Day Three of the 2005 NAMM Show Draws a Crowd

The third day of the 2005 NAMM Show featured a pre-show NAMM University breakfast session with live music and a panel discussion. "Manufacturers Are from Mars, Retailers Are from Venus" was moderated by Danny Rocks and included well-known members from different segments of the industry. There was more entertainment in the Anaheim Convention Center lobby, where attendees took in a lively performance by Benise, and just before the exhibit halls opened, Impulse drum corps pounded its way down the streets to the front of the convention center.

At show opening, it was already evident that it would be a high-traffic day in the exhibit halls. Attendees on the crowded floor claimed the show was the perfect place to test out the hottest products, get celebrity autographs, take in unique musical entertainment and connect with industry peers.

NAMM Chairman Paul Heid presided over this morning's Annual Meeting of Members, where Members voted in the new slate of the NAMM Board of Directors and recognized the outgoing Board Members.

NAMM U hosted two hour-long seminars throughout the show day, as well as more condensed, 20-minute sessions in the NAMM Idea Center on the show floor. A variety of topics drew strong attendance and positive reviews from show-goers.

“I think it's very motivating and uplifting, and sparks a lot of enthusiasm to be able to get together with other musicians and merchants to share their ideas and find out what works, find out what doesn't work and get real excited to implement the ideas when we get back home,” said Cindy Janssen of Kenny's Music, Grand Forks, N.D. “It's also really reassuring to see that some of the ideas that they encourage we actually are already doing.”

GRAMMY® nominee Ed Cherney moderated the afternoon session of the 12th Annual GRAMMY® Producers SoundTable, presented by the Recording Academy's® Producers & Engineers Wing, a forum in which award-winning music professionals discuss the latest issues in sound and recording business. The panel featured BT, Bob Clearmountain, Doug Sax, Elliot Scheiner, Al Schmitt and Martin Walters.

The NAMM Affiliated Music Business Institutions (NAMBI) held an awards ceremony for this year's NAMBI scholarship winners. NAMBI President Dr. James Payne recognized a number of students from universities around the country who are studying music business.

The competitions of the NAMM International Fastest Drummer Contest entered their final day today. The top drummers from the first three days of the show will go on to compete in the final heats tomorrow for the titles of “Fastest Hands” and “Fastest Feet”—top honors that come with a valuable grand prize package.

Some of the day's celebrity sightings included Brian Wilson, Lionel Richie, Kelly Clarkson and Stevie Wonder—and an amazing performance by the African Children's Choir, who sang and drummed while performing high-energy, choreographed dance moves.

As the show day came to a close, NAMM Members gave a positive review of their experience.

“After doing many, many years of this show, I think this is probably the best we've ever seen,” said Michael Farley of Gold Crest Inc./Farley's Musical Essentials in Santa Barbara, Calif. “Maybe it's because we've expanded and grown our product offerings, but we're seeing a lot more people, a lot more interest and we wouldn't have missed it for anything. And [the international business] is absolutely fantastic.”