GRAMMY U members attended a GRAMMY SoundChecks with The Decemberists at the Hollywood Palladium on May 19. After checking in, members gathered in the venue's Champagne Room where they were introduced to the Decemberists' management team, Jason Colton and Ron Laffitte. Both managers discussed the experiences that led them to their current positions.
Laffitte advised GRAMMY U members to "always get involved, get an education, but stay connected with people in the real world." In junior high, he managed his first band and promoted the band by selling affordable T-shirts to his classmates with the help of his father, who was a commercial artist.
Colton first started his career path as an intern. In college, he actively participated in producing school concerts. He discussed the role of a manager in artist development, and his involvement in managing the eclectic rock and roll/bluegrass/pop band Phish for the past 12 years.
Eventually, both Colton and Laffitte began working for Red Light Management where they partnered to manage the Decemberists.
Following the discussion, GRAMMY U members had a unique opportunity to watch the Decemberists rehearse for their Hollywood Palladium show that evening.
Following the rehearsal, members gathered for a meet-and-greet with band members Jenny Conlee, Chris Funk, Nate Query, and Becky Stark, who all agreed they like going on tour, but mostly enjoy the creative recording studio process. Each of the Decemberists left GRAMMY U members with a few tips. Stark advised members, "Give back what you love," while Conlee encouraged members to "learn techniques." Query added, "Be prepared," and Funk said, "Don't burn bridges."
To top off the afternoon, Laffitte offered free tickets for each GRAMMY U member to that evening's performance.