You’ve heard the old adage, “leave them wanting more.” As a host, you can encourage your artists to do that. Together, you can plan an evening that is vibrant and entertaining, and send your guests home feeling like THEY WANT MORE.
Unfortunately, some artists get TOO comfortable chatting with the crowd, tell stories between EVERY song, and sometimes don’t pick up on the fact that half the audience is dying for a break.
Unless your chairs are super comfortable, most people don’t want to sit for an hour straight.
In addition, house concerts are so intimate that you don’t want to stand or leave during the set. This can make the audience feel trapped instead of enthralled.
What is a tight set? You and your artists can agree to whatever you like, but here is what I ask of each act that plays my home.
First set: 40 minutes.
Second set: 30-35 minutes, and ready for 2-song encore.
The point is, don’t be afraid to ask for what you want. You are building an audience. This is your series, and you want everyone to come back.
And remember, if the audience wants a second encore, they can ask for it! There’s a big difference between an audience that politely agrees to an encore, and an audience that insists upon it.
What kind of audience do you want?
Tight sets can help!
Your fan,
Fran
Listening Room Network 