A Night of Rhythm and Reverence: Celebrating the Architectural Impact of Quincy Jones
As the anticipation for Hollywood’s most prestigious awards night reached its peak, Los Angeles transformed into a tapestry of exclusive soirées and high-profile gatherings. On Friday evening, March 13, the Sun Rose Hotel in West Hollywood hosted a particularly resonant event that stood out among the weekend’s festivities.
Orchestrated by HarbourView Equity Partners and the visionary musical director Adam Blackstone, the Las’ Set: Legacy Experience served as a sophisticated tribute to the monumental life and career of the late Quincy Jones. The evening brought together a constellation of R&B and soul luminaries to honor the man whose genius fundamentally reshaped the landscape of modern music.
The night commenced with moving remarks from Sherrese Clarke, the founder and CEO of HarbourView Equity Partners. She spoke eloquently about the responsibility of preserving such a formidable artistic heritage. “Quincy Jones didn’t just produce hits; he engineered cultural shifts,” Clarke noted. “At HarbourView, we view this work through the lens of stewardship. For those of us at the crossroads of music and storytelling, it is clear: a catalog of this magnitude is more than an asset—it is a living history and a pillar of cultural identity. Quincy’s work carries a weight that demands our deepest respect.”
Inside “Q’s Juke Joint”
The intimate pre-Oscars celebration featured a dynamic lineup of Jones’ collaborators, mentees, and contemporary artists who continue to draw inspiration from his vast discography. Adam Blackstone, leading a world-class band, set the tone for the evening by welcoming guests to what he affectionately dubbed “Q’s Juke Joint.”
The setlist was an expansive journey through Jones’ production highlights, ranging from the jazz-inflected “Killer Joe” to the theatrical soul of “Home” from The Wiz. Naturally, the set also included an energetic tribute to his legendary collaborations with Michael Jackson.
The stage saw an impressive rotation of talent, including longtime collaborator Terrace Martin, two-time Grammy winner Lucky Daye, and soul powerhouse Lalah Hathaway. Siedah Garrett, the acclaimed co-writer of “Man in the Mirror,” delivered a poignant performance, while D Smoke surprised the room with a freestyle tribute layered over a classic Jones sample. The evening reached a crescendo with 2026 Grammy winner Durand Bernarr, who electrified the crowd with a rendition of Rufus and Chaka Khan’s “Do You Love What You Feel”—a track that famously dominated the charts in 1979.
A Gathering of Icons
The excellence on stage was mirrored by the star power in the audience. Industry titans such as Dr. Dre, Hit-Boy, and Jimmy Jam were seen enjoying the performances, alongside notable figures like actresses Jurnee Smollett and Natasha Lyonne, singer Estelle, and producer Will Packer. Most notably, the event was a family affair; Quincy Jones III (QD3) and Martina Jones were in attendance, visibly moved by the outpouring of love and the vibrant celebration of their father’s enduring musical spirit.
