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Houston celebrates at age 40 (and a day) submitted by: Willis source: Atlanta Journal and Constitution Date: August 11, 2003 By RICHARD L. ELDREDGE The approximately 600 people who crammed into the Taboo Bistro & Bar party Saturday night didn't get to glimpse the guest of honor until her 40th birthday was technically over. Security was tight as pop star and part-time Atlantan Whitney Houston turned up for the festivities early Sunday morning. White linen was the suggested dress, and the club was decked out in lots of white linen and lace, along with Houston's two favorite colors, fuchsia and purple. Multiple birthday cakes depicted musical themes from various points in the singer's career. Videos from Houston's nearly 20-year presence on the pop charts played overhead on monitors as VVIPs (Very Very Important Persons) gained entrance to her perch, an elevated area near the front door. Celebrity guests included pop singer Dionne Warwick, who is Houston's cousin; record producer Jermaine Dupri; singer Faith Evans; various members of Houston's family; and her husband's (Bobby Brown) kin. Brown, wanted by local authorities for a parole violation, skipped the party. "I'm not privileged to speak on any of that," party publicist Donald Fields told Buzz on Sunday. "All I can say is that Mr. Brown was not in attendance." Houston's local legal representative, Mark Trigg, made clear to Buzz last week that the party was both authorized by the birthday girl and was open to her fans. Admission ranged from $25 to $100 for VIP treatment (alas, not the VVIP treatment). Outside, cameras from "Entertainment Tonight," "Access Hollywood," NBC and People magazine hovered. Houston had decided to restrict media access, and only her print photographer and videographer were allowed to snap away freely inside the event. The party finally broke up around 3 a.m. Sunday. Said Fields: "It's safe to assume we're all exhausted today, but everyone had a lot of fun." Site design by: Dolphin Webpage Designs © 1996-2003