Grammy Awards 2015: The Ultimate Party Guide
Before stars like Madonna, Tony Bennett, Lady Gaga, John Legend, Pharrell Williams and Sam Smith famously take the stage — many in unlikely combinations — at the 57th Annual Grammy Awards on Feb. 8, a series of preliminary events will toast the music community. Here’s a look at who to see, what to do and where to seek utmost auditory indulgence in the days leading up to “music’s biggest night.”
Monday, Feb. 2
The Roots Jam Session – 10 p.m., The Hotel Café
This spirited annual stage show pairs big name performers with vibrant musical backing from The Roots. Kicking things off with John Legend and will.i.am on Monday, this year’s Grammy week showcase will continue with Miguel and Floetry on Tuesday; Nico & Vinz and Mayer Hawthorne on Wednesday; and K. Michelle, YG and LeCrae on Thursday.
Tuesday, Feb. 3
The Grammy Foundation’s Grammy Camp: Jazz Session – 7 p.m., Spaghettini and the Dave Koz Lounge
The chic music lounge’s co-owners Dave Koz (a nine-time Grammy-nominated saxophonist) and Cary Hardwick team up with young artists from the Grammy Camp summer program to produce a lively jazz experience. For tickets, call 310-424-4600.
The Recording Academy Producers & Engineers Wing’s Grammy Week Event – 7:30 p.m., The Village Recording Studios
Nile Rodgers (whose hit single “Le Freak” was just inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2014) will be honored in the eighth installment of this annual homage to production and sound quality. EDM DJ and producer Avicii, plus Grammy winners like Al Jarreau, Ledisi, Slash, Rick Rubin, Jody Watley and “Weird Al” Yankovic, will add some musical star power.
Wednesday, Feb. 4
Grammy Connect – 5 p.m., YouTube Space L.A.
Social media pros and experts unite to discuss new technology-based tools – over tunes by Pentatonix and Us The Duo.
Reed Smith Grammy Event – 7 p.m., The Sayers Club
Arkade, the new label launched by Kaskade, will curate a series of musical performances (from Amtrac, CID, Justin Jay and more) at this special awards soiree hosted by Reed Smith LLP, which provides legal counsel to artists.
Blue Note Records and Sonos Grammy Celebration – 7 p.m., Capitol Records
Sonos Studio, the acoustically enhanced listening space, is celebrating 75 years of Capitol’s jazz label, Blue Note Records, by lighting the Capitol Records building blue. The evening will feature performances by the Robert Glasper Experiment and Q-Tip.
Grammy in the Schools Live! – 7:30 p.m., Club Nokia
Five-time Grammy nominee Hunter Hayes takes the stage at this annual event aligning industry veterans with L.A. high school students, for which you can purchase tickets here.
For the Love of R&B, For the Love of Whitney Tribute – 9 p.m., Private
The Houston family — along with Faith Evans, Ginuwine and Isaiah Washington — will be present at Kelly Price and Sang Girl Inc.’s second annual all-star tribute to icon Whitney Houston. Price, Evans, Ginuwine and guests, including Eric Benet, Antonique Smith, Kenny Lattimore, Avery Sunshine, Goapele, Boney James, B.Slade and many more, will pay their respects in musical performances.
Aloe Blacc Private Party – 10 p.m., The Nice Guy
The singer, who artfully blends folk, soul and pop, will perform favorites from his Grammy-nominated album “Lift Your Spirit” at this invitation-only Citi card member event produced by The h.wood Group and John Terzian.
Thursday, Feb. 5
The Recording Academy’s Grammy Brunch – 11 a.m., The Redbury Hotel
Leading industry names will take over the library level of sbe’s hip Hollywood hotel for an official Grammy kickoff meal.
Mississippi Night – 5 p.m., The Grammy Museum
This sixth annual shindig honors nominees and artists from the soulful states of Louisiana and Mississippi.
CAA Music Partnerships Pre-Grammy Cocktail Reception – The CAA Offices
Sponsors and VIP guests attending the high profile talent agency’s private cocktail party will experience intimate performances by Nick Jonas and Hunter Hayes.
will.i.am’s Annual Grammy Week Fundraiser – 6 p.m., The Future in Hollywood
will.i.am and his ample supporters are back at it to benefit the after-school programs in Boyle Heights/East LA operated by the i.am.angel foundation. Moby will perform a riveting acoustic set during the intimate 200-person dinner, a format different from the thousand-person concerts of the past.
Canadian Grammy Night – 6 p.m., The Canadian Residence
Chantal Kreviazuk, Yukon Blonde and In-Flight Safety will show their stuff at this annual ode to Canadian music hosted by the Consul General of Canada.
Google Play and Rolling Stone Grammy Event – 7 p.m., El Rey Theatre
Grammy-nominated artists Childish Gambino and The Weeknd, plus DJ Samantha Ronson, will help the magazine celebrate their collaboration with Google Play Newsstand.
Los Angeles Confidential Celebrates John Legend – 7 p.m., The Beverly Hills Hotel
Stars like Ava DuVernay and Common will join LAC in honoring recent Golden Globe winner and current Grammy nominee John Legend, who already has five wins to his name, and is earning much acclaim for “All of Me.”
ESSENCE Black Women in Music – 7 p.m., Avalon Hollywood
Superstar performers Chaka Khan, Brandy, MC Lyte and Lianne La Havas, and honoree Jill Scott, will help honor black artists and moments from the magazine’s 45-year history.
Lean on Me: A Celebration of Music and Philanthropy – 7:30 p.m., Wilshire Ebell Theatre
Grammy winners such as Melissa Etheridge, Cyndi Lauper, Willie Nelson and John Mellencamp — along with current nominees including Robin Thicke and Aloe Blacc — are on the prestigious performance roster for this 17th Annual Grammy Foundation Legacy Concert.
Delta Air Lines’ Private Pre-Grammy Celebration – 7:30 p.m., Soho House
The official airline of the 57th Annual Grammy Awards once again welcomes special guests to the exclusive WeHo members club, which will be transformed into a festive party arena complete with cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, travel decor and dance floor. Last year, musical guest Lorde gave a long, up-close performance, and this year, two-time Grammy-nominated artist Charli XCX will entertain.
Lorde performs at Delta Air Lines’ 2014 pre-Grammy celebration at Soho House.
Whole Foods & Whole Planet Foundation’s Pre-Grammy Bash – 7:30 p.m., OHM Nightclub
An eclectic mix of musicians (Soulja Boy, Cara Quici, Richie Ramone), actors and a champion boxer or two will give this pre-Grammy party some punch.
Turn It Up For Change Benefit – 8 p.m., W Hollywood
Support marriage equality at this extravagant show and after-party for the Human Rights Campaign hosted by Kelly Osbourne, Chad Michaels, Jack Mizrahi and Legendary Damon – featuring a special performance by campaign ambassador Jennifer Hudson.
Nick Jonas hosts the New Z Zegna Launch – 8 p.m., 9045 Nemo St.
The beloved musician celebrates Ermenegildo Zegna’s new line alongside GQ and DJ Brendan Fallis.
Hit-Boy’s Official Pre-Grammy Black Tie Soiree – 8 p.m., Private Location
Diddy, Kendrick Lamar, Wale, Santigold, M.I.A., Skrillex, Pusha T, Zendaya and Brandy are just some of the big names who’ll don black tie attire for this exclusive affair sponsored by G-Shock. Hit-Boy, who is celebrating three Grammy nominations, will also unveil his new House of Hit luxury studio space (which may even play host to a rumored appearance by Jay-Z).
Snoop Dogg and Levi’s Pre-Grammy Party – 9 p.m., Hollywood Palladium
Snoop and some top-secret friends are sure to put on a memorable show at the annual Levi’s event which last year lured out a large crowd for Miguel.
Friday, Feb. 6
ASCAP and Sonos Celebrate Lee Ann Womack – 5 p.m., Sonos Studio
The past Grammy winner and current Grammy-nominated country artist will discuss her writing process and inspirations before treating guests to an intimate performance.
MusiCares – 5:30 p.m., L.A. Convention Center
Bob Dylan will be anointed as 2015 MusiCares Person of the Year at the star-studded tribute concert, where famed artists including Beck, The Black Keys, Norah Jones, Willie Nelson, Bonnie Raitt, Eddie Vedder, Neil Young and Jack White will grace the stage. Proceeds from this 25th annual gala (consisting of a reception, auction, dinner and tribute) will benefit the MusiCares foundation, which supports artists in times of need.
Lady Gaga and Gloria Estefan catch up at the 2014 MusiCares gala.
Samsara in L.A.: A Celebration – 6:30 p.m., The Continental Club
Award-winning South African flutist and composer Wouter Kellerman and Indian composer and producer Ricky Kej will be toasting their debut collaboration, “Winds of Samsara,” nominated in the Grammy category of Best New Age Album of the Year.
“THE SOIREE” – 8:30 p.m., House of Blues
The Foundation Room of this legendary music venue will host over 200 Grammy voting members, along with past Grammy winners and current nominees (who’ll be giving 20 short performances). Expect to see support from Bobby Brown, “X-Factor” winner Melanie Amaro, Brian McKnight, Carmen Electra and more.
PALO! Concert – 8:30 p.m., Catalina Bar and Grill
The Grammy-nominated Afro-Cuban funk band once again intends to pack the house in honor of their 2015 nomination for Best Tropical Latin Album.
Tom Windish, Jesse Lee and Friends’ Grammy Celebration – 9 p.m., The Figueroa Hotel
The Windish Agency founder Tom Windish and The dFm founder Jesse Lee — who’ve put on powerhouse events like the Lollapalooza artist brunch at Soho House Chicago — have teamed up with KCRW music director Jason Bentley, producer/composer Ludwig Goransson and manager at Roc Nation Jon Lieberberg for this ultimate industry bash. Haim and Childish Gambino will perform DJ sets, and the invite list is sure to make use of the hosts’ stellar rolodexes.
GEM the App with Fame Music’s Pre-Grammy Benefit – 10 p.m., Soho House
GEM the App, Fame Music and theAudience — along with host Skrillex and myriad Grammy-winning guests — join forces to help build schools and music departments in Africa via Made in Africa and Bridges for Music organizations. A roster of munificent talent, including A-Trak, Adrian Grenier, Arctic Monkeys, Calvin Harris, Chrissy Teigen, Diplo, Frank Ocean, Ian Somerhalder, Jamie Foxx, John Legend, Nikki Reed and Grammy-nominated artists Bernhoft and Duke Dumont will enjoy cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and prime penthouse views.
Saturday, Feb. 7
The MojaMoja Brunch & Benefit Concert – 11 a.m., Private Residence
This seventh annual fundraiser — hosted by 89.9 KCRW DJs Aaron Byrd and Anthony Valadez, and honoring Grammy winner Nile Rodgers — will feature a guest DJ set by Nick Waterhouse and a worldly lineup of international artists including The Internet, Taylor McFerrin and Moses Sumney. Tickets to the brunch (and subsequent after-party at Avalon) will support youth education and job counseling.
Only In Louisiana Brunch – 11 a.m., the Conga Room
Chefs John Besh and Wolfgang Puck are showing some culinary love to the 19 Louisiana artists nominated for Grammys, as well as the ones being honored with Lifetime Achievement awards and earning Grammy Hall of Fame status. Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne and some special Grammy-nominated performers will also be on hand.
Roc Nation Grammy Brunch – 12 p.m., Private Residence
Rihanna, Ed Sheeran and other massive musical stars will join host Jay-Z for a delectable feast prepared by sbe Catering at his fifth annual pre-Grammy brunch (which has previously brought out buddies from Charlize Theron to Will Smith to Beyonce, of course). Last year’s coveted event took place at a $135 million Beverly Hills estate, which served as a backdrop in films like “The Godfather” and “The Bodyguard.”
ASCAP Grammy Nominee Brunch – 12:30 p.m., SLS Hotel
Past attendees of this starry brunch hosted by The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) include Ozzy Osbourne and Jermaine Dupri, and this year, notables like Lee Ann Womack, Kelly Price, Melanie Fiona, Keke Palmer, Antonique Smith and Malcolm-Jamal Warner will gather to celebrate fellow Grammy-nominated members.
BMI’s Annual “How I Wrote that Song” Panel – 12:30 p.m., 1OAK
Music rights management leader Broadcast Music, Inc. has assembled a panel of music authorities including Rick Ross, Ester Dean, David Hodges, Mannie Fresh and Nathalie Hemby to talk writing, recording and performing popular hits.
Universal Music Group’s Artist Showcase – 1 p.m., The Theatre at Ace Hotel
Moving to a new location, UMG Chairman and CEO Lucian Grainge’s all-star lineup of surprise performers will include both breaking talent and some of the label’s most established and beloved artists. This year’s super-sized event is presented by Citi and American Airlines.
The Recording Academy’s Special Merit Awards Ceremony – 3 p.m., Wilshire Ebell Theatre
The Bee Gees, Pierre Boulez, Buddy Guy, George Harrison, Flaco Jiménez, The Louvin Brothers and Wayne Shorter will be the recipients of Lifetime Awards at The Recording Academy’s annual Grammy event. Trustees awards, Technical Grammy awards and Music Educator awards will also be presented, and members of Grammy Camp – Jazz session will provide some musical accompaniment.
Clive Davis and The Recording Academy’s Pre-Grammy Gala – 7 p.m., Beverly Hilton Hotel
Clive Davis’ famous industry fest on Grammy eve brings out a brigade of musical greats (such as Jennifer Hudson, Pharrell Williams, Miley Cyrus, Rihanna, Robin Thicke and Taylor Swift, last year). This year’s event, sponsored by Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Hyundai, JBL and MasterCard Worldwide, will include a roster of surprise performances and (as part of the 2015 Grammy Salute to Industry Icons) the presentation of the President’s Merit Award to SONY/ATV Music Publishing Chairman and CEO Martin Bandier.
Miley Cyrus commands the stage at Clive Davis’ 2014 Pre-Grammy Gala.
Kanema Kingston’s Pre-Grammy Soiree – 7 p.m., 6363 Hollywood Blvd
Kanema Kingston is kicking off the Grammy celebrating with her brother Sean Kingston, and some help from notable friends (like Chris Brown, Wiz Khalifa, Soulja Boy, French Montana, Meghan Trainor and more).
Hennessy Privilege and LL Cool J’s Dinner Celebrating Music’s Biggest Night – Hinoki & the Bird
The Grammy host routinely spends the evening before his big night sipping Hennessy at a decadent dinner with an assembly of friends (which has included Mark Cuban, Michael Bolton, Neil Patrick Harris, Laila Ali, Ashanti and Gene Simmons in years past).
Nielsen Entertainment’s Pre-Grammy Party – 8 p.m., Hyde Sunset Kitchen & Cocktails
Last year John Legend wowed the room, and this year, Bastille and Preservation Hall Jazz Band will perform at the second annual event honoring media, brands and entertainment.
BritWeek Celebrates the Grammy’s – 8 p.m., Hooray Henry’s
British musicians and industry VIPs (like Paul Oakenfold, Nigel Lythgoe, Rod Stewart, Billy Idol and the Osbournes) will celebrate “the best of British music” U.K.-style at this uniquely English-themed nightclub.
Primary Wave Pre-Grammy Party – 8 p.m., RivaBella
Jane Lynch plays host at this ninth annual Grammy event “celebrating the artist pursuit of greatness.” Cross Pens will gift luxury pens, perfect for songwriting, to creative guests (including CeeLo Green, Melissa Etheridge, Deborah Cox, Mayim Bialik and Phil Collen), and a virtual photo booth by FotoFwd will serve to capture memorable moments.
The American Society of Young Musicians – 9 p.m., Vaucluse Lounge
Young artists will enjoy networking, entertainment and a lavish dessert bar at ASYM’s 11th annual pre-Grammy event, held in the WeHo rock venue formerly home to Janis Joplin and Bob Dylan.
CAA Grammy Soiree – 9 p.m., Sunset Tower
The agency’s second of two coveted Grammy fetes will naturally feature a top-notch guest list.
Sunday, Feb. 8
SESAC Brunch – 12 p.m., Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills
Songwriter Bryan-Michael Cox’s annual brunch always attracts a starry crowd (Diddy, Swizz Beats and Ludacris, for instance) that proves fitting of this renowned Los Angeles hotel institution.
The 57th Annual Grammy Awards – 5 p.m., STAPLES Center
This year’s show promises new and inventive musical collaborations (“Grammy moments”), pairing together nominees and greats like Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga; Hozier and Annie Lennox; Jessie J and Tom Jones; and “The Voice’s” Adam Levine with fellow judge Gwen Stefani. Add in performances from AC/DC, Eric Church, Common with John Legend, Ariana Grande, Miranda Lambert, Madonna, Ed Sheeran, Sam Smith, Usher and Pharrell Williams — and two-time Grammy winner LL Cool J as returning host — and some serious musical history just might be made. The Grammy’s will air on CBS at 8 p.m. ET/PT.
The Tramps Presented By John Stamos and Dave Koz – 8 p.m., Spaghettini and the Dave Koz Lounge
As part of unofficial Grammy festivities, John Stamos and Mark Vogel present this boy band of Rat Pack-style crooners, who offer a modern twist on classical jazz.
Official Grammy After-Party – 8:30 p.m., L.A. Convention Center
This first party stop for Grammy award show-goers is themed “Passport to the World,” reviving the glamorous air and sea travel modes of the ‘20s and ‘30s. Grammy winner and current nominee Gloria Gaynor, Grammy nominee Jessie J, four-time Grammy winner Arturo Sandoval and DJ Michelle Pesce will provide the musical entertainment.
Universal Music Group Grammy After-Party – 8:30 p.m., Ace Hotel
Last year’s bash at the brand-new Ace brought out stars from Katy Perry to John Mayer to Lorde, and this year, Lucian Grainge — along with Citi and American Airlines — will once again celebrate UMG artists alongside industry notables (like Gwen Stefani, Nicki Minaj, Sam Smith and Anna Kendrick) at the historic Ace Theatre immediately following the awards show.
Kacey Musgraves, John Mayer and Katy Perry pose at the 2014 UMG Grammy after-party inside the storied theater at the Ace Hotel.
Pandora’s After-Party – Create Nightclub
Lil Jon will be manning the DJ booth at this red carpet post-Grammy affair presented by T-Mobile.
Republic’s After-Party – The Warwick
The label’s popular bash, at which Republic artists celebrate alongside partner label artists, is moving from 1Oak to this hot Hollywood nightspot.
Grammy After-Party – Blind Dragon
The new upscale WeHo karaoke joint is hosting a private event for Grammy-goers who are inspired to get musical.
Rock Against Trafficking & Sunset Marquis’ Grammy After-Party – 9 p.m., Exchange L.A.
The organization, which uses the power of the music world to fund charitable missions, is throwing an exclusive VIP party encompassing Exchange L.A.’s mezzanine, main floor and loft areas – where stars like Pierce Brosnan, Julia Roberts and Grammy nominees LeCrae, Kitaro and Lena Hall are slated to show.
Warner Music Group Grammy After-Party – 9 p.m., Chateau Marmont
A bounty of surprise performers and WMG artists (including Lily Allen, Josh Groban, Hunter Hayes, The Black Keys, Wiz Khalifa, Lykke Li, Icona Pop, Ed Sheeran, Blake Shelton, Trey Songz, Dwight Yoakam and Neil Young) will kick off the revelry post-broadcast. Juliette Lewis, John Legend, Jordin Sparks, will.i.am, Hans Zimmer, Paul Oakenfold and Ryan Phillippe are also scheduled to stop by the infamous Hollywood enclave to show support.
Kimberly Davis and Nile Rodgers rock the room at the 2014 Warner Music Group Grammy after-party at Sunset Tower.
Citi Presents Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga – 9:30 p.m., The Wiltern
The divergent musical icons come together for this special post-Grammy performance promoting their new collaborative jazz album, “Cheek to Cheek.”
GQ and Armani’s Grammy Party – 10 p.m., The Hollywood Athletic Club
This upscale collaboration, plus cocktails and eats provided by sbe Catering, promises a fashionable affair.
Tuesday, Feb. 10
“Stevie Wonder: Songs in the Key of Life — An All-Star Grammy Salute” – 9 p.m., Nokia Theater L.A. Live
The Grammy awards may be handed out, but the musical camaraderie continues. 25-time Grammy winner Stevie Wonder (the only artist to ever win Album of the Year for three out of four consecutive years) will be feted at this special event concert hosted by LL Cool J and featuring performances from Grammy nominees and all-stars including The Band Perry, Ariana Grande, Lady Gaga, John Legend, Janelle Monáe, Ed Sheeran and Usher. For tickets to the two-hour event, which will air on CBS Feb. 16 from 9-11 p.m. ET/PT, call 877.234.8425 or email tickets@aegworldwide.com.
Friday, Feb. 13
Post-Grammy Fundraiser with Don Felder – 6 p.m., Beverly Wilshire
The four-time Grammy winner and 2008 Grammy Hall of Fame inductee will be joined by Grammy winner Omar Akram, Brett Ratner and Billy Peterson at this pre-Valentine’s Day heart disease benefit for the Sheila Kar Health Foundation.
(Pictured: Jennifer Hudson and Pharrell Williams perform onstage during Clive Davis and The Recording Academy’s 2014 Pre-Grammy Gala.)
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