house concert host guide

BY SORCHA CRIBBEN-MERRILL

1: Review the Host a House Concert page on Sorcha's website

2: Submit a House Concert Host Request Form (allow 1-2 Weeks processing time)

3: Confirm Date + Finalize Details with Sorcha (2-3 Months Ahead)

4: Create + Send an Invitation to Guests (1-2 Months Ahead)

What to include in the Invite:

House Concert Date, Time, Suggested Donation
Musician/Band Name, Photo + Short Bio, Website, Link to video (Sorcha will provide these details)
Location (as a private event, most Hosts keep it general (ex: Portland, ME) then share their street address once folks RSVP and confirm.
What to Bring (ex: BYOB & potluck dish to share, blanket or lawn chair, cash for donations)
Parking details + other helpful directions (ex: enter through the garage doors; the garden is around the back of the house; etc.)
RSVP Contact: Host Email/Phone #; Note “Space is limited” if you expect a strong turnout; alert Guests if near capacity (Track RSVPs)

5. Tally RSVPs (1 Week Ahead)

6. Prep: Chairs, Table for food/drinks, Table for Musician Merch / Suggested Donations Basket

7. Welcome Sorcha/Musicians ~ Load-In & Set Up (1-2 Hours Ahead)

8. Welcome Guests, Introduce Sorcha/Musicians ~ Encourage Guests to show appreciation via Suggested Donations Basket

9. Enjoy the Concert!

10. Post-Concert:

Finalize Musician Payment: Donation Basket (Sorcha or Host can tally) or Guaranteed Fee
Invite Guests to share any photos / videos with Sorcha: “Fan Photos + Videos Upload” Folder in Dropbox

11. Send Follow Up Notes (Day after Concert)

Optional: Send a note to Sorcha (exchange any feedback + bask in the glow.)
Optional: Send a note to Guests (perhaps…same time next season/year?)
Upload any photos + videos you wish to share with Sorcha to her Shared Dropbox Folder
Give yourself a Hi-five. You did a wonderful thing for your community.