Party Girl's event calendar is starting to fill up, mes amis. I hope to see all of my friends around town in the coming weeks, especially with Festival International fast approaching. In addition to Festival, each spring I look forward to a rendezvous with the Acadiana Symphony Women for their Matt Hatter's luncheon. The 2006 event did not disappoint, and the stylish hats topping all of my favorite ladies' heads had the room buzzing. The style show paraded the latest fashions down the City Club runway, and models wearing fashions from Koi sported hats made from toy Siamese fighting fish, à la Fantasia. Bob Pastor outdid himself on that one, as did his mom Maugie, a Koi model who danced "The Swim" down part of the runway!
The third annual Ride for Autism featured hats of a different sort. The two-day motorcycle poker run held in March included more than 200 helmeted riders, making the trip from Lafayette to Natchez, Miss. Don Royer says the event was a tremendous success, despite less-than-perfect weather. All of the proceeds ' more than $1,200 ' were donated to Project Independence, dedicated to raising awareness and helping families living with autism. This year's honorary grand marshall was sports model Jennifer Scott, who flew in from California thanks to Southwest Airlines. Of course, she fell in love with the Cajun ' and biker ' lifestyle. Party Girl hears she'll be back for the 2007 ride. Riders gathered at the brand-new Iron Horse Motor Sports Bar and Grill in Scott after the event for some cold beer and camaraderie. "Thanks to the citizens of Acadiana for making Jennifer welcome and showing her such an amazing time," says Royer.
Just when you think 307 Downtown can't possibly take on another project or expand further, the club is now featuring "Intimate Evenings with," early and late shows showcasing local performers, complete with seating, meet-and-greet opportunities and no smoking. "Intimate Evenings" kicked off with Dr. John April 1, and both the early and late shows sold out in no time. The early, more intimate, show was limited to 100 fans and featured reserved parking and cocktail service. That's Party Girl's kind of concert. But if you're up for dancing, then the late show was a better bet. 307 Downtown owner Robert Guercio promises more intimate evenings are in the works. Stay tuned!
Party On! ' PG