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Published on 05/19/1999 All articles from this issue

'Sultan of celebration' promises to make millennium party a whopper

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Special to the Town Crier

He's the master of merriment, the sultan of celebration, the Peter Pan of party planning. He is Rick Herns and if you haven't heard of him, you've been staying home too often.

Ten years and 3,000 parties later, Rick Herns Productions continues to dazzle, delight and sometimes shock even the most jaded party-goers. He's coming to Los Altos to produce the Dec. 31 Los Altos Millennium Celebration. The Millennium Executive Committee agreed to hire Herns last August.

Millennium organizers said Herns blends the best performers, musicians, designers, artists and chefs "to create the perfect medley of fun."

Herns was raised in a theatrical family and became accustomed to performing at a young age. He studied classical music and then went on to be a rock 'n' roll drummer. He trained and worked as a chef at the Flea Street Cafe for three years before going on to produce some of Silicon Valley's biggest events and parties.

So what is he planning for Los Altos? Herns is not saying completely, because he said he believes a successful event must hold back some surprises. The midnight extravaganza, for example, is a secret - only those under the tent at midnight will be privy to it.

He is talking however, about some things. For instance, the music. There are two bands planned and they are among the best in the area. The Bay Area All Stars Big Band comprises musicians who have played with Duke Ellington, Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles and Frank Sinatra.

The second band, Full Motion, a contemporary pop rock and soul band playing hits from the 1960s through the 1990s. The band includes five dancers.

He some big time illusions planned, too. For example, Herns has rented one of only two systems in the world which can project a clock face the size of a putting green on the ceiling of the tent.

Invitations to the Los Altos Millennium party will be mailed to all Los Altos and Los Altos Hills residents in June. Fliers with more details are available at the Town Crier, City Hall and the Chamber of Commerce. For more information about volunteering, event sponsorships or group tickets, call 941-0786.