In days of yore, it used to be said that bars and coffee houses were where people would go to debate and discuss the issues of the day.  Alas, those days seem a distant memory, with bars increasingly playing music very loudly, whilst many a coffee shop is full of people glued into their laptops.

In this kind of world, people appear more inclined to get their ideas and inspiration via the web, through mediums such as TED, than they are from physically bumping into people and joshing around ideas and thoughts.

A new enterprise launching in New York aims to change all that.  The venture, called Raising The Bar, sees 50 lectures taking place in 50 bars spread throughout the city.  It was created by students at New York and Columbia Universities, and will offer free lectures from top professors across Manhattan for one night on the 29th April.

Topics will include things such as smartphone technology, economics all the way to philosophy and Greek tragedy.  The hope is that the events will inspire a change in the typical kind of events and atmosphere found in bars around New York, and inspire folks to learn new things and have some fun conversations with their fellow drinkers.

The events are free, although you need to reserve a ticket, although if you’re hoping to snag one after reading this, you’re out of luck as they’ve sold out already (although of course some may become available later.

It’s a really nice idea that I can certainly see taking off in other major cities.    There was a similar kind of event hosted in London last year themed around Sunday morning breakfasts, with people invited to attend in slippers, have breakfast and coffee, whilst listening to some interesting speakers.  Events such as these are certainly a welcome addition to any social scene, and long may they continue.