Want a break from your computer or TV on weeknights?
Wish you could do something with a special group of friends during the week for about the cost of a movie...but it's shorter, more fun, and it includes the food?
Well, you just found it. Please check out this 2-minute video regarding “DinnerAndSong” (or “DNS” for short).
Now I urge you to wrap your arms around the smartest trend I’ve seen in the music world in a long time….the “DNS Group.”
Give this a test drive.It may change your life.
Create a DNS Group among 12 of your local friends.Choose them wisely because this group is going to have an incredible time whenever it gets together.They can be seasoned music lovers or people who have no idea how much they can fall in love with intimate live music.
Invite your special dozen to become part of this amazing new trend of DNS Groups.If any of your 12 are not interested or ready yet, thank them and go to person 13 on your list and so on until you get your 12.
Have them understand that only this special group gets the invitations to these DNS events.They also get the option to host an artist if the group wants to rotate the hosting.They might even get the option to pick the artist if you have multiple artist options.
Once you get your new DNS Group together, here’s an example of how quickly you can pull together a memorable small event.It’s a recipe you can use again and again.
Let's say you're part of the ConcertsInYourHome host network in the US and Canada…….
…..and a great touring artist finds you through a search of DNS hosts in your area.She offers to play for you and your friends for a DNS event next week on Thursday.
Here’s where the DNS Group kicks in almost effortlessly.
You check out her ConcertsInYourHome artist profile (sample), and you like what you see.So you simply send out a very short mail to your group and give them the proposed date and time as well as the link to her profile.Your DNS Group has, say, three days to RSVP with the number of people in their party.
You’re a Go with the booking as soon as you reach the desired minimum number of RSVPs….8 or 10, for example.When you reach your RSVP limit, create a waiting list to fill unexpected cancellations.
So you’ve got your desired number of RSVPs.Now you give the artist the good news.In just three days your event is booked and fully reserved.And all it took was saying Yes to an artist and quickly getting enough RSVPs from your DNS Group.
If you want to do a potluck dessert version of your DNS event, and if some of your group are willing to sit on the floor or stand, you can raise the RSVP limit to perhaps 12-25 depending upon the number of people you can squeeze into your living room, as is, for a short 40-minute concert.
So there you are.Extraordinary small events that are quick to book, and easy to prepare for.And you get to enjoy them with friends who show up and are really into it.Hey, have a DNS event monthly or twice monthly if you want.Whatever works for your group.
And if you haven’t already done so, why not jointhe free ConcertsInYourHome DNS network and allow extraordinary touring artist talent to find you.
[Ready for the frosting on the cake?Here’s an RSVP approach for your DNS Group that might cinch your group’s success, especially if your friends are as devoted to great intimate events as you are. This approach all but eliminates No-Shows and assures you better opportunities to book top touring artists.That is, agree amongst you that all granted RSVPs will either attend, or will get their own replacement from the waiting list, or will make a donation to the artist for the suggested donation if no one can fill the seat.Full accountability.No-Shows=No-No.This is the great advantage of working with a closeknit group of music lovers committed to fully-attended events.]
Jeff is a longtime musician and host cheerleader at ListeningRoomNetwork.com.
Former folk radio DJ and booking agent. Studied at Berklee College of Music. Award-winning songwriter and owner of not enough guitars and baby grands.
Subscribes to the crazy notion that connecting music lovers with exquisite touring artists is not only good for the soul, but it strengthens community and in small ways teaches us to be peace builders.