Pre-Grammy Benefit Gets Jam Session Lounge

February 26, 2003

The Edison Preservation Foundation benefit reminded music industry folks that there would be no Grammy awards—or even a music industry—if Thomas Edison never invented the phonograph 125 years ago. Produced by Marni Larkin of Winnipeg-based event company Sales Oxygen and Shawn Ellis of Nez Entertainment, the benefit featured designer Preston Bailey's take on a jam session lounge inside the Rainbow Room. Bailey hung glass lanterns above the dance floor and filled the space with lounge furniture from Props for Today. The main ballroom was decorated with blowups of old Edison advertisements and more lounge furniture, and giant ice bars from Ice Art showcased event sponsor Grey Goose's cocktails. Entertainment for the invited guests (including more than 100 past Grammy winners) included a jam session with sets by Darius Rucker of Hootie & the Blowfish and Max Weinberg of Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band.

—Suzanne Ito

At the Edison Preservation Foundation's 125th birthday celebration of Thomas Edison's phonograph, blowups of old Edison advertisements decorated the Rainbow Room.

At the Edison Preservation Foundation's 125th birthday celebration of Thomas Edison's phonograph, blowups of old Edison advertisements decorated the Rainbow Room.

Preston Bailey suspended glass lanterns above the dance floor to give the Pavillion Room a relaxed, loungey environment.

Preston Bailey suspended glass lanterns above the dance floor to give the Pavillion Room a relaxed, loungey environment.

The decor also featured large lamps decorated with faux red flower petals and original paintings by artist Nick San Pedro.

The decor also featured large lamps decorated with faux red flower petals and original paintings by artist Nick San Pedro.

The evening's performances took over a jam session area set up with instruments and audio equipment.

The evening's performances took over a jam session area set up with instruments and audio equipment.

This seating area, courtesy of planner Jade & Joy Events, includes the white midcentury sofa ($375), rust orange swivel chair set ($250), large jute rug ($175), and slatted midcentury coffee table ($90), available from Something Vintage.

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