THE SWEET REMAINS · HOUSE CONCERT PACKET
This document includes:
- INFO SHEET
- PROPOSAL SHEET
- CONTRACT
check us out online www.sweetremains.com
THE SWEET REMAINS · HOUSE CONCERT INFO SHEET
Thanks for your interest in hosting a house party with The Sweet Remains! Here's a little
information about how tSR house parties usually work…
THE SPACE
A house concert is a concert hosted in a house
or an apartment or a community room, as
opposed to being hosted by a regular public
venue (like a bar or coffeehouse). Beyond that
broad distinction, there are no hard fast rules
for what makes for a house concert and what
doesn't. But here's the hard and fast part:
The host must provide a clean, inviting space
for the band and guests to enjoy some good
music. The host provides and arranges chairs,
pillows, good floor space for sitting for the
guests, and three chairs or stools for the band members.
We encourage you to add some vibe and atmosphere to the setting: Christmas lights, lava
lamps, rugs, throw pillows, tea light candles...all that stuff is encouraged and adds to the mood.
For outdoor spaces, amplification might be necessary. In these instances, it’s important that we
discuss this well ahead of time.
THE FORMAT
There's usually some sort of mingling period, for a half hour to an hour, wherein folks begin
arriving and sipping on a little bit of wine, munching on treats and socializing. One of the
reasons we like to do these is that we get to meet a lot of people and share our music with new
folks.
Whenever there seems to be a critical mass of folks in attendance, or whenever "start time" rolls
around, the concert commences . . .
THE MUSIC
Everyone settles down in the living room on chairs and on couches, and on throw pillows, and
however they can find a comfortable nook for themselves -- and then the music begins. The
music is usually completely acoustic and unplugged and un-amplified and “au naturale.” (the
only exception being the keyboard, which has a small speaker which we provide). Depending
on the space, once you start getting bigger than about 50+ people, we need to start thinking
about having a small PA system to help supplement the natural acoustics. Talk to us if you
have any questions or anticipate a bigger crowd.
We usually play two 45-minute sets with a short break in the middle. We can do one full set, but
a short intermission allows people to socialize and grab some refreshments without disturbing
us or the audience.
HOW TO GET PEOPLE TO ATTEND
Enthusiastic word of mouth is by far the most affective way to get folks to come to a house
concert you are hosting. Share some CDs around among your friends -- talk it up big and urge
folks to visit the website and check out some more tunes. We can provide some posters and
fliers (paper & electronic versions), as well as some links to share (video clips, songs, etc...).
Page 2 of 5 – “House concerts”
check us out online www.sweetremains.com
One important note -- in the promotional process, we ask that your guests understand that this
will be a house concert -- and not just a house party that has some music going on in the
background.
RSVPing
It's usually a good idea to have some sort of
RSVP system in place -- to get some idea of
how many folks to expect. Especially, if there's
a second tier of people you'd like to invite.
Some folks, more recently, have begun using
Evites to keep track of their guest list. That
seems to be a pretty good system. Facebook
events are useful for this type of thing as well.
Also, if you're comfortable with it, we can post
the house concert date on our Fan page -- and
ask that if folks are interested in attending, that they email for more specific details, and to
RSVP. This way you stay in control over who you are inviting into your home. And how many
people you're inviting in. That being said, would you be willing to allow family and friends of The
Sweet Remains to attend as well?
THE MONEY
Hosts/Hostesses typically ask guests to pay a suggested donation of $15-20/each. You can set
out a tip jar or collect a “door charge” at the door. If you are looking to be voted “Friend of the
Year” we can work out a flat fee too so you can let your friends in for free! Email us to discuss
the details! [email protected]. We do ask that we agree upon a minimum performance
fee, which we will discuss shortly. More info can be found in the “The Sweet Remains House
Concert Contract” section of this document (last page).
THE PERFORMANCE
It's a very intimate evening (or afternoon as the case may be), with everyone sitting around,
while we play songs, share some stories, get the audience to participate and provide a
performance unlike the typical concert experience. No stage, no bright lights, no loud music; just
fun stories and lots of three-part harmony!
One important note -- in the promotional process, we ask that your guests understand that this
will be a house concert -- and not just a house party that has some music going on in the
background.
It will be a totally unique experience for the audience and for us!
Page 3 of 5 – “House concerts”
check us out online www.sweetremains.com
THE SWEET REMAINS · HOUSE CONCERT PROPOSAL
Thanks for your interest in setting up a house concert with The Sweet Remains!
In order to get the process started, please include the following information in an email and send
it to [email protected].
Email Subject: “tSR HOUSE CONCERT – (YOUR CITY & PROPOSED DATE OF SHOW)”
Name:
Address:
Email:
Phone:
Proposed Weekends/Dates:
Inside/Outside Performance:
Estimated Attendance:
Suggested Door Donation Amount: $
(or if you prefer the “flat fee” option, we can discuss)
I am comfortable “guaranteeing” The Sweet Remains the following amount: $ _____
(What do you think is a fair amount? see “The Sweet Remains House Concert Contract” for
more information. Please let us know if you have any questions about this)
Other Considerations:
-
(please attach a couple photos of the space if you can)
Page 4 of 5 – “House concerts”
check us out online www.sweetremains.com
THE SWEET REMAINS · HOUSE CONCERT CONTRACT
Thanks for hosting a house concert with The Sweet Remains! Below is some information about how we can ensure
the performance will run smoothly. We ask that you “sign” this document and return it to the band. Just copy and
paste this into an email and send it to [email protected].
HOST NAME:
HOUSE CONCERT ADDRESS:
HOST CONTACT CELL #:
EMAIL:
VENUE TYPE (i.e. living room, backyard, rented space, tree house, etc…):
If outdoors, we need to discuss PA situation. If tree house, please supply PB&J sandwiches.
DATE:
WHAT TIME CAN WE ARRIVE TO SET UP? (typically 1-2 hrs before party):
SHOW TIME (typically two, 45 min sets):
# OF GUESTS EXPECTED:
SUGGESTED DONATION AMOUNT or FLAT RATE: $
Can the band invite some family/friends to attend (5-10 people)? Yes
No
*** TSR expects to net a minimum of $____, not including merch sales. In the event that guest contributions do not
cover this minimum amount, we ask that you guarantee the difference. [Of course, we hope the party will be greatly
successful and bring in lots more than this!- but in light of our travel expenses, it is helpful for us to establish at least
this minimum.]
Again, many thanks for your interest in the Sweet Remains music! It means a great deal to us that you’d like to invite
us into your home and share our music with your friends. We promise to reciprocate the gesture by treating your
home and friends respectfully and filling it with music! It should be a totally unique experience for the audience and
for us! If you haven’t already, please read the document “tSR HOUSE CONCERT INFO.” It goes over all the details!
Don’t have one? Email us! [email protected]
One important note -- in the promotional process, we ask that your guests understand that this will be a house
concert -- and not just a house party that has some music going on in the background.
HOST (type name):
Date:
BAND REPRESENTATIVE (type name):
Date:
If you have any further questions/concerns, please email [email protected]. See you
this Summer!
Page 5 of 5 – “House concerts”