Recording Academy Honors DC Heroes
The National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (NARAS), known internationally as the producers of the Grammy Awards, presented its 2nd Annual Washington, DC Chapter Heroes Awards on April 23 at the Willard Inter-Continental Hotel. The event recognizes outstanding individuals and institutions in the DC region that have improved the environment for the creative community. The evening's highlights included an awards presentation and dinner, as well as a silent auction benefiting MusiCares.
 BMI's Frances Preston presents country superstar Vince Gill with a DC Heroes Award |
Produced by the Recording Academy's Washington, DC Chapter and co-sponsored by BMI, this year's honorees included BMI songwriter/artist Vince Gill, Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Representative Howard Coble (R-NC) and the American Youth Philharmonic Orchestras. BMI President and CEO Frances Preston presented Gill with his award, saying: "...What makes him a hero is not his many creative achievements, but the generosity of his heart."
 BMI's Fred Cannon, Vince Gill and wife Amy Grant, Larry Fitzgerald, BMI's Paul Corbin and Robbin Ahrold |
Click here to read the rest of Preston's presentation speech to Vince Gill.
Click here to read Preston's letter to the attendees.
 Senator Patrick Leahy, BMI's Paul Corbin and Representative Howard Coble |
Other presenters and celebrity VIP's in attendance included Mickey Hart of the Grateful Dead, who presented a Heroes Award to Senator Leahy, jazz legend Paquito D'Rivera, artist Amy Grant and NARAS President and CEO Michael Greene.
 Legendary bluegrass group "Seldom Scene" perform with Vince Gill |
 Award winners and presenters pose for photo: Mickey Hart of the Grateful Dead, Tipper Gore, Senator Patrick Leahy, BMI's Frances Preston, Rep. Howard Coble, Luis Haza of the American Youth Philharmonic Orchestra, Paquito D'Rivera, Vince Gill, Amy Grant and Recording Academy's Mike Greene |
photos: Jim Saah
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