This year’s VH1 Save the Music benefit (dedicated to improving the quality of music education) was hosted at the home of Jaci and Morris Reid in East Hampton, and featured performances by Grammy Award-winning artist Ciara (hot off her hit debut, Goodies) and singer-songwriter Lyfe Jennings. Despite the downpour (just one hour prior to the start of the party), more than 500 die-hard partygoers turned out for the event.

Star Jones was a no-show, with the benefit abuzz with rumors that the ex–talk show diva wasn’t interested in showing her face around B. Smith and Gayle King, two of the top ladies vying for her chair on The View.

Desperate Housewives’ Nicollette Sheridan showed up with a 10-carat sparkler from “my man!” Michael Bolton, of course!

High-note minglers: Brett Ratner, Russell Simmons, Rodney Jerkins, and Marcy Street, among others.