Grammy Museum in the thick of the action

Come early 2009, the new Grammy Museum in downtown Los Angeles will play host to a series of public events, the centerpiece of which will be a chat and performance by Brian Wilson on Jan. 15.

Overall, the four-story hall has more than 100 events on tap for the coming year, says Executive Director Bob Santelli. Though some are directly tied to the Grammy Awards, such as a free Jan. 22 look at the “Masterminds Behind the Grammys,” most, like the museum itself, have a broader focus than the award gala.

The museum is part of the $2.5-billion L.A. Live project undertaken by AEG. In addition, L.A. Live has the Nokia Theatre and the Conga Room (see story, Page 15) and a bevy of restaurants. And it’s next to Staples Center, home of the Feb. 8 Grammy Awards.

“It’s safe to say that I’m taking full advantage of our address,” Santelli says. “Right next to us is Club Nokia, the Conga Room, the Nokia Theatre and the Staples Center, all of which I have access to, thanks to AEG. So when I’m ready to announce a curated jazz concert series, I can go beyond the very intimate soundstage we have at the museum and curate concerts on this campus.”

Promised are film nights, lectures and discussions with industry insiders, artist Q&As; and showcases for young and up-and-coming acts. Among the January offerings:

“The Making of the Grammy Museum” (Jan. 7): Santelli and others discuss how the site came to be. Free.

“An Evening With Brian Wilson” (Jan. 15): The artist will give the first public concert in the museum’s 200-seat theater, including an audience Q&A.; General admission is $20.

“Duke Jazz Talk With Charlie Haden and Alan Broadbent” (Jan. 21): Composer-bassist Haden and pianist Broadbent will participate in a discussion. $18.

“Recording Academy Retrospective: 50 Years of Legacy & Leadership” (Jan. 28): Producer and academy chairman Jimmy Jam will host a free panel discussion.

Information: (213) 765-6800, www.grammymuseum.org.

-- Todd Martens