NAMM and Sesame Workshop Create Musical Floating Stage for Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade Depicting the Wonders of Playing Music

More than 50 million television viewers will be transported to a fantasy wonderland this Thanksgiving as they view the 85th anniversary of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. And joining the fun will be a collaborative floating stage from the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) and Sesame Workshop depicting the magic of playing musical instruments this holiday season.

At 32-feet long, 20-feet wide and two stories tall, the “1,2, 3 Sesame Street” float will rock the holidays when the cast and Muppets of Sesame Street perform “Meet Me On Sesame Street.” The stoop of 1-2-3 Sesame Street will be alive with music as Big Bird, Abby Cadabby, Oscar the Grouch and Elmo along with a slew of their friends delight the crowds with their musical abilities.

With help from NAMM, the cast will showcase the magic of musical instruments. The musical performance will show the viewing audience the importance that music plays in the lives of kids everywhere as they bring the magic of musical instruments to life this Thanksgiving. All of the friends remind us that this is a great time of year for families to enjoy making music together.

“Thanksgiving is a time when people take the time to share memorable experiences with friends and family and playing music is often an activity that brings people closer,” said NAMM President and CEO Joe Lamond. “NAMM is grateful for its collaboration with Sesame Workshop to demonstrate the fun and magic that playing music adds to any occasion.”

The 85th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade airs on NBC Thanksgiving morning, Thursday, Nov. 24, 2011 beginning at 9 a.m. in all time zones. For more information about the benefits of playing music this holiday season and beyond and how to find music stores and lesson providers in your area, visit www.wannaplaymusic.com.

About Sesame Workshop
Sesame Workshop is a nonprofit educational organization making a meaningful difference in the lives of children worldwide by addressing their critical developmental needs. The Workshop develops innovative and engaging educational content delivered in a variety of ways — including television, radio, books, magazines, interactive media, and community outreach. Taking advantage of all forms of media and using those that are best suited to delivering a particular curriculum, the Workshop effectively and efficiently reaches millions of children, parents, caregivers, and educators — locally, nationally and globally.

About NAMM
NAMM is the not-for-profit association that unifies, leads and strengthens the $17 billion international musical instruments and products industry. NAMM’s activities and programs are designed to promote music making to people of all ages. NAMM is comprised of approximately 9,000 Member companies. For more information about NAMM or the proven benefits of making music, interested parties can visit www.namm.org or call 800-767-NAMM (6266).