Flying Together, In Particular

This morning, I contemplated flight.

I was only contemplating the average airplane variety at first. As I drank my first cup of coffee, I checked ticket information and layover times, tucked my passport in the carry-on, checked the weather forecast over the ocean on Friday and considered the likelihood of a mechanical failure on a Boeing 737 during a period of Mercury in retrograde.

“What a lame time to leave the country,” I thought as I managed to conjure up a healthy amount of guilt as I considered all the reasons the business would struggle in my absence.  “If all of Hot Tomato lived inside a snow globe, I pondered…the whole studio, all the clients and files, bank records, garter bets and all the crew members too…If we were all in there together, it’s like someone picked it up and shook it for a whole month!”

{In this snow globe scenario, we’re all just kind of spinning around in there grabbing arm-fulls of hot tomato glitter and trying to organize it into tidy piles.} The truth is, we are a family that is rapidly growing, training, moving, changing, and recovering. Present and accounted for, we’re just a little disoriented.

Flight Cont.AMR_1789-21

If I’m really going to examine a concept, I enjoy Googling the root word and getting a clear definition.

flight: noun

  1. the action or process of flying through the air.
  2. a group of creatures or objects flying together, in particular.

With the above glitter globe reference, you can begin to see how my contemplation was taking shape.

I re-filled my coffee mug and took the necessary steps to ready myself for a day I knew would be filled with laughter and champagne, dazzling outfits, encouraging words and easy, authentic talent.

“IT’S SHOOT DAY!!” I see come up on our group chat from Jocelyn as I’m gathering up the last of my things to head out the door. “She’s cute for a morning person,” I smile.  She’s cheering from the sidelines today as she rocks her dreamy nine to five at the helm of The Betsey Mills Club. Today was actually deemed Vintage Hot Tomato because it was Andi shooting and Jesse assisting like the olden days of 2012 ;) But, it also highlighted for me just how much more glitter was in the globe these days.

~The Plan~

Shoot day will be Saturday. Tonya’s on hair and makeup, Jessica is Concierge to the clients, Jocelyn assists, Andi shoots and Jesse prepares far in advance of her travels, carefully making lists and packing things in a thoughtful order.

**glitter globe shake**

Woops, that’s Easter weekend!- Tonya and Jessica will both be out of town with family. BUT we decide we could make Monday work! Jesse would assist for Jocelyn, who would be at The Betsey and Jessica can cover for Tonya who is still out of town Monday. Jess would be home early enough on Sunday to wash the studio laundry, bring it in early and set up for client hair and make-up! Woohoo!

**glitter globe shake**

An evil bunny tried to take over the good Easter bunny’s job Sunday morning. But THEN….Unicorn Jessica swept in to save the day and dove in front of the Easter Bunny to save him to ensure all the kids got their Easter baskets!!! -a fictional dramatization by Courtney Smith

The real story is, Jess slipped in her pj’s moving the car and broke her arm. On Easter morning. In Cleveland. …SO, Jocelyn delivered the studio laundry to Andi to be washed and drove to Selby to pick up Jess and take her home to rest. MEANWHILE, Tonya is coordinating Abigail (whom she has been training in the art of Hot Tomato make-up) to cover the day in a pinch (her first solo day).

Abigail was able to cover with less that 12 hours notice and did AWESOME! Jocelyn was still cheerful in the morning after delivering dirty laundry and broken unicorns, I got to assist with client care and shooting (which I adored), Andi arrived with clean laundry and photographed masterfully. Clients were happy, crew felt loved and cared for, plans are being formulated to cover my absence and Jess’s recuperation and just. like. that. #tidyglitterpiles

Really, just when you think all hell is breaking loose, doesn’t that seem to be the precise moment that that everyone’s best selves come bursting out in little super hero capes? I hope you’re lucky enough to keep company with such folks but if you are in need of an infusion, join us.  

I always liked “Birds of a feather flock together” but I think  ” a group of creatures or objects flying together, in particular” might suit us better!

Thank you to my crew for doing just that! I love you all to bits.

The Invisible Woman

It’s only a matter of time. I actually fear it.

The day that I walk into a room and no one takes notice.

I am a woman who doesn’t mind being looked at. I wear my emotions, ideals, convictions and intentions on my tattooed sleeves…and statement necklaces, ripped jeans, scarves, dangly earrings, big hats and high heeled boots.

People notice me and I like that. But maybe one day I will disappear…

It’s probably me.

It’s possible that I will tire of coming up with new and interesting ways to decorate myself. Maybe the age in my face will prevent me from wanting to draw attention to it with make-up. Perhaps my body will take such a rapid nose dive that the confident woman I am today will turn into an insecure hermit in one week’s time.

Fade /fād/ verb- the process of becoming less bright

The thought of losing color and brightness actually terrifies me. Picturing my closet full of bold colors and loud prints slowly being replaced with plain, pastel cotton knits that sag from my neck and waistband in exactly the same way they do on the plastic hangers makes me shudder.

Faded hair, faded skin, faded clothes…But why? Are we actually ashamed of what our bodies are anatomically designed to do in the second half of our lives? Is it a cultural leftover? One that  states that once a woman is past childbearing age, she should just blow away useless on a breeze? Here’s my personal favorite. We often stand in judgement of other women. Then, we are totally shocked when that same language rings in our own ears. “She’s dressing too young.” “She’s trying too hard.” “Her poor husband must be so embarrassed!”

No No No No NO!8982068ecd30085eb2667e723f1ee8e3

I will NOT quietly fade away. In FACT, THIS image is hanging beside my closet! I WILL wear animal print and chartreuse hats and leggings and ….I’ll have 107 wigs and sunglasses in odd shapes and I’ll walk around town with a whole pineapple just because. My shoes will be magnificent too. Maybe I’ll wear Chucks with an old wedding gown. I’m OLD! No one is going to say anything and even if they do, it will be something like “Wow, look at that amazing ol broad!” #oldladygoals

Black Label Sessions

We don’t have to get old to feel faded. There are lot’s of women that feel invisible for a million different reasons. Andi and I went to work to create a top-shelf session, brilliant with color designed to “reclaim, replenish and reignite…” Meet The Black Label Session.

Think about those words for a moment.

Reclaim- Has a part of you started to fade away? Your style or unique identity? We have you covered. Personal shopping with a master stylist is something we offer and Parlor chats are always on the house if talking it out with a friend is what you need.
Replenish- Are you so busy being in service to others that you continually let your own needs fall off the priority list? At Hot Tomato, self care is number one. We are a group of women that will show you how to prioritize yourself in 100 different ways!
Reignite- Passion. How much of that are you swimming in lately? Let’s get that spark glowing red again! Have you recently become inspired to political activism? Dying to finally write that novel? Ready to climb to the top of the corporate ladder? Longing for regular, red-hot romps with your lover? Let us help light your fire.

join us.

Are you ready to give yourself permission to reclaim, replenish and reignite with a Black Label Session? There are so many ways to make that happen. Please take a moment to select the session options that suit you best on this Contact Form and a crew member will be in touch right away.

Hot Tomato Pick of the Week!

ALARM ALARM! Calling all current and aspiring GDHT’s! The Parkersburg Art Center is stepping a bit out of the box with this event and we all need to show our support so we keep more fun workshops coming!

Stumped on what to get the lover that has it all?? Here is your answer! Heart. Shaped. Pasties. I KNOW!!

An event such as this is guaranteed to attract some of the funest girls in the MOV! (Of COURSE I’ll be there!)

Feb 3, 2017 6-8pm

All craft bits and instruction supplied.

BYOB

$40

Get your ticket HERE!

It’s a Fashion Takeover!

Psst! Hey, you.  Yea, you! Did you hear the latest dish with what’s going on at The Hot Tomato Studio this month?  Ohhhh girlfriend, let me tell you. Have you ever wanted to have your very own personal wardrobe stylist but never thought you could afford something like that? Or HECK, like there would ever be someone like that here in the Mid-Ohio Valley?  Well do we have a treat for you! There IS a personal wardrobe stylist in the area.

This month The Hot Tomato Studio is going to have yours truly, Courtney Smith of Ran.dom.o.si.ty 7.4.0 here teaching you how to purposefully layer your clothing so you can feel like a fashionista and look like a pro.  I’ve taken over the Hot Tomato blog today just so I can deliver this message straight to your inbox! You’ll have the chance to practice what I teach you and be able to ask me anything you want to know about perfecting your style.

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As if it couldn’t get any better, you’ll get to enjoy a social hour where we lavish you with drinks and snacks so you can get to know me, the stylist better and tour the space if you’ve never been there before.  We’ll share laughs and maybe even have a little dance party! Who knows what could happen when you get a group of women in one space together.

During the second half of the workshop you’ll learn how to mix patterns.  Let’s face it, that is a whole art form all on its own and I’m going to give you the best tips and tricks so you’ll possess the “know-how” when it comes to spicing up your style.

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I want to make sure you get as much as you can out of this workshop, so if you want to bring a piece of clothing that you’ve had a hard time figuring out how to wear or what to pair it with, BRING IT!  I’m here to teach you how to feel confident in the clothing that you wear.

We’re booking in advance and this workshop is $30.00 per person.  The workshop is on Saturday, January 28th from 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.  There are only 10 spots available and we’re already starting to fill up.  Click on this link to sign up.  You can pay with PayPal or send a check to reserve your spot (private message me on the facebook link for my mailing address).  There will be no refunds available but you can transfer your ticket to someone else or wait for the next workshop and it will save your spot for next time.    If you don’t already follow me on social media, I’m on facebook and instagram as randomosity740.  Don’t have social media?  I also have a website where you can learn more about me at www.randomosity740.com.  Hope to see you there and bring your friends!  Can’t wait to meet you :)

~Courtney Smith~

workshop-flyer

Hot Tomato Pick of the Week

MOV Red Tent

Okay..actual quotes from me, Jesse Hyde earlier this fall when Cat I asked if Hot Tomato would like to be involved.

“Wait, is this one of those events where white ladies pretend they’re in a sweat lodge?”

No, no!  It’s a gathering for women to reconnect to their authentic selves and celebrate being women.

“Hmm..we don’t all have to menstruate into the same bowl or anything, right?”

Good Lord, Hyde…

“IT’S AN HONEST QUESTION!!”

No, we are definitely NOT going to do that.

“Can we set up a Parlor and have drink specials and play Cards Against Humanity?”

Absolutely.

“Really?”

Yes, really.

“Okay, we’re in!”

So…I went to a meeting last night to discuss in detail how we would fit in. Since I can’t exactly speak to what everyone else is offering, I will tell you about what you will experience in the Hot Tomato corner {oh yes, I totally made sure we were in a corner.”} You’re welcome.

First off, we are an adult women only area even though the rest at large is a girls 12 and up space. Women that enter the tent with an alcoholic beverage will be pointed to our corner to enjoy it inside the tent.

My vision for the inside is inspired by the “Companion” room on Firefly. More gypsy boudoir than primitive sweat lodge. Currently looking for a  tent chandelier ;)

As for the experience, we plan to operate like we do in our Parlor. We will welcome you 43d52367288a58af2f650a857af9fd55warmly and give you what you need.  A break, an escape, a chat, a shot, a shoulder to cry on, a board game partner, a nap, a hug, a belly laugh…whatever. You can pop in and finish your cocktail or stay the whole day! We look forward to seeing many familiar faces and meeting all kinds of new ones.

Bring a friend or come alone and meet them in the tent.

You’re welcome. You’re honored. You’re accepted.

…and you don’t have to chant and shit like that.

PROMISE.

Get your ticket HERE!

Hooch, Gams and Giggle Water

A guide to Speakeasy Sparkle Party Night

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We are  ONE WEEK away, Ladies! So, this is for my last minute gals. We carry a torch for you too. Worry not ;)

  • First things first. Before they are all gone, get your ticket already!sparkly
  • What do I wear??– No time to order? No problem! Loose fitting plain black cocktail dress with a ton of pearls and obnoxious costume jewelry. Furs..ask Grandma if she still has one tucked away or borrow from the Hot Tomato studio. Feathers..hit the craft store and grab an ostrich plum, hot glue it to a headband and voila! Wanna go gangster? Wear a suit and hat! Feelin naughty cabaret? Pshh..all ladies event! Wear your scandalous skivvies!!
  • How do I do my  makeup?– Let US handle your face! We are still taking makeup appointments that afternoon at the Hot Tomato studio. Email us at hottomatopinupacademy@gmail.com to secure your appointment! I you want to experiment on your own, here’s a fun tutorial!  
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  • What will there be to eat and drink? A full bar will be open all evening for your giggle water pleasure! We will also delight in a sparkly champagne toast to our fabulousness! Lots of heavy appetizers, fruit, veggies, cheese and mini desserts to keep your hotsy from getting too totsy ;)
  • Will there be a photo op?- Of course, Darlings! We are Hot Tomato! This year’s photo booth has a tremendous “Bad Girls” twist! Let us capture your mug is one shot!!
  • What if I’m allergic to glitter? STAY AWAY..lol Don’t even come to the city of Marietta. Seriously. Sparkly Ladies shall be seen from space this year!!

LET THE SPARLKLY COUNTDOWN BEGIN!!

See you all on December 3rd at 8pm at River Town Grill turned Sexy, Sparkly Speakeasy!!

NOVEMBER HOT LIST

Okay, Let’s get to it! So many fabulous businesses to experience in our sweet MOV :) Here’s a few of our November FAVES!

EATS

Nacho Average Taco

Guys, listen. I’m what they call a bit of a foodie. One thing that I demand to declare a place AMAZING is freshness! This place is consistent on that point. Another feature that I happen to adore is big, giant HEAP of freshness! This place delivers! Know what else is cool about a place that uses fresh ingredients? A menu that changes every week!15058723_10208679152194602_1167903518_n

As a pescatarian (an eater of a vegetarian diet including fish), I am delighted with the fresh options that are healthy as well as bursting with flavor! I have too many favorites to name but I did ask the crew to shout out a few of their must haves! Jocelyn adores the bourbon chicken taco as she is a self-proclaimed “whiskey gal” and can’t get enough of the home-made green salsa. Awesome Roberts loves the fish tacos and fresh, made daily slaw! I have to admit, I like them a little better than the ones at Iguana Joe’s in ARUBA!

Also, they cater! Oh yeah, it’s totally going to happen in 2017 in the Parlor so make sure you don’t miss that event that I haven’t planned yet but is going to be completely awesome! Here’s a sample peek their catering menu <3

ONE MORE THING! They are moving across Putnam Street to a new and perfect location where the Skyline Diner used to be, 114 Putnam Street, Marietta Ohio! Grand Opening is November 26th!

WELLNESS

McCarter Health Center

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How awesome is it when you have super good friends that are also brilliant magicians er…I mean doctors…like MAGIC DOCTORS! I mean, when you feel totally broken and cannot function or walk upright like evolution suggests or push the clutch in without yelling and you text them way late at night and beg them in ALL CAPS to come in the next day when they are schedule off and they DO IT because they give a serious hoot about your wellness! Meet the good folks at McCarter Health Center.

My personal care regimen includes EMS (electrical muscle stimulation) to relax and warm the muscles in my lower back to allow for easier adjustment. This is followed by vertebral traction to lesson pain. And finally, physical manipulation of my lower back and neck. I’m allowed to rest in a comfortable position while I feel energy sparking again in areas that were blocked moments before then gently helped up, usually hugged and lovingly admonished for waiting too long to come in. Going to McCarter Heath Center is one of my most important modes of self care. I’m so grateful to call the staff friends of mine.

Aside from being a place where you can get outstanding chiropractic care, get a load of all the other services they offer. Physical Therapy, Functional Medicine, Clinical Nutrition, Hormone Testing & Treatment, Hair Mineral Analysis, K-Laser Therapy, Massage Therapy, and Worksite Wellness Programs!

Located at 4315 Emerson Avenue, Parkersburg, WV 26104 directly across the street from Walker CAT and Mulberry Lane. Call today to get your wellness on with really cool people that know all kinds of stuff and care…a LOT. 304-428-8300

 

ENTERTAINMENT

Boogie Shoes Productions

Sometimes, DJ’s are locked into a playlist and that’s generally reflective of a couple of people that are the party focus, cool. But, you know when I enjoy a DJ most? When they are allowed to read the crowd and play accordingly. NO ONE does this better than Boogie Shoes! Courtney is someone who understands that “Music is what feelings sound like” as her cover photo states. You think “YES! THIS IS MY FAVORITE SONG! I’ll sit down right after this one. But NOOOO..The next song is just as flipping awesome and the body can’t deny the crowd another dance! We are thrilled to have her back in our sparkly corner for the 2016 Sparkly Ladies party (Sparkle Tickets still on sale, follow the link for details!)! She will play a crowd pleasing mix of 1920’s swing and modern rock n roll for us to get our speakeasy shimmy on! She has a handful of party dates available through the end of the year. Message her here on the facebook page or email at courtneydalden@gmail.com.

STYLE

Terri Ann’s

I love to shop in a place that is filled with women gathered around the counter laughing and enjoying the day. This is ALWAYS the case at Terri Ann’s! They are more than happy to assist you or let you leisurely browse on your own. The energy and flow of the space and inventory is really thoughtfully put together. Always showcasing the latest fashion and season, one glides through furs and sparkly jewelry to the perfect accent scarves and footwear. It’s a brand new store every time I walk in. I especially like the back room. Spotlights on glamorous gowns and special, delicately wrapped panties and stockings! SO glad to see a female-owned business carrying high end underthings. Let’s bring all that back!

Hot Tomato is also honored to have Terri Ann’s as a sponsor for this years Sparkly Ladies Party! Online tickets available online or in person in the shop beginning this weekend!

Happening this month at Terri Ann’s:

2016 Holiday Open House

Holiday Girlfriend Night

Terri Ann knows fashion for every occasion, season and generation.  Family owned and operated since 1861, I’m so glad to see such a downtown staple doing so well and offering class and style to the Mid Ohio Valley. Located at 290 Front Street in Marietta, Ohio.

 

 

Sparkly Ladies Night

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It is almost that time! Sparkly Ladies Night! And this year the sparkly torch is being passed from the amazing Nikki Butler to Hot Tomato Pin-Up Academy! You heard that right! With the help of Nikki, Hot Tomato is transitioning to hosting one of the Mid-Ohio Valley’s best kept secrets,  Sparkly Ladies Night!

We have been planning since July and are super excited to welcome the women of Marietta and Parkersburg to our annual event! What exactly is a Sparkly Ladies Party? According to Nikki Butler, our founder, “It is an excuse to don our sparkliest apparel and accessories, sip signature cocktails, nibble great food, dance and mingle with our fabulous lady friends—all while touting the talents of our region.”

The Sparkly Ladies Night party started as a party that Nikki threw for her closest friends, and over the years it has grown into one Marietta’s biggest events no one has ever heard of! We think it is the perfect way to kick off party season and celebrate our closest gals.

This year we will be changing locations to better accommodate our crowd as this party has steadily grown and last year was a touch crowded! The River Town Grille located at 10 Tiber Way in Marietta is beyond excited to be our hosts this year and ladies, we are taking over the entire place, Speakeasy style! We will be channeling our inner flapper girls and the era of prohibition. Don’t worry we will share the “password” for entry with you when you receive your ticket!

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No special dress (beyond Sparkles) is required but if you feel inspired by the fashions of the roaring 20’s prohibition era we won’t complain! Think flapper girl, Great Gatsby or the tail end of Downton Abbey! Check out this post for more info on choosing 1920’s inspired fashions, make-up and hair.

As usual there will be hors d’oeuvres, cash bar, sweets, fun prizes and every attendee receives a swag bag full of goodies!

Check out and share the event on facebook!

Last year, we welcomed DJ Courtney Alden from Boogie Shoes Productions and she will be back by popular demand, so bring your dancing shoes!

Tickets are now on sale! Early Bird pricing is $35 until November 21st. There will only be 100 tickets sold and when they are gone, they are gone! You must be 21 to attend.

We sold out last year and expect to sell out again this year so purchase your tickets early!
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We have many lovely event sponsors who make this event amazing – and we will be adding more sponsors as we hear back from previous years sponsors. We are still accepting sponsors who would like to donate a prize, sponsor a station or add some sparkle in another way, just drop us a line and will give you the details!

Here is a listing of current sponsors:

Nikki Butler Design

Signality

Teri Ann’s

Jewelry Buyers of Vienna

Heirloom Finds

Hot Tomato Pin-Up Academy

Roberts Family Photography

Little Black Dress Events

Courtney Smith – Randomosity 740

Copper Leaf

Baker and Baker Jewelers

Lauren Elaine Make-up

Great Face Artistry

Jessica Kufel Make-up

The Hair Hippie

 

 

Hot Tomato Pub Crawl

220px-bar_in_new_haven_ct_march_3_2008“IT’S ABOUT TIME HOT TOMATO DID A PUB CRAWL!” I’ve heard about two dozen times this week. So this month’s Hot List (brought to you by the presidential election) are a few of our favorite Marietta BARS!

First, a little history.

A pub crawl (sometimes called a bar tour, bar crawl or bar-hopping) is the act of one or more people drinking in multiple pubs or bars in a single night, normally travelling by foot or public transport to each destination and occasionally by cycle.

Many European cities have public pub crawls that act as social gatherings for the local expatriate communities and tourists. These crawls focus on the social aspect of meeting new friends and being introduced to new bars in a strange city. {For Hot Tomatoes it’s an excuse to drink and be loud and sassy in a group cleverly disguised as a networking and marketing event…also, exercise.} 

Here’s the route.

The Parlor

Yep, there is a bar in my office. Cool, huh? I designed it myself. Fiery red walls, velvet and leather couches, giant mirrors, obnoxious decor, busty mannequin and a fully loaded bar to stroll up to in a Mad Men type fashion and pour a drink for myself and my client.

Harmar Tavern

With the WWBA stamp of approval, this place was at the tip top of the list. Always a lively crowd and rock n roll music, this bar is a Marietta MUST! But don’t overlook the menu when ordering your spirits, this place has AMAZING food. Late Sunday morning is always a good time to spot some Hot Tomatoes. Just look for the table with giant omelettes, Bloody Mary’s and sexy ladies!

Marietta Brewing Company

Greeted by copper plated brew kettles at the store front, you know you’re in a place that values a great beer. “BrewCo” never disappoints. From small dark corners for two to open floor dining where several tables can be pushed together for a party, this place offers just the right atmosphere for your needs of the day. Their lip smackin home brews, brilliant staff and incredible food will keep you coming back.

Gator’s Easy Wind Pub

This will be a “new to me” stop and I’m really looking forward to it. I looked up their facebook page and discovered, perhaps one of the best reviews for a place I’ve seen in a while. You’ll find it here. Aaaaand now I want nachos.

River Town Grill

I have been here three times now and I have been super impressed for different reasons every time. First of all, macaroni and cheese bites. Holy WHAT. These are flipping magical. Have them. Secondly, the wait staff. Quite possibly the most pleasant and accommodating in the area. I adore everyone I’ve met. And lastly (for now) the Bloody Mary. If you know me, you will understand that what I’m about to say is HUGE. The spicy Bloody Mary at The River Town Grill is the best one I’ve had in the Mid Ohio Valley EVER.

The Galley

A Hot Tomato staple, right here. Always bustling with business lunches, special occasion dining or just a stop to shake off the burdens of the work day, The Galley is a place generous with style and substance! They have a great beer selection but what I enjoy most is a dark, abusively dry red wine served in a deep Camille-style glass.

 

Join us October 14th at 7pm for the first of many Hot Tomato Pub Crawls! Details for this month below!

Hot Tomato Pub Crawl

 

Thrill Me, Chill Me – Rocky Horror Pre-Party

{sarcasm} “Ooohhh yeah…places to dress up, have fancy drinks and mill about under chandeliers before Rocky Horror in the quaint town of Marietta are a dime a dozen…”

NOPE, wrong!! Hot Tomato is the ONLY place like that!

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Let’s toast to our brilliant and quirky selves, fasten each others garter belts and Time Warp our way down the road to our faaaaavorite show!

Show details below:
https://www.facebook.com/events/1784572888455557/

Show tickets here:

http://sa1.seatadvisor.com/sabo/servlets/TicketRequest;jsessionid=3C84C6993B245934C7F97EE967F8B666?eventId=1094355&presenter=PEOPLESBANK&venue&event=ROCKY
RSVP on our Facebook event so I might properly stock the bar and the garter jar!