The Trifecta Gala returns for ‘swan song’ during Kentucky Derby 150. Here’s who is performing

There is some mighty buzz around Louisville with the news that Bruno Mars will serve his share of “Uptown Funk” on Kentucky Derby Eve. The 15-time Grammy Award winner and two-time Super Bowl halftime performer will headline the final Trifecta Gala on Friday, May 3.

After nearly 25 years, the Bridgeman family will make the 2024 Kentucky Derby Eve gala its last. And while the “Just the Way You Are,” pop icon is big news on his own, the party’s co-host, Eden Bridgeman Sklenar, has ensured it will be a legendary stopping point for the long-running gala’s “swan song” event by announcing further VIPs taking part in the final Trifecta gala.

Sklenar tells the Courier Journal that award-winning actor and comedian Chris Tucker will serve as emcee for the party. DJ E-Clazz, who has entertained at multiple Super Bowls, NBA All-Star games, and music festivals worldwide will heat up the dance floor along with Louisville-based DJ Z-Nyce (when Bruno Mars isn’t on stage!). Also part of the all-star entertainment lineup is television and radio host Kenny Burns, the party’s master of ceremonies, with additional names to be announced.

First held in the early 2000s and hosted by Ulysses “Junior” Bridgeman, a retired NBA guard and entrepreneur, The Trifecta Gala is an elegant event known for attracting big-name entertainment and Hollywood, fashion, and sports celebrities. The Derby Eve party has gone by different names, has been held in various locations throughout the city, and has welcomed hundreds of celebrity entertainers and guests including Angela Bassett, Michael Jordan, Anthony Anderson, Terrence Howard, Star Jones, Tina Knowles Lawson, and Gabrielle Union.

Performers at the prestigious event have included Usher, Stevie Wonder, the band Earth, Wind and Fire, Dave Chappelle, Nelly, Darius Rucker, Chris Rock, Steve Harvey, Arsenio Hall, Michael McDonald, Miguel, Jill Scott, comedian Sinbad, and many others.  

After taking an extended break starting in 2020, Bridgeman’s daughter, Eden, and her brothers, Justin and Ryan, are bringing the Trifecta Derby Eve Gala back in 2024 for one final “blowout” at a special location constructed specifically for the red carpet event.

“Due to the many places we have held our event, we wanted our final act to be located not only in the heart of downtown Louisville but an immersive experience that has never been created before the night before the Kentucky Derby,” Sklenar said. “Right after Thunder Over Louisville, our team [started to erect] the structure. Part of the immersive experience is allowing the local community to see what is being built and how individuals from near and far will be able to see that Louisville can host a world-class experience like any other city in the US.”

For those who would like to take a look, the party’s structure is being built in the E. Witherspoon St. parking lot next to Louisville Slugger Field, to the south of the Great Lawn at Waterfront Park.

With less than two weeks to finish construction, Sklenar promises guests can expect to enter a grand structure for the party which was first called “The Derby Grand Gala.”

“My parents, Doris and Junior Bridgeman, along with Billy and Linda Harmon and Alice and Wade Houston originally started the Derby Grand Gala to give back to selected charities and provide visible diversity during the Derby celebrations,” Sklenar told the Courier Journal. “Although the name of our event has changed over the many years, our mission has not. We have been blessed to bring some of the most influential celebrities, entrepreneurs, and everything in between to assist in showcasing the excellence that resides here in Louisville. We hope that not only have the funds given to charity impacted lives but that we were part of the positive economic impact for our city and state.”

Through the years the gala has raised funds for several charitable organizations including The V Foundation, West End School, Dare to Care, and The University of Louisville Autism Center. The 2024 charitable partner for the Trifecta Gala is Big Brothers Big Sister Kentuckaina.

The theme for the 2024 Trifecta Gala is “The Night of Roses” a nod to the 150th Kentucky Derby and according to the website “promises to spin the soul of the Derby into an unforgettable party that pays homage to the invaluable contributions of African Americans to Derby history with a reverence for the past, and a vision for the future.”

Here’s what to know about the 2024 Trifecta Gala.

When is the 2024 Trifecta Gala?

The elegant party will be held the night before the Kentucky Derby on Friday, May 3 from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Where will the 2024 Trifecta Gala be held?

The structure for the gala is being erected in the E. Witherspoon St. parking lot near Louisville Slugger Field downtown.

How much are tickets to the 2024 Trifecta Gala?

The 2024 event is sold out but a waiting list has been created. Those interested can email info@Trifectgala.com to be placed on the list.

Where do I find more information on the event?

For further details, visit 2024.trifectagala.com.

Reach features reporter Kirby Adams at kadams@courier-journal.com.