Blues singer Anni Piper to perform Underberg house concert

Eleven years ago, Larry Underberg, a professor at Southeast Missouri State University, and his wife, Jean, opened their home to a performer who had played at the university campus.

While he was there, other musicians joined him, and a jam session ensued in the basement of the couple's north Cape Girardeau home.

"It kind of grew from there," he said.

That was the beginning of many house concerts, and some years, the Underbergs have had as many as 15 of the events, featuring local and regional musicians.

Underberg said blues is his favorite type of music, but when the house concerts began, folk music was the main attraction.

Anni Piper will perform Tuesday at the Underberg house concert. (Submitted photo)

The Underbergs once again will host a house concert Tuesday, when Australian-born Anni Piper and her band will entertain.

Piper said she is a couple of weeks into a national tour, and she's never performed in a private home.

"This is going to be a first. I usually play in bars, clubs, restaurants and festivals," Piper said.

A resident of Coral Gables, Florida, Piper plays bass and sings; a guitarist and drummer will accompany her.

The Underbergs especially enjoy acts like Piper's, which is likely to feature electric sound.

"Our favorite acts are when we get a full band in the house," he said. "The house just seems to be set up well for that."

Larry Underberg said he is looking forward to this concert because his favorite kind of music will be featured.

The concerts are held in the Underbergs' sunken living room, where an adjacent dining room also provides seating. Although there is enough room for about 38 people, Underberg said about 25 people usually attend.

"It's all just about the music and having people here to hear it," he said.

In the past, the Underbergs have hosted the Cantrells, a Nashville, Tennessee-based band that was selected by Robert Redford to play in the movie "A River Runs Through It," and most recently, Peter Karp and Sue Foley played at the house.

Underberg said they tend to have a lot of musical talent from cities such as Memphis, Tennessee; Nashville; and Austin, Texas.

The show, which is open to the public, will be from 7 to 9 p.m., and doors open at 6:30 p.m.

Although there is no admission fee, a donation of $8 to $10 is suggested, which goes to the musicians, as they receive no other pay for the performance.

"We provide lodging and meals, and whatever they get in donations goes to them," Underberg said.

Another plus of the home concerts is that attendees have the opportunity to chat with the musicians one-on-one.

Piper and her band will play two sets with a break, during which she will be available to chat with guests.

Piper has been dubbed "The Saucy Aussie," for her sultry style of singing the blues. To learn more about her music, visit annipiper.com.

Refreshments aren't served during the house concert, so people are invited to bring a beverage of their choice.

To reserve a seat at the concert, email houseconcerts@gmail.com or call 334-7692. Underberg said they prefer phone-in reservations.

The next house concert at the Underbergs' is scheduled for Sept. 19, when singer/songwriter Rod Picott will perform an acoustic show.

Pertinent address:

1122 Patricia St., Cape Girardeau, Mo.