Our house rules

Just a few simple House Rules for in-home concerts, expanded a bit as we navigate our way back from the COVID mandated shutdown.
 
Since our concerts are a hobby, not a business, and held at our home, we reserve the right to exercise a little "homeowner discretion" in accepting reservation requests, turning away "drop-ins" who don't have confirmed reservations, and asking anyone not following the house rules to leave. Hopefully none of this ever happens, but in the interest of setting clear expectations ... well, 'nuff said.
 

1. The concert is about the music, so please respect the performer & the performance. When the music starts, the talking stops.
2. No smoking.
   
   Until further notice – the following (hopefully) temporary rules are to help us maximize public safety and make everyone who comes to our home (our guests AND our artists) feel safe and comfortable.
   
   
3. Our next few house concerts will be held in our backyard if the weather is good. If it's raining, or too hot, we’ll move them into our living room.
   
   
4. We will be operating with a reduced seating capacity for now. Given the success of the vaccines and the resulting low COVID numbers and continuous positive trends, we've decided to increase our reduced limited seating capacity to around 30 (compared with our normal 40-45).
   
   
5. Only guests who have been fully vaccinated may attend in person, and we’ll be asking to see your vaccination card when you register (we won’t keep a copy, but we will make a note that you’re vaccinated so we’ll only need to ask once).
   
   
6. Seating will be spread out (not 6’ since everyone will be vaccinated, but distanced) and will be grouped by reservation group to maximize capacity while maintaining enough distance between groups.
   
   
7. We're all fortunate that the delta variant isn't causing a huge spike in Maryland the way it is elsewhere.  That said, the CDC is recommending that folks consider wearing masks when gathered in groups indoors. We're all vaccinated, but encourage you to consider your own circumstances and wear a mask when moving about the house. Don't be too surprised if we're wearing ours - we have two grandkids who can't get vaccinated yet, and we treasure our time with them. It's up to you, though. No mask shaming here.
   
   
8. BYO (bring your own) snacks and drinks for the time being – no shared table for food & beverages for now. We will put out plates, napkins sand plastic cups for you to use.
   
   
9. Please plan on arriving 15-30 minutes before the show.
   
   
10. Please respect social distancing guidelines before and after the show, and during intermission (if there is one). Leave your neighbor some space. It's been awhile since we've been together, so if you're a hugger or a handshaker, we suggest making sure others are to avoid that awkward moment.
    
    
11. We will leave it to the artist’s discretion to sell, and to your discretion to buy, merchandise like CDs and T-shirts. We encourage everyone to support our artists by purchasing their music & merch, either in person at the show or online.
    
    
12. Since children are not yet able to be vaccinated, all shows will be for vaccinated adults only (ages 16 and older). We will reinstate “all-ages” shows when that's feasible.
    
    
13. The hall bathroom off our kitchen is available for your use. There will be sanitary wipes for your use. We ask all guests to wipe down the toilet, seat, sink, light switch and doorknob when you’re done.