If you choose the act first, then you'll need to collaborate with them to choose a date that works with their touring schedule. 

However, if you plan on hosting house concerts on a regular basis, it can be helpful to choose a consistent schedule that makes it easier to plan and build a strong repeat audience. For example, hosting events on the first thursday of every month, except for the winter months. That would give you 8 or 9 shows per year.

Consider:

Doing weekend shows (Saturdays are very popular) makes it easier to draw a larger crowd, and avoid having to pull things together quickly at the end of a long day at work. However, choosing other times (Sunday afternoon, thursday evenings) can give you a great edge for capturing amazing talent when they tour through your area. You will be astonished at the caliber of artists who would be grateful to fill a thursday night show for a modest crowd and a free place to stay. 

Options: 

1. Find the artists you most want to play, and look at their touring schedules to see when they would most likely be willing to play in your home. Email them with potential dates that would also work for you. 
2. Join the "weekend circuits" program at CIYH, and we'll help you tie in your concert dates with other hosts in your region. 
3. Do both!

Tip: 

Be aware of local events and celebrations in your area that could interfere with the audience turnout of your event. Sporting events (especially playoffs) can wreak havoc on concert attendance. It's also very challenging to keep a concert/listening atmosphere if you combine your house concerts with birthday celebrations. It's best (at least until you have an established audience) to keep it about the music. 

Change your mind anytime:

These are guidelines, and there's nothing wrong with trying different methods at different times. It's your house concert series… do it the way you want!

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