Spurred on by Derby parties, celebrities race to Louisville

Back - Index - Submissions - - What is RSS? Date: May 05, 2000 Source: USA Today Submitted By: Gina By Larry Birkhead LOUISVILLE -- The 126th Running of the Kentucky Derby on Saturday isn't the only race in town. Learjets and RSVPs are flying faster than dirt on the track for celebrity-studded parties. One that claims a major coup is the Barnstable-Brown Gala, which has landed Kid Rock. ''I saw him (on TV), and I knew I wanted him at our party,'' Priscilla Barnstable said. Three Backstreet Boys -- Brian Littrell, Kevin Richardson (both from Kentucky) and Howie Dorough -- also will be there. The party's highlight is the traditional impromptu jam session, which this year will likely feature George Strait, Travis Tritt, Emmylou Harris, Chaka Khan and Chris Isaak, doing double duty as a Tonight Show correspondent. The identical Barnstable twins, former Doublemint gum girls, recruit celebs from opposite sides of the map -- Priscilla in Los Angeles and Patricia in Louisville. But distance isn't a factor when it comes to putting on the bash. ''We have ESP; we know what each other is thinking,'' Priscilla says. Other weekend parties: * The Mint Jubilee boasts guests including Lauren Holly, Loni Anderson and Fran Drescher. * David Alan Grier and Miss America Heather Renee French will be at the Derby Eve Gala. * Hal Sparks from E!'s Talk Soup, Michael Jeter from The Green Mile and Kurtwood Smith from That '70s Show are guests of the Kentucky Derby Festival. * NBA player Derek Anderson is throwing a party, which is slated to draw a slew of sports figures. Scheduled to make their first Derby appearance are Texas Gov. George W. Bush and wife Laura. And to keep it in the family, former president George Bush also is scheduled to attend. And then there are some celebrities who opt out of the party scene and make unannounced appearances on the backside of Churchill Downs racetrack. Jack Nicholson has been spotted in his signature shades. Sylvester Stallone came one year. And this year's unconfirmed bets are on Ashley Judd. Comment on this item. Next Item: New 'ILOVEYOU' Computer Virus Hits Worldwide Prev Item: Backstreet Buckaroos