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...
How Solidarity Heals Divisions — And 3 Ways to Practice It

How Solidarity Heals Divisions — And 3 Ways to Practice It

Mike Tenney

How Humor Can Help You Learn

How Humor Can Help You Learn

Jacqueline Rose

Join the Movement to #RejuvenateTheChurch

Join the Movement to #RejuvenateTheChurch

Sarah Yaklic

Choosing Adventure to Reconnect to the Big Picture

Choosing Adventure to Reconnect to the Big Picture

Grotto Shares

South Bend Code School Creates Opportunities

South Bend Code School Creates Opportunities

Grotto

What Made Coach John Thompson a Legend

What Made Coach John Thompson a Legend

Grotto Shares

Top Things to Consider Before Moving to Chicago

Top Things to Consider Before Moving to Chicago

Jennon Bell Hoffmann

Ice Cream Minivan

Ice Cream Minivan

Grotto

The Unity Garden is a Sanctuary For All

The Unity Garden is a Sanctuary For All

Grotto

Healing from Pregnancy Loss as a Community

Healing from Pregnancy Loss as a Community

Grotto

Why 'Awe' Might Be the Secret Ingredient for Happiness

Why 'Awe' Might Be the Secret Ingredient for Happiness

Emily Mae Mentock

Raising Census Awareness in Undercounted Communities

Raising Census Awareness in Undercounted Communities

Grotto

The U.K.’s New Porn Ban Is a Step Forward

The U.K.’s New Porn Ban Is a Step Forward

Mary Rose Somarriba

Ted Yoder Performs 'We Three Kings' | #SeekChristmas

Ted Yoder Performs 'We Three Kings' | #SeekChristmas

Grotto

Making Adventures with Superhero Capes for Kids

Making Adventures with Superhero Capes for Kids

Grotto

Step Into Fall With These Cozy Drink Recipes

Step Into Fall With These Cozy Drink Recipes

Lauren Lawson

Hands-on Hobbies Got Me Out of the House — and Into a Community

Hands-on Hobbies Got Me Out of the House — and Into a Community

Clarissa Aljentera

Boxing to Fight Parkinson's Disease

Boxing to Fight Parkinson's Disease

Grotto

How to Be a Hospitable Steward of the Earth

How to Be a Hospitable Steward of the Earth

Patrick Cruitt

#BlackPantherChallenge Gives Gift of Joy

#BlackPantherChallenge Gives Gift of Joy

Grotto

newsletter

We’d love to be pals.

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