Kick off the new year at the annual NAMM Show, a spectacular, multi-day event in Anaheim, California for music-lovers and music industry insiders around the world to network and celebrate their craft. In 2020, NAMM is taking its sensational experiences to the next level. Legends such as Bobby McFerrin, Joni Mitchell and Sarah McLachlan take the stage; selected winners from competitive contests will slay with live performances; and keynote speakers provide attendees with fresh info that will skyrocket your ideas for having a career in music. With endless opportunities, how are you supposed to narrow down these fantastic events to a realistic schedule? Not to worry—we’ve got you covered with ten cannot miss experiences at The 2020 NAMM Show.
1. Yamaha Presents The NAMM Foundation Celebration for Music Education Featuring Sarah McLachlan
When: Thursday, January 16, 2020 — 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Three-time GRAMMY-winning singer and songwriter Sarah McLachlan is set to perform a concert for those who dedicate themselves to music education. An inspirational figure herself, McLachlan will sing homage to art, music and supporters of the blossoming field of music education. A smashing headlining performance such as this one is the perfect way to kick off The 2020 NAMM Show. Get those tissues ready.
2. The 2020 NAMM Show’s GenNext Plenary featuring Melodica Men
When: Thursday, Jan. 16, 2020 — 9:30–10 am
From performing on the streets of Paris to acquiring 100 million views on YouTube, the Melodica Men make each and every show fresh and exciting. This musical duo embraces The NAMM Show’s essence with their engaging melodica tunes. To all in attendance, this performance previews the new, exciting lineups the Melodica Men have in store for their fanbase. “We’re in the process of putting together a full orchestra program and we’ll be headlining an orchestra show, so we’re excited about that,” the duo said. To kick off the GenNext and College Music Society programs, the Melodica Men mesh a variety of accepted genres while encapsulating their classical roots.
3. The Grand Rally for Music Education featuring Bobby McFerrin and Gimme5
When: Saturday, January 18, 2020 — 9:30-10:30 am—Doors at 9:00 am
Don’t worry, be happy and join Bobby McFerrin to champion the success of music educators around the globe. Featuring the Legacy and Langley Ukulele Ensembles, Gimme5 and winners of the A Cappella @ NAMM contest, UCLA’s ScatterTones, the Grand Rally for Music Education is a stop attendees of the 2020 NAMM Show must make. This special showing of McFerrin’s creative, improvisational and bluesy caliber will leave a legendary trademark on the show this year.
4. A Cappella @ NAMM
When: Saturday, January 18, 2020 — 9:30-10:30 am
Watch the three winners of NAMM’s A Cappella contest perform in the presence of thousands of industry professionals. These college/university affiliated singing groups have the opportunity to network, learn and potentially achieve their big break on The NAMM Show stage. India Carney, a former contestant on The Voice and professional singer, is participating as a judge in this year’s A Cappella @ NAMM. “I’m most looking forward to fresh talent and fresh takes on this very specific art form. I’m listening for innovative ways to establish rhythmic stability and keys and that the notes are executed with good intonation, so the audience can stay engaged,” Carney said. “I’m looking to have a fun time, but I’m also looking to leave having experienced something new.” Prepare to be dazzled and have your aca-expectations blown.
5. Roomful of Pianos with Dr. Karali Hunter
When: January 17 and 18, 2020 — 5:30-6 pm
Fifteen pianos await in Lounge 88 to be played at this spectacular NAMM Show event. Viewers have not one, but two nights to observe the selected players tickle the ivories, with Dr. Karali Hunter leading the performance. “Playing in chamber groups and piano groups is one of my favorite things to do,” Hunter said. “I’m already familiar with both of the pieces, but I blast a recording of Queen’s ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ through my speakers anyways, you know, for research.” Tune those ears to some of the finest piano compositions in the world, including selections from Franz Liszt and Freddie Mercury.
6. Joe Solo on Your Future Success in Music
When: Thursday, January 16, 2020 — 11:00 am to 12:00 pm
A jack of all trades, The NAMM Show keynote staple Joe Solo (known for producing and developing Macy Gray, helping her win the Grammy for Best New Artist, and has since collaborated with Atlantic, Sony, Interscope) incorporates his expertise on producing, songwriting, and composing to deliver an encapsulating keynote. Solo discusses the future of the industry and how the audience can best maximize their experiences as artists in the modern age of music. Make sure to keep your pen and paper handy.
7. How to Create Effective Videos for Social Media with Jenn Herman
When: Friday, January 17, 2020 — 2:00 pm to 2:30 pm
The ever-expanding world of technology does not affect any field more than that of music. Jenn Herman, a popular Instagram blogger and expert in the practice of composing digital videos, will lead a discussion on how to up your brand and engage in fresh marketing techniques guaranteed to set your music business up for success. “One of the things I most want attendees at my NAMM Idea Center session to walk away with is the realization that they CAN actually do videos. You don’t need fancy equipment and you don’t need a complicated set up,” Herman said.
“Whether you’re a retail store selling musical instruments, a music teacher or a musician in a band, the ability to use video to share these components of your brand is imperative to the success of your business.” Get ready to watch your engagement rates soar.
8. Finneas O’Connell on Recording Billie Eilish and More!
When: Friday, January 17, 2020 — 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Join journalist Steve Baltin and singer/songwriter Finneas O’Connell (aka FINNEAS) as they discuss his extraordinary work in the modern music industry. The brother of pop-sensation Billie Eilish, O’Connell was nominated for several Grammy’s and has recently released his debut EP, “Blood Harmony.” As a majorly influential artist, O’Connell has a defining role in making modern music and influencing trends. His fanbase cannot stand to miss his wisdom at The 2020 NAMM Show.
9. TEC Award Honoree Joni Mitchell
When: Saturday, January 18, 2020—7 pm
An event so exclusive it requires a separate ticket, Joni Mitchell will be named one of the most influential female recording artists of the late 20th century as the recipient of the Les Paul Innovation Award. A beloved figure among artists and listeners alike, Mitchell’s prolific career will be reflected when she receives this prestigious award at the 35th Annual NAMM Technical Excellence & Creativity (TEC) Awards on January 18, 2020. Whether you love her 60s tunes or advocating for the arts, watching Mitchell receive this award might just inspire you to create a Court and Spark of your own.
10. Breakfast of Champions
When: Thursday, January 16, 2020 — 8:00 am to 9:30 am
What better way to kick-off The 2020 NAMM Show than attending a sit-down with CEO and President of NAMM Joe Lamond? Some of the most influential thinkers in the modern age of performance technology are special guests each morning of the show. In the ever-advancing field of sound and entertainment, Lamond and his co-leaders will direct their audience to accomplishment. Find out what brand of success these leaders put in their cereal at the Breakfast of Champions event.
Ready to make music industry connections for a lifetime? Get your tickets for The 2020 NAMM Show here!
This post is sponsored by The NAMM Foundation.
