Imagine a place where music transcends the ordinary, creating an atmosphere of connection and healing. This is the essence of Willo concerts, which began in 2022 at Down & Out, a former East Village bar. Here, jazz musician Wayne Tucker played with his band, offering attendees a raw, sensual, and spiritual experience through the trumpet's prowess. After the concert, participants shared their thoughts on the music, leading to intimate discussions about personal secrets, heartbreaks, and aspirations. Willo, under the guidance of Crystal Desai, aims to create spaces that encourage turning off phones and fostering genuine human connections.
Inspired by her own emotional journey during the pandemic, Crystal Desai, the mastermind behind Willo events, sought solace in music after losing her father unexpectedly. Her brain felt knotted, overwhelmed by grief. Moving back to Florida temporarily, she found peace only when listening to music through headphones. Returning to New York, she initiated zoom concerts, encouraging others to explore the therapeutic aspects of music. As restrictions eased, Desai transitioned these events into real-life gatherings held in unconventional venues like churches and photography studios.
Willo concerts follow a consistent format, beginning with a mingle hour where attendees wear name tags answering prompts instead of displaying names. For instance, one prompt asked what advice someone would give to an alien visiting Earth for the first time. This unique approach fosters low-stakes conversations among strangers. Following the mingle hour, a featured musician performs for 45 minutes, inviting attendees to reflect deeply on their emotions through activities such as journaling, drawing, or knitting. The concert concludes with an opportunity for individuals to share their creations, enhancing the synergy between audience and artist.
Peter Collins, an established musician, expressed how meaningful it was to hear people articulate the impact of his music. He admitted doubting himself often but found renewed energy and purpose through this interactive format. Willo continues evolving, changing locations frequently. To stay updated, followers can check its Instagram page for upcoming events. All concerts operate on a pay-what-you-wish basis, revealing locations upon RSVP.
Beyond mere entertainment, Willo concerts represent a movement toward deeper human connections and healing. By blending music’s meditative power with social interaction, Willo offers New Yorkers a much-needed respite from isolation and screen fatigue, proving that music can indeed transform lives.