#SobeSavvy shares #Hopscotch16 Highlights! @HopscotchFestival #Raleigh #Music #Festival

September 11, 2016SobeSavvy 1 Comment

Hopscotch was a favorite child’s game of mine. I used to skip from one number to another number on one foot. I had the pleasure going to a fantastic music festival with all performance venues/acts concentrated in downtown Raleigh. This 3 day festival is aptly named HOPSCOTCH! http://hopscotchmusicfest.com/

Fans can literally just hop and skip to see multiple acts one after another after another just a block or two apart !

This is Hopscotch’s 7th year throwing one of the most fun and eclectic music festivals in the nation. This year over 20,000 fans can expect to see 120 regional and national artists/bands in various downtown clubs and theaters. Some acts are even performing at the CAM art museum. We spent 9 straight hours Friday taking in as much of the festival that we could! For the first time in festival history they utilized The Red Hat Ampitheatre for Friday night. The weather was warm and sultry. In other words..PERFECT!

The festival’s “wristband city” was set up inside the Raleigh Convention center. Attendees went there to pick up their wristbands and visit various sponsor booths and view some eclectic modern art pieces.

The soul blues rocker himself, Gary Clark Jr performed a great set. He is an amazing guitarist and vocalist that reminds one of past soul rock greats.

Up next was the headliner, the amazing Ms. Erykah Badu. She blessed the fans with an extended set which included her playful banter and many of her great hits. Fans delighted in her spiritual energy and unique force of her voice.

Unlike most music festivals that are centered around one genre of music, Hopscotch defies that norm. Artists here perform almost every genre one could imagine. From Bluegrass and country to New Orleans own gender bending self proclaimed “Queen Of Bounce”, Big Freedia.

Freedia performed a late night/early morning set at the famous Lincoln Theatre venue. The crowd was diverse and full of bounce energy. Big Freedia and her crew gave what can only be descibes as a “COLORFUL” performance ! See the IG video below, which clearly verifies my description of her performance.

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

Artists perform indoors at various clubs and music venues that fans must have a paid wristband to enter but some acts perform in open air city plaza downtown where anyone can just hang out and vibe to the unique welcoming atmosphere that Hopscotch is known for.

Fans can opt to purchase one day wristbands, which gives you access to all venues and Red Hat on Friday night or for a real deal, buy a 3 day band to enjoy everything and everyone the festival has to offer.

Check out this link for the official schedule: http://hopscotchmusicfest.com/schedule/

They also have a fantastic App for the festival where you can build your own custom schedule of acts you want to see. Get in in the Google Play Store for Android or in Apple App Store.

You still have a few hours to enjoy the fest..See ya next year !!

Learn,Play,Celebrate! @MarblesRaleigh @ImaxRaleigh #FamilyFun #outandaboutAva

August 17, 2016SobeSavvy 1 Comment

August is a busy month for us here at SobeSavvy.com –myself and my daughter fondly known as #outandaboutAva are celebrating birthdays ..And what better way to celebrate than with a day filled with learning while playing! Marbles Kids Museum is a place to let your inner child run wild along with your little ones. That’s why I thought it would be a great idea to head to downtown Raleigh with my husband and our daughter for a family playdate!

But before we ventured into the children’s museum, we watched a 45 min documentary showing at Imax Raleigh called National Parks Adventure. It was in 3D and it gave us a visual tour of some of the most famous National Parks in the USA. We left the movie with more than a few places added to our bucket list to visit ! Savvy tip: Be sure to download Stealz app and get free popcorn to enjoy with your movie!

After the movies, we stopped for some fun in the sun outside in the courtyard between Imax and Marbles. Recess games and activities were set up for all to enjoy. In our gadget obsessed culture, it was refreshing to see that Marbles created a space for kids to get moving while enjoying fresh air !

I especially liked the different sized hula hoops, which meant I could join in on the fun and give my daughter a quick tutorial as seen here: https://www.instagram.com/p/BI-oUnGjk1B/

We headed inside for more fun and games. We discovered that Marbles had created a daily celebration of the 2016 Summer Olympics with Radical Recess: Olympic Edition. Lots of cool interactive activities to choose from !

Check out the schedule at Marbleskidsmuseum.org/calendar/

This reading corner even had Olympic themed childrens’ books !

Speaking of reading, my child is an avid reader and loves to visit the reading nook in the garden. Be sure to go out to see the unique space ..and don’t worry about the bees, Marbles reminds us how important they are in helping gardens grow!

This Saturday Aug 20, celebrate starting school at Marbles Kick-off to Kindergarten ! Practice a lunch line, get moving at recess, hop on a school bus and much more. Free for rising kindergarteners and their families. Presented by NC 529 Savings Plan See details here: marbleskidsmuseum.org/kickofftokindergarten

Our now 5 yr old had a great time at Marbles Childrens Museum and Imax. Both places are suitable for families and a great choice when looking for something to do that is budget friendly. Marbles has been nominated for 2016 Best In The Triangle Awards in the following categories : “Best Museum and Best Place to Take Kids”. Plan to go and have a truely fun day for all!

#GoodMusic & #GoodTimes @RedHatAmp ‘Cameo and The SOS Band’ #Raleigh #NC #Concert RECAP

July 10, 2016SobeSavvy Leave a comment

“Music is moonlight in the gloomy night of life” ~ George Santayana

With all the gloominess that is being felt in the world, it was nice to be unified last night by MUSIC. SobeSavvy.com joined live music lovers from Raleigh, Durham, and surrounding areas, to witness two legends of R&B and funk: Cameo and The SOS Band with special guest The Gravedigger on July 9, 2016 at The Red Hat Amphitheater !

Cameo, known for their funky musical style and in-your face, cutting-edge stage performances, took us on a stroll down memory lane. Led by their original frontman and lead singer Larry Blackmon, wearing his now iconic red cup,took us down memory lane while “Hangin’ Downtown” Raleigh, bringing us their hits like “Candy”, “Word Up!”, “Single Life” and much more. Here they are performing one of my faves, “Back and Forth” ! https://www.instagram.com/p/BHsK7H4DkC5/

Founded in 1974 as New York City Players, they had to change the name because of a conflict with the funk bank named The Ohio Players, they became Cameo. This group has stood the test of time the way few bands have. In the fickle business that music has always been, Cameo has pushed the envelope ,not only musically but visually. Their stunning music videos in 1980’s and 90’s are still examples of the best video artistry of their time. They did not dissapoint !!

Getting the party started, The S.O.S Band took the stage performing classic hit after hit songs like “Take Your Time (Do It Right)”, “Just Be Good To Me” , and “Weekend Girl”. The band thanked the crowd for being apart of their musical journey for the past 37 years! That truly proves good music is timeless! Here is a video clip of them singing one of their many smash hits “Tell Me If You Still Care” ! https://www.instagram.com/p/BHqRL1Xh01r/

..and the crowd singing and dancing along to “No One’s Gonna Love You” https://www.instagram.com/p/BHqTe5YDcXk/

In my opinion Red Hat is one of the best venues we have in the Triangle! The lawn is small but it’s way close to the stage, you can see all the performers no problem! To stay in the loop of who is “Bringin’ the get down to Downtown Raleigh” be sure to follow on Twitter @RedHatAmp / Instagram @redhatamphitheater / Facebook https://www.facebook.com/RedHatAmphitheater/ 
Enjoy these photos taken last night at Red Hat Amphitheater !

Hey #Raleigh, Take Your #Valentine to #VitaViteRaleigh for #DateNight ! #WineBar #ArtGallery @downtownRaleigh #VitaVite #soNCsavvy

February 5, 2016SobeSavvy Leave a comment

Two things in life that my husband and I enjoy immensely are art and wine. Not necessarily in that order !

Since that’s the case, we headed into the downtown Raleigh warehouse district. Our destination was a new spot that we had heard alot of positive vibes about. A wine bar named Vita Vite in Italian that literally means “life” and “vine. I could also call it an art gallery that offers great wine.

The bar inhabits a gorgeous space with high ceilings and a roaring fireplace. Furnishings that are not shabby but definitely chic. Leather sofas and tables that make one feel as if they are at their wealthy cousins country home. Art work is everywhere and most is for sale. What an awesome way to support the art community here in Raleigh! Huge wall pieces and small pieces abound. High top tables and an attractive bar with beers on tap round out the front of the bar. In the back is another room where more art work is displayed and also can be utilized for private events and parties.

The wine list is curated by owner, Lindsay Rice. To say Lindsay is passionate about wine is SUCH an understatement. During a conversation that evening, she exuberantly explained that she wanted a space and bar where people would not feel intimidated or overwhelmed with a wine experience. She keeps the ever rotating list of wines short and pocket friendly. Lindsay advised she purposefully does not put specific tasting notes under the wines listed so as not to tell patrons what they SHOULD be tasting. This way they can experience it with no preconceived notions.

We enjoyed a beautiful Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand and a delicious Cab from California. It complemented a charcuterie board of bread, cheese and meats perfectly.

Enjoying all of this on a rainy night made it all the more special inside of this beautiful warm space by the fire. Intimate stylish and immersed in art, this was an awesome place for our date night. With Valentines Day coming up, the perfect place to go with that special someone.

P.S.If you enjoy Sauvignon Blanc, Try this Hunky Dory 2014 from New Zealand at Vita Vite & Tell em’ SobeSavvy sent ya ! Cheers

#soNCsavvy goes on #Staycation ! Explore the romantic side of #Raleigh @RaleighMarriott #DTRMarriott @FallonsFlowers #DTR~ #Travel Recap

September 7, 2015SobeSavvy 1 Comment

Dieciséis Anos ?? Wow where did these 16 years go so fast, I asked my hubby. It was our anniversary and since we recently relocated to Raleigh we asked around about where could we do a memorable romantic overnight staycation. We kept getting the same answer..The Raleigh Marriott City Center http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/rdumc-raleigh-marriott-city-center/

In my former life as a healthcare consultant I had spent endless nights in Marriott properties, so I definitely heeded that advice and headed downtown for a nights stay. Being a new transplant to Raleigh I was always surprised as how vibrant the city center here is. People bound about. Popular Restaurants and trendy bars are everywhere. Rye, one of the hottest restaurants in the entire region just happens to be inside the Marriott. Downtown Raleigh also has various venues for plays and concerts and The Marriott City Center literally is in the center of it all. Convientely located on Fayettville St and connected to the Raleigh Convention Center, this property is ground zero for a downtown base for fun or romance. This is a full service property with an indoor pool and 15,000 sq feet of event space. They even have a concierge level of rooms with exclusive access to their concierge lounge and amenities. With that in mind, we headed downtown.

Check in was fast and efficient. The modern Lobby was stylish and bright. We found our suite to be luxurious but not garish. Marble bathroom and plush bedding was top notch. Our room had a great view of the Raleigh Skyline which came to life in the form of twinkling lights as the sun was setting.

Since it was our anniversary, also waiting in the room was a beautiful bright bouquet of flowers from the famous Fallons Flowers http://www.fallonsflowers.com/ They have been Raleigh’s premier florist for over 8 decades. Looking at these beautiful flowers I now know why. The arrangement was gorgeous! Fallon’s will be my Raleigh florist of choice going forward.

We had reserved their wonderful “romance package” room. They provided a bottle of Prosecco with a tray of chocolate covered strawberries. They also had 2 pouches of actual fresh red rose petals! We scattered them on the bed and spelled out how many years of marriage we were celebrating. What a great start. I took a quick swim in their rooftop pool and got dressed for a night out on the town. Before heading out we stopped by the bar at Rye for cocktail. Amazing bar atmosphere with attentive bartenders who explain how they make their cocktails out of fresh fruits and mixes.

The next morning we awoke with room service. A full breakfast was in order. They brought it up on time and as ordered. We both hated to say goodbye, but alas it was back to the real world. Until next time Marriott, until next time.

#soNCsavvy Savors the new Summer Menu @RyeRaleigh #RyeRaleigh @DowntownRaleigh~Recap by SobeSavvy.com

July 30, 2015SobeSavvy Leave a comment

Summertime and the living is easy …..and the eating is good at RYE BAR & SOUTHERN KITCHEN !

I headed over there recently to sample their new seasonal summer menu. I wanted to see and taste what all the Buzz is about ( especially since they harvest their own honey from the beehive on the rooftop garden) !

Southern Comfort Cuisine with a sophisticated twist. Fresh real ingredients at their best. Although located inside a big hotel this is not, I repeat NOT a typical boring “hotel” restaurant. Executive Chef {and General Manager} Mike Rigot has really elevated food that good for the soul by using fresh quality ingredients. The term, Farm-To Table is such a overused catch phrase nowadays but Rye takes that term very seriously. Chef Mike told me they source as much as possible and viable from local NC farmers. Supplier listings on their menu attest to their dedication to local sourcing. From local beef and vegetables to local ingredients for their superb craft cocktail menu.

They also have an extensive Bourbon and Whiskey menu {Hence the name Rye}.

I went on a Tuesday evening for an early dinner with my family. The multiple wooden rocking chairs out front told me this was a special place. We entered into a very stylish and modern restaurant. But modern often means cold and aloof. Not here. Warm hardwoods and an open floor plan include a fireplace and handsome bar area. There is a private section in the rear for events but also a few huge tables adjacent to the kitchen where foodies can watch the ballet, which is what I call their kitchen operation. Although there for dinner , I saw that they have a popular lunch menu where you get a meat and 3 sides and a beverage for $10. Yup, $10 for REAL food for lunch. The lunch menu is placed on the sidewalk outside where the meat choice changes daily.

Water was served in mason jars. NOTHING says the south like a mason jar! It just makes me smile. We started off with two great cocktails : Southern Sour and Hammocks Calling. Both were unique and delicious. I even observed the bartender using farm fresh rasberries. First to arrive at our beautiful solid wood table were the shrimp and grits. They were heaven sent ! I absolutely loved the flavor. Grits made to perfection and the sauce/gravy was subtle perfection. The Ceasars salad wedge is uniquely presented with bacon. I was pleased with the portions of everything, especially the entree of the ribs marinated in Cherrywine. Picked them up and the meat fell off. THAT is what I call ribs ! The grilled Chicken with carrots and goat cheese was also incredible. ANYTHING with goat cheese is a must in my book. Ps..no dinner is complete without something sweet. We had the banana pudding and authentic Strawberry Shortcake for dessert! If it is real food with superb service and atmosphere you seek, then it is now found. At Rye. You can thank me now!

Enjoy my slideshow and photos from this delicious dining experience.
https://instagram.com/p/5zPLFBCXG5/

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.

#OutandAboutAVA spends a “Marbleous” day @MarblesRaleigh @ImaxRaleigh #supportthefort #FamilyFun #Raleigh~#soNCsavvy Recap

June 18, 2015SobeSavvy 1 Comment

*This post is dedicated to Dr. Seus and all the other nursery rhymers and poets out there. 🙂

This poem is called~
“Our Marbleous Day”

It was a hot , summer day…
so we headed to MARBLES Kids Museum to “Imagine. Discover. Learn.” And Play!

There are plenty of activities for the kid in all of us to explore.
My four year old learned thru playing and enjoyed activities galore!

The museum is organized, even sparked my inner child
Marbles really allows for ones imagination to run wild!

We made the most of our visit
and was prepared to spend the day
We saw a movie at Imax
And ate at Pogo Cafe!

We checked out the new Around Town Kitchen & Grocery
In partnership with Loews
Please go Support the FORT by 6/26
All donations will be matched by Moe’s!

We really enjoyed our visit
There is something for everyone
Here is my photo slideshow
Capturing all of our Family Fun!

https://instagram.com/p/4Evj19CXEL/

Win 2 Tix to @raleighfoodwine Tasting Celebration on Sun 6/28 @eatdrinkBabylon #DowntownRaleigh – #soNCsavvy #Giveaway #RFWF #raleighevents #rdu #triangle #NC

June 16, 2015SobeSavvy 14 Comments

Enter Now to Win 2 general admission tickets for the inaugural Raleigh Food and Wine Festival – taking place in Downtown Raleigh at Babylon Restaurant . Join SobeSavvy.com for a spectacular taste of Raleigh on Sunday, June 28,2015 from 1:00 pm to 5:00pm !

The Raleigh Food and Wine Festival is an innovative event that showcases the new, evolving culinary traditions of Raleigh, comprised of multiple events taking place at different participating restaurants, wine shops, patisseries and bakeries – featuring wine dinners and guest chefs.
The four-day program wraps up with a food and beverage tasting celebration at the historical Melrose Knitting Mill and Babylon in Downtown Raleigh. Get your tickets HERE : for the Sunday tasting celebration! Only 100 VIP tickets are available and will sell out quickly.

$1.00 from every general admission sold and $2.00 from every VIP ticket will be donated to Band Together, which has raised more than $3.5 million to benefit the Triangle community since its 2001 inception. The group exists to help change lives and have fun along the way. Click here to learn more about Band Together !

The Raleigh Food and Wine Festival is a four-day event highlighting of some of the most unique offerings in food and beverage in Raleigh, NC. The 2015 Festival takes place Thursday, June 25, 2015 through Sunday, June 28, 2015

Thursday through Saturday, explore a growing list of events held around town – including wine dinners and cooking classes put on by participating businesses. RSVP requirements and other details are provided on each event listing. One event in particular that caught my interest is Friday nights’ Latin Jazz & Dinner at Latin Quarters !

On Sunday, all of the festival participants gather at the historic Melrose Knitting Mill and Babylon restaurant in downtown Raleigh to host a half-day “tasting celebration”, where ticket holders can sample food and beverages from local restaurants, brands, breweries, and more.Tickets are required for this event and must be purchased in advance online.

PLEASE NOTE: All attendees MUST be 21 years of age or older by Sunday, June 28, 2015. Refunds will not be made at the door if tickets are purchased for anyone under 21 years old!

Parking is limited on-site, but there are several nearby decks, including the State Government Parking Deck at 329 N. McDowell Street. View all available parking at http://www.godowntownraleigh.com/get-around/parking.

TO WIN 2 General Admission TIX to Sunday’s Tasting Event, Leave a comment on the blog that says “entered” and Fill out my Wufoo Form Here

One winner will be randomly selected on Tuesday, 6/23/15.

Check back here on SobeSavvy.com for this #soNCsavvy event recap!

Good Luck!

SobeSavvy

Sharing The Savvy Of My Life|Family,Food,Travel,Fun

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