The first clue that something was up at the oft-quiet performing rights organization SESAC this week was the large powder blue-and-turquoise tour bus emblazoned with an assortment of Mayberry's Finest baking mixes parked across the street from its Music Row offices.
Then there was the throng of badge-wearing bluegrass fans from International Bluegrass Music Association's World of Bluegrass week sandwiched in the lobby; the presence of country and bluegrass music dignitaries including the Grand Ole Opry's Pete Fisher and Rounder Records co-founder Ken Irwin; and the scent of down-home cooking wafting into the crowd of 125.
It was all in honor of one of contemporary bluegrass' best-loved acts, The Grascals.
"It's been an amazing ride since 2004," said Tim Fink, associate vice president, writer/publisher relations, SESAC. "It's been unbelievable what they've done. They've been nominated or given awards for just about everything."
A string of accoladesSince its inception in 2004, the band has earned honors including two Grammy nominations for best bluegrass album, the International Bluegrass Music Association's entertainer of the year in 2006 and 2007, and had all three of their CDs land in the top spot on Billboard's bluegrass chart. The Grascals also landed a sponsorship with Mayberry's Finest — a food company that offers Southern-style fare like biscuit mixes and chicken and dumplings — hence the bus and food upstairs.
"What an incredible ride we've been on to wrap up with this party," said Jamie Johnson, a guitarist and singer in the group. "And we ain't done yet, by the way. We're just getting started."
After SESAC presented an enormous framed collage of mementos from the past four years, the group then handed out plaques to recognize those who played vital roles in the progression of its career, including songwriters, booking agents, radio professionals and others.
"The thing about the bluegrass music community is you know everyone there," Johnson said. "We work as hard as we can to make our music proud. We pour our heart and soul into it. We've got three records down, about 15 more to go and then a greatest hits package."
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