The raging wildfires in southern California have sent the entire region into chaos. As homes continue to burn, organizations are making efforts to continue while also working to raise funding to aid those affected by the fires.
The 67th annual Grammy Awards are set to go on as planned February 2; but Grammy week events are being pared down to just four events with an emphasis on fundraising efforts.
As of today, the red carpet events are scheduled to proceed as planned; but could change if air quality continues to deteriorate.
Grammy Week is a time of celebration and parties; many of the events planned have been cancelled and the money being targeted toward relief and rebuilding. So far, over a dozen events have been cancelled.
A part of the four remaining Grammy Week events, will feature a fundraising element. Universal Music Group, BMG, Warner Music Group, WMG and the Blavatnik Family Foundation Social Justice Fund have all pledged money for emergency relief.
Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr spoke on the matter saying, “we understand how devastating this past week has been on this city and its people. This is our home, it’s home to thousands of music professionals, and many of us have been negatively impacted.”
The Recording Academy and MusiCares – an organization aimed at aiding musicians in time of need – launched the Los Angeles Fire Relief Effort with $1 million. To date, they have spent over $2 million for emergency aid.
One of the events still planned to go on is the annual MusiCares Person of the Year gala. Along with honouring The Grateful Dead, MusiCares is committing to wildfire relief efforts.
MusiCares sent out an email stating, “at our upcoming Persons of the Year, we will make a special appeal for donations to support our wildfire relief efforts.”