Paulus, Okee Dokees, other locals receive Grammy nominations

In the Land of 10,000 Grooves, we have stand-out musicians in many different genres. Several of them were recognized Friday with Grammy nominations.

Veteran classical composer Stephen Paulus, who died in October of medical complications after suffering a stroke, is being recognized for best contemporary classical composition for Concerto for Two Trumpets and Band (which was recorded by Eric Berlin, Richard Kelley, James Patrick Miller & UMASS Wind Ensemble).

The Okee Dokee Brothers are vying for their second trophy for best children's album, this time for "Through the Woods." They nabbed a Grammy two years ago for their fourth album, "Can You Canoe?"

"We're happy the Grammys are noticing independently made family music as we like to call it," said Okee's Joe Melander. "This album did have great support, good press and good momentum. And what matters most to us that the kids are enjoying the tunes and learning the lyrics."

Melander keeps his Grammy in his basement office studio in Minneapolis. He is a bit uncertain about what to wear to the Grammy ceremonies in February.

"I just got married last month," he said, "And I'm trying to figure out if you can wear your own wedding suit or if I have to get my own Grammy suit."

A bunch of 1960s and '70s soul bands including 94 East and Mind & Matter featured on "Purple Snow: Forecasting the Minneapolis Sound" will watch Jon Kirby of the Chicago-based Numero Group label compete for best liner notes.

St. Paul-based Red House Records received a nod for best folk album for Eliza Gilkyson's "Nocturne Diaries."

Lila Downs, who attended the University of Minnesota, is nominated for best Latin pop album for "Raiz."

The 57^th annual Grammy Awards will be presented Feb. 8 in Los Angeles.