Soda that relaxes you? What the F#*&!
Eric Shogren, Business Development Manager at Mary Jane’s Relaxing Soda talks to me about this unique, euphoric beverage.
Jonnie: For those who don’t know, what is Mary Jane’s Relaxing Soda?
Eric: Mary Jane’s Relaxing Soda is an all-natural Passionflower Cola, designed to give the drinker a calming sense of euphoria.
Jonnie: Can you tell us more about the active ingredient?
Eric: In addition to Passionflower, we also use an extract of Kava Root. Kava has been used for thousands of years in many countries around the world, especially the Island Nations of the South Pacific. It has generally been used as a ceremonial beverage, but can help also to relieve stress and anxiety, and has been used as an anti-depressant. We use only the root of the plant, and import only the highest quality Kava.
Jonnie: How do you feel after you drink one?
Eric: The effects of drinking a Mary Jane’s Soda vary from person to person. I’ve been so stressed out that I’ve wanted to get in my car and leave town, but instead I’ll have a Mary Jane’s, and half-way through the bottle those feelings of frustration just sort of melt away. It helps to keep me grounded. I’m drinking one right now, but I wasn’t upset, so I’m just experiencing a mild euphoria. It isn’t designed to make people sleepy, like some other “relaxation” drinks. Our drinks are designed for creative minds, for stressful times, or when you just want to enjoy life.
Jonnie: How has the public response been so far?
Eric: Honestly, the response has been amazing. People love the taste, the effects, ask for t-shirts, want to take it home to their friends to try it, it’s been great.
Jonnie: What can we look forward to in the future from Mary Jane’s
Eric: We’re not limiting ourselves. Expect more flavors, more functions, an interactive campaign; we want people to get involved and have as much fun as we are.
Jonnie: Where can we purchase the beverages?
Eric: You can find us at BevMo! Also select convenience stores, we’ve got a store locator on our website www.MaryJaneSoda.com. Or you can order some online at www.ThirstMonger.com or www.DrSoda.com. More physical locations to come very soon.
Jonnie: When you’re not helping the world relax, what are you doing?
Eric: We’ve been keeping this under wraps, but Mary Jane’s is actually sponsoring a recording studio in our offices adjacent to the warehouse. “The Red Room” (you can follow the studio on Facebook), and we’ll be posting pictures/more info/music/video soon. Studio opens early March. Personally any second I’m not working I’m playing/writing music; almost half of the Mary Jane’s employees are musicians, including the president. We also sponsor a food bank, and have much more in the works. We’re not just a soda company, I can tell you that much.
Jonnie: Last words? Shout out’s?
Eric: You can expect big things from Mary Jane’s Soda. We’ve been family and friends owned and operated since the beginning, and we’ve appreciated all the love and support we’ve been shown by our friends, fans, and customers. Big shout out to CAT ‘N MOUSE!!! To Matt Moody, our founder who created the original soda in his kitchen, and to everyone we’ve met along the way, it’s been a hell of a ride so far, and we’re just getting going. Follow us and our exploits on Facebook.com/MaryJaneSoda!
VENUE REVIEW: The House Of Blues Sunset Strip
The House of Blues Sunset Strip is a nice concert venue that wants you to think it’s not. It’s a one of the few well-maintained venues (hell, buildings) on Sunset, yet they find a way to make their shows feel like they’re happening in an underground rock club. But how does the House of Blues stack up against other venues? Let’s find out.
1. Size
The size and lay out of the HOB puts the concert-goer in an odd position. The floor is small and packed with people — which is good if you want to feel like you’re at a real rock show but bad if you’d like to just kick back and have a ($12) beer. Even when standing in the areas surrounding the floor, I never feel like I’m not mashed right up against somebody else.
2. Sound
The sound guys know what they are doing. The levels are always good and the PA system is top-notch. If only they could lower the sound of the drunk guy next to you hitting on a variety of uninterested women…
3. Cleanliness
This place is clean but looks dirty, so you don’t feel like too much of a sell-out seeing a show here. I’d liken it to seeing a concert on Tom Sawyer’s Island at Disneyland. It’s got lots of fake rotting wood everywhere, but you know a diligent and underpaid cleaning crew scrubs it down every night.
4. Bands
If you’re a fan of good punk rock or low-level radio rock music, the House of Blues is perfect. It’s because the HOB is a happy middle ground where an established punk or ska band can pack it no problem, and bands that are just getting popular on the radio can get their feet wet. If you’re looking for bigger touring acts or coffee-shop intimacy, however, this isn’t for you.
Overall grade: B+
The House of Blues isn’t the most comfortable place to see a show, but it does make for an exciting underground feel (even if its manufactured… which it is).