{ The AAF Charlotte ADDYs Gala. It's the night your talent will face the power of 13. }

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What exactly is optimysticism? When you put aside your quite reasonable fear that the dark forces of '13 are out to mess you up somehow, and brave the night to gather with friends over a nice seated dinner, entertainment, complimentary drinks, then cap it off with a stylish apres partay.

All that is just what you can expect when you show up at the 2013 AAF Charlotte ADDY Awards Gala. This year's show will be held at The Big Chill on February 21st from 6 PM until 10 PM. Here, we will turn the clock back to the golden age of mysticism, when women wore boas and men discovered they could sing and dance while dressed like women wearing boas.

If you've not been to The Big Chill, you're in for a pleasant surprise. In fact, there will be a caboodle of surprises awaiting guests this year. No worries though, it will be tasteful, top shelf and client friendly -- as long as your client has a sense of adventure. (The ones who've used the phrase "rousing" to describe a round of golf? Well, remember this is a creative awards show.)

What you can envision is this: You arrive and let the valets park the Buick (bring a few skins to tip...just a friendly heads up). You check your coat, admire the elegant surroundings, take in the music and are greeted like the royalty your parents think you are. To your left, a full bar and a Palmistry Studio -- in case you dare to know your fate. To your right, even better: a bar AND food. To your everywhere, people you either know or should know.

And to your behind is the drab workaday tedium you just escaped an hour ago. How happy you are that you did. Pity the schmoes who didn't because from where you're sitting, 2013 ain't lookin' so bad after all.

Oh yeah, dress nicely. Because how often are you invited to a freaking gala?