What a house concert actually costs in Central Florida

People ask me this first. Here's the honest answer: less than you might think, and sometimes nothing at all.

If you want to make a night like this happen, I want to hear from you. Budgets come in all sizes. We'll find a way that works.

Two ways to do it

Your guests cover it. You invite people, and each guest puts in a suggested donation. Around the country that's usually $15 to $25 a person. We'll pick your number together. You provide the room. A jar by the door and a Venmo code on a card both work.

Or you cover it. You pay a flat fee and your guests come as your guests. If you're within 20 miles of Oviedo, that's $300 for two acoustic sets. That covers Orlando, Winter Park, Winter Springs, Casselberry, Sanford and Lake Mary. Farther out, the drive figures in, and we'll work it out together. This is how birthdays, anniversaries and "I just wanted to do something good for my friends" nights usually work. Nobody passes a jar. It feels like a gift, because it is one.

Plenty of hosts do a little of each. We'll agree on it up front so nothing feels awkward on the night.

What's included either way

Two sets of about forty minutes each. A small sound system sized for your room. Setup and teardown. And invite text you can send your friends as-is.

What else you'll want on hand

None of this is required. It's what makes the room work.

• Seats. Enough for everyone, close to where I'll play. Borrowed folding chairs are perfect.
• Light. Lamps and candles instead of overheads. Free, and it changes everything.
• Something to sip. Wine, tea, a cooler. Potluck works well.
• One outlet near the corner where I set up.

You don't need to rent sound, hire anyone, or clean like the in-laws are coming.

What it doesn't cost

Your neighbors' patience. It's quieter than you'd expect. Conversation still happens between songs.

How to start

Tell me the date, the town, roughly how many people, and what you have in mind for budget. Even if it's small. I'll write back within a day.

Tell me about your night, or hear the songs first on the music page.

We go within.