Last month there was a fascinating thread re house concert attendance over at our CIYH group Facebook page (for member hosts). Susan R persuasively summed up numerous hosts’ sentiments when she commented about the angst we often feel from wondering if we'll gather enough guests to please the artist (and ourselves!). She said,
“We were so excited about this concept and everyone that we tell about it is as well. However, there is a lot of work and stress in trying to get support and commitments. I so worry that even though we have tried really hard, an artist will show up for a not so great crowd. I think that most artists understand that this just goes with the territory, whether it is a house concert, coffee house, or any venue. But it doesn't keep me from worrying that my house concert will be a disappointment to the artist. If I were free from that concern, house concerts would be more enjoyable and I would be even more committed to conitnuing to host.”
Fran and I have been giving this thread a lot of thought and here are four ideas that are perhaps worth trying. They’re probably not for everyone, but see what you think and we’d really appreciate group feedback.
1. Proactively learn the artist’s minimum attendance expectation
2. Gauge your Yes RSVPs in advance
3. Ask your Yes RSVPs to commit to filling the seat they reserved or else make a donation to the artist
4. Let your invitation list choose your artist.
Proactively learn the artist’s minimum attendance expectation
When you’re ready to book an artist, consider sharing with them your suggested donation level and your track record for average per-person donations from past house concerts.
Then ask the artist: "If you played at my series on [specific date], how many guests at the minimum would you feel you’d want to see show up in order to NOT feel disappointed? Please be candid."
The artist will likely consider a number of factors, so their answer to this question may vary. And, the artist likely understands that house concerts are private events where the donations are merely suggested and that all who are invited are absolutely welcome to attend regardless of how much they contribute.
With all this in mind, let's say the artist says to you, "20."
Then ask the artist, "Ok then, if I could first gather 24 solid Yes RSVPs--your minimum 20 plus 20% to account for cancellations--would you feel good about committing to a booking with me?" See what the artist says.
[Note: If you are a new host and you have no track record of average per-person donations, consider asking the artist “how much of a minimum guarantee would you need in order to NOT feel disappointed after playing at my series?”]
Gauge your Yes RSVPs before you finalize the booking
Once you know what the artist expects, go find out if there’s a realistic shot at meeting that expectation. Provide your invitation list a fantastic house concert opportunity IF you receive a certain minimum number of solid Yes RSVPs by a certain date (e.g. in 5 days).
[Note: You’re right, it’s like stealing a page from our new DNS groups playbook.]
To be continued in tomorrow’s post!
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