What is an Indoor Performance?
I hatched the idea of offering indoor performances exclusively in people’s private homes, back in 2020. The idea was simple enough, and I called them, “InnerTuba House Concerts”.
I have enjoyed performing in many homes since, but here’s the thing: I now realise that “House Concerts” is no longer an accurate title!
It’s because so many of these performances have now been enthusiastically received in all kinds of indoor venues. Examples include arts centres, libraries, community and village halls, bicycle shops, tourist visitor centres, museums, factories, school and university concert halls, band practise rooms and yes, still, in people’s houses!
…So I now call them InnerTuba Indoor Performances…
The Indoor Performance “deal” is straightforward. A host generously provides a venue, publicises the event, optionally offers up some food and drinks (or invites guests to bring their own) and encourages the audience, in return for InnerTuba’s performance, to pledge or donate money towards InnerTuba’s continued development… Around 10 people gathered together makes a good start, but much bigger audiences can be accommodated too!
Currently, readers of this, and Indoor Performance audiences are invited to support the proposed InnerTuba Tour – Midwest to Northwest USA…
Some Indoor Performance Endorsements
“We were privileged to hold in Alness the first of a new series of house concerts featuring Inner Tuba. There were around 20 of us, including neighbours and friends, linked by themes of music, travel, cycling,tricycling, making sense of the past and exploring the unknown. The music, live and recorded, blended beautifully, and with some electronic wizardry the whole audio-visual experience was incredible in our own living room. This was appreciated by the company who enjoyed a glass of wine and a light supper including quiche, veg curry, cake and coffee. We wish the project every success, and look forward to being involved in the future. We hope other hosts will get as much enjoyment as we have.” Stewart, Sandra and Alex. Alness, Highlands, Scotland. January ’20.
“A few thoughts following our very entertaining evening with our friend Jon Hodkin and InnerTuba. Many thanks Jon for your inspirational talk, breathtaking Bass pieces and your Love of the 4Ts – your tuba, tricycle, trailer and travels. We wish you all the very best from everyone at Thornton Cleveleys Band with your forthcoming tour following the Great Mississippi River and our sincere thanks for your support over the past month with us. Cheers “ Andrew Swann, Chairperson, Thornton Cleveleys Brass Band, NW England. April ’22.
“Jon’s performance was a beautiful balance between emotion, humor, music, wisdom and joy of life. It was an inspiring connecting evening and we are glad that we crossed paths. Thank you so much Jon!” Jan en Myrthe, s-Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands. August ’24.
“InnerTuba arrived in Tideswell, Derbyshire, England in May 2024 and treated us to two delightful house concerts, a primary school assembly and an older people’s teaclub performance. All followed by an evening at
Peak Tri Store cycleshop. These events combined music, personal narrative, Mississippi River tour travelogue and cycling adventures. We learned of the many people and projects InnerTuba supported along his big river journey. Jon’s warmth, openess, humour, generosity of spirit and love of all things tuba and travel shone out. We’re still talking about Innertuba!” Sally Bramley, Indoor Performances Host, Tideswell, Derbyshire, England. May ’24.
Tuba duetting at an aircraft hangar concert,with tuba player and pilot Roger Gomoll, at Anoka County-Blaine Airport, Minnesota, USA. August ’23
InnerTuba Indoor Performances – an hour or more of music and tales of international travel with a tuba, tricycle and trailer, followed, maybe, by delicious food and drink!
Thank you, Indoor Performance hosts, Amy and Rich, in O’Fallon, Missouri, USA, for putting on this spread at your lovely home in June ’23…
