Partying with Perez…
March 16th, 2008, 10:29 pm · Post a Comment · posted by mramirez
As an entertainment writer there are only a handful of things that make me happy: live music, tmz and celebrity blogger, Perez Hilton.
The Monitor…meet the Queen of all Media…
Day 3 of SXSW started in the wee hours of the night. Saturday night had a hefty roster of live shows including Ice Cube, The Secret Handshake and The Virgins but MY goal was to crash a certain “private, invite-only” event hosted by the most infamous blogger in cyber space, Perez Hilton. His “One Night in Austin,” according to the Washington Post was one of the most coveted parties of SXSW and I was determined to be a part of it.
Problem is…as of 1:30 a.m., The Monitor wasn’t on the list.
After a quick discussion at the Library (over a Jaeger Bomb) my crew and I decided we’d go check things out at the Palm Door-just a stones throw away from the madness on 6th Street.
The excitement continued well into the night as far as all the other showcases happening downtown.
We arrived at the Perez party at The Palm Door only to be greeted by a table full of VIP lists and a small army of gatekeepers.
I mosied on over to a section of the parking lot where a big screen teased passerbys of the action inside.
Unbenounced to me… while I’m casting sad eyes to the partygoers inside…my best-friend/photographer Lydia DLG asks, “What are the chances of us getting in?”
About 10 seconds later, we found ourselves inside one of the most happenin’ parties of the week!
No badge, no bracelet, no guest list…just a tiny stroke of luck on our side.
Beneath the neon pink glow of lights and pulsating beats (thanks to DJ Larry Tree on the one’s and two’s) we found ourselves inundated with “industry insiders, artists and typical hangers on” the Washington Post stated.
The spirits flowed like the Rio Grande and a touch of euphoria filled my soul.
Here we were…ready to party like rockstars with one of the most notorious online personalities in the entertainment industry of my generation.
Bodies packed in tightly at the former metal bar (formerly known as Redrum) and there were moments I felt for the herd of party goers stuck at the velvet rope.
The complimentary rum helped me cope.
As stage hands hustled back and forth between sets folks tightened in the main room for the next act.
And then there he was; right before my very eyes.
Perez Hilton.
“Give it up for N.E.R….D!!!”
What the???
Suddenly, the band took the stage shortly followed by the men of the hour, Pharrell Williams, Chad Hugo and Shay Haley.
My knees started a little dance of their own.
After an unforgettable set which included the favorites, “Lapdance,” and “Rockstar” it was difficult to contain the frenzy.
(Not to mention the acts we missed: Katy Perry, Eric Hutchinson and Robyn).
Beads of sweat poured down my face as the night progressed. Pharrell said, “jump”. I said “how high?”
The night now turned into the wee hours of the morning and the rest of my crew was quite posssibly ready to call it a night. Walking out, my best friend and I caught a glimpse of Hilton standing by the far window. This was my cue to get his attention.
I leaped a few inches off the ground, I waved my arms around like a mad woman and I even tried to get his attention by calling his name.
All bearing was lost.
This was Perez Hilton, my hero…this could be my only chance.
The blonde blogger finally acknowledged our efforts and said, “Come on in!!!” Tell them to let everybody in!!!”
He spoke to us!!! (high five)
Again, no badges, no RSVP…we somehow bypassed the check in and ran up the stairs like the crazed fans we are.
Front row Joe.
Suddenly, to my surprise, Cisco Adler (the Malibu-born frontman for WhiteStarr and former Mischa Barton boy toy) leaped on stage flanked by his newest side project, Shwayze.
Perez was off to my right…enjoying the same music…our heads bobbing as if in syncapated beats.
Shwayze gave a short, but unforgettable set (after being forced off due to time constraints) and these guys are definitely something to look out for this year.
Between Perez, Pharrell, Cisco and a brief appearance by 2/3 of Hanson…this party turned into the ultimate culmination of my very first SXSW experience.
Not bad for a first timer.
A quiet Sunday with Josh…
A little birdy told me to be at The Domain, (Austin’s version of Roberston Boulevard) at 5 p.m. for a nice surprise.
Singer/songwriter Josh Kelley (Grey’s Anatomy Katherine Heigl’s new hubby) was set to perform at a private in-store at Cole Haan, co-sponsored by Men’s Vogue.
Count me in.
Complimentary champagne and wine, hors d’oeuvres filled the room along with about a hundred “VIP” guests. (Also spotted in the crowd, Austin DJ Kurupt).
Oh, and my crew. 
Up and coming rockers Meridianwest out of Austin warmed up their homecrowd with a quick unplugged set. (Think mid-tempo grooves laced with melodic bluesy rock).
Following their set, it was the moment everyone was waiting for. (Of course in additon to the fact that alot of us were hoping to see “Izzie” emerge from the back room).
No such luck. On with the show…
Wearing a peach colored button up, stone-washed jeans and some rockin’ cowboy boots Kelley took the stage armed with an acoustic guitar and his unexpected sense of humor.
On top of his melodic basement voice and heart-wrenching songs, Kelley cracked jokes, channeled his inner Michael McDonald and gave the full-to-capacity crowd a dose of amazing music.
We pictured what life must be like in the Kelley/Heigl household. Romantic, hilarious and certainly down to earth.
His set included some real tearjerkers (and by tearjerkers I mean a few of us were bawling by the fourth song) off of all four of his albums.
We heard, “Amazing,” “Only You,” “Almost Honest” and my personal favorite, “Two Cups of Coffee.”
If only he could go on forever.
Kelley was nice enough to pose for pictures with fans and chat it up several locals.
I won’t hold it against him for calling me, “shorty.”
Good night and good bye…(for now)
This week would not have been possible without the help of some amazing people. First to my editors at The Monitor for allowing me to spread my wings and soak up this SXSW adventure; my dear friend Lydia De La Garza for her work behind the camera; and David Perez II at Cole Haan for Sunday’s event.
To all my other Austinites (you know who you are)…SXSW 2008 was one for the books!
See ya next year!!!
