#FoodieFriday spotlight on @KamadoGrille ‘s New #HappyHour in #Raleigh ! #Cocktails #Appetizers

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Clay vessels have been used by humans to cook food for many thousands of years. Clay cooking pots have been found in every part of the world and some of the earliest dated by Archaeologists to be over 3000 years old have been found in China. It is believed that in these circular clay cooking vessels are the origins of the modern Kamado albeit the clay finally being superseded by ceramic materials

Now that the history lesson is over, I can tell you where you can go dine by food prepared using the above ancient method. That place is Kamado Grille in North Raleigh.

They already have a devout following for their dinner scene but now they want to do the same for their new Happy Hour.

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Between the hours of 4-6pm, Monday thru Thursday, you can get specially priced drinks and half-off mouth watering appetizers. My family and I went there on Tuesday to enjoy their signature Backyard Cocktails, their great food, and their lawn games that sit out front of the restaurant. Since it was a gorgeous late afternoon we opted to sit at one of their attractive patio tables.

We started with two cocktails from their backyard cocktails menu. A Spiked Blueberry Lemonade and a Dirty Shirley( think Shirley Temple but the adult version). On such a warm afternoon they both were cold and refreshing.
image*complete list of backyard cocktails as seen on their electronic menu

imageA Sips & Selfie moment =)

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The appetizers menu offers a delicious variety of tasty options. Oysters Kamadofeller were first up. 4 Oysters on the half shell topped with Andouille Sausage and Spinach cream sauce. AWESOME !!
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My little one (did I mention Kamado Grille is family friendly?!) was getting restless so we played a few rounds of bean bag throw on their lawn before our second appetizer arrived.
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Grilled Shrimp Scampi arrived and promptly disappeared ! The garlic foccacia bread that accompanied it was mouth watering as well.
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Tip: Order the Crab Cakes and Lamb Chops(which come with cheese grits) together, both offered on the appetizers menu, and have yourself a surf & turf meal at deal. The portion size is great and the taste even greater! All for 50% off during happy hour.
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It was time for another backyard game (this time table tennis ) and a cocktail break. I ordered the KG Spiked Palmer at the suggestion of our server, who advised it was his favorite out of all the cocktails. It became my personal fave as well and I think helped me win the game !
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We worked up a bit of an appetite after playing these games and ordered two entrees: Ribs {Which are slow cooked for 18 hrs} & Miso Salmon.
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Needless to say this duo left us full and satisfied. No room for dessert, but plenty of memories of our early evening of foodie fun!
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Sip,Sip Hooray …
Cheers to Kamado Grille, their new Happy Hour and always delicious food !
https://www.instagram.com/p/BF66kZJCXJP/

#RuPaulBOTS Make ‘Herstory’ @DPAC RuPaul’s Drag Race Battle of the Seasons:2016 #Extravaganza Tour @RuPaulBots

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As you may have seen in Huffington Post , the Queens made history (well HERstory) by coming to Durham, NC and facing the challenges of the discriminatory HB2 law.
They came, they slayed, they conquered… and performed an amazing show!

RUPAUL’S DRAG RACE” FAN FAVORITES are on the road FOR LARGEST “BATTLE OF THE SEASONS” TOUR YET, TRAVELING TO 57 GLOBAL MARKETS which included A STOP AT DPAC MAY 22, 2016 .

Producer Entertainment Group and Sidecar Management, in conjunction with World of Wonder and Logo TV, announced the return of the world’s biggest touring drag revue, based on international mega­hit TV franchise “RuPaul’s Drag Race” (RPDR). Seeing this extravaganza up close was an opportunity I could not miss! I especially liked seeing the unscripted, unexpected SNATCH GAME live!

The “Battle of the Seasons” tour, now in its third consecutive year of growth, was hosted by series judge Michelle Visage and included an all­star cast of past winners, runners up and fan favorites from each season of RPDR, including: *Adore Delano, *Alaska, BenDeLaCreme, *Courtney Act, *Ginger Minj, Ivy Winters, Jinkx Monsoon, Katya, Manila Luzon, *Miss Fame, Pandora Boxx, *Phi Phi O’hara, Sharon Needles, *Violet Chachki and Willam to name a few. (Lineup varies by city and is subject to change. Check local listings for expected performers. *These were the performers at DPAC) In addition, select cities will feature an opening DJ set by Pearl.
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“Last year the world got merely a taste of RuPaul’s queens with the first global Battle of the Seasons Tour,” said Michelle Visage, host of the “Battle of the Seasons” tour and permanent judge on RuPaul’s Drag Race. “This year we are back, and these ladies are bigger and badder than before! Get ready for the ULTIMATE RuPaul’s Drag Race experience from the minute you walk through the doors. It is a once ­in­ a ­lifetime extravaganza that you will NOT want to miss!”

The “Extravaganza” tour began with a 14­ city Europe cycle launching from Antwerp, Belgium on March 17, 2016. The second leg of the tour kicked off in Seattle, Washington on April 19, 2016 and is crossing the United States and Canada with 43 stops.
We got to witness the eleganza and gag on the shade of it all in a night of unforgettable music and madness with the world’s most talented drag performers!
•    Ticket information for the 58­ date “RuPaul’s Drag Race Battle of the Seasons: 2016 Extravaganza Tour” is available now at www.RuPaulBOTS.com.

Follow the “RuPaul’s Drag Race: Battle of the Seasons” tour on Twitter, Instagram  and Facebook @RuPaulBOTS and join the conversation by using #RuPaulBOTS #Extravaganza. For more information visit: http://rupaulbots.com/.

Here is my photo montage featuring a few photos taken of the fans, the fun and the fierceness seen on the scene by SobeSavvy.com ! Enjoy!

https://www.instagram.com/p/BFwDF3SiXN3/

 

 

#FoodieFriday spotlight: @ToriiNoodleBar #ToriiNoodleBar #NationalShrimpDay #Mochi

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National Shrimp Day is an annual food holiday celebrating the jewel of the sea: SHRIMP ! On Tuesday May 10, 2016, we decided to celebrate at Torii Noodle Bar By Kanki which is upstairs from their sister Habachi Restaurant Kanki located at Crabtree Valley Mall.
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On their website they describe themselves as- Kanki’s freshest new concept, the Torii Noodle Bar offers a Japanese dining experience made with love, spirit and harmony. Traditional Japanese fair, as well as to-go sushi to enjoy alongside great sake, and carefully selected wines and beer.
I really agree with their self description. Inside the decor is what I call Japanese chic. Lots of light wood and natural sunlight streams in the intimate dining area. On such a delightful day we opted to eat alfresco on their patio.
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The variety of shrimp ,shrimp and more shrimp items on the menu would make Forest Gump proud. We dined on the following:
*Appetizers: Shrimp Tempura ( batter-dipped,lightly seasoned,served with tempura dipping sauce)
Ebi (shrimp sushi), Hot Rockin’ Lava Shrimp (tender large shrimp, fried to a golden brown and tossed in a not too spicy but tasty lava sauce)
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*Entrees: Lunch bento box (served with fresh tossed salad with ginger dressing, west coast roll, steamed rice, Tempura shrimp and vegetables with homemade dipping sauce and stir fried shrimp teriyaki style and Shrimp Tempura Udon Noodles. The buckwheat noodles were delicious and I loved the hon tsuyu broth! The lunch was served quickly and reminded me that healthier options can be served fast and for a better quality and value.
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My little girl loved the Japanese soda and the more than personable Director of Operations, Gee Dararouksa was happy to show my daughter how to recycle the chopsticks paper into a holder !
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They have a great cocktail and sake menu. Their sake flight was amazing and it complemented the cuisine perfectly. Instead of a fast food lunch, you can come here and get REAL food for roughly the same price and in a efficient ,timely manner.
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Enjoy these photos from our wonderful dining experience at Torii Noodle Bar!

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*Pictured here : Gee Dararouksa, Director of Operations ~ Reuben Rodillas, General Manager ~ Alex Cordova, Corporate Executive Chef

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For a sweet ending , try the Japanese Ice Cream known as Mochi Ice Cream. Available in Vanilla, Chocolate, Green Tea, Red Bean, Strawberry, and Mango, my personal favorite !

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We enjoyed lunch and had fun dining at Torii Noodle Bar! Its definitely my family’s favorite place for japanese food in Raleigh, NC ! Next time in Crabtree and want a Asian cuisine fix ? Go to Torii Noodle Bar. They will take good care of you and your tastebuds!

Photographs of @GreatGrapesFest #NCWine @DrinkEatRelax ~A #soNCsavvy Recap by SobeSavvy.com

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We here at SobeSavvy.com love food, wine and a good time! If you do too, this festival was for you!

The 13th Annual Celebration Great Grapes! Wine and Food Festival  returned to Town of Cary’s Booth Amphitheatre on April 23, 2016 from 11am-7pm. People come from all over to North Carolina’s premiere casual NC wine festival with HUNDREDS of wines available. The show has seen hundreds of thousands of happy guests over the years who have the chance to enjoy the following:

220 Wines from 20 Wineries 
Great Live Music 
Fun Festival Eats
Arts and Crafts and Gourmet Items
FREE Kids Area *Free Parking

https://www.instagram.com/p/BEjykSWiXNu/

Many choose to enjoy The VIP Area with The VIP Ticket option which offers early entrance into the event at 11am, a souvenir glass and lanyard and access to all the show tastings and access to the VIP area which features specialty wine selections not available elsewhere, free water and soft drinks, and featured food tastings (served Noon – 3pm). 

https://www.instagram.com/p/BEj0jJiCXCC/

Guests came with lawn chairs, blankets, family (it’s kid friendly) and friends to take a day to UNCORK THE FUN ! Here are some photos from this fun -filled day for wine lovers! Cheers and hope to see you next year!
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#TravelTuesday : #SobeSavvy Samples the Carolinas at #TasteCarolina @Carowinds

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This past Sunday I took my daughter on a little road trip from Raleigh to Charlotte. Off we went on I-85 South to the famous Carowinds Amusement Park https://www.carowinds.com

The Spring weather had finally taken hold and it was a bright and warm afternoon when we arrived. Although they have immense rollercoasters and rides , we were there for the Taste Of The Carolinas Food and drink Festival https://www.carowinds.com/taste

This event is a culinary salute to unique Carolina cuisine from both North and South. There are 7 different food booths representing different regions/areas of the Carolinas. Simply purchase your tokens of various amounts and take a food journey through the history of the Carolinas.

We didn’t know where to start, but we decided on the Charleston booth. We chose the shrimp and grits. Unlike the traditional dish, the fresh Carolina shrimp were coated in a grits batter and fried to a golden brown served with awesome tarter sauce. Superb! Next up around the corner was a order of catfish from the Outer Banks booth. Fresh and delicious. Time for something cold to wash all that goodness down with. I went with a local craft beer from the wine and beer booth. All beer and wines on sale are from Carolina breweries and wineries. We strolled down to the Low Country of South Carolina booth for seafood gumbo. Right amount of heat and the Okra was perfect.

Since my sweet tooth was calling, I decided on some Pecan Cinnamon Bread Pudding from the mountains of Asheville. Topped with cream cheese icing, this was literally a great way to end our food travels at Carowinds. It was great to be able to take a food tour all in one compact area. This unique even takes place every Saturday and Sunday through May 1. Whether you are near or far from Charlotte, take a trip to Carowinds..your stomach will thank you !

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Photo Credits: Barry Heigh

Photo Recap @DPAC @SamsQuikShop @tylerstaproom #BullCityFoodandBeerExperience Benefitting @Ellerbecreek #NCBeer

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SobeSavvy.com joined foodies and beer lovers at the FOURTH ANNUAL BULL CITY FOOD & BEER EXPERIENCE to benefit ELLERBE CREEK WATERSHED ASSOCIATION at DPAC on Sunday April 10, 2016. 

DPAC partnered again with Tyler’s Restaurant & Taproom and Sam’s Quik Shop to host the 4th Annual Bull City Food and Beer Experience benefiting Ellerbe Creek Watershed Association! Over the last three years this fundraiser has raised over $25,000 for Ellerbe Creek Watershed Association. People came to have a great time with family and friends while helping this important charity!
 

“As a board member of Ellerbe Creek Watershed Association this event is very special to me,” said Daniel Kulenic from Tyler’s Restaurant & Taproom. “The fact that three dedicated local businesses can come together to support a passionate organization like ECWA really displays the strength and commitment that we have for the Durham community.”
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At the Bull City Food & Beer Experience, attendees mingled on DPAC’s stage and  throughout the venue to sample some of the best food and drink pairings Durham has to offer. This one of a kind experience took place from 4pm-8pm and combined over 35 Restaurants/ 35 Breweries to create perfect culinary pairings. To complement the cuisine the live music- Onstage Experience returns with Big Fat Gap band. Check out my video here:
https://www.instagram.com/p/BECP6vzCXLA/

“The Bull City Food and Beer Experience is an incredible event that connects brewers and restaurants to a mission that is close to their hearts–protecting and restoring our area’s water,” said Ellerbe Creek’s, Chris Dreps. “The Ellerbe Creek Watershed Association is thrilled to be involved in this amazing event because it brings so much needed attention to Ellerbe Creek, the region’s most impaired stream and a source of drinking water for 1/2 million people downstream. Over the last 3 years, the event has raised funds that have allowed us to grow our operations and become a stronger organization. We have also received amazing support from the brewing community, and we believe the Bull City Food and Beer Experience played a major role in growing that support.”

 Admission into the Bull City Food & Beer Experience included:

· Souvenir Glass 

· Food Sampling from 35 of Durham’s finest restaurant’s & Beer Tastings from 35 breweries.
· Live Music on stage 
· A limited number of Imperial VIP Ticket Holders will enjoy all elements of regular admission plus a new exclusive VIP lounge, exclusive T-shirt, 30-minute early event access, private access to the VIP tasting lounge, VIP imperial laminate and specialty spirit, rare beer and wine tasting only available to Imperial ticket holders.
For additional information please visit – BULLCITYEXPERIENCE.COM , http://www.DPACnc.com ,  www.samsquikshop.com , http://www.tylerstaproom.com

Check out my photos from The Bull City Food & Beer Experience. This is an event not to be missed if you are a fan of food, beer and music! 

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Photographs of @DrinkEatRelax Beer and Bacon Fest in Cary,NC 4/9/16

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On April 9th, Beer and Bacon lovers from all over the Triangle came to taste over 75 international beers and wines plus a whole lot of bacon at the Beer & Bacon Fest in Cary, NC.

The afternoon festival was from 2pm -6pm with VIPs enjoying the ultimate experience (more beer and bacon) with an early entry to the festival at noon. No one went hungry at this festival with over 2 tons of bacon will be griddled. The festival’s Main Stage will host live music all day, as well as a Butchering 101 class. There was even a bacon eating contest and best bacon inspired outfit contest..how fun!

https://www.instagram.com/p/BD_Q9mqCXM4/

SobeSavvy.com got a chance to enjoy the VIP Session which offered an exclusive tasting experience. Limited to 2,000 guests, each guest had access to 15+ restaurant tasting stations (until 2pm) and fresh griddled bacon (until 3pm), a souvenir glass and boundless portions of over 75 craft beers and wines, plus 2 extra hours of alcohol sampling and all live entertainment. These tickets are limited and sell out fast! Thru out the festival, food is available a la carte and vendors are present as well selling everything from art to clothing to doggie treats!

Be sure to follow @DrinkEatRelax to stay up to date of all the fun festival events coming to Cary,NC ! Enjoy my photographs from this Beer and Bacon filled afternoon!

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@PeppaPigLive makes a Big Splash @DPAC #PeppaPig #peppapiglive #OnlyatDPAC

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New Live-Action Adventure ‘Peppa Pig’s Big Splash’ Brings Hit Nick Jr. TV Series to Life on Stage at DPAC on April 7, 2016. My daughter was so excited to see Peppa Pig’s first-ever U.S Live theatrical tour and could not wait to sport her ‘Peppa Pig’ tee to the show! She was ready to have more fun than a muddy puddle!
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This live action show features a mix of life-size puppets/costume characters and stars Peppa Pig, from the top-rated TV series, airing daily on Nick Jr. “Peppa Pig is an absolute superstar among the preschool set and their families all across America and she will be making her biggest splash yet with the upcoming tour, now set to visit 65 additional cities in 2016,” said Jonathan Shank, Red Light Management, a producer of Peppa Pig’s Big Splash. “With many of the initial shows already sold out and many more performances added to accommodate the strong demand for tickets, Peppa Pig’s theatrical tour is proving to be one hot ticket for families this fall!”
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In Peppa Pig’s Big Splash, the nursery roof is leaking and Peppa and her friends need to fix it quickly. They set up a fair to raise money so Mr. Bull can do the repairs. There’s plenty of fun to be had as Peppa, George, Mummy and Daddy Pig, along with Danny Dog, Pedro Pony and Suzy Sheep work together to organize an exciting day out complete with a Champion Puddle Jumping competition judged by Mr. Potato, where everyone gets wet! We found ourselves singing, dancing, laughing, and jumping in muddy puddles too- just like Peppa. We had a such a blast at Peppa Pig’s Big Splash!

Due to popular demand, “Peppa Pig’s Big Splash” has added 31 additional cities to its tour. That means the popular pig will be back at the Durham Performing Arts Center Sept. 27 at 6 p.m., extending the brand’s first-ever U.S. tour through fall 2016. 
For Tickets go to :
·      Online at DPACnc.com

·      DPAC Ticket Center: 919.680.2787, 123 Vivian Street, Durham, NC

·      Ticketmaster.com / Ticketmaster Charge by phone at 800.745.3000

Fans can also purchase tickets and find more information at www.peppapiglive.com .
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DPAC’s “Peppa Pig Live!” show scheduled for April 7 sold out quickly so buy your tickets now for the Sept. 27 show as it is expected to sell out quickly too! Buy early for best seats here: bit.ly/PeppaPig_Sept27
This is definitely family fun event you do not want to miss.

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#WineWednesday Giveaway! Win 2 VIP Tix @GreatGrapesFest Cary,NC April 23! #NCWine @DrinkEatRelax

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We here at SobeSavvy.com love food, wine and a good time! If you do too, then this festival is for you!

In just 30 days, The 13th Annual Celebration Great Grapes! Wine and Food Festival is returning to Town of Cary’s Booth Amphitheatre.

On April 23, 2016 from 11am-7pm come
to North Carolina’s premiere casual NC wine festival with HUNDREDS of wines available. The show has seen hundreds of thousands of happy guests over the years. Take a look here at our coverage of last year’s festival to see how much fun we had and why you should make plans to go!

I am hosting a giveaway for one winner to receive 2 VIP Tickets to Great Grapes Wine & Food Festival in Cary, NC!
Leave a comment below of why you want to go!

Here’s what you get:
220 Wines from 20 Wineries 
Great Live Music 
Fun Festival Eats
Arts and Crafts and Gourmet Items
FREE Kids Area *Free Parking

Enjoy The VIP Area with The VIP Ticket option which offers you early entrance into the event at 11am, a souvenir glass and lanyard and access to all the show tastings and access to the VIP area which features specialty wine selections not available elsewhere, free water and soft drinks, and featured food tastings (served Noon – 3pm). 

Guests are welcome to bring lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy the lawn.  Bring the family (Kids are free! ) bring your friends and take a day to UNCORK THE FUN! Tickets available HERE

Contest ends April 12th. Winner will be selected randomly on April 13th at noon.
Cheers and Good Luck!

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***UPDATE***Congratulations to P.Williamson..your 2 VIP Tix will be available at Will Call. Enjoy!
Thanks to all who entered. Be sure to Follow SobeSavvy.Com for more great contests/giveaways!

 

#FamilyFun with #OutandAboutAva at @UniverSoulCircus @WalnutCreekAmp #BestCircusEver #UniverSoulcircus in #Raleigh

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Looking for some family fun to have with your little ones?
Well, UniverSoul Circus aka “Best Circus Ever” is here in Raleigh until March 13th at the Walnut Creek Amphitheatre! Tickets are on sale now via Ticketmaster.Com or 1-800-745-3000.

UniverSoul Circus has been ranked among Ticketmaster’s Top 25 Most Requested Family Events for its highly interactive combination of circus arts, acrobatic stunts, dance, and comedy set to popular music that spans genres. Fans of all ages are invited to go on an unforgettable journey of light, sound and soul. Get ready for electrifying, edge-of-your-seat performances, including extreme motorsports, back-flipping canines, backwards bicycles, disco-dancing pachyderms, free-flying aerial acts and much much more!

Rated as one of the top three circuses in America, UniverSoul Circus has globally sourced performers, whom hail from locales as diverse as Colombia, South Africa, Russia, and Trinidad and Tobago. This family fun event is truly bridging cultures from around the world –
1 Smile, 1 Thrill and 1 Song at a time!

Visit universoulcircus.com/raleigh for tickets and details and be sure to follow:
http://www.facebook.com/universoulcircus
http://www.instagram.com/universoulcircus
http://www.universoulcircus.com

Congratulations again to Paris W. , winner of the #SobeSavvyGiveaway for a family 4 pack of tickets. Thanks for sharing this picture of you and yours at Universal Circus!
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Although my daughter was not a big fan of the clowns, #OutandaboutAva enjoyed her first UniverSoul Circus!
The music, the magic, the memories made are just a few of the many reasons to go see the show under the Big Top next time they make a stop in a city near you!

Here are some fun pictures and video from last night’s show:
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https://www.instagram.com/p/BCtlNYoCXOp/