Brace Yourself For NAMM 2012

Written by Carmen Garza

NAMM 2012

Just when you thought the annual winter NAMM Convention couldn't get any more rockin' or more intense, you realize how way off you really are. Once a year, music moguls, manufacturers and revelers gather together to feed their creative passions and ascend upon the grounds at the NAMM Show.

During the five day event, which took place from January 18-22, 2012 at the Anaheim Convention Center in California, no SoCal earthquake could match the vibe at NAMM 2012 which blew the meter completely off the Richter scale. Makers, shakers and gorgeous heartbreakers hobnobbed at the event, which epitomizes the epicenter of all manufactured instruments and gear crafted around the globe and uniquely suited for the mega music industry. As if that wasn't enough, you may even be lucky to spot a well known artist strolling down the vast hallways of the center.

For their 110th consecutive celebration, NAMM and its organizers amplified the exhibits and guest appearances to the fullest hilt. From the Sabian cymbal tower measuring at least two stories high to the mega-sized Pearl drum set that sat on a rollercoaster track - the same one used by Tommy Lee during Mötley Crüe's 2011 360° tour and everything in between, NAMM 2012 exceeded more records this year than previously - with a whopping number of close to 96,000 registered attendees.

It's no wonder NAMM becomes more monumental with every passing year. A bevy of stars grace the floors and exhibits at the event. This year some of the special appearances included: Stevie Wonder, Alice Cooper, Dave Navarro, Steve Vai, Rudy Sarzo, Orianthi, Tommy Lee, Gene Simmons, Duff McKagan, Ozzy Osbourne, Tito Jackson, Neal Schon, Munky, Bootsy Collins, Mike Inez and Steve Stevens, amongst others.

Johnny Garcia Guitars

What do you get when you take a slab of wood, carve out mind-blowing images strewn across your mind and bring it to life through an amazing guitar? You get one heck of a handcrafted, finely tuned piece of musical machinery that screams out a cavalcade of sound. You get Johnny Garcia Guitars - a true masterpiece. Creator and master of design, Johnny Garcia, explained that this is his ultimate passion. His dream come true, and he's loving every minute of it. Check out his amazing bodies of work at www.johnnygarciaguitars.com.

Johny Garcia

Elton - The Early Years
The incomparable, Kenny Metcalf, took the Elton John tribute band experience to a whole new level on Saturday, the 21st, at the John Lennon Educational Bus Tour Stage. Kenny utilized his infectious stage persona, outlandish costumes and unmatched vocal impersonations of the Pinball Wizard himself. He takes you through a lyrical stroll down memory lane when Elton John was the king of pop. You will need to look twice and may even shake your head in disbelief before you realize he's not the real EJ, but still we fondly refer to him as "Kenny and the Jets". See this talented artist in action at www.eltontheearlyyears.com.

The annual event is not open to the general public so only an elite handful of partygoers can be part of the action. If you are a music lover who would like to attend NAMM (National Association Of Music Merchants) in the future, you can obtain a free pass by exhibiting your music related wares, manufactured goods, being a fellow artist/musician or a member of the press. This is a chance to see exactly how the other half live. For more information on the NAMM 2012 Show, go to www.namm.org.