The latest Happy Hour Vibes networking and recording party brought the airwaves to life with laughter, fresh ideas, and Shaken Not Spurred’s signature mocktails. Guests arrived at Farmer Company Media Studios ready to mix business with fun, and left with new friends, creative collaborations, and content destined for over 1.3 million listeners on K101.2 POP Richmond.

*Shaken Not Spurred* *on Happy Hour Vibes*

As the evening kicked off, guests grabbed a Shaken Not Spurred Lemon Palomino—a bright blend of lemonade, honey syrup, ginger beer, and rosemary—and settled in with subs donated by Jersey Mike’s of Ashland. Before long, the games began. “If you’re not carrying duct tape and you work events, you need to go back to event school,” one guest laughed during a round of Never Have I Ever. Another raised their glass during Sip or Serve and offered a retirement toast so convincing the room roared with applause.

That mix of sincerity and silliness is exactly what keeps people coming back. Ederis Martinez-Cunion of Your Path Counseling Center shared her excitement about cooler weather: “We love offering walk-and-talk therapy, and fall makes those sessions even better. We’re also launching Creating Calm with Montpelier Art Center, an art therapy group for teens to reduce stress and anxiety.” Her words struck a chord, showing how wellness and creativity overlap in both counseling and community.

Caroline Sweeney of Minuteman Press of Ashland kept the energy going with a reminder that old-school outreach still works. “Mailing is not dead—you still see an incredible return on investment. That’s why we’re launching our first-ever Mail-a-thon, offering 20% off all printing for mailing campaigns in September, plus free design.” The crowd buzzed with ideas about how to connect their messages to more neighbors.

Then came music. 2025 Ashland Song Contest winner Tammy Hart Mosby described her triumph as “living my dream job right now. I’m honored to represent Ashland and the community.” She shared the story behind her song 1800Amtrak to Ashland, inspired by her mom’s journey from Florida: “She could hardly wait to get here.” Her voice, like her story, reminded everyone why Ashland’s creative heartbeat is so strong.

The Glass Guys spoke about their own goals, smiling as they looked ahead: “We’re connecting with more Richmond contractors while continuing projects across Ashland, Fredericksburg, and beyond. Our goal is 300 five-star Google reviews.” Their ambition resonated with the entrepreneurial crowd, many of whom nodded in agreement—everyone there was building something, and celebrating together made it all the sweeter.

**On the Fly Events on Happy Hour Vibes**

On the Fly Events previewed their fall lineup, inviting guests to come bounce, play, and celebrate at SpookyFun Fest on October 10 and Grand IlluminAshland on November 22. “We love bringing the party to you,” they said, highlighting their inflatables, game truck, and event services that make community gatherings seamless.

Even Amtrak Virginia got in on the fun, teasing their September Train Safety Awareness Month giveaways. “We’ll have conductor hats for kids, Virginia is for Rail Lovers pins, and even a chance to win two round-trip Amtrak tickets starting and ending in Virginia,” said Courtney Standerfer of Siddall. The promise of prizes had guests circling the Hanover Arts and Activities Center date on their calendars.

Throughout the evening, POWER UP Productions captured every toast, giggle, and game, turning the night into a visual reminder of what happens when networking feels less like work and more like play.

By the time the mics were turned off, everyone agreed—this wasn’t just another networking event. Happy Hour Vibes is a place where business owners share their passions, laughter fills the room, and duct tape wisdom somehow makes perfect sense.

🎧 Listen in on the fun! Catch the full episode of Happy Hour Vibes every Thirsty Thursday on K101.2 POP Richmond, streaming live at 👉 farmercompanymedia.com/k1012pop or anytime at 👉 AshlandVirginia.com/HappyHourVibes.

💼 Be part of the next party! The Happy Hour Vibes Networking and Recording Party happens the final Monday of every month at Farmer Company Media Studios. Record content, build connections, and sip signature mocktails—all while potentially reaching over a million listeners.

🎟️ Upcoming parties: Monday, September 29 & Monday, October 27. Secure your ticket or book a 30-second ad read today by the Happy Hour crew at:
👉AshlandVirginia.com/HappyHourVibes.

*Barry, Karie, and Lou on K101.2 Happy Hour Vibes*

The drinks are booze-free, but the vibes are bold! K101.2 Pop Richmond’s Happy Hour Vibes is redefining what a networking event can be — blending gourmet bites, signature mocktails, and sparkling conversation with the kind of exposure most organizations only dream about. Now hosted by a dynamic four-person panel — Barry Farmer, Karie Brooks, Chef Gianna Stanley, and Lou Keeton — this monthly live-recorded experience is serving up local flavor in every sense of the word.

What started as a creative twist on happy hour has grown into a full-on, multi-platform media moment. With live studio recordings, podcast streaming, YouTube releases, and social crossposting, Happy Hour Vibes offers businesses, nonprofits, and community organizers a rare trifecta: real-life connection, broadcast storytelling, and digital visibility — all in one night.

“Happy Hour Vibes brings the best of a community networking event to the airwaves,” says Lou Keeton, who joins the panel on behalf of the Downtown Ashland Association. “Most small-town organizations wouldn’t be able to afford an exclusive media experience like this. But here, they’re not only networking over Shaken Not Spurred gourmet grilled sandwiches and custom mocktails — they’re reaching over 1.3 million listeners with a feature-rich appearance they can keep sharing long after the night is over.”

Joining Lou is celebrated chef Gianna Stanley, who adds flavor and flair to the show with recipes and real-life kitchen wisdom. “As a professional chef, one of my greatest joys in life is sharing my knowledge to make your time in the kitchen simple and fun,” Stanley says. “I am thrilled at the opportunity to walk guests through my favorite recipes and teach tips and tricks that anyone can use.”

Rounding out the team are Karie Brooks of Shaken Not Spurred — whose Bit + Bougee mocktails headline each recording — and Barry Farmer, founder of Farmer Company Media, who brings humor, warmth, and deep storytelling chops to the mic. Together, this hosting crew delivers an unmatched blend of professional media, neighborly charm, and playful interaction. With segments that include “get-to-know-you” mocktail games and audience shoutouts, every guest becomes part of the show’s rhythm — and part of the Happy Hour Vibe.

*Shaken Not Spurred gourmet grilled sandwiches and mocktails*

Be Part of the Vibe

For just $75, local leaders and business owners can grab one of 15 exclusive tickets to attend the live networking and recording party. Guests will enjoy handcrafted mocktails and gourmet bites, record a 30-second pitch about their organization, and play lively networking games with the hosts — all captured in a full hour-long episode to be aired on K101.2 Pop Richmond and published on podcast platforms, YouTube, and social media. The experience is fun, interactive, and designed to leave guests with a lasting piece of content they can proudly share again and again.

Can’t make it in person? For $50, organizations can still be part of the show by submitting a 30-second spot to be read by a Happy Hour Vibes host during the recording — a perfect way to amplify your message without stepping up to the mic.

With its one-of-a-kind format and massive reach, Happy Hour Vibes is quickly becoming one of the most cost-effective and memorable ways to introduce your business or cause to a broad and engaged audience.

🎟 Reserve your ticket: www.payit2.com/event/116388
📝 Submit a spot for reading: checkout.square.site
💼 Ready to sip on serious visibility?
Become a Happy Hour Vibes Signature Sponsor and get your brand featured in every episode, across all content, and help local leaders access this unique networking opportunity—plus enjoy Downtown Ashland Association corporate sponsorship benefits.
👉 Become a Signature Sponsor

*Karie, Barry, and Lou on K101.2 Happy Hour Vibes*

Mark Your Calendar

The first Happy Hour Vibes Recording + Networking Party kicks off:
🗓 Monday, July 28 at 6 PM
📍 Farmer Company Media Studios, 1913 Huguenot Rd, Suite 300, North Chesterfield, VA 23235
🎙 New episodes will be recorded every third Monday of the month

So come hungry, come curious, and come ready to shine. Whether you're tuning in or taking the mic, Happy Hour Vibes is where Ashland’s tastemakers, change-makers, and storytellers come to sip, connect, and be heard.