What we’re about
If you build it they will come…a South Bay network of house concert and small live music venues, and all us fans who love the up close and personal music experience. This site is for music lovers of all genres to check out what's happening on the San Francisco peninsula down to San Jose. The artist talent pool is amazing. Let's build the audience!
Never been to a house concert? You're in for a treat! Defined as "true listening environments", they are typically small gatherings in the privacy of a home or small stage. Usually 30-50 people. Occasionally, like if someone has a super cool back yard, it's easy to fit in more. Every host runs things a bit different. Typically, seating is provided. But you may be asked to bring a chair or a blanket. Typically it's BYOWhatever. But, there might be social time and/or a potluck.
Guests are asked to be very respectful of the house. Stick to the concert area, be clean and no smoking.
The artist reflects the flavor of the host, from classical to singer songwriter. Don't' worry if there are just a couple rsvp's. Most experienced hosts have cultivated a mailing list. This site is an adjunct to that and to help new house concert providers get started by establishing a shared pool of fans. The more house concert venues, the more fans, the more artists who get to share their amazing talents.
Want to become a host? It really is easy. But please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions. Here are a couple resources: http://www.americansongwriter.com/2014/02/songwriter-u-make-real-money-donation-based-house-concerts/ http://www.concertsinyourhome.com/CIYH_HouseConcertGuidex.pdf
PLEASE NOTE!!!! Seating is limited. You are not allowed to rsvp yes and then not show. No shows are a big deal. Attendance is taken. The reputation of this meet up will be one of dependability, as if you paid for your ticket in advance.
Upcoming events (2)
See all- Evie Ladin Band - Saratoga - 3 May - FULL - WAITLIST ONLYSaratoga Music Series, Saratoga, CA
Contact me (see below) if you want to be waitlisted for this show.
Come and enjoy an evening of music with the Bay Area’s own Evie Ladin band Saturday May 3rd at the opening concert for the 4th season Saratoga Music Series. This band throws down captivating, truly entertaining shows. Grounded in Appalachian old-time repertoire, seasoned in African-diaspora roots, writing from life in modern cities, blurring the lines between music and dance, the polyrhythmic heat of Evie’s clawhammer banjo, resonant voice, real stories, and rhythmic dance have been heard from A Prairie Home Companion to Hardly Strictly Bluegrass.
SUGGESTED DONATION $20-$30 CASH ONLY
DOORS AT 4:15 PM MUSIC AT 5 PM
Beverages and snacks/appetizers provided while supplies last
RSVP REQUIRED TO Mike at 1HiSierraMan@gmail.com Venue address and other details provided upon receipt of “YES” RSVP (subject to capacity) within 2 weeks of event.Not open - Michael McDermott @ The Fog(less)HouseThe Fog(less) House, San Mateo, CA
For nearly 20 years, singer-songwriter Michael McDermott buried himself in drugs and alcohol, and he surveys the toll his addiction took on his personal and professional life with remarkable candor. “I burned a lot of bridges and screwed things up pretty bad,” he states. “I’m not being hyperbolic when I say that it was just short of suicide by cop. I knew I had to stop, but it took a while for me to get the message.” He credits his wife and their young daughter, Rain, for finally pulling him through. “Seeing the way they look at you when you’re messed up – after a while you go, ‘I just can’t do this anymore. Something has to change.’ I’m so grateful I turned things around. I know it sounds cheesy, but I’m grateful for every day now. I try to lead a good life, and I’m making up for lost time. I’ve re-dedicated myself to making music I can be proud of.”
In 2024 Michael made the unprecedented move in today’s music world of short attention spans and released two full length albums on the same day. Companion pieces of work, they explore the duality of music, characterized by quiet introspection and power-driven proclamation. one acoustic and one electric At twenty new songs, this is an epic undertaking. Regardless of where you begin, you’ll quickly realize that neither set is easily branded as being necessarily loud or quiet. So many of these songs fall in the middle, a blend of both extremes.
Michael McDermott’s brand of rock n’ roll brims with the kind of well-honed style and wisdom that can only come from a career on the road and a pedigree in the studio. Effortlessly blending natural folk sensibility, pop hooks,and honest rock, McDermott’s music is as much for the outcast as the congregation. It’s an exploration of the dark corners of life’s journey and it resonates middle class truths through the passionate filter of a kid that grew up on Chicago’s Irish South Side.
"Michael McDermott is one of the best songwriters in the world and possibly the greatest undiscovered rock n roll talent of the last 20 years."
-Stephen King(yes, that Stephen King)
McDermott may well become one of his generation's greatest talents”
Washington Post
Berlin at Night
https://youtu.be/ceDVMWDmBSg
Shadow In the Window
https://youtu.be/d2IPPbpDLiM
A Wall I Must Climb
https://youtu.be/0W7GJxqoFQY?t=7
Pack the Car
https://youtu.be/0NArI05QpBU
City Winery Session - Sideways
https://youtu.be/Pk_EH-MC57M
TICKET LINK: https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/6637431
Remember, ALL proceeds go to the artistWHEN: Sunday, May 11, 2025
WHERE: The Fog(less)House, San Mateo
address will be provided with ticket purchaseDOORS: 2:00pm
MUSIC: 3:00pm
You are encouraged to bring a light snack or dessert to share and libation of your choice.
See you there!
-Steve & April
