GRAMMY Museum® Mississippi has announced that the “Red, Rhythm, and Blues” 2023 Gala, which was held on Sept. 28, has raised a total of $158,000. Proceeds will directly benefit the Museum’s education programs. The 2023 Gala was held at GRAMMY Museum Mississippi in Cleveland, Miss., and honored the 5-time- GRAMMY®-winning artist Keb’ Mo’ with the fifth annual Crossroads of American Music Award. This year’s Gala also recognized Laurel Waldbieser, a Cleveland native and music educator, with the fourth annual L.U.C.Y. Award (Lifting Up Children and Youth).
"It was a wonderful evening celebrating the multitalented and 5-time GRAMMY winner Keb’ Mo’ at our 2023 Gala,” said Emily Havens, Executive Director of GRAMMY Museum Mississippi. “Keb' Mo' is a true blues luminary whose music continues to captivate audiences worldwide, embodying the essence of the genre with his unparalleled talent and heartfelt storytelling. It was such an honor to celebrate his career where the Delta Blues originated, as well as the achievements of our L.U.C.Y. Award recipient Laurel Waldbieser, with an incredible evening of music and fundraising. We raised over $158,000 for the Museum — critical funds that will go directly to support all of the important work we continue to do here at the Mississippi Museum to help educate our young people on the importance and value of music."
The 2023 GRAMMY Museum Mississippi Gala was presented by Walmart. Additional support was provided by Cannon Motors of Mississippi, Kirk Auto Group, and Quality Steel Corporation. The sold-out event featured performances by Crossroads of American Music Award winner Keb’ Mo’, and local Mississippi band the Spunk Monkees.
The Gala also included a live and silent auction with items to bid on from GRAMMY®-winning artists such as Bonnie Raitt, Lady Gaga, Keb’ Mo’, Tim McGraw, Taylor Swift, plus Lainey Wilson, and more.
Established by the Museum’s Board of Directors, the Crossroads of American Music Award honors an artist who has made significant musical contributions influenced by the creativity born in the cradle of American music. Previous recipients of the Crossroads of American Music Award include GRAMMY winners the late Charley Pride, Bobby Rush, Marty Stuart, and the late Jerry Lee Lewis.
