This Friday, Feb. 3, marks the return of MusiCares' Annual GRAMMY Week Gala — better known as Person of the Year —  to the Los Angeles Convention Center, after the COVID-19 pandemic forced the event to take a near three-year hiatus from the venue. Although guests can rest assured many of the event's classic features (a star-studded concert, a catered dinner, a silent auction) remain the same, no two Person of the Year events are exactly alike.

This year is going to be especially unique, as MusiCares has not one but two honorees. The Persons of the Year gala will honor Berry Gordy and Smokey Robinson, and will feature a stacked lineup of performers to pay tribute to the Motown legends, among many other exciting moments.

To make sure you're cruisin' seamlessly into this year's celebration, here's what to expect at the 2023 Persons of the Year event!

An All-Night Dance Party

The Motown catalog is one of the most epic in music history, rife with upbeat hits that make it simply impossible to not get up and move. In fact, the concert portion of this year's event features over five songs that have hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100!

Plus, this year's house band is led by the best of the best, the acclaimed Greg Phillinganes, who has worked with an endless list of talent including Paul McCartney, Michael Jackson, Donna Summer, and more.

Make sure you wear your dancing shoes — because you're sure to be dancing in the streets!

GRAMMY Award Winners and Best New Artist Nominees

With over 20 performers set to take the stage, this year's concert is jam-packed with GRAMMY nominees and winners of years past — Sheryl Crow, John Legend, Brandi Carlile, Mumford & Sons and the Temptations, to name a few.

But the show will also feature three artists who are up for Best New Artist at the 2023 GRAMMYs: 23-year-old jazz vocalist Samara Joy, bluegrass singer and multi-instrumentalist Molly Tuttle, and contemporary jazz duo DOMi & JD Beck. All three are performing for the very first time on the Persons of the Year stage, and all three are up for Best New Artist at this year's GRAMMY Awards.

Whether GRAMMY alumni or first-timers, the artistry is sure to blow you away.

One-Of-A-Kind Auction Items

MusiCares' gala wouldn't be complete without a silent auction featuring one-of-a-kind items and experiences. Proceeds from the auction help to support MusiCares' vital health and human services that support music people who have fallen on hard times.

This year's auction includes amazing travel packages, gallery pieces, signed guitars, and a virtual wine tasting with 2023 Persons of the Year Honoree Smokey Robinson himself! Bidding is open now at this link and will close at approximately 8:15 pm PT on February 3rd, 2023. If you are a winner, you will be able to pick up your item at Auction check out after the tribute concert. 

A Motown Reunion

MusiCares knows there ain't nothing like the real thing — which is why we've gathered your favorite Motown artists to come and pay tribute to the incomparable Berry Gordy and Smokey Robinson.

Get excited for musical giants to take the stage, including the Temptations, the Isley Brothers, Lionel Richie, Four Tops, and more! Performing their timeless hits, these Motown legends will reunite to create a once-in-a-lifetime concert experience.

The Unexpected!

Finally, we encourage all guests to expect the unexpected, because we've got some exciting surprises in store for Friday evening. While we can't say much, we heard it through the grapevine that these surprises will surely make for one unforgettable night.

For more information on MusiCares Persons of the Year, visit our event guide and FAQ at https://one.bidpal.net/personoftheyear/custom/custom3.

Listen: 40 Songs To Honor Berry Gordy & Smokey Robinson, The 2023 MusiCares Persons Of The Year