THE SCOOP... The Habitat House Concert Series was begun by Selia Qynn in 2004. The concerts are held in her garden which is a Backyard Habitat certified by the National Wildlife Federation. This urban paradise, is nestled in the city of Houston on the West side, 15 minutes from downtown. Artists perform in a wisteria-covered gazebo, with pillowed benches seating 65-70. The back yard features numerous other cozy seating areas within hearing distance of the stage. Truly, there isn't a bad seat in the garden.
THE AMBIENCE... Probably the most intriguing aspect of the garden is the numerous little nooks, crannies and water features that one happens upon while wandering the grounds. More than a dozen pleasant sitting areas generously pepper the landscape. Another feature that deserves mentioning are the birds who flourish here. There are two large aviaries on the property that house finch, white doves and button quail. The aviary directly behind the gazebo has doves that quite often can be heard cooing along with the music, adding an enchanting element to the mix. White racing pigeons and ring neck doves roam about the property during the day and go to their cages at night. There is also Ali, a Runner duck, and Lucy, a gregarious and very well-behaved Chinese goose who are best friends.
ACCOMMODATIONS...The habitat covers three residential lots. Depending upon vacancies, there is sometimes an apartment available and is complimentary for touring artists. It is a one-bedroom, with kitchenette, a stocked refrigerator, coffee maker, etc., cable TV, and high-speed internet access. The backyard features a 12,000 gallon pond, waterfall and koi - a peaceful place for meditating, writing, or just enjoying nature.
BOOKING INFO... Selia has turned over the booking of the Concerts to her neighbor and fellow singer/songwriter, Ken Gaines. He can be contacted at ken@kengaines.com. Selia has used the Old Farmer's Almanac long-range weather forecast as a guide for scheduling good weather days. So far, this has worked well, but if by chance it rains, the show is moved inside (to a reduced capacity of 30). If the weather is questionable, it is a good idea to call ahead to make sure there is room inside. Selia designs a unique poster for each show which is posted on her website. She and Ken both send email notices to their extensive list of house concert fans. There is lighting, fans, PA system, and a CD/product table provided.
ABOUT THE HOST... Selia is a singer/song-writer, graphic artist, photographer, textile artisan and habitat steward. She has a greeting card line featuring her garden and photography, entitled "Greetings from the Habitat". She has authored an amusing volume of true, short stories entitled "The Critter Chronicles" about life in a habitat that harbors a plethora of wildlife, half-wild and tame critters, as well as native flora, all floursing in her enchanted little corner of the world. Her favorite pastime is being in her lush and sprawling garden nurturing growing things, enjoying the company of birds, tending the flowers and vegetables, and seeing things that aren’t there yet. Her wish is to spread the word that anyone who wishes to can create Heaven right here on this fine green planet we all call home.