Gorgeous people, perhaps believing they were actually in a spectacular French Moroccan dream, lounged on the exotic silk sofas set against dazzling tapestries and glass tiles washed with red and gold lighting that reflected on sparkling brass and silver hookahs.
The Alhambra Palace, located at 1240 W. Randolph, is what dreams are made of and, soon, singer Fergie—who earlier completed a performance at Chicago's wonderful House of Blues—experienced the opulence of the restaurant as she was whisked to the exotically-furnished private VIP reception room. There, the popular and beautiful music star relaxed and socialized with friends and acquaintances, including Alhambra owner Naser Rustom; the handsome managers and staff; NBA players Antoine Walker and Shawn Marion; and Image Chicago Magazine Publisher Paul Sorkin.
Fergie posed for my camera and later took to her microphone just outside the private room to perform for her fans dining at the balcony tables and on the sumptuous couches, and for the people below.
Stacy Ann Ferguson was born March 27, 1975, in Hacienda Heights, Calif. Young 'Fergie' sang in commercials and was the voice of Sally Brown in the Charlie Brown and Snoopy Show before she obtained her first major break: becoming part of television's Kids Incorporated during the years 1981-1989. Along with Stefanie Ridel and fellow Kid star Sandstrom, Fergie became part of the all-female band Wild Orchid. Later, Fergie joined the Black Eyed Peas and helped propel them to mainstream success when they recorded Elephunk in 2003. In September 2006, Fergie released her first solo album, The Dutchess, which went platinum in both America and Japan.
Photo of Fergie by Steve Starr
Steve Starr is the author of Picture Perfect-Art Deco Photo Frames 1926-1946, published by Rizzoli International Publications. A photographer, designer and an artist, he is the owner of Steve Starr Studios, specializing in original Art Deco photo frames, furnishings, and jewelry, and celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2007. The studio walls, once adorned with his personal collection of over 950 original Art Deco photo frames filled with images of Hollywood's most elegant stars of the early 20th Century, was visited by several celebrities that included Bette Midler, Diana Ross, Harrison Ford, Thelma Houston, Tom Hulce, and Patti LaBelle.
STARRGAZERS-Radiant Photography by Steve Starr is available for portraits and events. Starr has contributed Nightlife Photography for Image Chicago Magazine, Clubline Magazine, Factio Magazine, Gay Chicago Magazine, Nightspots, and Entertainment Magazine Online. Starr is the House Photographer for the beautiful Rumba Supper Club, 351 West Hubbard Street in Chicago, where he was the only photographer allowed to take photos of Janet Jackson for her beautiful private event September 7, 2006.
Photo of Steve Starr in Chicago, Sept. 2, 2006, by Patrick Hipskind