Ok, so now we've officially seen it all. And heard it all,thanks to Jeffrey Soffer, heir to the Turnberry throne, who threw himself a 40th birthday spectacular (to the tune of $2 million, we hear) in the Turnberry Aviation hangar last night at the Opa Locka Executive Airport. Besides the elaborate open bars, constant flowing Veuve Cliquot, and gourmet food served in that inimitable, over the top Karla Dascal way, Soffer hired Prince--the Prince, his purple highness, to perform a private concert for a few hundred of his closest friends. But it wasn't just a quick sampling of Prince's greatest hits, either. It was a fan-*ucking-tastic full blown concert (he sang Cream, Purple Rain, 1999, U Got the Look, Controversy, Let's Go Crazy, I Feel For You, Nothing Compares 2 U, and several others), featuring marvelous backup singers, dancing twins, brass band, and a legend who seemed to be in his element, happy to perform for such an intimate crowd. He also spoke to and made eye contact with the crowd--a rarity, saying that even though we should all have a good time, there is still a war going on out there. At one point, Prince invited dazed and dazzled audience members to join him on stage for a group dance. Spotted plotzing in the crowd with the rest of us: DJ Tracy Young, movie director Brett Ratner, who told us that he was working on his next flick--the story of Playboy titan Hugh Hefner, Ingrid Casares with A-Rod, Rony Seikaly, Jorge Perez, and Soffer family friends James Caan and George Hamilton, who joined the elder Soffer, Donald, on stage to wish Jeffrey a fab 40. There was no need to wish such a thing. It was beyond fab, and at least for one night, 40 was the new 20 and 30.
No photography or video taping was allowed, so please excuse the following shot we sneaked with our B-Berry.
And PS: We showed up late. Soffer also had K.C. and The Sunshine Band as Prince's opening act.
Did you attend? What locals were there? Who was the PR? How were the invites handled?
Posted by: jesse | December 16, 2007 at 01:01 PM
I was there....I climbed over the fence.
Posted by: party fool. | December 16, 2007 at 01:25 PM
Yes I was there, it was amazing..no PR it was private.....locals mentioned above and then the Ocean Drive people, Elaine Lancaster, Nicola Siervo, Michael Capponi, the usuals!!
Posted by: Lesley | December 16, 2007 at 03:24 PM
Was this the magazine gala?
Posted by: jessejames@hotmail.com | December 16, 2007 at 09:48 PM
Jesse--no, it was conveniently in the same airport, but separate hangar!!
Posted by: Lesley | December 17, 2007 at 08:21 AM
i was the best party i have ever attended!!!! very over the top!!!!
Posted by: t | December 17, 2007 at 12:18 PM
T---me too!! Unreal!!
Posted by: Lesley | December 17, 2007 at 12:46 PM
Awesome Party....Did everyone forget about KC & the Sunshine Band, He tore it up before Prince. Best party I will ever attend. Thanks
Posted by: Lucky | December 17, 2007 at 01:43 PM
Ah, I showed up after KC performed..but nothing compares 2 Prince. Heh.
Posted by: Lesley | December 17, 2007 at 01:48 PM
*envious*
I cannot even afford to buy Prince's Greatest Hits this week (much less holiday presents for my kids until Friday), but here's to people who are fortunate enough to be able to throw 40th birthday parties like that for themselves. I respect that.
*digs through sofa and purse bottoms to find enough change to get a few Lotto tickets for Wednesday*
Posted by: Pamela | December 17, 2007 at 03:49 PM
KC & The Sunshine Band was also there and should have been mentioned. He was the opening act and set the party in motion. KC is the best act around. People of all ages get up and dance to his greates hits. He is still going strong.
Posted by: wendy | December 17, 2007 at 04:12 PM
My brother was there. He didn't mention the entertainment, I believe he was too busy eating shrimp.
Posted by: Leo | December 18, 2007 at 08:21 AM