A Cocktail Party Social Experiment:
Phones off. Conversation on.

Conceived, developed, and hosted by: Wil Petre
Assisted by: Lane Halperin and Emily Palmquist
Publicity: Kamila Skawinski


On a cold, rainy night in late November, who would expect a huge turnout for something that we didn’t even know we need? I guess people who know about the Cocktail Party Social Experiment. Wil Petre creates an atmosphere and structure for volunteers to pick cards that are interpreted in his cocktail conversation book and turned into profound and amazing conversation starters. “How would you like to be remembered?” elicited a very thoughtful, spontaneous answer that was touching and heartfelt. There is soft jazz music playing in the background and you sense, just like going to The Moth, the hunger that people have to be listened to and accepted. You could hear a pin drop in the audience, as each person ordered a drink and then went on to answer questions, from the other participants and Wil, like, “What is the tool in your tool kit you value the most, and why?” What the world desperately needs are fewer political discussions and more discussions that tap into our universal values and deep human connection.

Chelsea Music Hall
407 W15th St, New York, NY 10011

Sun, Nov 24th - Doors 5:00pm | Show: 6:00pm
Mon, Dec 16th, 2019 – Doors 6:00pm | Show: 7:00pm
More dates TBA in 2020

~Ronni Burns