At one time, it was very common that musicians would have "Rent Parties" (or House Parties) as a dual-purpose method of bringing attention to their work as well as generating an alternative income stream that would allow the rent and/or a few bills to be paid. I firmly believe that this concept needs to be reinvestigated and updated to fit the needs and requirements of modern artists. Given the overwhelming numbers of musicians in New York and any other metropolis, it is conceivable that rent parties, parlor parties or the idea of home concerts would serve as a viable alternative that would entertain, create momentum and to keep the bands tight and active.
A home concert allows the host to promote cultural events, work out a percentage split with the artists, serve food or light snacks, fulfill an obligation to developing musicians as well as the community, and is absolutely something to consider when legions of fully capable artists can not find venues that are receptive to their solicitations for bookings.
On some days it may even preferable to hear live music while sitting in a comfortable chair or sofa at someone's house or apartment, as opposed to the normals obstacles one faces when negotiating the cramped confines of even the most prestigious jazz clubs.
In fact, there's a lady in Harlem who holds regular (FREE) parties at her place every Sunday:
This is crucial in creating more performance opportunities for artists. With in home concerts, you have complete creative control of the material you present, and everyone in attendance has made an active decision to not only put themselves in that particular environment, but to be open to what the artist has to offer.
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