Skip to main content

Does It Feel Strange to Invite Friends to Your Home and Ask Them to Make a Donation?

This article highlights why donations are an essential and well-accepted part of the CouchConcert experience

Updated over 3 months ago

It’s natural to feel a little uncertain about asking friends to make a donation when you’re inviting them into your home for a CouchConcert. However, this concern is one we’ve heard before, and we can confidently say that guests are typically not only receptive but often excited about the idea. Here’s why:

Hosting a CouchConcert isn’t about throwing a social gathering—it’s about creating a space to enjoy extraordinary live music in an intimate setting, where the connection to the artist and the music is deeply personal. The donation isn’t a ticket fee; it’s a direct way for your guests to support the musician, helping them earn a living wage for their craft.

Consider this: when musicians perform in restaurants or bars, they often get paid very little, while guests easily spend $100 or more on food and drinks. At a CouchConcert, guests are invited to contribute $20 directly to the artist. For an evening with 20 attendees, that’s $400–$500—a meaningful amount that can start to feel like a sustainable income if the musician can do this a few times a month.

The idea of house shows is not new, and CouchConcerts makes the process seamless by sending invitations that clearly explain the purpose of the event. Guests immediately understand that they’re contributing to the artist and coming to enjoy an intimate, one-of-a-kind performance—not just attending a party.

While it might feel a bit awkward the first time, our experience shows that people quickly embrace the concept. It also helps shift the mindset of your guests, letting them know they’re coming to a special listening event, not just a casual hangout. Plus, it raises awareness about the challenges many artists face in today’s music industry and gives your guests the chance to make a real difference.

By hosting a CouchConcert, you’re doing something powerful: you’re supporting live music, creating meaningful experiences, and helping extraordinary artists thrive. Your guests will likely leave not only inspired by the music but also grateful to have been part of something so impactful.

CouchConcerts Bring Communities Together—and Make a Difference

  1. A Unique and Unforgettable Experience

    • House concerts offer an intimate setting where the connection to the music and artist is deeply personal.

    • They’re often more comfortable and affordable than traditional venues, and as a host, you control the time and length of the show.

  2. Support Independent Artists

    • House concerts provide a meaningful stage for artists to perform, helping them earn a living wage and connect with appreciative audiences.

    • Unlike traditional gigs at bars or restaurants, house concerts offer a more sustainable financial model for musicians.

  3. Strengthen Community Bonds

    • Hosting a show brings friends, family, and neighbors together for a shared experience, creating deeper connections within your community.

    • These events encourage meaningful conversations and shared appreciation for the arts.

  4. Expose Your Community to the Arts

    • House concerts create opportunities for people to experience live music in a unique and focused way, fostering a greater appreciation for artistry.

    • Guests can engage with the artist, hear their stories, and enjoy a quieter, more immersive environment than traditional venues.

CouchConcerts make it easy to create unforgettable moments while empowering artists and enriching your community.

Did this answer your question?