Grammy Award-winning musicians, professional sports stars, Kentucky Derby jockeys and celebrities from television, film, business and the arts make up the guest list for the 2024 Unbridled Eve Derby Gala. For over a decade, the charity gala has drawn guests from Louisville and across the country to celebrate the historic Celebrate the Kentucky Derby on the eve of the world famous horse race.
Tonya York and Tammy York Day, co-founders of the Unbridled Charitable Foundation, Inc., are hosting the elegant event for the 11th year. The sisters are pleased to announce that they have 2024 Grammy Award nominee Rauw Alejandro, four-time Grammy winner Treach of Naughty by Nature, Skip Martin, MAJOR, John Elefante, professional basketball player and Olympic gold medalist Lisa Leslie and Miss America 2024 winners Madison Marsh, Terron Armstead of the Miami Dolphins and former NFL wide receiver Mario Urrutia as well as actors John Schneider, Dean Norris, comedian Michael Colyar, numerous Kentucky Derby jockeys including Triple Crown winner Jean Cruguet and more.
Country superstar Randy Travis had so much fun at the 2023 Unbridled Eve Derby Gala that he plans to come back this year and celebrate his birthday derby weekend.
“The horses, the people, the festivities, the elegance and the special moments that the Unbridled Event offers make Derby an unforgettable experience,” said Travis. “Spending my birthday on the 4th at the Kentucky Derby is a great honor and definitely makes for a great birthday celebration. Thank you to the City of Louisville, the State of Kentucky, and the Yorks and their Unbridled team for their hospitality!”
Also returning to Louisville for the 2024 Unbridled Eve Derby Gala are Oscar winners Nick Vallelonga, Warren Moon, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Bonnie-Jill Laflin, Bob Guiney, Kentucky natives Conrad Bachmann, The McFarlands, JD Shelburne and others.
As a special guest, Tonya York invited Louisville school bus driver Larry Farrish Jr., whose kind gesture went viral earlier this year. He noticed that one of his drivers, a little boy named Levi, was crying because he didn't have pajamas for pajama day at his school. After Farrish Jr. finished his morning bus ride, he went to a Family Dollar store, bought pajamas for Levi, and then headed to Levi's school to get everything in order. Farrish Jr. will walk the red carpet on Friday evening.
In addition to the Unbridled Eve Derby Gala's star-studded red carpet and world-class entertainment, the party is known for surrounding guests with opulent decor, numerous specialty bars and festive entertainment options.
“Unbridled is a unique experience that is not compromised by the confines of a typical derby party,” said Tonya York. “Our guests can engage with the music however they want. Experience the atmosphere with national artists in the Grand Ballroom, dance to your own rhythm at a silent disco or step to the microphone at Full Contact Karaoke.”
The optional black tie gala features 14 specialty bars including Angel's Envy, Copper and Kings, Campari America, Castle & Key, Monkey Shoulder Whiskey, Milagro Tequila, Hendrick's Gin, Penelope Bourbon, Yellowstone Bourbon, Off Hours, Handmade Vodka, Peerless and Whiskey Thief, Old Limestone and a spiritless variant or a mocktail variant. The gala will also feature 150 unique auction items and 150 bourbons in a bourbon pull.
If this all sounds like the perfect way to celebrate the 150th Kentucky Derby, individual and table tickets are available at unbridledeve.com.
Here's everything you need to know about the Unbridled Derby Eve Gala 2024 and its celebrity guest list:
Actors and celebrities at the Unbridled Eve Derby Gala 2024
- John Schneider: “The Dukes of Hazzard;” The Masked Singer
- Dean Norris: “Breaking Bad”
- Madison Marsh: Miss America 2024; Active US Air Force
- Hanley House: Miss America's Outstanding Teen 2024
- Bob Guiney: “The bachelor”
- Aaron Haddad: Actor/Professional Wrestler
- Konrad Bachmann: Actor, founder of the Louisville Film Arts Institute
- Nick Vallelonga: Oscar and Golden Globe winner for Best Original Screenplay and Best Picture for “Green Book”
- Michael Colyar: American comedian and actor
- Madalyne Kinnett: Miss Kentucky USA 2023
- MeShyia Bradshaw: Miss Kentucky Teen USA 2023
- Mackenzie Shutt: Miss Ohio USA 2023
- Heather French Henry: Former Miss America
- Gia Combs: Miss Cosmos Kentucky USA 2023
- Edward Lee: Celebrity chef who runs 620 Magnolia, Nami and Neighbors Noodles in Louisville
- Rob Angel: Founder of Pictionary; author
- 2024 Kentucky Derby Festival Royal Court
- The McFarlands: Social media entertainer from Louisville
- Dr. Ajmal Zemmar: Physician-scientist specializing in epilepsy and functional neurosurgery at the University of Louisville. Seen in the documentary “After Death”.
- Chris Blandford: Kroger Bourbon Expert
- Shannon Burton: Former Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Finalist; Victoria's Secret social media model influencer
- Larry Farrish, Jr.: Jefferson County Public School bus driver
- Ethan the dog: Ambassador of Compassion
Professional athletes and jockeys at the Unbridled Eve Derby Gala 2024
- Lisa Leslie: Professional basketball player, Olympic gold medalist
- Terron Armstead: Offensive tackle for the Miami Dolphins
- Bonnie Jill Laflin: NBA scout and reporter
- Jean Cruguet: Former Triple Crown winner at Seattle Slew
- Warren Moon: NFL Hall of Famer
- Michael Kidd Gilchrist: Former professional basketball player
- Mario Urrutia: Former NFL wide receiver
- Larry Demeritte: First black trainer to qualify for the Kentucky Derby
- I am Agau: Former University of Louisville basketball player
- Valerie Combs: Pioneering UofL women's basketball player
- Michael Bush: U of L alumni, former NFL running back
- Geneo Riley: Former NFL tight end; President of the NFLPA Retired Players
- Bilal Powell: Former NFL running back
- Numerous jockeysmany with Kentucky Derby mounts
Musicians and performers at the Unbridled Eve Derby Gala 2024
- Raw Alejandro: 2024 Grammy Award nominee, Puerto Rican singer-songwriter
- Randy Travis: Grammy-winning country musician
- By nature a betrayal of impudence: 4x Grammy Award-winning lead rapper of Naughty by Nature
- Skip Martin: Grammy winner, Kool & The Gang + Dazz Band
- SIGNIFICANT.: 2018 Grammy Award nominee, American soul and R&B singer-songwriter
- Mike Mills: Co-founder, co-lead singer REM
- Marc Martel: Musician/singer who sang some of the Freddie Mercury vocals in the film “Bohemian Rhapsody.”
- John Elephant: Grammy-winning former lead singer of Kansas
- Johnny Edwards: Second lead singer of the band Foreigner
- JD Shelburne: Country musician
- The Crashers: Party band from Louisville
- DJ 2nd Nature: Atlanta-based DJ who incorporates pop culture media mashups
- Holy Spirit School Youth Choir: Directed by Susan Johnston and Lacy Williams
When and where will the Unbridled Eve Derby Gala 2024 take place?
On Derby night this year, May 3, the gala will be held again at its usual location, the Galt House Hotel Grand Ballroom, 140 N. Fourth St. The party begins at 7 p.m. with a red carpet followed by an open one Bar and dinner, and dancing until 1:30. Tickets for dance parties, which include an open bar, dancing and late-night snacks, begin at 10 p.m
Can I purchase a ticket or table for The Unbridled Eve Derby Gala?
Yes. There are several options for The Unbridled Eve Derby Gala tickets. To purchase tickets and find more information, visit unbridledeve.com:
- Individual gala/dinner ticket: $1,200 includes gourmet dinner, complimentary valet parking, numerous open bars and all gala festivities
- Individual VIP gala/dinner ticket: $1,600 includes a gourmet dinner, wine and champagne at your table, a gift for each guest, complimentary valet parking, numerous open bars and all gala festivities.
- Individual “dance party” ticket: $500 includes access to the gala after 10 p.m. Enjoy live entertainment, dancing, open bars and late night snacks. Valet parking pass included.
- Tables of 10: The price range is between $12,000 and $18,500
Which celebrities and musicians have already attended the gala?
Louisville rapper Jack Harlow attended the “Unbridled Eve Derby Gala,” as did actor Beau Bridges, Kate Pierson of the B-52s, Jennifer Robertson (“Schitt's Creek”), football star Warren Moon, Melissa Joan Hart (“Sabrina the Teenage Witch,” “Melissa & Joey”), DB Woodside (“The Night Agent,” “Lucifer”) and many others.
Does the Unbridled Eve Derby Gala support charities?
Several charities will benefit from the gala's proceeds, selected by the Unbridled Charitable Foundation, a 501(c)3 organization. The primary beneficiary for 2024 is Blessings in a Backpack, whose mission is to mobilize communities, individuals and resources to provide weekend food to elementary school children across America who would otherwise go hungry. Since 2012, money donated by Unbridled Eve has provided 76,000 hunger-free weekends for children across the country.
Which sponsors make the Unbridled Eve Derby Gala possible?
The night is made possible by sponsors and partners including Kathy and Wayne Richards, Churchill Downs, The Galt House Hotel, The Al J. Schneider Company, The Home Depot Foundation, The Nora Roberts Foundation, Angel's Envy, Harley-Davidson of Louisville and BMW Motorcycles of Louisville, Prestige AV & Creative Services, Dillard's, Barry Wooley Designs, Cambium Marketing, Distilled Living, dRae Media & Marketing, El Toro IP Targeting, East End Living, Greater Louisville Inc., Jockey's Guild, Kentucky Derby Official Event, Mac in a Snap, Millennium Events, Prospect Living, Quint Events, Ronaldo Jewelry, United Direct Solutions and York Management, Inc.
Reach introduces reporter Kirby Adams at [email protected].
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