Grammy Party Mary J Blige Belvadere Red - H 2012
Christopher Polk/Getty ImagesEach year the grammys offer a twist on the classic question, what’s a good party without music? In this case: What’s a music awards show without a good party?
If 2012 is any indication, the celebrating is as important as the trophy collecting. More than a dozen Grammy-related parties are set to take over Los Angeles in the nights leading up to (and after) the Feb. 12 event at the Staples Center.
Looking for swank and exclusive? Clive Davis‘ gala leads the list (he deserves a lifetime achievement award just for keeping it going since 1976). Feeling hip-hop deprived? Head to the Cash Money bash and mingle with the likes of Lil Wayne, Nicki Minaj and Drake. Tip your hat to Paul McCartney at MusiCares or see Cee Lo Green at SLS.
Commingling with the music stars will be NBA players, politicians, financiers (look for Facebook billionaire Sean Parker to make the rounds) and Hollywood heavies. It’s awards season, all right.
Find a comprehensive list of Hollywood Grammy parties below. (All events are by invitation only unless otherwise noted.)
Thursday, Feb. 9
Mary J. Blige Preparty
Avalon, 1737 N. Vine St.
The nine-time Grammy winner will perform at a late-night private concert hosted by (Belvedere) Red. The event will raise money for the Global Fund to help fight AIDS/HIV in Africa. Chelsea Handler, Lionel Richie, Adam Levine, Paris Hilton and Afrojack are slated to appear. Blige is due to hit the stage at 11 p.m.
Will.I.Am’s Trans4m Concert
Hollywood Palladium, 7060 Hollywood Blvd.
The Black Eyed Peas frontman hosts friends and fellow musicians (rumored to play: Stevie Wonder) at the historic Hollywood live music venue. (9 p.m. – 2 a.m.)
14th Annual Music Preservation Project’s “One Night Only: A Celebration of the Live Music Experience
Saban Theater, 8440 Wilshire Blvd.
Sharon Osbourne hosts a night of performances by Tyrese, Dave Koz and Ledisi, Robert Cray, Jonny Lang, Mavis Staples and Trombone Shorty. Reception follows performances at 9 p.m.
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Friday, Feb. 10
MusiCares Person of the Year Gala
1201 S. Figueroa St.
The annual dinner and tribute concert, which benefits musicians in need, will honor Paul McCartney. On the bill: Tony Bennett, Foo Fighters and Neil Young. Comedian Eddie Izzard hosts. (7 p.m.)
Interscope Records’ High Tea and Champagne
Soho House, 9200 Sunset Blvd.
The label’s artists and executives debut a new slate of talent including Mindless Behavior, Cassie, K’Naan and American Idol’s Haley Reinhart. (4 p.m. – 7 p.m.)
Friends ‘N’ Family
Stage 5 of Paramount Lot, 5555 Melrose
Celebrating its 15th year, the confab hosted by executives, songwriters and music industry luminaries for executives, songwriters and music industry luminaries takes over a soundstage on the famous Paramount lot. DJ sets by Fitz and Noelle of Fitz and the Tantrums, Robyn and J Devil aka Jonathan Davis are on deck. Among the named printed on the invite: Dr. Luke, Max Martin, Peter Paterno, Richard Palmese, Larry Rudolph, Ian Montone and Jeff Kwatinetz. Admission by hard ticket only. (9 p.m. to 2 a.m.)
OK Weekly’s Pre-Grammy Event
TRU Hollywood, 1600 N. Argyle
Flo-Rida and American Idol’s Pia Toscano perform at the magazine’s music celebration. (8 p.m. – 11 p.m.)
Friday Night Lights
The Beverly Lounge, 8713 Beverly Blvd
J Cole performs at the Showcase PR and Dreamville-hosted bash. (9 p.m. – 2 a.m.)
PHOTOS: 2012 Grammy Parties: Star-Studded Bashes Leading Up to Music’s Big Night
Saturday, Feb. 11
Primary Wave / Violator Brunch
SLS, 465 S. La Cienega Blvd.
Benjy Grinberg of Rostrum Records and attorney John Branca will be honored poolside for this morning event hosted by the recently merged Primary Violator’s president Michael Blue Williams and CEO Chris Lighty. (10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.)
Gucci’s ‘Music Through Time’ Event with Jennifer Hudson
Grammy Museum, 800 W. Olympic
The Oscar-winning actress and singer will celebrate the launch of the Grammy Museum watch with a special “musical presentation.” (11 a.m.)
ASCAP’s Rhythm and Soul Grammy Brunch
Sunset Tower, 8730 Sunset Blvd.
The third annual celebration of all things rhythm will be attended by L.A. Reid, Natasha Bedingfield, Anthony Hamilton and Kelly Rowland. (11 a.m.)
Roc Nation Brunch
Soho House, 9200 Sunset Blvd.
Roc Nation founder Jay-Z hosts his annual pre-Grammy event from 12 to 4?p.m. in West Hollywood. Samantha Ronson deejays for guests from across the entertainment industry. On the list: Epic’s L.A. Reid, Cheryl Cole, Ryan Seacrest, nominee Katy Perry, Roc Nation artists Rihanna and J.?Cole, Ludacris and Rashida Jones. The big question: Will Beyonce show?
Primary Wave’s Pre-Grammy Party
SLS, 465 S. La Cienega
The music publisher’s client Cee Lo Green is the guest of honor at this fete held in Bazaar restaurant’s garden and co-hosted by Brand Synergy Group. (6 p.m. – 10 p.m.)
Clive Davis Pre-Grammy Gala and Salute to Industry Icons Honoring Sir Richard Branson
The Beverly Hilton, 9876 Wilshire Blvd.
If the Grammys are music’s biggest night, then Clive Davis’ annual preshow gala has to be a close second. This year’s event honors British business magnate Richard Branson at a sit-down dinner with performances by top stars from the Sony Music roster (where Davis is chief creative officer) and beyond. On deck for 2012: a bow by Brandy and Monica, who recently reteamed for the song “It All Belongs to Me” (they had a No. 1 hit with 1998’s “The Boy Is Mine” under Davis’ watch) and a medley by The Kinks’ Ray Davies. As for guests, expect a who’s who of VIPs from music, film and politics including Sony execs Doug Morris and Reid, artists Whitney Houston, Diana Ross, Missy Elliott, Jennifer Hudson and Britney Spears and gala regular L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. “It’s a surreal, fantabulous night,” says American Idol alum and repeat attendee Jordin Sparks. “Being there is a big deal.” (7 p.m. – midnight)
Roots Jam
House of Blues, 8430 Sunset Blvd.
Past performers of the annual jam session include Jay-Z, Beyonce, Norah Jones, Cee-Lo, Queen Latifah, Matisyahu and many others. Expect a rockin’ good time hosted by Jimmy Fallon’s house band, who are nominated this year for best traditional R&B performance. (8 p.m.)
Ne-Yo’s Midnight Brunch
Supper Club, 6675 Hollywood Blvd.
“Chic attire” is requested and a special live performance promised for this fourth annual late-night hang sponsored by R&B star and hit-maker Ne-Yo and Compound Entertainment. (11 p.m. – 3 a.m.)
Sunday, Feb. 12
Diddy’s ‘Fame at the Mansion’ Postparty
Playboy Mansion
The mogul hosts a hang and fashion show at Hugh Hefner’s Holmby Hills pad. Black tie dress code is strictly enforced. (8 p.m.)
VEVO/Nike Postparty
Soho House, 9200 Sunset Blvd.
DJ Cassidy and Questlove will spin at the music video service’s ultra-private affair, where Chris Brown, Eminem and Ne-Yo are expected to attend. (9:30 p.m.)
Google Music/Red Light Management Postparty
The Family Crest, a band from Google’s new indie artist-focused Magnified program, and an acoustic performance by Switchfoot provides the entertainment at a private home in the hills. (9 p.m.)
EMI Postparty
Capitol Tower, 1750 N. Vine St.
No matter how many of its 31 Grammy noms the label group wins, the post-show celebrations will go on at the Capitol building, where EMI is hosting a carnival-themed bash. Perry attended in 2011 and, with two noms this year, is expected to party alongside labelmates David Guetta, Coldplay and Lady Antebellum as well as EMI execs Roger Faxon, Dan McCarroll, Greg Thompson and Don Was. (9 p.m.)
Warner Music Grammy Postparty
Chateau Marmont, 8221 Sunset Blvd.
Promising a surprise performance, Warner Music’s “intimate” affair doubles as a coming-out party of sorts for Len Blavatnik, whose Access Industries acquired WMG in 2011. Chairman Lyor Cohen and hotelier Andre Balazs serve as co-hosts to Grammy-nominee guests such as Bruno Mars, up for album of the year, and best rap song contender Wiz Khalifa. (9 p.m.)
Three Six Zero / Roc Nation All-Star Charity Concert
House of Blues, 8430 Sunset Blvd.
Rihanna, Deadmau5, Calvin Harris and Sebastian Ingrosso of Swedish House Mafia are set to take the stage at this special show to benefit the Children’s Orthapaedic Center and Mark Taper-Johnny Mercer Artists Program at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. Tickets may be purchased online at Ticketmaster. (9 p.m.)
