The biggest night in music, and...

... a pretty big night for activism, and activists.

I watched the Grammys last night and was blown away on a number of levels:

1. There was a time when I knew most, if not all, of the bands on the Grammys. Now I'm lucky if I know 50% of them. I am blown away by my own waning coolness!

2. There were some terrific performances. I was particularly wowed by Kendrick Lamar and Imagine Dragons. Both artists are new to me, but now I'm a Kendrick Lamar superfan! He. Turned. It. OUT.

3. I LOVED the wedding ceremony that was performed during the show. 30+ gay and straight couples, in front of an audience of millions, with some of the biggest performers in music saluting them (and performing the ceremony!) Boys embracing boys, girls girls girls, boys and girls embracing... love is love is love. If you want to get your message out there (backed up by an award-winning song that salutes love in all its forms), that's a heck of a way to do it.

4. During the ceremony, I live tweeted some of the charitable causes that the performers support. Here's a recap:


@taylorswift13 has supported @centrepointuk, an organization that helps homeless youth.

@johnlegend founded the @showmecampaign to use education to break the cycle of poverty. #grammys

When @Pink had a baby, she donated all money from the @peoplemag pics to children's charities, incl @autismspeaks and @RMHC. #grammys

@Beyonce is joining forces with @KingCenterATL on their "100 days of nonviolence" initiative. #Grammys

In addition to being my mom's favorite Beatle, @ringostarrmusic is helping to save endangered rhinos with @DSWT. #Grammys

@kendricklamar: killing it at the #Grammys. And changing the world by supporting tons of charities! Incl @Habitat_org & @AmericanRCross

@blakeshelton supports our troops through @the_USO. #Grammys

Wish I'd heard this @StevieWonder charity concert. "Songs in the Key of Life" = soundtrack of my childhood. #Grammys http://www.contactmusic.com/story/stevie-wonder-performs-classic-1976-album-in-full-at-charity-gig_4006283


It was great to jump online during the ceremony and learn about the causes that these artists care about. Impressive, and inspiring. Do you have others to add to the list? What are some of the causes that your favorite artists support?