THERE'S AN IDEA: Quiet Riot

THERE'S AN IDEA: Quiet Riot Come on feel the (lack of) noise.

THE IDEA: People are making a lot of noise these days about not making a lot of noise. It's called the quiet party, and all you need are people, paper, pencils, and a pub. Participants abstain from speaking throughout the evening and communicate only through passed notes. The concept has been a silent sensation from New York to Houston to Beijing.
San Francisco-based artist Paul Rebhan launched the idea with his friend Tony Noe, a musician, in New York City in 2002. Rebhan says the two were looking to have a drink and conversation one night, but every bar they entered was so loud they couldn't hear each other. Rebhan says the muted MO works better as the evening progresses, when inhibitions disappear and notes begin to fly.

WHY BOSTON NEEDS IT: Our bars can rival any city's for volume. It's tiring to bellow above the throbbing sound system and other shouting patrons. Sore throats after a night out are common. Quiet parties would also be a great way to meet potential mates.

PROBABILITY: Quiet parties could be a click away. Rebhan says that while nobody from Boston has contacted him, anyone interested in organizing an event can sign up at www.quietparty.com

What does the potential competition think of the idea? Tom Jaffee, president of Boston-based 8minuteDating, says he is not so sure Bostonians would enjoy the silence. "It sounds gimicky, and it probably wouldn't work," he says. "Possibly, people might be convinced to try it, but I think people feel more comforatble in a natural situation." Yeah, we hear you. But your gimmick caught on, so why not this one?

- Patrick Gerard Healy

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