FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 3, 2002 PR-071-02 www.nyc.gov |
MAYOR MICHAEL R. BLOOMBERG AND RECORDING ACADEMY PRESIDENT MICHAEL
GREENE ANNOUNCE RETURN OF THE GRAMMY AWARDS TO NEW YORK CITY
First time the Grammys
will be back in the Big Apple since 1998
Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg joined Recording Academy President/CEO
Michael Greene, Cablevision President/CEO and Madison Square Garden
(MSG) Chairman James Dolan, MSG President Seth Abraham, and CBS President/CEO
Leslie Moonves today to announce that the 45th Annual Grammy Awards
would return to New York City on February 23rd, 2003. The star-studded
spectacular event will be broadcast on the CBS Television Network.
"Twenty years after the Grammy Awards were first held in the old Felt Forum, it is particularly meaningful that the Recording Academy has decided to bring back an event at this time that showcases the music industry's most talented artists," said Mayor Bloomberg. "The Academy has always had a significant presence here in New York, and in February 2003, people from over 175 countries will be watching a premiere entertainment event broadcast from the greatest City on earth."
"We are extremely
delighted to be bringing the Grammys to New York for our 45th anniversary,"
said Recording Academy President/CEO Greene. "This caps off a
very interactive year of Recording Academy programs in the city through
our ongoing community outreach programs, mentoring and local school
initiatives, an energetic, involved New York Chapter, Grammy professional
education and networking events, and additional funds and services
when the city has needed us most. We look forward to working with
Mayor Bloomberg and his staff and our great friends at Madison Square
Garden. The Academy itself never left New York, and now we are thrilled
to bring our main event -- the Grammy Awards -- back to the city."
"The return of the Grammy Awards is another example of Cablevision
and Madison Square Garden's objective to bring top entertainment to
New York," said MSG Chairman Dolan. "We are honored to host
one of the industry's premier events at the Garden, which has been
home to some of the greatest musical events in history."
"It feels great to be back at the Garden and it is with great pride that CBS will broadcast the Grammy Awards from New York next February on a new night -- Sunday," said CBS President/CEO Moonves. "It all adds up to one exciting event: The music industry's biggest showcase will be broadcast on television's most watched night from the country's largest city and from the world's most famous arena."
After the announcement, pop superstar Marc Anthony presented Mayor Bloomberg with a guitar donated by legendary artist Les Paul that was painted with a poignant September 11th scene by Peter Ortel, a New York City retired fireman from Rescue 3, and then autographed by Paul. The guitar will be displayed throughout the year at Madison Square Garden and then auctioned at a later date with the proceeds going to the Widows & Orphans Fund for New York City.
The Recording Academy estimates the economic impact on the host city at approximately $35-40 million. The 45th Annual Grammy Awards will be broadcast on February 23rd, 2003 from 8 p.m. - 11 p.m. The event will air on the CBS Television Network as a prime time special continuing CBS' long-standing partnership with the Recording Academy. Nominees for the 45th Annual Grammy Awards will be announced in January 2003. For more information about the Grammy Awards, the Recording Academy and its Foundations, log onto the Grammy website at www.Grammy.com.
www.nyc.gov
Contact: | Ed
Skyler / Jennifer Falk (212) 788-2958 |