Back in the last century, 1997, to be exact, perennially traveling troubadour, Annie Wenz, was passing through Philadelphia. A friend of Annie's in Massachusetts knew Barb Ginsberg in Devon from a folk music list serve, called Barb, and suggested she put together a house concert for Annie. Barb had never heard of a house concert, but it sounded like fun, so she called a few neighbors and friends from work and the series was born. Barb held another sporadic concert or two, when local folkie Ray Naylor contacted her and offerred to help. They decided on three rules for selecting artists: Firstly they must both really like their music. Secondly, the artists must have good rapport with the audience. Finally, they must be "really nice people" - someone we'd want to invite into our homes. They decided on the name "Musical Lairs" and began to offer more house concerts on a semi regular basis.
As the crowds got larger, a bigger venue was required, so Lee Bowers' home in Villanova was often used. The series prospered and grew until 2000, when Barb announced that she and her husband, Alan, were moving to Petaluma, CA. Ray decided not to continue the series and at the eleventh hour, Lee decided to take it on. Since then, the crowds have grown to as large as 100 at times, and even bigger living rooms have been found. There are now four people on the Main Line who regularly open their homes to host Musical Lairs concerts, and there are nine or ten concerts every year, usually the third Saturday of the month, except December, July, and August.
What is a House Concert, Anyway?
Simply put - it's live acoustic music in a private living room with an audience of friends, both new and old, and great food that everyone brings to share. The host provides beverages. The music is outstanding - these are very talented musicians. Most tour professionally, usually nationally, some even internationally.
They write their own music. They have CDs. They have great stories to tell. Lee books the talent and the venue, including her own home. She does this for FUN, for the joy of hearing live music in an intimate atmosphere, and to support independent artists. Every cent of your donation goes to the artist(s).
To be on the Musical Lairs mailing list (which we don't share with anyone), just e-mail Lee or call her at 610-520-0442.
Booking Policy
We prefer NOT to receive inquiries from artists regarding booking. We book only those artists we have seen perform in person. If we would like to have you perform in our concert series, we will initiate contact.
