For almost a decade, a backyard music venue called Listen Up! House Concerts has hosted talented musicians from across the country in Chico and offers a truly intimate experience.
Mark Johnson, and his wife Claire, have welcomed musicians from all walks of life into their home since 2017.
Mark spoke with NSPR saying the concept originated from the couple’s appreciation for live music and their dissatisfaction with seeing shows that often had loud environments.
"They play under these beautiful redwood trees that we have in the corner of our yard."- Mark Johnson, Listen Up! House Concerts creator
“We'd find ourselves at bars trying to listen to people who are pouring their hearts and souls out into the microphone, and all the people around us are having these meaningless to us conversations,” Johnson said. “We always felt like we were getting kind of the short end of the stick.”
Inspired by an experience provided by a friend who once organized house concerts throughout the Bay Area, the Johnsons first launched a Facebook group. Its goals included connecting property owners with opportunities to host house concerts, guided music lovers to events and provided musicians with intimate performance settings.
They also embarked on an ambitious project to transform their backyard into an open-air venue where artists could showcase their talents.
“They play under these beautiful redwood trees that we have in the corner of our yard, and then people gather around in front of that area,” Johnson said.
Lessons learned along the way
Johnson looks back on the first year as a guidebook on how to host music events from home.
“It wasn't too chaotic, but it was fun, and there was a lot to learn,” Johnson said.
Johnson said the weather unpredictability and significantly impacted their schedule. Mainly due to the sometimes extreme heat and wildfire season, it can derail plans.
“It’s just so unpredictable in terms of heat and smoke,” Johnson said.
He also said the COVID-19 pandemic era also provided challenges, including providing entertainment from a distance and having to scrap potluck food. But he said it was also rewarding.
“That was kind of neat because we were able to give people a place to see music where they weren't able to go out and see music at that time necessarily,” Johnson said.
Johnson’s home concert experience
The process is straightforward. They have a roster of talented solo artists, duos or bands who perform, drawing an average of 50 to 100 attendees per show.
Those wanting to attend a show sign up for their guest list, which has around 800 people on it.
"I've always just been in awe of folks ... who have the guts and the determination to put themselves out there and share their feelings and their thoughts and their stories with people."- Mark Johnson, Listen Up! House Concerts creator
“We send you an automatic reply that gives you the address of our home,” Johnson said.
The concerts operate on a donation-based model with all proceeds directly benefiting the performing artists.
“We have a bucket on the bar, and it's donation-based,” Johnson said. “Typically, we recommend 20 bucks a person, and that allows the artist to make a decent amount of money.”
Johnson emphasizes that their motivation is solely a passion for music and fostering community, not financial gain.
“I don't have any musical talent whatsoever, but I've always just been in awe of folks who do and who have the guts and the determination to put themselves out there and share their feelings and their thoughts and their stories with people,” Johnson said. “So I felt like they needed a place where they'd be respected and listened to.”
Many attendees bring their own blankets or low-back chairs for comfort, though seating is provided. They’re also able to bring their beverage of choice.
Even having his own backyard venue, Johnson said he still encourages residents to still get out and watch local talent and support the city’s music scene. He hopes that those who do, take time to listen when they’re there.
“I would really love it if people, when they're out seeing music, they step back and think about the person up there that's actually playing for them and sharing their soul and their stories, and maybe concentrate more on them,” Johnson said.
