Page 24 - ION Indie Magazine MarchApril 2019

As you first enter the great halls of the Anaheim Convention Center, it is hard
not to smile and absorb the wonderful smells and the beautiful delicious
sounds. Side note: this is by invitation only. A pass is required to attend. And
you kinda need to do a back flip to obtain one or know someone in the music
industry. This year I focused not so much on the celebrity aspect of the show
but more on the education and enlightenment of music. My question to CEO’s
and company reps would be, “What’s your motivation for you and your company
for being here?” Most were here to produce awareness of new products. Others
were on a mission to SELL and a few were like me -- just being nosey and getting
in the way of people. Some new companies I spent time talking to and looking
at their equipment were Verity Audio, Zoom (which I loved their handy
recorders), Ibanez guitars, Alvarez guitars, Pick World (guitar picks), and the
Lightpower Collection in conjunction with Behind The Scenes, which money is
donated from the sales of the Neal Preston Photography Collection. (Behind
The Scenes; Providing financial assistance to entertainment technology
professionals in need due to serious illness or injury). Great people there!

Just about everyone was eager to talk and share their mission statements.
Some new companies that I visited were from Australia, Canada, Europe, and
the good ole’ USA. A quick run across the street to a favorite pizza shack for
lunch -- pizza and a beer with my pal’s friend back home.

Friday evening was Yamaha Entertainment Group night with their second-
annual “Yamaha All-Star Concert” on the Grand Plaza stage and a display of
all legendary multimedia and multi-artist production with memorable
performances by Jon McLaughlin, Loren Allred, Jonathan Butler, Sarah
McLachlan, and James “J.T.” Taylor of Kool and the Gang.

I got really excited when Yamaha reps invited me to the media pit. As I made
my way with a big smile, I was stopped near the stage by NAMM security -- and
they sent me back to the back of the bus. All because I was not Yamaha media.
So, I guess you could say…no happy “Yama-haha” moment for me. I did
manage to get close enough on the side to take a few pictures, however.

Saturday night was cool as well. Saturday evening was the annual “Imagine
Party.” NAMM Foundation and The John Lennon Educational Tour Bus presented
singer and songwriter Elle King on the big stage. Although I knew little of this artist, I
became a fan by the end of her performance concert. Elle blended pop and blues, rock
‘n’ roll and smoothness into a sound that’s all her own.

I think over all, we visited every floor, every section of the convention center. And met
every person I could meet. Some of my highlights were seeing Derek Smalls of Spinal
Tap, Robby Krieger of the Doors, and meeting DJ Ashba and my photography
inspiration, Neal Preston. I also was fortunate to meet with up-and-coming Tennessee
Wolves and my favorites, Mariachi Divas. I was even fortunate enough to meet Darrin.
He introduced me to new camera equipment and valuable info. And now he’s my go-
to guy when I have equipment question.

th
For the 9 year, it was another amazing show at NAMM. In the end, my feet
ached and my body felt tired, but after all, I’ve got 365 days to get rested up
before the next NAMM adventure. See ya next year! The 2020 NAMM Show is
January 16-19.

https://www.facebook.com/nammorg
https://www.namm.org/thenammshow/2019