PATTIH'S Recap of Ace Young's LA Birthday Party

The night started off really well, no traffic to L.A.! My daughter, Robyn and I got to the Hollywood and Highland complex around 7:00 and the red carpet arrivals were supposed to start at 8:00. Robyn had done some on-line research of places to eat and thought this place called The Dip sounded good, all different kinds of French Dip sandwiches. We decided to check out the location for the party and then go eat.

Well, lo and behold, The Dip is directly next door to the club where the party is. As a mater of fact, they're connected. The club is called "Level 3." It's on the 3rd floor of the complex (original, huh?) We decide to grab a sandwich and wait there until the "celebrities" arrive.

As we walk into the restaurant (Pretty much a take out place with a few tables) we realize they are connected to the club by a glass door. So, we position ourselves at the table by that door and watch all the set up for the red carpet. If any of you have ever watched Road Rules, tall, blonde Mark from the very first one was there working the carpet for Fox Reality. He's cute and probably one of only 3-4 tall guys we see all night ! My daughter and I came to the conclusion that Hollywood is full of short guys and tall ladies.

We watched a few arrivals of people who looked familiar to us, but we couldn't quite think of why or where we had seen them. A few minutes before we were set to go into the club this guy came to eat at the restaurant who looked very familiar. Turns out his name is Ken Davitian and he's been in tons of movies including playing the sidekick in the Borat movie that is out right now .He was friendly and smiley and happy, as was his wife.

The theme for tonight turns out to be friendly, nice people. I'm not kidding! We're watching the arrivals and we see Lisa Tucker arrive with her family and decide, OK, maybe it's time to go in. So, we check in at the Highrollers table and go inside.

Apparently, a lot of people bypassed the red carpet because the place is full. I'd say about 300 people are there.  The club is beautiful, large, big dance floor, about 12-15 large white booths around the perimeter, with ottoman type seating towards the bar area, huge dance floor, and a good sized stage. But right now it's all DJ music. A lot of people are dancing.

I'm immediately surprised by how many guys are there. I expected a large percentage of women. There were still more women than men, but it was maybe 60/40. There was also a big age range from 12 with parents (family of Ace, I think) to my age, fifties. And everyone, I repeat, everyone was so friendly. No age barriers for dance partners or anything.

Security, Ace's people, the club people, the Highrollers, Ace, Ryan, so friendly and completely approachable. Ace didn't arrive until close to 10 and greeted as many people as he could between the door and the stage, including Robyn and I. We got to talk to a few friends of his while we were waiting and they were great.

Hors d'ouvres were free for everyone, but drinks were only free for VIP passes. One of his friends we were talking to said, "If you want a drink, get me and I'll get it for you." He was cute too! One of the tall guys. So a lot of time is spent just watching people dance.

Finally at about 11:15 an emcee gets up and starts the program. Some rap artists perform, none of whom I know. Then Ace comes out and talks and thanks everyone for coming. The Highrollers ladies come up on stage and give a great speech about how they became fans and Ace is clearly very touched. He even gets teary eyed.  They present him with a check for $27,000 that's been collected in only one month for his birthday. They have collected over $64,000 for his hospital fund total. Pretty good!  We met ladies who flew in from FL, Chicago, NY, Atlanta.

Next, these girls come out, 4 of them, and it appears they are like the Pussycat Dolls. Ace seems surprised by this and they have him sit down while they dance around him and on him. I haven't watched the video yet, but I actually think Ace wasn't expecting this and perhaps wasn't too happy with the idea. There were some young kids there and he seemed uncomfortable to me.

After the girls "perform", Ace calls up Lisa and Elliott and talks about how wonderful the tour was and how he loves everyone and I believe him! He also calls up Kat but apparently she's gone and no one ever saw her! He hugs a few more people then pretty much disappears for about an hour. We find out later he's in the private dressing room off to the side.

So, Robyn and I spend the next hour people watching or should I say Idol watching.

Kimberly Caldwell was there and Anthony Federov with a date (NOT Carrie!) He's cute and Kimberley is very pretty. Kimberly came in with a very cute guy, but I didn’t see him with her the rest of the night during my people watching phase. Anthony later “gets down” on the dance floor! Elliott is with Jaimie and she's gorgeous. She has an exotic look and if she has any talent, I think she could make it as an actress. She and Elliott were very friendly and open with the fans. Anyone who approached them got hugs and as much conversation as they wanted. Lisa was the same way and her parents. I think these Idols like to hug because I just wanted to tell Lisa how impressed I was with her AI Tour performance and she just gave me a big hug! Ace hugs! Everybody hugs!

We were told right after our tickets were purchased that Ace would have a special gift for all the Highrollers people that night. Finally at 1:00 there is an announcement for the people who purchased tickets from Highrollers to please go to the door by the stage. This was when I found out where Ace had gone.

There were maybe 50 fans in the line and we waited. It became apparent as we got closer that we were all going to meet Ace, get photographed with him, and get an autographed CD. Ace is adorable, warm, friendly but a little bit shy. While he was signing my CD (which I had him autograph for my friend's 5 year old who adores him), we talked about the charity, kids, and teaching (his mom is a teacher.)

I also noticed he was shaking as he was signing and I thought, “Poor baby, I’ll bet he’s running a fever.” One of his people had told me earlier that he would not be performing because he wasn’t feeling well.  It was fun and I am definitely glad I did it. I was very impressed with Ace and everyone I met that night. If any of you ladies are on this board, I’m the 50-ish lady who watched your purses all night while you boogied!