Creating New Spaces for Art & Culture; the grassroots phenomenon of the House Concert comes to Suffolk County:

Sonic Underground Presents a House Concert at The Setauket Neighborhood House, Saturday, May 1, 2004. Doors open at 8:00pm. Tickets are $20.00 a portion of which will be donated to The Setauket Neighborhood House. For more information, to purchase tickets, or to volunteer to become a Table Host and receive a free ticket: www.MarciGeller.com or call: 631-689-7992.

March 25 2004--On May 1, 2004 something special will occur in East Setauket. Internationally acclaimed recording artist Marci Geller in conjunction with Sonic Underground (the company she co-owns with Manager Gian DiMauro) will transform the Grand Ballroom of the Setauket Neighborhood House into a House Concert. The offerings for the evening include a concert by Marci Geller, a special guest appearance by singer/songwriter Terry Winchell, complimentary wine and a coffee/dessert reception after the show. The idea is to bring people of the community together, to socialize, to celebrate and to expose them to new sounds all in a warm and inviting environment, explains Geller. Its a collaborative effort in that participants are encouraged (but not required) to bring something yummy to share for the reception after the show. Weve recruited friends and family to pitch in and optimally, Id like to see it successful enough to turn into a series to include other artists.

Another unique element Geller is incorporating into the House Concert is the recruiting of Table Hosts in order to give attendees an opportunity to get more involved and be instrumental in the success of the event. Table Hosts will be asked to pre-sell a table of 10 including themselves. They will have the option to enter the premises a half hour before the official door opening in order to decorate their table in a theme of their choice. In exchange for their involvement, the Table Host will receive a complimentary ticket to the show. We already have a bunch of people excited about the Table Host idea, Geller shares. Im not allowed to divulge their table themes to anyone, but theyre coming up with some amazingly, creative ideas!
When asked what prompted Geller to venture into the production of a House Concert she explains, I knew it was time to start thinking outside the box when my agent called me about a bar in Ohio that was interested in booking me. Their main concern was; How much beer do you think the band will sell? I have nothing against beer or the sale of it," she laughs, "I was just itching for an environment where the music had more value.

The talented performer has certainly done her share of paying the proverbial artist dues. She has toured around the globe, performed on national television and cable including Live! with Regis, CNN Worldbeat and Good Day NY, to name a few, all without the luxury or benefit of a major label deal. Having experienced two less than ideal independent recording contracts, and recently a third deal that went south with Koch International when the head of A&R who was courting her was let go due to company restructuring, her tenacity is without question commendable. The pragmatic songstress exclaims; The do-it-yourself message keeps being reinforced at every turn in my life. It dawned on me that it was time to take my efforts beyond marketing and promotion and start creating performance venues that were focused on the music and social aspect that is intrinsic in a House Concert environment

Im hoping to appeal to an audience who is seeking out new ways to be entertained and to socialize with others, Geller says. I do believe that there is still a population out there who is hungry for new experiences and new music, particularly in a live format. In addition, a portion of the proceeds will be donated to preserve and maintain the Setauket Neighborhood House. There is something very magical about gathering a room full of people, adding a little wine, candlelight and music to share, proclaims the singer/songwriter. Its nice to be able to share a little magic once in a while.