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Lucian's luncheon

“IT’S ABOUT THE MUSIC, STUPID”: UMG chieftain Lucian Grainge’s Grammy luncheon and artist showcase in Hollywood today drew a typically impressive list of industry heavyweights, including Capitol Music Group chief Steve Barnett, CAA’s Rob Light, UMG East Coast overlord Barry Weiss, Island Def Jam head Steve Bartels, Interscope’s John Janick, Steve Berman and Joie Manda, UMG International CEO Max Hole, UMG Head of Global Marketing Andrew Kronfeld, Universal U.K. Chairman/CEO David Joseph, UMGD head Jim Urie, Capitol EVP/GM Greg Thompson, Republic’s Avery Lipman, UMG Nashville’s Mike Dungan, Mercury leader David Massey, Lava head Jason Flom, Big Machine’s Scott Borchetta, Disney Music sultan Ken Bunt, UMe’s Bruce Resnikoff, Glassnote kahuna Daniel Glass, Verve Music Group Chairman David Foster, Motown’s Ethiopia Habtemariam, artist Ne-Yo, manager Troy Carter, producer/manager Peter Asher, Beats Music’s Julie Pilat, VH1’s Rick Krim, SiriusXM’s Kid Kelly and Steve Leeds, iTunesJay Liepis, Robert Kondrk and Keith Moerer, EmmisJimmy Steal, VEVO’s Doug McVehil and JP Evangelista, IDJ SVP Promo Rick Sackheim, Candice Berry and Capitol Christian macher Bill Hearn. The crowd tucked into Pink’s hot dogs and burgers from The Counter prior to the first performance, by Motown’s Ty Tribbett. Then Grainge took the microphone for a few words; “It’s about the music, stupid,” summarized his message. A dizzying parade of quick-hit performances followed: Mercury/IDJ’s Jake Bugg, Voice champ and Republic signing Tessanne Chin, Republic’s Ariana Grande (whose powerhouse vocals drew oohs and ahs from the crowd), XIX/Interscope’s Aloe Blacc (whose cool performance evoked a warm response), a mesmerizing spot by Lava/Republic’s Lorde, Mercury Nashville’s Kacey Musgraves (who charmed the room, notably with new song “Biscuits”), Interscope’s Zedd, Mercury/IDJ’s Neon Trees, Harvest/Capitol’s sultry Banks, Universal Latino’s Juanes, Def Jam/IDJ’s Jhene Aiko, Star Trak/Interscope’s Robin Thicke and Cherrytree/Interscope’s Rac. All in all, according to our man in the field, a suitably impressive mix of new music, power-player-watching and stick-to-the-ribs comfort food. Grainge's Grammy-party mojo continues tonight, when he'll be honored at Clive Davis' legendary pre-ceremony bash. (1/25p)

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