Down the Stretch with Sherlene Shanklin

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Each year, I announce all the biggest Kentucky Derby events and the celebrities it attracts. This year is no different. Checkout the big names coming to Louisville the first Saturday in May. Plus, the many events leading up to the ‘greatest’ two minutes of sports. I will add names up until Derby 151 is at the post.

Special report by Sherlene Shanklin, WHAS11, ABC Louisville

To see the list of events and their celebrity guests click the link below. https://www.whas11.com/article/entertainment/events/down-the-stretch/celebrities-attend-kentucky-derby-151-parties-events-louisville/417-5b0183ea-545f-41f9-94e6-7509fbaff8c0?fbclid=IwY2xjawKBHq9leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFlV1JYUWNvUDRVQzVOenJZAR7nRRyPlSYN89XfLmA4oc0Ds9ESGf0S14G7c6zKRCv4GEMMYVH75UH75te08A_aem_eZ4n8oEaz1Agfzmh-R9Spw

Follow me on my social platforms. @Sherlenemediapro @thevippreport

Shaboozey will headline FanDuel’s Kentucky Derby Party on Derby Eve

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By Sherlene Shanklin- Special KY Derby Report

Down the Stretch with Sherlene Shanklin:  With 19 days before Kentucky Derby 151.  The guest lists are being to pop up.  For the second year, The FanDuel Kentucky Derby Party will host a party Oaks night, Friday, May 2nd.  This exclusive, invite-only event will take place at Paristown Hall. 

Fresh off his Coachella performance and now he will perform in Louisville. This year’s entertainment will be Grammy-nominated country music sensation Shaboozey.  The rapper, singer, and songwriter, best known for A Bar Song, (Tipsy) will perform. holds the record for the longest-leading Hot 100 No. 1 while also topping Billboard’s Hot Country Songs, Country Airplay Chart, and Mediabase/Country Aircheck charts. The single has accumulated over a billion streams across DSPs and made history, making Shaboozey the first Black male artist to simultaneously top Billboard’s Hot Country Songs and Hot 100.  

With his Nigerian roots he’s found a way to blend, country, hip-hop, rock and Americana is what music critics have called him a true cross-over artist.    

Shaboozey says, “I’m hyped to be part of the Derby this year. It’s one of those bucket list events you dream about playing and we’ll be bringing serious vibes to Louisville with FanDuel.” 

When entering, VIP guests from the worlds of sports, entertainment, music, and horse racing will walk a blue carpet.

FanDuel will make a $100,000 donation in support of the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance.  The nonprofit organization supports the care, retraining, and rehoming of retired racehorses. This is the fifth year, FanDuel have donated to the organization.

“The Kentucky Derby is a celebration of tradition, energy, and unforgettable moments,” said Andrew Moore, General Manager of Racing at FanDuel. “Horse racing is where FanDuel’s journey began, and it remains a central part of who we are as a company. Between the iconic FanDuel party and our donation to the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, we’re looking forward to making FanDuel’s presence in Louisville known.” 

FanDuel Group, the premier online gaming company in North America and an Official Partner of Churchill Downs Inc,

Even though this event is new when it comes to Kentucky Derby parties last year’s inaugural event featured performances by Luke Bryan and Ne-Yo.

If you have a Kentucky Derby event, send it to me at The411@whas11.com. 

►Follow Sherlene on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. 

Countdown to Kentucky Derby 151

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Revel at the Races announce their entertainment

By Sherlene Shanklin, Special Derby Report, WHAS11 Television

We are less than 30 days away from one of the greatest sporting events, the Kentucky Derby.  Its more than the fastest two minutes in sports but the events, parties and galas that surround it.  The Kentucky Derby draws thousands of fans. All looking for something to do while in Louisville. 

Sports Illustrated, (SI) created the ‘Revel At The Races’ that embraces the race, the sport, music, and celebration that Derby brings.  In 2024, their inaugural event drew some of the biggest names in sports from Travis Kelce to Aaron Rodgers, Alix Earle, and Devante Adams. 

Now, they are excited to announce that ‘Revel At The Races’ will return for a second year on Derby Eve. SI’s exclusive event guarantees to be unforgettable.  The late-night experience will have Diplo as their headliner.  He’s known as a ‘DJ’ and music producer.  Fans would say they know him as the co-creator and lead member of the electric dancehall music project Major Lazer.  Their other special guest Xandra Pohl will open. 

This event will take place, Derby Eve, Friday, May 2nd at the Ice House located at 226 E Washington St. Doors open at 10:00 p.m.   

Organizers which include a partnership with Louisville’s J Wagner Group, promises to offer the same level of top-notch hospitality in the very intimate venue in downtown Louisville. 

CELSIUS, is the official energy drink, as Tito’s Handmade Vodka and Maker’s Mark return as the official vodka and bourbon.

Tickets are available now, but only a limited number will be sold which start at $900.  For Verizon customers that are offering exclusive ticket opportunities via Verizon Access.  

For tickets go to revelattherace.com. 

Stay tuned for their celebrity guest list. 

We are at the post for Kentucky Derby 151.  Follow my derby announcements ‘Down the Stretch with Sherlene Shanklin’ on whas11.com. 

►Contact WHAS11’s Sherlene Shanklin at sshanklin@whas11.com or follow her on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. 

Countdown to the Kentucky Derby 149

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Sherlene Shanklin, WHAS11 Television, ABC, Louisville

As we approach the first Saturday in May. There’s will be a lot of events, galas and activities taking place. At this time every year, I begin to layout the long list of celebrities that will participate in Kentucky Derby events. Click the link below to see who will be in Louisville the first week in May.

https://www.whas11.com/article/entertainment/events/down-the-stretch/kentucky-derby-parties-celebrities-sherlene-shanklin/417-cff0b81b-f98c-4268-8888-e1fbf7c1e930

The VIPP Report: Its like hitting the “trifecta” when attending Junior Bridgeman’s Derby Gala

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Special Report by Sherlene Shanklin, WHAS11 Television, ABC Louisville

(Louisville, KY)  Down the Stretch with Sherlene Shanklin:  The celebrity guest list for events surrounding Kentucky Derby 144 continues to grow as we are now on the fast track to the finish.

It’s always exciting to see who will attend the galas.  I now have the list for the Trifecta Gala. They have previously announced Music legend Stevie Wonder as the entertainment and the host for the evening is night talk show legend Arsenio Hall.   It will be held on Friday, May 4th in the Omni Hotel in downtown Louisville at 7:00 p.m.  Their proceeds benefit the West End School and the University of Louisville Autism Center at Kosair Charities.

Here’s a few names that will walk the Trifecta Gala red carpet:

-Actor, comedian and star of ABC’s Blackish Anthony Anderson

-Actor, writer, director and the star of the new Avengers: Infinity War Don Cheadle

-NFL Hall of famer and Super Bowl champion Orlando Pace

-Attorney and television personality Star Jones

-Super music producer and Kentucky native Finis White

-Kentucky basketball assistant coach, former NBA player and former Louisville star Kenny Payne

-Louisville native known as Dr. Dunkenstein for the Utah Jazz and Louisville basketball Darrell Griffith  

Many of these guests will also attend the Celebrity After-Party hosted by Diddy at the Louisville Palace from 11:00 pm to 4:00 am.

To learn more about both events and ticket availability go to www.trifectagala.com.

If you have a Kentucky Derby event send it to me at The411@whas11.com.  You can follow me on Twitter @sherlenemediapr and Instagram @Sherlenemediapro.

Sherlene Shanklin also created The VIPP Report to highlight events, community affairs, entertainment, sports and client news.  It also highlights the Emmy-nominated and Regional Murrow Award winner for being on the WHAS11 team for Best Newscast in the Rick Pitino and University of Louisville suspension/investigation.  For projects and speaking engagements.  Follow her on Facebook @SherleneShanklinmediaprpro, Twitter @Sherlenemediapr and Instagram @Sherlenemediapro.  

 

 

 

 

 

The VIPP Report: It’s a Triple Crown lineup during Kentucky Derby events

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WAYNECARDIMICHELLE

Special from Sherlene Shanklin, WHAS11 Television, an ABC Affiliate Louisville

(Louisville, KY) Down the Stretch we come…We are just 119 days and counting away from the 144th running of the Kentucky Derby and there’s already a race to get events on the calendar.  We’ll I have my first announcement and it’s a good one for rap and hip-hop fans. Let’s add a concert to the many events you can enjoy while experiencing the greatest two minutes in sports.  I have a feeling a few of our guests will arrive in town a little earlier for this show.

This artist released Dedication 6 on Christmas Day….now I can announce Lil Wayne will be in Louisville for a concert on Thursday, May 3rd.  The Grammy Award winning hip hop star is no stranger to Louisville.. He won a Grammy with late artist/producer and Louisville native Stephen “Static Major” Garrett for Lollipop.  Wayne was in Louisville in April of 2017 and performed before a sold out audience.  He decided not to come alone.

He’s bringing a young artist that’s making her name known in the hip hop game. You’ve seen her on Love and Hip Hop New York and now she has this smash hit, Bodak Yellow, which is excelling her music career. Cardi  B will join Lil Wayne in Broadbent Arena.  She recently worked with Bruno Mars on the remix of his hit song Finesse.

And let me add just one more artist to the lineup. R and B singer K. Michelle will also travel to Louisville to be a part of the show after releasing her latest album “The People I Used to Know”.  If you look at your calendar that’s the same day as the Pegasus Parade…the official kickoff to Derby weekend.

So, its Lil Wayne. Cardi B and K. Michelle in concert on Thursday, May 3rd in Broadbent Area.  Tickets for this Derby concert will sellout.  They officially go on sale Martin Luther King Jr. Day, January 15th.  As I get additional information on this concert and other Kentucky Derby events I will pass them along.

Now, if you have a story idea, send it to me at The411@whas11.com.  You can follow me on Twitter @Sherlenemediapr for the latest in community and entertainment news.

You can also follow my column The VIPP Report. @thevippreport @vippcomm.

Sherlene Shanklin is a media veteran with more than 25 years of experience.  The EMMY nominated journalist currently works for WHAS11 Television, ABC Affiliate in Louisville, KY.  She also owns a PR firm, VIPP Communications and an accessory business VIPP Style (IG: vipp_style).    

The VIPP Report: It’s the Derby Takeover Part Two featuring Lil Boosie & Kevin Gates

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BoosieGatesDerby

Featuring Lil Boosie and Kevin Gates in concert

Kentucky Derby Special Report by Sherlene Shanklin, WHAS11 Television, ABC Louisville 

Down the Stretch with Sherlene Shanklin: There’s something to do for everyone when you come to the “Derby City” especially around the Running of the 142nd Kentucky Derby.  It appears that I will be busy announcing celebrities this year.  I’m getting a lot of calls and emails.  This event, I65 Nation is calling “Derby Takeover Part Two”.  It’s Lil Boosie and Kevin Gates in concert Friday, May 6th at the KY Exposition Center, 937 Phillips Lane. The Derby party and concert is from 10 pm to 3 am.

Tickets are available and general admission is $50.  If you are going to do Derby “VIP” style your ticket is $80 and if you want to be a part of the “All Access” club you can get backstage for the Meet & Greet for $200.  To purchase them go to BoosieAndGates.Com.

If you have a Kentucky Derby event, send it to me at The411@whas11.com.  You can follow me on Twitter @Sherlenemediapr and Instagram at Sherlenemediapro.

Down the Stretch with Sherlene Shanklin is a blog that announces and post Kentucky Derby events.  Stay tuned for additional announcements.  I will announce them on WHAS11 Noon Show on Thursdays, WLOU/104.7FM at 11:30 am each Thursday, WHAS11 GMK Saturday mornings with Tabnie Dozier, whas11.com and on my social media pages.   

If you have a story idea and/or would like to advertise with The VIPP Report contact us at TheVIPPReport at vippcommunications dot com.  You can follow us on Twitter @thevippreport @vippcomm.