Information for Guests
Some things you should know before you RSVP.
Reservations:
Please don't RSVP just so that you have a back up plan for something to do. We take your RSVP seriously. If you say you'll be here, you really need to show up.
When you RSVP it means you have reserved a space that then is no longer available to anyone else. When I reach my limit of reservations, I have to turn people away.
Nothing bums me out more than having to tell people that they cannot come, and then having 7 people not show up. Those seven people have wasted a space that could have been used by someone who really wanted to be here. If the same people continue to reserve spots and not show and don't cancel, they will not be invited back.
It's not fair to the waitlisters and it's not fair to the performers who are relying on your donations to get to them to the next town. Not to mention the fact that we have “held” shows (started late) waiting for someone who RSVPed and swore they would be here, but who ultimately never showed.
I understand that things come up. In that case I need a phone call AS SOON as you know you won't be here. This way I can get a hold of someone who is on the waiting list and let him or her know they can have your reservation. This makes them very happy!
The Animals:
We have dogs. 3 large dogs. They are very friendly but they are a bit bouncy and they do shed. We also have a cat but you'll probably only see him a little. We DO vacuum the day of the show and we live in an old house, which has hardwood floors so there isn't as much pet hair as you might find in a house with wall-to-wall carpeting. But if you have severe allergies to pets this may not work for you.
The Show:
Performances generally start at 8pm. They usually run 1 ½-2 hours with a short break between performers. Then when the music is done, we have a little meet-and-greet with the artists. This is the time to purchase CDs, T-shirts, get stuff signed, tell the artist how great they were etc.
Cameras are allowed, encouraged even. Unless the artist tells me ‘no photos' (which hasn't happened yet) they will be permitted.
Smoking is not permitted in the house but we have a porch on which you can smoke.
This is a completely not-for-profit labor of love. We do this in support of the artists and because we like the intimate setting. We think you will too!
House Rules
These are all common sense and every one of them has to do with being considerate to others which you would think is no-brainer (I mean we're all grown ups, right?),but the reason I have to state these is that EVERY single one of these rules is in existence because one or more people did just the opposite.
Please be here on time. This is not a bar, this is not a club…this is a private home. Therefore the artist is literally playing IN MY LIVING ROOM. While it has a foyer area, when someone comes through the door it disrupts the whole room. The artist (as well as everyone else in the room) can see and hear you. If you have to arrive late (and I strongly believe if you can't be here on time, this isn't for you) then please go around to the back door and sneak in as quietly as you can. The same goes for leaving early. If you have to, and I understand this happens, please do so in between songs and as quietly as you can.
Please keep the talking to a minimum. We always record the show (for our own purposes, and to give a copy to the artists, not to sell) and if someone is talking, laughing (not when everyone else is) or otherwise being disruptive it shows up on the recording and in some cases, has ruined it. Be considerate. Feel free to converse with the artist if they are asking you to, just don't be overly chatty with your seat mate.
Please donate to the artists so that we can keep doing these. I cannot legally sell tickets for these but I do ask you to put in a donation that goes directly to the artist. Everyone pays this, even us, even though we also usually supply the artists with dinner and a place to stay. It's only fair. We've been very lucky with this, we've only had one instance where someone didn't pay (and yes, we all know who you are!). Some folks have even put in extra…and yes I know who you are too… :) and we thank you!
We also supply to you a little food and non-alcoholic beverages. If you would like to donate a little to that we would be grateful, but it is not necessary. On the other hand, if you would like to drink beer, wine, etc. you'll need to bring your own. If you did not bring your own, please don't take any. It sucks when you bring a six-pack of your favorite beverage and someone else drinks it.
Again, these are all common sense and if you are a considerate person you don't need me to tell you these things, but unfortunately some people have taken advantage of the situation and have forced me to put these on paper. I started these shows not having any rules at all, but alas…
I really just want everyone to have a good time!
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