Listening Room Network Founder Presents 1st House Concert In Bradenton – Patch

BRADENTON, FL — For the past decade, musician Fran Snyder has built a worldwide network of music fans, musicians and homeowners interested in hosting intimate house concerts.

Based in St. Petersburg at the time he launched the Listening Room Network, he’s moved to Bradenton in recent months and now plans to host his first-ever house concert in that city, turning his new home into a stage.
On Sunday, he’ll host Toronto-based musician Taylor Abrahamse, who will play a mix of original music and “clever interpretations of Christmas songs,” Snyder said.
To attend the show, music lovers must first register as a fan in the online community. Once registered, they’ll be able to browse upcoming house concerts taking place all over the world.
Previously, Snyder lived in a downtown St. Petersburg apartment that couldn’t accommodate more than 15 guests. As he house hunted with his fiancée, one of the key elements he was looking for was a space that could double as a music venue.
“I specifically chose a home with an open-floor plan so I could comfortably fit 30 to 35 people,” he said.
House concerts have been an integral part of his creative life for years, now. He first encountered the concept as a touring musician, calling it “an unforgettable experience.”
“I spent 20 years as a touring singer-songwriter. I’ve played every type of venue there is,” Snyder said. “My first house concert was mind-blowing compared to all my previous experiences. Having a small, intimate audience, people who are 100 percent connect to the show — nobody chit chatting in the corner — it’s truly a concert.”
He added, “It is just such an engaging way to perform. There’s just something magical about the house concert atmosphere.”
And at the end of each show, all the money collected goes directly to the artist. There are no tickets, but those attending are expected to make a donation — usually $20 or $25 — to the performer, Snyder said.
Through the network he created, he also hosts an annual Listening Room Festival. This year’s festival takes place March 9-12 with the main showcase taking place March 10 at St. Petersburg’s Palladium Theater. The festival also features more than 15 smaller house concerts taking place throughout the greater Tampa Bay area — everywhere from Sarasota and Bradenton to Tarpon Springs.
Tickets for the festival recently went on sale and can be purchased online here.

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