What is a "house concert" anyway?
A house concert is a way to hear music that's become popular with folks in the Pacific Northwest and throughout Canada. Essentially a singer-songwriter, or a small group, does a concert in a private home in front of approximately 20 to 35 people. The shows are intimate, with the opportunity to listen to great music without making your ears hurt, without breathing in loads of secondhand smoke or being surrounded by the drunk and disorderly. We won't make you stay up real late either. It's a terrific way for artists to make a living doing what they love to do and for audiences to connect with the artists in a personal way.
The audience is comprised of the neighbors, family, friends and music-loving acquaintances of the hosts. When you come to a Chez Oney House Concert, there'll be some very basic refreshments (tea, fruit juice, water, perhaps coffee and some cookies). You'll have the opportunity to get a drink, get settled, and the show will begin. Helen will be the emcee and will sing a song, then introduce the performer. The performer will do 2 sets - each about 45 minutes long, with a20 minute break in between the two, where you can stretch your legs, go to the bathroom, get a couple of cookies, and meet the performer. If the weather is really super good, we might have it outdoors, but most of the time, we'll be inside - up close an personal.
Always remember and never forget that we do have two dogs and a cat. If this is a problem for you - please let us know!
You, as an audience member, are expected to come and listen and have a fabulous time!
The audience is comprised of the neighbors, family, friends and music-loving acquaintances of the hosts. When you come to a Chez Oney House Concert, there'll be some very basic refreshments (tea, fruit juice, water, perhaps coffee and some cookies). You'll have the opportunity to get a drink, get settled, and the show will begin. Helen will be the emcee and will sing a song, then introduce the performer. The performer will do 2 sets - each about 45 minutes long, with a20 minute break in between the two, where you can stretch your legs, go to the bathroom, get a couple of cookies, and meet the performer. If the weather is really super good, we might have it outdoors, but most of the time, we'll be inside - up close an personal.
Always remember and never forget that we do have two dogs and a cat. If this is a problem for you - please let us know!
You, as an audience member, are expected to come and listen and have a fabulous time!
What kind of music will we hear?
Bill and Helen have very broad musical tastes between the two of them, but can only agree on a few genres together! You'll be hearing folk, bluegrass, americana, gospel or neo-soul. When we send out the email invitation to you, we'll always try to include a link to where you can hear a little of the artist before you come, and of course we'll give links on this site too. Our hope is to deliver a very high quality of musical performance in our shows.
Is there any cost involved?
There is a suggested donation of $15 per person; it is not required to attend the show. All donations go to the artist and not to the host. When you arrive at the door is when we'll deal with the donations. If you cannot afford the $15 per person, please take Helen or Bill aside to let us know, so that we can make up any shortfall. Remember, the artist is a professional and is making a living - this is not a charity gig. Of course, you can always donate MORE than the suggested amount! And the artist will usually have cds available for purchase at the break, so you'll wanna be prepared for that too.
Can I bring my own refreshments?
Yes and no.
Yes, if you have dietary restrictions or a special diet. Or if you wanna bring something to share with everyone else, sure. Just let us know so we can be ready. As far as alcohol goes, that's a little trickier. Helen does not drink alcohol at all and Bill drinks it only rarely, but we've had friends over that have brought beer or wine along for their own consumption and it was fine. Give us a holler if you've got a question about it.
Yes, if you have dietary restrictions or a special diet. Or if you wanna bring something to share with everyone else, sure. Just let us know so we can be ready. As far as alcohol goes, that's a little trickier. Helen does not drink alcohol at all and Bill drinks it only rarely, but we've had friends over that have brought beer or wine along for their own consumption and it was fine. Give us a holler if you've got a question about it.
How do you pronounce "Chez Oney"?
Say : Shay oh-NEIGH
Learn more about house concerts:
There's loads of information on this site about house concerts - check it out!