2014 GRAMMY week!
Hello my good peoples!
I know it has been 4-EVER and I apologize profusely, life certainly has taken a very interesting turn for me in the last 6 months. For those that don't know, last August I accepted the position of Executive Director over the Los Angeles Chapter of the Recording Academy. For those that may doubt it even a little bit, I'm here to testify to the fact that God knows what He is doing! The position feels like it was handcrafted just for me, and the whole arc of my career over the last 10 years has led right to it. Words really can't express my gratitude, the position has been amazing so far. And now, on to the proof! :)
It's been hard to give everyone the play by play of just how magical GRAMMY week was, but thankfully I captured a few moments of each day by photo and in word to help sum up the fabulousness. (Many thanks to my mom for this, she insisted that I take selfies everyday. I wouldn't have otherwise!) Take a peek:
Mon., Jan 20th - the prep
Peep the hairstyle, this one should keep!
Tues., Jan. 21st - the fun begins with the P&E Wing (Producers and Engineers Wing) party
I won't forget walking the "red carpet” at the P&E Wing party. Some of my LA Governors made me! (Not the ones pictured. It was two gentlemen and I think they wanted some arm candy :)
-> This pic features two of my wonderful LA Chapter Board members, Tremaine Williams (music producer) and Amy Keys (vocalist).
Wed., Jan. 22nd - All the ladies of color from the Academy were invited to the Black Women in Music party thrown by Essence!
This was the infamous party at which I spilled all the champagne as I stood up to meet Tank. Not my finest. :)
Here you see me with the DC Chapter Executive Director, the fabulous, Wendi Cherry!
Thurs., Jan. 23rd - Several events happened on this day including the Lalah Hathaway outreach event, "A Song is Born" Legacy Concert, and the Will.i.am TRANS4M Concert at the Avalon. I noted two great moments from this day, including:
1) Being 5 feet from Lalah H. as she shared her voice. (Then she won a GRAMMY later in the week!!)
2) Hearing the genesis of the song "I Can't Make You Love Me” from the songwriters and then having Bonnie Raitt join them on stage to sing it! (At the legacy concert, ”A Song is Born.”)
Me and my colleague, Sara, at the Will.i.am concert.
The selfie for Shelley :)
Fri., Jan. 24th - ELI Luncheon, MusiCares Person of the Year dinner honoring Carole King, and Kiss-n-Grind. Friday moments to remember:
1) Alicia Keys killing it on "Natural Woman” in honor of Carole King.
2) Hearing the true voice of Lady Gaga as she shares an intimate version of "You've Got A Friend.”
3) Carole King and James Taylor together on stage performing with me in the same room, does life get any better?? :)
(And Ant joined in the fun as well, he was off to GRAMMY awards rehearsals for the day.)
Here are my colleagues and I at ELI
Ant and I, ready for the day's festivities!
I found Crescent at the Kiss-n-Grind party, so many people were there!
And what would the day be without a selfie for Shelley??
Sat., Jan. 25 - Special Merit Awards (where I was one of the escorts for the Isley Brothers, go Teaneck!!)
Conversation with the Isley Brothers? Priceless.
"hello Mr. Ernie Isley, my name is Kelley.”
"My brother's name is Kelly.”"
"Yes, and you should know that I grew up in Teaneck, NJ.”
"Aww, Teaneck!”
That was about the extent of it, but hey, I will take it!
And later that day...
"Um, so, I think I just watched the Beatles and the Isley Brothers receive lifetime achievement GRAMMY awards up close and personal. What is my life!?"
We took an ED pic before all the hoopla began. In the pic, from left to right, you see the EDs from New York, Philadelphia, LA, Pacific Northwest, DC, Memphis, and Nashville.
Sun., Jan. 26th - GRAMMY day! (By the time you get to Sunday you're already exhausted!)
GRAMMY day quotes from Kelley:
1) Live was the only way to experience Kendrick and Imagine Dragons. My hair was blown back!!
2) Some robots, two legends, and the 2014 producer of the year all together on the same stage!!!! (Daft Punk, Pharrel, Nile Rogers, and of course Stevie Wonder)
3) Carole King has awe'd me AGAIN! The duet with Sara B. was beautiful and only reinforced how I felt about Ms. King.
(here ya go Mom :)
That's my man, ain't he cute!?
Mon., Jan. 27 - as if we could take anymore...onto the Beatles special!
No pics here folks (I was tired alright!?) but some new found appreciation was happening:
Things that I have realized make the Beatles special:
1) Great songs. Lots of 'em. Lots and lots. Written by all 4 members.
2) Great musicianship among all 4 members.
3) Great vocals had by all 4 members.
4) Songs that had elements from every genre.
5) What looks like really great and close knit teamwork.
6) Did I mention great songs? Compelling yet simple and catchy lyrics. Interesting time signatures. Fabulous chord progressions (as stated by Stevie Wonder himself). Talk about a music education-thank you Academy!
That's all folks...until the next time!
I know it has been 4-EVER and I apologize profusely, life certainly has taken a very interesting turn for me in the last 6 months. For those that don't know, last August I accepted the position of Executive Director over the Los Angeles Chapter of the Recording Academy. For those that may doubt it even a little bit, I'm here to testify to the fact that God knows what He is doing! The position feels like it was handcrafted just for me, and the whole arc of my career over the last 10 years has led right to it. Words really can't express my gratitude, the position has been amazing so far. And now, on to the proof! :)
It's been hard to give everyone the play by play of just how magical GRAMMY week was, but thankfully I captured a few moments of each day by photo and in word to help sum up the fabulousness. (Many thanks to my mom for this, she insisted that I take selfies everyday. I wouldn't have otherwise!) Take a peek:
Mon., Jan 20th - the prep
Peep the hairstyle, this one should keep! Tues., Jan. 21st - the fun begins with the P&E Wing (Producers and Engineers Wing) party
I won't forget walking the "red carpet” at the P&E Wing party. Some of my LA Governors made me! (Not the ones pictured. It was two gentlemen and I think they wanted some arm candy :)-> This pic features two of my wonderful LA Chapter Board members, Tremaine Williams (music producer) and Amy Keys (vocalist).
Here you see me with the DC Chapter Executive Director, the fabulous, Wendi Cherry!
1) Being 5 feet from Lalah H. as she shared her voice. (Then she won a GRAMMY later in the week!!)
2) Hearing the genesis of the song "I Can't Make You Love Me” from the songwriters and then having Bonnie Raitt join them on stage to sing it! (At the legacy concert, ”A Song is Born.”)
Me and my colleague, Sara, at the Will.i.am concert.The selfie for Shelley :)
1) Alicia Keys killing it on "Natural Woman” in honor of Carole King.
2) Hearing the true voice of Lady Gaga as she shares an intimate version of "You've Got A Friend.”
3) Carole King and James Taylor together on stage performing with me in the same room, does life get any better?? :)
(And Ant joined in the fun as well, he was off to GRAMMY awards rehearsals for the day.)
Here are my colleagues and I at ELI
Sat., Jan. 25 - Special Merit Awards (where I was one of the escorts for the Isley Brothers, go Teaneck!!)
"hello Mr. Ernie Isley, my name is Kelley.”
"My brother's name is Kelly.”"
"Yes, and you should know that I grew up in Teaneck, NJ.”
"Aww, Teaneck!”
That was about the extent of it, but hey, I will take it!
And later that day...
"Um, so, I think I just watched the Beatles and the Isley Brothers receive lifetime achievement GRAMMY awards up close and personal. What is my life!?"
We took an ED pic before all the hoopla began. In the pic, from left to right, you see the EDs from New York, Philadelphia, LA, Pacific Northwest, DC, Memphis, and Nashville.
Sun., Jan. 26th - GRAMMY day! (By the time you get to Sunday you're already exhausted!)
GRAMMY day quotes from Kelley:
1) Live was the only way to experience Kendrick and Imagine Dragons. My hair was blown back!!
2) Some robots, two legends, and the 2014 producer of the year all together on the same stage!!!! (Daft Punk, Pharrel, Nile Rogers, and of course Stevie Wonder)
3) Carole King has awe'd me AGAIN! The duet with Sara B. was beautiful and only reinforced how I felt about Ms. King.
Mon., Jan. 27 - as if we could take anymore...onto the Beatles special!
No pics here folks (I was tired alright!?) but some new found appreciation was happening:
Things that I have realized make the Beatles special:
1) Great songs. Lots of 'em. Lots and lots. Written by all 4 members.
2) Great musicianship among all 4 members.
3) Great vocals had by all 4 members.
4) Songs that had elements from every genre.
5) What looks like really great and close knit teamwork.
6) Did I mention great songs? Compelling yet simple and catchy lyrics. Interesting time signatures. Fabulous chord progressions (as stated by Stevie Wonder himself). Talk about a music education-thank you Academy!
That's all folks...until the next time!
posted by Kelley Nicole @ 10:30 PM
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