The 2024 Unbridled Eve Derby Gala guest list includes Grammy Award-winning musicians, professional sports stars, Kentucky Derby jockeys, and some of the biggest names in television, film, business, and the arts. For more than 10 years, the charity's gala has drawn guests from Louisville and all over the country to celebrate the historic Kentucky Derby, which takes place on the eve of the world-famous horse race.
Unbridled Charitable Foundation, Inc. co-founders Tonya York and Tammy York Day are hosting their 11th annual elegant event. The sisters are 2024 Grammy nominee Rau Alejandro, four-time Grammy winner Treach of Naughty by Nature, Major Skip Martin, professional basketball player and Olympic gold medalist John Elefante, We are excited to announce that we have won professional basketball player and Olympic gold medalist Lisa Leslie and Miss America 2024 Madison Marsh. , Terron Armstead of the Miami Dolphins, and former NFL wide receiver Mario Urrutia, as well as numerous Kentucky Derby jockeys, including actors John Schneider, Dean Norris, comedian Michael Collier, and Triple Crown winner Jean Kluge. and others.
Country music superstar Randy Travis had such a great time at the 2023 Unbridled Eve Derby Gala that he plans to return this year to celebrate his birthday Derby weekend.
“The horses, the people, the festivities, the elegance and the special moments that the Unbridled event provides make the Derby an unforgettable experience,” said Travis. “It's a great honor to spend my birthday on the 4th at the Kentucky Derby and I'm sure it will be a great birthday party. Thank you to the city of Louisville, the state of Kentucky, and the York and Unbridled teams. ”Thank you for your hospitality! ”
Also returning to Louisville for the 2024 Unbridled Eve Derby Gala are Academy Award winners Nick Vallelonga, Warren Moon, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Bonnie-Jill Laughlin, Bob Guiney, Conrad Bachman from Kentucky, The McFarlands, JD Shelburne, and others.
Tonya York invited Louisville school bus driver Larry Farish Jr. as a special guest. Larry Farish Jr.'s act of kindness went viral earlier this year. He notices that one of the riders, a boy named Levi, is crying because he doesn't have pajamas to wear on Pajama Day at school. After Farish Jr. finished his morning bus route, he went to the Family Dollar Store and bought pajamas for Levi, then headed to Levi's school to make things right. Farish Jr. walks the red carpet on Friday night.
In addition to the Unbridled Eve Derby Gala's celebrity red carpet and top-notch entertainment, the party is known for surrounding guests with lavish décor, numerous specialty bars, and festive entertainment options.
“Unbridled is a unique experience unencumbered by the limitations of a typical Derby party,” Tonya York said. “Our guests can engage in music however they like: rock out with national recording artists in the Grand Ballroom, dance to your own beats at the Silent Disco, or enjoy full-contact karaoke. You can grab the mic.”
The black tie optional gala features Angel's Envy, Copper & Kings, Campari America, Castle & Key, Monkey Shoulder Whiskey, Milagro Tequila, Hendrick's Gin, Penelope Bourbon, Yellowstone Bourbon, Off Hours, Handmade Vodka, Peerless Whiskey There will be 14 specialty bars including; Thief, Old Limestone, Spiritless, or mocktail options. The gala will also feature 150 unique auction items and 150 bourbon pulls of bourbon.
If this sounds like the perfect way to celebrate the 150th Kentucky Derby, individual and table tickets are available at unbridledeve.com.
Here's what you need to know about the 2024 Unbridled Derby Eve and its celebrity guest list.
Actors and celebrities who attended the 2024 Unbridled Eve Derby Gala
- John Schneider: “The Dukes of Hazzard” The Masked Singer
- Dean Norris: “Breaking Bad”
- madison marsh:Miss America 2024; Active U.S. Air Force
- Hanley House: Miss America 2024 Outstanding Teen
- bob guiney: “Bachelor”
- Aaron Haddad: Actor/Professional Wrestler
- Conrad Bachman: Actor, Louisville Film Arts Association Founder
- Nick Vallelonga: Won Academy Award and Golden Globe Award for Best Original Screenplay and Best Picture for “Green Book.''
- michael collier: American comedian and actor
- Madalyn Kinnett: Miss Kentucky USA 2023
- messiah 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
- McFarland: Social media entertainer from Louisville
- Dr. Ajmal Zemar: Physician and scientist specializing in epilepsy and functional neurosurgery at the University of Louisville.Appeared in the documentary “Afterlife”
- Chris Blandford: kroger bourbon expert
- Shannon Burton: Former Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Finalist.Victoria's Secret Social Media Model Influencer
- Larry Farish Jr.: bus driver for jefferson county public schools
- Ethan the dog: Ambassador of compassion
Professional athletes and jockeys participating in the 2024 Unbridled Eve Derby Gala
- lisa leslie:Professional basketball player, Olympic gold medalist
- Terron Armstead: Miami Dolphins offensive tackle
- Bonnie-Jill Laughlin: Female NBA scout and reporter
- Jean Kluge: Former Triple Crown winner of Seattle Slew
- warren moon: NFL Hall of Famer
- michael kidd-gilchrist:Former professional basketball player
- Mario Urrutia: former NFL wide receiver
- larry demeritt: First black horse trainer to qualify for the Kentucky Derby
- Akoi Agau: Former University of Louisville basketball player
- Valerie Combs: UofL Women's Basketball Player Trailblazer
- michael bush: U of L alumnus, former NFL running back
- Geneo Riley: Former NFL tight end. NFLPA President Retired Player
- Bilal Powell: Former NFL running back
- many jockeysmany feature Kentucky Derby mounts
2024 Unbridled Eve Derby Gala Musicians and Performers
- Rau Alejandro: 2024 Grammy Award nominee, Puerto Rican singer-songwriter
- randy travis: Grammy Award-winning country music artist
- Mischievous infringement by nature: Lead rapper of four-time Grammy Award-winning Naughty by Nature.
- Skip Martin: Grammy Award Winner Kool & the Gang + Dazz Band
- Selection subject.: 2018 Grammy Award Nominated, American Soul, R&B Singer-Songwriter
- mike mills: Co-founder, co-lead singer REM
- Mark Martell: Musician/vocalist who played some of Freddie Mercury's vocals in the movie “Bohemian Rhapsody”
- John Elefante: Grammy Award-winning former lead singer of Kansas State.
- Johnny Edwards: Second lead singer of the band Foreigner
- JD Shelburne: Country music artist
- the crushers: Louisville-based party band
- DJ Second Nature: Atlanta DJ's take on pop culture media mashups
- Holy Spirit School Youth Choir: Directed by Susan Johnston and Lacey Williams
When and where will the 2024 Unbridled Eve Derby Gala be held?
On the eve of this year's Derby, May 3, the gala will return to its usual location: the Galt House Hotel Grand Ballroom, 140 N. Fourth St. The party begins with a red carpet at 7 p.m., followed by an open bar and dinner. , dancing until 1:30 a.m. Dance party including open bar, dancing and late night snacks Tickets start at 10 p.m.
Can I purchase tickets and tables for The Unbridled Eve Derby Gala?
yes. There are several options for tickets to The Unbridled Eve Derby Gala. To purchase tickets and learn more, visit unbridledeve.com.
- Private gala/dinner ticket: $1,200 includes gourmet dinner, free valet parking, plenty of open bar, and all gala festivities
- Personal VIP Gala/Dinner Ticket: $1,600 includes a gourmet dinner, wine and champagne at the table, a gift for each guest, free valet parking, plenty of open bar, and all gala festivities.
- “Dance Party” individual ticket: $500 includes access to the gala after 10 p.m. Enjoy live entertainment, dancing, an open bar, and late night snacks. Valet parking pass included.
- Table of 10: Prices range from $12,000 to $18,500
Who are the celebrities and musicians who have previously attended the gala?
Louisville rapper Jack Harlow attended the Unbridled Eve Derby Gala, joined by actors Beau Bridges, Kate Pearson of the B-52s, Jennifer Robertson (“Schitt's Creek”) and the football world 's great Warren Moon and Melissa Joan Hart ('Sabrina the Teenage Witch') were also in attendance. ”, “Melissa & Joey”), DB Woodside (“The Night Agent”, “Lucifer”), and many others.
Does The Unbridled Eve Derby Gala support charities?
Several charities benefit from proceeds from the gala, selected by the Unbridled Charitable Foundation, a 501(c)3 organization. The main beneficiary in 2024 will be Blessings in a Backpack. Its mission is to mobilize communities, individuals, and resources to provide weekend food to elementary school students across the United States who are at risk of going hungry. Since 2012, donations from Unbridled Eve have provided her 76,000 Hunger-Free Weekends to children across the country.
Which sponsors make the Unbridled Eve Derby Gala possible?
The night will feature a variety of artists 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, BMW, and more. Made possible by our sponsors and partners. 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, York Management, Inc.
Reach features reporter Kirby Adams (kadams@courier-journal.com).