Why is everyone in Chesapeake tonight?

OK, who among us could really really could use a drink right now?

Pithiness and piffle is so hard to maintain in These Times, a high dose of escapism is fully in order. 

So remember a few months back we went on about this new hotel in Chesapeake, aloft? Nice decor, flat screens, free pool table, local artists' work in the lobby, very chic, condoms in the convenience store, yada yada yada? 

Tonight aloft formally introduces itself, and its devotion to having events with Tidewater's fabbest people, with a grand opening party. DJs Jeyone and Excel are on deck to spin records; one of the area's top chef, Jason McCarthy is cooking up some little niblets, and Shmack is doing a fashion show. THANK GOD. After all the dreadful news we've been getting lately, this is exactly what we need: free drinks, music, food and to be around beautiful people, even if we're all stressed and broke.

One thing though: the party is invite only, so unless you know somebody who knows somebody or your Velvet Rope Crashing Game is A plus proper, just check back here tomorrow for photos.

If you don't make it out to aloft tonight, do go at some point, and ASK BARTENDER JW for his "Grapes of Wrath." Whew! That'll  definitely make you forget a recession, at least for a few hours...

COMMENTS ADVISORY: Users are solely responsible for opinions they post here; comments do not reflect the views of The Virginian-Pilot or its websites. Users must follow agreed-upon rules: Be civil, be clean, be on topic; don't attack private individuals, other users or classes of people. Read the full rules here.
- Comments are automatically checked for inappropriate language, but readers might find some comments offensive or inaccurate. If you believe a comment violates our rules, click the report violation link below it.