• NEWS
  • REVIEWS
  • INTERVIEWS
  • EVENTS
  • VIDEOS

Subscribe to Updates

Get the latest creative news from Blues Scene about music & art.

The Burney Sisters: Americana Trio from Columbia, Missouri Ready to Set Sail on Cayamo Cruise

January 27, 2023

Dani Wilde Premieres Video for Nostalgic New Single ‘I Miss The World’

January 27, 2023

10 Things You Didn’t Know About J.J. Cale

January 26, 2023

Listen: Colemine Records to Posthumously Release Fred Davis LP, ‘Cleveland Blues’

January 26, 2023
Facebook Twitter Instagram
Facebook Twitter Instagram Vimeo
American Blues SceneAmerican Blues Scene
  • NEWS
  • REVIEWS
  • INTERVIEWS
  • EVENTS
  • VIDEOS
American Blues SceneAmerican Blues Scene
Home»Events»NAMM 2020 Anaheim, California
Events

NAMM 2020 Anaheim, California

Phil SolomonsonBy Phil SolomonsonFebruary 13, 2020Updated:April 9, 2020No Comments4 Mins Read
Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email VKontakte WhatsApp
Share
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email

Known as one of the largest music conventions worldwide, The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) held the first of their three annual expositions at The Anaheim Convention Center. The second this year is July 9th through 11th returning to Nashville, while a third international exhibit, this September is in Russia. This year’s theme was A New Decade: A Crossroads of Opportunity.

Attracting over 100,000 international attendees over the four days and taking over the center’s one million square feet of exhibit space, it is easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer size of it.

Here, we are in the company of the vast world of suppliers who are critical in bringing music to the world. From sheet music to DJ equipment and every imaginable instrument in between is represented. And at the center of it all are the musicians, manufacturers, production professionals, educators, advocates and engineers who are keeping current with new technology, latest releases and our changing times.

All the familiar brands such as Gibson, Fender, Ibanez, Marshall, Guild, Taylor, Shure, Boss, Roland, Yamaha, Rickenbacker, Gretsch, Hiwatt, to name a few are major draws hosting stunning booths to draw you into experiencing this year’s latest in equipment.

But don’t overlook the smaller vendors who bring unique products and craftsmanship for people to demo. Discuss with reps, meet and hear performances by sponsored musicians, and hear their take on the best features and benefits of the products they endorse.

And if that is not enough, pack into the agenda workshops, meet-ups, performance showcases, product demos, and awards. As for shopping, whether you are a tech nerd, gear head or beginner, you are sizing up a wish list against your budget. “But Honey, I had to get it.” Browse and try out instruments.

If only attending workshops and presentations at The Idea Center, there are topics for everything with a full agenda each day: how to build followings on social media, Power Tips for indie musicians, strategies for selling on Amazon, improve your Google presence, podcasting or how to start a nonprofit. NAMM brings in experts in the field to get you started and unveil some “how-to’s.”

Beyond the expected, there are countless opportunities for supporting artists such as the Behind The Scenes Foundation whose mission is to provide support to self-employed tech and production professionals. Their booth featured a gallery display of famed rock concert photographer Neal Preston (Led Zeppelin, The Who, Fleetwood Mac). Preston autographed his books for fans and took his time to chat, wax stories and take pictures. The proceeds support the foundation and were worth the wait in line.

If attending for the first time, it’s best to stick close to your interest; don’t overbook your schedule. Keeping up with so many activities can get complex fast. Travel the aisles with a mission to get to your destination. Otherwise you will be engulfed in a cacophony of sounds and visual overwhelmingness. Keep to a specific objective, as it is too easy to sidetrack, and be sure to pad your time to read the daily UpBeat show publication. The downloadable phone app with customized agenda was essential for us when organizing the day.

Goran Ivanovic & Fareed Haque

Adding to the excitement is a back-to-back schedule of artists performing at booths bringing the best out of the equipment and instruments they are representing.

Michael Bruce (Facebook)

This often includes a chance to meet your musical hero, ask questions, and get an autograph or photo.

Delightfully, some of the greatest products were hidden in plain view at small, unassuming booths such as James Trussart Custom Guitars out of Los Angeles. A musician himself, Trussart has taken unmatched artistry to his custom guitars finishes. According to his website, his guitars have become the ‘must-have’ instrument in the arsenal for many influential artists including Bob Dylan, Keith Richards, Paul Simon, Eric Clapton, Billy Gibbons, Joe Walsh, Jack White, Joe Perry, Tom Morello and many more. These four days were worth the time, membership and investment to attend. Well worth it.

So the next time you see a NAMM Membership sticker at a music retailer, know they are really committed to quality, health, and welfare of musicians and the tools of their trade. 

*All photos © Philamonjaro

Anaheim NAMM 2020
Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email WhatsApp
Previous ArticleBB King Blues Band & The BB King Estate Have Joined Forces – “The BB King Experience”
Next Article World Premiere Track – Dom Flemons “Til The Seas Run Dry”
Phil Solomonson

Related Posts

Voices of Mississippi Returns With Five Upcoming Performances

January 24, 2023

Next Jazz Legacy Announces Performance At City Winery NYC to Kick Off Winter Jazzfest

December 19, 2022

The Blues Foundation Launches 43rd Year by Saluting its Keeping The Blues Alive Honorees

November 30, 2022

Baltimore Blues Society presents Linwood Taylor Band (with Sol Roots), and Mikey Junior

November 23, 2022

Comments are closed.

Advertisment
Facebook Twitter Instagram Pinterest
  • Home
  • News
  • Reviews
  • Interviews
  • Events
  • Videos
  • About

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.