Archivist
House concerts are gaining a lot of traction in the past few years, and for many music lovers, have become a staple in their concert going schedule. The venue creates a more intimate experience with the music.
This experience can be found right here in Bakersfield in the home of married couple Kirk and Jennifer Hockman.
“Our shows have been growing in attendance,” said Kirk Hockman. “Right now we have tried to limit the shows at our house to approximately 35 people.”
Once a month they invite people into their home to experience music in a unique under the name El Conquistador Music Experience with a wide variety of artists.
The Hockman’s began to put on house concerts in 2014 after they attended one in San Luis Obispo and saw Joe Fletcher perform.
When they saw Fletcher was coming back to California, but not Bakersfield, they contacted his booking agent. Fletcher was the one who introduced them to the idea of house concerts.
Fletcher played in their first house concert and will be returning for a second performance on Feb. 5.
“I have also been working with friends to have house concerts in their homes with us hosting,” said Kirk Hockman.
Currently they put on a show once a month, but in Nov. 2015 they were able to put on two shows: one in their home and one in the home of a friend. But they have more than just traveling artists that perform.
“We have also started having local musicians open for the traveling musicians, and we are looking at having a few Bakersfield local shows,” said Kirk Hockman.
Music Think Tank is a source for those looking for more information about attending house concerts. The site offers suggestions on putting on house concerts and the etiquette when attending, which includes donating to the performer since most house concerts are offered free of admission.
Concerts in Your Home can also be a source that offers information on hosts who are putting on house concerts locally. The website also provides hosts with a way to find performers who are looking to book house concerts.
To learn more about upcoming events and to get information on attending a house concert here in Bakersfield go to the Instagram or Facebook page El Conquistador Music Experience – Bakersfield House Concerts.
