The 4th Annual White Party
By Jason Reid

Saturday night, everyone donned their finest white attire as Ashlee B. Stone and Brian Aranda graciously hosted the 4th Annual White Party at The Belvedere luxury condominiums. Having only ever been to A Salon 7’s White Party and never hearing of the subsequent White Parties over the last 3 years, I was quite excited to experience this years party.

The White Party took place in The Belvedere’s Grand Ball room and on the poolside terrace. As I took the elevator up to the 4th floor delusions of grandeur flooded my head. The flyers for the party boasted a fashion show, aerial acrobatic artists, go-go dancers, Corona Boy, Bud Girls, and a burlesque show. I was honestly hoping for something you would see out of the pages of Out Magazine, as where quite of the other patrons. I am not going to lie, I was a little disappointed. The Grand Ball room was a small and stuffy. I did not see one go-go dancer, just an empty dance floor, and few people standing in line for drinks. As I waited in line for a drink, I took in the surroundings and reminded myself that this is Reno after all.

Once at the bar, I asked what the options where; ordered a white wine, and they where out, I ordered a Corona, out. All that was left was Bud Light. If you are going to hold such a party and hype it up, make sure you don’t run out of alcohol during prime party hours. Most of our beers where solid head. Now, I know the party started at 5pm, and my group and I showed up after 8, we found most of the party out on the poolside terrace which was an ideal space to have the entire party, plenty of room, a great view. I watched the aerial acrobatic artist work her set, which was amazing and I didn’t want her to stop! The grace and elegance in which she worked was wondrous! We mingled around on the poolside terrace wondering why they didn’t just set up the dance floor, dj booth, and bar out there. The music from inside was pumped out onto the terrace so at least it added a sense of ambience.

Ashlee came out with the lack-luster Corona Boys in toe. It seemed to me these boys had never done this and could have quite possibly been picked up at some gym a few hours before. I never did see any Bud Girls. I would honestly have to say my favorite part of the party was the Burlesque show performed by The Boho Crush Dolls. This performance was amazing, definitely the highlight of the night! The talent booked for the party was indeed some of the best I think Reno has seen!

The White Party holds a lot of potential. That night, $500 dollars were donated to ReNo Aids Community Task Force, which is a wonderful thing. I am happy to see that there are people in our community who have this selflessness to truly give back to the community. And this alone is what will make future White Parties of Reno an experience everyone will look forward to! So looking past the little bumps in the road, and seeing the true spirit of uniting and giving to our community is what makes me look forward to next years White Party.