Live Music Sets the Tone for Making Connections at the 2014 NAMM Show

As the global music products industry prepares for the biggest NAMM Show in five years, the industry looks forward to the all-encompassing live music experience and networking opportunities that are completely unique to NAMM. Live performances range from the NAMM GoPro Stage on the Grand Plaza headliners Jonny Lang, Sheila E., and Robby Krieger to surprise product demos throughout the show floor featuring some of the greatest musicians, DJs and producers of our time. The 2014 NAMM Show’s one-of-a-kind soundtrack plays live in Anaheim, CA from January 23-26, 2014.

The performances, venues and special events have been rethought for 2014 with an emphasis on facilitating networking among the 95,000 registrants. Wednesday’s Block Party, bookings for the hotel lobby stages and even the placement of the NAMM GoPro Stage will cater to NAMM Members’ desire for a convivial atmosphere highlighted by live music. New for this year, the main stage on the Grand Plaza has been reversed to face the Anaheim Convention Center, creating a more intimate and acoustically pleasing entertainment space.

“With great feedback from our Board and Members, we’ve made strategic changes to the NAMM Show to make it easier for our members to do business and position themselves for a successful 2014,” said Joe Lamond, president and CEO of NAMM. “We’ve worked to create new spaces to socialize and network and some unbelievable musical performances that will add a bit of fun to the working vibe that makes the NAMM Show such a singular event in this industry.”

Live Music
Wednesday night, NAMM’s Pre-Show Block Party, from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m offers the industry an opportunity to reconnect before the show even opens. The Block Party held on the Grand Plaza will feature performances by Bernie Williams and Gil Parris, L.A.’s most popular food trucks and a beer garden.

Thursday evening, immediately following the Industry Tribute, GRAMMY-award winning guitarist and singer, Jonny Lang headlines an energetic evening of rock and roll on the NAMM GoPro Stage. The Industry Tribute begins at 5:30 and Jonny Lang takes the stage at 6 p.m. Alternatively, Show attendees can enjoy the Night of Worship Concert at 7 p.m. in the Pacific Ballroom of the Hilton Anaheim.  

Friday night, on the NAMM GoPro Stage, celebrate with the spirited, percussive sounds of GRAMMY-nominated singer and drummer, Sheila E. and her band at 6 p.m.

Saturday night, end the day with Robby Krieger’s Jam Kitchen, which boasts not only Krieger, a founding member of The Doors, but also musicians who have played with Frank Zappa, WAR, Chicago, Chick Corea, and Al DiMeola. Robby Krieger’s Jam Kitchen appears on the NAMM GoPro Stage at 6 p.m. At 7 pm., Muriel Anderson’s All-Star Guitar Night appears in the Platinum Ballroom of the Anaheim Marriott.

Dance music fans will have plenty of reasons to rave about the 2014 NAMM Show. DJs including Greyboy, QBert and Melo D will spin nightly on The Venue Stage presented by Pioneer DJ, located between the arena and the Hilton Anaheim. On Saturday night, DJs sponsored by Monster Products take the stage.

There are more than 100 performances booked for the NAMM Show, in addition to the hundreds of demos and surprise performances throughout the show. Check out the list of scheduled NAMM Show performances here. Those ready to rest their feet after big days of brisk business at the NAMM Show don’t have to miss out on the action. Marshall Electronics will be streaming from the NAMM GoPro Stage to NAMM.org.

TEC Awards
The 29th annual TEC Awards honors excellence among audio professionals Friday night in the Hilton Pacific Ballroom. Presented by the NAMM Foundation, the TEC Awards recognizes the individuals, companies and technical innovations behind recording, live performance, film, television, video games, and other media. This year’s awards ceremony will be hosted by noted DJ and audio wizard, BT. Todd Rundgren will receive the Les Paul Award. Wrecking Crew drummer Hal Blaine, and Meyer Sound Laboratories’ president John Meyer, will be inducted into the TEC Hall of Fame. The TEC Awards ceremony begins at 7 p.m. Tickets are on sale now.

She Rocks
Paying tribute to women who display leadership and stand out among music industry professionals, The Women’s International Music Network (The WiMN) presents the 2014 She Rocks Awards Friday at 8:30 a.m. at the Anaheim Marriott Hotel (Ballroom E). The Awards will honor the accomplishments of seven iconic women from all areas of the music industry, including percussionist Sheila E. who will perform Friday night on the NAMM GoPro Stage. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the WiMN website.

Make Music!
Band together to play at one of the hands-on music making events at the show. Friday’s drum circle in the Palm Garden outside the Anaheim Convention Center begins at 6 p.m. A trombone circle at 11 a.m. and ukulele circle at 3 p.m. welcome players of all levels Sunday in the NAMM Member Center, located in the Convention Center lobby.

The NAMM Show gathers 95,000 registrants from the music product industry from around the world to preview new product debuts from more than 5,000 brands. Registration is now open for qualified members of the music instrument, product and pro-light and sound industries. Exhibit space is still available for the 2014 event. Learn more about the 2014 NAMM Show at http://www.namm.org/thenammshow/2014.