The chairs were set up, guitars were tuned, microphones were tested. Coles Whalen, a well-known singer-songwriter from Denver, was ready to take the stage. But her venue was not a local bar or coffee shop; instead, it was in the living room of Greg Hammonds' Marietta home before an intimate crowd of 40.
Hammonds conducted a house concert for friends and Whalen's fans Saturday night, complete with appetizers, wine and the acoustic performer making a stop on her nationwide tour.
House concerts have become a popular trend lately in the music business as a way to expose those with an interest in music to emerging artists, and for the artists to sell merchandise, albums and play before an engaged crowd that might otherwise be distracted in a loud, busy performing hall.
"It's certainly more intimate and intimidating than playing at a music venue, but I actually appreciate that it's smaller," Whalen said. "People who attend house concerts are here to enjoy your music and take part in a true listening environment."
Artists are not paid by the host for their performances, but use the opportunity to sell merchandise and CD's, and spread their music to a new audience.
Hammonds, an amateur guitarist and avid music consumer, said his 2009 New Year's resolution was to host a house concert after a friend in Washington, D.C., raved about having one.
He met his resolution in May, when he hosted three singer-songwriters from Nashville. He found the musicians on the Web site www.concertsinyourhome.com, which connects artists with potential house concert hosts. The May concert was so popular, and Hammonds enjoyed hosting it so much, he decided to do it again.
Julie Forester, one of the musicians from his May house concert, recommended Whalen to Hammonds. Hammonds said he listened to Whalen's music and really enjoyed the laid-back beauty of her voice and guitar, but the recommendation from a fellow artist he respects gave him the reassurance he needed to host her in his home.
"I really love the personal interaction that happens here, that you really get to know them both as people and artists," Hammonds said. "They're not on the stage, playing, then off and gone and that's it. My family had dinner with Coles and Kim (O'Hara, Whalen's bassist) and learned all about their musical history, stories behind the songs, and just who they are as people."
Whalen, whose stop in Georgia came between concerts in Charlotte and Nashville, said she performs at house concerts once or twice a month, but most of her performances are at public music venues. The artist performed two music sets at 40 minutes apiece, with a break in between to meet with the concertgoers.
"I would actually like to host house concerts if I ever decide to settle down and buy a home in Denver," Whalen said. "It's just such a great way to hear new and good music, and to have your friends there at the same time. I think they'll only get more popular over time."
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