QUICK LINKS: Bands / Music Matters Grant / Nonprofits / Judges / Photo / Video

Support Law Rocks Tour

Friday and Saturday, March 22 and 23
Whisky A Go Go
$411K in fundraising, a new event record!

Friday Winner and Hustle and Heart Award: The Meltones for Mending Kids
Friday Judges’ Choice Award: 5 Feet Under for Glendale Sunrise Rotary Foundation

Saturday Winner: The Nuisance for Ketchum-Downtown YMCA
Saturday Judges’ Choice Award: The Gee Gees for Alliance for Children’s Rights
Saturday Hustle and Heart Award: Privileged Communications for The Access Project

It was a record-smashing weekend at the Whisky for the 13th Annual Law Rocks Los Angeles! The double-dose of rock raised over $411K, breaking the all-time previous Law Rocks record for a single event and pushing Law Rocks Global over the mark of $7 million raised since its founding in 2009. 14 bands of legal rock stars battled it out over two nights at the famed Whisky a Go-Go. The Sunset Strip staple was packed full of fans buzzing with excitement over the sold-out show.

The weekend was hosted by Valerie Ojeda, front woman for the wildly successful national cover band, “Anthem Road”, who expertly emceed each evening. The Rock Panel of Judges for Friday night included Kathleen Wirt, owner and operator of the legendary 4th Street Recording Studio; Rita George, Chief Program Officer for the GRAMMY Museum; Brian Meegan, Director of Sales and Marketing at ProSearch, AI Evangelist, & Freelance Drummer; and Emelie Pfaff, Director of Partnerships at the Harmony Project in Los Angeles, accomplished musician, and advocate for women in brass playing. Saturday featured judges Graham Bonnet, legendary English vocalist and frontman of the Graham Bonnet Band; Beth-Ami Heavenstone, former bassist for the all-female Sunset Strip band, Hardly Dangerous, now playing for the Graham Bonnet band; and Stacey Anne Oziel, professional singer, bandleader, and in-house counsel for The Walt Disney Company.

The Music Matters grant was awarded to two local organizations focused on youth music education - Harmony Project and Silverlake Conservatory.

NIGHT ONE: FRIDAY, MARCH 22

Anticipation was high as the first band took the stage Friday night, rocking for the Transgender Law Center. Featuring legal talent from Grindr; Domb & Rauchwerger; and the Law Office of John P. Given, The Grind captivated the crowd with killer guitar solos and high-energy hits from Led Zeppelin’s “Rock & Roll” to Katy Perry’s “Firework”. Their cover of U2’s “Mysterious Ways featured impressive vocals and background djembe, and had the crowd dancing and feeling the funk.

Playing in support of Slave 2 Nothing Foundation, The Doughboys were up next with their unique brand of rocking the house. Always unique, the band featuring legal talent from Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman combined fresh beats with 90s grunge and even managed to rock the house with a bassoon. The standout cover was Queen’s “Another One Bites the Dust”, complete with original rap verses introducing their band.

Ocean Park Sound System hit the stage next, rocking for Los Angeles Center for Law and Justice. Featuring legal talent from Raines Feldman Littrell, the Santa Monica-based Funk, Soul, Reggae, and Dub band stayed true to its roots, slaying songs by soul greats The Isley Brothers and Stevie Wonder. Standout songs included their rendition of Sly and the Family Stone’s “Everyday People”, “It’s Tricky” by Run-D.M.C., and a medley blending M.I.A.’s “Paper Planes” with Led Zeppelin’s “Ramble On” among other crowd-pleasing classics.

Multi-city champions The Meltones brought their band to LA for the first time and showed why their trophy-case is overflowing. Multiple singers took turns captivating the audience with songs that spanned genres. They masterfully covered hits by Joe Cocker, No Doubt and Hozier and foreshadowed the incredible night as they sang “I'm having such a good time, I'm having a ball” - and we really did.

Rocking for United Friends of the Children, Castle of Soul featured legal talent from Cox Castle & Nicholson, a horn section, and all the sequins. The ten piece band brought the house down with feel-good classics like “Rescue Me” by Fontella Bass and Mark Ronson’s “Valerie”. Their killer cover of “Proud Mary” wowed the crowd and did Tina Turner proud.

While most bands bent genres, 5 Feet Under stayed true to their rock roots with a full set of hard-hitting classics played so perfectly, it was easy to forget this band was loaded with lawyers. Rocking for Glendale Sunrise Rotary Foundation with talent from Bradley Gmelich & Wellerstein; Pope & Gentile; and X1, the band set the energy to eleven from the start and never backed down. Their inaugural Law Rocks performance included high-energy hits like Guns N’ Roses’ “Welcome to the Jungle”, “Working for the Weekend” by Loverboy, and Ozzy Osbourne’s “Crazy Train”. The audience was loudly singing along, and the judges were clearly aligned as they awarded them the coveted Judges’ Choice Award.

With spot-on vocals, Side Hustle kept the crowd singing and dancing all the way through to the show’s end. Rocking for The Posse Foundation - Los Angeles with talent from Latham & Watkins; Doll Amir Eley; and Russell Law, the band nailed covers of Kelly Clarkson’s “Walk Away”, Stevie Wonder’s “Superstition”, and ultimate crowd favorite, “Benny and the Jets” by Sir Elton John.

NIGHT TWO: SATURDAY, MARCH 23

Saturday’s show opened with Buchalter band Confidential covering nineties grunge hit “Plush” by Stone Temple Pilots. Rocking for PML Foundation, the Buchalter band featured dynamic drums, killer keys, and great guitar solos. Standout performances included covers of “Hey Joe” by Jimi Hendrix, “5 to 1” by The Doors, and “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door” by Guns N’ Roses.

Next up was a Law Rocks fan-favorite, Down By Law. Opening their set with hypnotic vocals and a militaristic snare drum, their cover of Jefferson Airplane’s “White Rabbit” captivated the crowd from start to finish. The rest of their set seamlessly flowed across genres as the audience sang along. Rocking for LACBA Counsel for Justice, the band featured legal talent from Reed Smith; Constangy, Brooks, Smith & Prophete; Seals Phillips; and Glaser Weil. It also featured some cleverly coordinated animal print attire.

Veteran band The Nuisance returned for another year with their unique interpretation of popular songs. Surprising and delighting an engaged crowd as they punked up songs from country to pop, the most memorable moment was the edgy rock version of “You’ll be Back” from Hamilton. Possibly the first Broadway cover to be played from a Law Rocks stage, the crowd cheered and joyously sang along. Rocking for Ketchum Downtown YMCA, The Nuisance featured talent from Allen Matkins; Buchalter, Doll Amir Eley; Latham & Watkins, and took home the title of Saturday’s Overall Winner.

Sustained! was up next, taking the Law Rocks stage for the first time. Haunting vocals echoed the walls of The Whisky as the singer belted an acapella intro to The Animals’ “House of the Rising Sun” before the band kicked in to meet her. The bassist crushed it on “Come Together” by the Beatles and the keyboardist put a sweet spin on Faces' “Ooh La La”, dedicating the song to his mother.

Featuring purple hair, a polished horn section, and legal talent from Perkins Coie, Privileged Communications came to rock and did just that, taking home Saturday's Hustle & Heart Award. Rocking for The Access Project, the band got the crowd grooving to covers of vintage hits like Tom Jones’ “It’s Not Unusual” and “Touch Me” by the Doors.

Next up, Run BMc hit the stage in style, opening with a killer cover of Steppenwolf’s “Born to Be Wild”. Their setlist featured hits from a variety of genres including No Doubt’s “Just a Girl” and crowd-favorite “Celebration” by Kool and the Gang. The band rocked for LA Family Housing with talent from Baker & McKenzie; Constangy Brooks Smith & Prophete; Glancy Prongay & Murray; and SEADE Coaching & Consulting.

Law Rocks rookie band The Gee Gees seemed anything but as they opened their set with perfect harmonies rocking “The Chain” by Fleetwood Mac. Band members traded out on vocals and drums, joking they are “probably the only band in history that has more drummers than guitar players.” The guest saxophonist blew the crowd away on Money by Pink Floyd. The band chose the perfect set-list to highlight their talents, receiving the Judges’ Choice Award. Rocking for Alliance for Children’s Rights, the band featured talent from Greenberg Glusker.

MAJOR THANKS

Law Rocks wouldn't exist without the support of all the bands and firms - major thanks to every participating band! Thanks also to the team at the Whisky a Go-Go, the Rock Panel of Judges, and our nonprofit guests. None of this would be possible without our sponsors - thank you to top sponsors Greenberg Traurig; McNicholas & McNicholas; Raines Feldman; Buchalter; and Perkins Coie; as well as additional sponsors Becker Law Group; Pillsbury; Allen Matkins; Constangy, Brooks, Smith & Prophete; Davis Wright Tremaine; Glaser Weil; Greenberg Glusker; Prosearch; Baker McKenzie; IST Management Services; Connect Media; Doll Amir Eley; Fisher Philips; Nationwide Legal; Planet Depos; Sandline; Veritext; Withum; Cooley; IMS Legal Strategies; and tour sponsor Secretariat.

We love you Los Angeles!
We’ll see you again next year!

OUR SPONSORS ROCK!

Featured

5 Feet Under

Featuring legal talent from Bradley Gmelich & Wellerstein; Pope & Gentile; X1
Rocking Friday for Glendale Sunrise Rotary Foundation

Hailing from the heart of Glendale, CA, 5 Feet Under Band is an electrifying Classic Rock Cover Band that brings a new wave of energy to timeless hits. We deliver dynamic, high-octane performances that turn any event into an unforgettable experience.

5 Feet Under Band channels the spirit of classic rock, breathing new life into iconic hits from the genre's most celebrated artists. Our members' diverse backgrounds contribute to our unique sound and captivating stage presence. We are a band that thrives on audience interaction, building a connection with every note we play.

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Castle of Soul

Featuring legal talent from Cox Castle & Nicholson
Rocking Friday for United Friends of the Children

What's a band without soul? Combining a range of sounds, Castle of Soul is here to bring you all the funky vibes that make your toes tap and your head bob. If you're looking for a jammin' time, look no further.

The Doughboys

Featuring legal talent from Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman
Rocking Friday for Slave 2 Nothing Foundation

Don’t let the name fool you. The Doughboys rock it hard. Mashing millennial pop and spitting OG lyrics, they are as deft with a mic as they are with a memo. The Doughboys are nine strong, and ready to rock with quality you can taste for In-N-Out Burger’s Slave 2 Nothing Foundation.

The Grind

Featuring legal talent from Grindr; Domb & Rauchwerger; Given Law Offices
Rocking Friday for Transgender Law Center

The Grind is committed to the full expression of our most authentic selves, including all sexual orientations, gender identities, and genres of music. The Grind (ver. 3.0) is Bill Shafton (VP, Business & Legal Affairs, Grindr), Zack Domb (Partner, Domb & Rauchwerger Employment Law Group), John Given (environmental law solo practitioner), Vanity Brown (CX Escalations Manager, Grindr), AJ Balance (Chief Product Officer, Grindr), Nancy Cotton, and Michael Malinowski. The Grind proudly supports the Trans Law Center, the national trans-led organization advocating self-determination for all peoples.

The Meltones

Featuring legal talent from Greenberg Traurig
Rocking Friday for Mending Kids

Look no further - global law firm Greenberg Traurig is excited to have its house band, The Meltones, make their first ever LA appearance at the Whisky a Go Go. The Meltones, named after a firm founder Mel Greenberg, have been rocking in various incarnations since the mid-1980s, and are proud to be seven-time Law Rocks NYC Champions, with their sights set on number eight! The Meltones have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for local non-profits and couldn’t be more thrilled to play for Mending Kids, an organization that provides free life-saving surgical care to sick children worldwide. The Meltones are comprised of 9 bandmembers: On guitar, New York Real Estate Shareholder Stephen Rabinowitz and Miami Real Estate Shareholder Burt Bruton; on keyboard, Albany Government Law & Policy Shareholder Cristopher Cernik; on vocals, New York Litigation Of Counsel Ashley LeBlanc, Las Vegas Litigation Shareholder Michael Hogue, Chief Shareholder Recruiting and Integration Officer Tracy Newirth, and Atlanta Business Director Tony Hatchett; on drums, Orange County Energy & Natural Resources Shareholder Thomas Brill; and former GT New York Associate Daniel Blumberg joins as our guest artist on bass.

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Ocean Park Sound System

Featuring legal talent from Raines Feldman Littrell
Rocking Friday for Los Angeles Center for Law and Justice

Ocean Park Sound System creates analog, organic groove music. Think retro-funk, reggae and dance rock for your head and your body. A decade ago, OPSS came together out the surf lineup at Ocean Park to create a true community vibe. With members from Raines Feldman LLP, OPSS plays out all year at events, dive bars, festivals, and parties. OPSS loves taking it to the stage at Law Rocks.

www.oceanparksoundsystem.com

Side Hustle

Featuring legal talent from Latham & Watkins; Doll Amir Eley; Russell Law 
Rocking Friday for The Posse Foundation - Los Angeles

Professionals from Latham & Watkins and Doll Amir Eley join together as Side Hustle, to bring you a mix of classic and modern rock, pop, soul, and more.

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SATURDAY BANDS

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Confidential

Featuring legal talent from Buchalter
Rocking Saturday for PML Foundation

Confidential is a band straight out of Irvine, with a dash of Newport Beach and Baja California thrown in. The story of Confidential can be described as, “From Zero To The Whisky.” Friends with rock n’ roll dreams (one having already achieved them and is our rock n’ roll sensei) – and a Buchalter connection - learned of the existence of Law Rocks. The idea of playing the “global law firm battle of the bands” brought them together to form the band they always wanted - and Confidential’s been rocking ever since.

Confidential is comprised of Jason Goldstein (bass/vocals), Bob Dato (guitars/mandolin/vocals), Darren Wilsey (guitars/bass/keyboards/vocals), Abram Rodriguez (vocals/guitar/bass/drums), Matty West (guitar/hype man) and Patti “Snaps” Oceguera (drums).

Confidential’s goal is to rock the house and make sure that everyone has a good time. And as our name Confidential implies, if you have too good of a time: your secret is safe with us (trademark pending).

Down By Law

Featuring legal talent from Reed Smith; Constangy, Brooks, Smith & Prophete; Seals Phillips; Glaser Weil
Rocking Saturday for LACBA Counsel for Justice

Down By Law has been rockin' since 2016. Though the lineup has changed from time to time, the core that was formed out of desperation to convince their kids that they are cool remains. Inspired by Jim Jarmusch, SNL's "More Cowbell" sketch, Iggy Pop, and Karen Carpenter, DBL rocks to benefit Counsel for Justice (www.counselforjustice.org), and to answer the eternal question: "Is she really going out with him?

The Gee Gees

Featuring legal talent from Greenberg Glusker
Rocking Saturday for Alliance for Children’s Rights

The Gee Gees (ggfirm.com—clever, huh?) are thrilled to make our inaugural appearance at Law Rocks at the legendary Whisky! Our band’s sound spans the decades, with our core players all Greenberg Glusker lawyers: Graham Fenton (vocals); Ryan Webb (drums/vocals); Ricardo Cestero (guitar/vocals); Ira Steinberg (bass); Noah Perch-Ahern (guitar/vocals); Pete Nyquist (drums/no vocals, please) and James Hill (keyboard). The Gee Gees, with special appearances by Linda Debella and Doug Webb, are super pumped to ramp up their game before a live audience outside the friendly confines of our annual firm retreat.

The Nuisance

Featuring legal talent from Allen Matkins; Buchalter, Doll Amir & Eley; Latham & Watkins
Rocking Saturday for Ketchum Downtown YMCA

The Nuisance has participated in Law Rocks since 2014 and this year takes the stage with numerous Law Rocks veterans and long-time supporters of the Law Rocks mission. The Nuisance puts a new gritty spin on rock classics, from Neil Diamond to U2.

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Privileged Communications

Featuring legal talent from Perkins Coie
Rocking Saturday for The Access Project

Privileged Communications comprises partner Michael Wise on lead vocals, partner Joe Hamilton on guitar, partner Lara Dueppen on keyboard and partner Oliver Gold on drums, with firm friend Niall Fordyce on bass. While Privileged Communications does not have any available recordings currently, the group is in contract discussions with several large record labels and expects to perform at the Super Bowl Halftime Show within the next few years.

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Run BMc

Featuring legal talent from Baker & McKenzie; Constangy Brooks Smith & Prophete; Glancy Prongay & Murray; and SEADE Coaching & Consulting
Rocking Saturday for LA Family Housing

Run BMc has more than two decades of collective Law Rockin’ experience, including members of two different past champions. They are back to rock, roll, rap, dance, and funkify your minds. Not to be mistaken for your typical law-firm-charity-classic-rock-cover band, it discovered its musical destiny by covering artists like Run DMC, Tina Turner, Coldplay, Janis Joplin, Adele, Def Leppard, and Justin Timberlake. The band is known to bring sexy back, roll in the deep, and pour some sugar on you, while curing fevers with the only prescription – more cowbell.

Sustained!

Featuring legal talent from McNicholas & McNicholas
Rocking Saturday for Inner City Law Center

Sustained! is thrilled to make their debut at Law Rocks and to share a night of music at the legendary Whisky A Go-Go. From Punk to Blues to Classic Rock, they've worked hard to make sure there are no objections to their set. And if there are... see the Judge in the band for final ruling.

Rocking the stage in support of the Inner City Law Center is The Honorable Cesar Sarmiento (guitar), Patrick McNicholas (guitar), Alan Bruni (drums/percussion), Leslie Delhomme (vocals), Matt Londe (bass/vocals), Alec Mandell (keys/vocals), Kela Sachs (vocals), and Kaya Ramos (guitar/percussion).

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As part of our initiative to increase giving in support of music education, particularly for underserved youth, Law Rocks now awards the Music Matters grant to a local nonprofit in each city they visit. For Los Angeles, we awarded a grant each night. On Friday night, Law Rocks awarded the Music Matters grant to Harmony Project – an organization that uses the transformative power of music to open up life-changing experiences to students in under-resourced communities. Saturday night’s Music Matters grant was awarded to Silverlake Conservatory of Music – an organization that facilitates a dynamic music education and teaches beginning and accomplished musicians of all skill levels.

Featured

HOST - VALERIE OJEDA

This proud "CHI-TOWN" girl is best known for her vocal versatility, boundless energy & magnetic charisma on stage. During the week, Valerie Ojeda travels the country, working as an On-Camera Host, Event Emcee, Trade Show Presenter and Automotive Product Specialist, representing top companies like Panasonic, Microsoft, 3M, Sony, Epson, Honda and Bosch, just to name a few.  

On weekends, she fronts the wildly successful National cover band, “Anthem Road,” playing nightclubs, casinos, conventions, country clubs, wineries, private parties and outdoor festivals, all over the country. Over the years Anthem Road has opened for the iconic 80’s bands Berlin and Warrant, as well as some of the top tribute bands in the country. Valerie’s favorite musical moments to date were meeting Pat Benatar, Kip Winger, Jerry Dixon and Billy Ocean, as well as singing with Terri Nunn at The Canyon Club and singing the National Anthem before a Slaughter concert.  

For Valerie, being of service is the highest form of consciousness, so being able to give back to the local community by being a part of Law Rocks LA, is an absolute dream come true.

JUDGE - KATHLEEN WIRT

Kathleen Wirt has worked with hundreds of bands in the 35 years she has owned and operated 4th Street Recording, a boutique studio in downtown Santa Monica. In the early years, her tireless scouting and well- placed spec deals helped to launch major careers including Fiona Apple, Incubus, Hoobastank, and The Neighbourhood. In all, over 40 bands have scored record deals out of the studio, which continues to draw artists with its vintage analog gear and creative vibe.

Some of her studio’s gold and platinum record awards include The Beach Boys’ “Kokomo,” No Doubt’s Tragic Kingdom, Fiona Apple’s “Shadowboxer,” Nelly Furtado’s Folklore, Weird Al Yankovic’s Straight Outta Lynwood, Hoobastank’s self-titled first album. Incubus’s S.C.I.E.N.C.E., Jack’s Mannequin’s Everything In Transit, and The Neighbourhood’s I Love You, which features the Diamond single “Sweater Weather.”

Kathleen often speaks on Industry event panels and shares with the community through Women In Music, mentorships, sponsorship of homeless artists, hosting recording programs for at-risk and incarcerated youth, and by promoting young women’s careers in music production through workshops and the studio’s internship program.

JUDGE - EMELIE PFAFF

Originally from Sweden, Emelie Pfaff graduated with a Masters of Music in French Horn Performance from Colorado State University. She also holds a Bachelors of Music in Performance and a Bachelors of Music in Music Theory from the University of Kansas City, Conservatory of Music and Dance (UMKC).

Emelie has traveled all over the United States and Europe performing and teaching with groups such as the Fountain City Brass Band, the Athena Brass Band, Colorado Brass, The UMKC Wind Symphony, the Loveland Symphony, the Culver City Symphony, the St. Joseph Symphony, and the Kinnor Philharmonic. She has performed at various Music Educators Association Conferences, International Women’s Brass Conferences, International Horn Conferences, the International Tuba Euphonium Conference, the Collegiate Band Directors National Association, the Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic, and Lieksa Brass Week. While playing with the Fountain City Brass Band, she has won 3 US Open Championships and one North American Brass Band Championship, and also placed at the All England Masters and the Euro Brass Competition.

When not performing, Emelie enjoys working as the Director of Partnerships at the Harmony Project in Los Angeles, an after-school non-profit music program. Emelie is an avid advocate for women in brass playing and the music manufacturing industry. She is an active member of the International Women’s Brass Conference where she serves on their Conference Selection Committee. She also serves on the board for the Athena Brass Band and is a member of North American Music Merchants Young Professionals (NAMMYP) and Smart Women in Music (SWIM).

Outside of music, Emelie enjoys practicing and teaching yoga as well as training for her first marathon.

JUDGE - BRIAN MEEGAN

Director of Sales and Marketing at ProSearch, AI Evangelist, & Freelance Drummer

Brian Meegan has 25 years of executive management experience in the legal services industry and is recognized as a thought leader in the field of eDiscovery. Brian has been instrumental in designing cutting edge solutions for law firms and corporations seeking innovative cost modeling and excellence in evidentiary service delivery. Today Brian leads a team of sales and marketing professionals at ProSearch, a technology enabled eDiscovery service provider, for the sole purpose of new business generation and account retention.

Like many from his generation, seeing The Beatles on the Ed Sullivan Show was life changing. By the age of 15 Brian was playing drums professionally in rock bands, show bands, teaching privately, and performing in the pit orchestra for musicals. Brian has worked with countless songwriters, bands and solo artists including famed producer Bob Margouleff (Stevie Wonder, Devo), Jack Lee (Hanging on the Telephone, Blondie, Come Back and Stay, Paul Young) and many others. Brian joined the LA band Felony (The Fanatic) a very popular band in Los Angeles during the new wave era. Brian recorded their follow-up record with the single going to #1 on KROQ and a remix also in heavy rotation remixed by famed producer Arthur Baker (Sun City, Bruce Springsteen, New Order).

As well as continuing to hone his craft daily, these days Brian freelances playing in clubs, festivals, and private events in and around Southern California. Brian is also the drummer for Psychedelic Summer, a Woodstock tribute band.

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JUDGE - RITA GEORGE

Rita George is Chief Program Officer for the GRAMMY Museum. In her role, George will provide leadership, strategy and managerial oversight to the curatorial, community engagement, education, and digital media teams, connecting internal and external partners to create a more cohesive approach to scale the Museum’s diverse programming. George will continue to lead new business development efforts, expand DEIA initiatives, and help oversee the Museum’s offsite locations. As part of the leadership team, George provides support to the Museum’s President and Board of Directors, policy development and HR initiatives.

  Previously as Chief Operating Officer, George oversaw day-to-day business and operations for the Museum, led new business development efforts and museum renovations, and managed the strategic planning and curatorial content development for more than 100 exhibits and off-site projects, including the Woody Guthrie Center in Tulsa, Okla.; the opening of GRAMMY Museum Mississippi in Cleveland, Miss.; the GRAMMY Museum Gallery at Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville, Tenn.; the Ray Charles Memorial Library in Los Angeles, and the GRAMMY Museum Experience Prudential Center in Newark, N.J., in 2017.   

Prior to joining the GRAMMY Museum, George served as director of visitor services, security and operations for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland.   George graduated from Ohio State University with a bachelor’s degree in journalism.

JUDGE - GRAHAM BONNET

Legendary vocalist Graham Bonnet burst into this world on December 23, 1947 in Skegness, Lincolnshire, England. Bonnet first garnered attention in 1968 as one half of the Marbles; a band he formed with his cousin Trevor Gordon with the help of Robert Stigwood and the BeeGees. The Marbles enjoyed a UK Top 5 hit with the emotional ‘Only One Woman’ penned by the BeeGees. Subsequent songs, ‘Light of the Burning Candle’ and ‘the Walls Fell Down’ didn’t chart but did receive critical acclaim. In 1977, Graham signed with Ringo Starr’s Ring-O Records and although the self titled album was not a major seller in Britain, it achieved gold status in Australia. In 1979, Bonnet replaced Ronnie James Dio in Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow. With his James Dean-like image, the choice of Bonnet as Dio’s replacement was the subject of some consternation amongst the band’s more traditional heavy metal fans but the album “Down To Earth” was the band’s most successful and birthed the hit singles ‘Since You’ve Been Gone’ and ‘All Night Long’. Not long after Cozy Powell’s departure from Rainbow, Bonnet would also exit the following year and resume his solo career with the album “Line Up” in 1981 that earned him a UK Top 10 single with ‘Night Games’. Later that year, he joined Michael Schenker Group and recorded the near perfect “Assault Attack.” In 1983, Graham, along with the help of his then manager Andy Trueman would begin assembling Alcatrazz. The band received moderate success with No Parole from Rock n Roll featuring guitar virtuoso Yngwie Malmsteen and Disturbing the Peace with Steve Vai on guitar. In 1987, Graham joined forces with Chris Impelliteri and recorded the hard rock classic “Stand In Line.” Over the next several years, Bonnet would record with many artists including Blackthorne (featuring Bob Kulick of Kiss fame), Forcefield (featuring his Rainbow bandmate Cozy Powell), Japanese powerhouse band Anthem, a second album with Chris Impelliteri “System X” and Dario Mollo’s “Ezoo”. Graham also recorded multiple solo albums “Here Comes the night,” “Underground” and “The Day I Went Mad.” In 2014, Graham formed the eponymous Graham Bonnet Band with bassist Beth-Ami Heavenstone and Conrado Pesinato and released the album “the Book” for Frontiers Music in 2016. “Meanwhile Back in the Garage” followed in 2018 and the band released a third studio album “Day Out in Nowhere” in 2021. Graham also continue to records and will perform with his version of Alcatrazz featuring Jeff Loomis (Arch Enemy, Nevermore on guitar and Van Williams, also of Nevermore).

JUDGE - BETH-AMI HEAVENSTONE

Beth-Ami Heavenstone, a lifelong music enthusiast, discovered her musical talent when an ex-boyfriend left a bass behind, sparking her realization that she could play. This determined attitude defines her contribution to the Graham Bonnet Band's debut album, "The Book," where her meaty tone and groove-filled playing shine.

Born in Philadelphia, Heavenstone's path shifted to rock 'n' roll upon meeting singer Tomi Rae Brown, widow and featured performer for James Brown. Together, they formed Hardly Dangerous, a prominent Los Angeles-based rock band. Despite modest musical abilities initially, Heavenstone's authenticity and potential were recognized by Brown, leading to collaborations and success.

A left-handed bassist playing a right-handed instrument, Heavenstone leverages her unique approach for greater dexterity on the neck. Influenced by blues bassists, she contributed significantly to "The Book," recording bass tracks at home amid her responsibilities as a mother of two. Her collaboration with Graham Bonnet on bass-lines showcases their creative synergy, striking a balance between elaborate parts and maintaining a driving feel to the album. Heavenstone also co-produced and executive produced their current album, Day out in Nowhere.

Heavenstone's dedication is evident in her exclusive use of a Clayton .56mm pick and her choice of '74 and '83 Fender Precision basses live and in the studio, showcasing her unwavering commitment to her craft.

JUDGE - STACEY OZIEL

Stacey Oziel considers herself the luckiest woman in the world, because she gets to "live the dream" in two ways: As a professional singer and bandleader...AND as in-house counsel for The Walt Disney Company.

A veteran singer and frontwoman, Stacey Anne (her stage name) is the owner of The Platinum Beat, a boutique entertainment company that provides top-shelf bands and instrumentalists for events, weddings, and summer concerts. When she's not managing and singing with The Platinum Beat, Stacey also fronts two country bands, and is a busy freelance vocalist in a variety of styles. She's also shared the stage with a number of illustrious musicians, including Monte Pittman, Madonna's longtime guitarist; and Tony Franklin of The Firm and Whitesnake.

Stacey is also proud to be a Principal Counsel for the Walt Disney Company, specializing in distribution, content protection, and operations. Prior to Disney, Stacey handled strategic technology transactions for a number of Silicon Valley tech companies, including Oracle; and began her career as a professional liability defense litigator in San Francisco.

Find Stacey Anne online at:
Web: http://www.staceyannemusic.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/StaceyAnneMusic
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/StaceyAnneMusic

To learn more about The Platinum Beat, visit:
Web: http://www.theplatinumbeat.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ThePlatinumBeat
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/ThePlatinumBeat