A string of concerts, house by house
Sean Rowe has been playing a string of house shows over the last few months. And along the way the Troy-based musician been writing about them on a blog. A clip from one of the entries about two recent shows in Pennsylvania:
I think one of the big things that makes these house shows really stand out is just how oddly cool it is to show up at a near stranger's house and set up musical camp right there in the living room. It's like I'm some kind of a bearded salesman, going door to door but instead of vacuums I'm selling all these little feelings that come attached to songs. Friends...you're keeping me in business!
It's interesting to read about the people who've been booking these small shows, inviting him into their homes. (And sometimes they greet him with beer.)
In April Rowe is playing a venue just a bit bigger than a living room: The Troy Savings Bank Music Hall. The April 12 show's a benefit for the Rensselaer Land Trust. Opener is MaryLeigh Roohan.
Yep, AOA is a media sponsor of the April 12 show.
Earlier on AOA:
+ A whole bunch of items about Sean Rowe
+ Hey there, MaryLeigh Roohan
photo from Sean Rowe House Concerts
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Comments
Fantastic!
... said Jamie on Mar 20, 2014 at 12:08 PM | link
No offense, but house shows have been going on for years and years in the punk community (let alone sleeping in a stranger's living room post said show).
... said James at 47 on Mar 20, 2014 at 12:56 PM | link
James you beat me to it.
... said J. Welf on Mar 20, 2014 at 1:45 PM | link
@James, J: There wasn't any intent to indicate what Sean Rowe is doing is somehow groundbreaking or anything. It was just a "here's a local musician that a lot of people like, writing about his experiences playing shows in people's houses, and maybe you'd like to read what he wrote" kind of thing. Simple as that.
... said Greg on Mar 20, 2014 at 2:51 PM | link
I was just remarking to a friend that I don't think this area has an appreciation or understanding of the folk house concert scene. There isn't an established house concert series anywhere near here. I think if people aren't familiar with the idea, or haven't been to one, it's hard for them to feel comfortable going to a stranger's house to pay to see a concert (even if it's only $10-$15).
I had a concert a few years back at my house for Mike and Ruthy (formerly from the Mammals). I advertised it a few places online, and it was even mentioned on AOA. No one came except for a few of my friends.
The same friend I was talking to told me Amy Speace is interested in having a house concert in this area, in case anyone is interested in hosting one, and wants to contact her.
... said Jessica R on Mar 20, 2014 at 3:04 PM | link