During GRAMMY Week, GRAMMY House once again emerged as a cultural anchor—where music, innovation, and community intersected with intention. Across two immersive days at Rolling Greens in Los Angeles, the Recording Academy delivered an elevated experience that honored legacy, spotlighted Black creators, and challenged the industry to imagine what’s next. The Power Player Lifestyle News Team was on the ground for both events, capturing the sound, spirit, and significance of a space designed not just to entertain—but to advance culture.
Day One: A Celebration of Black Creators
Wednesday, January 28, 2026 | Rolling Greens, Los Angeles
Presented by the Black Music Collective (BMC), A Celebration of Black Creators unfolded as a soul-stirring homage to artistry, resilience, and shared history. From the opening moments, the room vibrated with reverence and joy—an energy amplified by a live audience deeply aware of the night’s purpose: honoring Black excellence while building community.
Hosted by Touré, newly announced as BMC co-chair, the evening balanced thoughtful commentary with musical brilliance. Touré’s reflections—on being judged before being known—set the tone for a night rooted in authenticity. Opening the program, J. Ivy delivered a poetic invocation that felt both personal and collective, calling the audience to presence.
The performances that followed were nothing short of electric. Teedra Moses commanded the stage with velvet vocals and emotional precision, reminding everyone why her sound remains timeless. Durand Bernarr, a four-time GRAMMY nominee, brought undeniable charisma—seamlessly weaving tributes from DeBarge to Sade with modern flair. Rising star Desz channeled the spirit of En Vogue, while Stevie Mackey anchored the evening with powerhouse moments and infectious joy.
One of the night’s defining elements was collaboration. Each singer remained onstage, supporting one another with live background vocals—an intentional act that symbolized the very community BMC seeks to cultivate. Highlights included a moving duet of “How Deep Is Your Love,” a crowd-lifting rendition of “Human Nature” reimagined with Touré’s spoken-word spin, and a soul-deep closing with Richard Smallwood’s “Lift My Eyes to the Hills.”
Industry leadership was also front and center. Harvey Mason Jr., CEO of the Recording Academy, reinforced BMC’s mission—citing over $80,000 in sponsorships dedicated to elevating Black creators and building sustainable platforms. Dr. Chelsea Green, the Academy’s first female Chair, received a standing ovation, joined by viral sensation Jeremy Green in a moment that brought the room to its feet.
Our Lead Entertainment Reporter Mark Winkler summed it up best: “We’ve been through a lot to sound this good.” And it showed.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 28: (L-R) Stevie Mackey, Teedra Moses, Durand Bernarr and Desz perform onstage during A Celebration of Black Creators at GRAMMY House during the 68th GRAMMY Awards at Rolling Greens on January 28, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Monica Schipper/Getty Images for The Recording Academy)
Day Two: Forging Tomorrow’s Music Landscape Today
Thursday, January 29, 2026 | Rolling Greens, Los Angeles
If Wednesday honored legacy, Thursday leaned boldly into the future. Forging Tomorrow’s Music Landscape Today convened artists, executives, and innovators for a dynamic conversation about where music is headed—and who gets to lead it.
Moderated by Harvey Mason Jr., the keynote panel featured will.i.am, genre-blending innovator Miles Minnick, and GRAMMY-winning bluegrass phenom Sierra Hull. Together, they unpacked the intersections of technology, artistry, and independence—exploring AI, immersive audio, and the evolving role of creators in a rapidly shifting industry.
A standout activation came from Sony Honda Mobility’s AFEELA, which unveiled a 28-channel immersive audio experience in partnership with Robert Glasper. Titled Spatial Code Derivation, the presentation transformed the electric vehicle into a living soundstage—redefining how audiences may experience music in the future.
As Editor-in-Chief Lela Christine observed, the conversation wasn’t just theoretical—it was actionable. From creator ownership to tech-forward storytelling, the message was clear: tomorrow’s music landscape will be built by those bold enough to innovate without losing soul.
Experiential & Activation Sponsors
GRAMMY House was elevated by best-in-class partners, including Coca-Cola, Coco and Breezy Eyewear, Dove (CROWN Coalition), LAY’S®, Pacsun, PATRÓN Tequila, Redken, Sharpie®, Stanley 1913, Sony Honda Mobility (AFEELA), Vaseline, VOSS Water, and WellWithAll Energy—each adding texture, wellness, and creativity to the experience.
Final Takeaway
Across two days, GRAMMY House proved itself more than a venue—it was a living blueprint for the future of music. Rooted in celebration, driven by innovation, and powered by community, the 2026 GRAMMY House experience reminded us that honoring Black creators and forging tomorrow’s sound are not separate missions—they are one and the same.
Reports by:
• Mark Winkler, Lead Entertainment Reporter — A Celebration of Black Creators
• Lela Christine, Editor-in-Chief — Forging Tomorrow’s Music Landscape Today
Photo Credit: Getty Images for The Recording Academy