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Sample Contract for House Concerts

photo of Perry Mason & Della Street from 1958
Always get reliable legal advice.

Here is a sample contract you might use for a house concert.  All contracts explain what both parties are giving and getting, and under what conditions.  Each situation is different, so your contract may look a little different and could include things like lodging arrangements, transportation, etc.  Remember, NEVER sign anything without reading it and understanding it.

This is only a sample.  Don’t copy & paste it without checking your local legalese.



This Agreement made as of ___/____/____ by and between the parties identified below.  In consideration for the following covenants, conditions, and promises, the Employer identified below agrees to hire the below-identified Artist to perform an engagement and the Artist agrees to provide such performance services, under the following terms and conditions:

This agreement for performance services is entered into by the musician(s) known as __________________, (now referred to as Artist) and employer known as _______________, (now referred to as Employer)

Employer hires Artist on the terms and conditions set forth in this contract.

Names of musicians not listed above:
_________________________________
_________________________________

Place of Engagement

Address _________________

City / State / ZIP _________________

Date(s) __________________

_________________________________
Performance Time
____________________________________
Number of sets and duration
___________________________________
Wage and Deposit
_______________________________
Percentage (specify how it is to be calculated gross/net of ticket sales/ door etc.)

Additional Terms and Conditions:
Sound Check – The set up and sound check time with full access to stage and P.A. equipment on the date of performance shall be at: _________ (AM / PM)

Insurance – Employer agrees to retain any and all necessary personal injury or property damage liability insurance with respect to the activities of Artist on the premises of Employer or at such other location where Employer directs Artist to perform. Employer agrees to indemnify and hold Artist harmless from any and all claims, liabilities, damages, and expenses arising from any action or activity of Employer or Artist while Artist is rendering the contracted services except for claims arising from Artist’s willful misconduct or gross negligence.

Cancellation – In the event that Employer cancels any performance less than four (4) weeks before the date of such performance, Employer will pay Artist $________ or will reschedule the event for a date that is not later than ______ days from the original engagement date.  In the event that Employer cancels any performance less than two (2) weeks before the date of such performance, Employer will pay Artist $_________ or will reschedule the event for a date that is not later than ______ days from the original engagement date.

The agreement that musicians perform is subject to detention by sickness, accident, riot, strikes, epidemic, acts of God or other legitimate conditions beyond their control.

This contract and any attachments or riders incorporated herein, shall be governed by the State of ________ law, may be modified only by signed writing, and is binding and valid only when signed by the parties below, and Artist has received the deposit (if required) specified no later than ________ (date).

_______________________  _________________
Artist                                                 Date

_______________________  _________________
Employer                                          Date