The NAMM Show, running from Thursday, Jan. 25 through Sunday, Jan. 28, returned to the Anaheim Convention Center with its annual preview day on Wednesday, Jan 24, with some slight modifications from previous years.
Rather than only having a select number of vendors showcasing their latest projects, the event was formatted as a presentation led by John Mlynczak, President and CEO of the NAMM Show, who is spearheading the dayslong convention as NAMM’s first new president and CEO in 21 years after Joe Lamond, the previous president and CEO of NAMM, retired last year.
“We are at the first show of the future of our industry, and I am so happy that we’re here,” Mlynczak said. “NAMM is not just an event; it is the week that celebrates and highlights the products that make all of the music that brings joy to everyone’s life in the world.”
Part of the presentation led by Mlynczak included appearances from representatives of major industry brands such as Yamaha, Shure and Vox who showcased their latest products. Those vendors and many others will be on full display the rest of this weekend at the massive marketplace, which serves as a hub for top brands and buyers who come together to shop and look at the latest in musical products, recording technology, sound and lighting and more.
The crowd was also treated to a special performance by country music star Hunter Hayes showcasing the latest rosewood and mahogany acoustic guitars from Martin Guitar.
Chris Martin, executive chairman of Martin Guitar and a sixth generation member of his family to run the 190-year-old company, said he still remembers the first time he heard about the NAMM Show.
“I came to the first NAMM Show in California,” Martin said. “I was going to UCLA and my dad contacted me and said, ‘Can you check out this thing that NAMM is doing outside a hotel at LAX?’ and it’s still working so thank you for being part of our NAMM.”
Other presentations such as Vox showcased its new wah-wah guitar pedal that adds a unique psychedelic rock effect when active. Guitarist Jay Leonard showcased the new Yamaha Pacifica electric guitar and spoke about the range it provides saying it’s a balance between a clear and more distorted sound. The Yamaha booth at the NAMM Show will also be displaying Prince’s iconic purple guitar from his Piano and Microphone tour along with some of his apparel provided by his estate.
The NAMM Show (originally National Association of Music Merchants) convention has been held in Anaheim since 1978 and draws more than 115,000 registrants from over 130 countries each year. This year the event will host more than150 companies making over 200 product announcements along with 1,600 exhibitors representing 3,500 brands. It also marks the full return of the pre-pandemic NAMM Show, at full capacity with its usual January dates.
Last year the convention returned in April, with more in person events and activations than its scaled-down hybrid show in 2021.The convention this year is also no longer exclusive to badge-holders, allowing music enthusiasts of all stripes to attend classes, live performances, seminars and workshops. Some of the more prominent talking points for this weekend’s programming include social media skills, branding, sustainability and how the industry can embrace AI.
Musicians will be performing live throughout the convention with other events such as Metal Allegiance’s performance at the House of Blues Anaheim surrounding the event. This weekend’s lineup features 200 artists, including Hot Mulligan, Roella Oloro Trio, Skariginals and more.
A series of awards shows and celebrations, including She Rocks, an award ceremony that honors women in the music and audio industry, are slated for this weekend and will be hosted by 2015 She Rock honoree Susanna Hoffs of The Bangles.
One of the biggest annual celebrations of the event will be the 39th annual NAMM Tec Awards, a ceremony which honor audio professionals and innovative products. It will be hosted by Grammy Award winning singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, bandleader, composer Jon Batiste who will present the honor to RZA of the Wu-Tang Clan.
