Last week, the New York music community came together to celebrate the nominees for the 66th annual Grammy Awards at the Edge, the highest outdoor sky deck in the Western Hemisphere, located in Hudson Yards in New York City. The celebration is historically held on a Monday as many New York chapter members are Broadway performers, making it the entertainers’ only day off.
“This is the highest nominee celebration that’s ever existed,” said Nick Cucci, the senior executive director of The Recording Academy’s New York Chapter.
The cast of the Broadway musical “Kimberly Akimbo” attends the New York chapter nominee celebrations.
Photo by Cindy Ord/Getty Images for The Recording Academy
Cast members of the critically acclaimed Broadway shows and “Best Musical Theater Album” category cast nominees from “Parade,” “Kimberly Akimbo” and “Shucked” were all present. Other notable nominees included Liz Callaway, Fred Hersch, J. Ivy, Kevin Powell and Nicole Zuraitis with Louis Cato, comedian Matt Friend and former “Bachelor” and media personality Matt James. Guests joined in on the celebration for drinks and light bites and danced the night away with music by DJ Nyla.
“It’s such an exciting moment to look out in this room because we have over 200 nominees from New York,” said Ruby Marchand, chief awards and industry officer at The Recording Academy’s New York Chapter.
Torae Carr, The Recording Academy’s New York chapter president with J. Ivy, nominee for “Best Spoken Word Poetry Album” category.
Cindy Ord/Getty Images for The Recording Academy
Mastercard was a platinum partner for The Recording Academy New York Chapter’s nominee event. The global technology company has been a longtime partner of the Grammys. Earlier this January, Mastercard and Hudson Yards announced its partnership as a seamless blend of culture, community and innovation — with this event part of the duo’s multiyear commitment.
“Mastercard’s commitment to offering an unrivaled cardholder experience makes them an ideal partner for Hudson Yards,” said Stephanie Fink, senior vice president of marketing, partnership and events for Hudson Yards. “Hudson Yards’ diverse array of world-class shopping, dining, cultural and entertainment destinations hits on all of Mastercard’s passion points providing cardholders even more reasons to come experience the neighborhood.”