The Tor party was indeed a private party, privately funded.

The problem that some of us had with it, was that almost every musician who attended the open music circles was invited, so that the few who were not invited were left on our own with no alternate circle to attend.

I got together with a couple friends and we made some music in our small way - but it was nothing like the fun of getting a larger circle together. The effect was, as Nate pointed out, more 'outvitational' than invitational, and, while I consider it a waste of energy to harbor resentments, some people felt very hurt.