Monday, December 29, 2014

The Cure For Your New Year's Eve Hangover?



Mom went ballistic when I told her about getting an IV to speed up recovery from a hangover. She prattled on about strangers pumping "God knows what" into me.

I blew her off, as usual. I need to bounce back from what will likely be a crazy New Year's Eve (My NYE party list).  Then I started thinking that Mom had a good point. Who were these guys at Hydrate Medical, whose ads I've seen in Rich Saner's Rockhouse e-blasts?

Well Mom, a medical doctor, physician's assistant and a board certified acute care nurse practitioner own Hydrate Medical. Staff includes five emergency room nurses. Combined they have at least 20 years of medical experience.

Not a bad pedigree to cure a hangover. Better than my typical Alka-Seltzer and Revive Glaceau Water recovery cocktail.

Jonathan Leake, the doctor; Drew Harrill, the physician's assistant pictured below; and Keith Parris, the nurse practitioner, opened Hydrate Medical on East Boulevard in October. The clinic is licensed by the state medical board as a medical clinic.



Most of the team members work full-time in emergency rooms in regional hospitals. They noticed ER patients who simply needed an IV to address their symptoms. Yet, the patients endured the long waits, sterile environment and overall unpleasant ER experience.

"We're a great alternative to that," said Leake, who has 10 years of ER experience and did his residency at Carolinas Medical Center.

Hydration clinics are popping up all over the country. Hydrate Medical treats dehydration, jet lag, cold and stomach viruses and the reason I'm writing about them - hangovers!

"When people walk in, they realize they're getting the same medical care in a setting that's much more relaxed and much more enjoyable," said Harrill, who also has 10 years of experience as a paramedic.




The clinic feels like a modern spa with chill music, chaise lounges for treatment, plush rugs and flat screen TVs. The clinic offers a variety of packages to treat specific ailments along with a la carte services when you need a little something extra such as the prescription anti-inflammatory ketorolac. Yep, they dispense prescription drug intravenously. Although, it's a medical clinic, Hydrate Medical does not accept medical insurance.

Packages range from the basic $99 hydration package of saline and one medication to the $159 Hydrate Epic Hangover of saline, various drugs and oxygen. There's also the Myers Cocktail of vitamins named after the late Dr. John Myers. Rihanna calls it the "party-girl drip." For New Year's, book an appointment by Wednesday and receive 15 percent off treatment.

Hydrate's clients range include professional athletes, weekend warriors, runners, and over-indulgers. The clinic averages about 20-25 clients per week, and about half of the clients come on the weekends, Leake said.

"It's young professionals. It's people who don't have time to be sick," Leake said. "We want to get you back to your day."

The clinic definitely has its critics as spelled out in this Observer story, but sounds good to me - and Mom!


Sunday, December 28, 2014

Tonya's New Year's Eve Picks

Here's my list of parties that I would attend or offer something different than the typical New Year's Eve experience. If you're a fan of the EpiCentre most of the clubs are hosting parties with fees start around $25 and up. If the N.C. Music Factory is more your speed the various parties there range from $40 and up. Nearly all of the urban clubs from Club Vibrations to Vanity are hosting parties as well with cover charges starting around $25. The new nightlife app Socialtopias launches New Year's Eve with several events throughout the city. Check the list to get connected.

I'm starting my list with Soul Gastrolounge. This is my go-to spot throughout the year and especially New Year's Eve. Great energy, great music and a cool vibe. For NYE, Andy Kastanas and Johnny Vicious have curated a musical history of house music. Guest DJ Gary "Jackmaster" Wallace. Free. Yep. Free. 9 p.m. Soul Gastrolounge, 1500 Central Ave.




Splurge!

This is going to be an incredible party to celebrate the Duke Mansion’s 100th birthday next year. Charlotte favorite That Guy Smitty is spinning so the beats will be fabulous. Enjoy dinner, dancing, a champagne toast, special curated wine selection and late-evening breakfast. The menu is not party food. This is just a snippet: Duet of Salmon Wellington and Rossini Beef Tenderloin (Salmon Wellington will be prepared with an Herb Shallot Compound Butter and the Beef will be prepared with a Madeira Sauce with Truffle and Torchon Foie Gras) $515 per couple or $258 for single tickets.  Purchase your tickets at 704-714-4445 or kellis@tlwf.org. 8 p.m. Duke Mansion, 400 Hermitage Road.


Gay and Lesbian


Breathe The Ultimate LGBT Party - Champagne toast, appetizers, countdown. 9 p.m., Taste, 2415 W. Morehead St. $15/$25









NYE 2014 Las Vegas Themed! at Cathode Azure featuring Vegas Style show girls feat. Top Drag Artist Bella Jade Dior and friends. And Top International DJ and Producer Billy Waters. 9 p.m. Cathode Azure, 1820 South Blvd Ste 106.









The New Year’s Eve Masquerade Ball includes a buffet from 9 p.m. - 11:30 p.m., champagne toast, best mask contest and more. DJ Arthy I playing Top ‘40s, hip-hop, dance, international and throwbacks. Hosted by Tamalea. $10 and up. L4 Lounge, 2906 Central Ave.





A Charlotte Tradition

Rich & Bennett’s NYE Bash is a longtime Charlotte NYE tradition and one of the biggest parties in the city. Three Levels of partying including the enclosed rooftop patio. There will be a balloon drop and confetti cannons at midnight, three DJs, champagne, hand-passed hors d’oeuvres, party favors and more. Tickets ($55 and up) must be purchased in advance before 6:45 p.m. Dec. 31.







Family Fun

The city’s CLT New Year's Eve celebration has a new name and new locations. It moves to MLK Blvd outside of the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Families can enjoy live music by the party band We Got The Beat, carriage rides, kids crafts, face painting and Holiday On Ice will be open until midnight. You won’t go hungry. The Food Truck Rally features Auto Burger & Fry Guys, Hot Box, Philly's Italian Ice & Mobile Eatery, and The Plated Pallette. Free. Alcohol-free event. 7 p.m. Corner of MLK Jr. Blvd and South Brevard.


The Rest



Dance the night away to salsa, bachata, merengue and more at the New Year’s Latin Extravaganza. Music by DJ Carlos and LeBron. Dress code is formal, but dance ready. Westin Charlotte, $35 and up.











Get Restored
Looking for something completely different head to The Big Release. It's an evening of meditation led by John Love, yoga from Kelley Corboni-Woods and fresh-pressed juice by Happy Apple Juicery. $50. 10 p.m. Revolution Ego Salon, 312 Myers St. Suite 115.










Holla: sipandplayclt@gmail.com

Saturday, December 27, 2014

Get out early today before you hit the streets

Today is the calm after the storm. It's time to reset and prep for New Year's Eve. On nights like this, I head to my favorite chill spots such as Soul Gastrolounge which boasts a new Winter Cocktail List. I'm also digging the bourbon selection at The Improper Pig's bar, which recently opened in Cotswold. The bar is tiny, but the bourbon selection is great. My friends would also say that I'm becoming obsessed with the city's ever-growing local brewery scene.

If you're looking to hear live music, check out Courtney Devores weekend picks of Charlotte's own Another Lost Year at Amos Southend and Misguided Youth at Snug Harbor

Now let's get this party started. See you in the streets....


College Hoops - Watch the Kentucky v. Louisville rivalry with diehard Wildcats fans. This is usually a fun party with a DJ and rabid fans. 2 p.m. Sip Charlotte, 200 N. Tryon St. Ste. 100











Celebrate Kwanzaa - Enjoy African music, storytelling and learn about the seven principles of Kwanzaa at the Nubian Rootz Cultural Center's Kwanzaa Celebration & African Marketplace. 12 p.m. - 4 p.m. Tuckaseegee Recreation Center, 4820 Tuckaseegee Road. 








The B-Sides - Enjoy hip-hop, soul, rare grooves and other classics spun by DJ 2Tone and DJ Justice along with art by Dammit Wesley at Su Casa: Rarities and B-Sides. 9 p.m., Petra's Piano Bar, 1919 Commonwealth Ave. $5.
















Happy Birthday Herb! - Celebrate with Charlotte's favorite couple Herb and Felicia Gray for Herb Gray's Birthday Celebration. 9 p.m., Sports One, 521 N. College St.













Don't Forget:



Ashy Larry Is Back -You've seen Donnell Rawlings as Ashy Larry on the "Chappelle Show." $17. Various show times starting at 8 p.m. The Comedy Zone, 900 NC Music Factory.

Warning: This is adult comedy!





Holla: sipandplayclt@gmail.com

Friday, December 26, 2014

Get NASCAR Gear, enjoy '90s music and Kool Keith

New Year's Eve is less than a week away, but don't wait until next week to start partying. There are still plenty of events this weekend, including tonight.



Christmas Is Over - Help the NASCAR Hall of Fame take down their decorations. Undeck the Halls, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. NASCAR Hall of Fame, 400 East Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Requires museum admission ($12.95-$19.95)









The Greatest Music Era - Enjoy a special edition of R&B Live at a A 90's Holiday featuring American Idol's Seretha Lichez. Music by QC Vibe Band. 9:30 p.m., Studio Movie Grill, 210 E. Trade St.











Hip-Hop Heads - Kool Keith w/ DJ Justin Aswell, BlacKostume perform at Snug Harbor. Kool Keith hails from New York's Ultramagnetic MC's. 9 p.m. Snug Harbor, 1228 Gordon St, $20.



















For The Love Of Bass - Enjoy a night of bass-heavy music at Bassment Ft. Beartrax, MalFunkShun & Fletch. Label Ivory Lounge, 900 NC Music Factory Blvd.








Ashy Larry Is Back -You've seen Donnell Rawlings as Ashy Larry on the "Chappelle Show." $17. Various show times starting at 8 p.m. The Comedy Zone, 900 NC Music Factory.









Holla: sipandplayclt@gmail.com

Thursday, December 25, 2014

Christmas Parties Tonight: Shiprocked, Pop Life and more

Merry Christmas to you and yours! At some point tonight, when your family and all of the revelry are overwhelming, there are plenty of parties tonight.


Pop Life: Christmas Night Edition AKA "Merry Kitchmas 2," 10 p.m. Bubble, 210 E. Trade St., EpiCentre. Parking deck onsite.












The World's Largest Christmas Party, prize giveaways include cash,Visa gift card, Sharp 50-inch TV, Michael Kors handbag and more. $10. Club Vibrations, 5237 Albemarle Road.







2nd Annual Red and Black, Naughty or Nice Christmas Party, 9 p.m. The Press Box, 9609 N. Tryon St. on the corner of N. Tryon St. and Mallard Creek Road.


















A Very SHIPROCKED! X-Mas Party! Special Holiday sideshow performances, from Cherry Von Bomb's sexy Santa's helper shimmy and sideshow features to Krampus burlesque, magical elf go-go dancers and all the rock, dance music and booze you can shake a bundle of switches at! 10 p.m. Snug Harbor, 1228 Gordon St.

Sunday, December 21, 2014

From Juggling at the gay bar to WuTang fans!



Bar At 316 celebrated its 5-year anniversary with drag queens and a special performance.





On the other side of town, hip-hop heads got their full groove on at Off The Wall: WuTang Edition.


'We need a little more action in those hips!'




A Very Tampone Christmas was my kind of party. What says happy holidays better than blindfolds, safe words and a dour Christmas elf? Local actors come together to turn the Frock Shop into a cozy home for a naughty Christmas party. The actors are in character with ridiculous accents and even better costumes. Even the food has adult names. Just to give you an idea, party-goers are divided into tops, bottoms and switches. I don't want to spoil it for you, but here's a little video peek from Saturday night. 8 p.m. The Frock Shop, 901 Central Ave. $25. Parking onsite.




Other Events 


Who Let The Dawgs Out? - Georgia Bulldogs fans help set a tailgate record at Draught for the Georgia Bulldogs Tailgate. Noon. Draught, 601 Cedar St.









Happy Birthday! - The venerable Double Door Inn celebrates its 41st Anniversary tonight headlined by Lenny Federal, who's probably been playing there since the doors opened. Don't miss the chance to celebrate with this local legendary music venue. 8 p.m. Double Door Inn, 1218 Charlottetowne Ave. $10. 



After The Game, It's The AfterParty - Wear your Panther gear and head over to Label. DJ Cuttz and DJ LP spinning the hottest tunes for the Panthers v. Brown AfterParty. 10 p.m. Label, NC Music Factory, 900 NC Music Factory Blvd.









Stringer Bell Broke Her Heart! - "Love And Hip-Hop's" K. Michelle is getting mad press after opening up about her relationship with heartthrob Idris Elba. Apparently, their eight-month relationship inspired her new album "Anybody Wanna Buy A Heart?" Sounds like it didn't end well. 7 p.m. Neighborhood Theatre 511 E. 36th St. $50 and up.





Read more here: http://charlottethingstodo.blogspot.com/2014/12/k-michelle-aka-idris-elbas-ex.html#storylink=cpy

Saturday, December 20, 2014

National reggae artist performing tonight, new tiki bar opening





I'm still recuperating from an outing with the Charlotte Bourbon Club at the Maker's Mark dinner at DB's Tavern on Ardrey Kell Road last night. Morning yoga at Lenny Boy Brewing helped along with a glass of the Icebreaker kombucha. Yoga and kombucha may be my new Saturday morning remedy. Now, I'm ready hit the streets.

Let me start tonight's lineup with a correction. I listed the incorrect day for Bar 316 five-year anniversary celebration. It's tonight.  Enjoy go-go dancers, drag queens and more. 9 p.m. The Bar at Charlotte, 316 Rensselaer Ave.

If you're looking to hear great music this weekend. Check out Courtney Devores Soundbites for her music picks.

Now, let's get this party started. See you in the streets...




Beer For A Cause Salud Beer Shop is inviting beer enthusiasts to its holiday party. Bring lots of canned goods. Salud is hosting a competition for the person who donates the most cans. The prize will be the 3L magnum bottle of 2014 Sierra Nevada Celebration Ale.  5 p.m. 3306 North Davidson St.









More Beer - Festivus Party with live music and beer release. 6 p.m. Sycamore Brewing, 2161 Hawkins St.






Reggae Show - New York-based Kranium is blowing up with his hit "Nobody Has To Know." Don't miss a chance to see him in an intimate setting. 10 p.m. Twilight Lounge, 7030 Smith Corner Blvd.













A Tiki Bar? - Yep. Helen Schwab writes Tiki Hideaway opened Friday at the former Hef's at ParkTowne Village (beside Park Road shopping center). It's a restaurant and barHours will be 4 p.m.-midnight Tuesday-Sunday; 1600 E. Woodlawn Road. 















Read more here: http://helendining.blogspot.com/#storylink=cpy

Read more here: http://helendining.blogspot.com/#storylink=cpy
Music Benefit - Queen City Showcase benefits MusicCares, which provides a wide range of resources for people in the music community. Performers include Mark Lassiter, Forgive Me Not, the Feral and others. 7 p.m. Neighborhood Theatre, 511 E. 36th St. $10. Paid parking onsite and street parking. Bring cash for parking.









Enter The Wu - Enjoy all things Wu at the Off the Wall Wu Tang Forever Edition. You'll hear  Wu Tang Clan albums, solo member albums, collaobs, Clan affiliates and more! Grooves by DJ Justice & Aking. They'll also be spinning classic Hip Hop, R&B, Soul, rare grooves, reggae and Pop. 10 p.m. Crown Station Coffee House & Pub, 1425 Elizabeth Ave.




















A Few Good Men host the 6th Annual Christmas Jumpoff party. Enjoy drink specials and food until 1:30 a.m. Music by the Mighty DJ D.R. 9 p.m. Fountain Blue Lounge, 7200 Albemarle Road (East Albemarle Shopping Center near Albemarle and Lawyers roads)





















Break out your ugliest sweater and you could win $100 gift card at Nan and Byron's Ugly Holiday Sweater Party. Enjoy beer and vodka specials and a late night menu. Music by DJ Bwillackers. 10 p.m. Nan and Byron's, 1714 South Blvd. Parking onsite.















Holla: sipandplayclt@gmail.com