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  1. Production & Strategy
  2. Event Production & Fabrication

Grammys 2020: What You Missed at the Week's Coolest Parties

Despite a ceremony marked by tragedy and scandal, the Grammy Awards' biggest parties remained design forward—and star studded.

Claire Hoffman
January 28, 2020

The Recording Academy’s Grammy CelebrationThe first stop of the evening for many party-hoppers is the Recording Academy's official after-party, known as the Grammy Celebration. Held at the Los Angeles Convention Center immediately following Sunday’s award show, the 5,000-attendee event was produced by Branden Chapman, executive in charge of production and chief business development officer of the Recording Academy, along with Angel City Designs, which handled design, decor, and logistics.Photo: Sean Twomey/2me StudiosLOS ANGELES—The 62nd annual Grammy Awards were always going to be an awkward affair—and that was before N.B.A. superstar Kobe Bryant died in a helicopter crash just hours before the ceremony.

Not only had some of music’s biggest names (Taylor Swift, Drake, Beyoncé, and Lady Gaga, to name a few) planned to skip the January 26 event, but the Recording Academy was mired by its own tension: Just 10 days prior, C.E.O. Deborah Dugan was placed on administrative leave. Dugan, in turn, filed a discrimination claim alleging sexual harassment and a corrupt voting process.

Then on Sunday morning, the former Los Angeles Lakers star—who spent most of his 20-year career playing at the Staples Center, also home to the Grammys—passed away in a crash that also killed his daughter and seven others. Comparisons were made to Whitney Houston’s unexpected death the day before the 2012 ceremony, when producers scrambled to add a tribute to the six-time Grammy winner.

Bryant was honored at the start of the ceremony with a song from host Alicia Keys and Boyz II Men, and his jerseys were illuminated in the Staples Center throughout the evening. Many top artists skipped the red carpet entirely out of respect, and the venue’s surrounding areas were filled with thousands of fans who came out to mourn the athlete.

But the show, of course, went on. The broadcast—the final one from 40-year executive producer Ken Ehrlich—took a surprisingly nonpolitical tone, with presenters and winners largely avoiding addressing the Recording Academy controversy in favor of generic messages of unity and tributes to Bryant and the late L.A. rapper Nipsey Hussle. Teenage singer-songwriter Billie Eilish swept the night’s major categories, becoming the first artist to do so since Christopher Cross in 1981.

The after-parties, on the other hand, remained as glamorous as ever. Highlights included the Recording Academy’s own massive, North Africa-inspired bash, plus Steven Tyler’s star-studded viewing party that raised $2.4 million for his Janie’s Fund charity. Roc Nation, Warner Music Group, and Universal Music Group also hosted design-forward gatherings around town. Scroll down for a look inside these and other events from music's biggest week.

The Recording Academy’s Grammy Celebration
The Recording Academy’s Grammy Celebration
The first stop of the evening for many party-hoppers is the Recording Academy's official after-party, known as the Grammy Celebration. Held at the Los Angeles Convention Center immediately following Sunday’s award show, the 5,000-attendee event was produced by Branden Chapman, executive in charge of production and chief business development officer of the Recording Academy, along with Angel City Designs, which handled design, decor, and logistics.
Photo: Sean Twomey/2me Studios
This year's celebration was inspired by North Africa; it featured Moorish architectural details and a Morocco-inspired menu. Decor evolved throughout the evening, explained Chapman in a pre-event interview with BizBash. 'This year, we [started] with a more formal look and feel to the costuming and ambient performances inspired by the 1940s feel of Casablanca, then evolved into a more risqué nightlife as the evening progressed with more authentic present-day costumes and performers.'
This year's celebration was inspired by North Africa; it featured Moorish architectural details and a Morocco-inspired menu. Decor evolved throughout the evening, explained Chapman in a pre-event interview with BizBash. "This year, we [started] with a more formal look and feel to the costuming and ambient performances inspired by the 1940s feel of Casablanca, then evolved into a more risqué nightlife as the evening progressed with more authentic present-day costumes and performers."
Photo: Sean Twomey/2me Studios
The event's menu, which included four North Africa-inspired food stations, came from Top Chef winner Joe Flamm in partnership with Levy Restaurants. ShowPro handled lighting, audio, and video production, and Eggs&Bacon handled technical logistics.
The event's menu, which included four North Africa-inspired food stations, came from Top Chef winner Joe Flamm in partnership with Levy Restaurants. ShowPro handled lighting, audio, and video production, and Eggs&Bacon handled technical logistics.
Photo: Sean Twomey/2me Studios
Performances came from rock band Cheap Trick and Grammy-winner Gloria Gaynor; Grammy nominee Sara Gazarek and DJ Michelle Pesce also performed. E Plus Productions provided additional on-theme entertainment.
Performances came from rock band Cheap Trick and Grammy-winner Gloria Gaynor; Grammy nominee Sara Gazarek and DJ Michelle Pesce also performed. E Plus Productions provided additional on-theme entertainment.
Photo: Sean Twomey/2me Studios
Roc Nation's The Brunch
Roc Nation's The Brunch
Always a headline-grabbing event, entertainment agency Roc Nation’s annual brunch took place on Saturday at a private estate. The design-forward gathering drew a who’s-who of the music industry, including Beyoncé, Jay-Z, 21 Savage, the Jonas Brothers, Rihanna, and more. So Events designed and produced the brunch, using a colorful palette featuring bold burgundies and subtle blushes inspired by Spain. Inside the main tent were three oversize floral chandeliers, with flowers from Celio’s Design.
Photo: Courtesy of So Events
Guests entered the party through a series of floral archways, which led to a living garden ceiling with a mirrored walkway. Decor came from Revelry Event Designers, and rentals from Bright Event Rentals.
Guests entered the party through a series of floral archways, which led to a living garden ceiling with a mirrored walkway. Decor came from Revelry Event Designers, and rentals from Bright Event Rentals.
Photo: Courtesy of So Events
Outside the main tent was a Spanish fan garden installation, which created a go-to photo backdrop. The Spanish-inspired design also influenced the food offerings, which included a charcuterie station with Spanish olives and cheeses, plus artisanal churros with dipping chocolate. Partners this year included Modern Fidelity, Puma, Super Coffee, American Express, Saks Fifth Avenue, and DLA Piper; Wally’s and Cadillac also sponsored.
Outside the main tent was a Spanish fan garden installation, which created a go-to photo backdrop. The Spanish-inspired design also influenced the food offerings, which included a charcuterie station with Spanish olives and cheeses, plus artisanal churros with dipping chocolate. Partners this year included Modern Fidelity, Puma, Super Coffee, American Express, Saks Fifth Avenue, and DLA Piper; Wally’s and Cadillac also sponsored.
Photo: Courtesy of So Events
Steven Tyler's Grammy Awards Viewing Party
Steven Tyler's Grammy Awards Viewing Party
Another buzzy Sunday-night event was Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler’s third annual viewing party, which drew 500 people to Raleigh Studios in Hollywood. Presented by Live Nation and hosted by actor Terry Crews, the event raised more than $2.4 million for Janie's Fund, a nonprofit for girls dealing with abuse and neglect. The fund-raiser was produced by Virgina Fout of V Productions, with production design and lighting by 15/40 Productions.
Photo: Anna Webber/Getty Images for Janie's Fund
In addition to a four-course meal from Crumble Catering, the night featured a live auction, produced by AAB Productions, featuring artwork from the likes of Mr. Brainwash, Unapologetic, and Emmanuelle Rybojad. Rentals came from Town & Country Event Rentals, while Senovva provided audio and video and draping came from Dazian. Jackson Shrub provided the evening’s greenery.
In addition to a four-course meal from Crumble Catering, the night featured a live auction, produced by AAB Productions, featuring artwork from the likes of Mr. Brainwash, Unapologetic, and Emmanuelle Rybojad. Rentals came from Town & Country Event Rentals, while Senovva provided audio and video and draping came from Dazian. Jackson Shrub provided the evening’s greenery.
Photo: Anna Webber/Getty Images for Janie's Fund
The night featured a surprise performance from singer Gavin DeGraw; other performers included mentalist Lior Suchard and the Youth Villages African Drumming Group, which included girls supported by Janie’s Fund. Steven Tyler joined the gala after performing on the Grammys telecast with Aerosmith and Run DMC; the rock band was also honored as the 2020 MusiCares Person of the Year on Friday night.
The night featured a surprise performance from singer Gavin DeGraw; other performers included mentalist Lior Suchard and the Youth Villages African Drumming Group, which included girls supported by Janie’s Fund. Steven Tyler joined the gala after performing on the Grammys telecast with Aerosmith and Run DMC; the rock band was also honored as the 2020 MusiCares Person of the Year on Friday night.
Photo: Anna Webber/Getty Images for Janie's Fund
Warner Music Group's Pre-Grammy Celebration
Warner Music Group's Pre-Grammy Celebration
Warner Music Group celebrated its Grammy nominees at the Hollywood Athletic Club on Thursday night. The evening, which was sponsored by Citi and Absolut Juice, featured performances from Burna Boy and Lizzo; additional guests included Gwen Stefani, Blake Shelton, and Wiz Khalifa. The gathering was produced by Jason Morais, Warner Music’s senior vice president of global events, with Gina Wade Creative; the design team drew inspiration from the 1970s.
Photo: John Linden Photography
The Warner Music Group logo was creatively displayed throughout the space, including in a wall of neutral florals.
The Warner Music Group logo was creatively displayed throughout the space, including in a wall of neutral florals.
Photo: John Linden Photography
A “kaleidobooth” photo op also tied into the 1970s theme. Catering came from the NoMad Hotel, and Absolut Juice created specialty cocktails.
A “kaleidobooth” photo op also tied into the 1970s theme. Catering came from the NoMad Hotel, and Absolut Juice created specialty cocktails.
Photo: John Linden Photography
Instagram’s Grammy Luncheon
Instagram’s Grammy Luncheon
On Friday, Instagram threw a Grammys luncheon at Ysabel restaurant in West Hollywood. Celebrating women in music, the floral-heavy gathering was hosted by music industry executives Ethiopia Habtemariam, Sylvia Rhone, and Jacqueline Saturn, plus Billboard editor Gail Mitchell. The event was produced by Crown & Conquer.
Photo: Anna Webber/Getty Images for Instagram/Facebook
The colorful florals and Instagram branding continued throughout the space.
The colorful florals and Instagram branding continued throughout the space.
Photo: Anna Webber/Getty Images for Instagram/Facebook
Mastercard's Sonic Carnival
Mastercard's Sonic Carnival
To celebrate its first music single—”Merry Go Round,” performed by Swedish artist Nadine Randle—Mastercard created the “Sonic Carnival” on Thursday at the Fred Segal retail store in West Hollywood. The activation had a carnival theme produced by BMF.
Photo: Christopher Polk/Polk Imaging
Highlights included carnival-style games, a claw machine with prizes, a merry-go-round, an A.I. experience, fresh popcorn, and a palm reader.
Highlights included carnival-style games, a claw machine with prizes, a merry-go-round, an A.I. experience, fresh popcorn, and a palm reader.
Photo: Christopher Polk/Polk Imaging
Kristin Joy Public Relations handled PR and Polk Imaging handled content capture. An entire Mastercard album is due later this year.
Kristin Joy Public Relations handled PR and Polk Imaging handled content capture. An entire Mastercard album is due later this year.
Photo: Christopher Polk/Polk Imaging
Billboard's Power 100
Billboard's Power 100
Billboard celebrated its annual Power 100 list, which honors the music industry’s top executives, at NeueHouse on Thursday night. Shiraz Creative handled event design and production, while Stoelt Productions handled fabrication, rigging, and permitting.
Photo: Paul McKelvey/Vero Image
The event included performances from Jac Ross (pictured), Zsela, Tobi Lou, and more.
The event included performances from Jac Ross (pictured), Zsela, Tobi Lou, and more.
Photo: Paul McKelvey/Vero Image
Citi Sound Vault
Citi Sound Vault
Throughout the week, financial services company Citi hosted concerts for cardmembers at the Hollywood Palladium. Performers included Coldplay, Brittany Howard, Brandi Carlile, the Jonas Brothers, and the Roots. Fabricated oversize speakers with event branding served as a unique photo op for each performance.
Photo: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Citi
The Vanity Group’s Pre-Grammy Awards Dinner
The Vanity Group’s Pre-Grammy Awards Dinner
Karleen Roy, C.E.O. of event production agency the Vanity Group, hosted the inaugural Grit Before the Gram: The Soundtrack of Our Solidarity dinner at the Edition West Hollywood on Thursday. Designed to celebrate black women working behind the scenes in the music industry, the 150-guest gathering honored publicist Yvette Noel-Schure and songwriter and producer Nija Charles. The stage backdrop mixed florals, greenery, and disco balls.
Photo: Jerritt Clark/Getty Images for Grit Before the Gram
The florals and greenery continued to the event’s step-and-repeat.
The florals and greenery continued to the event’s step-and-repeat.
Photo: Jerritt Clark/Getty Images for Grit Before the Gram
Mack Sennett After-Party
Mack Sennett After-Party
Historic Silver Lake soundstage Mack Sennett Studios and Robin Nixon of production company Tecyes celebrated the year’s dance and electronic Grammy nominees on Sunday night. The second-ever edition of the event, which was sponsored by Bliss Molecules, featured performances by nominees Apparat, Bonobo, Meduza, and Tycho, plus a surprise set with Jon George of Rufus Du Sol and Bob Moses.
Photo: Graham John Bell for Tecyes Events
Spotify's Best New Artist Party
Spotify's Best New Artist Party
Spotify hosted its fourth annual Best New Artist party on Thursday night at the Lot Studios in West Hollywood. The evening featured performances from all eight Best New Artist Grammy nominees, including Lil Nas X (pictured), Lizzo, Black Pumas, and eventual winner Billie Eilish. DJ D-Nice also entertained the crowd. An ever-changing lighting display created unique backdrops for each performance.
Photo: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for Spotify
Sir Lucian Grainge’s 2020 Artist Showcase
Sir Lucian Grainge’s 2020 Artist Showcase
Universal Music Group C.E.O. Sir Lucian Grainge hosted his annual artist showcase, presented by Citi and Lenovo, at Milk Studios on Saturday. The event had a “music is universal” theme, with intimate performances from Billie Eilish, Maggie Rogers, DaBaby, Lewis Capaldi, and more.
Photo: Mark Von Holden/Invision for UMG/AP Images
Mastercard Presents “Designing a Better Music Industry for Women” Event
Mastercard Presents “Designing a Better Music Industry for Women” Event
On Thursday at the 1 Hotel, Mastercard hosted a panel discussion and fireside chat featuring female leaders in the music industry. Speakers included producer Linda Perry, Paradigm C.M.O. Lori Feldman, USC’s Annenberg Inclusion Initiative founder Stacy Smith, and others.
Photo: Christopher Polk for Mastercard
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