2001 Season - 2000 Season - 1998 Season  - 1997 Season

"A couple of years ago, when I began increasing my own writing and performing, I found myself more  and more in the company of incredibly talented songwriters and performers, many of whom I had not heard of before I met them or quite by accident, heard them.  My initial reaction was to wonder how I could be in such ignorance of such talent, but the reality is that there are more artists out there doing this and fewer and fewer venues that are supporting the art itself. 

"There are probably many reasons why that is so and no doubt better forums for that kind of  discussion than here.  My issue was simply selfish: how could I put myself in a position that I could  hear more of what I love to hear?  And the idea for doing house concerts was born. 

"On a logical level it occurred to me that if I wanted to enjoy more of this kind of music than maybe there were others out there as well who might share that perspective. And in addition, since I loved doing house concerts myself, I figured I'd probably have a good base of other songwriter/performers who'd love the kind of intimate venue that a house concert provides. 

"I'm fortunate to live in a community that has a wonderful and nationally know folk venue (Bethlehem, PA's Godfrey Daniels). The artistic director, Dave Fry, does an incredible job of booking national acts that serve to attract people to folk music. Because of this long history, our community has a strong folk audience.  My house concert is just one more venue; noticeably different than a club. It's in my home, there's only 20 seats available and although the contribution requested is $10 a person, the goodies and beverages are free. 

"All of the money collected goes to the performer and helps support all of us who are struggling to keep performing as folk venues are drying up. So if you come to one of my house concerts, you may be coming to hear and see someone you'd never heard of before, but I'm betting you'll walk away having been entertained and perhaps even becoming a new fan.  And you have the additional pleasure of supporting this wonderful collection of talented artists.  So check it out and drop me an email if you want more information."

--Bonnie O'Donnell