As an introvert with a dwindling tolerance for loud noise and crushing crowds (what's my age again?) I've always appreciated the intimacy of a private show or listening party. Music snobs will appreciate them for the suggested silence from the audience and focus on the music. Such events work great for artists to showcase sounds with an unadulterated attention on the performance. Often BYOB (doesn't hurt to BYO snacks either) and held at coffee shops or private apartments, the events offer a cozy and romantic experience - a terrific date idea, I might add. "Private" doesn't have to be equated with stuffy or exclusive. The small setting often allows for ample laughter, musical ad libbing, and often all you have to do for an invite is to sign up. To let you in the know: Enjoy two recent performances from two of our favorite acts at two of our favorite live sessions. Fort Lean - "Prince Johnny" (St. Vincent Cover) The Brooklyn-based group Fort Lean recently kicked off New York City's event series The Closed Sessions with a seductive cover of St. Vincent's "Prince Johnny." A bold move to cover a song already so signature, yet they did it with the utmost class.

XNY - "White Wire" At Sofar Sounds, the intimate and ever-expanding 100+ city listening movement, the Brooklyn rockers XNY played a bare-boned rendition of "White Wire" in their socks.

THE EXQUISITE INTIMACY OF PRIVATE SHOWSFort lean and XNY