New trend of hosting lectures in bars brings unique social experience
Their motto is “drink together, think together.”
Across the state, people are gathering in bars to listen to lectures. It’s a unique way to combine learning with a social atmosphere.
Zac Miller, the owner of “Common Knowledge Bar Lectures,” is organizing these events in the Sacramento region. During a live interview with California Tonight Host Edie Lambert, he said he had been aware of bar lectures selling out in big cities and thought the concept would work well in his own region.
“My mission is to build community around ideas,” said Miller. “I want to bring people together in real life, in the same space, who are curious, who want to learn something new.”
While a bar may not seem like a venue that would be conducive to focusing on a lecture, Miller said people are attentive. He said the venues also lend an intimacy to the events.
“I see the space as a public house. It’s a space that’s relaxed where you can go to have a good time. It’s casual where you’re sort of like getting the off-the-record, real deal from the lecturer,” Miller explained.
Earlier in the week, Miller hosted a sold-out lecture titled “How to Hate Someone Less (Even When They Deserve It).” Like all of his other events, it sold out. When asked how he selects topics, Miller said he tries to find experts on issues that are of general interest to people. Unlike a search for information online, they can trust the source.
For those interested in attending one of these events in Sacramento, they’re $35 and tickets are available here.
Elsewhere in the state, search for “bar lectures” and the name of the city, and you’ll likely find event listings.
This story was featured as part of our new California Tonight show. It airs Monday-Friday at 7:30 p.m. Watch on KCRA and KSBW.