The Grammy Museum ~ John Lennon and Hip-Hop Special Exhibits

On the walk back to the hotel from the LA Convention Center, I decided I wanted to check out The Grammy Museum (i.e. located on the campus of LA Live).  I've walked by The Grammy Museum a bunch of times when I was in LA, but usually had some place I needed to be.  Since I'd just wrapped up Jam Session and was waiting to hear back about my ticket to NBA All-Star Saturday night, I figured I'd run into the museum to see what it had to offer.  Plus, the Grammys were just on TV, so I while it's still relevant here you go!

A ticket to The Grammy Museum is $12.95 for adults.  Currently, the museum is featuring two special exhibits.  One is "John Lennon, Songwriter" and the other is "Hip-Hop: A Cultural Odyssey".  I asked the lady who sold me the ticket how long it'd take me to see everything and she estimated 60-90 minutes.

The Grammy Museum is 4 levels and the tour starts on the 4th level.  You descend from floor to floor until you complete your visit.  There is no photography or video recording in the museum.  I didn't try to break the rules, but I admit I'd like to have a picture of a Grammy for this post.

Obviously since it's The Grammy Museum, sound is very important.  Beats by Dre headphones are everywhere, including the gift shop.

I'll admit I LOVED the Grammy Awards two years ago.  The most recent Grammy Awards, I found to be a little boring but I enjoyed the commentary on Twitter as my friends and I watched the show.  I was thrilled to watch previous award show performances on a big screen at the museum (e.g. TLC, Whitney Houston, Kanye West and Jamie Foxx, etc.).  It's been said that, "Music is the soundtrack for our lives," and I believe it.  Music can take you back in time...

I enjoyed looking at the hand-written lyrics, seeing the Grammy dresses/costumes, and listening to the beats I tried to spin/mix while playing DJ.  ****  Jennifer Lopez's infamous green dress, that she wore when she was with Diddy is at the museum.  Incidentally,Taylor Swift is not only talented, but she is also tiny ~ I know because her dress is also on display.

The Grammy Museum also has public programs.  On February 25 at 8PM, the museum presents "Icons of the Music Industry: Russell Simmons".  Russell Simmons will be at the museum to discuss his influence and entrepreneurial approach to business and philanthropy.  After his interview, according to the flyer, Russell Simmons will take questions from the audience.

If you haven't stopped into The Grammy Museum yet, check it out.


THE WIRK

Friday night's ESPN Party at the W ~ 2010 NBA All-Star Weekend, Dallas

It's Monday and I'm still in Dallas.  QUICK recap below of Friday...

Friday night, My friend, Teri and I went to the ESPN party.  It was at the Ghostbar at the W and a good time.  DJ Rashida (i.e. Prince's DJ from his days at 3121 at the Rio in Vegas and resident DJ for America's Best Dance Crew) was spinning, the Nike MVPuppet commercials were playing on the screens, and there were video game consoles positioned throughout the space, so that people could match-up and play one of the NBA games...

It was a great time to mix with old friends and meet new people.  Everyone was happy and enjoying the good time.

• I was able to wish my friend, DA, a Happy belated birthday in person, as opposed to just throwing it up on his facebook wall earlier in the week. 
• It was fun chatting it up with Ron Harper about the old Cleveland haunts (e.g. Spy Bar, the Flats, etc.) and dancing to all the hot tracks with my DC friends who also made the trip to Dallas. 
• I noticed a shorter man having his picture taken next to me and instinctively I leaned out of the picture.  Afterwards, I asked my friend who it was that was next to me, and he told me it was Spike Lee.  Ahhh, man...  First of all, I should've leaned IN and not out!  Secondly, just how short is Spike Lee?!?! 
• Russell Simmons walked by, and I was able to say, "Hello," as he slowly moved past with his people ~ the place was packed and no one was parting the sea of people easily.  For anyone curious, Russell Simmons isn't tall either, but he's taller than Spike Lee. 
• The main character, from "Hangin with Mr. Cooper" was milling about at the party, and that sparked discussion as to whether he was still "relevant".  Needless to say it took me way too long to remember his entire name ~ Mark Curry.  
• Kevin Love, David Lee, and Danilo Gallinari were there. 
• Numerous ESPN personalities were there along with other media folks. 
• Alonzo Mourning walked out and his wife was wearng a hat and looked great ~ they were stylin'! 

At the end of the night, Lebron and his crew made it to the party.  My first clue that Lebron was there was that I saw his mom, Gloria, walk past me.  I've seen Gloria soo many times this weekend, I'm beginning to think she's my family too!  It was after 2AM, and the party was wrapping up ~ but Lebron made his appearance and was playing the video game and re-enacting the 2009 NBA Finals match up between the Orlando Magic v Los Angeles Lakers.  As soon as that game ended, he and his crew left and the party was over.

At events like this, some people expect me to come back with TONS of pics.  The issue is that, that is simply not possible and will never happen.  I normally keep my camera in my purse (i.e. it's much easier to take a picture when you're farther away from a person, as opposed to right next to someone), but on Friday night I was actually ASKED to snap a few pics, since the photographer had left for the night.

Here's one of the 3 pics, that I took, for your enjoyment.

After the party, my crew and I headed back to our hotels.  In the car we began a lively discussion as to how we'd need to line up Spike Lee, Gary Coleman, Emmanuel Lewis, and Wesley Snipes if we wanted to go from tallest to shortest...  Ouch...

That was Friday...  I'm sure I'm forgetting some folks, since I'm intentionally leaving out some others...  :-P

THE WIRK