Music Events

Welcome to the musical event FAQ page, this is always a work in progress so if you don’t see an answer to your question please e-mail me or post a question on this page. We host 2 different kind of events song circles (filk sings) and concerts.

Song Circles

These events are open sings–bring you, your ears, your instrument(s) and your voice, and join in the singing or just listen. This is an informal bardic circle, we aren’t very strict about it, we just like to play music and jam together.

Concerts

These events start out with a concert by a featured artist, concerts usually last about 1.5 hours plus an intermission. After the concert is over, we re-arrange the space and finish with a song circle.

Invitations

All of the musical events are open invitation. But RSVPs are strongly encouraged so that I can plan for seating space and snacks. Feel free to pass on information and invitations along with the RSVP request.

Common Questions

These answers are pretty much the same for both House Concerts and House sings.

Can I bring beer/wine to the concert?

You are welcome to bring any type of beverage that you would like, please make it clear whether or not it is for personal use or for sharing.

May I bring a friend? Can I bring a friend you have not met?

Please do – just remember to RSVP for them.

Is there are charge for concerts? How can I pay?

There is not a mandatory at the door charge, unless it is specifically advertised. But putting money in the hat is STRONGLY encouraged. The donations to the hat, and CD purchases are how the artist gets paid for this event.

Is there a donation pot for refreshments?

Donations for the food – or of food are welcome. There will be a basket available for that.

What parts of the house are off limits?

Parts of the house behind closed doors are generally off limits or just extremely messy. Please ask if you are in need of quiet or private space.

Is there somewhere quiet I can make a phone call / breast feed my baby?

There is generally space available, but if you know you are going to need this please contact us ahead of time so we can be sure to have the space ready for you.

Can I bring my child?

This is really up to you, you know your child better than I do. But I will ask you a few questions:

• How long can you child sit still and just listen or watch something?

• What do they do when they get bored?

• Will you be willing to remove your child and watch them else where in the house if they become disruptive? Or willing to take them home if needs be?

• Will you be able to recognize if you child is being disruptive to other guests?

Musical events tend to last for quite a while – Concerts about 1.5 hrs with a break in the middle, house sings will go as long as our endurance lasts. I think if you answer the questions above you will know whether or not you should bring your child to a musical event.

Can I get there by transit? How do I do that?

The Metra Union Pacific Northline does come all the way to Waukegan, A schedule can be found online at the Metrarail Website. If you are going to take the train up, let us know and we can arrange to have you picked up and dropped off at the train station for your return trip. We also might be able to help you arrange a carpool ride to or from the event.

Where should I park? Is there a charge for parking?

Parking is available on the street for free.

Is recording permitted?

That is up to the specific artist, please ask when you arrive.

Do you have a smoking policy?

Outside only. There is a back deck and a front yard.

Are there animals (or other common allergic triggers) in the household?

We are dog and cat free – but dust is a fairly common thing to find at our house.

Does your household have any concerns about types of food brought for refreshments (allergies, food philosophy (i.e. vegetarian/vegan), kashrut, etc)?

We don’t have any food allergies and have no qualms about just about anything food wise. If you are concerned you are welcome to bring an ingredients list for your item. Please ask about food items on the table if you have food allergies.

What limitations are there on refreshments that can be brought (needs reheated, needs plugged in, etc)

You are welcome to bring whatever you want – if you will need any special heating/appliance etc. please make arrangements ahead of time to make sure there won’t be any conflicts. We do have a microwave, an oven, and crock pots of various sizes.

How long in advance of the concert may I arrive? How long in advance should I arrive if I’d like a seat?

In general I would strongly recommend showing up no less than 1/2 hr before the concert start time, especially if you are bringing instruments that need to be stored. If you plan to come more than 1 hour before the beginning of the event please let me know.

What do I do if I’m arriving late?

Come in by the back or side door (side in the winter, back in the summer) quietly. Stow your instrument and wait until a break between songs to find a seat.

What door do I come in by?

If you come early you can come in through the front door – otherwise come through the back or side door.

Will anyone be offended if I work on a small quiet craft project during the concert (e.g. knitting/crochet/cross-stitch/hand sewing)?

I can’t speak for every artist, but in general small quiet crafting isn’t a problem. You are also welcome to listen to the concert from the adjacent dining room, if your craft requires a little more moving around. As long as your craft isn’t disruptive or offensive to the listeners or artists, then it is fine with me. Do remember that some concerts are well attended, and our house is not the largest.  Any project that takes up more than your lap-space could be an issue.

What should I bring?

I would suggest your instrument and music books if you need them at the very least. I might also suggest a music stand if you use music books. Capos, picks etc are also your responsibility.

I will generally supply some drinks and some food. A potluck item is also welcome. If you need some specific item or drink, please contact me ahead of time to discuss it.

Booking

If you are an artist interested in playing a concert, or if you have a good idea for someone that you think I could book in, please e-mail me at web@alyse.org.