(CelebrityAccess MediaWire) — JAM Productions co-owners Arny Granat and Jerry Michelson will be honored with the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (NARAS) Chicago chapter's 2006 Recording Academy Honors. The award celebrates outstanding individuals and organizations whose work embodies excellence and integrity and who have improved the environment for the creative community. Also to be honored are Grammy winners Chaka Khan, Les Paul and multiple Grammy nominee Common.
The gala event, formerly know as the Heroes Awards, will be held March 23 at the Sofitel Chicago Water Tower. The gala also will include a special tribute to three-time Grammy Award winner and Chicagoan Lou Rawls, who died this past January.
From 1972-2005, JAM Productions has produced nearly 24,000 events, attracting more than 65 million people and grossing sales of more than $1 billion.
Started by Mickelson and Granat in 1972, today JAM employs more than 100 people in offices based in Chicago, Los Angeles and Minneapolis. JAM's work includes theatrical productions, various openings and galas, national tours, state fairs, street festivals, presidential rallies, inaugural ceremonies for Mayor Daley and Governors Edgar, Ryan and Blagojevich, world-class tennis matches, circuses, ballets, championship boxing and motocross. Among their many philanthropic contributions, the pair founded Rock For Kids in 1988, which offers assistance and inspiration to children who are homeless or in need in Chicago. — Jane Cohen and Bob Grossweiner
