FAQ

Are you considering performing for us? Here is our FAQ about the venue so you better know what you are getting into.

What is the space like?

Kelli and Deron's large living room and kitchen in their vintage condo serve as the performance space. A small bedroom off the living room can serve as your "dressing room." The space is somewhat L-shaped and our artists typically perform in the entrance area of the living room with the audience in front of them and to the side into the kitche area. We hope to have photos soon to help you understand how the space is arranged.

Chairs (including camp chairs and floor pillows) are set up and can accommodate up 33 people. We are hard pressed, but have sometimes managed 35 people -- but it gets to be a tight squeeze.

In the kitchen, a table is set up with goodies provided by attendees of the concert (usually snacks and desserts). People munch while waiting for the show to start and at intermission. A beverage table is set up with soft drinks and other beverages brought by the attendees. A single bathroom is available.

The apartment building is located in Rogers Park -- a neighborhood on the north side of Chicago (off of N. Clark). This is a residential street. Thus, there won't be ready parking for your tour bus & tractor trailer (but there is usually ready parking for your car, van, or SUV). [If you do have a tour bus & trailer, you are way out of our league!]. "The performance space is not air conditioned so we are unable to offer concerts during the summer months.

Are there technical limitations I should know about?

We do not have fancy lighting (unless you count candles) or a professional sound system. In fact, we have no sound system at all. This is a vintage building and our electrical system may not be able to accommodate a lot of gadgets, amps, etc. at one time. Most of our artists have performed without any amplification -- and need to adjust their volume if they are used to working with microphones. Although the space was clearly not designed by an architect as a performance site, the acoustics are surprisingly good!

Can I still use my contract with you?

Most of the booking agents for our artists have preferred (insisted) on using a contract. Typically, the artist receives all the money that is taken in at the door. Usually a minimum is guaranteed. Kelli can discuss this in more detail with you.

What are the perks to this house concert stuff?

Our audiences give focused attention to our performers and come to really listen to the music. A house concert gives you the chance to informally interact with your audience at intermission or after the concert (or even before the concert, should you so desire). You also get to sample the goodies that are brought to the show. We'll even make up a plate of the best offerings and save it for you if you prefer to wait to eat until after the performance.

Kelli most often books artists that have had limited exposure in Chicago. Our audiences trust Kelli's taste and we have filled almost every show. You are welcome to sell product at intermission or after the show. Many of our artists have been very pleased at the amount they sold at the end of the evening. A lot of our audience members know artists earn more from sales of discs at concerts than they receive from retail sales in music stories and wait to buy discs at a show. You can also sign up people for your own mailing list to let them know when you will be back in town.

Some of our performers on a budget have been hosted overnight during their stay in a private residence (breakfast is usually provided too!). That can really help with your expenses.

Chicago also offers you ready access to a wealth of restaurants to satisfy almost any culinary appetite you bring to our city. Of course, there are also many shopping and cultural opportunities here to explore as well.

We have noted some of our artists managed to schedule engagements at local clubs or coffee houses (Old Town School of Folk Music, Schubas, or Uncommon Ground, etc.) for dates close after their house concert appearance. This may have served to increase their audiences there as some of our house concert attendees also go to those shows -- and may bring friends!

Are you sold on house concerts? Click here to go back to the form to indicate your interest in performing or pick another area of our site from the buttons at the top of the page.