Silent party trend making its way to Springfield

Attendees pay to rent headphones.

Contact this contributing writer at bturner004@woh.rr.com.


How to go

What: Not So Loud Silent Party

Where: National Road Commons, downtown Springfield

When: 6-10 p.m. Saturday

Admission: $5 at www.eventbrite.com

More info: 937-631-0986 or www.nslsilentparty.com

It’s the new music/party trend that will soon be on everyone’s lips. Not to mention ears.

Silent parties, also known as silent discos, are spreading from Europe to the hot clubs and happenings of the USA.

The area’s first Not So Loud Silent Party will debut in downtown Springfield’s National Road Commons Park, 6-10 p.m. Saturday. Entry fee is $5 for headphone rental; tickets are available through www.eventbrite.com.

Christopher Chilton, a longtime DJ and organizer of the event, is confident this will transform when, where and how parties happen.

“This is something nobody else in the area is doing, and I think once people are introduced to this it will be a hit,” said Chilton, who also works as a Springfield firefighter and paramedic. “I’d like everyone to experience it.”

Silent parties equip party-goers with studio-style, noise-canceling headphones channeling a DJ’s music. Three channels of music will be available at the Springfield event: 1960s, ’70s and ’80s pop; current Top 40 and dance music; and hip-hop and rhythm and blues. Attendees can switch formats when they want.

Chilton said having music choices makes this a family-friendly event and will show silent parties as welcome alternatives.

“At most parties or in clubs, you have to yell over people. With silent parties you take off your headphones to talk. And this can work indoors or out, it’s so versatile. The equipment can transmit up to 500 yards.”

He chose the National Road Commons Park to showcase not just the sound capabilities, but also highlight the LED light effects when it gets dark, leading to a unique sensory experience.

As much as he’s enthused about the technology, Chilton is just as thrilled to introduce it in Springfield.

“I’m always a champion of the city and I’m excited about bringing something new,” he said.

This is a pilot event for Chilton, as he builds the Not So Loud Silent Party brand as a new business. He foresees possibly opening a mall kiosk to rent the equipment to those who’d like to host their own silent parties or playing in clubs.

“There are so many possibilities involved. We’re prepared to make it happen,” he said.

Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets or folding chairs to sit on.

Food trucks from The Painted Pepper and Ramen Rickshaw will sell food during the event.

For more attention, call 937-631-0986 or go online to www.nslsilentparty.com.

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