Does classical music have to be boring?
Do you need to wear a tuxedo to attend a concert?
Do you have to be over age 60 to enjoy it?

Oh, please.

Here at Salon97, we have a different idea.

Classical music IS exciting.
You can wear jeans or pajama pants. Come as you are.
Classical music is for everyone.

Salon97 is a series of listening salons that allows like-minded fans of varying musical genres to to learn about classical music, eat and drink, and just plain make merry.

We began as Cariwyl’s Classical Listening Parties after attending SXSW in 2008–the same year the festival hosted their first official classical music event. While attending party after party we realized that our classical affiliation was of interest to almost no one, and that there was a strong preference for almost any other musical genre. Upon recognizing our frustrations with the situation, we decided to take matters into our own hands.

One month later, the first listening party took place in San Francisco and has led to a wonderful musical adventure for many fans of all musical genres. As the party grows, the fun continues. Salon97 is now an established community of music lovers in San Francisco and beyond. Our first listening party in NYC will take place in late July 2009.

We hope to continue introducing more and more people to the excitement that is classical music. Come join us in San Francisco, or soon in a city near you.

Salon97 Advisory Committee

Susan Barnes

Carla Borsoi

Britton Jackson

Matthew Levine