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NPR Music's first listening party, live at the Gibson Room in Washington, D.C.

Michael Katzif/NPR

NPR Music's first listening party, live at the Gibson Room in Washington, D.C.

Thursday night at the Gibson Showroom in Washington, D.C., we threw a listening party. Maybe you were one of the 100 or so people who packed the room. We played music, mostly unreleased tunes. Everyone used score cards to rate the music on a scale of 1 to 10, and then we talked.

For some, hearing the twang of Gillian Welch was a welcome relief to a long drought. Her upcoming release will be her first in eight years. For others, that same music and was a deal-breaker. "You can't dance to it, so what's the point?" was one comment. "You've never been to a country bar in Houston and done the two step" was pretty much the retort.

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NPR Music is throwing a listening party, and we want major music fans. Might this mean you?

If you're in the Washington, D.C., area, join us at the Gibson Showroom on May 5 at 8 p.m. ET.

We'll bring the new music, including some surprise never-before-heard exclusives. You bring your critical ear. Together, we'll rate and discuss. So come join the NPR Music team, including All Songs Considered's Robin Hilton and Song of the Day curator Stephen Thompson. I'll be there to welcome you and introduce some special friends, including Sean Coakley of Songlines.

If all goes well, we'll do it again, maybe in your hometown.

Unfortunately, we've already reached capacity and can no longer accept RSVPs. If you did sign up, you will hear from us soon via email with further details.

We'll do this again soon! Follow @allsongs on Twitter or sign up for the All Songs Considered newsletter to be notified about future events.