Bringing Early Music to Life in the Bluegrass
Concert FAQ & Etiquette
If you've never attended a formal concert, it might be a little intimidating. It's not quite the same as going to see your favorite band at Rupp Arena, but don't let that stop you! Here's some frequently asked questions that might help you out if this is your first time, or if you need a reminder.
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What does it mean that the concert has a "suggested donation"?
As a registered nonprofit, we operate solely from donations and concert admissions. As such, we suggest a donation of $15 for guests and $10 for student audience members. These donations serve as a primary source of funding, and ensure that our work continues to thrive. If you cannot afford the suggested cost, any donation is welcome.
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What should I wear?
As an audience member, you can wear whatever is comfortable for you. You will see other concert-goers in everything from relatively dressy attire to a T-shirt and jeans, so you can feel comfortable wearing anything in this range. If you wear a hat, please remove it during the performance so as not to block anyone’s view of the stage.
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Can I use my phone?
We don't mind if you need to check your phone at intermission, but please silence them or turn them off before the concert begins, so as not to disrupt your neighbors or the performers. However, we hope that you treat your mind to a break from technology.
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Where should I sit?
Wherever you like! Our concerts don't have assigned seating, and there's usually plenty of spots to go around. Feel free to try out a couple of seats until you find one that suits you. Once the concert begins, please wait until a break in the performance to move to avoid disruptions.
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What if I arrive late to the concert?
If the concert has started when you arrive, don't worry. You're still more than welcome. We simply ask that you wait until a break in the music to take your seat, to avoid disrupting the audience and performers. ​​
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How will I know when the concert is about to begin?
When you arrive to the concert venue, you may find that some musicians are already seated on stage. The concert hasn't begun -- they're simply preparing to perform. When we're ready to start, a member of our Board of Directors will welcome everyone to the event and thank our donors. Tip: this is also a great time to silence your cell phone.
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When should I clap?
The tradition of clapping during concerts has changed over time. Historically, audiences have chosen not to clap between movements, but this tradition is in itself starting to change and patrons may choose to applaud whenever they feel a performance moves them to clapping or warrants it. Whenever you clap, the musicians will be glad to know that you are enjoying their performance.
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Other Sounds at a Performance
To preserve the experience of your fellow concert-goers, and because we record our performances, we please ask that you avoid as much extraneous noise as possible. Our audiences want to hear everything this wonderful music has to offer. Don’t talk, whisper, sing or hum along, or move personal belongings. Please turn off your cell phones, pagers, watch alarms, and other electronic devices for the duration of the performance. We record our performances, so we appreciate your help in maintaining the quality of our recordings.
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