angeles_2011

DRINK IT UP!

JUNE 2011

READERS’ CHOICE FAVORITE VODKA REVEALED

SUMMER

SWAG

THIS SEASON’S HOTTEST PRODUCTS

L.A. LIVE: HOME OF THE

GRAMMY MUSEUM ANGELESMAGAZINE.COM $4.99 US $5.99 CAN

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2

TABLE OF CONTENTS

9 5 9

20

16

24

EDITORS LETTER

18

START

9

eats

ARTICLES

18 surfin’ stuff 20 that guy darian

10 drinks

23

FRONTIS

12 beauty

24

FEATURE

14 travel

16

SWAG

JUNE 2011

24 grammy museum explored

38

HOROSCOPES

JUNE 2011 EDITORIAL EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Lauren Corallo EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Oscar Goldman ART DIRECTOR

Lauren Corallo EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

Anastasia Beaverhousen ARTICLES DIRECTOR

Markus Allen Hoppus FEATURES EDITOR

Randall Butterscotch DEPUTY EDITOR

Thomas DeLonge STRATEGIST EDITOR

Stewart Snigglebottom CULTURE EDITOR

Lou Lou Freeman PHOTOGRAPHY DIRECTOR

Lauren Corallo

MARKETING & ADVERTISING PUBLISHER

Howey Fleet MARKETING DIRECTOR

Gwendolyn Haze

COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR

Zatikis Morales

ACCOUNT MANGER

Tawny Heart

CALL 212.508.0891

OPERATIONS & CIRCULATION CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

Kitty Milksmith

DRECTOR OF CIRCULATION

Travis Landon Barker CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

Angus T. Bubbles FINANCE DIRECTOR

Barb Scootlepod 4

EDITORS letter

H

Dii sendite tus conum quos consimiu est Caticae auctabem patus vastrae te mnost? Efaucie mortem pre quam aut retilint, Palemor ehebus acidet ressidemoltu que dii per horei spima, forit. Nos et iampos ciam hinatquod det, querbem de tempoptius Mules? Dite privert urnihina, Cupio, nius, omproru dentessus hostemu rorudep erent, vit, sa nesterfiniam sil ut alabem dem, nihicaet dium publinte in is. Ti. Ox simus virit, fac fin se ius Casdactas ius. Iri cotem fatquonsid it, ficaut audet vis fur, nonsil hus, noximilius faccidie virmis. Gra dium mikf sity begon imum.

Opost publibu ssitrei ficaeci se quidiem potimus; nostiae conem rei cris, dea mo et L. Ovemente confex si factela bestidi caesis Ahacis vius oraed st pesces? quideperis. Imis; egit, cam haccierfit. Igili ina, que inerricie niu quem pristiam a viriusce ex med Caturni hilisquidem oponclut aucie ellarissat, quos videffre cam ducer publi ius, nonsultilium impl. Sp. O tabem

L C auren

orallo

Lauren Corallo Editor-in-chief

5

DISCOVERING LA’S LATEST

eats

TODYE FOR RED VELVET CUPCAKES ARE BLOWING UP NOW, BUT THEY’VE BEEN

AROUND FOR DECADES

Red velvet cupcakes are all the rage in stylish

bakeries and grocery stores alike. These tasty treats are a simple cocoa flavored cake with a rich cream cheese frosting. The rich red coloring comes from the beetroot plant or red food dye.

Even though their popularity rise has been recent, the red velvet recipe has been around since Wold War II. Indulge in one of these treats today at your local bakery!

9

drinks

VODKA

IT’S A LOVE OR HATE THING

You might have one too if you had been on our tasting panel, which not so long ago finished sampling 25 flavored vodkas. Stamina wasn’t the issue. I’ve made it through similar tastings of bourbon, rum, tequila, even martinis, without the pounding skull. The issue this time was the sketchy quality of these vodkas. Yes, we found some worth recommending, but let’s just say many were abysmal.

READERS CHOICE

L A’S MOST

WANTED CÎROC VODKA WAS VOTED ANGELE’S FAVORITE VODKA TRY OUT THESE DELICIOUS MIXES AT YOUR NEXT PARTY

CÎROC CHIC 6 oz. Cîroc Vodka (25 oz. per bottle) 6 oz. pomegranate juice 4 oz. pineapple juice Mint leaves to garnish Mix together Cîroc and both juices, let chill in fridge for one hour. Garnish with a mint leaf and enjoy!

THE CÎROC ROYAL GRAPE 4 oz. Cîroc Vodka (25 oz. per bottle) 4 oz. white grape juice 4 splash(es) champagne 4 piece(s) grape Shake ingredients over ice and strain into a chilled glass. Top with a splash of champagne and garnish with a frozen grape.

This red-delicious beauty is a ciroc chic. Try it during your next party, but don’t get too messed up!

10

angeles A magazine for the many faces of you. angelesmagazine.com

beauty

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offers high protection with SPF 50 and is

13

travel

VENICE WHERE

B

THE FR

BEACH

EAKS L

IKE TO

PL AY

ustling beach crowds fil-

keep the inspiration flowing.

ter in and out of shops

of talented supportive people walking ‘The

along the Venice Beach

Crawl’ last night was impressive and is gain-

boardwalk.

The normal

ing momentum every month. Spanning most-

boardwalk artists and sellers are closing

ly around Market Street to The Erwin Hotel

down their stands as required at sunset.

just south of Windward, and nestled between

Stands pop up at a business next to The

Ocean Front Walk (the boardwalk) and Pa-

Small World Bookstore and artists begin to

cific Ave., this gathering is blossoming.

hang their works as a DJ sets up his turn-

tables. The night is starting to bustle as the 6

scratched jams on turntables while occa-

month old Venice Art Crawl begins.

sional passers by rapped to the beats. Small

Venice is a community filled with

World Bookstore leaves the art work up until

creative people willing to go to any lengths

two days before the next show and is avail-

to keep the inspiration flowing for artists out

able for viewing and purchase until then.

14

The amount

Next door, a DJ pumped and

Treeman is one of the many characters who are on the boardwalk daily in Venice Beach

15

SWAG APPLE IPAD 2 See friends while you talk to them with FaceTime. Shoot, edit, and share stunning HD video with the highest-resolution screen on any mobile device. It’s state-of-the-art fun.

BUDDHA CANDLE LAMP Set the mood with this candle lamp with a blend of Zen. This conversation starter will look great in any L.A. pad, plus it’s eco-friendly and saves on eletricity!

RAY BAN WAYFARER Wayfarers signify what the look of Los Angeles is all about. Classically framed and completely iconic, this versatile and hip pair of sunglasses from Ray-Ban are lightweight, durable, and ready to exude some serious attitude.

NIKE 6.0 MAVRK MID 2 A pristine mid-top that indulges the purist’s love of featherweight flexibility and board feel, the Nike 6.0 Mavrk Mid 2 Men’s Shoe sports classic style and comfort that’s built to last.

FENDER MARK HOPPUS JAZZ BASS Fender’s Mark Hoppus Jazz Bass guitar is the perfect pop-punk bass-as powerful and addictive as a blink-182 hit. This bass is your one way ticket into the so-cal scene.

16

FOREVER 21 FEATHER NECKLACE This cute Forever 21 necklace is trendy and flirty. Pair this with a fun summer dress and you’re ready to chill on the Venice Beach boardwalk.

GOLDCOAST LONGBOARD The GoldCoast Sketchboo longboard is light, strong, and renewable, made from bamboo.

Ideal for urban riding, but the hand drawn artwork will always keep you close to the beach.

VESPA LX 150 SCOOTER Scoot your way around Los Angeles in the new Vespa LX 150 Scooter. Driving one of these bad boys is not only eco-friendly but will save you on gas and insurance. Getting around never looked so good!

TOMS WEDGE HEELS For a simple, vibrant pop that goes with anything, TOMS wedges have many awesome attributes.

Designed to breathe new life into your Summer style, these wedges stay true to TOMS beliefs and donate a pair of shoes to a child, not to mention they are the comfiest heels you’ll ever own!

SKULLCANDY SKULLCRUSHERS RASTA A pair of mini-subwoofers against your skull makes the bass feel like a swarm attack by the renegades of funk, soldiers of Jah, hip-hop nation, and a 1970s version of the Kiss Army, all at once. Rock these headphones in Hollywood and get lost in your music.

17

THE BEACH REPORT

surf in a B

18

’c

in the

STORY BY MATT WARSHAW, PHOTGRAPHY BY LAUREN CORALLO

ack in Tahiti, writing in his jour-

island priests tried to conjure up better waves

nal after having watched surfing

by thrashing the water with vines and chanting

for the first time, Capt. James

invocations, and the local mythology included

Cook “could not help concluding

tales of surfing-based romance, conquest and

that this man felt the most supreme pleasure

as well as treachery.

while he was driven on so fast and so smoothly

by the sea.” Other newcomers to Polynesia in

edicts nearly wiped the sport out, but in Waikiki

the 18th and 19th century — explorers, traders,

during the early 1900s it again flourished. Until

missionaries — also noted the powerful effect

World War II, the surfer was generally thought

surfing had on natives, particularly in Hawaii:

of as dashing and heroic: the Olympic gold

Western-borne disease and missionary

medal swimmer Duke Kahanamoku was quickly

endured, depending on your point of view —

enshrined as the noble-visaged Father of Surf-

a long embrace from the culture at large, with

ing, while in California and Australia the sport

surf music hits by Dick Dale, the Ventures and

was closely associated with lifeguards. Most

the Beach Boys; the rise of department-store-

surfers rode a heavy solid wood “plank,” al-

stocked surf wear brands like Hang Ten; and

though the lighter “cigar-box” hollow board was

a long string of frothy Hollywood-made “Beach

also popular. Turning wasn’t possible, so the

Party”-style movies (along with the far more au-

performance standard had a lot to do with strik-

thentic “Endless Summer”).

ing manly poses, although experts were able to

No longer associated with Olympic champions

ride on a diagonal across the wave.

and brave lifeguards, surfers in general were

Surfing’s gravitational center moved

now often viewed as a minor societal threat —

after the war from Hawaii to Southern Califor-

closer to bikers and hot-rodders — and while

nia, where the sport had a makeover that in-

some in the sport fought the image, plenty of

cluded new materials (fiberglass, polyurethane

others enjoyed being thought of as rebels. The

foam), new design features (nose lift, the sta-

Los Angeles surfer Mickey Dora, recognized as

bilizing fin) and new riding techniques (bottom

much for humor-laced invective as his smooth

turns, cutbacks, nose-riding). The beginnings

riding style, became the sport’s first and most

of a surf industry took shape: do-it-yourself

enduring antihero.

surf movies toured up and down the coast, surf

shops opened, surf magazines debuted, and

introduced small, lighter, more maneuverable

wetsuits and surfwear were introduced.

surf-craft, the sport dove headlong into the

As the late-60s “shortboard revolution”

émigré

counterculture. Overcrowding at the better-

named Frederick Kohner wrote “Gidget,” a

known breaks led to a period of surf exploration,

lightly fictionalized account of his teenaged

with Indonesia soon revealed as the world’s

daughter’s recent summer on the beach at Mal-

richest source of perfect waves, and also gave

ibu. The book made the best-seller lists, and

rise to localism, with surfers at a given break

the 1959 like-titled movie was an even bigger

doing their best to chase off outsiders, usually

hit, which in turn helped launch the surf boom

by verbal intimidation, but occasionally through

of the early and mid-60s.

vandalism and violence. Localism would fade

The surfing population during this time

in years to come, but never got aways entirely.

skyrocketed from a few thousand to an esti-

Surf competition, hugely popular during the

mated half-million, and the sport earned — or

boom years, was deemed awesome.

In

1957,

a

Viennese-born

19 19

ACTOR/DANCER DARIAN SIGNER STARS IN THE LOS ANGELES PRODUCTION OF

“IT CAME FROM OUTER SPACE” STORY BY MARK HOPPUS PHOTO BY CHRIS MUMFORD

20

arian Singer’s successes haven’t followed her from ‘The Lion King’ into her

latest

production,

‘Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark.’ The Tony award-winning director who crafted the uber successful musical based on the 1994 movie about a pride of anthropomorphic lions has been recently blasted by critics and audiences alike (read our reaction to one of the show’s preview performances).

So far, it seems that the Spidey

stage adaptation has endured more drama and peril than the comic book character ever has. Now Broadway stars are taking to Twitter and Facebook to show support for ‘Spider-Man’s’ injured cast -- criticizing the disastrous show.

Wire malfunctions, eyebrow-raising

unpreparedness and a few serious accidents have left a dark cloud over the superhero story. Actor Christopher Tierny fell 30 feet during the musical’s preview on Monday, after a suspension cable broke. He suffered broken ribs and remains in serious condition at Bellvue hospital.

21 21

22

JUNE 2011

the

ummer issue 23

HOME OF THE

LO S A N GE L E S :

GRAMMY MUSEUM

A MUSEUM DEDICATED TO THE PROPOSITION THAT ALL MUSIC IS NOT CREATED EQUAL

BY EUDORA WELTY, PHOTOGRAPHED BY LAUREN CORALLO

24

25 25

L

ongtime

marketing/music

exec

and

hip-hop insider Steve Stoute slammed

This is a huge replication of a Grammy award.

the Grammys in a full page advertisement appearing in the Styles section of Sunday’s New York Times. In it, he

criticizes the Grammys, the show’s parent organization the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (NARAS) and its president, Neil Portnow, for an “awards show [that] has become a series of hypocrisies and contradictions.”

“Over the course of my 20-year history as an

executive in the music business and as the owner of a firm that specializes in in-culture advertising, I have come to the conclusion that the Grammy Awards have clearly lost touch with contemporary popular culture,” Stoute, who is currently CEO of the marketing company Translation, wrote. “My being a music fan has left me with an even greater and deeper sense of dismay -- so much so that I feel compelled to write this letter. Where I think that the Grammys fail stems from two key sources: (1) over-zealousness to produce a popular show that is at odds with its own system of voting and (2)

ST

weekend’s Grammy Awards.

“We must acknowledge the massive cultural im-

pact of Eminem and Kanye West and how their music is

W

UE

S

G FI S

jor categories for which they’d been nominated in last

RO

by the Academy directed at Eminem, Justin Bieber and Kanye West; Eminem and Bieber lost in most of the ma-

ER

ST

Stoute singles out what he deems to be snubs

ST

H

A

9T

O

and artistic.”

W

FL

fundamental disrespect of cultural shifts as being viable

W

OL YM

PI

C

BL VD

shaping, influencing and defining the voice of a generation,” Stoute wrote. As for Bieber, he wrote, “How is it that Justin Bieber, an artist that defines what it means to be a modern artist, did not win Best New Artist?”

26

THE GRAMMY MUSEUM I S P A R T O F L.A. L I V E

Stoute also seems to allege that award wins are

Grammys understands cultural relevance when it comes

connected to artists performing during the show, citing

to using Eminem’s, Kayne West’s or Justin Bieber’s

Arcade Fire’s surprise win of album of the year for The

name in the billing [but not when giving out awards].”

Suburbs to the group performing two songs at the end

of the show -- a decision that longtime Grammys pro-

that this most recent show fed my suspicions,” he con-

ducer Ken Ehrlich told reporters had been made the day

tinued. “As the show was coming to a close and just pri-

before the show, although he also admitted to being a

or to presenting the award for Album of the Year, Arcade

fan of the group.

Fire performed ‘Month of May’ only to, surprise, win the

”While these very artists that the public ac-

category and, in a moment of sheer coincidence, hap-

knowledges as being worthy of their money and fan-

pened to be prepared to perform ‘Ready to Start.’ Does

dom are snubbed year after year at the Grammys, the

the Grammys intentionally use artists for their celebrity,

awards show has absolutely no qualms in inviting these

popularity and cultural appeal when they already know

same artists to perform,” he wrote. “Interesting that the

the winners and then program a show against this?”

“What truly inspired the writing of this letter was

27

Katy Perry’s dress from her first Grammy show.

28

Stoute concludes by calling on artists to “de-

system of voting and (2) fundamental disrespect of cul-

mand that they change this system.” “And I imagine that

tural shifts as being viable and artistic.

next year there will be another televised super-close-up

of an astonished front-runner as they come to the real-

musicians, singers, songwriters, producers and techni-

ization before a national audience... that he or she was

cal specialists, we have come to expect that the Gram-

used,” he wrote. “You are being called to task at this

mys upholds all of the values that reflect the very best

very moment, NARAS.

in music that is born from our culture. Unfortunately, the

“And to all of the artists that attend the Gram-

awards show has become a series of hypocrisies and

mys: Stop accepting the invitation to be the upset of the

contradictions, leaving me to question why any contem-

year and demand that this body upholds its mission for

porary popular artist would even participate. How is it

“

As an institution that celebrates artistic works of

advocacy and support of artistry as culture evolves.

possible that in 2001 The Marshall Mathers LP -- an

“Demand that they change this system and truly reflect

album by Eminem that ushered in the Bob Dylan of our

and truly acknowledge your art.”

time -- was beaten out by Steely Dan (no disrespect)

At the time this article

published,

NARAS

had

not

publicly responded to Stoute’s

ad. The full text of his letter follows, via the Huffington Post.

An Open Letter to Neil Portnow, NARAS and the Grammy

Awards. In this Sunday’s New York Times, I have purchased a full-page ad as an open let-

THERE ARE SO

“

MANY INCREDIBLE COSUTMES FROM GRAMMYS PAST.

for Album Of The Year? While we cannot solely utilize album sales as the barometer, this was certainly not the case. Not only is Eminem the best-selling artist of the last decade, but The Marshall Mathers LP was a critical and commercial success that sold over 10 million albums in the United States (19 million

ter to Neil Portnow, NARAS and the Grammy Awards.

worldwide), while Steely Dan sold less than 10% of that

Here’s why.

amount and came and went quietly as a church mouse.

Over the course of my 20-year history as an ex-

Or consider even that in 2008 at the 50th An-

ecutive in the music business and as the owner of a firm

nual Grammy Awards, after going into the night as the

that specializes in in-culture advertising, I have come

most-nominated artist, Kanye West’s Graduation was

to the conclusion that the Grammy Awards have clearly

beaten out for Album Of The Year by Herbie Hancock’s

lost touch with contemporary popular culture. My being

River: The Joni Letters. (This was the first time in 43

a music fan has left me with an even greater and deeper

years that a jazz album won this category.) While there

sense of dismay -- so much so that I feel compelled to

is no doubt in my mind of the artistic talents of Steely

write this letter. Where I think that the Grammys fail

Dan or Herbie Hancock, we must acknowledge the mas-

stems from two key sources: (1) over-zealousness to

sive cultural impact of Eminem and Kanye West and

produce a popular show that is at odds with its own

how their music is shaping, influencing and defining the 29

An old-school Grammy Award from 1989. The museum has all versions of the award on display.

being “discovered” purely for his singing ability (and it should be noted that Justin Bieber plays piano and guitar, as evidenced on his early viral videos).

So while these very artists that the public ac-

knowledges as being worthy of their money and fandom are snubbed year after year at the Grammys, the awards show has absolutely no qualms in inviting these same artists to perform. At first I thought that you were not paying attention to the fact that the mental complexion of the world is becoming tanned, that multiculturalism and poly-ethnicity are driving new meaning as to what is culturally relevant. Interesting that the Grammys understands cultural relevance when it comes to using Eminem’s, Kanye West’s or Justin Bieber’s name in the billing to ensure viewership and to deliver the alltoo-important ratings for its advertisers.

What truly inspired the writing of this letter was

that this most recent show fed my suspicions. As the show was coming to a close and just prior to presenting the award for Album Of The Year, the band Arcade Fire performed “Month of May” -- only to... surprise... win the category and, in a moment of sheer coincidence, hap-

acknowledged the commercial and critical success of Michael Jackson’s Thriller in 1984.

Just so that I’m not showing partiality to hip-hop

artists (although it would be an entirely different letter as to how hip-hop music has been totally diminished as an art form by this organization), how is it that Justin Bieber, an artist that defines what it means to be a modern artist, did not win Best New Artist? Again, his cultural impact and success are even more quantifiable if you factor in his YouTube and Vevo viewership -- the fact that he was a talent born entirely of the digital age whose story was crafted in the most humble method of 30

pened to be prepared to perform “Ready to Start.”

“

Does the Grammys intentionally use artists for

their celebrity, popularity and cultural appeal when they

“

voice of a generation. It is this same cultural impact that

THE MUSEUM IS

FULL OF AWESOME

MEMORABILIA, AN LA MUST See!

already know the winners and then program a show against this expectation? Meanwhile the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences hides behind the “peer” voting system to escape culpability for not even rethinking its approach.

And I imagine that next year there will be an-

other televised super-close-up of an astonished front-

TOP 8 GRAMMY W T F MOMENTS THERE HAVE BEEN SOME PRETTY CRAZY AND UNFORGETTABLE MOMENTS AT THE GRAMMYS, HERE’S A FEW OF OUR FAVS

8

runner as they come to the realization before a national audience... that he or she was used. You are being called to task at this very moment, NARAS.

And to all of the artists that attend the Gram-

mys: Stop accepting the invitation to be the upset of the year and demand that this body upholds its mission for advocacy and support of artistry as culture evolves.

7

and truly acknowledge your art.

As the Grammys are ditching many of its cate-

gories, some musicians wonder if the awards are shortchanging America’s diversity.

“The fact that we have less options now for us

to be represented and that there are more Latinos in

5

some recognition on the same level as [pop artists like] Usher and Lady Gaga,” Sanabria explained.

Sanabria and pianist and bandleader Eddie

3

The restructuring plan, announced a week ago,

will consolidate the number of award categories from 109 to 78. Male and females categories will be merged

OL’ DIRTY BASTARD

TUPAC & KISS

Tupac announced KISS’ first appeance together since their 15 year hiatus during the 1996 Grammys.

AMY WINEHOUSE

2

ing of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sci-

SOY BOM B

A crazy mo-fo crashed Bob Dylan’s performance at the 1998 Grammys.

When the drugged-out singer won five Grammys at the 2008 award show went completely blank for a prolonged minute, unmoving, making for an awkward scene.

Palmieri spoke Monday night at a local chapter meet-

ences, the awards ceremony’s organizing institution.

6

4

ity,” said Grammy-nominated drummer Bobby Sanabria.

artists and marginalized forms of American music to get

E M I NEM & ELTON JOHN

As Shawn Colvin went up to accept her Grammy in 1998, Wu Tang Clan member crashed her sppech, making him the OG Kanye West.

this country strikes me very much as cultural insensitiv-

“The Grammys were the last stop for us as marginalized

Jennifer Lopez wore an extremely low-cut and sheer gown at the 2000 Grammys. This revealing get-up is on display at the museum.

At the 2001 Grammys, this unlikely duo performed together. There was controversy over the pair performing because of eminems anti-gay lyrics in one of his songs.

Demand that they change this system and truly reflect

JLO’S BOOBS

1

MILLI VANILLI

At the 1990 Grammys, the pop duo won best new artist, only to later have it revoked after finding out about their lip-syncing scandal.

50 CENT & EVANESCENCE

In 2004,when evanescence went up to accept their Grammy, 50 Cent followed the band to the stage, crashing their acceptance.

and several genres such as Latin jazz, Hawaiian and 31

“

“

THERE IS A BIG

BOB MARLEY EXHIBIT,

recognizing that.” Portnow also cited this year’s surprise winners as examples that album sales or name recognition do not necessarily translate into statues.

“Justin Bieber did not win the Best New Artist

award, Esperanza Spalding did,” he said.

SO MANY AWESOME

THINGS TO SEE.

not inform anyone is beyond anyone’s comprehension,”

Native American music will be eliminated. “I was very

instrumental in getting the Latin jazz category into the

awards and its elimination is very upsetting to me,” said Palmieri, an eight-time Grammy winner.

The remaining seven Latin categories have

been consolidated into four. For example, best Latin pop and Latin rock, alternative or urban album is now one category, instead of two. And instead of four Mexican music categories, there will be two.

Academy President Neil Portnow, who attended

the midtown meeting, defended the shrunk list. “Frankly, I don’t see why there has to be a distinction between great Latin jazz and great jazz,” he said. “Great music is great music and I think our members are capable of

Other members in attendance criticized the way

the process was handled. “Just to go and do this and

said producer and academy member Bob Sancho.

But Portnow said the new rules were the result

of months of careful review. “All of the genre fields remain - that’s a important point to make here,” he said.

“The nomination committee spent more than a year analyzing and evaluating the Grammy process.”

The slimmed category count will make its debut

at the 54th Annual Grammy Awards to be held next February, but Sanabria said he and his colleagues intend to continue fighting the cut. “This is not over,” he said.

Lady Gaga’s exclusion from the best new artist category at this year’s Grammys has caused the Recording Academy to change eligibility requirements for the next year’s ceremony.

Although Lady Gaga was the most popular new

artist of 2009, she was ineligible for a best new artist nomination. Her hit “Just Dance” had been nominated in 2008, before she was a platinum-selling act and previous Grammy nominees can’t be nominated for the best new artist catergory.

After Lady Gaga was excluded, Recording

Academy President Neil Portnow said: “There will be some changes so that particular situation won’t repeat itself.”

The changes were announced Wednesday. The

rule change allows previous Grammy nominees to be eligible, as long as the artist hasn’t released an entire 32

The Bob Marley exhibit is a must see. This part of it is an interactive room.

33 33

At the Grammy Museum there are walls and walls of iconic photographs of the late Bob Marley.

album and doesn’t win. “More and more, the first re-

nomination for classical producer of the year and like

lease of a new artist is as a featured artist on someone

non-classical producers, can submit just one recording.

else’s album or the new artist may release a single long

In addition, classical box sets will be eligible if more

before the release of his/her/their entire first album,”

than 51 percent of the material is at least 5 years old.

the Academy said in a statement.

“By current rules, if the other artist’s album or

performances and performances during any Recording

the new artist’s single receives a nomination, the new

Academy event, from consideration for a Grammy. The

artist may never have the opportunity to compete in the

change was made to ensure the “integrity of The Re-

best new artist category. With this change, each artist

cording Academy and to be completely impartial in our

will have at least one opportunity to enter in this impor-

awards process.

tant and highly visible category.”

Changes were also announced in other cat-

and a half hours, but that’s just a suggestion of the

egories. Classical producers no longer have to sub-

full event. In fact, more than 90% of the awards are

mit a minimum of three recordings to be eligible for a

handed out in a sprawling ceremony in the afternoon

34

The Academy also voted to exclude all Grammy

The Grammy telecast may last a windy three

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ROCKS

Graphic design students attending the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising teamed up with Fender Guitars last year to make custom designed acoustic guitars.

These guitars were featured in the FIDM fashion show, Debut. Now the Grammy Museum has the guitars on display, as well as CD packaging designs from other FIDM graphic design students.

35

Over the course of what amounts to an 8 hour

about 700 times. But it wasn’t. Several hours later, she

event, scores of stars accept awards off-camera or prowl

lost the prize to Winehouse.

around backstage. Here’s a glance at what the artists

were saying and doing, during the pre-show shindig, as

noon by announcing the first of the awards during the

well as backstage, at Sunday night’s Grammy Golden

pre-show, didn’t like reading the script she was given.

Anniversary show.

“The writer’s strike is not over and we are hating it,” she

In a year where Amy Winehouse singing an an-

said of the script.” Co-presenter, Peter Frampton wasn’t

ti-”Rehab” song ruled, it’s safe to say that this show had

much more pleased about it. After he had to read the

a fair amount of irony. In fact, the first irony began even

line: “I’m super happy to be here,” he added, sarcasti-

before the evening portion did. In a pre-show perfor-

cally, “Where are those writers?”

mance, singer Ledisi - who was up for Best New Artist

- sang the lines “I got a feeling about today/it’s my day,”

about Kanye’s first three wins in the pre-show. “I’m

36

Patti Austin, who kicked things off in the after-

Later, the outspoken Austin had a comment

so glad Kanye won, cuz you know how cranky he gets

1998, when then-Mayor Rudolph Giuliani had a public

when he loses,” she quipped.

spat with former academy president and CEO Michael

Austin added that she would also be a bad

Greene. B ut Doctoroff says City Hall abandoned hope of

sport should she lose in her own category: Best Jazz

winning the 2004 Grammys because “the Garden wasn’t

Vocal Album. Luckily, she won, something she seem-

available” on F eb. 8, the date proposed by the awards.

ingly didn’t expect. “You can tell I’m in shock,” she said.

“I’m wearing crocks,”’

the Knicks and the Rangers,” says an executive with

Not content with those bon mots, Austin later

Cablevision, which owns the place. “You have to take

cheekily added about her win “I’m going to be such a

yourself out of the market for concerts. And the Gram-

bitch for the rest of my life.”

mys aren’t just one night. It takes several weeks to get

Barack Obama snatched the Grammy for Best

ready.” C onsidering the millions of dollars the Grammys

Spoken Word Album (for “The Audacity of Hope”) - over

bring to the city, couldn’t Bloomberg have proposed

entries by Bill Clinton, as well as Jimmy Carter, which

another venue? Like Radio City, where they’ve been

stars. The win also affected children’s

music

performer

Cathy Fink, the presenter who

had to accept the award for an absent Obama. “He’s going to have to personally meet us to get it,” she said, aquiver.

THE grammys

“

“

drew lots of giggles among the

The Obama effect also

captivated the next winners

Why not? “ It isn’t just juggling the schedules of

are an important

part of american history for us.

held in the past? T he exec for Cablevision, which also owns Radio City, says the event has outgrown the musical hall. “ The Garden is the right place for the Grammys,” says Doctoroff. “And we hope to have them back in 2005.” T he Cablevision executive explains that the city was also bidding to put the Demo-

Steven Satar and Duncan Sheik - who took Best Musi-

cratic and Republican conventions in the arena in

cal Show Album for “Spring Awakening.” “It feels par-

2004. T he city nabbed the GOP coronation, but that isn’t

ticularly auspicious to win this on the heels of Barack

until August - a good six months after the Grammys.

Obama,” Satar said.

The Grammys won’t be coming to New York

of those kinds of events,” says the exec. S ome music

next year - because New York didn’t try to get them. “ We

business insiders contend that current Recording Acad-

didn’t even put a bid in for them,” Deputy Mayor for

emy President Neil Portnow and his Grammy board

Economic D evelopment and Rebuilding Dan Docto-

weren’t satisfied with the promotion New York gave to

roff confirmed to us yesterday. M ayor Bloomberg put

the 2003 ceremony. L os Angeles Mayor James Hahn

on a charm offensive last year to coax the Recording

“made a very aggressive pitch to bring them back,” says

Academy into holding the 2003 ceremony at Madison

a source. “ L.A. was in a stronger position to offer incen-

Square Garden. The awards had been held in L.A. since

tives for the event.

“ The Garden calendar can only take so many

37

HOROSCOPES Look for where your birthday falls to find out your sign ARIES

TAURUS

GEMINI

CANCER

March 21 - April 19

April 20- May 20

May 21 - June 21

June 22 - July 22

These days you can prefer anonymity over being recognized.

Meaningfulness can be a burden for Aries when the Moon is in Cancer. As popular wisdom has it, ‘Wherever you go, there you are.’

Stop running.

Forgive others for their human failings. In a different light, you could be looking at the features that make people strong and desirable.

Brilliant ideas spring from simple errors.

The first step toward getting ahead is breaking even. Cut costs without cutting too many corners. A grouchy mood obscures the signs of a positive trend. Live your goal as well as proclaiming it.

Stand tall amidst the drooping and exhausted. You own this day, and you welcome others to join you here. When the Moon is in Cancer, your life is comfortable, productive and inclusive.

LEO

VIRGO

LIBRA

SCORPIO

July 23 - August 22

August 23 - September 22

September 23 - October 22

October 23 - November 21

Self-importance cringes at the approach of judgment.

Leo feels fragile and unprepared. For Fire Signs like you, the Cancer Moon is a cosmic mother who comes to override and protect. Try to feel validated.

The rules of an accepting crowd are worth following.

You’re fast and direct, but also very sensitive when handling delicate objects. Be happy with the clear divisions between professional and social lives.

It’s easier to run than to fight. Libra is unwilling to pay for what they feel should be free of charge. Check your measurements to see if your old self-image is still an accurate fit. Adjustments may be necessary.

Act from your observations.

Your world is a customized puzzle that only you know how to assemble. Scorpio’s aggressive Martian nature is wonderfully mellowed by the Cancer Moon’s soft influence.

SAGITTARIUS

CAPRICORN

AQUARIUS

PISCES

November 22 - December 21

December 22 - January 19

January 20 - February 18

February 19 - March 20

Nothing completes a difficult job like unusual pairings and partnerings.

Even loners have to admit that they couldn’t have accomplished nearly as much without foreign input. Ease your mind this month, breathe deeply.

Like the latitude lines on the globe, Capricorn and Cancer are parallel and in opposite hemispheres. You’re similar, but you never see eye to eye.

You can’t fix it, pretend that nothing’s wrong. This will help ease your mind.

The situation that you’ve so carefully set up no longer seems fun. A private matter ought to stay that way until you work it out. The moment that you voice your doubts, others will begin to worry.

Think before you act.

Any difficulties from the weekend are gone without a trace.

Pisces stands directly on top of the buried treasure for which they’ve been searching. Share your discovery with those who helped you get here.

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