The National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (better known as NARAS), is the organization responsible for submitting, voting and awarding artists around the world with one the most prestigious music musical honors in the United States – The Grammy. In recent years, there have been complaints and growing theories that charge the process for selecting artists who are Grammy-worthy with being faulty, bias and slanted, but all in all, NARAAS is still well respected.
I’ve been a voting member of NARAS for close to 2 years and I find the activities they offer to be a great opportunity for networking and socializing with others who share similar interests. In the past, I’ve been almost opposed to attending these sorts of events in the past. Part of me feels like they’re just “who’s bigger than who in local and global music” kind of events (who cares?). The real leg work in the music business begins in the studio, extends to the stage and ends on the charts – then it starts all over again. Besides, I’ve just never been much of a party animal. Loud noise, congestion and pretentiousness all bother me individually so I’ve never thought to put them all together as my idea of a good time. Still, there is value in networking (which I admit is sometimes my weakness) and it’s about time I met that challenge.
Last night, I attended a NARAAS event at Tongue and Groove (an awesome venue by the way). As soon as I walked through the door, I was met with free food, live music and an incredible DJ! While making my rounds, I ran into (and chatted it up with) Brad (NARAAS), Capricceo (SESAC), Lisa (ASCAP), Brian Jennings (music manager) and Ted Winn (gospel artist). I found the live music performance from a group called, “VAVOOM” to be quite interesting. The rain ended the party early for me, but I’m glad I got a change to stop by for a while.
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