Taylor Swift opens the show.
The Hard Rock rocked on Sunday night.
The Lower Broadway nightclub hosted the Nashville Grammy party in style (Feb. 10). The multi-tattooed bartending squad kept the beverages flowing and the kitchen staff really turned on the talent.
We dined on burger sliders with blue cheese and hot sauce, pulled-pork barbecue sandwiches and excellent French fries plus tortellini and/or bowtie pasta tossed with mushrooms, sundried tomatoes, spinach and parmesan. And that was just the downstairs menu. Folks upstairs munched on Chinese creations – vegetarian egg rolls and/or beef, fried rice and stir-fried veggies. The wait staff circulated with bruchetta on toast points, spicy shrimp, fried chicken, salmon on toast and other delish dishes.
Dozens of viewing screens were stationed throughout the venue, the better to watch the 55th annual Grammy Awards telecast. Nashville’s own Taylor Swift was the opening act, performing “We Are Never, Ever Getting Back Together” with a colorful troupe of circus-themed dancers. She also picked up a Grammy for best song written for a motion picture (“Safe & Sound” from The Hunger Games).
Nashville’s Kelly Clarkson saluted Patti Page and Carole King and picked up a Grammy for Best Pop Vocal Album. Also in the performing spotlight were Dierks Bentley, Carrie Underwood in her video satin dress, Hunter Hayes and Miranda Lambert. Multiple Grammy winners The Black Keys rocked “Lonely Boy” with Dr. John and The Preservation Hall Jazz Band. Notable Nashvillian Jack White rocked. Album of the Year winners Mumford & Sons rocked, too. Grammy presenters included Clarkson, Keith Urban, Tim McGraw and a gorgeous Faith Hill.
Faith Hill and Tim McGraw present at the Grammy Awards.
The show was characterized by well-executed tribute segments. Best Country Album winners The Zac Brown Band joined Elton John, Mavis Staples, Brittany Howard of Alabama Shakes, the Mumfords and more in saluting Levon Helm. Bruno Mars, Sting, Rihanna and Ziggy Marley were outstanding in saluting Bob Marley. Chick Corea, Stanley Clarke and Kenny Garrett performed “Take Five” in honor of Dave Brubeck. Show host LL Cool J joined Chuck D, Tom Morello, Travis Barker and more to salute Adam Yauch of The Beastie Boys.
In pre-telecast ceremonies, Music City’s Little Big Town, TobyMac, Janis Ian, Josh Kear, Chris Tompkins, The Civil Wars and Old Crow Medicine Show won Grammys. At the Hard Rock, cheers went up whenever a Nashvillian such as Underwood was announced as winning. The evening’s biggest Grammy collector was our own Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys, who picked up four trophies and thanked Music City each time.
Schmoozing and enjoying the telecast at the Hard Rock were Karen Clark, Kathy Anderson, Raeanne Rubenstein, Rebecca Luxford, Bryan Cumming, Bill VornDick, Barry Landis, Ashley Ernst, Alicia Warwick, Dale Bobo, Charles Dorris, Steve O’Brien, Marty Evans, Debbie Hupp, Jimmie “Jaz” Dorsey, Laura Crawford and many of the Nashville Chapter’s younger rock and CCM members.
Photos: Grammy.com
Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert had a front row seat.
