2016 NAMM Performers

Hundreds of artists from nearly every imaginable musical genre will perform on five NAMM Show stages and at dozens of industry events during the 2016 NAMM Show in Anaheim, January 21-24. Live music will set the stage for product debuts from more than 5,000 brands throughout the four-day music industry event. Star-studded awards shows, iconic speakers, legendary musicians and music-making opportunities provide the soundtrack to a NAMM Show the industry will be talking about for years to come.

The annual gathering of the musical tribes during the NAMM Show naturally seems to create a festival type atmosphere; craftsman, artists and innovators coming together from around the globe united in their passion for music,” said Joe Lamond, president and CEO of NAMM. “And all the parties, concerts, and intimate networking that occurs during and after show hours are legendary, as are the friendships and deep connections formed at NAMM.

Productive days on the show floor flow into evenings for networking with friends, enjoying live jams on the NAMM Nissan Grand Plaza Stage, the new NAMM Sheraton Acoustic Stage, NAMM CenterStage Presented by Pioneer DJ, NAMM Marriott Stage, and the NAMM Hilton Stage.

Live Music at NAMM
Each night from 6-7:30 p.m. on the NAMM Nissan Grand Plaza Stage, check out iconic artists noted for shaping their musical eras and genres. Immediately following the Industry Tribute on opening night, legendary singer-songwriter Graham Nash will take the stage for an Evening with Graham Nash. Friday night The NAMM Foundation and The John Lennon Educational Tour Bus present The Imagine Party featuring Dr. John & the Nite Trippers. Celebrate music education with the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and six-time GRAMMYTM winner Dr. John, for a live performance co-hosted by OWC, Neutrik USA, Genelec, Securematics and Juniper Networks.

Saturday night, members of The Legends band will headline the NAMM Nissan Grand Plaza Stage from 6-7:30 p.m., playing cover songs from each of their previous bands. The Legends consists of Bill Champlin (Chicago), Bobby Kimball (Toto), Dennis Tufano (The Buckinghams), Chuck Negron (Three Dog Night), Jimy Sohns (Shadows of the Knight), Spencer Davis (Spencer Davis Group) and other guest artists.

Drop in for the Pioneer DJ Happy Hour Thursday-Saturday, 3–3:40 p.m. and Sunday, 2-2:40 p.m. at the NAMM CenterStage Presented by Pioneer DJ. High profile guest DJs will fill the center of the show with beats as industry guests refuel. Check out the full line up of performances on the NAMM Show stages, including Don Wilson of The Ventures, Kruger Brothers Band, Bernie Williams & Gil Parris, and other top names.

She Rocks Awards
Friday from 7-8:45 p.m., the She Rocks Awards presented by the Women’s International Music Network pays tribute to women who display leadership and stand out within the music industry. Held in the Hilton Anaheim Pacific Ballroom, the event honors performers Nita Strauss (co-host of the event), Chaka Khan, Jennifer Batten, Amy Heidemann of Karmin, along with other female industry leaders including Executive Director of the NAMM Foundation, Mary Luehrsen. Purchase tickets for the show at SheRocksAwards.com.

TEC Awards
Hosted by comedian Sinbad on Saturday, January 23, the 31st Annual NAMM TEC Awards honor excellence in sound technology and creativity. This year’s Les Paul Award will go to musician and producer Don Was. Record Plant co-founders Chris Stone and Gary Kellgren, as well as guitarist “Skunk” Baxter will all be inducted into the NAMM TEC Awards Hall of Fame. The VIP reception starts at 6 p.m. and the awards show begins at 7 p.m. For a list of all the TEC award nominees and to purchase tickets, visit tecawards.org.

Industry Icons
This year, the NAMM Foundation will host the inaugural Grand Rally for Music Education at the 2016 NAMM Show, a salute to music educators everywhere. The Grand Rally features multi-GRAMMY winning artist and producer, “Weird Al” Yankovic, and the internationally acclaimed Canadian Brass, taking place Saturday at 9:30 a.m. in the Hilton’s NAMM Foundation Lounge. The event is open to everyone with NAMM Show credentials.

Make Music!
Everyone’s welcome at Friday’s All-Industry Drum Circle presented in collaboration with Remo Inc. from 5:45-7 p.m. at the Palm Garden outside of the Anaheim Convention Center. Sunday, join a wind circle at 10 a.m., a harmonica circle at 11:30 a.m., and a uke circle at 1 p.m. in the NAMM Member Center, presented in collaboration with Nuvo Instrumental, Hohner, and Kala Brand Music Co.

About Shauna "WhiskeyChick" Castorena

Shauna "WhiskeyChick" Castorena is a freelance writer for both Country Music News and Country Music On Tour. Want to collab on some content? Email me. Want my rates for commercial promo work outside of music? Get them right here.