> For example, if you've been to every gig a band has done for years, but at the last one your girlfriend dumped you, a recommendation engine is still going to suggest that band's gigs even though it's unlikely you want to be reminded about them.

I mean sure, but just think about it, wouldn't the same happen if you have a friend telling you about the event? Or if you had an attentive concierge trying to organise programs for you? How would you like them to handle it? Not by blindly listing more programs that is for sure.

"Hey you love Blasted Monkeys. Did you know they are having a gig this weekend?"

"Nah, man. We had a bad breakup with Samantha at their last one. And besides it was really her thing and I was just tagging along."

"Oh, that's rough. I didn't know. Blast those monkeys then. How about a day a the beach then? There will be a surf class at ..."

This is the kind of interface a spoken event recommender should have. Is this much harder than just listing events? Yes, it is much harder. The problem is that if you don't go all the way then it falls into a weird uncanny valley. It feels like you are talking with a human, but a very stupid one.