GRAMMY U members had the unique opportunity to attend the rehearsals for the 2009 MusiCares Person of the Year honoring Neil Diamond on Feb. 5. Joanna Pernia, production coordinator, Bounce, and Daniel Rojas, Chapter GRAMMY U Representative, escorted members into the Los Angeles Convention Center West Hall for an afternoon of music. Select members were able to take part in this event due to their participation in the Biggest Blast Contest. All in attendance were eager to see artists such as Terrence Blanchard, Neil Diamond, Faith Hill, Jonas Brothers, Los Volcanes, Tim McGraw, Urge Overkill, and Cassandra Wilson.
GRAMMY U members enetered the West Hall during McGraw's rehearsal of "Hello Again." Following McGraw was Diamond, this year's MusiCares Person of the Year, who rehearsed several of his most popular songs including "Sweet Caroline" and "America." Members were delighted when Diamond welcomed Hill on stage for them to run through for their duet performance of "You Don't Bring Me Flowers."
Next, Wilson and Blanchard practiced their rendition of "September Morn," and Tejano band Los Volcanes gave a unique and exciting rehearsal of "Red, Red Wine." Los Volcanes were followed by Urge Overkill, who rehearsed "Girl, You'll Be A Woman Soon." Many students recognized this song and were surprised to learn that it was originally written and recorded by Diamond and later popularized again by Urge Overkill in the move Pulp Fiction.
To end an exhilarating afternoon of music, members were thrilled to be able to watch pop superstars the Jonas Brothers rehearse. Their rendition of "Forever in Blue Jeans" definitely impressed the GRAMMY U members in attendance.