Because the "rules" are very flexible, overhead costs are low, and the intimate setting allows for performer/audience interaction you just can't have in most public venues, house concerts are fast becoming a worldwide grassroots phenomenon.  (For more info, visit www.houseconcerts.org)

what's involved in hosting a kyle knapp house concert?

• costs:
  Since you already have your home, there's virtually no overhead.  You might spend a few bucks on refreshments, possibly some advertising.  As for what I get paid, that's pretty negotiable.  You might charge, say, a $10 cover (a common house concert practice).  Or to keep things simple we can just "pass the hat".  Or, if you're hosting a special private event and don't want to ask guests for money, I'm willing to negotiate a flat fee.  If I have to travel far, I might ask you to reimburse my travel expenses, but since I try to arrange house concerts in areas where I already have travel plans, it's usually not an issue.  A meal and a place to sleep for the night are always appreciated too.

• benefits:
  You treat your guests to a one-of-a-kind up-close & personal live music experience.  We all enjoy an intimate, interactive evening in each other's company.  These are always a lot of fun, and there can be something very special, even blessed, about sharing music and stories in a place where we can actually touch each other.
• who to invite:
  That's up to you. You can invite friends and neighbors, or you and your regular circle can have me all to yourselves, or you can open the event to the public and charge admission, whatever works.  Some prefer such gatherings to be "adults only", to keep distractions at a minimum, others enjoy a "family" atmosphere, complete with the occasional fussing baby and kids running amok.  I love kids, so I'm fine either way.  When considering your guestlist, however, keep in mind that I don't do "background music" for parties and such  -  be sure you invite people who want to listen!
• how long:
  This is also (surprise!) negotiable.  My initial recommendation would be to do two 35-40 minute sets with a break in between.  To do this you'd have to allow for 2-3 hours (possibly more if you have food), so if it's a weeknight, and your friends are morning people, we might want to make it a little shorter.  Again, whatever works.
• refreshments:
  Often the host will provide coffee and cookies, or wine & cheese, or whatever helps to set the mood you like.  Sometimes guests are invited to bring snacks & drinks to share.  Some folks prefer to start early and have a full potluck dinner (sounds good to me!)   Might be a good time to try out that new recipe!  As for me, I'll eat almost anything!
• space and seating considerations:
  Depending on the size of your living room and number of people you expect, you might want to stuff your sofa and La-Z-Boy in the attic and set up folding chairs instead.  Again, whatever works.  Just be considerate of the needs of your expected guests.  Be sure and set aside a "stage" space for me - I don't need much, and I don't mind people sitting close.  Often younger people will sit on the floor near the front.  (If we're in some kind of larger hall, rather than your living room, we might need additional space to set up a PA system.)  I'll also need a small table or some counter space to display and sell my CDs.s.
• promo:
  If you'd like to open your event to the community, you can find photos, downloadable flyers, a sample press release, etc on my booking page.  If you like, I'll email you a printable flyer (like this one).  Just let me know what you need and we'll try and work it out.  I'll also (unless you object) send an announcement to my email list and list the event in my online calendar.
• other....?
  ·  most of the above is for living room concerts, but we can work with a wide variety of settings: back yard, garage, hay loft, church basement, community center, your place of business, around a campfire...
  ·  pets are find with me, I love animals (as long as they don't eat my shoes).
  ·  any other questions? just ask
• book me:
  Email kyle@kyleknapp.com and let's talk about it