Whole Planet Foundation® & partners hosted pre-Grammy® benefit at historic Village Recording Studios

Presented by Whole Foods Market®, which featured 2014 Grammy-nominee and winner La Santa Cecilia and many other upcoming musicians.

Photos & story by Karen Ostlund

La Santa Cecilia were nominated, and won for best Latin rock Grammys 2014

Whole Planet Foundation, Whole Foods Market and partners honored Lauren Conrad and Julie Marie Chavez for their commitments to promoting sustainable practices and changing global environments last Thursday before the Grammys 2014.

(Center) actor Michael Sheen with Toni Lee, Bangladeshi rep. from
Grameen Foundation

The celebration took place at Whole Planet Foundation’s annual pre-GRAMMY® benefit, which was held at the historic Village Recorder Studios, 1616 Butler Avenue in Los Angeles. The venue is where legendary artists including Fleetwood Mac, The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Lady Gaga, Taylor Swift and many others have recorded their iconic hits.

Whole Planet Foundation was founded in 2005, and is a Whole Foods Market foundation which funds poverty alleviation worldwide. 

right, Planet LA's Mark Nguyen and
  Harry Johnson
(Commissioner, National Labor Relations Board)

2014 GRAMMY winner La Santa Cecilia performed, which is a Mexican-American band based in Los Angeles. They played a blend of many forms of music, including cumbia, bossa nova, and boleros.

  Most well-known songs are: La Negra, Ice el hielo

  Albums: Their album Treinta Días

  Members: lead-singer La Marisoul, with band-members, Alex Bendana, Gloria Estrada, Jose Carlos,Miguel Ramirez and Hugo Vargas

  Nomination & win: Grammy Award for Best Latin Rock, Urban or Alternative Album

 The band dedicated their Grammy to the 11 million undocumented workers living in the U.S.

Yuna

                                                                                                                      Other  leading artists included Yuna, The Parlotones, Jesca Hoop, Charlotte Sabina, Amilia K Spicer and Jonny Kaplan & The Lazy Stars.

“We are honored to thank Lauren Conrad and Julie Marie Chavez for their commitment to giving back to our global communities and inspiring others to do the same,” said Joy Stoddard, development director for Whole Planet Foundation. “We’re grateful for their support, and the support of all of those who joined us at the Grammy benefit  January 23rd.”

Jesca Hoop

                                                                    Proceeds from the evening went directly to Whole Planet Foundation to fund small loans and entrepreneurship programs for poverty alleviation.

Whole Planet Foundation has authorized $41 million and funded more than $­­­29 million in micro finance programs in 58 countries, including the United States.

          

Organic Mexican Zaragoza coffee

      

The event was presented by Whole Foods Market, featuring Community Leaders Garden of Life, Saffron Road Foods and VeeV. 

               

Dessert:chocolate truffles and coconut rolled dates

   Other partners included TEAS’ TEA, Frontier Natural Products Co-op, Acure Organics and Teatulia Organic Teas.  

Event Supporters included Be Green Packaging, Irwin Naturals, Mamma Chia, IZZE Sparkling Juice, NadaMoo! and prAna.

Event contributors: Allegro Coffee Company; Hubert’s Lemonade; popchips; Krave Jerky; Folio Wine; Peaceful, Easy Feeling Cabernet, Golden Road Brewing; Ai Vy Springrolls; Icelandic Glacial Water; Pura Vida Charity Bracelets; Olloclip; Pulso Viral; Sonix; Sunset Sessions; Sound House Promotions; Cerwin Vega; VOS Flips; Soapbox Soaps; Justin’s and Chavez for Charity.

Actors Curt Mega, Kimberly Whalen, and Stuart Brazell

Event producers were Clamorhouse and Planet LA Records/Music.