Last year, I taught for the first time at the NW Songwriter Soiree Winter Retreat and this year I get to do it again + help co-facilitate with Robin Jackson. This year it's taking place on the Oregon coast, January 15-18, which I'm very excited about. Essentially this retreat includes 4 days of songwriting and creative workshops, open mics, yoga, amazing food, nature and time with awesome teachers and mentors. Check it out!
Grupo Masato is a multi-ethnic Portland-based band that plays highly irresistible danceable music from Latin America! A powerful combinations of Chicha, Cumbia and Afro Peruvian music that invites all ages to meet on the dance floor and celebrate our diversity. Chicha music grew out of the Andean music in Peru mixed with Cumbia rhythms from Colombia, and were transformed and reinterpreted by electric guitars, Fender spring reverb amplifiers, complex African based percussions and the discovery of psychedelic rock. Grupo Masato explores and celebrates this diverse music with a powerful show that will make you want to dance. Grupo Masato’s music is as intoxicating as the beverage it's named after, a powerful liquor from the Amazon jungle in South America, made out of fermented yucca.
I get to play timbales, other percussion, and sing with Grupo Masato!
House concerts are one of the most magical settings to share music.
If you're interested in hosting, I'm here to help make it as easy, streamlined, and fun for you as possible! Below I answer some initial questions and have provided a clear, detailed guide covering all the rest.
WHAT EXACTLY IS A HOUSE CONCERT?
A house concert is a gathering of friends in your living room, on your deck, in your garden or backyard, with live music, often food, drinks, and conversation. You don’t need a large living room or backyard, just a welcoming space where people can come together. The average house concert has 20-40 people and is purposefully more intimate. The focus is on listening and connecting more deeply with the music and the people sharing the experience of it.
I'm glad you asked! Your first step will be to get in touch with me and we'll establish a date and event logistics. I'll then provide you with ticketing links and / or promo. At that point, it's time to invite, invite, invite! The day of the event I'll arrive early to set up, relax, and maybe share a meal with you. Just like that, we'll have a beautiful evening of music in your home!
I will perform solo, possibly with a guest or two, or possibly with a small acoustic band. I have a unique approach to performing in that I like to invite a lot of audience participation in the form of singing, rhythm-making, and movement. I'll tell stories and perform with a few different instruments to keep the night interesting, but the overall feel will be intimate and heartfelt. It is possible that by the end of the night, people will be ready to get up and dance. That is totally awesome and welcome!
Why yes, in fact! If it interests you and your community, we can set up a workshop in conjunction with the house concert! In addition to being a performing singer-songwriter, I'm also a teaching artist and music facilitator. I primarily teach hand drumming, but can also lead song circles. This can happen earlier in the day before the performance or the next day. If you'd like to set up a workshop or song circle, just let me know! We’ll make a plan together and tie it in with house concert promotion.
Check out this helpful guide that lays out all the details clearly and offers options to customize your house concert event to your liking!
Contact me expressing interest in hosting a house concert and include potential dates!
