Mista Smiff Smiles - Caught on Film!

I think this photo is just too darn cute. If I didn't know better, I would think that Mista Smiff knew that the man taking this photo was using my camera, and if he didn't smile we'd all wind up talking about it. I got to meet the new Grascal tonight. I knew he was a Grascal becuase he was dressed like one. There's a fashion etiquette to being a Grascal, and it definitely requires a leather jacket and cool shirts. Perhaps Sista Smiff can let us in on Grascal fashion secrets.

For those new to this blog, Mr. Smiff is the tallest Grascal, aka Terry Smith, and his wife pops by here to visit sometimes. And if we're really cyber-harrassing him good, Terry has been known to show up and defend his non-smiling honor.

Everyone I talked to tonight artist wise WAS going out to Los Angeles for the Grammy Awards. Even Josh Turner, who has a concert in San Antonio that night. "I have connections" was all he'd say. With a slightly mischevious smile.

Here's a peek down the media line from my vantage point. If you look closely, you should be able to spot Carrie Underwood, Josh Turner, and all six Grascals. Fashion report - lots of denim tonight. (Dang it, and I wore a suit 'cause I didn't think I could get away with jeans!) Carrie wore a long black sweater, skinny jeans and boots. Gretchen was in a turtleneck sweater, jeans and boots, accessorized by a beer bottle. I have a photo of that, but I probably shouldn't share. You'll note the nominees all have yellow boutineers to wear. Although a certain redneck woman made her publicist hold hers. I have a photo of that, too. ;-)

Little Big Town was probably the most excited about their nomination, they were just downright giddy. I also learned that Kimberly's new husband has quit his job to go on the road and sell t-shirts for them. LBT has a song on John Mellancamp's new CD, which comes out tomorrow.

I asked Carrie about performing in front of an auditorium full of Grammy nominees, and she was VERY confident, and excited about the opportunity to represent country music. She can't say what song she's performing, but I'm told it's NOT going to be the one she's nominated for.

There's something very different about Gretchen these days... she's lost some of her bad-ass attitude, and seems more comfortable in her own skin. I asked her about it, and she said a lot of it had to do with being single for the first time in her life, and finding happiness in just being herself. She's in a really good place, it seems. She talked quite a bit about representing the song at the Grammy's, and her disappointment in country radio for not making it a hit. She didn't write "I Don't Feel Like Loving You Today" - it was written by Jim Collins, who came through and talked to the media, and Matraca Berg, who didn't. Matraca was there with her hubby Jeff Hannah.

There was a little string ensemble playing at the reception, and they had a buffet line with spring rolls, mini crab cakes, lamb, roast beef, and lots and lots of chocolate. And of course, plenty of wine and champagne.