Backstage Pass

What makes the Paris Hiltons and Lindsay Lohans of the world more glamorous than the average Joe isn’t that they’re rich, famous, and better looking than you – it’s the fact that while you’re sipping a watered-down, ten-dollar rum and Coke with the rest of the peons, they’re laughing it up behind the velvet rope. All access, baby! Ah, but you too can get a taste of the pampered life this Wednesday, as SunFest 2006kicks off with its annual All Access Party in downtown West Palm Beach (corner of Flagler Drive and Clematis Street). This year’s event is headlined by Kool and the Gang, with tickets going for $50. If that seems steep for a group whose last hit came during the Reagan administration, consider the fact that tickets also include access to the party’s open bar, complimentary food (from more than 40 vendors), admission to the VIP Hospitality Area, and the Club SunFest Party Area’s air-conditioned lounge. And there’s still more entertainment -- the Caribbean styling of Island Heat, live street performers, DJs on the festival’s floating barges, and two stages of entertainment with dance areas in front of each stage. The party starts at 5 p.m. Call 1-800-SUNFEST, or visit www.sunfest.com.
Wed., May 3