The Grammy Awards: Oh, what a night!

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 21/02/2024 (771 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The 66th Grammy Awards took place in Los Angeles on Feb. 4, and I was fortunate to be able to attend. I also took part in events held in the days leading up to the awards show, with music events and receptions all over town providing opportunities to meet new people, network with industry professionals and recording artists from around the world, and learn new things.

Grammy day itself begins with donning fancy clothes by 10 a.m. and heading to the afternoon ceremony at the Peacock Theatre. This is where 5,000 people watch 85 golden gramophone statues get handed out over the span of four hours. I got to watch it all right up close, from amazing sixth-row seats.

Then we moved over to Crypto.com Arena, with an expanded audience of another 15,000 people, for the televised portion of the program. This is where the nine glitziest awards are presented, and I got to watch it all from waaaay up in the rafters.

Despite the scary height, the view from my seat was amazing, and watching the production was captivating. To experience Joni Mitchell’s touching performance, to feel Tracy Chapman completely move the crowd, to witness Billy Joel’s triumphant return, was nothing short of magical. Not to mention all the other stellar performances. Oh, what a night indeed.

The question I am most-asked now is ‘‘How did you get tickets to the Grammys?”

The short answer is that, as a Recording Academy member, I’m able to purchase tickets for ‘Music’s Biggest Night’. But the long answer is that the process of applying for membership takes time. In my case, it took three years to get through the required steps and finally become a member.

Actually, though, it took a lifetime. To apply, you have to be actively working in the music industry either an artist or professional. Since I’ve been a music manager and publicist for over 25 years, I figured that would qualify me.

In the first decade of my career, music was a part-time ‘side hustle’ – helping bands I loved with publicity and promotions. Getting paid when I could and volunteering when I couldn’t. Along the way I fell into becoming an artist manager, and the past decade of my career has been more music management — work I’ve come to feel most passionate about.

It’s been a journey – one that goes back even further than the last 25 years. It goes back to the days of the teenager who spent her hard-earned, working-at-McDonald’s money on cassette tapes and concert tickets. Who frequented social gatherings that featured live bands, usually consisting of family, friends, and random people who may or may not have been related.

Back to the days of the seven-year-old who saved up coins so her big brother would buy her a 45 from the big city. The same girl who was either listening to the radio or spinning her siblings’ album collection. Who figured out how to put a song on the record player, pause it, and write down lyrics. So she could learn to sing it and practise for family talent nights.

Even before then, it goes back to the earliest age she can remember, to a mother with an angelic singing voice and a houseful of kids to sing to sleep at night.

My love for music has deep roots for sure. It’s in my heart, my soul, and probably even my DNA. It has been the one constant and recurring theme throughout my life – during good times, challenging times, and getting me through sad times. Looking back now, I can see clearly how music has shaped who I am, and the career path I’m on.

I felt privileged and honoured to be there in the room on music’s biggest night. To have the chance to take in the celebrations. To have earned my seat in that house.

Even if it was way up in the rafters.