DJ Says Silent Disco Headphones Create ‘Something Magical’ for All Ages
By Jack Reaney
Senior Editor
If you’ve never experienced a silent disco, then Saturday, March 7 might just be the night to change that. This family-friendly event, set to take place amidst an unusually dry and mild ski season, aims to celebrate community spirit and shake off the cabin fever that often settles in during winter months. Dubbed the Snow Dance Silent Disco, the outdoor gathering promises to provide a unique experience for all ages and a festive atmosphere for winter enthusiasts.
The event kicks off at 7:30 p.m. at the Town Center Plaza beside The Wilson Hotel. It features at least two “dueling DJs” from Bozeman, each curating a different music channel for participants. To add to the enchantment, the event includes professional fire dancers from the Bozeman-based Dark Art Collective and a complimentary salty-hot-chocolate bar provided by LMNT, a local sports drink brand. While registration is recommended, attendees are encouraged to bring their own beverages, as food and drinks will not be sold during the event. The dance party is expected to wrap up around 10 or 11 p.m., depending on the enthusiasm of the crowd.
The mastermind behind this event is Dan Kern, known locally as “The Merchant.” With over seven years of experience in the silent disco scene, Kern has hosted previous events in Big Sky and aims to create a magical experience for attendees. He envisions the plaza filled with winter lovers, hopefully encouraging a little snowfall through their collective festivities. Kern believes that establishing a snow dance tradition is essential for a community that values winter sports and seasonal activities.
“I’m a big believer in the community hype and ritual around coming together and celebrating the season,” Kern shared. He sees dance as a fundamental part of culture and community—one that has persisted through time. “Every thriving community throughout history has had dance, and coming together around the fire to dance forms the essence of its culture.”
Interestingly, the collaboration between Kern and the Town Center reflects the essence of community spirit. They worked closely to make the event possible, demonstrating gratitude for the Town Center’s openness to hosting such creative gatherings. As Krista Traxler, Senior VP of marketing and strategy at Lone Mountain Land Company, put it: “Events like this embody the spirit of connection we aim to foster… Town Center is proud to be the hub where our community can gather and make memories.”
Silent Disco Mechanics
Silent disco offers an exhilarating twist on traditional dance parties, where participants wear headphones that stream multiple channels of music. Each channel is color-coded, indicated by LED lights on the headsets. For instance, while one channel might spin classic rock and nostalgic sing-alongs, another could immerse listeners in vibrant rave-style beats. Kern promises that the music will be incredibly inclusive, encompassing various genres from electronic dance music to classic hits from across the decades.
The event will feature 100 headsets available for attendees, with walk-ins welcome to join the fun. Kern emphasizes that silent disco experiences tend to transcend barriers, captivating both children and skeptics alike.
“There’s just something magical that happens when you put on the headphones,” Kern remarked. He believes the headphones can help people shed their inhibitions and escape typical social norms. “You wear the headphones, feel the bass, and suddenly you are in your own world. Before you know it, people are singing at the top of their lungs!”
This winter has been challenging, and by mid-February, the Big Sky community was still “desperate” for snow. Kern, a self-proclaimed superstitious snow dancer, firmly believes in the power of shared experiences to invoke a little winter magic. He has received positive feedback from past events, reinforcing his belief that the snow gods respond to communal celebrations.
“I think the snow gods are ready to see us all come together and really earn it as a community,” he said with hopeful determination. “We need this.”
The Snow Dance Silent Disco is more than just a dance event; it represents a community’s yearning for joy and connection during the winter season. It provides a platform for spreading positivity and creates an opportunity for residents to enjoy and appreciate the magic of winter, one dance move at a time.
