From the blues clubs of the South Side to the songwriter nights of Logan Square, Chicago has always been a city built on live music. But you don't need a venue, a ticket line or a cold walk to the L to experience it. A house concert brings the music to you - an intimate, unforgettable evening with a handpicked musician playing just for you and your guests, in your own living room, kitchen or backyard. Discover brilliant Chicago and Midwest artists before they're playing the big stages.
Find artists in ChicagoChicago is a city that invented more than its share of music. The South and West Side clubs turned the Delta blues electric and Chess Records sent the result around the world; house music was born here in the 1980s and took its name from the city's own club. The traditions are still working institutions rather than history: the Green Mill has run jazz since 1907, and the Old Town School of Folk Music has taught and staged acoustic music since 1957. Logan Square, Pilsen and Humboldt Park keep the newer end busy.
Chicago housing is made for this. Bungalows and classic two-flats come with generous living rooms, wide doorways and porches, and neighborhood life here has always been sociable. Winters do the rest - when it is far too cold to stand outside a club, thirty people in a warm living room with a guitar player is an easy sell, and the city's musicians are more than used to playing them.
A living room concert is exactly what it sounds like: a professional musician plays a full set in a private home, for an audience the host has invited. You will see the same thing called a house concert, a house show or - because of where we started - a SofaConcert. They all mean the same evening.
There is no stage, no ticket desk and no support act. A typical concert in Chicago runs 60 to 90 minutes, often split into two sets with a break, in front of anywhere from 15 to 50 guests. Most take place in a bungalow living room, a two-flat parlor or a porch in summer. The artist brings whatever they need; you provide the room and the people.
Everything you need to plan, folded into the order you'll actually do it.
Pick a date and a room - thirty people fit a living room more easily than you'd think. Then browse the artist list for a singer-songwriter, duo or band.
Send as many free inquiries as you like. Each artist replies with a non-binding offer, so you can weigh up a few before choosing. Settle the scope in writing in the booking system - that written record is what the contract is based on.
Confirming creates the contract and reserves your date. You deposit the fee plus the booking fee, which is held in trust and only released to the artist after the concert. You then get their contact details to sort out the last bits.
Browse Chicago and Midwest acts, send free inquiries and book the one that fits your evening.
A few of the acts playing around Chicago.
List your space for free and touring artists apply to play your living room. You pick whoever you like the sound of, and you're never obliged to say yes - here is what hosting involves.
You would be joining people all over Europe who open their doors a few times a year and have turned their living room into somebody's favorite venue.
Some of the most recent spaces to join.
The choice can feel overwhelming. Don't worry - we'll help you.
Tell us the details of your concert and any particular wishes, and we'll do the rest.