While the forecast is calling for possible flash floods for Saturday’s Kentucky Derby, it was a flash flood of stars that turned out for Friday night’s 23rd annual Barnstable Brown Party.
“This is my first Derby,” said CBS newsman Bob Schieffer, the first celebrity to arrive. “I hear this party is over the top.”
The idea of the party is bringing a little bit of Hollywood to Louisville’s Highlands neighborhood.
And those stars were out, including actor Jerry O’Connell declaring his love for all things Kentucky, such as bourbon and the Wildcats.
And this year’s gala highlighted local talent too, with Cats Coach John Calipari and members of the University of Kentucky basketball team on the guest list and the UK Opera Theatre on stage.
While he is departing for the NBA, Patrick Patterson promied he would be back for events like the Derby.
“I love Kentucky,” he said. “I love the fans.”
“JOHN WALL! JOHN WALL!” cheered Louisville fans surrounding the barricades along the front lawn of host Patricia Barnstable Brown’s home.
And as the stars kept coming out, the cheers rained down.
Raised by opera-loving parents in a rock ’n’ roll world, Rich Copley has parlayed his broad interests into his career writing about arts and entertainment. Since 1998, he has covered performing arts, film and faith-based popular culture for the Lexington Herald-Leader, the daily newspaper in Lexington, Ky. MORE | E-mail Rich
