My First Time . . .2010 Grammy Awards

It all started with an email from my boss, L. Londell McMillan, asking if I was interested in attending the Grammy's. Shocked at the opportunity, but honestly not yet moved to accept, I tossed the idea around (as well as my luggage) to see if I was interested. Remembering my recent shopping spree and cute zipper stitched cocktail dress, I said why not. So in 90 minutes I curled my hair, accented my facial features with some color, and off I was on Wilshire Boulevard heading to the Four Seasons hotel. I know your thinking "but the Grammy's was at the Staples Center" - well sit tight and let me tell you the story of my first time. . .at the Grammy Awards. 

As I walk to the bar in the Four Seasons lobby to meet my boss, I pass Damon John, Vivica Fox, Tichina Arnold, Don Cornelius, and El DeBarge. I'm not easily star struck, after 9 years in the entertainment business.  .  .  at this point all I could think of was the renowned Four Seasons Brunch more so than the celebs :-). My boss soon meets me and announces that we will attend the awards and have the pleasure of spending Grammy night with no one other than Ms. Debra Lee and her lovely daughter Ava. 

Everything from there went so fast. . . .from the limo ride to the Staples Center, to walking/jogging in heels to make the red carpet (traffic was just that bad), to falling on the red carpet (yes that's right, I fell like a stunt man -on the sideline not front and center in the focal point of all media thank goodness - with a scar on my leg to help tell  my story when I'm old), to watching a great show, and then a night of eating and partying with true movers and shakers. Here are some pics from the awards show taken on my phone (I was in such a rush and afraid of security issues with my camera, that I played it safe and am now o so sorry -- i vow it will never happen again, however there is something to be said for average pictures for a first time experience.)

 Bon Jovi

Eminem

Lil Wayne

Taylor Swift

After the awards, we were whisked away to LA Reid's dinner at Ceccino's, and that was a memorable experience for life. It wasn't Jay Z or Beyonce's presence dining at the next table over, nor Rhianna's shine, nor Drake's kiss on my right hand as he greeted me, or the always great to see Gayle King greeting me "well hello Dana Santiago" (email addresses do wonders I tell you -- our paths cross at least 3 times a year and she is always happy to remember the name/email with the face as am I that she does of course). Not that these moments aren't cherished and memorable, along with all the other talented people whose presence I had the honor to share at this intimate dinner including Usher, The Dream, Ashanti, Akon, Justin Beiber, Melanie Fiona, Michelle Williams and others. What did it for me, was when I was standing less than two feet away from MS. J LO! She and the lovely Marc Anthony attended, and needless to say THIS was the highlight of my night (as I am sure most of you know my fascination with 'Jenny from the Block'). I stood still and just absorbed this moment as if we met and carried on a lengthy conversation, but I promise next time we will! Okay, moving on. The family style dinner was quite exquisite, and well done, but what more can you expect from LA Reid. Thank you Mr. Reid from your technically uninvited guest :-) After sharing great conversation, recap of the awards on large plasmas, truly clapping and congratulating the artists who performed and or won a Grammy as they are sitting across from you, I knew the night couldn't get any better. Off to party hopping we went! Next stop was the Maxwell after party at The Mondrian, where we ran into Estelle, Mos Def, Andre Harrell, AJ Calloway, and actually entered the vip area with Maxwell for few hello's and laughs. We ended our night at the Congo Room hosted by Jamie Foxx and my boy Doug E. Fresh's jam session. Surprise guests included Sheila E., Kelly Price, and Lalah Hathaway. 

What a night to remember. . .and definitely and inspiration of things to come. In the words of L. Londell McMillan, "Dana, you can get into anything [any event] and be in these networks if only you really worked the connections and relationships you have" and that sir I do intend to do. 


Bubbly Yours & Inspired,
Dana Storm a/k/a Elmo's World The Remix