Milyoni to host live concert via Facebook

Facebook users can buy Widespread Panic tickets for $5 or 50 Facebook credits

Virtually anything can be adapted to Facebook. Gaming: Facebook. E-commerce: Facebook. So it was only a matter of time before someone had the great idea of taking live events to Facebook. But that’s silly, you say. Facebook is a Web and mobile platform; how could it possibly host a live event? Funny you should ask. It just so happens that f-commerce company Milyoni plans to host its first live Social Theater concert in the U.S. this summer via Facebook.

The concert will be that of hit band Widespread Panic playing live at The Moody Theater on June 14 and 15 at 7pm CST. Fans will be able to watch the event live in high-definition via the Widespread Panic and Austin City Limits Live Facebook pages, and tickets can be purchased for $5 or 50 Facebook credits.

And while fans are watching the event live on Facebook, they can also comment, chat, and share all within the concert’s Facebook page.

The event his being hosted by Milyoni’s Social Theater, which allows users to purchase and watch videos directly within a brand’s Facebook page. For example, a Facebook user with an inclination towards Harry Potter fanaticism can go to the movie’s Facebook fan page, click on “watch on Facebook,” and stream a number of Harry Potter movies directly within Facebook for 30 Facebook credits.

Founded in 2009, Milyoni has created what it terms a “conversational commerce” platform, which means users can visit a brand’s Facebook page and shop directly within the page without leaving Facebook. Unlike other startups that have launched in this space, such as Payvment, Milyoni offers a turnkey solution to brands to allow them to create their own storefronts. The company works with over 50 brands, including Warner Bros., the NBA, the Miami HEAT, Oklahoma University, and more. In all, the brands represent over 80 million fans.

Milyoni’s Social Theater is part of its “conversational commerce” platform, allowing users to purchase and stream the film without ever leaving Facebook.

“We are thrilled to offer a first-of-its kind live concert experience over Facebook,” said Milyoni CEO John Corpus in a statement. “Social networking is truly enhancing how people communicate and enjoy music, making the world more connected than ever. We’re taking it a step further by using Facebook and turning it into a shared experience. This concert gives music fans a chance to enjoy a terrific live music show and interact with other fans online, as if they were there together.”

Last week, Milyoni raised $3 million in a Series A funding led by returning seed investors ATA Ventures and Thornvest Ventures.