Kentucky Derby 2014 | Unbridled Eve Gala guest list released
Kirby Adams, The Courier Journal
PASADENA, CA – It may still be the new kid on the party block, but The Unbridled Eve Gala, held on Derby Eve, has once again come out of the gates strong with a star-studded celebrity guest list and an impressive evening of entertainment.
“It’s a very interactive party, and we’re thrilled to now be designated as an Official Kentucky Derby Event,” says Tonya York Dees, who co-organizes the Gala with her sister, Tammy York Day.
We’ll get to all there is to do at this party in a moment, but first, what everyone wants to know, “Which celebrities will walk the red carpet?”
Music magic
“American Idol” Season 8 winner Kris Allen, country music singer-songwriter Frankie Ballard and winner of “America’s Got Talent” Landau Eugene Murphy Jr. will keep the music and dancing moving throughout the evening, along with Atlanta-based DJ2nd Nature and party band The Louisville Crashers.
Hollywood sizzle
We suspect super-sexy Beth Behrs will look anything but broke when she shows up to party. The co-star of “2 Broke Girls” will be joined by cast mate Jonathan Kite.
Also coming: Patrick Warburton of “Seinfeld,” “Men in Black,” “Rules of Engagement” and voice of some of your favorite animated characters, plus one of the most recognizable voices on radio — Rick Dees.
Jackie Gleason’s grandson, actor Jason Patric, will walk the red carpet along with Michael Gladis from “Mad Men.” “Law and Order: Special Victims Unit” actor and rapper Ice T and his wife, Coco, are coming too.
Really good sports
In the lineup: Mark Sanchez, quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles; NFL Hall of Famer Warren Moon;Chris Canty, defensive end for the Baltimore Ravens; University of Louisville’s Luke Hancock; a slew of jockeys, including one of three living Triple Crown winners, Jean Cruguet (Seattle Slew); and Kentucky’s own Olympian, Dallas Robison.
More celebrities
The emcees for the Gala are CNN’s Robin Meade and Derby enthusiast Nick Ferrara.
Guests may rub elbows with writer Nora Roberts and the creator of Pictionary, Rob Angel. Or chat with Dan and Lori Dougherty. The couple own Ride on Curlin, Calvin Borel’s horse this Derby. Lori Dougherty is also on the Unbridled Eve planning committee.
The “most popular bartender in the nation,” according to GQ Magazine, Gary Gruver will be mixing cocktails.
The quality of the bars and selection of drinks may be stars themselves. “We have 10 spectacular Southern Wine and Spirits specialty bars serving craft cocktails made by the very best mixologists and bartenders. We also have a Champagne bar,” says York Dees.
Location, location
The renovated Grand Ballroom of the Galt House Hotel will be beautifully decorated, according to York Dees. There is room for dinner, dancing and desserts, plus specialty lounges. Guests may want to sing karaoke with a live band or have party pics snapped in a digital photo-booth, which then displays your photo on the Gala’s walls.
Jim Beam’s grandson, Fred Noe, will auction off a barrel of Knob Creek. Football great Moon will host a Super Bowl Seattle Seahawks package, which is up for bids, and there will be trips and tickets to events like the Golden Globes and locations such as Bora Bora and Italy.
Blessings in a Backpack
York Day and York Dees say they are excited that their black-tie-optional Gala is benefiting Blessings in a Backpack.
Kirby Adams can be reached at kadams@courier-journal and follow her on Twitter @kirbylouisville.
IF YOU GO
What: Unbridled Eve Gala
When: 7 p.m.-1:30 a.m. May 2
Where: The Galt House, Grand Ballroom, 140 N. Fourth St.
Admission: Individual tickets, $500; dance-only tickets, $200. Tables also available. To purchase tickets, visit www.unbridledeve.com and click on purchase ticket, call (502) 894-9768 or email tonya@derbyprelude.com.
THE UNBRIDLED EVE GALA CELEBRITY LIST
Scott Grimes, Bob Guiney, Phil Hellmuth, Jonathan Kite, Ice T and Coco, Warren Moon, Fred Noe, Jason Patric, Kenny Walker, Patrick Warburton, Gary Gruver, Nora Roberts, Nick Ferrara, Robin Meade, Mark Sanchez, Chris Canty, Luke Hancock, Landau Eugene Murphy Jr., Kris Allen, Frankie Ballard, Beth Behrs, Jean Cruguet, Rick Dees, Scott Grimes, Rob Angel, Kelly Anne Beile, Jennifer Hoffman, Destin Kincer, Katy Moody, Brandy Neeley, Damaris Phillips, Alex Reymundo, DJ 2nd Nature, Christian Kane