As much as I like to complain about how we sometimes do things wrong in the City of Detroit, there are times when we just nail it - when everything goes just exactly the way that it should, and Bravo Bravo was one of those times. It made me more than proud to call myself a Detroiter, and it stood up to any of the parties that I’ve attended in other major metropolitan cities over the years.

Friday night found me celebrating Cinco-de-Mayo with the rest of the best of the best and brightest young professionals in Metro Detroit at the Detroit Opera House. I attended as a guest of one of the hip new tech companies in Metro Detroit, Grosse Pointe Geek.

Brian Urso of east:west productions, and co-chair of the event said that the promoters and sponsors were thrilled by the success, attendance, food and entertainment. All around it was amazing, and much better than in years past. This year the restaurants went over the top with the quality of the food, drinks and service. The bands were hot and the DJs really got the crowd going. Brian also mentioned that the committee really came together well with lots of food and beverage people. If you’re interested in volunteering, or in sponsorship opportunities for this or other hot Detroit events, please email Brian Urso. I know that DetroitBuzz will definitely be among the sponsors of next year’s show, and we hope we’ll see you there as well.

And one of the best parts? The cost of the event is tax-deductible and for a good cause – maintenance and renovation of the Detroit Opera House. Tickets were a bargain at $65 each in advance, $85 at the door, and if you wanted to purchase your own VIP table, it could be had for a mere $1000, and came with 10 VIP tickets.

This event wasn’t just about the party. Attendees were all there not only to mix, mingle and have a great time, but business was conducted as well. I was able to reconnect with contacts that I hadn’t seen for a long time, and make some great and valuable new ones as well.

The fashionistas were out in stunning array, and everyone showed up in their best party dress. Even if you were just there to sample the (free) premium bars and fantastic food, or to people watch… it was worth it just for that. Well dressed, sexy, urban and ready to mix & mingle.

Entertainment included DJs Tom T, Captain 20, Matt A, Rubix Cube, and bands That 80s Band (one of MY favorites, the most rock-solid 80s cover band in existence), alternative folk rocker Audra Kubat, Bricktown Station, and other fantastic Detroit Bands.

Premium liquor and healthy portions of food were available from restaurants like Andiamo, Mosaic, Small Plates, Vicente’s, Bookies Tavern and others. Attractive servers from Crave Lounge and other establishments weaved their way through the crowd with excellent hors d'oeuvres.

Phil Aiello, Regional Sales Director for Barefoot Wines said that this was one of the best events that they’ve sponsored this year, and that they got a lot of compliments from people on how good their wines were, and were surprised and impressed at the value/cost ratio.

This yearly event is not-to-miss, so mark your calendars early. Promoters Corner Productions said there were more people at the event than any of the past 6 years with 1,200+ in attendance. That means there will be a waiting list.

All in all, congratulations to the sponsors, participants and organizers of the event. It just goes to show that Detroit’s not only able to make this kind of event happen, but willing to do so. If we all pitch in, we can raise the bar and EXPECT this kind of quality from this once and future great city.

Don’t miss Cinderella and Salome at the Detroit Opera House - these two offerings bring this year’s season of Desperate Divas – more fun to watch, and certainly better for your brain than the equivalent hit TV show – to a close. Get your season schedule, and purchase tickets here!