Hello Friends! I've been performing at more house concerts lately. That's because I LIKE them! Why? Because I've met some great people at house concerts...people worth knowing. Someone once said, "you can't make new old friends" but I've made some "new old friends" this year at house concerts around the country...and I want to make some more! So, if you're reading this and wondering, what the heck is Kacey talking about, I hope you'll read on because a description of "How to Host a House Concert" is printed below. If you're planning a party, a celebration, or a reunion, here's how you can make it an unforgettable, unique event:
HOW TO HOST A HOUSE CONCERT WITH KACEY JONES IN YOUR HOME: A "house concert" is an invitation-only concert held in a private home, presented by a host who does not profit from the event. A house, a condo, an apartment, or community room/clubhouse are all common house concert "venues" (as opposed to a public venue such as a bar or coffeehouse). Each house concert is a collaboration between the artist, the host/presenter, and the host's friends, family, co-workers, and/or social group. If you enjoy my songs and humor, here's a chance to have even more fun watching your friends discover my "wit and wisdom" in the comfort of your own home...and your friends will thank you for the experience! Keep reading to see answers to questions you may have about hosting a house concert in your home:
HOW MANY PEOPLE SHOULD I INVITE TO THE HOUSE CONCERT? There are no 'regulations' for what constitutes the size of a house concert. Depending on the available space and the comfort zone of the host, house concerts vary in size from a dozen people in a small living room, to 30 people in a community clubhouse, to 50 people in a basement, or 250 people in a large backyard. 35 to 40 people in a medium-to-large-sized living room is about average.
WHAT ARE THE DUTIES OF A HOUSE CONCERT HOST? House concerts are usually BYOB and often involve a pot-luck dinner or light hors d'oeuvres. Your guests will be agreeable to this because, after all, as the host YOU are providing the party space AND the entertainer for the concert. You'll want to be sure there is adequate seating for your guests whether it means gathering all the chairs from around your house, renting folding chairs, or asking guests to bring lawn chairs, cushions, etc. There is usually 45-60 minutes between when the doors open and when the music starts. This allows for catching up with friends and enjoying food and beverages. The concert starts whenever a critical mass of folks are in attendance, at which point you tell your guests a little bit about me (typically read from my bio) and then the host (you) introduces the artist (me)!
THE CONCERT The music at a house concert is often acoustic; unplugged and unamplified. However, if the crowd is larger than 20 people, I may want to use a small PA system (which I will provide) to help supplement the natural acoustics of the room. I will perform two 45-minute sets with a short break in the middle (shorter or longer sets can be easily accommodated).
THE EXPERIENCE What makes a house concert so special? It's the intimacy between the artist and the audience. There is no vast separation dividing the two. Everyone is listening to the songs (and in my case, laughing a lot) and connecting with the stories behind the songs (some of the stories, I'm told, are as funny as the songs). And, of course, I offer the occasional ballad just to prove I can still bring a tear to your eye. It's an environment that is real, tangible and human...creating a sense of community, it is often inspiring and invigorating,
GETTING FOLKS TO SHOW UP Enthusiastic word of mouth is the most effective way to get people to come to a house concert that you are hosting. Share my CDs with your friends or send them to the "Downloads" page at www.KaceyJones.com where they can get some FREE downloads of my songs. Talk it up and urge your guests to visit my Facebook Fan page and Reverb Nation site where they can hear more of my music: www.facebook.com/kaceyjonesmusic and www.reverbnation.com/kaceyjones I will provide you promotional materials (photos, quotes, bio, etc.) to help you put together an enticing invitation to email to your friends, family, and co-workers. If you're excited, they'll get excited. It's my job to win them over once they arrive. It's your job to make them curious enough to give the house concert experience a try. Please note: it's important in the invitation and promotion process that your guests understand that this will be a house concert (where people LISTEN) not a house party that has some music going on in the background.
RSVPs It's a good idea to have an RSVP system in place to get an idea of how many folks to expect, especially if there's a second tier of people you'd like to invite. Some folks have started using www.Evite.com to track their guest list and it seems to be a pretty good system. Also, with your consent, I'll post the house concert date on my web site calendar page and will suggest that folks who are interested in attending contact you via email (or your preferred method of contact) for more details and to RSVP. That way, you maintain control over who you're opening your home to and how many people you're inviting in.
$$$ Money Money Money $$$ Typically, the host collects a suggested donation from their guests either at the door (upon entry) or during the break. The suggested amount ranges between $10 to $25 per person, with $12 or $15 being the average. If you are within two hours of Nashville, the donation amount is a decision that I will be happy to discuss with you (since you know your invitee list). It's best to be up front and clear about the donation from the start to avoid awkward moments or misunderstandings. If you state from the beginning, in the invitation you send, that money will be expected in a more formal way than just "passing the hat for gas money" then your guests will know what to expect. Placing a money basket at the door is a good idea and makes things less awkward. If I need to travel more than two hours in order to perform at your house concert, a guaranteed minimum will be required (the amount is negotiable depending on your location and whether or not I can drive there or need to catch a plane). In that case, a deposit will be required and honored by both parties with a simple 2-page written agreement). The donation money, plus the money I make selling CDs to the audience is what makes the experience a financial pleasure for me. :>)
Thank you for considering hosting a house concert featuring me, the lovely or talented, Kacey Jones. Need more info? Call toll-free: 1-615-321-0033 or email: IGOrecords@aol.com We can have a lot of FUN with this. I promise to put a smile on the faces of your guests who, in turn, will think YOU are brilliant for hosting the concert! It's a "win-win" for both of us....
"Kacey Jones' show at Pine Ridge House Concerts was great. She established an instant rapport with the audience and had us laughing, singing, and dancing. It was truly a pleasure hosting Kacey's concert."
~ Bryan and Wanda / Pine Ridge House Concert, Clinton, TN
"We had the pleasure of having Kacey Jones at our home for a house concert and it was so much fun. She is a true entertainer and everyone had a great time with her selection of songs. She had us laughing, with tears rolling down our face, and then she'd do a sentimental ballad. Her variety of songs shows off her incredible voice. We recommend having Kacey Jones for a house concert to anyone looking forward to a good time."
~ Karen and Dan Peterman / Nashville, TN
"If you're booking a House Concert, get Kacey Jones! We've hosted her several times in our home and always have a full house. There are lots of good musicians, vocalists, and comics, but it's hard to find one with all those qualities. Kacey Jones has them all. This incredible talent will leave your friends wanting more. We live in the Perdido Key/Orange Beach/Gulf Shores area, which is the home of The Frank Brown International Songwriters Festival. It is a magnet for great songwriters and musicians so the general population expects, and gets, above average entertainment on a regular basis. Kacey Jones is definitely one of the top draws in this area. In fact, she is legendary."
~ Larry & Gale Book /Perdido Key, FL
The Kacey Jones Laughter Wellness Songwriting Workshop
Kacey Jones has enjoyed a lifetime of success as a songwriter. As a former MCA recording artist and Curb recording artist, who now writes and records for her own nationally distributed record label, she’s entertained audiences worldwide with her laugh-out-loud original songs, and now she's sharing those skills with others in a creative, comfortable, supportive workshop atmosphere that allows imagination and talent to thrive. Created with the desire to bring this Workshop directly to resorts, retreats, community living venues and corporate groups, Kacey is "on a mission" to deliver the healing power of laughter through the process of writing a humorous song. The knowledge and talent that Kacey Jones has in the field of humorous songwriting is rare. Experience and enjoy The Kacey Jones Laughter-Wellness Songwriting Workshop and learn from a true Master of the craft. For details visit: www.kaceyjonessongwritingworkshop.com
ATTENTION TELEVISION, FILM and ADVERTISING MUSIC SUPERVISORS: Kacey Jones owns her sound recording Masters. We can provide instrumental tracks without the vocals on many songs. So, take a listen and then contact IGOrecords@aol.com to arrange for a synchronization license. Thank you.
Click here to find out which radio stations
in your area play Kacey's music
KACEY JONES and JESSE GOLDBERG Announce the Launch of their New Comedy Radio Show!
The first four episodes of The Goldberg & Jones Comedy Radio Show are now available for AirPlay Direct Radio Station Members to download at: www.airplaydirect.com/goldbergandjones (Note: fans and friends may STREAM the shows and listen at that same site). Each 30 minute episode is divided into approximate 15 minute segments for quick and easy downloading by radio station members. Jesse Goldberg and Kacey Jones profess to be "America's 17th and 9th funniest songwriters," as rated by the mysterious A.S.S. (Association of Silly Songwriters) ? Whether or not that's true (and we have our doubts) the two hosts are well-known, well-loved and well-respected in the world of original, intelligent, humorous music. The programs feature their own material along with songs by AirPlay Direct Artist Members such as Ray Stevens, Kinky Friedman, Steve Goodie, Brent Burns, and Bill Whyte, to name a few. The Goldberg & Jones Comedy Radio Show is available exclusively on AirPlay Direct. AirPlay Direct Artist Members may submit their FUNNY songs for consideration on future episodes by clicking the link below (please note: only songs by AirPlay Direct Artist members will be considered: http://airplaydirect.com/featured_opportunities?opportunity=231
Not an AirPlay Direct Artist member yet but would like to submit your songs for consideration for broadcast on The Goldberg & Jones Comedy Radio Show? Then go to www.airplaydirect.com right now and sign up! It's FREE! That's right, you can upload one song for FREE and for only $50.00 (a year) you can put up to 15 songs. AirPlay Direct has 6,500 radio station members worldwide. Make your music available to them now by joining AirPlay Direct. Kacey says, "AirPlay Direct is one of the best things to happen to recording artists in the last 5 years."
IGO Records is currently booking dates and accepting offers for Kacey's 2012 tour so, if you're a house concert presenter, or you have a corporate event, private party, festival, or club, and would like to book Kacey Jones, please contact us at: info@igorecords.com and we'll get back to you ASAP .
"Kacey Jones' show at Pine Ridge House Concerts was great.
She established an instant rapport with the audience and had us laughing, singing, and dancing. It was truly a pleasure hosting Kacey's concert." ~Bryan and Wanda / Pine Ridge House Concert, Clinton, TN
You can now download a variety of tracks from Kacey's many albums, including tracks from "Donald Trump's Hair" for FREE right here at this site. Why? We'll let Kacey answer that question: "Because I want you to have a little taste of what this redhead has to offer. It's like this: I was strolling through the produce department recently and I saw some apples that looked delicious but they were $2.99 a pound. Yikes! That's more than I THOUGHT I was willing to pay BUT...they had some free samples of those delicious apples and after tasting them...I bought THREE pounds. Yum, Yum! Am I comparing apples to music here? You betcha! Is there a catch? Nope, but when you go to my new free DOWNLOADS page, thank you for giving me for your email address, city and state so that I can send you a personal invite when I'm touring in your area.
"Lie To Me Darlin' Video
Here's Kacey's video, "Lie To Me Darlin'" from her album Kacey Jones Sings Mickey Newbury. The video features Kacey, Waylon Payne (from "Walk The Line"), and Sarah Parish. It is directed by Stacy Dean Campbell. For more information and the latest reviews, please visit: www.KaceyJonesSingsMickeyNewbury.com
Kacey Jones & Billy Joe Shaver @ The Broken Spoke in Austin, TX
Kacey & Garrison Keillor on A Prairie Home Companion
Kacey Jones & Kinky Friedman
Never Wear Panties to a Party!
But if you must here's the ones to wear! These stylin new 100% cotton panties come in pink or black and are printed on the front and back with the titles of Kacey's cheekiest hit song titles!
See merchandise page for more info!
Kacey Jones
Every Man I Love Is Either Married, Gay or Dead . . . LIVE
Look for a copy at a music store near you or order from our site.
Every Man I Love is Either Married Gay or Dead – LIVE
There is no comparison for Kacey Jones. Funny, cutting, quick as a whip Kacey Jones clearly has a close rapport with her audience and even riffs with them a bit on this CD . Sound quality is a big deal with recordings and notoriously uneven for live events, such is not the case for this CD. The sound is as clear as if it was made in one flawless take recorded live at the Bluebird Cafe in Nashville.
Jones’s eclectic musical sense of humor is punctuated on this CD by her short stand-up bits which serve as introductions to the humorous songs. As with many musical humorists (Borge, Stafford, Miller) the musical element of the songs on this CD often takes a backseat to the humor or lyrical elements, but there are times when Kacey Jones reveals she really knows her way around a fingerboard.
The title of the CD is a tip off that men are a focal point of quite a bit of the humor on this CD. There is gentleness to the jabs that fall on the male ego but Jones’ edge cuts both ways. Her rapier finds its mark in the swath of female insecurities and foibles about men with the same precise and easy sense of fun she uses to skewer men. Tracks like Why Can’t They Send ‘Em All and Waitin’ For The Guy to Die are as good hearted as they are good natured fun.
One of the hallmarks of a good live album is that the artist makes the efforts to include nothing but crowd pleasing tracks. Kacey Jones has gone out of her way to make that effort here. Songs from “The Sweet Potato Queens' Big~Ass Box of Music”, “Men Are Some of My Favorite People” and of course “Every Man I Love is Either Married, Gay, or Dead” and a generous helping of good segue bits and great timing make this a strong CD from the first track to the twenty-third. Yes there are twenty five tracks – those last three are just repeats of early tracks, but studio cuts – one supposes for radio play. There is no weak link on this CD it would be a great addition to any comedy collection.
Every Man I Love Is Either Married, Gay or Dead -- LIVE Kacey Jones IGO Records
January 2005
The first time I reviewed a Kacey Jones album was way back in 2000 and it just happened to be Every Man I Love Is Either Married, Gay, or Dead, the original version. That was my first encounter with the original twisted humor from this bizarre, talented, irreverent singer songwriter. It's obvious in listening to this offering that she has not sought out professional psychiatric help or changed her point of view on life, living or loving, thank goodness.
Recorded live in front of a sold-out crowd at the Bluebird Cafe in Nashville, it's crammed full of one-liners, hilarious standup and, of course, the rousing live versions of songs like "I'm Down to My Christmas Underwear," "Waitin' for the Guy to Die," "Put the Seat Back Down," "I Could Get Over Him" and "Dressin Up for the Pizza Man," one of my favorites. It's been a highly successful last couple of years for Jones who is the official songstress for The Sweet Potato Queens, a national organization with 5,000 chapters and over 50,000 members born out of three best-selling books by Jill Conner Browne who was also in the audience at the Bluebird.
Jones is literally everywhere, from Garrison Keillor's Prairie Home Companion to guest spots on WSM radio in Nashville, you never know where or when she will pop up. One thing is for certain, though, you'll hear some of the most honest, down and dirty, highly humorous and just slightly bent material you've ever heard. It's like a sexy boxing match between men and women, and Jones wins by a knockout. She also happens to be one of the sweetest, down to earth and genuinely charming persons I have ever met, and she deserves every bit of the success that has come her way. It's live, it's funny, it's great, it's Kacey Jones at her finest.
February 21, 2005
Kacey Jones - Every Man I Love Is Either Married, Gay or Dead . . . Live! ( IGO Records)
From the opening monologue, where Kacey says that she should now be known by her new Moslem name Seldom Bin Laid to the plea to toilet train men in Put The Seat Back Down, this is a bundle of laughs. Men do come in for a fair amount of criticism but it's all in good fun and shouldn't be taken too seriously. The best way that I can describe Kacey is that she's a Country Victoria Wood. Cutting humour and a genuine rapport with the audience makes Kacey Jones a force to be reckoned with. She fills the spaces between the songs with what she calls bits and sometimes these are funnier than the songs.
Her ex-husband Bubba comes in for some particular attention on the Bubba bit and 1-900-Bubba and she's not adverse to make fun of herself with stories such as the one where she says that her doctor told her that she had furniture disease – that's where your chest falls into your drawers. She can be a bit risqué but never steps over the line. Song titles such as Waitin' For The Guy To Die and I'm Down To My Christmas Underwear will give you an idea of her humour. The first is her Anna Nicole Smith song (married an old guy for money) and the other is about having no clean underwear and having to wear the novelty Christmas pants (complete with antlers!!).
This is Kacey's first live solo album and this is her medium. Bring on some more!
ASSOCIATED PRESS - 12/06/04
KACEY JONES: "I'M DOWN TO MY CHRISTMAS UNDERWEAR" RAISES 12-HUNDRED DOLLARS FOR COOK CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL
FORT WORTH (AP) -- Kacey Jones' single "I'm Down To My Christmas Underwear" may be a jokey holiday song, but it's already raised some 12-hundred dollars for Cook Children's Hospital in Fort Worth. Jones and her friend Peggy Bradley wrote a song about how far behind they were in doing their laundry -- how they were down to wearing that red gift pair of undies in the very back of the drawer. But when X-M show host Bill Mack heard the song, he jokingly asked Jones whether she had a pair to auction for charity. Mack's nationwide audience of truckers responded generously, with some bidders calling back to say they'd send in their pledges even though they didn't win. In Nashville, Jones says that it's a little strange to be Fed Ex'ing autographed undies to a stranger, but it is for a good cause. She laughs, "I don't think you'd expect Martina McBride to be autographing panties and sending them to Bill Mack -- probably because she has more class than I do." Nonetheless, Jones says they did so much good for a good cause that she may next auction off a pair in Huntsville, Alabama.
by Natalie Windsor
Kacey Jones Every Man I Love Is Either Married, Gay or Dead . . . LIVE
Kacey's live CD, recorded at the
Bluebird Cafe
in Nashville, is available.
Kacey's first ever live solo album has 26 tracks, 74 minutes of comedy and music, old favorites as well as 5 brand new songs! All that for only $12.95! Order now to get your autographed copy!
"I've recorded many live albums but never one like this. No words can adequately describe the manner in which Kacey dominated the room that night. Everyone was caught up in the moment, forgetting the "real world" just outside the door. It's important to note that the amazing crowd response you hear on this disc is authentic. There's been no augumenting of applause and laughter. This album proves that a great entertainer needs no more than an acoustic guitar and a microphone to produce magic."
- Vaughn R. Skow, Co-Producer
click here to order
(NOTE: This is the Live CD, not to be confused with the previous studio album by the same name.)
May 1st, 2004 -Kacey joins
Garrison Keillor for a duet of "King of the Road" during
A Prairie Home Companion at the Ryman
(Photo: Kelly Schaub)
Kacey & Alison Krauss
share a moment together backstage at The Ryman Auditorium during
their performance on "A Prairie Home Companion" 5/1/04
New tour dates just added!
Check out Kacey's calendar to find
out if she's coming to a city near you!
"The Sweet Potato Queens' Big~Ass Box of Music" contains
all your favorite SPQ songs (a veritable SPQ Greatest Hits package)
PLUS five New-never-before released songs available ONLY in this
collection.
"The Sweet Potato Queens' Big~Ass Box of Music" Track Listing:
1. Well-Behaved Women Rarely Make History
2. How Do You Like These
Babies Now? - (Mp3 Version)- New!
3. Lolling in the Tub
4. How Far Can We Go Crazy?
5. I Could Get Over Him (if I could get under you) - New!
6. Oh, Holy Smoke - (Mp3 Version)- New!
7. Never Wear Panties to a Party
8. This Dress
9. Gimme A Younger Man
10. Be Particular
11. Never Give 'em Any
12. Show Up Naked, Bring Beer
13. I Don't Want Someone Like You
14. Women Are The Rhythm Of The World
15. Here's Lookin' at You, Naked
16. We All Need To Get Laid
17. I Wanna Be A Sweet Potato Queen
18. Give Me The Chance
19. The SPQ Parade Anthem
20. Never Give 'em Any (Bonus Version!)
21. Lolling In The Tub (Bonus Version!)
Available Exclusively
Online!
"Carryin' My Gun With Me"
Kacey's fantastic, sarcastic, irrevrent tribute to the
Great White Hunter and the Grand Opening of
Hunting Season, as heard on the Charlie & Darcy
Morning Show (ABC Radio Network). Available on CD
or cassette for $4.95 (plus $2.50 s & h).
The perfect gift for your favorite happy hunter...
get 'em while they're HOT!
Kacey Jones has three original
songs in the soundtrack of the film, "Sordid
Lives", which recently won the award for "Best
Soundtrack" at 'Outfest' in Los Angeles. The film stars
Beau Bridges, Olivia Newton-John, Delta Burke, Bonnie Bedalia,
and
Leslie Jordan and was released in New York, Dallas,
& Los Angeles on May 11, 2001.
Remembering A Legend
What was once a rally cry is now a tribute...
"Till Dale Earnhardt Wins Cup #8"
by Kacey Jones
Proceeds will be donated to:
Foundation for the Carolinas
*In Honor of Dale Earnhardt
(please add above to check)
P.O. Box 34769
Charlotte, NC 28234
Kacey is the Producer of "Pearls
in the Snow, The Songs of Kinky Friedman." The album hit
#1 on the Americana chart in July, 1999 and features critically
acclaimed performances by Willie Nelson, Dwight Yoakam, Lyle
Lovett, Tom Waits, Delbert McClinton, Guy Clark, Asleep At The
Wheel, Marty Stuart, Billy Swan, The Geezinslaws, Tompall Glaser,
Chuck E. Weiss, a reunion of Kinky Friedman & The Texas Jewboys,
plus a duet featuring Kinky and Kacey on the song, "Marilyn
and Joe". If you appreciate excellent songwriting, you're
in for a treat with this album!
You can find out more about this album & other great music
at: www.kinkajourecords.com
New Book!
"Could It Be Any Hotter in Here?"
by Rachel Gladstone Nemuth Click here for details
Kacey has a new
Yahoo! Club &
everyone is invited to join (it's free)!
Simply click on the web address below to
become a member:
Wellness Songwriting Workshop
