Host a show

In 2024, I took to the road, travelling around Australia singing and writing new songs. The most rewarding aspect of this was the personal connections made with so many people. A highlight for me was being invited to play my first house concert. My oh my, such a wonderful experience. In a comfy living room south of Sydney we smiled, laughed, cried, and sang together. The absolute joy in sharing stories and songs, being vulnerable and authentic within a small community of music lovers was palpable; I want to do it more and more.

So, you’re considering in hosting a Kane Vincent show in your home, backyard, shearing shed, or any other ‘non-traditional’ space. Brilliant! We can work together to make it happen.

 Let’s make it simple and straightforward as possible. Here’s a quick guide to how it all happens and address some initial questions.

THE SPACE
A house concert space doesn’t necessarily need to be in a house. It can be any area that fosters comfort, intimacy, and connection, whether it's a cozy living room, backyard, community house or even a non-traditional venue like a shed or loft. Heck, I’ve even performed in florist shop! 

Key is to ensure everyone is seated comfortably, whether on couches, cushions, or floor seating, and that there’s a clear view of the performer. For outdoor events, consider string lights, lanterns, or a firepit for ambiance, and always have a backup plan for bad weather. The most important factor is creating a welcoming environment where guests feel relaxed and part of a shared musical experience.

The Guests
To ensure the event has that certain “je ne sais quoi” and is financially viable, there needs to be at least 20-30 adults in attendance. This gets the balance between intimacy and energy just right to create a meaningful experience for everyone involved. If you're unsure about reaching this number on your own, consider co-hosting with a friend who can invite their own group. Of course, 20-30 isn’t a hard cap—if you have the space and want to invite more people, feel free! The more, the merrier!

Tickets

Ticket prices will vary depending on whether I’m performing solo, bringing an accompanist(s) or even sharing a show with another artist. Usually around $25-40 will cover it with options for concession, kids and family groups. We will decide together what’s best for your guests.

It’s always best to sell tickets in advance as it helps to get a commitment from people and enhances the ‘special occasion’ feel. I will set up ticket portal once the concert is confirmed and you can include this link in your invitations.

Some hosts prefer not to ask their guests to buy tickets and choose to pay an up-front guarantee for the show. If this interests you, let me know, and we can work out a fee structure that works for us both.

Equipment / Gear

If I am driving to you, I can supply everything that’s needed. I carry enough gear to do a show for up to 100 guests when on the road and more if within a few hours of home. 

If I am flying in, I will need to beg, borrow, steal or hire equipment and would appreciate your help in sourcing it. Between the two of us, we can generally find this by loaning from a friend or contact, but sometimes we will need to pay for equipment hire. In general, I’ll just need a small PA system (mixing desk and speakers) + microphone and stand. 

 

The Invitation
So we’ve set a concert date and time. How do we get people there? 
I’ll send you an email with links to photos, videos, music, and suggested wording for your personalized invitations. You can invite your guests however you prefer—by phone, text, email, Facebook, or even handwritten notes. The most effective approach is often a personal one, and I’ve found that using multiple methods tends to result in the best turnout. (Just be sure not to rely solely on posting to Facebook!). It’s also a good idea to start promoting and send reminders at least a month in advance, ideally 6 weeks or more.

On average, about 50% of those invited will attend, so it’s wise to invite double the number of people you’d like at the concert (e.g., invite 60 people if you want 30 attendees).

Although I typically leave the invitations and promotion up to the host since it’s a private event for your friends and family, I’m happy to offer ideas and advice if needed—just make sure to get started early!

If any part of this process feels overwhelming or confusing, don’t worry! Let me know if you need assistance. I’m happy to help with creating a flyer, drafting an email, setting up a Facebook event, or anything else you might need.

Key Points to Include in Your Invitation:

  • Let guests know they should arrive about 1 hour before the concert begins (e.g., “Please arrive at 6pm; the music will start promptly at 7pm”).
  • Mention the ticket price and how to reserve their spot.
  • Let guests know if snacks and drinks will be provided (this is optional—some hosts provide food, some have potluck-style shows or a BBQ, and others do without). 
  • Inform guests that there will be merch available for sale, such as CDs, vinyl, T-shirts, etc.

 

 

A LISTENING ENVIRONMENT 

If you’re in the market for background music or an evening of pub classic covers, this experience won’t be a good fit for both of us. You have likely gathered by now that these concerts will be a special, intimate exchange between the performer and the audience.  I am most happy for you to choose to celebrate your birthday or special occasion by hosting a concert, but please be aware that guests will be expected to listen and participate. 

Kids
Kids are great. I love having guests of all ages, and I believe it’s important for kids to experience live music. However, I know the odds of my grandkids sitting through a few hours might be a bit much. If you’re inviting families with young children who might get restless, please provide a spot away from the performance area where they can play, along with a grownup to supervise. While some noise is fine, too much can disrupt the experience for others.

SO… WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
If all of this sounds good to you and you'd like to host a House Concert, please fill out the form below or email me at kane.vincent@rocketmail.com so we can get the ball rolling