The Swabian metropolis and live music? Many people think of Daimler and industrious house builders rather than a vibrant music and creative scene when they think of Stuttgart. But Stuttgart and its surroundings have produced quite a few well-known bands: Die Fantastischen Vier and Massive Töne have their home in the valley, and Cro also originally comes from nearby Mutlangen.
Find artists in StuttgartStuttgart is where German hip-hop actually started. Die Fantastischen Vier, Freundeskreis and Massive Töne all came out of this city and its suburbs, and that scene left behind a strong habit of making music without waiting for permission. The Kessel - the basin the city sits in - concentrates everything into a small area, and the Wagenhallen complex has grown into one of the more interesting arts spaces in southern Germany. The state opera and ballet keep the classical side equally serious.
The city's institutions punch well above its size. The Staatsoper has taken German opera house of the year more often than any other house, the Stuttgart Ballet built an international reputation under John Cranko, and the SWR keeps a full symphony orchestra here. At the other end of the scale Jazzopen fills the squares each summer and the Bix works the small-room end all year. With a conservatoire on top of that, there are always more trained players in town than there are stages for them.
The geography that makes Stuttgart awkward to build in makes it excellent for house concerts. Hillside houses come with terraces, gardens and views, and a summer concert on a Stuttgart terrace is hard to beat. Indoors, the city's older apartments have the proportions a singer-songwriter or a small acoustic group needs, and the local scene is deep enough that you will find the right act without looking far.
Stuttgart's geography pushes people together rather than apart. The Stäffele - the stairways climbing the valley sides - and the vineyards inside the city limits mean neighbourhoods sit in pockets instead of sprawling, and music on a terrace carries surprisingly well across a slope. Hosts in Degerloch, Heslach and the west of the city tend to know their neighbours, which matters more than square metres: thirty people who all live ten minutes away fill a room quickly.
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 Stuttgart 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 hillside terrace, a garden or an older apartment. 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 enquiries 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 Stuttgart and regional acts, send free enquiries and book the one that fits your evening.
A few of the acts playing around Stuttgart.
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 favourite 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.