Join us for an inspiring and thought-provoking panel discussion as part of The Day That Music Cares, a Recording Academy Service initiative presented by Monika Ryan. This event is designed to uplift and support the next generation of music creators and the broader music community.

This event offers a rare opportunity to engage deeply with some of the most influential professionals in the music world today. Whether you're an aspiring artist or an established professional, this discussion promises to provide invaluable insights into the art and business of music creation.

This year's panel features an extraordinary lineup of music industry leaders who bring a wealth of expertise and experience to the table:

Monika Ryan is an award-winning New York-based jazz singer, songwriter, and recording artist. A graduate of The New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music, Ryan has released 16 albums throughout her career. Known for her ability to blend classic jazz styles with contemporary influences, she creates music that resonates with both traditional jazz lovers and modern audiences. Ryan's latest album, "SWEETNESS," released in 2025, continues her tradition of crafting new jazz standards with timeless appeal and modern relevance. As a voting member of The Recording Academy and a frequent performer at prestigious jazz venues and festivals worldwide, Monika Ryan is a respected and influential figure in the jazz community.

Michael Goldstone is the founder/co-owner of the acclaimed independent record label Mom+Pop Music. Known for his A&R expertise, he has signed influential artists including Regina Spektor, Pearl Jam, Rage Against the Machine, and Tegan and Sara. Since Goldstone founded Mom+Pop in 2008, the label has released music from artists such as MGMT, Courtney Barnett, Magdalena Bay, Orion Sun, Beach Bunny, Del Water Gap, and others. Goldstone was recently recognized with the 2025 Seymour Stein Global A&R Award at MUSEXPO, and he has been honored on Billboard's "Indie Power Players" list. In 2024, he received the Transformer Award from We Are Moving The Needle for his work supporting gender equity in the music industry. He lives in NYC with his family.

Lee Dannay is a 30-year veteran of the music industry, recognized for her expertise in A&R and artist development. She has held senior roles at Sony Music (Epic and Columbia Records) and Warner/Chappell Music Publishing, where she worked with artists like John Mayer, Brandi Carlile, Train, and Bruce Hornsby. Currently, Dannay is Head of A&R at Thirty Tigers, supporting a diverse roster including Corinne Bailey Rae, Béla Fleck, Amos Lee, and Taj Mahal. She also leads Knock Out Noise, a music therapy initiative through her company GoodWorks Music. A Cornell University graduate with a BA in English Literature, Dannay is an adjunct professor at NYU’s Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music and actively mentors through Grammy U and She Is the Music. She serves as President of the New York Chapter of the Recording Academy and lives in NYC.

Vinny Alfano is a Grammy-winning mix engineer and sound editor based in NYC. With over a decade of experience in audio post-production, he specializes in sound editing and mixing for film, TV, and commercials, working with major streaming services like Netflix, HBO, and Amazon. Alfano is passionate about crafting immersive and impactful soundscapes, ensuring that every project achieves its best possible sonic quality. He collaborates closely with filmmakers to bring their audio vision to life, offering expertise in dialogue, ambiances, sound effects, foley, and music mixing.

Tracey J. Jordan is a pioneering music industry executive with over 40 years of experience. She has played a crucial role in developing and promoting iconic artists such as Aretha Franklin, Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Whitney Houston, and the Rolling Stones. Jordan's career includes significant positions at major companies: Senior Director of Talent & Industry Relations at Sirius XM Satellite Radio (2013-2023), Vice President of Music Programming & Talent Development at MTV Networks (1992-1994), Vice President of Artist Development & Video Production at Motown Records (1988-1992), Director of R&B Artist Development & Publicity at Arista Records (1985-1988)

As the daughter of NEA Jazz Master Sheila Jordan and jazz pianist Duke Jordan, Tracey has music in her blood. She has been a trailblazer, becoming the first African-American VP of Video Production at an American record label and the first African-American VP of Music Talent Development at MTV.

Jordan's expertise spans artist development, talent booking, video production, and event management. She has worked with a diverse range of artists, from veterans like Earth, Wind & Fire, Usher, Maxwell, Mariah Carey and Mary J. Blige to contemporary stars such as Cardi B and Post Malone. Currently, she is a partner at JordanLazin Productions and a Consulting Producer for Suzanne de Passe’s de Passe Madison Entertainment.

Ben Rubin is a 2x-Grammy-nominated producer, mixer, bassist, and composer known for his genre-bending work in hip-hop and jazz. He has been recognized seven times as a "Rising Star Producer" in DownBeat Magazine's International Critics' Poll. Rubin has collaborated with artists like Masta Ace, Donny McCaslin, and Marshall Crenshaw, and has over 150 recording credits across various genres. His work includes producing albums like "Freebird" and co-producing the Grammy-nominated "Second Half." Rubin has also composed scores for films and has played bass with a diverse range of artists, including Patti Smith and Bill Frisell.

Mia Moravis serves on the Board of Governors~The Recording Academy® (GRAMMYs®)-New York Chapter, and is a Member of The Recording Academy’s P&E and S&C Wings. She is a Tony®-nominated, and three-time Emmy®-nominated, Producer. Mia has served as Producer, Executive Producer, Associate Producer, and Performer on multiple GRAMMY®-winning and -nominated albums. She is a Remi® Award-filmmaker (“Seeking Heat” [David Byrne]), an award-winning actress, and 28-time ASCAP PLUS Award-winning songwriter (Television, Musical Theater). Mia is a playwright, a producer of audiobooks and audio theatre (iHeartRadio), and is a Producer of the upcoming documentary, “Sweet Harmony: The Manhattan Transfer Story”, directed by Oscar® nominee, Miles Mogulescu. Mia is Creator of “Session Girls~The Musical”, available on Center Stage Records, and multiple streaming platforms.