Home - Baird Jones, 1955-2008, R.I.P.
Hosts
The Ballinger brothers of Webster Hall
An invitation only memorial party honoring Baird was held Thursday, April 10, at
the newly landmarked Webster Hall on 11th Street between 3rd and 4th Avenues.
There was a reprise of Baird's last museum show, Star Art. Damon Johnson, Mark
Kostabi, James Tully, Conrad Voegel, and other friends displayed works created
in homage to Baird. James Tully unveiled his eight foot obelisk on stage which
continuously projects Baird Jones' celebrity art collection. The party appeared on the home page of FameGame.
As Baird had done at Studio 54 beforehand, Baird worked tirelessly publicising
Webster Hall. For over 15 years he helped maintain Websters Hall's place in New
York history. Built in 1886, Webster Hall was the site of Marcel Duchamp's blind
man's ball, followed by the "Pagan Rout" and "The Futurist Ball", all inspired
by turn of the century French bachanals. U2's first concert appearance in the US
was at Webster Hall. In 1995 Madonna broadcast her pajama party there
nationally. Both Al Gore and President Clinton launched thier national
presidential campaign's at Webster Hall. Through Baird's constant press
mentions, Webster Hall remained in the forefront of the popular consciousness,
hosting the world's top musical acts and fashion week parties like
Chloe Sevigny's February, 2008 Mac Cosmetics party. It is only fitting that
Baird Jones was remembered here.
REST IN PEACE, BAIRD
April 13, 2008 -- THE
spirit of Baird Jones was alive and well at Webster Hall Thursday night as
hundreds of his friends paid tribute to the larger-than-life publicist,
party-thrower and provocateur, who died in February at the age of 53. The party
included selections from Jones' vast art collection, home movies from his
childhood and his wacky TV appearances promoting the "National Chastity
Association." His longtime pal
Scott Pellegrino told us: "Baird would
have loved it and been very touched."