Even though they are not among the leading nominees at this year's Grammy Awards, the Dave Matthews Band and Destiny's Child are both guaranteed of leaving Los Angeles winners that week. The jam-band favorites and bootylicious ladies have been named the recipients of the Patrick Lippert Awards, presented to musicians who make efforts to educate young people about political issues, at MTV's Rock the Vote event.

DMB and Destiny's Child will be honored on Grammy eve in a show at West Hollywood's House of Blues -- where such acts as Melissa Etheridge, Pearl Jam and Mary J. Blige have been toasted. The February 26th party will feature musical performances by the Goo Goo Dolls, Nelly Furtado and up-and-coming soul singer Glenn Lewis. Hosting this year's shindig will be MTV personality Gideon Yago and world music artist Solange.

During the same event, West Wing creator Aaron Sorkin will receive this year's Rock the Nation award, and Pam Horovitz, head of the National Association of Recording Merchants will get the Founder's Award. Rock the Vote was founded in 1990 by members of the recording industry to use music to encourage young people to participate in the political process.

STEVE BALTIN
(February 8, 2002)