Robust Summer NAMM Events Schedule Offers Opportunities to Network in Nashville

Business is not the only thing that will be booming at Summer NAMM, held July 11-13 at Nashville’s new Music City Center. Electrifying performances, appearances by some of music’s greatest names and energetic, hands-on music opportunities are awaiting NAMM Members attending the three-day show. Retailers, manufacturers and music-industry insiders visiting the iconic show will preview the hottest new music products, network with industry leaders by day, and enjoy a full slate of fun celebrations, performances by night.

“Business is challenging today, make no mistake, but we must never forget what got us into this in the first place -- music!” said Joe Lamond, president and CEO of NAMM. “Nashville is the perfect place for our Members to rekindle their passion for music and enjoy the camaraderie that comes with hanging out with people who truly love what they do.”

Wednesday, July 10
Nashville may not be Jimi Hendrix’ hometown, but because of his formative musical years spent playing there, Music City embraces him as a native son nonetheless. Wednesday night, join NAMM’s Grand Opening Party with a tribute to Jimi Hendrix’ Nashville connection and his legendary years playing Printers’ Alley. The Billy Cox Band of Gypsys will perform both famous and more obscure Hendrix songs. The legend’s sister, Janie Hendrix, will share some of her recollections about Jimi’s time in Nashville. Food and beverage will be provided in Music City Center’s Davidson Ballroom from 5-7:30 p.m.

Thursday, July 11
Summer NAMM’s Acoustic Stage in the lobby is loaded of talented acts including country artist Rick Monroe, GRAMMY-nominated songwriter and former member of The Lumineers, Maxwell Hughes, and The Wheeler Brothers on Thursday.

Thursday marks the kick-off of the World’s Fastest Drummer competition on the World’s Fastest Drummer lobby stage at 11 a.m., with heats continuing through 1 p.m. Saturday. The top-10 fastest hands and top-10 fastest feet will compete in a finals battle Saturday at 2 p.m.

Thursday night, country music icon Vince Gill and Nashville’s own Tom Bedell (of Two Old Hippies) host “Insight,” an evening presentation featuring some of the music-product industry’s most recognized names -- Hartley Peavey, Jim D’Addario, Chris Martin, Henry Juszkiewicz, Sterling Ball and more. “Insight” begins at 6 p.m. in the Davidson Ballroom with live music food and beverages provided.

Friday, July 12
Unplugged sounds from The Delgado Brothers Acoustic Trio, The Honkys, The Ukedelics ring out from the lobby’s acoustic stage on Friday. Dink Cook, bassist in Toby Keith's Easy Money Band, will be at Electra Guitars’ booth Friday and Saturday.

Friday night, GRAMMY-winning entertainer Steve Wariner hosts the third-annual Top 100 Dealers Awards. NAMM pays tribute to the music-products industry’s best and brightest retailers. In addition to honoring the Top 100, NAMM will also announce the winners in the seven ‘Best Of’ categories and the 2013 Dealer of the Year. The Top 100 Dealer Awards ceremony is held in the Davidson Ballroom at 6:30 p.m. with food and beverages provided.

Saturday, July 13
Acoustic artists Sophia Dion and Savannah Lynne are among the music makers entertaining on the acoustic stage between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Raul Malo of The Mavericks will be making an appearance and signing autographs at Kala Brand booth at noon.

Feel the beat as local schools compete in a Drum Corp International Drum Battle from12:30–2:30p.m. in the courtyard on the corner of Demonbreun Boulevard and 5th Street outside of the Music City Center. A community ukulele circle presented by Kala Brand offers everyone the opportunity to make some music from 1:30–2:30 p.m. Then Remo presents a community drum circle from 3–4p.m. Both the drum and uke circle events are open to all and will be held across from the Omni Hotel at 5th street just below the courtyard. 

Music City
In addition to the numerous performances and events surrounding NAMM, Music City itself offers a colorful menu of musical, cultural and gustatory delights. With more than 120 live music venues, Nashville serves up live music to suit every taste. Next door to the new Music City Center and steps from the honky-tonks of Lower Broadway, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum explores the roots of American country music and celebrates some of its brightest stars. The area along 16th and 17th Avenues South, known as Music Row, is home to numerous record labels, publishing houses, recording studios, and radio stations.

For details and information on NAMM’s entertainment options, click here. For information on Nashville’s entertainment venues, events, restaurants and more, click here.