| EVENT REPORT 07.01.09 10:14 AM |
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| Opening Act |
| The centerpiece of the BET Awards weekend was an opulent pre-party for 350 at Drago Centro. |
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Like the show they celebrated, the flurry of parties around Sunday’s Black Entertainment Television Awards was both haunted and energized by the memory of the late Michael Jackson. BET’s artists and colleagues reveled and remembered the King of Pop at many of the more than two dozen bashes around town, which kicked off Wednesday and included Friday’s tribute to Keri Hilson (who went on to win for best new artist) at a private dinner hosted by Timbaland and Polow Da Don, produced by New York-based MVD Inc.
With budget concerns limiting BET’s post-party to an internal wrap bash at Mihaus, revelers leaving the show Sunday evening spread out among six parties, including Interscope Geffen A&M Records’ “Crème of the Crop” dinner at Mr. Chow in Beverly Hills; artist/producer Ryan Leslie’s bash at Les Deux in Hollywood; and Jamie Foxx’s celebration at Guys & Dolls in L.A.
But the weekend’s centerpiece was BET’s lush pre-party Saturday evening, which was hosted by the network’s new president and C.E.O., Debra L. Lee, and designed by Washington-based André Wells in collaboration with Lee’s special assistant, Bobette Gillette, and BET's director of special events, Sarah Storrs. |
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PHOTO GALLERY |
 | The centerpiece of the BET Awards weekend was a pre-party Saturday evening at Drago Centro.
Photo: Line 8 Photography |
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The setting was the cavernous office floor above downtown L.A.’s Drago Centro restaurant, which became a sumptuous nightclub space in hues of crimson, fuchsia, and gray. After cocktails and hors d’oeuvres in the earth-toned restaurant downstairs, about 350 guests entered beneath a lavish ruby velvet curtain that hinted at the next evening’s proceedings onstage. A dozen clear, black, and red chandeliers sparkled above a partyscape of contrasting textures—shimmery gray tablecloths, faux croc-covered chairs, and velvety banquettes and pillows. Roses hung suspended in clear glass floor vases, and mixed with pink peonies and fuschia orchids on tables, which were set with crimson glass chargers and red-rimmed goblets.
As guests were nibbling on braised lamb with truffled mashed potatoes and lobster, award show host Jamie Foxx grabbed a microphone, spoke a few words about Jackson, and began singing “I Wanna Rock With You.” Minutes later, Tyrese and Wyclef Jean joined him, and soon everyone in the room was on his or her feet.
“They were just so excited to be celebrating the life of Michael Jackson in that spontaneous way,” said Shauna Bain Smith, Wells’s media manager. “There were no egos. It was a united, collective celebration."
—Irene Lacher
RELATED TOPICS
BET Awards, BET Networks, Keri Hilson, Michael Jackson
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