We're a house concert series in Norfolk, Virginia, featuring contemporary singer/songwriters. Shows are held in our dining room during the colder months or under a tent in our lush backyard during warmer weather. Check the calendar for a stellar 2006 schedule that includes Tom Russell, Tim Easton, Amy Rigby and Marti Jones, Anne McCue and others.

We are currently on hiatus until the fall of 2007, when we will return with an even bigger room (and more open space outdoors). We look forward to continuing the community built since 2001.

Past performers include Dave Alvin, Peter Case, Caitlin Cary and Thad Cockrell, Mary Gauthier, Garland Jeffreys, Steve Forbert, Jessi Alexander, Eliza Gilkyson, Jeff Black, Jim Lauderdale and Chris Smither.

What is a House Concert? Just what it sounds like. We book a performer, clear our dining room (or backyard), set up chairs, sound and lights and put out a few snacks. It's an intimate, smoke-free evening of music. All money collected through the donation at the door goes to the performer. The only way to get seats is to be on the email list of concert announcements.

Check out the best music store in the area, Birdland Records, in the Providence Square Shopping Center in Virginia Beach.

And for great beer, it's worth finding Oskar Blues' Dale's Pale Ale and Old Chubb.