NAMM Hosts Member Exhibit at AARP Life@50+ Event and Expo In Los Angeles

The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) announced today that it once again brought the fun of playing music to attendees of the popular annual AARP Life@50+ conference, which draws an average of 25,000 attendees over the age of 50.

Held this year in Los Angeles, NAMM and a host of Member companies provided lessons on harmonica, ukulele, guitar, percussion, piano and keyboards. In addition, demonstrations were provided on instruments and music-making equipment including home recording, video editing, accordion, drum kits, karaoke and organ.

NAMM and Remo hosted a daily drum circle and a special ukulele circle with the help of Kala Brand Music, which had more than 600 attendees participating over the course of the three-day event. While the overall attendance at the AARP event was down this year, participation in the Wanna Play Pavilion increased over last year’s conference and the booth continued to be a popular stopping point for attendees.

“NAMM has become a major component to the success of the exhibit floor experience at AARP,” said Ernest “Chico” Rosemond, director of sponsorships and exhibits at AARP. “I often describe Life@50+, AARP's National Event & Expo, as three days of information, education, entertainment and fun. NAMM brings all four of these elements to the event and for all ages. I think one of the secrets of NAMM's success on our exhibit floor is that it brings back memories and joy for those who have not played an instrument for years—sometimes decades—and gives those who have never played an opportunity to quickly and easily become engaged in a fun activity. It is a win-win-win situation for our attendees, AARP and NAMM members.”

Sponsors and participants included:

• Alfred
• Alvas Music
• Chord Buddy
• Daisy Rock
• Desi’s Music Center
• eMedia
• Farley’s Musical Essentials
• GAMA
• Hal Leonard Corporation
• Hohner
• Kala Brand Ukuleles
• Keyboard Concepts
• Korg
• LAG Guitars
• Making Music Magazine
• NAMM
• Recreational Music Making
• Remo
• Roland
• Sonoma Wireworks
• SupportMusic.com
• Wanna Play?
• West L.A. Music
• Yamaha

About AARP
AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization with a membership that helps people 50+ have independence, choice and control in ways that are beneficial and affordable to them and society as a whole. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to either political campaigns or candidates. We produce AARP The Magazine, the definitive voice for 50+ Americans and the world's largest-circulation magazine with nearly 35 million readers; AARP Bulletin, the go-to news source for AARP's millions of members and Americans 50+; AARP VIVA, the only bilingual U.S. publication dedicated exclusively to the 50+ Hispanic community; and our website, AARP.org. AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. We have staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

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).