Old State, new friends

The Old State is a local design firm that creates visually adventurous Web sites for clients. I could tell its Thursday night party was going to be something spesh when the invites came on thick, gold-rimmed cardstock. Fancy! So was the party, with fruity cocktails flowing, yummy eats and a fashion show highlighting the firm's clients. Smile Smile (above) and Radiant provided the tunes, and several local celebs popped up.

Model and fashionista supreme Jan Strimple (left) looked amazing, as usual, turning heads every darn where she went. And getting me a tiny bit starstruck was Jeremy (below), the Dallas lawyer from The Bachelorette of a season ago. What a cutie! Yes, that's my shoulder next to his face and my hand on his shoulder. Back off, ladies!! ;-)

Wednesday night whisk(e)y, birthday wishes

Wednesday night, I attended a so-called whisk(e)y debate, where Canadian, Scottish and American whisk(e)y makers (above) argued the merits of their respective creations. After an open-bar happy hour featuring all kinds of whisk(e)y-based drinks, the audience was good and rowdy by the time the debate began. It was unruly fun. And I love a man in a kilt. Cheers!

After drying out a bit from Likkerpalooza, I headed to Candleroom's sixth anniversary party. The music was sick -- everything from Lady Gaga to Dr. Dre and Snoop classics got the crowd seriously swaying. Shout-out to owner Tommy DeAlano for a great time ...

Karaoke is king!

Tuesday and Thursday I checked out karaoke at the Winedale Tavern and the Cavern on Lowest Greenville. I love those joints for totally different reasons. Find out more about local karaoke spots in Quick's upcoming karaoke roundup in next week's issue. Wheeee!