“From Corelli to Cruzatte” – 2003 – Jeffrey Reynolds & Andrew Emlen

     Good friends, fabulous food, and memorable music are a combination hard to beat.  When it happens here at our house, it feels as though the stars are in perfect alignment and, for the last seven or eight years it’s been happening fairly regularly.
     Our involvement with this magical mix began when Nyel (rather naively as it turned out) asked a musician friend what he knew about house concerts.  “I know that they are my bread and butter,” was the reply.
     “How do they work?” we asked.  And so began an adventure that continues to be an important and delightful part of our lives.  We did a bit of research – even read a book about house concerts – and then worked out the ‘formula’ that seemed right for us and our friends:  Sunday afternoons about once a month, two sets of music with an intermission, potluck dinner afterwards, a donation for the musicians.  The intimate setting encourages easy interaction between audience and performers and everyone leaves with desire for more…especially the musicians.
     Over the years, the word has spread and our Oysterville House Concerts have become a popular venue.  We have had queries from musicians from as far away as Florida who would like to come here to perform.  Sometimes our isolation slows them down – it’s hard to travel such a long distance for a single gig.  Even so, we are already booked through next April!
    Getting audiences isn’t quite so easy.  There are many conflicting events here at the beach, even on Sundays.  And we don’t advertise.  We depend on email invitations and word-of-mouth among our friends.  Friends of friends are more than welcome – all it takes is a phone call or email contact to make a reservation.  Our next concert is May 23^rd and there is yet ‘space available.’