*I'm trying to make this blog as organized as possible, thus I'll be uploading under certain themes if my posts pertain to them. The first theme is called "Memories Last A Lifetime", which basically, will be me sharing memories of mine. (I did read in this book, that whenever someone says "basically" in the music business - they are lying. I promise I'm not lying about these memories). *
For years, I've watched this grand awards ceremony/show called the Grammys (maybe you have heard of it), on tv. Every year, it's the same thought - "Dang... the ticket Jay-Z sent me must have gotten lost or stolen in the mail" haa. Na, really - I always wanted to walk the red carpet, be inside that building along side the most talented musicians and artists, and finally become part of the "Grammy Family". As music has become a greater part of my life, thoughts of being at the Grammys evolved to performing and winning a Grammy, as the thoughts went from being annually to now daily. Well ladies and gentlemen, these past few years, dreams have slowly became a reality.
Last year for the 50th Grammys, I was lucky enough to be able to go behind the scenes, and witness the different performers rehearse days before the show. I witnessed Alicia Keys, John Mayer and the Foo Fighters practicing their sets. But, before I get ahead of myself - to be in that building just during rehearsals was incredible enough. I felt that I am slowly reaching my aspirations. But, watching the nominee's names on the LED screens across the Arena as they practiced, sent chills up my spine. The thought that one day, just one day, that can be my name up on that LED screen...How legit would that be?! My friend Amanda (who's an artists herself) and I both thought the same thing - we wanted to have our names on that LED screen, and we both said "next year, we're going to be at the Grammys!"In fact, I tried to buy tickets for the grammys right after, but they don't sell them online (explain later), and the ones that are online - cost a fortune. But my friend Elijah and I both made a pact that we'd be at the Grammys the following year (2009).
Flash forward 10 months, December 2008, when I touched down back in the Bay for X-mas break, I saw a letter laying on my table, and decided to open it. There in that envelope, was an Invitation (from the Recording Academy itself) to the 51st Grammys. Now - if you dont know who the Recording Academy is - they are the ones who put on the Grammys, MusicCares foundation, etc. etc. (they the big guns in the music industry). Anyways - I was excited - but here's the kicker - They invite you to go, but you still have to pay for your tickets (lame!). The invitation is what allows someone to buy a ticket for the Grammys, but they are very strict about the tickets you buy. You can't re-sell them (you sign contracts when you pick them up), you have to show ID, sit down one on one with somebody from the academy and discuss all the rules etc. just to pick up your tickets (very strict rules - especially the no cameras policy). But as you can guess, I went ahead and bought 2 tickets - had to stay true to Elijah's and my pact.
The Invitation
The Ticket Prices
Weeks before the show, Elijah unfortunately had to pull out of going for certain reasons, thus leaving me with an open ticket. That weekend I was heading up to Santa Barbara to surprise my friend Jessa for her 20th birthday, and it's then I decided I'd try to give her a priceless birthday present. She gladly accepted - and it was on!
See what I had to Deal With?!
Jessa & I - Tickets in Hand
Despite a rough start, making sure Jessa got down to LA on time - and she did, but not without a bit of stress and missed trains haa, we made it to the Grammys an hour before show time. Evander Holyfield walked right behind us while standing in line to get into the Staples Center, as Aziz Ansari (comedian/actor - the intern on the newest season of scrubs that Dr. Cox fired) walked right past us, and of course I cant go anywhere without seeing Ron Jeremy it seems (he sat behind me at the Grammy Nominations Live Television Concert that aired in November - thats another story in it's own).
Continuing on - the show was amazing - and I stayed true to myself - I was at the Grammys the next year. Jessa and I definitely enjoyed ourselves - except for 3 1/2 hours sitting there starving (didnt eat before hand, and they shut the McDonald's window inside the arena as we were next in line - sayin we had to goto our seats the show was starting). But, the vibe and everything was amazing. It's definitely something worth experiencing, and it's a memory that's timeless. I cant fully explain it, definitely hard to explain such emotions and awestruck - granted it was surreal. Since its been weeks since the show - I'll just say the "Rap Pack", Radiohead, Coldplay, and U2's performances were straight legit. The winners could had been different in my opinion, but understand who the voters are, and it all makes sense. Well, the show ends, we met up with Amanda (one sat with at the 50th rehearsals, yeah we both went this year), then Jessa and I were on our way to pig out on some sushi (Fat Fish!), and then some pinkberry.
During the Show (Had to use camera on phone)
The night ends as Jessa drove off back to Santa Barbara, and the Grammys end on the TV telecast (for west coast). The experience I anticipated for years, was now over, gone - just like that. I can only say that if Im invited again next year, I'm going to go even bigger, and hopefully taking more people along with me for the ride! haa.
Last thing I want to say to you fam - nearly two years ago (just thinking senior year of high school) I would have never thought I'd be anywhere near the Grammys. A half year after I graduate I'm already at the rehearsals, and at that point it's like - man it'd be surreal to actually be at the Grammys. Well, a year later Im there at the Grammys. Now, what's going to happen the next year? Nominated? Year after - win? After that - rock the stage? I dont know, time will tell - but I want you all to know that Dreams do come true! I've already experienced it - and I know that if you work hard at it - you too will be where ya'll want to be. Aspirations will be attained, but always remember - it all happens in due time. Thanks fam - keep striving for what you love!
Outside the Staple's Center Waiting in line to go inside
After the Show - inside Staples Center
No comments:
Post a Comment