Local Grammy Chapter Celebrates With Steve Cole, Dan Wilson and Donald Lawrence

Wednesday night the Recording Academy Chicago Chapter, the organization internationally known for the Grammy awards, held its annual membership celebration at Hotel Sax. The event provided an opportunity to pass along updates from the national office on academy initiatives, including their fight for for performance royalties for terrestrial radio play, and brought together music industry professionals from every genre for one night. From burgeoning R&B artists to Grammy award winners, plus representatives from other areas of the music industry, more than 300 people attended the event.

Vice Chair of the Recording Academy’s board of trustees, Neil Tesser, served as MC between sets by Chicago Chapter board members. Saxophone player Steve Cole, who gave a shout-out to Columbia College attendees (he also serves as Coordinator/Faculty Advisor for the school’s Music Business division) launched the performances. His adult contemporary jazz offerings included a song inspired by Curtis Mayfield. Minneapolis native and Grammy recipient Dan Wilson, most known for his time with the band Semisonic, offered up his folk-tinged solo material from Free Life, which included a sing along of “All Kinds” and “Against History.”

The respected Gospel producer, singer and Grammy winner Donald Lawrence was accompanied by seven gospel singers for a rousing performance. Joined by DeWayne Woods, whose hit gospel song “Let Go” was also performed, Lawrence had attendees on their feet moving to songs such as “The Best is Yet To Come” and “The Blessing Of Abraham.”

“Our annual Membership Celebration is a time for members of the Midwest music scene to come together to celebrate and unite the community,” Tera Healy, Executive Director of the Chicago chapter, told Paste:Local. “The evening was shared by everyone from our student members to our longtime members, gospel to rock to classical, all under one roof. It really showcased the strength and diversity of the Chicago music scene."

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