What's Happening, Vegas?: AFAN's 27th Annual Black & White Party Was The Place To Be!

Wednesday, August 28, 2013

AFAN's 27th Annual Black & White Party Was The Place To Be!

by Julie Kasperson

If you wanted a fun atmosphere, happy people, great food and drink samples, and a variety of entertainment, this annual event filled the bill. In the 10 years I have lived in Las Vegas, I have attended at least one other Black & White Party, which was held at the Palms Pool in 2005. In my estimation, the staff and volunteers outdid themselves this year and produced the best B&W Party ever.

The Black & White Party had very humble beginnings, starting off in an apartment where people were encouraged to bring cans of food to stock Aid for AIDS of Nevada's pantry. It has grown to an event that attracts upwards of 2,000 attendees, and has been held at The Palms, The Cosmopolitan, and The Hard Rock Hotel. This year The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel hosted this huge party.

Hosts of the event were Jaymes & James, two performers with Las Vegas Chippendales (and popular competitors on the reality show "The Amazing Race") Chris Saldaña, TV anchor and host of Channel 8 News, and Lauren Michaels, radio personality from KLUC 98.5's Chet Buchanan and the Morning Zoo, Entertainment included a performance by the singer/comedienne/entertainer Véronic and her bevy of beautiful dancers. She has a new show playing at Bally's, which was teased to the enthusiastic crowd. Performers from "The 'D' Word" musical from LVH, and Britney Spears impersonator Derrick Barry were also there to dazzle and engage the audience. In a smaller room where most of the food and beverage samples were handed out, DJ's Mr. J & MAU spun Top 40 pop, hip-hop, and house, while dancers from Nevada Ballet Theatre joined other go-go dancers and showed their moves to an appreciative crowd.

There were also many food and beverage partners: Aliante Casino + Hotel, Avion Tequila, Chambord, Corona, Frangelico, Jamba Juice, and Trader Joe's were just some of the participating partners. Representatives from the Southern Nevada Health District handed out free condoms and pamphlets on their services. AFAN sold raffle tickets that quickly sold out. Prizes included gift cards, exercise classes, and comped dinners at some very hot restaurants in town, Unfortunately, I didn't win any of the prizes. Maybe next year. Good food, drink, entertainment, and sexy people clothed in black & white? You know I'll be there!

All photo credits: Julie Kasperson,

-VegasJules ( Julie Kasperson ) can be contacted through her facebook page.