(Sunday – February 9th, 2003) – The hot spot for thousands was Philips Plaza. That’s where Michael Jordan would be making his last All-Star Game appearance, and the sound of the rim would be exploding to dunks by Shaq, Kobe, Garnett and McGrady. The buzz now wasn’t about how many stars you rubbed shoulders with at the bars, or how many freaks got down right nasty at The Inforum, but it would be more about a 7ft 4″ Center named Yao Ming, or if Vince would be so kind to give up his undeserved starting position for Jordan! Still, the party continued in the city after the game, even with pouring rain.

The party didn’t stop, and the spot to get to was Baby (of Cash Money Millionaires) Birthday Bash at the Marriot. Other events scheduled that night included: MPU Old School All-Stars Live at the The Inforum featuring Dougie Fresh, MC Lyte, Big Daddy Kane, Chubb Rock, Biz Markie; and the Allen Iverson Buzzer Beater, also at The Inforum featuring Allen Iverson, P. Diddy, Jermaine Dupree. Now if you are paying close attention, these are at the same venue on the same day, do the math.

Well, until next time in Los Angeles for NBA All-Star Weekend 2004, we’ll see how much promoter will charge in a city where folks are a lot more savvy to the tricks and games of entertainment, and are not as star-struck.