GRAMMY Foundation Presents the 8th Annual Music on Film Preservation Project

Media Alert
Source: Rogers and Cowan

WHO: Comedian, filmmaker and political commentator Harry Shearer will host New Orleans Rising, the 8th Annual GRAMMY Foundation(r) Music on Film Preservation ProjectSM, with live performances by GRAMMY(r) winner Coolio, GRAMMY nominees Irma Thomas, Allen Toussaint and Kirk Whalum, as well as Ivan Neville and the Gibson/Baldwin GRAMMY Jazz EnsemblesSM. Also in attendance will be Recording Academy(r) and GRAMMY Foundation President Neil Portnow, and a range of special guests.

WHAT: New Orleans Rising, this year's Music on Film Preservation Project, will showcase footage from the treasured city of New Orleans, and celebrate the city's role in the early development of jazz and varied styles of music in this country. The event will feature film highlights from the Gulf Coast region and live musical performances.

WHERE: Wilshire Ebell Theater, 4401 West 8th Street, Los Angeles, Calif. 90005

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 4, 2006
5:30 p.m.: Media Check-in
6:30-8 p.m.: Guest Speakers, Performances and Screening
Reception to follow sponsored by Fiji Water, Cavia Reserve/Bodegas Antigal, Andiamo Vineyards Inc. and Luna Gardens Inc.

WHY: A vast number of music performances and other music-related content have been documented on film and video; however, many of these historic materials are in deteriorating condition. In 1999, the GRAMMY Foundation established the Music on Film Preservation Project to partner with archives, artists, foundations and others with significant collections to identify and preserve at-risk media. Each year, the initiative culminates in a public screening that reintroduces works from these major contributors to a wider audience and educates the public about the GRAMMY Foundation's role in preserving treasured historical performances.

The GRAMMY Foundation was established in 1989 to cultivate the understanding, appreciation and advancement of the contribution of recorded music to American culture - from the artistic and technical legends of the past to the still unimagined musical breakthroughs of future generations of music professionals. The Foundation accomplishes this mission through programs and activities that engage the music industry and cultural community as well as the general public. The Foundation works in partnership year-round with The Recording Academy to bring national attention to important issues such as the value and impact of music and arts education and the urgency of preserving our rich cultural heritage. For more information, please visit www.grammyfoundation.com.