The Soiree of The Decade? Thomas Lauderdale's 9th Annual Holiday Party

Wednesday, 30 December 2009 12:02 | Written by Byron

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OH WHAT A NIGHT! "There was no way I was going to miss this party," said former Oregonian Editor Sandy Rowe. She wasn't the only one that felt that way about the 9th Annual Holiday Party held at the Pink Martini compound on Southwest First Avenue, and hosted by Philip Iosca, China Forbes, Adam Levey, Karen Brooks, Bill Tennant, Peter Murray, Jason Mitchell and the one and only Thomas Lauderdale.

Although a sneak attack of 2-inches of snow—which stuck many a party-goer in the killer commute from hell—may've kept a few people away it only seemed to fuel others to figure out a way to get to what many consider "the party of the year."

"Yeah," said a fellow from Chicago who had touched down on our snowy climate just minutes earlier at PDX International Airport. "About a dozen people have told me that this is 'THEE EVENT' to be at. I guess I am lucky my first encounter with this city is at this party."

As for me, it's the one place and time in Portland each year when our city's creative types shine the brighest. It's as if the space has some special power that brings out the best in all of us.

As well as a few friends from far and wide including Big Apple DJ's Andrew Andrew (pictured above with local art collector/fashion plate Glinda Goldwater). According to a semi-ancient Wire article here "even by New York standards, Andrew Andrew are eccentric." This "interdisciplinary Creativity Team" dress identically, have the same haircut, and wear the same glasses. They are also really fun at parties. Check out Andrew Andrew's video link of guests dancing to house band Chervona and what the boys called "the party of the decade."

And as for Andrew Andrew, they made the sojourn to Portland because of the woman pictured above. Her name is Diane Birch. The cute guy is her boyfriend Ariel. She used to live in Portland, but now lives in Brooklyn. And she has one of the most amazing voices in music today. Her album, Bible Belt, was easily the most played album on my Ipod shuffle and, since the release of it in June, she has been burning up the charts and also several talk shows including both the David Letterman and Jimmy Kimmel shows. In fact it was her appearance on Andrew Andrew's Internet radio show, where Birch talked about "Thomas's big holiday party," that encouraged the A-squared boys to make the trek to "OR-Y-GUN."

And they weren't disappointed when the likes of the following people pictured in the slideshow below made their stellar appearance at the party.

Interesting sidenote: make sure to check out the unusual pic of master Mint mixologist Lucy Brennan in sweats and bowtie. According to sweet Lucy, there was no way she could get home from the gym through the terrible traffic and make it back to the party in time. So, voila, she paired her sweat pants and cap with one of Thomas Lauderdale's white button downs and a bowtie making for yet one more unique ensemble at the party. And a big thanks to Nancy Spitznass (mom of Portland Monthly's Jill Spitznass) who provided some tasty meatballs that Thomas wheeled around in his little red wagon throughout the night. Yes, it was quite a night.