usually between 75-100 people. We often have standing room only. Waiting lists are becoming common here. Wish we had more room. We can seat a lot more people outside.

19. A lot of musicians read the magazine. What kind of accomedations do you provide for the talent. Is there a separate number or email address for the artist to contact you about booking?

We provide a "Green Room" set aside just for the band with special drinks and food. The contact info is the same

20. In your words "Tell me why you think your house concert is better than going to a bar or coffee shop". And not to create any animosity between those of you who do house concerts.

Simple. EVERYONE, and I mean everyone, listens. There is absolutely no talking during the performance and everyone is there to share the intimate bond between performer and audience. There is reverence for the music and the artist.

We believe house concerts are the most satisfying way to enjoy a musical performance. The band is only a few feet from you. You can make eye contact with the performer. The audience is only there to enjoy the performer. An intimate shared sense of community envelops the performer and audience and both give to one-another in a way that synergistically develops an aura we've only experienced at house concerts.

It starts with a love for music,
An appreciation of words,
and passionate communication
And creative expression
And the experience of having been inspired
Of having felt the magic that sometimes
Gets created in live performance,
In the place where artists and audience
Come together.

21. (optional question)
But why do you think your house concert is better or do you recommend another house concert venue?

We recommend all house concert venues. Of course we prefer our own because it is at our house. Every artist and every concert host develops a list or "regulars" who just keep coming back. We have a wonderful sense of camaraderie here at "John and Patty's House". We call it a lovefest between the band and the audience, and it truly is.

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Live at Rock Valley - Host: Carol Branch

1. When did you decide to do a house concert? What was the reason? Why?

I decided almost 3 years ago at a concert called WANGSTOCK. At that point I'd already started thinking it was something I wanted to do. I spoke with several house concert givers there, and Lizzie Wann said she'd help me get started.

2. Who was your first concert with? What performer?

The first one I even went to was Jimmy Duke's Darkthirty about 4 or 5 years ago. The performer was Little Big Men, comprising Dan Connor, Dan Byrnes and Bongo Bob. The first concert I gave was with Berkley Hart.

3. Do you only do a certain genra? I.E Americana, blues, rock, country or any and all?

I do Americana, folk, soft rock, country, perhaps blue grass-have not ventured into blues or jazz, but I'm not totally closed to them for the right performer.

4. Please describe your house and what to expect if I was coming to see someone perform at your house.

My house is about 3600 sq ft with a vaulted ceiling in the living/dining area where I hold my concerts. The acoustics are phenomenal. There is a raised all the way across the front of the living room which serves as a natural stage, with several steps down to where the audience sits. My house can hold about 70 guests

5. Do you provide any amenities or is it pot luck?

I provided some beverages and some finger food, with an optional pot luck component.

6. What kind of equipment do you use?

Right now I don't have my own sound system, but I expect to have one in place by the fall. So far either the perfomers have brought their own, or I have managed to borrow some equipment.

7. Do you do inside or outside concerts or both?

So far, just indoor concerts, with no plans to take them outside.

8. Is your house intimate for a small gathering or overly large for a big show?

Intimate enough to make both performers and guests feel right at home. I can seat about 70 people.

9. What was your favorite show so far?

They have all been fantastic. It would be impossible to choose.

10. Where are you located at? Do you have a website. How do we contact you if we want to come to a concert?

I have no website. Contact me by email @ wonderwoman@san.rr.com

11. What are your hours or season of operation? (do you do daytime concerts or nighttime or both. Is your season only summer concerts, winter all year?)

I've been having 5 to 7 concerts per year. This year I will have had 7, and I have already signed the first 3 for next year.

12. Could you give me a tentative copy of your musical itinerary for the rest of the year?

Absolutely. I'll be sending it to you shortly under separate cover.

13. What is the average cost of the concert?

So far it's been $15.00, but I have several performers coming up that are asking for $20 (still cheap for what you're getting for your money).

14. How does parking work?

It's a cul-de-sac, and parking is wherever you can find it, often around the corner on the cross street. No one has yet complained about having a problem. I can make special arrangements for disabled parking if they let me know in advance.

15. Is alcohol provided for adults? Or is it BYOB?

I provide beer, and oftentimes guests will bring wine for themselves or to share with others.

16. Is there an age restriction?

No specifically. I just ask that any guest is mature enough to sit through an entire concert without being a distraction .

17. How long are the concerts generally? Is there a break?

About 2 1/2 hours, with a 20 minute break in the middle.

18. What kind of crowd do you generally get?

Usually they are over 40, well-educated, liberal-leaning. Younger people are always welcome and I often have people bring their adolescent or older children.

19. A lot of musicians read the magazine. What kind of accommodations do you provide for the talent? Is there a separate number or email address for the artist to contact you about booking?

I have a room just off to the side of the stage with a couch and other seats where they can relax between shows and keep their instruments. On the other side of the stage there is an office which will also accommodate some of their equipment.

20. In your words "Tell me why you think your house concert is better than going to a bar or coffee shop". And not to create any animosity between those of you who do house concerts.

The main reason my house concerts, as well as those of my colleagues, are better than those in a bar or coffee shop venue is that the people are there just to listen to music, and they are able to enjoy it without having to listen to it through idle chatter coming from all sides of them. Because there is hardly any ambient noise, the music can be played without blasting the audience out of their seats. For these reason, the musicians enjoy this type of venue more than all others. The setting is so intimate that the performers and audience bond in such a way as to make the performers play at their best. Many of my concertgoers refer to the positive energy that forms in the room.

21. (optional question)
But why do you think your house concert is better or do you recommend another house concert venue?

I especially recommend Jimmy Duke's Darkthirty venue for its amazing sound system and great (120-130) audience capacity, while still maintaining an intimate venue. Also, Jimmy's choice of performers is impeccable. It's my favorite to attend.

I think that my venue is great for its natural acoustics, its built in stage, and the casual party feeling the guest have while socializing. I am also very, very particular about whom I get to play here, because I want my contacts to know that, even if they don't know the artist, they are going to see a fine performance and a great show.

---

Meeting Grace - Lizzie Wann

1. When did you decide to do a house concert? What was the reason? Why?

The first house concert in my series, Meeting Grace, was in March, 2000. The planning took several months. The idea was proposed to me by Jeff Berkley, who was helping me move into a new place in Golden Hill. The house was an old Craftsman style with hardwood floors and a great vibe. Having played many house concerts in his former band, the Joel Rafael Band, Jeff brought up the idea. At that time, there were not a lot of venues aside from the rare coffeehouse where acoustic artists could play, have an audience that listened and make money. I wanted to provide a space for that very thing. I created surveys and asked a lot of people for their advice, including Jimmy Duke, the only house concert host in town at that time.

2. Who was your first concert with? What performer?

Berkley Hart, Dead Rock West and Gregory Page.

3. Do you only do a certain genra? I.E Americana, blues, rock, country or any and all?

I tend to stick to acoustic music, mostly folk, Americana, alt country.

4. Please describe your house and what to expect if I was coming to see someone perform at your house?

As of March, 2008, I am no longer hosting the "traditional" house concert. I will, however, put on house concert type shows as "Meeting Grace presents" and use alternate venues.

5. Do you provide any amenities or is it pot luck?

Complimentary coffee, water and light desserts. No alcohol.

6. What kind of equipment do you use?

none, all unplugged

7. Do you do inside or outside concerts or both?

inside

8. Is your house intimate for a small gathering or overly large for a big show?

I could comfortably seat about 40 people. For my next shows, I will select venues in an attempt to accommodate 80.

9. What was your favorite show so far?

There were too many special shows to try to single one out. In roughly 8 years, I hosted some of the country's top folk artists and some of the best that San Diego has to offer.

10. Where are you located at? Do you have a website. How do we contact you if we want to come to a concert?

www.meetinggrace.com

11. What are your hours or season of operation? (do you do daytime concerts or nighttime or both. Is your season only summer concerts, winter all year?)

Frequency always varied for me. When I first started, I did shows about every 6 weeks. For a while, I did them once a month. Then one year, I took the summer off. As the years went on and more house concerts were out there, I did fewer shows. Now I plan to do 2-3 bigger shows/year.

12. Could you give me a tentative copy of your musical itinerary for the rest of the year?

I plan to host Cindy Lee Berryhill (summer, date TBD) and Chuck Pyle (Sept 25th, venue TBD).

13. What is the average cost of the concert?

$20 with all ticket sales going to the performer.

14. How does parking work?

street parking

15. Is alcohol provided for adults? Or is it BYOB?

no, no

16. Is there an age restriction?

no, though I ask that if children attend that they are of an age where sitting for 2 hours quietly is not a problem

17. How long are the concerts generally? Is there a break?

approx 2 hours (two 45 minute sets with a break between)

18. What kind of crowd do you generally get?

In the beginning, every show I had sold out, 40+ every time, in later years, my average attendance was approx 20

19. A lot of musicians read the magazine. What kind of accomedations do you provide for the talent. Is there a separate number or email address for the artist to contact you about booking?

I generally do not accept solicitations from artists. The beauty of the house concert, and being the host, is the freedom to ask performers you want to see yourself. To the artists who may want to play a house concert, I'd always recommend that they challenge their fans to put on a house concert for them. It's amazing how the idea can snowball.

20. In your words "Tell me why you think your house concert is better than going to a bar or coffee shop". And not to create any animosity between those of you who do house concerts.

It's a community of music lovers. There is a joy in creating a space for people to see incredible performers in such an intimate setting. And for the artists, they get the respect they deserve from an audience, a quiet, attentive crowd who want to hear the music.

21. (optional question)
But why do you think your house concert is better or do you recommend another house concert venue?

Scott, one thing I think you may be missing from this piece is the sense of community that exists between the house concerts. I'm proud to say that I've had a hand in helping to create many of the house concert venues that are now established. As part of the Berkley Hart House Concert Revolution, many of their fans (and some who were just interested in hosting a house concert), took the challenge from Berkley Hart to host a show for them. As Berkley Hart's band helper (for lack of a better term) and also as someone who hosted my own house concert series, I met with anyone interested in hosting a show and helped them make it a reality, with the stipulation that Berkley Hart be their first show. It's with great pride that I can say Canyonfolk, Adobe Falls, Live at Rock Valley, Clarke House Concerts, and many other house concerts are all series that Berkley Hart & I helped make happen. It was always our stand that what they did beyond the Berkley Hart show was up to them but that hopefully, they would host Berkley Hart once a year. The hosts of these venues, as well as the multitude of others who put on shows, are all great people and I heartily recommend them all to artists who are looking for places to play or for music lovers who are looking for places to go to hear this music and be part of this wonderful "revolution."
Editor: Good point Lizzie but the scope of this article is to show what's available to the community and how it is creating a community in itself. And thank you for hrelping to create that community. One of the major reasons for the existence of this magazine is to try and create community in San Diego.

---

Frogstop.org - Hosts: Greg & Cathy

1. When did you decide to do a house concert? What was the reason? Why?

For some time since moving here in 2003, Cathy and I had enjoyed going to house concerts at a few venues in San Diego County. We had already been talking about perhaps taking the plunge ourselves, when one of the venues closest to us (Ramona's Web in Carlsbad) stopped offering shows. (Sadly, Ramona moved.) After we moved to our home in San Marcos in 2006, we realized, "You know, we could really do this here." On our first night here, Cathy heard the frogs out back, and said, "frogstop". And we knew that would be the name of our venue. Last year, after a few long drives to other venues, we decided it was time. And Berkley Hart's House Concert Manifesto was just the ticket to get us going.

2. Who was your first concert with? What performer?

We hosted our first concert very recently, on Saturday, April 26, 2008, with Berkley Hart. (We actually set that date with Berkley Hart in September 2007.)

3. Do you only do a certain genra? I.E Americana, blues, rock, country or any and all?

Honestly, we're still figuring that out. If we'd waited until we knew the answer to that, we'd still be looking ahead to our first concert. We basically decided, "Might as well jump."

4. Please describe your house and what to expect if I was coming to see someone perform at your house?

The concert is held in our backyard, which overlooks an offshoot of a small canyon. (There are no houses close behind us.) We set up a stage area on the patio under our balcony, and provide seating for up to 60 in the yard. Inside, we provide space for food and drink (both what you bring and what we provide), and for sales of the artists' CDs. We'll greet you at the front door, and show you to the concert area out back.

5. Do you provide any amenities or is it pot luck?

We provide (at a minimum) coffee, tea and bottled water. (Cathy's very likely to provide quite a bit more, but that's dependent on time and inspiration.) We encourage guests to bring food to share and whatever beverages they prefer. We didn't go for a full-on potluck dinner for our first concert, but we may try that out in the future.

6. What kind of equipment do you use?

Since our first artists were Berkley Hart, and we knew they'd be providing their own sound system, we focused initially on stage curtains and lighting. (Greg will happily put his tech-hat on and provide full gory details to anyone who expresses the slightest interest.) Next up will be our own house sound system.

7. Do you do inside or outside concerts or both?

Outside only. The largest single space we've figured out indoors would hold only 30-35 people. (We will likely panic in the event of rain.)

8. Is your house intimate for a small gathering or overly large for a big show?

Outdoors, we can comfortably seat 60 guests. We could squeeze things tighter and probably fit 80, but so far we're thinking it's nicer to have the extra space for everyone.

9. What was your favorite show so far?

That would be our first (and only) show, with Berkley Hart. BH was tremendous, as always, and we couldn't have asked for a more friendly, enthusiastic audience.

10. Where are you located at? Do you have a website. How do we contact you if we want to come to a concert?

We've tried to provide all the information you need at the frogstop website (http://frogstop.org). There you'll find directions to our home in San Marcos, plus a contact page. (You can also email us at concerts@frogstop.org.) When a concert is pending, you can make reservations through the website reservations page (via credit card or PayPal account), or send a check. The best way to keep informed as to upcoming concerts is to join our mailing list from our home page.

11. What are your hours or season of operation? (do you do daytime concerts or nighttime or both. Is your season only summer concerts, winter all year?)

We're currently planning nighttime concerts from late April through October.

12. Could you give me a tentative copy of your musical itinerary for the rest of the year?

Not yet. We promised ourselves that we'd wait until after our first concert before planning more. So that's where we are now, planning.

13. What is the average cost of the concert?

$15-$20 donation per reserved seat. All proceeds go to the artists.

14. How does parking work?

There is plenty of parking along our street and an adjacent street (described on the website directions page).

15. Is alcohol provided for adults? Or is it BYOB?

It's generally BYOB. We're likely to put out a few bottles of our own wine, but you wouldn't want to count on that.

16. Is there an age restriction?

No. At our first concert we had guests from ages 11 to 87. We like that spread.

17. How long are the concerts generally? Is there a break?

Typically around 2 hours, with a 20-minute intermission.

18. What kind of crowd do you generally get?

At our first concert, we had both frequent flyers and quite a few people who had never attended a house concert before. We love the first-timers, growing the audience for all the terrific artists out there.

19. A lot of musicians read the magazine. What kind of accommodations do you provide for the talent. Is there a separate number or email address for the artist to contact you about booking?

We have a pair of guest rooms, with a private bath. Artists can contact us at concerts@frogstop.org.

20. In your words "Tell me why you think your house concert is better than going to a bar or coffee shop". And not to create any animosity between those of you who do house concerts.

At its best, a house concert provides music lovers an intimate concert experience, and gives performers an attentive and appreciative audience. You can get the same at some bars and coffee shops, but you can also get a lot more that works against those things.

21. (optional question) But why do you think your house concert is better or do you recommend another house concert venue?

Try them all. No one's making money by hosting house concerts. It's a labor of love, and we hope everyone is successful, because that means more music for us all.

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Carriage Road Shows - Jim Heaton

1. When did you decide to do a house concert? What was the reason? Why?

After seeing a show at Jimmy Duke's house (Dark thirty). He is the King of San Diego House concerts

2. Who was your first concert with? What performer?

Jeff Berkley Solo Acoustic for 24 people indoors

3. Do you only do a certain genra? I.E Americana, blues, rock, country or any and all?

Rock, blues. Americana

4. Please describe your house and what to expect if I was coming to see someone perform at your house?

(left blank)

5. Do you provide any amenities or is it pot luck? Bring your own everything, chair, beverage, and food/dessert for yourself

6. What kind of equipment do you use?

Hired professional sound

7. Do you do inside or outside concerts or both?

Have gone to outdoors only for now. Too many spills at the indoor shows.

8. Is your house intimate for a small gathering or overly large for a big show? Our smallest outdoor show was 60, largest 140

9. What was your favorite show so far?

Anytime John Eddie comes to play

10. Where are you located at? Do you have a website. How do we contact you if we want to come to a concert?

Poway. Our shows are almost completely private. We will open up to the performer's email list if we know them well and probably won't sell out.

11. What are your hours or season of operation? (do you do daytime concerts or nighttime or both. Is your season only summer concerts, winter all year?)

Spring and summer

12. Could you give me a tentative copy of your musical itinerary for the rest of the year?

Only one show scheduled. Ian McFeron Band out of Seattle on May 10.

13. What is the average cost of the concert?

$15-$30 depending on the act.

14. How does parking work?

Street

15. Is alcohol provided for adults? Or is it BYOB?

BYOB only

16. Is there an age restriction?

NO CHILDREN. Bring a kid, you won't even hear about another show...except when the performers bring theirs or put a kid on the guest list.

17. How long are the concerts generally? Is there a break?

We require a guarantee of 90-100 minutes of music with a 20-30 break.

18. What kind of crowd do you generally get?

Polite

19. A lot of musicians read the magazine. What kind of accomedations do you provide for the talent. Is there a separate number or email address for the artist to contact you about booking?

(#19 was left blank)

20. In your words "Tell me why you think your house concert is better than going to a bar or coffee shop". And not to create any animosity between those of you who do house concerts. Any house concert is inherently better than a bar or coffee shop because there isn't anyone doing business in the back of the room making noise. And, 99% of house concert attendees come to listen to the music, not talk on their phones or hit on someone.

21. (optional question)
But why do you think your house concert is better or do you recommend another house concert venue?

The only thing better about ours is that we only need to walk out back to hear the show. We give the entire door, less expenses to the performer.

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The Carriage House concerts are invites from private email lists. How do you get on one? Don't know? But maybe by going to the other shows & house concerts and meeting Jim Heaton or one of the other house hosts.

Well this concludes the Venue Report on House Concerts. Check back to see if any of the other house concert hosts replied late to the questionnaire. And be sure to check House Concerts at a Glance to see some of the schedules from some of the house concert hosts.

Words from John Conkle, source unknown?

It starts with a love for music,
An appreciation of words,
and passionate communication
And creative expression
And the experience of having been inspired
Of having felt the magic that sometimes
Gets created in live performance,
In the place where artists and audience
Come together.
*******
It grows - out of and into a sense of purpose
To advocate on behalf of art, and spirit,
And the inspirational quality,
And with that comes a pledge -
To place and re-place the emphasis on
Essence and content
And to create opportunities and environments
That are richly rewarding.
*******
Through the power of community,
And the energy of trust
And a belief in the work and the vision
And with the strength of stamina, and
The force of fulfillment
It continues to expand
*******
Thanks are in order - to all...
The patrons and sponsors,
The talented team that pulls it together
For your support and participation

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Thanks for reading.
Scott Zensen

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