Hip-hop Star Nelly Highlights PokerStars Gala at Palms

July 10 2009, Haley Hintze

One of the highlights of the poker world’s summer social season unfolded on Thursday night as PokerStars held its giant party for its WSOP qualifiers and others, featuring hip-hop star Nelly. The veteran rapper, who has participated in several 2009 World Series of Poker events himself, led the festivities at the Rain Nightclub at the Palms Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.

As in previous years, the festivities hosted by Stars at Rain were held on the WSOP’s official media day, an off day for most players. Dozens of celebrities and prominent players were among the throngs at Rain on Thursday night, including NBA LA Lakers player Jordan Farmar, “Seinfeld” comedian (and Friend of PokerStars) Jason Alexander and actor Lou Diamond Phillips. Former world champion players and Team PokerStars members Peter Eastgate, Joe Hachem, Greg Raymer and Chris Moneymaker also attended, along with other Stars notables including Daniel Negreanu, Jason Mercier, Bertrand “ElkY” Grospellier and Dario Minieri.

In addition to Nelly’s live performance, attendees were treated to ongoing entertainment from stiltwalkers, aerialists suspended from the club’s ceiling, podium dancers and more. Over a thousand invitees attended the gala, always one of the highlights of the summer season and a must-attend for PokerStars online qualifiers.

Some of the sights from the event (photos courtesy PokerStars):

Early on at the festivities at Rain, before most attendees arrived

A handful of celebrities and PokerStars pros on the red carpet at Rain: Jason Alexander, Noah Boeken, Torrie Wilson, Lou Diamond Phillips, Joe Hachem and Chris Moneymaker

Nelly performs at Rain on Thursday night

PokerNews also caught up with a bit of the red-carpet action from Rain:

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