Concerts and Events
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Updated as of:
May 12, 2023 |
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~Private Concerts~
~Private Concerts~
~Private
Concerts~
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"Hey!
Nice Place you got here. Mind if I play some tunes?"
You
may recall that this is how
I opened my At Your
House CD. I offered
that greeting, intending to
give you the feeling that I
was right there in your
living room. Well, there is
a better way to get that
feeling, and that's by
actually bringing me in to
perform At Your House. I've
played backyards in Orlando
and Vermont and Wyoming.
I've sang in a hundred year
old cabin on a rocky island
in Maine. I've played in a
wide open summer field in
Virginia and among the
flowers of a lush garden in
Beverly Hills. Just in the
last several months I
performed by a roaring fire
inside a winery tasting
room, and inside a family's
rustic suite overlooking
Snoqualmie Falls. I've loved
all those concerts, but
nothing is better really,
than just pulling
up a chair among a room full
of people sitting on pillows
and couches, strumming my
guitar and singing to you
right there in your own
living room.
People
bring me in to play for all
kinds of reasons and celebrations.
I played a wonderful house
warming in Oakland once, and
at a Christmas party in San
Francisco. Yes, there have
been a few weddings over the
years, and I even played a
divorce ceremony that was as
much a celebration as I've
ever seen at any wedding.
But most of the time, I
think my private concerts
have just been a case of the
person hosting wanted to
share my music with friends
and family. I can't think of
a higher honor and I've
never once played a private
concert without feeling
blessed and grateful to have
been invited into a
community of friends and
family I might never had
known about any other way.
I'm always open to hearing
what your vision is so that
I may try to find a way to
create something special for
you and your friends. Many
times, I offer to create a
special one-of-a-kind
compilation CD of songs for
you - sometimes, with a
photo for the cover that you
provide - and you may then
send it out with your
invitations. When the
concert is in someone's
honor, a birthday or
anniversary or retirement or
graduation, for instance,
this makes a really rare and
memorable gift. I usually
come early
or stay after to visit with
folks (if that is
appropriate for you) and I
always put my heart into
a performance that I hope
will be remembered fondly by
you and your friends for
years.
 My
fee is
flexible and can vary
depending upon several
factors; including the type
of show; how many are in
attendance; where and how
far I must travel; season
and date of event, night of
the week, etc. Though you
might think so, my price is
not necessarily less for a
smaller crowd. I put all the
heart and soul and energy
and effort into singing for
two people that I do for
200. In fact, I like to play
for as many folks as I can.
With those variables, my fee
usually averages
$6000-$8000, plus travel and
baggage costs and one or two
night's hotel if outside the
Seattle area. (in some
places I fly in a day early
to be cover any weather/
flight delays/
guitar-luggage losses
My fee is not solely for the
concert itself, but also for
the 2 - and sometimes 3 -
days that I must spend away
from home and traveling to
and from your city. I'm open to
considering any offer and to
hearing what you propose -
even including possible
barter or trade for a
portion of my fee. You never
know what is possible when
we get creative. I live my
life with that in mind. So
feel free to make an offer
and I'll let you know if I
can make it work. Email me your questions or
proposals at:
mt@michaeltomlinson.com
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Some notes on Private
Performances |
1. Atmosphere:
It's
important to me that I am able
to sing and tell stories in an
intimate way for you. So the way
you set up the space for the
show can really matter. It
doesn't have to be ornate or
large, just condusive to people
being able to pay attention and
hear. We should all be in one
room or area if possible, and
arranged comfortably enough that
we can relax for the show. |
2. Sound amplification:
If the concert is outside of
driving range from Seattle —
where I can bring my own amp —
and you have an audience of more
than 4 people, or if you're
choosing a larger room or
outdoor area, you may need to
borrow or rent a small sound
system or amp and microphone and
someone to operate it. I have
never once seen this become a
problem. You or I may know a
musician in the area who can
help us with any number of
solutions. If you do have to
rent something from a local
music store and don’t know how
to go about it, I can usually
help you communicate with them.
The cost can vary, but is
generally in the neighborhood of
$150-$300. |
3. Time
of concert:
This is
more important than you might
think. Of course, I will go with
your vision, any time you wish
me to play. But I can tell you
that a concert is best performed
when people are fresh and eager.
It's less effective to have me
perform after dinner or after
people have had a couple of
hours to drink. If dinner or
alcohol is a part of the event,
I highly recommend beginning the
concert early, before dinner and
before people have had more than
half an hour or so to imbibe. |
Let me tell you why this is a
better choice: At most private
concerts, everyone there is not
already a big fan of me and my
music. Of course, you love my
songs or you wouldn't be
creating this. But those songs
you love have not had years to
wear familiar grooves in the
minds and hearts of everyone
else. So they need me to really
actively give them a great
concert, telling stories that
interest or charm or create
laughter, and singing songs that
are rich and exciting and
moving. This works much better
with an audience that is fresh
and clear. This is why I usually
suggest that music comes before
too much partying. There is
always time for that afterwards,
and I will often stay a while
and enjoy the after concert
celebration myself. |
4. Choice of songs:
I'm open to your sending me a
list of five or six songs you'd
love for me to include in my
concert. Sometimes I can include
them all, other times there will
be only 2 or 3 of those that
will work for the performance.
There are many reasons that I do
or don't play certain songs.
Sometimes they are songs that do
not work as well solo. Sometimes
they are simply not as strong
performed live as other songs I
choose. And sometimes they
require a special guitar or
tuning that is not available to
me on the road. I do bring two
guitars, so I am able to play
songs from every era of my
recording career. |
5. Length of Concert:
Usually,
for private concerts, I play
between 75 and 90 minutes. I'm
not at all miserly about the
number of songs, I just have a
very good feel for how long to
play and what will leave the
most people happy and fulfilled,
rather than tired and wishing
I'd stop so the party could
begin. |
6. Travel and Accommodations:
Whatever our negotiated fee,
I'll also need you to provide a
round trip coach air fare to
your city - with baggage costs
(I check two guitars) - and one
night's accommodations in a
moderate hotel. For some
concerts, due to arrival times,
I am willing to fly in a day
early to be certain that I make
it in time for your show and if
guitars are lost (rare but we
can't take a chance) we will
have the next day for them to
catch up with us. I'll also need
you to arrange to have someone
pick me up at the airport
(unless we make other plans)
bring me to your house or venue
and back to my hotel, then to
the airport for my departure.
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7. Deposit:
Upon our
agreeing on a date for the
concert, I will hold that date
for you for a few days —
allowing you time to send me 1/2
of the payment in advance. Just
a regular ol' personal check is
fine. Then the concert will be
set and finalized — the
remainder of my fee to be paid
to me in cash the night of the
concert. |
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~Benefit Concerts~
~Benefit Concerts~
~Benefit
Concerts~
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 Since
my earliest years of
performing, I have done
benefit concerts for
causes and events that I
believe in. Every year I
have quite a few people
contact me to ask if
I'll do a concert for
their cause. I'm always
open to it, but there is
a lot that needs to be
done before I can know
that it's worth my time
and energy. Too often, I
have ended up
practically producing
the concert myself
because the person
organizing the event is
inexperienced or unable
to do all the things
that need to be done
surrounding a successful
benefit concert. Still,
there are many who
succeed at this. If you
believe in your cause
and are truly dedicated
and creative, there are
always ways to do it and
raise money and
awareness. Below are
some considerations if
you wish to have me
perform a benefit
concert.
1. You must play
an integral part in the
entire event:
It is not enough just
that you have always
supported this cause.
You must be familiar
with the inner workings
and the organization.
And it helps if you are
someone who is willing
to get out there and
create something unique
and successful.
2. Sponsorship:
Most often, artists are
asked to do a benefit
concert and it turns out
that we are the only
ones working for free.
The venue gets paid
rental money, the sound
and light man is paid.
The printer is paid for
posters, the insurance
company is paid. The
artist walks onstage and
plays for free.
 In
order to keep doing this
for a living, I have to
try to be sure that I
make some money at every
concert. I'm more than
willing for a great
cause and well organized
event, to lower my
price. I do it all the
time. But that usually
means that you will need
to find some sponsors.
This could be
individuals who will
cover my reduced fee and
travel costs, or maybe
you can find a company
or organization who will
cover this in order to
receive the attention of
the community. There are
many ways for this to
happen and I'm not
attached to any one way.
3. Community activity:
Can you get folks in the
community to come
together to make this a
success? While I'm often
a great choice because
of my music and style of
performing and because I
care about the
community, people may
not know me in the area.
That means that you have
to convince them that
they will be glad they
heard me and also
convince them that the
cause is worth it. Maybe
you organize volunteers
to sell tickets. It's a
wonderful way to make
that personal connection
with people who might
otherwise not hear of
the event.
4.
Before I can commit:
I
will need to know that
you have a strong vision
of what this event will
be, how you will market
it, and how it will
manifest. I would not
expect you to have it
all lined up. You have
to have an artist's
commitment before you
can go too far. But if
you are prepared and
ready to work at it,
there is a good chance
that we can do something
very successful
together.
Email me your questions
or proposals at:
mt@michaeltomlinson.com
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~ Past Shows ~ |
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Zoom
Concert
Celebrating Wintertime
and Christmastime
Sun-Dec 18,
5pm
(Pacific/Seattle)
Details
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Thanksgiving Concert
on
Zoom
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Writing the Wonders of
Your Mind
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A
Special Evening of Songs:
Still Believe
--and--
Face Up in the Rain
Sun-May 22, 2022, 5-7pm PDT
Live on
Zoom
Details |
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Zoom Concert for Ukraine
Sun-Apr 3
6:00pm
PST
(Seattle Time)
Your donation is
your free ticket
Details
Thank you
for your help! We sold out
and raised over $8,250.00 for
direct aid to Ukrainians!”
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Valentine's Concert
Sun-Feb 13
5:00pm
PST
(Seattle Time)
Tickets |
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A
Special Evening of Songs from
Run This Way Forever
Sun-Apr 12, 2021, 5-7pm PDT
Live on
Zoom
Details |
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Valentine's Concert for
Everyone - on Zoom
Sunday-February 14
4:00pm
@PST
(Seattle Time)
Details & Tickets |
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Zoom
Concert
Celebrating Wintertime
and Christmastime
Sun, Dec, 4pm PST
Details
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An
Evening of Songs & Stories
for Thanksgiving
Tue-Nov 24, 2020, 7pm PST
Buy Here |
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Gathering of Friends
Afternoon Retreat
Gloria
Dei Lutheran Church
Dana Point, CA
Sat-Nov
Nov 2, 2019
1pm -to- 5pm
Details |
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Michael Tomlinson in
Concert
Sunday,
Nov 3, 2019,
an early 7pm show
Details |
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Evening Concert
An Evening of Songs,
Stories & Laughter
West Seattle, WA
Sun-Oct 6, 2019
@
6pm
Details |
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New!
Meditation Gathering
"Raise
Your Vibration"
Seattle
Area
Sat-May 11, 2019
Details |
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A
Gathering of Friends
A One Day Retreat
Camp
Long
West
Seattle, WA
Sat-Oct
13,
Noon -to- 6pm
Details |
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Michael Tomlinson in
Concert
Sunday,
Nov 18, 2018, an early 7pm show
Details |
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Gathering of Friends
Afternoon Retreat
Gloria
Dei Lutheran Church
Dana Point, CA
Sat-Nov
17,
1pm -to- 5pm
Details |
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Bay Area Concert
Mountain View, CA
Sat-Aug 18,
2019
Details |
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Concert
in
Amarillo
Sat-Nov 4, 2017
Details |
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Gathering of
Friends
in
Amarillo
Sun-Nov 5, 2017
Details |
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Gathering for Writers
and those who wish to
write
Sat-June 24, 2017
Seattle Area
details |
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Michael Tomlinson in
Concert
Fri-June 30, 2017
San Diego Area
details |
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Evening Concert
An Evening of Hope &
Friendship
Sat-Mar 4, 2017
7:30pm West Seattle, WA |
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An Evening of Stories
Songs & Conversation
Saturday, Oct 22,
7:30pm West Seattle, WA |
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Michael Tomlinson in
Concert |
Sunday, Nov 6
7:00pm
(doors open at 5pm) |
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Greater Seattle Area - MT in Concert |
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Evening of Songs, Stories & Laughter
Auburn Ave Theater in Auburn, WA Sat - March
12, 2016
8pm |
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A Gathering of Friends
Carnation, WA
Sat.
June 27, 2015 @11am to 6pm |
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Michael Tomlinson in Concert
Gulfport, FL
Fri. May 1,
2015 @7pm |
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We Are All Creators
a One
Day Gathering of Friends
in
Carnation, WA
Sat-Apr 11, 2015,
11am - 6pm
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Michael Tomlinson in Concert
Swedish Cultural Cntr, Seattle
Sat. Mar
21, 2015
@7pm |
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A Rare Concert at
the Thumbnail Theater
Snohomish,WA
Sat. Jan
17, 2015
@7pm |
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Writer's Workshop
Sat Dec
6, 2014
10am-6pm Seattle Area |
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A
Very Intimate
Thanksgiving Concert
Sat Nov
22, 2014
6pm Seattle Area |
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A
Gathering of Friends
Full Day Retreat
in West Seattle
Sat-Oct 11. 2014
11am to 9pm
details
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2nd Annual Barn Concert
in
Carnation, WA
Sat-Sept
13, 2014,
6pm - sharp! |
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Denver Concert
An Evening of Songs, Stories &
Laughter
Denver,
CO Sat, March 22, 2014 |
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Concert
in Seattle Area
(Ballard)
Sunset Hill
Community Center
Sat-Mar 1, 2014 |
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Concert
Sat Jan
4,
2014
Traditions
-
Olympia,
WA
TICKETS
call
Traditions
at
360-705-2819
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~ Past Shows ~ |
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Sun, Nov 24, 2013
An Intimate Thanksgiving Concert
Highland Comm Cntr in
Bellevue, WATickets |
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Sat, Nov 16, 2013
7:30pm |
Thumbnail Theater
in Snohomish, WA |
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Michael Tomlinson
presents
Lyric & Songwriting
Workshop
Saturday, October 12, 2013
10am to 6:pm
Near Seattle
in the beautiful foothills
of the Cascades at
Carnation WA - 35 easy
minutes from Seattle
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~ Past Shows ~ |
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