The Host Files: A First-Time Host and an Absolute Success

This past weekend, I hosted Panic at the Piano Bar for a group of ten, myself included. For most of my guests, it was their very first time LARPing, solving a murder mystery, or in a few cases… both. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but everyone took to the challenge immediately.

Between the drama, face-offs, and gossip (and the fact that I had an actual piano in my house), the night had the perfect atmosphere from the start. We served sparkling wine with cranberry-pineapple juice, and a friend made a massive charcuterie board that became a social hub almost instantly.

People added real depth to their characters, especially our “Parker,” who fully deserved the Most In Character award by the end of the night. Others got hilariously intense about collecting secrets. And yes, they figured out the murderer.

This was my first time hosting anything on my own, and I’m so happy I went for it. I first discovered Skills Murder Mysteries at Flower City Comic Con, where I briefly met Ashley. I was nervous at first; the booth was so busy, but going back later genuinely changed everything. Without that moment, I never would have had this experience.

I actually bought two other games that same day, so this is just the beginning—many more murder mysteries to come.