Host a House Concert
There's no better way to hear live music than in someone's living room. If you've got a space and some friends, I'll bring the songs. I'm Hassan El-Tayyab, and I'd love to play at your place.
The basics:
- 20–40 guests is the sweet spot, though I've played for as few as 15 and as many as 100
- About 90 minutes of music, usually two sets with a break
- I bring the PA, instruments, and merch. You don't need any gear
- You bring the space, a couple of outlets, seating, and the people
- Suggested donation of $20–30 per guest, and 100% goes to support my music. Hosting costs you nothing.
Email me at americannomadmusic@gmail.com to start a conversation.
1. Choose your space
You'd be surprised what works. Living rooms, backyards, garages, basements, barns, back porches. All I need is a corner to set up in and enough seating for your guests — couches, folding chairs, floor pillows, whatever you've got.
If you're outside, think about where the sound goes and whether your neighbors are the kind you should invite rather than warn. Either way, let them know.
2. Pick a date and time
Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays tend to draw the best turnout, and Sunday afternoons work surprisingly well. Weeknights can be great for a smaller, quieter crowd.
A typical evening: guests arrive at 6pm, music starts around 7pm, and everyone's heading home by 9:30. I'll arrive around an hour or two ahead of time to load in and set up, which takes about 60 minutes.
Reach out at least 6–8 weeks ahead if you can, so we have room to find a date that works.
3. Invite your people
Email, a group text, or word of mouth all work fine. You don't need an Eventbrite page for this — a simple email with a reply-to-RSVP is usually plenty, and it keeps your address private. Share the exact location only with people who've confirmed.
Ask for RSVPs so we know what to expect, and encourage folks to bring a friend. A full room makes a better show for everybody.
4. Set the room
Seating: Arrange it so everyone can see, and put the front row closer than feels natural. Intimacy is the whole point.
Food and drink: A potluck or BYOB keeps it easy. Some hosts do a simple snack table; some do nothing at all. Both are fine.
Lighting: Make sure it’s a well lit space and that the audience can see the performance.
Sound: Mine to worry about, not yours. I'll just need a standard outlet nearby and a place to set up.
One thing worth saying to your guests ahead of time: this is a listening show, not background music. Most people are glad to be told. It's a different experience when the room is actually paying attention.
5. The night of
Relax. You've already done the hard part. Your only job now is to introduce people to each other and enjoy the show.
Partway through, I ask you to say a few words about donations. There'll be a basket by the door and a Venmo code. Whatever comes in goes straight to covering gas, strings, and the next stretch of road.
Afterward, I can stick around and say hi to guests. The hour after the last song is often the best part. That's when people talk to each other, and to me, and when the night turns into something people remember.
A few common questions
Does it cost to host? No. Guests donate, and that covers it. If charging your friends isn’t for you, sometimes hosts have pulled together funds with a few people to cover upfront to cover costs. Both options work great!
What if only a handful of people come? Some of my favorite shows have had twelve people in the room.
Do you need a place to stay or a meal? If I’m touring through and a spare room or a home-cooked dinner is an option, it's a real help, but never an expectation. I’ll handle my own lodging.
What if I've never done this before? Most hosts haven't. I'll walk you through it.
Let's make it happen
Email me at americannomadmusic@gmail.com with:
- Your city
- A few dates that might work
- Roughly how many guests you'd expect
- What kind of space you have
What hosts say
"From the moment Hassan stepped up to the mic, guitar in hand, he held the full attention of the room. His casual banter, passionate lyrics, and skillful musicianship, woven with enlightening stories of his Middle East travels and peace policy work, made for a most memorable evening. As concert hosts, we found Hassan to be professional, engaging, and very easy to work with."
Renee & Dennis — Greenridge House Concerts, Castro Valley, CA
"We hosted Hassan for a live set on Music of the World at KPFA, essentially a house concert broadcast live across the Bay Area. It was a joy to work with him. He's a warm, funny singer-songwriter who takes very heavy subjects and lightens the load, and the audience was right there with him. His ability to connect with people on many levels really stands out. We can't wait to have him back."
Joanna Manquaros — Host, Music of the World