Tonno Wakefield hosts a Summer Kickoff Patio Party

This blog post announces the 'Aba Summer Rooftop Patio Party' event, scheduled to take place on June 20th from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Aba's rooftop patio in Chicago. The event is designed to celebrate the first day of summer, offering attendees an opportunity to enjoy views of the Chicago skyline. The party is a collaboration with Dos Hombres and Flecha Azul, focusing on mezcal and tequila libations. It will feature a reception-style setup with various activities and amenities. Attendees can expect a range of culinary and entertainment offerings. The event includes passed and stationed appetizers, such as hummus and other spreads. Beverages will include a variety of mezcal and tequila options, with each ticket granting access to two signature cocktails. A unique feature is an ice luge for pours, adding to the festive atmosphere. DJ Marvin Mentor is slated to provide live music, ensuring a lively environment throughout the party. For interactive fun, a photobooth will be available, and guests can visit the Sole Rider Hat Bar for a customizable hat experience, though hat stations are sold separately. Ticket information specifies a cost of $68.95 per person, exclusive of tax and gratuity. This price covers two signature cocktails, appetizers, live DJ entertainment, photobooth access, and entry into a raffle. The event also offers tasting stations. Given its outdoor setting, the organizers note that the party is subject to cancellation in the event of inclement weather, with full refunds provided. The venue, Aba, is located at 302 N Green St, 3rd Floor, Chicago, 60607. The blog post emphasizes the social aspect of the event, encouraging guests to mingle and enjoy the scenic rooftop setting. The collaboration with Dos Hombres and Flecha Azul highlights a focus on quality spirits, particularly mezcal and tequila, suggesting a curated beverage experience. The inclusion of a DJ, photobooth, and customizable hat bar aims to enhance the entertainment value, making it a comprehensive summer celebration. The event is categorized under 'Festivals, Fairs & Special Events' in the Choose Chicago events calendar, indicating its broader appeal as a summer activity in the city. The event targets individuals looking for a festive way to welcome summer, offering a blend of food, drink, music, and interactive experiences. The mention of the Chicago skyline views positions the event as a scenic urban gathering. The detailed information about ticket inclusions, weather contingencies, and location ensures clarity for potential attendees, allowing them to plan accordingly for this summer celebration. This party aims to provide a memorable start to the summer season with its diverse offerings and vibrant atmosphere. #ChicagoEvents #RooftopParty #SummerCelebration #MezcalTequila #LiveMusic #FoodAndDrink #ChicagoSkyline #Festival

The Aba Summer Rooftop Patio Party, scheduled for June 20th from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM, offers an opportunity to celebrate the first day of summer on Aba’s rooftop in Chicago. This event, presented by Aba, is designed as a reception-style gathering, providing attendees with skyline views of Chicago. The party features a variety of mezcal and tequila libations, highlighting collaborations with Dos Hombres and Flecha Azul. Guests can expect a selection of culinary offerings including hummus, spreads, and passed appetizers. Entertainment for the evening will be provided by DJ Marvin Mentor, ensuring a lively atmosphere. A photo booth will be available for guests to capture memories, and tasting stations will offer opportunities to sample different spirits. A notable feature is an ice luge, providing a unique way to enjoy beverages. Additionally, the event includes a Sole Rider Hat Bar, where attendees can customize hats, and various giveaways will be distributed throughout the party. Entry into a raffle is also included with the ticket. Tickets for the ‘Summer Rooftop Patio Party’ are priced at $68.95, plus tax, with gratuity not included. Each ticket grants access to two signature cocktails, along with the passed and stationed appetizers, live DJ, and use of the photo booth. The tasting and hat stations are available for an additional cost. The event is set to take place outdoors on the patio. In the event of inclement weather, the party may be canceled, and a refund will be provided to ticket holders. The venue for the event is Aba, located at 302 N Green St 3rd Floor, Chicago, 60607. Further details and ticket purchases can be made through the Tock platform. Aba also maintains a presence on Facebook where additional information may be available. The event is categorized under 'Festivals, Fairs & Special Events' on the Choose Chicago events calendar. This celebration provides an option for those looking to engage in summer festivities in Chicago, combining food, drinks, music, and interactive experiences in a rooftop setting. #ChicagoEvents #RooftopParty #SummerCelebration #MezcalTequila #LiveDJ #FoodAndDrink #ChicagoSkyline

The growing popularity of outdoor kitchen spaces is driven by various factors, including access to new types of cooking equipment, an increased connection to the environment, a love of nature, and the ability to utilize additional space beyond the indoor kitchen. The primary motivation for many consumers is the ability to "bring the party outdoors" and expand entertaining space. This trend is observed in both warm-weather and colder climates. Designers are capitalizing on this by creating complete outdoor kitchens that either complement the indoor kitchen's design or stand as independent spaces with unique features. This article examines three outdoor kitchens that showcase enhanced entertaining areas, nature-inspired design elements, and new cooking functionalities. One example is an outdoor kitchen designed by architect Doug Burdge in Malibu, CA, where warm weather and ocean views make outdoor living a lifestyle. The two-story home, modeled after Cape Cod residences, maximizes ocean views with floor-to-ceiling windows, French doors, and a wraparound patio. An open-air pavilion features a fireplace and a fully equipped outdoor kitchen, including an Earthstone pizza oven, Viking barbecue, side burner, hood, undercounter ice maker, Perlick undercounter refrigerator and freezer, Sharp microwave, Asko dishwasher, and InSinkErator disposal unit. This setup allows for year-round gatherings around a resort-style pool, sunken lounge, and fire pit. Burdge notes that most of his projects in Malibu include pools and various outdoor kitchen setups, ranging from basic sinks and counter space to more elaborate designs with dishwashers, pizza ovens, and specialty appliances based on client needs. Another featured outdoor kitchen is in Rockport, ME, designed by Deborah Chatfield of Chatfield Design. This project was inspired by the clients' trip to Italy, prompting the integration of an outdoor pizza oven they brought back. The design blends Tuscan elements with Maine's aesthetic, incorporating an exposed wood beam ceiling, large column supports, and stone work reminiscent of Italian architecture. Overhead lighting with a Tuscan yet contemporary feel and a long picnic table facilitate group gatherings. Beyond the pizza oven, the kitchen boasts a Kalamazoo grill, a two-burner cooktop with a custom copper hood, and a custom-made granite outdoor sink for large pots. Custom-built cabinets allow for permanent outdoor storage. Despite Maine's shorter outdoor season, infrared lights were installed to extend the usability of the space. Chatfield acknowledges that such elaborate outdoor kitchens are rare in Maine but were justified by the clients' extensive entertaining needs, desire to use the space year-round, and the stunning lake and bay views. The third outdoor kitchen, located in Coral Gables, FL, was designed by architect Jorge L. Hernandez of JLH Architect and interior designer Celia Cabral Domenech of Living Interior Design. This space is designed for large gatherings and seamlessly connects with the indoor areas. It features coral stone, which provides both aesthetic appeal and shelter. The client's love for barbecuing led to the construction of a pavilion tied into the house, incorporating a Kalamazoo grill and custom-built blackened mahogany furniture. The design unifies indoor and outdoor spaces through a consistent grayish color palette and complementary ceiling treatments—a white wooden coffered ceiling inside and a timber gabled ceiling outside. The outdoor kitchen, an extrusion from the indoor kitchen wing of an H-shaped house plan, ensures an easy flow between the two areas. It is equipped to host over 50 people, featuring a Kalamazoo Hybrid Fire Built-in Grill, a gas-fired pizza oven, four cooktop burners, stainless steel cabinetry, energy-efficient refrigerator and freezer drawers, an outdoor glass door wine chiller with UV protection, and an outdoor dishwasher, enabling it to function as a fully independent kitchen and entertainment hub. Hernandez highlights the increasing demand for outdoor living spaces, attributing it to a renewed connection with nature, environmental awareness, and the desire for more entertaining space. He emphasizes the importance of treating outdoor kitchens as meticulously designed rooms, integral to the home's overall aesthetic and functionality, to avoid them becoming merely utilitarian barbecue areas. #OutdoorKitchen #HomeDesign #EntertainmentSpace #KitchenDesign #ArchitecturalDesign #CustomKitchens #LuxuryLiving #OutdoorAppliances #DesignTrends

The Blue Ridge Arts Council presents the 36th annual Gazebo Gatherings Summer Concert Series in downtown Front Royal, Virginia. This free event, held on Thursday evenings at 7 PM at the iconic Town Commons Gazebo on Main and Chester Street, is co-sponsored by the Virginia Commission for the Arts, Warren County, and the Town of Front Royal. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and arrive early to secure parking, as the event typically draws 150 to 200 people. The location in Front Royal, described as a 'town for all seasons,' offers a chance to experience Shenandoah culture and enjoy the historic city, with numerous restaurants available in the Main Street and Town Commons area for pre- or post-concert dining. The concert series features a diverse lineup of musical acts throughout the summer. The American Legion Community Band opens the series on June 13th with a varied repertoire ranging from marches to movie themes, and classical pieces to pop songs. This volunteer band, formed in 1986, performs from September to July and welcomes new members. On June 20th, Joe Martin will showcase his rock, jazz, and classical guitar arrangements, having established a career performing his exciting and emotional renditions at various venues across the northern Shenandoah Valley. Smoke & The Poet, a country/folk band from the Shenandoah Valley, will perform on June 27th, known for their original songs and covers inspired by red dirt country and roots music. July 11th features the Rock Bottom Band, a five-member group that covers music from the soulful 1960s to the rocking 1990s, offering a selection that appeals to a wide audience. On July 18th, From the Clay Duo, comprising Mark Clay and Kahle Magalis, will present a mix of original songs with strong, storytelling lyrics and classic favorites, captivating audiences with their talent. Medicine Wind, a versatile quintet, takes the stage on July 25th with an eclectic blend of classic rock, blues, Americana, and country genres. The Sidemen, seasoned musicians rooted in rock and roll, will perform on August 1st, featuring yacht rock and classic hits from the 1960s and 1970s. Rich Follett, an acoustic folk musician, performs on August 8th, offering easy-listening folk music, including familiar tunes from the 1920s to the present, alongside his insightful original compositions. Ryan Jewel, scheduled for August 15th, will share his relatable songs, drawn from personal experiences, delivered with rich baritone vocals and an authentic performing style. The series concludes on August 22nd with Vinyl Tracks, a classic rock band from Front Royal, VA, renowned for their Beatles tribute show. The Gazebo Gatherings aim to provide an enjoyable Thursday evening entertainment experience in Front Royal. #SummerConcertSeries #FrontRoyal #VirginiaEvents #LiveMusic #CommunityEvents #BlueRidgeArtsCouncil #FreeConcerts #ShenandoahValley #FamilyEntertainment

This article details the unique Lake Norman home of dentist Bob Vaughan, a modern three-story concrete structure designed to serve as both a lively entertainment space and a comfortable family residence. Vaughan discovered the property, initially a small plot with a private beach and a trailer, during a WaveRunner excursion and purchased it, later transforming it into his current home. The house, built predominantly from concrete, is characterized by its imposing presence and a distinctive cobalt blue entrance door that opens into a light-filled hallway adorned with contemporary art. The home reflects Vaughan's dual life as a dentist and a father, balancing spaces for his two children, such as loft areas connected to their bedrooms and a separate playroom, with adult-oriented areas including a fully stocked bar. A key design principle was to integrate the surrounding lake environment, achieved through extensive wall-sized windows that offer panoramic views and abundant natural light throughout the house. The living room features a cozy yet contemporary design with bright pink Poliform chairs, a cowhide patch rug, and three-dimensional felt wall art, custom-designed by Vaughan, in black and white. A glass crystal fireplace, constructed from custom concrete and slate tile, serves as the central focal point of the living area. Adjacent to the living room, the dining room is elevated on a concrete stage and decorated with modern art, including a gold diamond dust print by Shepard Fairey. Collaborating with Paige Brice of PB Interior Design, Vaughan selected Italian dining room furniture with clean lines and classic colors. The deep brown dining table and six upholstered grey chairs are complemented by two hot pink stools, echoing the color scheme of the living room chairs. Three metallic light fixtures from Modern Lighting Design of Dilworth, hung at varying heights, emphasize the room's high ceilings and open ambiance. Vaughan's passion for entertaining is evident throughout the house, with speakers installed in every room, controlled by touch-screen remotes. The concrete bar features a deep blue acrylic backsplash and glass shelves displaying numerous drink options. Outside, the property includes a pool, a private beach, a dock with a speedboat, and WaveRunners. At night, colorful pool lights transform the outdoor space into a vibrant party setting. Despite the emphasis on entertaining, Vaughan also prioritized personal sanctuary, designing a master suite as a relaxing escape. The master bathroom is a highlight, featuring a 700-pound textured onyx soaking tub carved from a solid slab of granite, which served as the inspiration for the home's overall aesthetic. The master bath also includes a waterfall shower with changing lights and integrated music, creating a unique and immersive experience. This detailed approach to design creates a home that is both functional and expressive of Vaughan's lively personality and lifestyle. #LakefrontLiving #ModernArchitecture #LuxuryHome #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #EntertainmentSpace #ContemporaryArt #LakeNorman

This guide highlights the best patio happy hour spots in Western New York for the summer season, providing details on specific deals and locations. The article acknowledges that happy hour specials are subject to change and advises patrons to call ahead to confirm details directly with the establishments. It also offers a way for businesses to submit changes to their specials and for readers to report discrepancies, ensuring the information remains as current as possible. Casa Azul, located at 191 Allen St, Buffalo, offers happy hour specials from Monday to Wednesday, 4 PM to 7 PM. Their weekly promotions include Margarita Monday with $7 margaritas, Taco Tuesday featuring $2 off tacos, and BOGO Wednesday, where patrons can buy one and get one free on margaritas, palomas, and mules. Hartman’s Distilling, situated at 55 Chicago St, Buffalo, was recognized as the Best of 716 Happy Hour in 2023. This establishment provides daily happy hour drink specials from 3 PM to 7 PM, catering to those looking for a consistent happy hour experience throughout the week. Santora’s Pizza Pub & Grill has two locations featured: 7800 Transit Rd., Williamsville, and 1 Walden Galleria, Cheektowaga. Both locations offer happy hour every day from 4 PM to 7 PM. A notable aspect of their happy hour is the availability of seasonal cocktails priced at $10 during this period. El Punto Mexican Cantina at 58 Webster St., North Tonawanda, presents a varied happy hour schedule. From Tuesday to Friday, between 4 PM and 6 PM, they offer $5 margaritas and draft beers. On Saturdays and Sundays, from 12 PM to 4 PM, they feature drink specials and a $7 appetizer menu. Additionally, El Punto provides a late-night happy hour on Fridays and Saturdays from 8 PM to 10 PM, which includes 2-for-1 margaritas and draft beers, alongside the $7 appetizer menu. Soho, located at 65 Vandalia St., Buffalo, distinguishes its happy hour with specific offerings on Thursdays. Happy hour runs from 4 PM to 9 PM, complemented by live hibachi on the patio from 9 PM until closing. This provides both drink specials and entertainment for patrons. The guide emphasizes the importance of verifying these specials due to their dynamic nature. #PatioHappyHour #SummerDrinks #BuffaloDining #WNYFoodie #DrinkSpecials #OutdoorDining #HappyHourGuide