I Attended Three Twitch Zoom Parties

We’ve heard about them and they’re popping up everywhere around the country and the world. It’s the new way of social gathering during these difficult times. As many of us continue to stay confined to our homes, we’re just yearning to have some social connection. And now we’re seeing a surge in social apps such as Zoom, Skype, etc. popping up everywhere that allows many to visually connect to one another. 

But it doesn’t start and end with just chatting. A new form of parties has emerged through these apps as well as Houseparty, Slack, Facebook, and more and they’re starting to become a part of our weekend routines.

These apps are connecting many from all around the world and taking that in-person element of a get-together and placing it in the virtual world. The only thing really missing is that physical connection that we’re all desperate to have right about now. But the fact that the physical aspect is missing, doesn’t take away from the fun that many are having during these gatherings. And the more of these zoom parties that I attend or witness, the more fun they’re starting to become. Within the past three weeks, I’ve been in some form a part of five of these zoom parties (three on live stream and two in private). And so far, the Twitch events are the most fun. Nothing against the private ones of course. I’ve enjoyed them all. But the more the merrier I say and the streamers that I’ve watched so far get an A+ for their efforts in my book.

Now many of those who know me on a real personal level know that in real life I’m the wallflower of the party. I rarely attend events that I’m invited to because of my social anxiety and my shyness around those I don’t know well. It has always been an uncomfortable experience for me. And unless there’s someone there to hold my hand and walk me through the entire thing, I mainly keep to myself and observe the fun, often missing out on the interactions between those in the room. But recently, I attended three different Twitch Zoom parties, all ranging at different levels. Three streamers that I watch on a regular basis decided to combine two of the biggest platforms right now together and entertain their communities along with others that stopped by for a night of zoom chat, music, and fun on a more intimate level. 

The first one I attended was a chill one. Thrown by one of my favorite Twitch streamers, Nick “TheLambShow”, he opened his stream one night to a chill chat on zoom with some of the OG’s (Original Gang) of the Legion community. And although I wasn’t directly a part of the zoom interaction, I was present in the stream chat and was able to see it all. As much as I wanted to open that zoom app, click on that link in the discord, and prop my phone up on my computer, my nerves just got the better of me. The uncomfortable feeling of having to have a conversation with others in a group setting even though I’ve known most of them for over a year now just took over. Something I’ve experienced far too many times in my life. Although I didn’t partake in it, it did warm my heart to see those in attendance really enjoy chatting with each other as well as Nick.

See if you have never been to one of Nick’s streams, his community and him make it a welcoming environment for all those that stop by and stay. So his zoom chill party was no different. Best part is that he loves to talk so with him as host and a group of others who love to chat as well around him, there was never a dull or quiet moment. It was just another hangout filled with stories, laughter, and enjoyment amongst a group of friends all discovered through his community. Which made me kinda feel like a fool for not participating. But it wasn’t the last time and I was given another opportunity. He did a private one a few days later for the same group off-stream which after some convincing from him earlier in the day, I attended, nerves and all.

And even though I didn’t talk much, I saw it as a huge feat for me to jump into the unknown. I was still able to keep that thought of having that one person there to take my hand and walk me through it just like others have done for me in all the personal gatherings I’ve attended before. As much as I adore my fellow Legion companions there, Nick was the only one I’ve grown most comfortable with in a visual setting so it was only fitting that he was my comfort zone for being there that night. I remember entering the room with a muted microphone and no video setting. 

And after a few minutes of silence, he gave me a push within the app to turn on my mic finally. It took a few deep breaths and doing my counting exercise for my anxiety before I finally turned on the camera half way through. I have to admit that after being there for the rest of the zoom party with a camera and mic on and no judgment from anyone in the room, my anxiety finally started to calm down. The first step of anything is always the hardest. Even when it comes to fun. ​

Let’s start off with a chill

​A Chill zoom party was a great way to kick off something that I had never been a part of before. And it’s a great way to break the ice with those you normally don’t talk to on a normal basis or those you’d like to get to know better. Great for Wine zoom parties too amongst friends and co-workers. Put on some nice mellow music, grab a glass of your favorite wine, relax and chill with others.

With the chill party being a mellow vibe, the next zoom party on Twitch was amped way up and had a theme to it. Twitch streamer Chris Melberger threw one as well and he themed his as Emo night. Dressed from head to toe in his best emo outfit, he invited his lady and their friends over for an all out emo celebration. And to set the mood, he moved his furniture, turned his LED lights from the normal pinks and blues to a steady red and began dancing. Playing the best and top songs from the past, I witnessed as they danced and sang their hearts out to his community that night.

​They even formed a small mosh pit on some of the songs which was a sight to see. And to include the community, even more, they opened up a zoom and discord party chat for those who wished to be more intimate during this huge six-hour dance party. What set the mood even more was seeing so many in the zoom party dressed up as well with their best-themed outfits and makeup. It was an all-out Emo celebration for the ages.

Formerly a Vine superstar, Chris has built a huge following on Twitch, streaming all sorts of games from Fortnite to more recently Animal Crossing and Valorant. I haven’t been a part of his community for long but I can see how this crazy fun Emo zoom party was a big hit amongst his community, The Berger Shack. Many in the zoom party dressed for the occasion with their best emo outfits and makeup to match. And with every song that came on, those in the stream chat including myself got to witness the huge group of members singing and dance along with Chris and his crew. It was truly a sight to see this group of people from all over, join together to have a party without leaving their homes. I found myself as still a newcomer dancing and singing along right with them into the late hours. Even chatted a few times in the stream chat.

The themed zoom party is a great way to make everyone feel as though they are in the same room by dressing up together. I’ve heard in a few of the discord communities I’m a part of that some members have done this style of zoom party with their friends where everyone dresses for the occasion. I don’t know. Maybe I would’ve done my best emo outfit too even though I wasn’t in the zoom party and rocked out in my living room (I was late to the news lol). But just the idea of so many people inside their homes willing to be a good sport and dress up was a nice touch to what was an amazing night. Not sure if Chris has any plans of doing another themed zoom party but this one definitely pleased many of those in attendance including myself.

​The Emo was intense and full of some fun, hardcore vibes. Just the right touch to get me ready for my next and final one I attended which had an equal amount of energy but in a different way. Just this past Friday, I joined other viewers to watch the OneDuo DJ zoom party hosted by Steve and Mike of the famous New York based EDM group, OneDuo. Twitch streamer Steve aka OneDuoMusic put the announcement out a week in advance and I was not about to miss out on this night of live music.

​But I don’t think anyone was ready for what we experienced that Friday night. Although the pair are separated from one another like most of us are, they managed to take their performance and set it up live on Twitch with an actual DJ setup, controlled by Mike. But he was not alone. At his home, he had a few party-goers make the atmosphere a true club setting for those in attendance with beer pong, dancing, singing, and chatting in the background while he keeps the tunes spinning.

And while the party was bumping at Mike’s house, Steve served as the MC, the hype man, and led a group of familiar faces of friends and family members on the zoom party at his place. And if that wasn’t enough to add to this Club night, there were a few people waiting behind that virtual red velvet rope to get in on this electric zoom party. For the attendees, all we had to bring was our own drinks and dancing shoes which was perfect because I along with others in the stream chat were dancing our butts off to the continued bangers Mike had spinning. It was a real club bought to life in the virtual world for the DuoCrew and all newcomers to the stream that night.

The stream was even more special because over $1000 was raised for those impacted by COVID-19. All well worth it and a night well spent with me having a bit too much to drink along with a few others from the chat. The next morning was rough for some. There are plans to do this every weekend or so. So if you’d like to party with a group of cool dudes who spin some great music including there own, please stop by with your party outfits, drinks, dancing shoes and introduce yourselves.

Conclusion

All three of these were amazing in their own special way and another fun way to escape from life obstacles. It was a chance for me and others in these streams to remember although we’re not able to see those we know in person, we’re not completely isolated.

Very creative on all the streamers parts and I’m hoping from all three that there’s more to come. These aren’t the last of my ventures into Twitch Zoom parties. There are two on the way this coming weekend and I’m sure in the upcoming weeks.

So whether you’re the life of the party or the shy wallflower like me, I say throw caution to the wind and go out there and join in on one of these Twitch Zoom parties. You never know who you’ll meet during these unique times we’re living in.

And as for me, I’ll continue to push that boundary more and more and maybe just maybe be a contributing participant in one of these Twitch Zoom parties. Wish me luck and good luck to everyone out there. Continue to be safe and take care of those around you.

Until next time, this is Tammy saying keep safe, keep positive and nothing’s impossible!!!

Social Media/Streamer follows:
Follow Nick on Twitch at https://www.twitch.tv/thelambshow/
Follow Chris Melberger on Twitch at https://www.twitch.tv/chrismelberger/
Follow Steve on Twitch at https://www.twitch.tv/oneduomusic/
Follow OneDuo on Twitter at https://twitter.com/ONEDUOMusic &
Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/oneduomusic/

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