Take 2, in the age of COVID
With a lot of public venues shut down, private concerts seem to be booming. It is quite possible to put on a show at your home in a safe and sane way, observing local ordinances and taking common-sense precautions. Some things to think about:
What’s It All About?
Some good reasons to host a private event:
- To celebrate a special day on the calendar — a birthday, an anniversary, something else?
- To raise money for a Worthy Cause, or perhaps as a thank-you to major donors to such a Cause (and a chance to hit them up for more donations).
- Just for the fun of it!
It was so delightful to be gathered with friends and have the privilege of you performing for an intimate backyard show. I know for Rick and I, and for most of our friends, the day will be one of the highlights of 2020!
Thank you, especially, for the dedication of the song to Rick & me. It was our pleasure to host you … everyone on your team made the process so easy.
–– S.D.
Where to Do It?
- Outdoors is always good if the weather is warm. Properly distanced, an outdoor show is really quite safe. If the weather’s getting cool, early afternoon might be best; otherwise, any time in the afternoon or evening should work. There should be a Plan B in case the weather doesn’t cooperate — either moving indoors, or reserving a rain date.
- Indoors can also be pulled off in a responsible manner. Distancing and masks are now more important, but if you have a large room in the house (or have access to somebody else’s large room), a lot of fun can be had without endangering anyone.
Having you here playing your music, telling your stories was just magical. Thank you so much for being here. Both you and Matt are so easy to work with and have at my home.
–– D.M.
How Many Guests?
- I’ve done shows for a couple of hundred friends and family, and I’ve also played for just two. Most of the shows I’ve done lately have been for between 20 and 50 guests. The larger the show, of course, the more elaborate the logistics become — up to around 50 is easy!
Our guests were overjoyed and impressed with the smooth captivating voice and guitar mastery of the one and only Tom Rush! Mr. Rush has been my husband’s favorite artist for decades now and to have him give a private concert for a select few at our Farm was a delight we’ll cherish forever. Mr. Rush was easy to accommodate, and the up close and personal experience was incredibly meaningful. A present meant for my husband was a gift for us all.
–– A.P.
How to Set It Up?
- The basic principle is that the audience should be focused on the performer during the show, not chatting and schmoozing. Setting up the seating so everyone is facing the “stage” (or wherever the music is happening) is ideal. Distractions should be kept to a minimum.
Our guests were overjoyed and impressed with the smooth captivating voice and guitar mastery of the one and only Tom Rush! Mr. Rush has been my husband’s favorite artist for decades now and to have him give a private concert for a select few at our Farm was a delight we’ll cherish forever. Mr. Rush was easy to accommodate, and the up close and personal experience was incredibly meaningful. A present meant for my husband was a gift for us all.
–– A.P.
Where should it be placed in the flow of festivities?
- Sometimes the show is the whole deal — maybe some cocktails and brief socializing, the show, and we’re done. Sometimes the show is just part of a longer affair, in which case it’s usually near the end. One model would be cocktails and socializing, dinner, the concert and then dancing to a live band or a DJ.
The Tech Side of Things
- I can provide — or arrange for — whatever sound and lights might be needed.
Budget/Booking
- What you’ve been wondering! Andrea Sabata, my agent, will be the one to work this out with you, but I can tell you that pre-COVID the sticker price for one of my shows started at $10K, depending on when and where and other factors. (I couldn’t afford me!) Now, since I have some time on my hands, deep discounts are available. Andrea won’t bite — give it a try!
I’m writing this up, obviously, to encourage you to think about hosting a Tom Rush concert, but the principles here should help with private concerts in general. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention, for example, that Matt Nakoa, my uber-talented sometime-accompanist, has a career of his own that’s blossoming, and sometimes takes on private events. And we both are booked through Andrea Sabata at Skyline Music.
Hope we can make something work!
All the best,
Tom did an amazing job at customizing a private show for our family. It was a very special 75th birthday celebration. From new unrecorded songs to his timeless classics as well as the stories behind the music, we were all treated to a magical evening! Thanks Tom!
–– K.H.
Photo credits: Thom Adorney
