Have you ever had a listening party?



At dinner the other night the discussion turned to my recent poker party. While I am not a good poker player and only play every three to four months, it is fun to get together with a group and play. Knowing my love of music and the hobby of audio, one of my friends suggested I host a listening party. While I have had audio friends over to have equipment "reviewing" sessions, I have never hosted a listening party. Suddenly we were discussing how to structure the party, what music could be played, how everyone would interact, etc. I realized a listening party might be fun but I don't have the slightest idea how and where to start. This is where you come in, my knowledgable Audiogon friends. Has anyone ever had a listening party where the partiers differ widely in their tastes/love/knowledge/experiences of and in music? I have thought of playing short segments of each person's favorite music (any type) and then some discussion about the piece would take place. Tell me about your experiences and ideas.

Thanks,
Rayd
rayd
Rayd-What ever you do don't make them write a report on there findings! I have had listening parties but they never started that way-we start at my bar(umm drinking in case you didn't know what goes on at a bar :) and then wonder over to glowing tubes and everyone picks something out and we take turns playing the selected music-and rotating the sweet spot amongst everyone. Its a lot of fun, everyone seemed to enjoy themselves, however after we drank to much listening fluid I think the volume got a little to high :)

~Tim
I agree with Tim,

I've never hosted a formal 'listening party' but have had many impromptu ones, they always seem to start at the bar, usually with some single malt or cask scotch, and then progress to the listening room... It might be a nice touch to have everyone bring their own favorite recording, as we usually just go through mine. I'll have to suggest friends bring some of their favorite music before coming over, or at least pull out what's in their cars for the night!