"The AZ Insider" with Kathy Shayna Shocket: Get the inside scoop on Arizona's social scene and celebrity news.
This week: The mayors, a million dollar car, and more at these three, invitation only parties!
Let me take you inside three of Craig Jackson’s private bashes at his multi-million dollar, 20,000 sq. ft. plus home in Paradise Valley. The house with the $1 million Bugatti on a display turntable in the 22-car circular garage was one of the centerpieces for three holiday parties, not to mention the 12-foot crystal chandelier hanging adjacent to the spiral staircase in the home’s living room. Mayors and other VIPs, friends and family turned out for the private bashes. Here’s an exclusive peek at the invitation only affairs.
In this royal photo above at Craig’s holiday-themed party is three mayors: the Mayor of Paradise Valley Scott LeMarr, Mayor of Scottsdale Jim Lane and in the center is Craig Jackson - the Mayor of Barrett-Jackson Classic Car Auctions.
Denise and Patrick van den Bossche and Vicki Jensen at Craig’s private party
Yes, Craig threw a spectacular holiday party, then a “Man-food, Mufflers and Manifolds” party and opened his home on a third evening for the Heart Ball committee thank you party. Partygoers at all three festive fetes mingled through the luxurious mountainside home in awe of the automobiles, automobile art, Barrett-Jackson memorabilia, contemporary home décor, the infinity swimming pool and magnificent views of Paradise Valley below.
Bob and Patricia Bondurant, Walt and Addison Brown at Craig’s private party
Bob Bondurant, former race car driver and king of Bondurant School of High Performance Racing, and his wife Patricia, (who have been jet setting all over the world for events and parties) flew back into town early so they could attend Craig’s holiday bash. In the photo I snapped above, Bob and Pat are mingling with Walt and Addison Brown (also newlyweds who recently returned from jet setting, including a Safari in Africa. Walt also lived out a fantasy adventure when he drove a VORE roughrider truck in the VORE- Vegas Off Road Experience).
Craig Jackson and Carolyn Mullany
Revelers had a unique opportunity to experience Craig Jackson’s private collection of automobile gems and motorcycles. They also enjoyed Lewis Medansky’s culinary delights of Chef Michael DeMaria’s of Heirloom- An American Restaurant and Michael’s Catering.
Alisa Jost and son at Craig’s private party
The evening's cuisine included my favorite fish tacos, grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup. There was also a carving station poolside at each soiree boasting gourmet cuisine such as tuna, grilled turkey and grilled tenderloin medallions.
The house in Paradise Valley is a reflection of Craig’s success. As the CEO and chairman of Barrett-Jackson, he is steadfastly in the driver’s seat. He’s built Barrett-Jackson into the world’s leading collector car auction and automotive lifestyle event, now successful in four destinations.
“We’re so honored that our loyal enthusiasts have been a part of our growth for 40 years,” says the workaholic and a visionary. Under his direction, Barrett-Jackson has evolved beyond Scottsdale, with weeklong events in Palm Beach, Orange County and Las Vegas.
Craig Jackson, Scottsdale Mayor Jim Lane and wife Joanne Lane
Craig has molded the auction into a multimedia extravaganza. As the hundreds of classics, hot rods and muscle cars cross the auction block, for example, the bidding excitement is captured on the SPEED channel with nearly 22 hours of live national television coverage.
Kathy Shayna Shocket is a freelance Reporter , Photographer and TV-Field Prouducer based in Phoenix. She is a former TV Reporter and has also written for TIME Magazine, MONEY Magazine, PEOPLE Magazine, the Hollywood Reporter and The New York Times. You can email her at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
