Hey #Raleigh, Enjoy the Magic of #TheNutcracker @CarolinaBallet @DECRaleigh ~Recap by SobeSavvy.com

December 21, 2015SobeSavvy Leave a comment

When you think of Christmas time traditions, seeing The Nutcracker is at the top of everyone’s list.

I had the pleasure to attend what has now become annual holiday season event at the Raleigh Memorial Auditorium. The Carolina Ballet, under the artistic direction of Robert Weiss puts on their production of The Nutcracker https://www.carolinaballet.com/program/the-nutcracker15.

It is America’s most popular ballet and for good reasons. Toy soldiers, pirouette of The Sugar Plum Fairy, the Tchaivosky score and beautiful choreography make it such an elegant experience. In it’s 15th years that the Carolina Ballet has presented this show they always make it seen fresh. Four years ago they added some new illusions to the party scene and one more was added last year. You simply felt the energy radiating from the dancers and the audience. It was indeed magical. My daughter is a bit too young now, but I really look forward to sharing this annual experience with her in the future.

Make it a family tradition and buy tickets today !

Please don’t forget to join the Carolina Ballet next year as they salute William Shakespeare throughout their spring season. It kicks off
February 4-21, 2016 with Love Speaks which is choreographed by Carolina Ballet Principal Guest Choreographer Lynne Taylor-Corbett Shakespeare’s love sonnets are interpreted through movement and dance, set to period music of Vivaldi, Corelli and Purcell.

Before the show, make sure you take the opportunity to take pictures or buy a gift as a keepsake for yourself or a loved one this holiday season!

Make it a family tradition and buy tickets today !

Photos Courtesy Of @CarolinaBallet

SobeSavvy.Com Recaps Opening Night @DPAC @SoundofMusic #OnlyatDPAC #SunTrustBroadway #TheSoundofMusicTour

December 2, 2015SobeSavvy Leave a comment

The Sound of Music opened at DPAC on December 1 and runs through December 6.SobeSavvy.Com was there opening night to kick off the Holiday Season and sang along to all of the favorite tunes!

THE WORLD’S MOST BELOVED MUSICAL IS CELEBRATED IN A LAVISH NEW STAGE PRODUCTION

The Hills Are Alive! A brand new production of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s THE SOUND OF MUSIC, directed by three-time Tony Award® winning Director Jack O’Brien, is currently playing at Durham’s DPAC. The spirited romantic and beloved musical story of Maria and the Von Trapp Family will once again thrill audiences with its Tony®, Grammy® and Academy Award® winning Best Score, including “My Favorite Things,” “Do- Re-Mi,” “Climb Ev’ry Mountain,” “Edelweiss” and the title song.

THE SOUND OF MUSIC enjoyed extraordinary success as the first live television production of a musical in over 50 years when “THE SOUND OF MUSIC Live!” aired on NBC in December,2013 (seen by over 44 million people); 2015 marks the 50th anniversary of the film version, which continues to be the most successful movie musical in history.

Tickets are going fast and are now on sale with seats starting at $30 via online at http://www.DPACNC.COM http://www.Ticketmaster.com or call the box office directly at 919-680-2787

Watch the cast of The Sound of Music describe the show in one word here :

Art should be enjoyed with all of your senses undivided attention,thus no cameras are allowed. However, I was able to capture these fun pics during intermission. Don’t miss your chance to see this awesome production !

To view more on the red carpet photos (courtesy of DPAC) from tonight’s event go to www.flickr.com/photos/dpacnc !

Remember to connect with DPAC and stay informed !
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DPACNC

Twitter: @DPAC https://twitter.com/dpac

Instagram: @DPACnc https://instagram.com/dpacnc

#Raleigh, Win Tix to see @MonicaBrown #CodeRedExperience Tour! w/ @IamRicoLove @RitzRaleigh on 11/28! #soNCsavvy GiveAway

November 12, 2015SobeSavvy 7 Comments

Monica is bringing Code Red to Raleigh on November 28, 2015 at The Ritz and SobeSavvy.Com has 2 GA Tickets to giveaway to one lucky fan ! Comment below why you want to go and I will randomly choose a winner on November 20th!

In anticipation of her upcoming album, the R&B songstress kicks off “The Code Red Experience” , a 22-date trek starting Nov. 12 in Las Vegas. The tour travels across the country before concluding in New York City on Dec. 13. She will be joined by special guest Rico Love.

“Join us for The Code RED Experience…. @iamricolove & I live and breathe for the depth, honesty & passion that embodies real music,” wrote Monica on Instagram. “Each night we will take you on a musical journey.”

Monica’s eighth album Code Red is due later this year featuring the Lil Wayne-assisted single “Just Right for Me,” for which she recently shot a video at Weezy’s skatepark in Miami.

Tickets are on sale NOW for
Nov. 28 – Raleigh, NC – Ritz
See here : http://m.concerts.livenation.com/event/0E004F4D1584AB69

There is even a Groupon tix deal up for grabs available here: https://www.groupon.com/deals/gl-monica-8?c=LNSM_CT_Raleigh_Monica_fb_ss_111115

I wish I was going to see this songtress as this show is not to be missed! So whomever wins, enjoy for me and please tag #sobesavvygiveaway in your pics ~Good Luck!

#BadBoyReunion #NCCU Homecoming Concert @Dpac #soNCsavvy Recap by #SobeSavvy .Com !

October 31, 2015SobeSavvy 1 Comment

Durham, NC was the place to be last night as North Carolina Central University’s homecoming week heated up with The Reunion featuring Faith Evans, Mase, Total, Carl Thomas and Black Rob at DPAC !
Durham Performing Arts Center, has become the center for live entertainment in the Triangle.The concert, presented by The DOME Group L.L.C. , showcased all the favorite hits from the late 90’s, early 2000’s and even presented a special tribute to NCCU’s own Mike City.

“We’re honored to bring such an awesome tribute to the golden era of Hip-Hop and R&B,” says promoter and NCCU alum Sulaiman Mausi of The DOME Group, LLC. “This music was the soundtrack of our college days, cookouts and house parties. This night will be EPIC.”

Total opened the show and got the party started with existing members Kima Raynor, and Pamela Long. Best known for their hits “Kissing You”, “Can’t You See” and “Trippin”, The New Jersey R&B trio made their first appearance singing the hook on The Notorious B.I.G.’s debut single, “Juicy”. Garnering attention for the new group, they were also featured on the original version of his next single “One More Chance.” Their debut single “Can‘t You See?” appeared on the soundtrack to 1995 motion picture “New Jersey Drive.” Total produced two more R&B top ten singles including “No One Else” and “Kissing You.”
https://instagram.com/p/9e3QUiCXJG/

Up next, Black Rob who appears on the Bad Boy remix “Come See Me” is most known for his smash, “Whoa” . He was also featured on several other Bad Boy releases including remixes “What About Us” and “Love Like This”, the song “24 Hrs. to Live”, and albums by Puff Daddy & the Bad Boy Family and The Notorious B.I.G.

The mood then turned to grown and sexy as Carl Thomas hit the stage! He has over 4 million records sold, 2 Grammy® Nominations, a couple of Soul Train nominations and S.C.L.C. Image award. With the single “I Wish” released in late 1999, Carl topped the R&B charts for six consecutive weeks, creating strong interest in his debut album, Emotional. On the strength of this single, the album was certified platinum with over 1 million in sales. He still sounds as good as ever and thanked the crowd for coming out to support Black Music. He also used his platform to remind all that #BlackLivesMatter.
https://instagram.com/p/9e8djgCXD4/

Best known as Puff Daddy’s favorite sidekick, Mase secured his place as a Bad Boy label favorite through a series of guest appearances on hit singles by other artists. By the time he issued his debut album, the Bad Boy promotional machine had effectively already made him a star. His flow was slow and relaxed, and his raps often unabashedly simple, which helped make him especially popular with the younger segment of Puff Daddy’s pop-rap audience. Just before the release of his second album, he announced his retirement from rap to pursue a career in the ministry.
https://instagram.com/p/9fBkEdCXN1/

The show’s headliner, Faith Renée Evans is a multi-platinum Grammy® Award-winning recording artist, songwriter, arranger and record producer. With a music career spanning over two decades, Faith has released eight studio albums, with over 18 million albums sold and spawning over 30 singles. Faith has also performed on 20+ soundtracks and appeared at a host of guest appearances during her career. Faith Evans is a seven-time Grammy® nominee, winning “Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group” in 1998 for “I’ll Be Missing You,” an homage to her late husband and hip-hop legend Notorious B.I.G.
https://instagram.com/p/9fF3EpiXFD/
https://instagram.com/p/9fGQXmiXF2/

Faith Evans also invited her fans,also known as “Faithfuls” to sing along and join her on stage for her final song! We all had a good time going back down memory lane and jamming to some of out favorite hits. Good music is indeed timeless and the Bad Boy Reunion proved just that !

For more pics of who was on the red carpet at DPAC, view photos from the event at http://www.flickr.com/photos/dpacnc
Courtesy of DPAC!

One Night Only, #AlvinAiley #Dance in cinemas 10/22 @FathomEvents #LCMOVIES

October 22, 2015SobeSavvy Leave a comment

This Thursday only, Ailey hits the big screen nationwide! Screenings of a full Ailey performance will be held at hundreds of cinemas across the U.S. on October 22 at 7pm local time. Enter your zip code now to find the theater closest to you and purchase tickets: http://bit.ly/1OTkLqL

Ailey’s film is one of four in a new series entitled “Lincoln Center at the Movies: Great American Dance,” presented by Fathom Events and Lincoln Center.

Captured before a live audience during Ailey’s recent Lincoln Center season, the performance includes four audience favorites – Wayne McGregor’s Chroma, Ronald K. Brown’s Grace, Robert Battle’s Takademe, and Mr. Ailey’s masterpiece, Revelations – as well as a look behind the scenes and exclusive interviews with the artists.

As a lover of all things Ailey, I am very excited to enjoy this performance in a unique , intimate setting. It’s like having a front row seat and a backstage pass all in one! Fathom Events is known for bringing one time speacisl events in Theaters near you at an affordable price . Be sure to stay connected so that you don’t miss out!

Yannick Lebrun. Photo by Andrew Eccles

Sarah Daley and Vernard J. Gilmore in Wayne McGregor’s ‘Chroma.’ Photo by Paul Kolnik

#OutandaboutAva Creates #kidsart at #Mommyandme #Art Class @Artopia_Raleigh #Artopia #FamilyFun #Raleigh~#soNCsavvy Recap

August 17, 2015SobeSavvy Leave a comment

My daughter loves art. All kinds of art. I told my husband I wanted to take our little one to a real art studio so she could experience art in a classic but fun age oriented atmosphere. I live near a place called Artopia in North Raleigh.http://www.artopia-raleigh.com/. They offer all sorts of art classes for all age groups. Summer art camp programs and adult oriented art programs in the evenings.

I always would drive by and see the different programs they have highlighted on their billboard. One day I saw they had a “Mommy and Me Class” on Fridays between 9:30-10:30am http://www.artopia-raleigh.com/Programs/mommy-and-me/. It just so happened to be Ava’s birthday weekend so this was perfect. So we attended Friday’s Mommy and Me Art Class. It was a great way to have some mommy and me fun with her and we got to take home a frame-able piece of art that both her and I created. We call the project “Ava’s Autumn”. All the material used are non toxic and safe for children so that was a plus.

Their website states “.. Projects will include finger painting, chalk art, arts and crafts, and much more! You will go home with a frame-able piece of art that both you and your child created. It is held on Fridays from 9:30-10:30 am \ Ages 0-4 Sign up now and enjoy a great experience of art and connection”

We were greeted by their pleasant staff and led to the space where the class was held. It was bright, airy and loft like. The project of the day was to do a painting to represent the fall season. The instructor gave us a myriad of fall like color choices to be used.

They supplied all the materials and direction. Ava {with a little help from me !}used brown, orange, reds and whites to make falling leaves, barren trees and soil.

The instructor quizzed Ava on her knowledge of primary colors and she passed {with flying colors !}. The instructor/student interaction was lovely and engaging. The finished product ended up on Ava’s bedroom wall where she proudly shows it off to any visitors. Mommy and me gets two hands up !

Artopia is a great space for kids birthday parties and events. Call them at (919) 307-8144 for details and plan your party today.

Here are some pictures from our day at Artopia !

DREAMGIRLS Dazzles! @TheatreRaleigh #trdreamgirls~ Review by SobeSavvy.Com #soNCsavvy

July 25, 2015SobeSavvy Leave a comment

Catch the dream when Theatre Raleigh presents Dreamgirls at Kennedy Theatre on July 8-26 (July 8 Preview Night, July 9 Opening Night). Don’t miss this amazing production and the next installment of the Hot Summer Nights series.

Tickets are on-sale now- $27 for adults, $25 for seniors/students/military. You can purchase at http://www.theatreraleigh.com
Group discounts are available and can be purchased at Theatre Raleigh Box Office:919-832-9997
“What an undertaking!!! But I’m beyond thrilled to be directing our biggest show to date, along side a terrific team including Broadway dancer and our choreographer Abbey O’Brien,” said Director, Lauren Kennedy. ‘We are downsizing the cast but it will feel like we are busting the 133 seat Kennedy Theatre wide open and raising the roof with these 18 actors singing to the rafters.”

Full of onstage joy and backstage drama, the sensational Dreamgirls tells the story of an up-and-coming 1960s girl singing group, and the triumphs and tribulations that come with fame and fortune. A young female singing trio from Chicago, Effie (Brittany Walters), Deena (Alexis Sims) and Lorrell (Dorian McCorey) get their big break at an amateur competition and begin singing backup vocals for James “Thunder” Early (Christian Thompson). However, things begin to spin out of control when their agent, Curtis Taylor, Jr.(Lawrence Street), makes Deena and not Effie, the star of what will become known as “The Dreams.” With music by Academy® Award nominee Henry Krieger and book and lyrics by Tony® and Grammy® Award winner Tom Eyen, Dreamgirls features the unforgettable hits: “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going” and “One Night Only”. This Tony® and Academy® Award winning musical sparkles like never before!

EVERYONE in this production puts on a stellar performance. Brittany Walters, as Effie and Christian Thompson, as Jimmy are the soul of the show.

The size of the theatre compliments the play to perfection. Intimacy is often lost in huge broadway or arena size productions, not so here. The sheer physical proximity to the actors lends to itself an authenticity that is missing from far too many big productions.

You have two more nights to catch Dreamgirls. Get your tickets NOW !!

Cast

Brittany Walters – Effie

Alexis Sims – Deena

Dorian McCorey – Lorrell

Destiny Diamond – Michele

Christian Thompson – Jimmy

Jade Arnold – CC

Lawrence Street – Curtis

Gil Faison – Marty

Ben Pluska – Dave/Security Guard

Ahmad Ratliff – Ensemble

Josh Walker – Ensemble

Shaun-Avery Williams – Ensemble

Michael Blake – Ensemble

Sherida McMullan – Ensemble

Terra Hodge – Ensemble

Leilani Carr – Ensemble

Meagan Chieppor – Sweethearts

Lisette Glodowski – Sweethearts

Crew

Director – Lauren Kennedy

Stage Manager – Christine Scardino

Choreographer – Abbey O’Brien

Music Director – Bryan Pheobus

Rehearsal Pianist – Lori Anderson

Scenic Design – Chris Bernier

Lighting Design – Thomas Mauney

Costume/Properties Design – Denise Schumaker

Sound Design – Eric Collins

Assistant to the Director – John Ravenscraft

Assistant Choreographer – Lisette Glodowski

Hair and Makeup Mistress – Joyce Hawkins

Sound Intern – Alex Bainbridge

Spot Op #1 – Joanna Mills

Spot Op #2 – Jamella Chantal

Wardrobe #1 – Emily Johns

Wardrobe #2 – Sophie Raymer

PA #1 – Dustin Walker

PA #2 – Kimberly Fiorentino
Remaining 2015 Hot Summer Nights Season:

Sleuth (Kennedy Theatre): August 5-16

Carousel- In Concert (Fletcher Theatre): August 27-30

###
About Theatre Raleigh

The mission of Theatre Raleigh, Inc. is to produce work with an artistic scope that includes musical theatre, drama, comedy, concerts, theatre for young audiences, as well as the development of new theatrical projects. Theatre Raleigh, Inc. will nurture a tradition of intimate, professional live performances while enhancing, stimulating and providing opportunities to our community, thus contributing to its vitality.
Theatre Raleigh, Inc. is the umbrella institution under which the Hot Summer Nights Series, along with a planned Theatre for the Young Series and Backstage at the Kennedy Music Series, operates with the goal of providing audiences diverse programming in the Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts.

For more information please go to http://www.theatreraleigh.com.

#SobeSavvy Recaps @theaocproject Friday Kick Off @downtowndurham ! #aocfest #aocfest2015 #soNCsavvy

April 27, 2015SobeSavvy 1 Comment

Coolness is an admired aesthetic of attitude, behavior, comportment, appearance and style, influenced by and a product of the Zeitgeist. Because of the varied and changing connotations of cool, as well its subjective nature, the word has no single meaning. It has associations of composure and self-control (cf. the OED definition) and often is used as an expression of admiration or approval. Although commonly regarded as slang, it is widely used among disparate social groups, and has endured in usage for generations

Now that we are up to date on that definition, I am here to attest that I witnessed the Art Of Cool this past weekend in Durham, Nc at the Art Of Cool Music Festival.
http://aocfestival.org/

Cool kids and cool cats. Icons and the up and coming were all represented at the festival for their second year.

On their website, http://theartofcoolproject.com/ they state, ” We are a jazz presenting 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization located in Durham, NC. We are dedicated to presenting and promoting live jazz (and related music) in unique venues throughout the Triangle. Our two major programs are Art of Cool Festival and StArt of Cool, a jazz education program. We are the rhythm of the Bull City that connects music and art to people”

Roy Ayers, Anthony Hamilton and Robert Glasper were just a few of the performers who did sets throughout the weekend. Concerts took place at various downtown Durham venues and parks. I had the good fortune of catching MoonChild and Japanese trumpeter Takuya Kuroda at Pinhook Bar on Friday. I also caught a bit of Jessie Boykins III and Robert Glasper at the Durham Armory.

What makes this music festival so unique is that ticket holders can walk to and fro different venues within a 2 or 3 blk radius on any given night. Downtown Durham is in the midst of a mind blowing rejuvenation. Trendy restaurants and bars all around. Even a top notch boutique hotel has opened .This just means that next year guests can expect a bigger and better Art Of Cool Fest.

Enjoy my pics and plan early for next year’s Fest. It should not be missed

Here is a IG short of Moonchild:
https://instagram.com/p/14ZGoQJaRg

Alluring, Adventurous, Amorous, Amazing! #Amaluna @Cirque #CirqueduSoleil @SunLifeStadium #Miami thru Jan 25th ~ Recap by #SobeSavvy .com

December 30, 2014SobeSavvy Leave a comment

Cirque du Soleil has brought Amaluna, their 33rd production to the magic city this month. It is an ode to the feminine. All female band and clearly over 60 % of the almost 50 member cast are women. Set under the big top near Sun Life Stadium in Miami Gardens, Amaluna was just as visually satisfying as their permanent shows in Vegas. There are some concessions they had to make due to this being a temporary touring version. With that being said my fellow ticket holders delighted in the shows mesmerizing acrobatics that Cirque du Soleil has become known for worldwide.

Amaluna is a beautiful visual orgy of all shades of blue. Without giving away too much of the plot, Amaluna is a story that has a princess and a queen. Moon cycles and water play an important part of the tale. The production has an energy and power that is definitely Frozen-esque. Aerialist abound everywhere. They drop out of seemingly nowhere to perform amazing spins twists and contortions. The music and images merge perfectly to give you a unforgettable experience. Everyone left the big tent with stars in their eyes and smiles on their faces.

I have attached their official trailer. Due to very strict no photography/video rules, I have only posted a few pics from outside the show.

You can get your tickets here : https://www.cirquedusoleil.com/en/shows/amaluna/tickets/miami.aspx

#SobeSavvy checks out @GreyGoose @kehindewileyart #FruitofKings #ArtBasel #Miami @SpikeLee @TheRealSwizzz @CarmeloAnthony

December 4, 2014SobeSavvy 1 Comment

GREY GOOSE Vodka Presents The “Modern Kings of Culture” portraits by Kehinde Wiley featuring Spike Lee, Swizz Beatz and Carmelo Anthony

The Redbury South Beach
1776 Collins Avenue,
Miami Beach, Florida 33139

GREY GOOSE Vodka will be celebrating the finale of a unique partnership forged to commemorate the launch of GREY GOOSE Le Melon earlier this summer between GREY GOOSE Vodka and renowned artist Kehinde Wiley. Wiley’s “Modern Kings of Culture” portraits featuring Spike Lee, Swizz Beatz and Carmelo Anthony will be publicly displayed for the first time at The Redbury Hotel before being auctioned off for charity in collaboration with Sotheby’s during Art Basel Miami Beach.

All proceeds will be donated to the “kings” respective charities–The Carmelo Anthony Foundation, the Swizz Beatz Bronx Charter School for the Arts and the NYU Graduate Film Production Fund, which will be the recipient of proceeds from the Spike Lee portrait.

I took the opportunity to stop by to see the artwork before the auction ended to capture a photograph of the art pieces. Good luck to the highest bidder!

SobeSavvy

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