NAMM Announces CenterStaging as Official Backline Partner for 2027 NAMM Show

Partnership will support live music, awards and signature stages that bring the global music community together in Anaheim

queen cora performs at the namm tec awards

CARLSBAD, CALIF., October 13, 2026 — NAMM has announced a new partnership with CenterStaging, naming one of the leading rehearsal, backline and production services company as the Official Backline Partner of the 2027 NAMM Show, taking place January 26–30 at the Anaheim Convention Center.

The partnership brings together two organizations deeply committed to the live music experience and will provide professional backline support across many of the Show’s most visible stages, awards and signature programs. CenterStaging will support the Yamaha Grand Plaza Stage, RCF Arena Stage, Bass Magazine Awards, TEC Awards, SheRocks Awards, NAMM Retail Awards, Grand Rally for Music Education and Bands at NAMM Stages.

For more than a century, The NAMM Show has served as a global meeting place where music products, technology, creators, artists and the business of music converge. Live musical performance is central to that experience. Over the past three NAMM Shows, audiences have seen performances and appearances from an extraordinary range of artists, including Jon Batiste, Jacob Collier, Queen Cora, Billy Corgan, Green Day, Primus, Charlie Puth, Chad Smith, Lindsey Stirling, Jack White and Victor Wooten.

In 2025, Jon Batiste performed on the Yamaha Stage, Jacob Collier led audiences in a musical experience at the Grand Rally for Music Education and Jack White performed with his band at the TEC Awards. In 2026, the Show continued that tradition with performances from artists including Billy Corgan, Green Day’s Mike Dirnt, Primus’ Les Claypool, Marcus Miller, Laura Lee and Blu DeTiger at signature NAMM events.

“The NAMM Show is where the global music community comes together, and live music is at the heart of that experience,” said John Mlynczak, president and CEO of NAMM. “From emerging artists performing at Bands at NAMM to some of the world’s most influential musicians taking the stage at our signature events and awards, these performances create some of the most memorable moments of the Show. CenterStaging brings tremendous expertise and a deep understanding of artist and production needs to create incredible performances, and we’re excited to welcome them as the Official Backline Partner for the 2027 NAMM Show.”

CenterStaging’s role will extend beyond equipment rental to comprehensive backline coordination across participating stages and events. The company will work directly with NAMM, participating exhibitors and brand partners to advance equipment needs, coordinate shipping and ensure that instruments and backline are where they need to be when artists take the stage.

“CenterStaging is built around one simple idea: when the artist walks on stage, everything needs to be ready,” said Will Kerlick, General Manager at CenterStaging. “The NAMM Show brings together an incredible concentration of artists, brands and live performances, so the scale and diversity of the backline requirements are unique. We’re excited to work with NAMM and its partners to bring the right equipment, the right coordination and the right level of support to every stage we’re involved with.”

The partnership is designed to create a seamless experience for artists, exhibitors, production teams and audiences while maintaining the high level of technical and production standards expected across The NAMM Show.

CenterStaging has extensive experience providing rehearsal, backline and production support for major live and televised entertainment events. The company’s expertise encompasses equipment, logistics, rehearsal support and technical coordination for artists and productions across the entertainment industry.

The 2027 NAMM Show will continue the organization’s tradition of bringing together the people, products and ideas shaping the future of music, with live performances, artist appearances, education, awards, networking and business opportunities taking place throughout the NAMM campus.

NAMM Show Registration is now OPEN!

Members and qualified industry professionals are encouraged to register now and begin planning their experience for the global music industry’s can’t-miss week in Anaheim.

Register for The NAMM Show: https://www.namm.org/thenammshow/registration-process

For information about The 2027 NAMM Show and the Show’s digital brand experience please visit https://exhibit.namm.org/

For more information about The 2027 NAMM Show: https://www.namm.org/thenammshow/attend


Media Contacts
NAMM Communications - John Dolak, Director
johnd@namm.org
619.735.4028

VITTEK PR – Josh Vittek
josh@vittekpr.com
760.505.5674

The Lippin Group
namm@lippingroup.com
201.317.6618

About NAMM

The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) is the not-for-profit trade association representing the $18.1 billion global music products industry, with a mission to strengthen the music industry and promote the pleasures and benefits of making music. Comprised of more than 9,000 member companies and individual professionals worldwide, NAMM supports an industry that employs more than 400,000 people globally. Through its programs, events and advocacy efforts, NAMM advances a shared vision of a thriving, innovative and inclusive music products industry where every person has access to the joy of music-making. NAMM also operates The NAMM Foundation, investing in the future of music through the support of education, global grantmaking and featured programs that expand participation in music across all ages and stages of life. Headquartered in Carlsbad, Calif., NAMM serves as a leading voice for the global music products industry through public policy, advocacy, education and other member services. For more information, visit NAMM.org, and learn more about NAMM’s Vision, Mission & Objectives at NAMM About Page.