Music Notes: Latin Grammys Go to L.A.

Aug. 21, 2001 -- Threats from 100 Cuban-American groups have led organizers to move the September Latin Grammy ceremony from Miami to Los Angeles.

The second annual event was expected to bring $35 million to the economy for the Florida host town.

Recording Academy C.E.O. Michael Greene released a statement announcing his "difficult and unfortunate decision" after Miami city officials gave permission to protesters to set up in a three-block area near the event. The area had initially been planned farther from the venue.

"Our obligations are to ensure the safety of the guests, artists and sponsors who will attend the event," said Greene. He also claims the detractors secured tickets to the event and planned to disrupt the live telecast.

The Associated Press reports Anti-Castro protesters are upset over the inclusion of Cuban performers, such as Francisco Cespedes, Chucho Valdes, Issac Delgado, Celina Gonzalez y Reutilio and Omara Portuondo.

"The Academy understands that some people in Miami hold strong and heartfelt views about the inclusion of Cuban National nominees resulting from the Latin Grammy voting process," said Greene. "And while we support everyone's right to express individual views, our mission is to celebrate excellence in all recorded Latin music, regardless of who produces it."

Miami City Commissioner Tomas Regalado tells the Associated Press the planning had been handled "badly" from the beginning.

"Whoever gave Mr. Greene guarantees should have known better that this would have happened.We should have discussed this from the beginning and not at thelast minute," said Regalado.

The event is now set for Sept. 11 at the Great Western Forum in Los Angeles.

Recognizing Art Instead of Commerce

Dave Grohl, Beck and Trent Reznor want to honor musicians who are having a hard time finding an audience.

They've enlisted a group of high-profile musicians to nominate albums for the Shortlist Prize for Artistic Achievement. Unlike other awards which recognize best sellers, those eligible must have sold less than 500,000 copies.

Macy Gray, Mos Def and Aimee Mann are among the 16 performers who will suggest their favorites from the year and narrow it down to 10 finalists.

The award winner will be nominated during a dinner at the end of October.

Moreover

Yet another British concert festival is faltering here in the U.S. The famed Reading Festival was set to debut in New Jersey with acts including Eminem, Linkin Park and Guided By Voices. The event has been canceled due to scheduling problems. … Cypress Hill's Smoke Out festival is set to tour for the first time. It's usually a one-day event. The traveling edition will bring The Deftones, Suicidal Tendencies, Busta Rhymes, Method Man and others on the road.

ABCNEWS Radio and ABCNEWS.com's Nancy Chandross contributed to this report.