Watch

Building Community with House Concerts

Creator:
Published:
April 4, 2024
January 18, 2020
This couple hosts house concerts for their local community.|This couple hosts house concerts for their local community.

Hannah and John Hoefer have a goal to give local musicians a space to share their music. They do that by hosting house concerts for their community in Granger, Indiana. These events have grown in popularity and have helped people looking for connection to come together.

"The music stops but the people don't leave," John shares.

Video Transcript

Granger, Indiana: This couple created the Hoefler House to host local musicians — in their living room.

Hannah Hoefer: I’d say our main goal is to give us space for the musician to share their music, and then facilitate the community in the area.

(Musician 1 singing)

Musician 2: I'm actually going to be doing an all-original set tonight. It's my first time ever doing that.

(Speaker off-camera) That's awesome.

Musician 2: I'm really pumped about it, because I would rather do my own stuff, because I won't forget the words, probably.

Hannah: I'm excited that it's becoming more popular, because I think our society as a whole — we need that connection. Neighbors put up their fences, and you barely know your neighbors. The younger generations, they desire something more. They might not know how to get it, but they desire authenticity and connection. That's what I'm passionate about, and I feel the same way.

John Hoefer: I'm not my best self in isolation — in no way, shape, or form. It just allows people (to) just stay. The music stops, but the people don't leave.

(Musician 3 singing)

Hannah: You have to get over that, like, "This is somebody's house. It's a stranger. I don't know who they are." It can be a little intimidating, but the reward is so amazing.

John: We have space to be able to host people here — whether it just be like a family gathering, or an event, or the Hoeffer House — let's utilize that. Let's not just keep it to ourselves because that's not what it's for.

Hannah: God knows my passions — God knows what makes me feel fulfilled — and this Hoeffer House is part of that. It's been an adventure. I like it.

John: Adventure — that’s a good way to put it.

Musician 3: You on the floor — good job. You guys are amazing.

Creators:
Grotto
Published:
April 4, 2024
January 18, 2020
On a related note...
Saying 'Yes' to the Stranger in Need

Saying 'Yes' to the Stranger in Need

James Murphy

“A Space Where Strangers Become Friends”

“A Space Where Strangers Become Friends”

Shemaiah Gonzalez

All She Ever Knew was Immense Love

All She Ever Knew was Immense Love

Michelle King

Meet Your Friendly Neighborhood Plant Lady

Meet Your Friendly Neighborhood Plant Lady

Grotto

You Can Help the Homeless by Giving Your Time — and a Listening Ear

You Can Help the Homeless by Giving Your Time — and a Listening Ear

Mary Grace Mangano

Helping the Homeless Find Shelter and Hope

Helping the Homeless Find Shelter and Hope

Grotto

5 Tips for Using Trivia Night to Build Community

5 Tips for Using Trivia Night to Build Community

Dan Masterton

How to Make Vegan-Friendly Meals for the Holidays

How to Make Vegan-Friendly Meals for the Holidays

Mariah Cressy

Merry Christmas from Grotto Network

Merry Christmas from Grotto Network

Grotto

The Joy of These Brothers is Contagious

The Joy of These Brothers is Contagious

Grotto Shares

What is Ableism?

What is Ableism?

Jessica Ping-Wild

Giving Migrants the Opportunity to Work, Earn, and Grow

Giving Migrants the Opportunity to Work, Earn, and Grow

Grotto

How Microlending Has Changed Women's Lives in India

How Microlending Has Changed Women's Lives in India

Molly Gettinger

Good and Decent EP 23: Free Listening

Good and Decent EP 23: Free Listening

Grotto

Delivering Joy — One Party at a Time

Delivering Joy — One Party at a Time

Grotto

Camp for Families Affected By Cancer Feels Like Home | Little Ways: Family

Camp for Families Affected By Cancer Feels Like Home | Little Ways: Family

Grotto

Watch This Nun's ESPY-Nominated Curveball

Watch This Nun's ESPY-Nominated Curveball

Grotto Shares

Stories of People Who Found Where They Belong

Stories of People Who Found Where They Belong

Grotto

Podcast S1 | Ep. 4: Finding Empathy

Podcast S1 | Ep. 4: Finding Empathy

Grotto

How to Host a Hobbit Party

How to Host a Hobbit Party

Kaitlyn Facista

newsletter

We’d love to be pals.

Sign up for our newsletter, and we’ll meet you in your inbox each week.