The 2017 Grammy Awards are right around the corner, and Saturday afternoon (Jan. 28) marked the beginning of the upcoming celebration of the new crop of creatives who have been honored. At Fig & Olive in West Hollywood, the Los Angeles chapter of the Recording Academy hosted its annual Grammy Nominees brunch, co-sponsored by Warner Bros. Records.
Nominees in attendance included Brandy Clark, Gallant, BJ the Chicago Kid, Terrace Martin, Lalah Hathaway and Jason "Poo Bear" Boyd. Guests mingled in an informal setting while enjoying coffee, mimosas, and other refreshments, as well as a seated buffet brunch courtesy of the restaurant
Just after 12:30 p.m., general remarks began with Kelley Purcell, executive director of the Los Angeles Chapter of the Recording Academy, who welcomed nominees and noted, "You're here today because your peers have recognized your artistic growth this year." Next, the Los Angeles chapter's president, John Burk, spoke on the greater good the Academy does beyond the Grammy Awards, saying, "It's about making life better for music makers year round," citing its MusiCares arm's feat of giving five million dollars to 7,000 creatives last year. (The organization provides resources to music makers in their time of need.)