THE ROOTS HOST 2ND ANNUAL PRE-GRAMMY PARTY: They're Looking For Vocalists, Musicians & Aspiring Artists For 3-Hour Jam Session
E-mail to a friend | Printer friendly (January 28, 2005)
The Roots, called one of the "twenty greatest live acts in the world" (Rolling Stone readers' poll '03), will host their 2nd annual pre-Grammy party, featuring a live three-hour jam session with special guest host Jada Pinkett-Smith. The event will be held February 12 in Los Angeles at an undisclosed location.
The Roots are nominated for two Grammys including Best Urban/Alternative Performance for the song "Star" and Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group for the song "Don't Say Nuthin'." Both songs are from their album, 'The Tipping Point' which debuted at #4 on the Billboard 200 chart.
The Roots held their first pre-Grammy party in 2003 as an alternative to the more business oriented Grammy parties. The jam session offers the large core of musicians and executives a chance to entertain and be entertained. As with jam sessions, the emphasis will be on the freedom of expression sparked with the energy of live musical support from The Roots.
"Most industry parties are a little too stuffy and are limited to performances by one or two artists. We created this event in order to put the focus back on the music and give major artists as well as new talent a chance to take part in a business and musical exchange," said The Roots founder and drummer Ahmir "?uestlove" Thompson.
At last year's jam session some of the industry's major movers and shakers made guest appearances including Norah Jones, Common, Alicia Keys Anthony Hamilton, Sharon Stone and Omar Epps. Aisha Tyler served as the guest host with The Roots with lead emcee for The Roots, Tariq "Black Thought" Trotter.
This year's anticipated guest list includes: Jay-Z, Mos Def, Usher, John Mayer, Talib Kweli, Dave Navarro, Jill Scott, Dave Chappelle, Tracee Ellis-Ross, Pharrell, Lawrence Fishburn, Fiona Apple, Spike Jonez and Camp Freddy.
Jada Pinkett-Smith will perform with her band Wicked Wisdom.
The Roots are: Black Thought (emcee), ?uestlove (drums), Lenoard "Hub" Hubbard (bass) and Kamal Gray (keyboards). Support musicians include Frankie Knuckles (percussion); Captain Kirk (guitar) and Martin Luther (vocals, guitar).
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