WESTBROOK – Carlie and Paul Connair began inviting people into their Westbrook home this fall, but what might have looked and sounded like a large dinner party on the outside is, in fact, a live music venue that is attracting touring folk music artists.

Connair’s concert series, officially known as Mill Brook House Concerts, began in September, with a second concert on Nov. 1. The next show is set for this Friday, Nov. 22, and will feature critically acclaimed local duo Arborea.

Carlie Connair, 31, who is a middle school teacher in Portland, said she was inspired to begin a house concert series after seeing a house show in Alexandria, Va., earlier this year. She said that the awkward feeling of being in a stranger’s living room gave way to the intimate and personal setting.

“It was amazing to see an artist I loved that close,” she said. “So I immediately started asking people how they did it.”

While the idea for a house concert might seem like a new trend for Westbrook, and for some, perhaps a noise complaint waiting to happen, Connair isn’t worried. She said the house is near a dead end, where parking is easier, and that noise from an acoustic show is almost inaudible from outside. Mill Brook’s show in December is “sold out,” she said, with 35 people reserved to attend.

In August, code enforcement officers in Scarborough shut down a house concert venue hosted by a Scarborough couple after hearing rumors of an 80-capacity concert hall that had not gone before the Planning Board. The concert’s host, Paul Williams, had built a stage into his 2,370-square-foot home, but said concerts never had attendance remotely close to 80 people. Westbrook Code Enforcement Officer Rick Gouzie said Wednesday that the city would not consider any action against house concerts unless there were complaints to the police.

Connair said that house concerts, especially for folk music, are becoming more popular.

“We kind of wanted to join the movement,” she said.

She added that there are videos on YouTube of “house concert etiquette” and that she has received input and ideas from other house concert promoters.

“There’s this network of people doing the same thing,” she said.

Because of Connair’s love for folk music, she was able to schedule the first two performances, Goodnight Moonshine and Gina Chavez, relatively soon after coming up with the idea, but she said that since then, word of mouth and Facebook have assisted in attracting other artists.

Artists who are willing to play house shows know there isn’t going to be a huge guarantee of money, but Connair learned from researching these shows and talking to artists that most independent performers are happy with donations at the door, a chance to play for a new audience, and perhaps sell a few CDs.

After two shows, Connair said, feedback has been positive, with some people coming to both shows.

“We were hoping that people would enjoy the setting and want to come back, and I think they are,” she said.

Chrissy Wentworth, a longtime friend of Connair and a Mill Brook concert-goer, believes that house concerts and folk music go hand in hand.

“Most folk music tells a story,” she said. “They’re intimate songs in an intimate setting. It’s made for connecting with people.”

Another Mill Brook concert-goer and friend of Connair is Nicole Myers. She said she originally thought the house show was going to be performed via Skype, with the artists playing remotely.

“I totally misunderstood,” she said. “But obviously, with the artists right in front of you it’s intimate and enjoyable.”

Myers added that Connair turns her home into a perfect venue for small performances by adding a potluck dinner, decorations and lighting.

Connair said that Mill Brook generally looks for solo artists or duos, mainly because of the lack of space for a full band. There is a suggested donation for each show, with all funds going directly to the artist. (This Friday it’s $12). Information is available at www.millbrookconcerts.blogspot.com.

Connair also said she provides the artists with a meal and a room to stay in, if needed.

“They look at this as an opportunity to make a little bit of extra money and get their music out there,” she said.

Myers said she loves the feel of a house concert because it is rare to see such talented artists without being in a big crowd of strangers.

“I love the idea of getting together around music,” Myers said. “This setting works perfectly.”