That time of the year again, packing my bags, gear, getting the suncream out, because I am going to NAMM!
The NAMM Show is one of the largest music product trade shows in the world, founded in 1901. It is held every January in Anaheim, California, USA, at the Anaheim Convention Center. Also, a smaller show, Summer NAMM takes place each July in Nashville, Tennessee.
Packing 12,000 to 87,000 people under one convention center roof can make NAMM a crowded, noisy three-day experience.
Winter NAMM 2020 was a great meeting, and networking week for everyone all in a friendly and optimistic atmosphere.
Attending The NAMM Show is always a wonderful opportunity to meet other industry professionals. The one thing that everyone had in common was a true passion for music, and The NAMM show facilitates not only the opportunity to build relationships but also the chance to learn from one another and strengthen the industry as a whole.
I participated for two years in a row as an artist of RAT stands. This 2020 I wasn’t alone because I traveled with part of my band, bassist Samer Sharawi, and drummer Ollie Sears.
Our NAMM experience started the afternoon before the main gates opened, as we had a meeting with Gay at EV (Electro-Voice) who provided all the sound system for my performances.
My band also had been invited to a private welcome meeting/dinner with all the RAT Stands team, distributors, and all the team from Yorkville.
We had scheduled three performances per day, so a total of six performances. I enjoyed one of the last performances, where violinist Matt Bell and bassist Miki Santamaria joined me on stage. It was an unforgettable jam.
During my spare time…well actually there wasn’t any spare time. Love all the great networking conversations with my friend Tom and his team, from DPA microphones Andrew, director of Leatherwood Bespoke Rosin, Alen from Thomastik-Infeld, Garrett from Connolly Music Company Jay and Ole from Larsen and GlasserNY, and the US Team from Yamaha.
Can’t wait to see you all soon! 🙂
Highlights of the Show:
-Playing with amazing musicians
-Jamming with Miki Santamaria and Matt Bell.
-Watching Scott Henderson Trio at the Baked Potato
-The view from Orange Hill Restaurant, an amazing Birthday surprise from RAT Stands.
-Endless nights talking about music at all the NAMM parties.
-Disneyland (birthday present)