Private Shows
I play a limited number of private shows each year. Here’s how they work.
What exactly is a private show?
A concert in your space for your people: a living room, a loft, an office, a chapel. You bring together your community, I tell stories and sing songs for 45-60 minutes, then people hang out and eventually leave. I’ve played well over a hundred of these in around 40 states, from teenagers in DC to retirees in Idaho. I love them because (1) I don’t have to worry about filling a venue or convincing people to buy drinks; (2) people really listen to the stories and music, and I get to know folks better; and (3) it’s generally a more meaningful and memorable experience. No fourth wall and all.
Do I need a big house?
No. I’ve performed in crawl spaces and in yoga studios, college basements and corporate offices. You just need a space big enough to fit your community.
How many people should I invite?
I once drove 7 hours to play for 3 people. I once walked 15 minutes to play for 1,500. These days I aim for the middle: 20 or more tends to make the night worth it for everyone.
Will you play in my backyard?
Tough one. A private show works best indoors. Having played dozens of outdoor gigs, I’ve found that people are understandably more interested in the neighbors fighting or the chance of rain, and it often compromises the intimacy that makes the night worthwhile. Feel free to make your case.
How do I get people to come?
My wife Torrey can provide a digital flyer and a link to purchase tickets, but it’s ultimately up to you to rally your community. With your permission, we’ll also post the name of your city (not your address) to let potential listeners know we’re coming.
What does it cost?
It depends on the date, the distance, and the size of the room. Some hosts pay a flat fee, others cover it through ticket sales, and others do a mix. We’ll work out the details after you send a request, and we’ll tell you plainly if the numbers don’t work.
Where will you stay?
We ask hosts to arrange a hotel or something comparable nearby. A private guest room in your home can also work, and for some families that’s the better option, so tell us what you have in mind. (My couch-surfing years were formative. They are also over.)
Will it be awkward/weird?
Another tough one. This is an expedition into the musical-spiritual-tragical-comical mythos of your living room or spare loft. I once played hospice songs for a group of dancing flower children in a field of confederate flags, confirming what we already know: we live in a strange, unpredictable world. But I’ve done this for a while now, so no, it probably won’t be awkward.
I’m in. Now what?
Send a request below. Torrey will reach out if it seems like a good fit.
