Page 27 - ION Indie Magazine SeptOct 2022

Lunch as every year, always ended up at my favorite pizza joint
at California Pizza. And dinners were always in a calm sit-down
eatery, usually at my favorite little Mexican restaurant Mi Casa
Mexicana.

This year I interviewed a whole set of new companies. I spoke
breifly to Troy Johnson of Big Johnson Acoustic Bass, Alex
Nieberlein of Hercules, Jesús Molina, Piano YouTube sensation,
The folks at Thomastik Infeld - Science of Listening, Ludwig
Drums, Conn-Selmer, Krunch Amps, Retune, Ultimate Ears,
Ibanez Guitars, Thermion, Franklin Guitar Straps, Cream
Guitars, Viper Guitars, Scarinci Hollenbeck-Attorneys at Law,
Odyssey Lighting, TAC Water & Misting Systems, Arachnid
Cabinets, Blackstar, and so many more. The exciting thing about
being at NAMM is seeing so many artists, bands, performers, and
the people…so many interesting people! I also met up with some
dear friends from around the country. Always a treat!

The Yamaha Main Stage was also different this year. It was not
the huge extravagaza show with monstrous artists as previous
years. It was a bit disappointing, but the hightlight for me and my
brother was seeing Joe Lamond, President and CEO of NAMM,
sitting in with a band and playing drums at the Hilton lobby. We
also got a chance to meet him afterwards. The guy was on fire
on them drums, for sure!

As different as NAMM was this year, The organization was still
able to make a huge impact in the music community. What I
learned this year is that NAMM is...