In a time when people think their opinions are the only way to run the world, the Recording Academy offered an alternative to a pseudo-solution; The Grammys showed love to the hospitality industry. It has been a year and nothing has worked to stop Covid-19 from destroying restaurants and bars while they are left to individually find their way through the fog.
What started as a lovely ode to bars, featuring music venues around the country, quickly evolved into a touching nod to regulars, musicians, and the connection between people. After several awards were handed out by representatives of the hospitality industry, the night culminated in having Candice Fox, a bartender of the Hotel Cafe, presenting the Grammy for Album of the Year. Seeing Fox share the stage with Taylor Swift
The Grammys reignited the need for these spaces to incubate music. Without bars, cafes, open mics, local jam nights, and other spaces to create, we are running the risk of losing the bedrock to cradle artists and the chambers to nourish souls in need to be stimulated with a care that comes from within. While most might think the arts are doing fine with the release of new movies, stand up specials, and music albums, newer artists have lost an important venue to work on their craft and connect with an audience. Real reactions from humans is the fuel to a creative person’s fire. It can do wonders from invigorating the journey or use that feedback to retool their projects into a more successful version.
When the Grammy’s showcased Candice Fox, a bartender who misses their regulars, to present Album of the Year, it was the first time I felt someone else cared about us. That someone was willing to say bars are important and needed. It wasn't the usual torrent of questions; “Are you open yet?”, “When will you be open?”, “How come you aren’t open yet?”. They weren’t waiting for a response about our safety protocols that have to be designed in house at every single location without useful government guidance, demanding restaurants to reopen immediately, nor we’re they telling bars different mask restrictions and how they do or don’t work. Instead, the Recording Academy’s message to bars and restaurants was simple: “We need you.”
When there are no answers, it's better to just be there.