A recent article in the Houston Chronicle reported on a classical music house concert: http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ent/5906110.html

Our second scheduled house concert, on Sunday afternoon, March 30 turned into “twins.” Demand for reservations was so plentiful, that musicians (Rachel Alexander, Catherine Ellis and Alma Muxlow) graciously offered a second performance–that followed shortly after the first performance–with just enough time in between for them to grab a quick bite to eat. And what a time we had–their talent, their music filled the house and the hearts of all those attending.

And, I discovered one of the reasons I enjoy hosting house concerts: I also got to hear them rehearse the day before, as I prepared “trios of flavors” – tasty treats for audience members to enjoy during the concert.

Our inaugural house concert on Saturday, March 1, 2008, featured Barb Barton, celebrating the release of her CD, The River. She played cuts from this new all-instrumental album, plus shared selections from her upcoming CD (due for May, 2008 release).

“ONE WOMAN WITH ONE GUITAR and a boundless repertoire of songs about the lessons that life teaches us. Barb finds the common threads we all share and puts them into verse and music…”
Ten Percent

As a performer with a unique musical style, Barb imparts intimate wisdom, heart and courage into her songs and guitar playing. Offering songs with memorable melodies and lyrical stories, along with humor and tenderness, she transmits an ease to life and sense of independence that is contagious to her listeners.

In honor of her two-handed fingering style of playing, I treated the guests to an array of funky finger-foods to munch on during intermission.

[photos by Rob Tompkins]