Talk about a party worthy of the world-famous Kentucky Derby.
On Friday, May 2, an exciting mix of celebrities, including Olympic gymnast Simone Biles, funny man Tracy Morgan, Super Bowl Champion Aaron Rodgers and country superstar Dierks Bentley, arrived at the home of Patricia Barnstable-Brown as guests of her annual Derby Eve gala.
The guest list included more than two dozen celebrities, each stepping from their limousine into a scene straight out of a Hollywood film.
“This party is glamorous but at the same time laid back, easy and a lot of fun,” actor Blair Underwood told the Courier Journal on the red carpet. “I brought my wife and my sister with me this year. I can’t wait for them to experience this weekend in Louisville.”
The annual celebration held the evening before the Kentucky Derby welcomed hundreds of guests with a giant neon sign that glowed from the front yard of the Highlands neighborhood mansion announcing “Barnstable Brown Party.” Various tented bars and an elevated dance floor flanked the driveway leading up to the hostess’ home, which was illuminated in green, purple and red lights. A silver race horse surrounded by a towering stack of disco balls and a performance artist covered in gold paint hinted at the jubilant atmosphere waiting just inside the front door.
“There is nothing like this party that I have ever been to,” said singer Billy Gilman. “And also it’s the best concert you’ve ever been to in your entire life.”
Barnstable-Brown literally opens nearly every room in her home to her guests, plus has giants tents erected in her backyard. With so much star power under one roof, it doesn’t take long for the unimaginable musical mash-ups to get started and the dance floor to spring to life.
Kentucky native and winner of the NBC’s “The Voice” Jordan Smith kicked off the evening, followed in rapid succession by other musical guests, including Lee Brice and Taylor Reece Tritt (Travis Tritt’s daughter), followed by Shawn Stockman of Boys II Men who belted out the Beatles’ “Come Together.”
Not to be outdone, former NSYNC band member Joey Fatone was up next, singing his high energy version of Green Day’s “Basket Case.”
Next it was country music’s Brantley Gilbert’s turn on stage.
All this and it was only 11:30 p.m.
As the night rocked on, actress Selma Blair chatted with Larry Birkhead and his daughter, Dannielynn. Birkhead met Dannielynn’s late mother, Anna Nicole Smith, at the party more than 20 year ago. On May 2, Dannielynn wore the same dress her mother wore to the party when she met Birkhead ― a stunning, sleek black floor length gown embellished with rhinestone straps across the back.
“Wearing this dress is as close as I can get to a hug from my mom,” said Dannielynn.
Olympic gymnast Simone Biles and her husband, Jonathan Owens of the Chicago Bears, made their way through the party, stopping to chat with fans and take a photo.
Other notable celebs scattered among the crowd included Wilmer Valderrama, Mickey Guyton, Darryl “DMC” McDaniels, Nappy Roots members Floyd the Locsmif and B. Stile, NFL greats Aaron Rodgers, AJ Hawk, Randall Cobb, Matt Flynn, and more.
This year is the 36th year for the Barnstable Brown Gala. The party that is recognized by Condé Nast as one of the “Ten Best Parties in the World” and a highlight of the Kentucky Derby Weekend has raised over $21 million for diabetes research and support and is a major force behind the Barnstable Brown Diabetes Center at the University of Kentucky.
“I have diabetes, so I am for the cause,” said Tracy Morgan. “I know what it’s like to have highs and lows. I know what it feels like. I support this cause to save as many lives as possible.”
For nearly 40 years, Barnstable-Brown has not only raised millions to fight diabetes but has done it by creating a party so unique that world famous guests can’t imagine a better way to start their Kentucky Derby experience.
“This is a party that is hard to describe,” Fatone told the Courier Journal. “The hospitality is amazing, everybody is fantastic and so sweet. Every time I come for the Kentucky Derby, I know I also want to be at the Barnstable Brown Party. It’s a staple and I never miss it.”
Reach features reporter Kirby Adams at [email protected].
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.courier-journal.com ’
