With true American flair, the 2015 Winter NAMM show in Anaheim California kicked off with the Disneyland Band performing in the Convention Centre forecourt. If delegates didn’t have early morning meetings to wheel and deal at, they were able to attend the Breakfast of Champions. At this year’s breakfast NAMM presented some wonderful guests including analog synth pioneers Tom Oberheim and Dave Smith. The coming together of these two music technology giants presented a fantastic insight into the pioneering days of synth technology. The meeting was made even more poignant with news overnight of the death of Tangerine Dream’s Edgar Froese at the age of 70. Froese performed in Australia late last year. Also present at the Breakfast was EDM music legend Moby who received a Music for Life award and recording artist Colbie Caillat.
Later in the day Red Hot Chili Peppers’ Chad Smith participated in a session on the success of the American Arts Education in School Reform
For those fortunate enough to score a ticket, the biggest gig on night one was a party thrown by Peavey which saw rock icons Lynyrd Skynyrd (featuring Robert Randolph) and Blue Oyster Cult perform.
Day 2 which is underway sees George Clinton back in action at the John Lennon Educational Tour Bus Imagine Party and the She Rocks Awards. Hosted by our very own Orianthi, the 3rd annual She Rocks Awards honours female artists and industry women who have made a positive impact on the industry. This year She rocks will honour The Bangles, Colbie Caillat, Mindi Abar, Gayle Beacock, Debbie Cavalier, Amani Duncan, Katie Kailus, Paula Salvatore and Craigie Zildjian. The house band for the event includes Gretchen Menn and members of Zeparella
Stay tuned for more NAMM news and gear releases.
