It's that time again - Disneyland for musicians. I love January for with it comes the promise of new musical equipment, technological breakthroughs and the chance to compare notes with my musician friends. NAMM is held every year in the Anaheim Convention Center and the surrounding hotels, including the Marriott and Hilton
Today was Media Preview Day, and although I was unable to attend, it looks like this year's NAMM has a lot in store for everyone in attendance. According to the press release provided by the NAMM people, several important announcements were to be made today. The presenters included Kenny Wayne Shepherd showcasing the Guitar World Lick of the Day app. Mike Huckabee, bassist and former Governor of Arkansas appeared, and was followed by Brian Wilson, who made the presentation for the Music for Life Award. The final two presenters for the day were Michelle Phillips (The Mamas & the Papas) and John Mayer, announcing a new music partnership - guess I'll have to find out tomorrow what that is.
Tonight the music kicks off at both the Hilton and the Marriott hotels, with performances by Glitter Rose, Sister Speak, Starving for Gravity, Keith Kenny and The Material at the Hilton and Naive Theives, Debra Davis, Tricia Freeman, Kiki Ebsen andIsaiah Olsen at the Marriott.
NAMM officially opens its doors at 10 a.m. tomorrow, although The Cabana Boys will be playing in the lobby, beginning at 9 a.m. There is so much to see, hear and do at NAMM. Here are a few of the places I intend to visit during the next four days. I will be providing daily recaps for those unable to participate.
Artistworks (Booth E15 - Hall E): Artistworks is a unique online platform providing music education. Special guests scheduled to appear at their booth include Guitarists Martin Taylor & Andreas Oberg on Thursday, Percussionist Luis Conte on Friday and Drummer Thomas Lang on Saturday.
IK Multimedia (Booth 6520 – Hall A): IK has several new productions and apps to showcase at NAMM, including iKlip Studio, iRig PRE (a universal microphone interface for iPhone, iPadm and iPod touch; iRig Stomp (guitar/bass accessory for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch); DJ Rig (pro-quality DJ mixing app), iRig MIX (mobile mixer for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch) and iRig Mic Cast (voice recording microphone for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch).
The John Lennon Bus (outside the Arena): Not only does this wonderful organization take its mobile recording studio all over the country to teach the business, they also sponsor the Lennon Songwriting Competition. I have known several winners and runners-up of this competition, and this year another one of my friends has won – Morgan Karr. He will be performing Thursday at 1 p.m. In addition, Bootsie Collins will be performing on Friday night from 6 to 7:30 p.m. to celebrate.
MXL Microphones/Marshall Electronics (Booth 6874 – Hall A): Several new products will be showcased, including the Trio and Tempo microphones.
Roland V-Drums Competition will be held on Friday at the Disney House of Blues (doors at 6 – show at 7 p.m.). Roland is located at Booth 7400 in Hall A.
Sensaphonics (Booth 6950 – Hall A): Announcing a new 3d Active Ambien IEM System that allows the user to hear ambient room sounds even when wearing the inner ear monitors. Musicians are able to order this product without the hassle and expense of going to an audiologist for ear impressions.
Peavey (Booth 5740 – Hall B): Announcing a groundbreaking technology alliance as well as a new guitar that will change the way the instrument is played and recorded.
Gibson Guitars (Booth 303AB, Third Floor): Gibson has several new models and signature series guitars, including lines from Ace Frehley, Derek Trucks, Kirk Hammett and Sheryl Crow, and will feature appearances by Brian Wilson, Dave Navarro, Donavan, Joe Bonamassa, Lee Roy Parnell and Billy Morrison.
Gator Cases (Booth 4900): Gator will have a real, live gator in their booth on Friday and Saturday.
Fender Guitars (Booth 300, Third Floor Ballroom): Announces new products from Fender, Squier, Gretsch, Jackson, Guild, SWR and EVH.
Yamaha (Marriott Hotel): Announces new interactive sheet music iPad app for keyboard players,
Five-time Emmy Award winning television personality Scott Houston will announce the release of a new public television series, Music Makers.
As you can tell, I have a lot to cover and report back to you on – wish me luck – something tells me it’s gonna be a very busy four days.
Comments