How to Throw a Music Memory Party

This proved to be one of my all-time successful parties. Music stories make for a great evening and a great way to get to know people.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Stereo System
• CD Player
• Tape Deck
• Turntable (????)
• Friends

1. 
    

   Invite 8 to 12 of your pals. Too many folks = too many songs to try and listen to.

2. 
    

   Have them bring a favorite song—and the story that goes with it. The song can be something that touched them, changed their life, energized them, was playing when they met that special someone, made them cry, made them smile.

3. 
    

   Make sure your stereo is working—and find out if anyone is bringing music in a form other than the supporting equipment you have. A friend of mine brought a cassette tape to my party and luckily I still have a tape deck. Come to think of it, I still have my turntable… You could stipulate what form to bring or not to bring (“No Eight-Tracks, please!”)

4. 
    

   Have folks bring a favorite food from the same period of their life as the song. Anything from marshmallow treats to Grandma’s chicken gumbo to apple martinis could make an appearance!

5. 
    

   After everyone has had a chance to mingle, play D.J. and start the stories and the songs that go with. Ask people if they want to talk before the song or if it’s okay that the song plays while they’re talking. (They may want the listeners to hear some of the lyrics, but heads up: the evening can get draggy if the audience has to be quiet and politely listen to every single note of the song. Keep things moving).

Tips & Warnings

• Let the other stories flow that will surely come up as the music plays—other favorite songs, fav bands, first concerts, fav concerts, fav guitar solos, where were you when you heard the Beatles were breaking up, did you see The Police at Shea Stadium, did you follow Bruce Springsteen around as he played the Midwest in the early ’80’s?

[tlperl]

on 1/19/2007 Cool idea! I'll have to try it.