On a night centered around boosting resources for Grammy Museum Mississippi’s education programs, records were smashed.
The museum announced on Friday that its River and Roses 2024 Gala raised a total of $150,000, directly benefiting programs that use music as a gateway to learning by inspiring and cultivating creativity, critical thinking, and self-expression. The $150,000 total set a one-night fundraising record for the museum in Cleveland.
Rosanne Cash, the eldest daughter of Johnny Cash and longtime legendary songwriter, was honored with the sixth annual Crossroads of American Music Award at the event. Pleasant Hill Elementary School teachers Susan Powell and Tiffany Lyles were also honored with the fifth annual L.U.C.Y. Award (Lifting Up Children and Youth).
“It was a memorable evening of music and fundraising to celebrate the incredible legacy of GRAMMY winner Rosanne Cash at our 2024 Gala,” Grammy Museum Mississippi Emily Havens said. “We were also honored to celebrate the achievements of our L.U.C.Y. Award recipients Susan Powell and Tiffany Lyles.
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. Past recipients of the award include the late Charley Pride, Jerry Lee Lewis, Bobby Rush, Marty Stuart, and Keb’ Mo’. The L.U.C.Y. Award, named after devoted Mississippian and community advocate Lucy Janoush, celebrates K-12 educators from the state who embody the education mission of Grammy Museum Mississippi.
“We raised over $150,000 for the Museum – critical funds that will go directly to support all the important work we continue to do to help educate our young people on the importance and value of music,” Havens continued. “We want to thank our incredible sponsors for their support, and everyone who bought a ticket and joined us for this wonderful celebration.”
Grammy Museum Mississippi, a nonprofit organization founded in 2011, features more than two dozen exhibits that explore America’s music, including rock, hip-hop, country, classical, Latin, R&B, and jazz. The museum also houses public programs that feature films, lectures, and intimate performances aimed at furthering arts education in Mississippi.
