These days, it’s not uncommon for singer-songwriters or contemporary folk musicians to play “house” or “living room” concerts to augment club gigs when out on the road. It’s become a viable way for musicians to reach fans, and creates an opportunity for music fans to be mini-promoters and patrons of the arts. For those in attendance, it’s a can’t-be-beat intimate experience with artists and composers.
Janis Ian, the legendary singer and songwriter of hits “Seventeen,” “Society’s Child” and “Jesse,” practically invented the living room concert. But she didn’t do it as a way to advance her career. Instead, she offered her fans the opportunity to have her play in their homes as a way to raise money for the Pearl Foundation, a non-profit organization named after Ian’s mother, that raises over $73,000 to fund college scholarships for returning students. Janis has only ever done living room concerts, in which donors offer up to five figures to have her play, to support the Pearl Foundation. It’s a special event, then, to have her graciously offer to do one right here in Studio A at NPT, on January 6, to support Nashville Public Television.
This special performance is open only to a limited number of people who pledge support to NPT at the “ticket” level during the broadcast of Janis Ian: Live at Grand Center on Tuesday, December 8 at 8:30 p.m. and re-broadcast on Thursday, December 10 at 10:30 p.m. on NPT-Channel 8. These special gift tickets can also be acquired by pledging your support on our web site at the form dedicated to the Janis Ian performance. From the NPT home page, you can also click the big red “Support NPT now!” box on the upper right corner.
The show on January 6 will start 6:30 p.m. and include a meet and greet with Ian, wine courtesy of Lipman Brothers and snacks courtesy of the Nashville Farmer’s Market. Ian will sign whatever you bring, and if you choose any additional Ian items as thank-you gifts when you pledge your support, you can pick them up at the show to also be signed. The doors will open at 6pm. It’s going to be a great night.
You’ll definitely want to tune in to the beautiful Live at Grand Center performance, where Ian performs the big aforementioned hits as well as “Days Like These,” “Light a Light,” “Through the Years,” and more. Plus, she’ll be in the studio with us during the membership drive breaks in the broadcast to talk about the Grand Center show, her career, and what fans can expect at the living room concert. She’ll even be asking for your requests!
Hope to see you on TV on Tuesday and/or Thursday night, and here at NPT on January 6.
