I haven't personally commissioned SE2, but I have attended two Silent Disco events with my family…read moreand friends. If you're not familiar with Silent Disco, here's how it works. You check in and get light-up headphones. The headphones have volume control, and a toggle switch to choose between three stations. The stations color-coordinate to the three DJs who are spinning the music. You can flip between the three channels as you wish. All the music is heard through the headphones only, hence "Silent" Disco.
We were at the Silent Disco events at the Music is Art festival at Riverworks in September, and the November Free First Fridays at Albright Knox. After two times experiencing Silent Disco, I'm certain that "Oh hot damn, this is my jam"--SO. MUCH. FUN!!! Granted, I love to go out dancing, so it's right up my fun-alley. Both events we attended were family friendly, and our kids (ages 9 and 12) had a blast, too. They're requesting to go again!
I love having three channels to choose from. You know how when you're out dancing, and the DJ plays a song that's not your fave and it kinda kills your mojo? That's far more unlikely to happen at Silent Disco, since you can flip to a different song. Also, anytime your ears need a sec away from the loud music, just pop off your headphones or lower your own volume control. You are totally in control of what you hear.
Is it strange being in a room full of dancing people that is essentially silent? Surprisingly enough, not really. I suppose to onlookers it may seem silly. But when you're a part of the party, dancing in silence was no problem at all, not for me anyway. I don't have much of a problem dancing at any party, though; I'm usually the one to get it started and to shut it down. ;-) So if you're a bit shy, it may take some courage to get moving, but I highly recommend you set your inhibitions aside and just cut a rug in silence.
A quick search of Facebook and Yelp events will probably pull up other SE2 Silent Disco happenings coming up at various venues across the 716. They are usually free or inexpensive, and some are all-ages. My only complaint is that there aren't more family events, as most are late-night at a bar. But that gives me a reason to insist on a Silent Disco date night with the hub'ster, so I can't complain too much. Thanks SE2 for bringing this incredibly fun, unique experience to WNY!
