Rock of Ages: The Ultimate Drinking Theatre Experience

Most drinkers don't spend much of their weekend nights in the stuffed up, richy rich theatre shows where the price of Bud in plastic cups equal the most chichi Manhattan bar cocktail prices. Plus, the entire experience is compounded by the fact you have to chug this sad little plastic cup before you rush to your seat for a two hour long show that's most likely aiming to be a cerebral experience. A drinker's choice of a fun time? I think not.

But a few weeks ago, my theatre going friend offered me a free ticket to the off Broadway show Rock of Ages, a musical that revolves around 80s music. I thought, heck, I like 80s music, why not?

Not only was there refreshing chic modern bar setup, there were waiters to take your drink your order while you sat in your theatre seats and vendors offering 4 or 5 dollar tequila shots from plastic tanks they lugged around on their backs. The drink prices were still higher than a cheap drinker would like, but still, the experience was refreshing to see -- how could you not enjoy an 80s music musical without a lovely drink in your hand?

Rock of Ages itself was a smile touting, fist pumping theatrical experience where even the most rigid of theatregoers were drinking drinks and singing Journey's glorious anthem Don't Stop Believing by the show's end. The show doesn't have much in way of story (a smart move when encouraging drinking at a show) -- It's a simple narrative that's based on the beginning lyrics of the aforementioned song above -- a girl named Sherrie (yes, Oh, Sherrie is played) who's just a small town girl who meets a guy that's just a city boy, born and raised in south Detroit. The music is so lovably cliched, so cleverly used (my favorite is when they use Journey's Any Way Want It in a strip club) that you have to love it all. There was even a moment where Extreme's More Than Words inspired slightly drunk women to lift up there flashlight lighters (provided by the show) and wave them in the air.

And there is no better way for me to enjoy theatre for a night it then by offering me a drink and letting me shout out 80s tunes from my theatre seat.

The Cheap B-Day Party

Well, I aged another year this past week. I was going to spear head that party at a bar, but I decided last minute that while a day of people buying me drinks was a lovely gift and even better idea was to have the b-day bash at home for these reasons:

1) People don't just buy you a drink, they bring you a bottle and this, my friends, is truly the gift that keeping on giving -- not just for yourself -- but for the whole party! Nothing creates a more awesome and diversified alcohol spread than just having people bring alcohol to your home. Wine, beer, liqour -- at the end of the night, if you're lucky, you end up with some leftovers.
2) I can control the music by being my own personal DJ and listen to all the tunes I want all night long. What kills a party more than having to listen to tunes that you despise? Yes, 99 Below, I'm sorry, but I am thinking of you. Plus, you don't have to feed five bucks into some lame jukebox machine to get seven tunes in a row that you like.

3) We can create a great an easy food spread by just wrapping everything you can think of in bacon.

4) At the end of the night, I don't have to go anywhere -- I'm already home. Sure as hell saves me money on that car service home.

So another year has passed, another birthday was bashed, and hey, I think most people saved alot of money sharing the drink than buying the drink.

I must give a shout out to Sycamore -- We did stop by there for a drink before the party and the awesome bartender gave me two happy drinks for the bday for free.

A New Way to Enjoy Winter: Nathan's

For a Sunday jaunt into a original activity, consider taking those fun summer activities winter style. Sure, Coney Island is the ultimate summer hotspot for fun rides and drinking times, but guess what? The fabulous Nathan's is open year around. So on a lovely, slightly cold Sunday with the sun shining outside, take the train to Coney Island, stop into Nathan's for a warm hot dog to warm your belly and sip huge 44 ounce beer on tap (not great beer -- usually Coors Light or Bud -- but hey, it's a huge, cheap beer). Walk the board walk and enjoy the Coney Island in its essence -- free of the hipsters and tourists -- these are the real Coney Island people. You can stop into Peggy O'Neill's for another beer, enjoy a few moments of the latest football game and all the men cheering the Jets while sipping a Coney Island Lager. The Lager is not a favorite of mine, the beer a little too bitter for my taste, but in my opinion, if you do a Coney day, you drink the name brand beer Coney Island style.