San Francisco’s musical elite turned out in full force for the San Francisco Chapter of the Recording Academy’s 2005 Governors Awards, held last week at the historic Westin St. Francis Hotel.
For this year’s celebration, the San Francisco Chapter, which embraces members from Northern California, Northern Nevada, Colorado and Utah, honored classic rock group the Doobie Brothers (San Jose, Calif.), the Mormon Tabernacle Choir (Salt Lake City, Ut.) and soulful R&B quintet The Whispers (Oakland, Calif.) with the 2005 Governors Award for Creative Excellence and Outstanding Achievement, while the 2005 Governors Award for Community Service went to Oakland East Bay Symphony music director Michael Morgan.
Following a cocktail reception and silent auction featuring items from Audio Technica, Monster Cable and Cakewalk, among others, guests were directed to the Grand Ballroom for an awards dinner and presentation hosted by Dick Bright. The evening also included performances from members of the Oakland Youth Orchestra, folk duo Tuck & Patti, the Oakland Interfaith Choir and D’Wayne Wiggins of Tony! Toni! Toné.
Of the Chapter’s biggest fundraiser, executive director Merl Saunders Jr. reports, “It was wonderful to recognize honorees that celebrate the diversity and excellence of our music community. I feel honored by the generous support of our members and the community that attended.”
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