Most people go out to see their favorite musical acts perform on stage. The Carrick family brings the acts to their living room, literally, and they want to share the music with the community.
The Carrick family is hosting their own house concert on Jan 29, where their home becomes the stage for an intimate performance by Americana artists.
‘It’s kind of been around for a long time. It’s kind of a grass-roots approach to bringing music to people by bringing in touring musicians, local musicians,? Craig Carrick said. ‘A lot of times there’s not a venue for them to play, they’re looking for coffee shops, trying to steer away from the bars and nightclubs where there’s more of a concentration on the performance than all the other stuff that’s going on.?
Carrick said he experienced a house concert presented by the Paint Creek Folk Lore Society, and loved the experience so much he decided to try one himself.
‘It was awesome. You’re sitting up close and personal with these phenomenal artists and enjoying absolutely incredible music in somebody’s living room,? Carrick said. ‘You get a chance to mingle with the artists and depending on where they’re from, it might be your only opportunity to see them in the area.?
Starting the Carrick’s show is the country folk blues duo Stacey Earle and Mark Stuart. The married duo mix Earle’s twang and Stuart’s sympatico and are considered ‘Nashville-royalty? by some. The pair shared a stage with performers like Steve Earle, Willie Nelson, Richard Thompson and Gregg Brown.
‘They’re a heavy-duty touring band,? said Carrick. ‘They’re in Europe one week, Texas the next week, Ireland the next, you just never know. They’re all over the place, that’s what they do. To us it’s very exciting because they’re our favorite songwriters which is what we look for.?
The second act features John Latini, who has performed for over 25 years. Winner of the 2004 Metro Detroit Songwriting Contest, Latini plays multiple instruments and performed on the same stage as groups like Blues Traveler, Creedence Clearwater and Commander Cody.
‘We fell in love with his songs big time and we thought that was a perfect pair-up to Mark and Stacey,? Carrick said.
The event is the second time the Carrick family has hosted a house concert. Carrick said the first event took place in October and was very successful.
‘As a music lover, you’re turned on by it. You want to see that up-close and real personal connection with the artist,? Carrick said.
The concert begins at 4 p.m. Coffee, soft drinks and snacks are provided, but visitors are expected to bring any other food.
A $12 donation is requested to support the performing artists.
Space is limited and filling fast. Anyone interested in attending should RSVP by contacting Carrick at 248-394-0113.