It could be tough going to have a birthday in late June when many of your partying pals are beating the heat elsewhere. Not so for song man Bubba McNeely, who has a built-in fan base as well as plenty of buddies remaining in H-Town. Just check out his birthday bash Friday night at The Eighteenth Cocktail Bar.
McNeely and Greg Giacona, on the keyboard, have a steady gig at the friendly Bissonnet establishment where several nights each month they entertain a loyal following and on Friday night that included birthday well-wishers. But this was no typical Thank God It's Friday bash. Nope, McNeely had encouraged everyone to wear hats — gangster, Gatsby, derby or party hats. And out they came in a variety of fancy headwear.
In between singing old favorites such as "I Will Survive" and "Me and Mrs. Jones," McNeely was joined at the mic by a rotating group of friends. In the end, there were birthday cakes, yes, plural, and plenty of rounds of "Happy Birthday."
Among those making party statements in playful hats were Dena Davidson, Jimmy Warner, John Evatz, Sandy Eckels with her jeweled tiara and Dr. Romy Mitchell, particularly fetching in her pirate hat.
The party crowd included Tena Faust, Tama Lundquist, Mauney Mafrige, Erin Florescu, Stephanie Eustis, Debbie Festari, Mark Lowry, Cherie Carrabba, Michael Kemper, John Evatz, Jennifer Simmons, Diana and Brad Wander, Caroline Kenney, Clifford Pugh and John Dascoulias, Ken Harrison, Paul Reid and Summer Salah.
You can catch McNeely and Giacona performing at The Eighteenth on July 12 and 26.
Bubba McNeely celebrates his birthday with a hat party and "mixed" drinks.
