Music City’s Hottest Ticket: Summer NAMM, July 9-11

Music City Center will fill with the sweet sounds of live music as Summer NAMM returns to Nashville, July 9-11. The National Association of Music Merchant’s (NAMM) mid-year music industry gathering will play out with dozens of live performances, award shows and musical events. Summer NAMM is where the industry does the business behind the music by day, then dives into Nashville’s music scene by night.

Tuesday, July 7
Get a head start on the Nashville experience with a visit to the Country Music Hall of Fame.
All visitors with a NAMM badge receive $3 off the cost of admission. Then head over to the FREE “Dylan Cash and the Nashville Cats: A New Music City” album launch party at 6PM on the 5th Avenue Plaza.

Wednesday, July 8
Join country music icon Vince Gill and Tom Bedell of Two Old Hippies for Insight 3.0, an exciting evening of music and an insider look into the music business that you won't soon forget! This year, Vince asks his musician friends whether “Nashville’s just about country music?” They’ll answer with music and personal insights from stage and studio, stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Insight kicks off with free food and drinks in the Davidson Ballroom at 6PM.

Thursday, July 9
The NAMM Acoustic Nation Stage offers live performances from the intersections of pop, indie, folk and country throughout the day. The acts ramp up throughout the show, culminating with Nashville-native Dustin Lynch, known for hit country songs including “Where It’s At,” The Voice’s Tony Lucca, catchy mashup singer-songwriter Louisa Wendorff and Sabrina Lentini on Saturday.

At 10:30AM in booth 354, the life and legacy of the “Wizard of Waukesha” will be remembered at the Les Paul 100th Birthday Celebration. A fitting tribute with friends will remember the king of recorded and amplified sound. This event kicks-off of the new TEC Tracks educational line up, designed for pro audio, live sound and music industry professionals. Throughout the show in the back of Hall B, the Les Paul Foundation’s interactive exhibit will offer tours.

Hear the world’s fastest drummers deliver mind-boggling beats at The World’s Fastest Drummer competition. The contest take place in the Music City Center lobby with the final heat to determine the Top 10 Fastest Hands and Top 10 Fastest Feet categories starts Saturday at 2PM.

Friday, July 10
Celebrate the best in music retail as NAMM honors the world’s standout music stores at the Top 100 Dealer Awards. CMT’s Cody Alan will host as the industry cheers for their peers on in seven categories including Best Online Engagement, Best Store Turnaround and Dealer of the Year. The evening gala is held in the Davidson Ballroom and includes a complimentary buffet dinner starting at 6PM, followed by the awards show at 7PM. The awards will be live streamed at www.namm.org.

Saturday, July 11
NAMM welcomes the National Music Council’s 32nd Annual American Eagle Awards Saturday at noon. This exclusive gathering of country star power is open to all Summer NAMM attendees at noon on the final day of the show. Charley Pride, Kris Kristofferson, Jim Lauderdale, Jim Halsey and Sherman Halsey, will be honored with a special recognition given to Music Makes Us, which ensures that all kids in Nashville have access to music in schools. Enjoy performances by Rosanne Cash, Charley Pride, Jim Lauderdale, The Oak Ridge Boys and Jack Ingram. Following the awards will be a luncheon with tickets available for advance purchase. Saturday afternoon meet The Oak Ridge Boys’ singer Joe Bonsall for a book signing at 2:30 in the NAMM Store. “On the Road with the Oak Ridge Boys” reveals the 42-year history of one of America’s longest-lasting bands.

Finally, shake off a busy three days by making music at the Kala-sponsored uke circle (12PM) and REMO-sponsored drum circle (3PM).

Music City
Before heading home, take advantage of Nashville’s rich culture and must-see places. Navigate the famed Honky Tonk Row on lower Broadway, experience a historical look at Nashville’s most noted lyricists at the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum, or schedule a tour of RCA Studio B where Elvis recorded 200 songs.

More event info can be found online: /summer/2015/music-industry-day/events

Find out why there’s more in store at Summer NAMM by registering for show badges. Exhibit space is still available. For details and information on NAMM’s entertainment options, click here. For information on Nashville’s entertainment venues, events, restaurants and more, click here.