Summer NAMM a Hit in Nashville

Summer NAMM was kicked off in Nashville on June 17 by NAMM Young Professionals (NAMM YP, for NAMM member under 40 years of age) hosting its first annual Networking Reception coinciding with NAMM’s Pre-Show Party. It ended June 20th on an optimistic note for the future.

NAMM hosted booths to support Nashville flood: GRAMMY Foundation’s MusiCares booth held a silent auction with Member-donated instruments with funds to benefit musicians impacted by the floods, and Nashville Musicians Association, AFM Local 257 collected donations of instruments, gear, teaching materials and equipment for students and musicians in the Nashville area to replace items lost.

After a very positive start, events of Friday evening included the BIG Gear Giveback at the Hard Rock Café Downtown, raising money for flood victims, as well as many musical performances and events at venues around the city.

Day Two, June 19, ended with the All-Industry Drum Circle, always a great draw for a good time and stress relief.

Wanna Play Sunday’s activities opened with TV commentator and former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee talking about the Wanna Play Fund and music education: “I think it’s very important that every student in America have access to a music and art education because it’s a part of who we are as a human race, and it enhances their overall educational experience—both academically, as well as aesthetically and personally.” Huckabee autographed copies of his book for attendees and later performed in the Wanna Play Celebrity Jam with country music stars Aaron Tippin, Louise Mandrell and John Anderson, accompanied by some of Nashville’s finest studio musicians.

Wanna Play Music Sunday offered workshops and clinics with renowned musicians and also allowed enthusiasts to walk the floor and check out the newest products on the market coming to their local stores. Approximately 1,000 people attended the show with wristbands purchased online and at the door.

By its close, final numbers on Summer NAMM came to 12,463 total registrants. Exhibitor numbers were slightly up, with 383 companies displaying and demonstrating products.

NAMM’s next event will be the 2011 NAMM Show in Anaheim, Calif., January 13-16, 2011. Look for reports from the scene by your BareFoot journalists!