Austin360 blogs > Out & About > Archives > 2010 > August > 16 > Entry
Voodoo Cowboy Party at the Belmont
A few years back, social arbiter Stephen Moser invited me to a party. “It’s the most decadent date on Austin’s social calendar,” he vowed. I attended attorney and man-about-town Mark Mueller’s summer party at the Austin Music Hall. It was a delicious gathering. But hardly decadent.
Had I become unfairly jaded? Well, several Voodoo Cowboy parties later, and I’ve changed my tune. The summer fiesta at the Belmont on Saturday — though competing with Fashion Week’s Bright Lights Idea City, the Ice Ball and a key media star’s birthday party — came this close to a debauch. And true dissolution might have transpired after I departed.
Roberta Riley and Mark Mueller
The jungle theme crouched from the darkness of the Belmont patio, waiting to pounce on unsuspecting guests. Performers had painted skeletons on their bodies. Thundering drums pounded from the stage. Trays of tall tequila sunrises circulated like cheap party favors.
Amber and Jude Galligan
I’m surprised the place didn’t just erupt. A slight breeze helped keep things chill, at least on the upstairs deck. Still, one couldn’t escape the pulsating musical acts (Black & White Years at the time I left), fire dancers and body painters, several of the women joyfully topless. Complete strangers flirted outrageously.
Micah King and Ramzi Chitour
Despite all this happy chaos, I was able to engage in long conversations with model Laura Aidan and her husband, tech specialist Chris; do-righters Turk and Christy Pipkin, record producer David Messier (and, charmingly, his creative real estate broker); band manager Randy Miller; inveterate downtowners Amber and Jude Galligan.
Randy and Diane Miller with David Messier
Touched bases with La Moser; party host Mueller, brandishing his peacock cane; charity promoter Micah King; eatery owner Nilda de la Llata (El Sol y La Luna); former City Council candidate Perla Cavazos; TV’s Michelle Valles; Austin Film Society’s Rebecca Campbell; international music promoter Dave Dart; and countless others.
Michelle Valles with Turk and Christy Pipkin
Mark, I owe you an apology. Nobody in Austin can throw a party quite like you.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment Categories: Nightlife
Comments
Austinites love to be heard, and we're giving you a bullhorn. We just ask that you keep things civil. Leave out the personal attacks. Do not use profanity, ethnic or racial slurs, or take shots at anyone's sexual orientation or religion. If you can't be nice, we reserve the right to remove your material and ban users who violate our Visitor's agreement. Click here to report comment abuse.