If you have never attended a Salon make tonight your first and it probably will not be your last. The majority who attend return, even if they came on a lark initially. You do not have to read anything, just sit in the audience, listen, and applause. Meet new friends, mingle, or sit in a corner and be anonymous, all acceptable.
The Viennese are known for their Balls. My parent’s were from Vienna and my mother used to tell me stories of attending them as a teenager. They were obviously fond memories. But I doubt very seriously they were anything like the one you will see on this brief video.
http://www.euronews.net/nocomment/2010/07/19/viennas-aids-charity/