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A Thrilling Dry January Media Tour with Mister Mocktail

Writer's picture: AndyAndy

Updated: Jan 8



Daytime Buffalo and Sober One Six

Sober One Six has plenty going on during Dry January but we are so thrilled to see January 2025 packed with so many businesses hosting fun Dry January events, even outside of us! It was only right that I (Andy) went on a full-blown local media tour around Buffalo to talk about all things Dry January and S16 events. It is safe to say I will be sleeping for the next 24 hours to recoup from all the excitement. 


News 4 Wake Up on Channel 4: Dry January & What Is Sober One Six?

Starting off the week right on New Year's Eve with News 4 Wake Up on Channel 4! This was my first actual live news segment which was exciting. It was even more exciting that I woke up 30 minutes before being on TV! I must say, regardless, I think I killed it. I informed the Channel 4 audience all about what Sober One Six is: a queer-owned event production and management company focusing on creating inclusive, alcohol-free events that cater to the LGBTQ+ community and individuals seeking sober-friendly social opportunities. Our goal is to provide welcoming and enjoyable spaces where people can connect and have fun without the pressure of drinking! I gave tips to help those who are participating in Dry Jan. One of those tips was to limit the amount of pressure you put on yourself. If you slip up and have a drink, beating yourself up will not help you move forward! Keep your eye on the goal and be nice to yourself!


Channel 7 News WKBW: Where To Go For Nightlife & N/A Drinks

On the first day of the New Year, Willa DeWhisp, a local drag icon, and I sat down with Jaurdyn Johnson of Channel 7 News WKBW to talk more Dry January tips and what being in nightlife as a sober person is like. Willa, who has a monthly late-night drag show at Underground Niteclub on Delaware Avenue in Buffalo, said that being a sober performer is great because she is in full control of what she is doing and can really enjoy the moment. We are seeing more and more bars in the nightlife scene carrying non-alcoholic drink options to be more inclusive of those who just want to go out and dance without the pressure of alcohol. Twenty Six on Allen is one of those local bars that makes it a priority to be inclusive. They carry Lyre’s alternatives, Ritual Zero proof, Athletic Brewing Co., and much more! 


WKBW Buffalo and Sober One Six and Willa DeWhisp

Daytime Buffalo on Channel 4: January’s Upcoming Events

One of my favorite news shows is Daytime Buffalo and I am so lucky to have been able to chat with Chelsea Lovell of Channel 4 to discuss all of our upcoming Dry January events this month. We let the audience know that S16 partners with local bars, restaurants, and venues to host unique experiences, such as drag performances, sober happy hours, and themed parties inspired by various music genres. These events not only highlight the growing sober community but also support local businesses and artists while showcasing inventive mocktail options. We went over what we have coming up this month.



Sober Comedy Showcase

First off, our Sober Comedy Showcase on January 9th features Chelsea-Mae, Nicky Spin, Brian Netzel, and Jacob Morrison. All of which are local non-drinking comics. This is super special to me as comedy had an incredible impact on why I got sober. My favorite comedian is Nikki Glaser (who, by the way, killed it hosting the Golden Globes this past weekend), is 10+ years sober. It was because I saw her being successful as a funny sober person that I thought “Hey, I can do that too”!


Sober Social: Big Ditch Brewing Company

We are continuing our monthly Sober Socials at Big Ditch Brewing Co. on January 15th. They just released their highly anticipated N/A Burner, their first locally crafted non-alcoholic beer. These events typically foster connection, community, and ALWAYS fun. These gatherings provide a safe and welcoming space for individuals, especially those in the LGBTQ+ community, to enjoy meaningful social interactions without the presence of alcohol.


Sober Rave: Riff City Social

Rounding out our incredible sober events, we have the FIRST-EVER Sober Rave at Riff City Social on January 18th. DJs Brother Bear and Little Mx. Bunny of Rochester will join our headliner Lydvicious to bring the vibes of everything you love about a rave without any pressure to drink or do drugs! Red Bull will be onsite with a Mocktail Infusions Bar along with a menu of N/A beverages curated by Riff City themselves! 


Lockport Community Television

Lastly, I stopped by LCTV with Niagara Pride to have a sit-down chat with Ronald Piaseczny and Sherry Fossett. It was such a fun experience to talk about how Sober One Six started, my specific sobriety journey, and where I think we will go from here. Sober One Six was born out of my personal sobriety journey, which began on January 14, 2020. I created S16 to demonstrate that a vibrant and fulfilling lifestyle is possible without alcohol. Our mission here is to encourage others to explore their own relationships with alcohol and provide a sense of community for those on similar paths. Stay tuned for the release of this amazing interview! 


I am forever grateful for the amount of support the community has given me and Sober One Six. Collaboration and connection are the keys to success in my opinion! I cannot wait to get into 2025 more and cement ourselves as part of the Buffalo Community! 


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2 Comments


I’m proud of you and S16. Thank you for all you’re doing.

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info6642283
4 days ago
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Thank you! We appreciate your support! 😀❤️

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