People called me crazy for doing this. Packed up 2 acoustic guitars, merch, a suitcase, sleeping bag, and an ice chest in my car. Mostly by myself, I traveled over 26,000 miles across 14 states and performed over 135 times in homes, venues, and all kindsa other spots so far. Wild, inspirational, shocking, awesome, scary things happened to me. The idea is simple. I perform in your home in exchange for a meal and a place to stay if I'm far from Dallas. You invite your friends & family over for a musical story-telling experience. The goal is to have between 15 and 20 adults in attendance. Although I don't charge a fee for performing, I will definitely have a tip jar and merch available to help with gas and traveling expenses. Yes, I love what I do and enjoy performing, but in order for me to continue, I must make money to keep the machine moving.
I am only able to continue these tours with the generosity of your support through tipping and merch sales.
Scroll below for more info and to see shots from past adventures...
By committing as a host, you become the venue, promoter, and event co-planner.
The venue is your home. Putting some thought into where you'd like me to perform definitely helps. My preference is to perform inside. That's mainly because of weather and acoustics. Weather can sometimes take a toll on instruments. Since I usually perform with no microphones or sound system, being inside helps with projection too. I typically spend the night with hosts if I’m far from Dallas, but if hosts aren't comfortable with that, I totally understand and can make other arrangements.
You promote by communicating information and inviting your family & friends. My goal for each house concert is to have between 15 and 20 adults in attendance. If you expect more than 20 people, please let me know and I'll arrange to have a sound system that I can set up. Gatherings go smoother if hosts let their guests know that the focus of the night will be a musical and story-telling experience. Once the performance begins, being a respectful listener is key.
The co-planning involves mainly what to provide for food. Some hosts like to treat their guests to an the entire meal, while some choose to do a pot luck dinner where guests bring something small to contribute.
WHO SHOULD I INVITE?
Family & friends that have an appreciation for music and songwriting. Well-behaved kids are welcome, but only if they are disciplined enough to sit quietly.
WHAT EXACTLY WILL HAPPEN?
A musical story-telling performance. There's absolutely nothing complicated about it. You're basically inviting me over for dinner, then I play songs and tell stories about my life with an acoustic guitar.
WHEN?
During summertime. After you show interest, we decide on a date. When I'm planning, routing can be tricky, so I may only be in your area during specific dates only. Keep in mind that there are only 2 weekend nights per week and I have to fill in weekdays too.
Depending on the day of week, I usually recommend doing an early evening dinner. The entire time span could be 3 to 4 hours, but it just depends on what you want the night to be.
Here's a time line that could be considered...
6 pm - Time to tell everyone to begin showing up
6:30 pm - Food Served
7 pm - Performance
8:30 to 9:15 pm - Hang Out
WHERE?
In the privacy of your home. Sometimes it's a casual cook-out in the backyard. Sometimes it's a formal occasion at your dinner table, then we sit in your living room during the performance. I've performed in houses, apartments, trailers, rented venues, parks, garages, driveways, and on street corners. You make it what you want it to be.
WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO DO THIS?
To live. As easy as that sounds, all of us get stuck in routines and go on autopilot. Comfort is the thief of experience. I want to make the best of my time here.
To personally reconnect with my guitar, which is my first love. I've focused on lyrics and vocals for so long, have gotten away from it.
To strip myself of exterior production. Wanted to perform with no instrumentals - just the human voice and a single instrument.
To cut money out of the picture for a moment. I've become so obsessed with creating a business from art that I've strayed away from the very reasons I do music in the first place.
To focus on individual connections with people, that's one of the main reasons I perform.
When you push yourself out of your comfort zone, amazing things happen.
HOW CAN THIS WORK?
Since I'm a teacher, my summers free up. It allows me to travel and share my music with humans that are genuinely interested in the art-form of songwriting. Is it a sacrifice? Absolutely. Can it be stressful & taxing? Yes. But I crave sharing my music with you. Venues are fun, but the most meaningful experiences happen in house concerts.
MY NEEDS
(for the Dallas-Ft. Worth metroplex)
MY NEEDS
(if I'm staying the night)
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