Tips for Hosting a Concert: 

ARRIVAL:

We will give you an estimated arrival time. This is typically one hour prior to the Saturday evening Mass. Please be sure that Michael has a current cell phone number that he can text with travel updates.

MASSES:

If Michael is playing music as Mass, he will use the parish equipment of a piano (or electric piano) and one microphone on a boom stand.

SET-UP:

Michael will bring all music and lighting equipment for the concert. Please allow a full 3 hours prior to concert start time. This is a comfortable amount of time for set-up, sound check, and other preparations.  If the space is not available for that length of time, please let us know in advance so we can plan on a fast or alternate set-up. For a Sunday Concert, it is nice to set up after the Saturday Mass if possible.

SPACE & EQUIPMENT: 

We request a performing space that is 20 feet wide by 12 feet deep. This can be a raised platform or floor level. We can accommodate smaller spaces. Please let us know if your performance space is smaller or will include a step, ramp or any other obstacles. 

For the full effect of the concert, it is best if the room can be made very dim for the concert. This may include temporarily covering widows for the event.

Because of the style of music and set up time required, it is our preference to be in a social hall instead of the church. In general, we find that people feel more free to applaud and interact in the social hall. If the sanctuary is the best space available, just be sure that the pastor is OK with the set-up and the style of music. Some priests opt to relocate the Blessed Sacrament to a side chapel. This is appropriate, but not required. The goal of the concert is to lead people closer to Jesus, but it is distinctly different from the liturgy.

We will need power accessible from the stage area. Two separate outlets, on two separate circuits.  This will keep us from blowing a fuse during the show. We have 50 foot extension cords available. 

We request one competent adult volunteer who can help at the merchandise table 20 minutes before the concert, during the concert, and 20 minutes after. 

The Concert: 

The host may provide an introduction before the concert. This can be a short story about how you met Michael or a summary of his bio. Please end the introduction by saying "Please welcome Michael James Mette" and begin clapping. After the announcement, Michael will go directly into the first song. ("Mette" rhymes with "Spaghetti.") 

Michael will clearly announce when it is time for the collection. Please provide 2 volunteers who can distribute blank donor envelopes. Concert-goers may leave the envelope in the donor boxes on their way out. We do not need to pass a basket. 

After the final song, often people linger for further instructions. This is a good time for the host to mention any parish events or announcements.  

After the Concert:

There is usually a period of transition after the concert where Michael will be available for photos if requested. As soon as the room begins to clear out, we will start breaking down the equipment and loading the van. Please provide one volunteer who is able to lift heavy gear. Loading out takes about 45 minutes.