The convivial atmosphere of the house concert is a great way to share that certain energy.

Edie Carey came to play a house concert in my basement.

Her family was very musical; each played an instrument and performed at house concerts.

But there is a dark side: house concerts stand on shaky legal ground.

Through this technique she has performed 150 house concerts in the last year and a half.

The modern house concert, however, emerged only a few years ago.

The final funds needed were raised through a house concert that drew more than 300 people.

Plus, a house concert is a chance to connect with a smaller audience and often to make better money than on the club scene.

Not all house concerts run as smoothly, or with such an air of civility.