Marjorie Thompson: House Concerts

Marjorie does House Concerts! An EZ How-To Primer

A house concert is a wonderful alternative to concert halls and coffeehouses. It's a great way for the audience to meet the musician in a comfortable, informal setting. I do 2 sets (~ 45 minutes each, tell stories and perform solo or with an accompanist (bass or mandolin/violin). These concerts are easy to set up, and provide an evening of professional music in a convivial, comfortable atmosphere.

WHEN: Set a date. These shows can be on an evening during the week, weekend or even a Sunday afternoon.

WHERE: A gigantic space is not needed for these concerts. I have done these shows in living rooms, dens, finished basements, outdoors on decks or porches. A party of 20-30 guests (more is fine, too!) is a reasonable sized audience. Seating can be a combination of sofas and chairs, floor cushions or folding chairs.

HOW: No fancy stage or equipment is needed. A chair and a small side table will do at minimum. I supply microphone and a good amp suitable for the room.

WHO/INVITES: Most folks invite friends and family, and others in the area that the artist may know or suggest. An easy way to send and keep track of invitations is via EVITE. It is free and effective.

Include date, time, if you want anyone to bring anything (BYOB, dessert, or whatever), and the door charge. For all the shows I have done there has been a ticket price of $10-12, and referred to as a "donation" for the artist. Deducting a portion to cover cost of beverages/snacks is an option. Send all details for request to booking@marjoriethompson.com

"For the second July in a row, we welcomed Marjorie Thompson to our house concert series at The Opulent 'Possum. Marjorie excels in the intimacy of a house concert setting -- especially
outside on a deck with the song of cicadas and the deep-throated
croaking of frogs as they harmonize with Marjorie and keep tempo with her playing. Marjorie's selection of songs tell stories of their own; and her guitar playing is as good as any we've had in our two and a half years at The 'Possum."

- Ben and Kelly Lovejoy, Columbia SC

"Marjorie, you were a complete hit! .... I love exactly the way you play. The music was great, and your explanations were such a great intro to each, we all had a great time!"

- Helen Crews, NC

Quotes from House Concerts

"What a great night! The combination of Marjorie's skills in making finger-style guitar walk and talk the acoustic, country blues, along with her heartfelt writing and classy, rich voice, made for a wonderful evening that ended all too quickly. Her music is simultaneously intimate, strutting, infectious, potent and often funny. She would undoubtedly make all the master blues players who she holds in such high esteem proud. She is in touch with the audience at every moment and reaches out to both the seasoned blues fan and the novice listener, the room changing for the better with her first notes. Don't miss her."

- Tom and Gail Watts, The Cook Shack, Union Grove NC