Rock 'n' Roll Truth: 2025 NAMM Show brings the full power of music to Anaheim

The 2025 NAMM Show

Where: The Anaheim Convention Center

When: Jan. 20-25, 2025

Next: The Summer NAMM Show will return to Nashville, TN, June 29-July 1, 2025

Information: NAMM.org

Rising violinist Mia Asano performing during Global Media Day at the NAMM Show
in Anaheim, CA on Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025.
Photo credit: Bob Steshetz

Article by Robert Kinsler

Photography by Bob Steshetz and Robert Kinsler

Major concert events, intimate booth performances, new groundbreaking music making products unveiled for the first time and educational sessions are all a part of the annual NAMM Show.

The year's 2025 NAMM Show was held at the Anaheim Convention Center Jan. 20-25, 2025.

Peter Frampton at The NAMM
Show on Jan. 22, 2025.
Photo credit: Bob Steshetz

Attending Global Media Day (held on Jan. 22) provided me a perfect chance to get an early, in-depth glimpse at several music-making products, watch a couple of cool performances and even catch recent Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Peter Frampton discuss his career.

Because he is suffering of inclusion body myositis (IBM) — a progressive muscle disorder characterized by muscle inflammation and weakness — Frampton announced his farewell tour in 2019. However, despite the impacts of the disease, Frampton has continued to record and perform.

"Well, I keep saying that's the last one," Frampton said of each tour; he noted he will perform a short series of shows in April and again in June of 2025. "I'm going to keep going as long as my fingers still work. It's getting more difficult now."

The legendary guitar great said he has to work harder to play guitar, and explore different ways so he can keep playing.

"I will keep doing music the rest of my life."

Scott Mulvahill performing with his "DataBass" at
Global Media Day on Jan. 22, 2025.
Photo credit: Bob Steshetz

Among the other highlights I caught at Global Media Day was upright bassist Scott Mulvahill, who performed on a one-of-a-kind instrument he invented dubbed the "DataBass." The instrument combines the benefits of an upright bass with the power of MIDI sampling, and the artist showcased its unique magic throughout a strong five-song set.

Singer-songwriter/guitarist Yvette Young playing a state-of-the-art
Yamaha TransAcoustic TAG3 C guitar at the NAMM Show.
Photo credit: Bob Steshetz

Another instrument that wowed media was Yamaha's TransAcoustic TAG3 C acoustic guitar. I was able to spend some time playing the 2nd Generation TransAcoustic Guitar and it's a real wonder. It plays like a top-tier acoustic guitar, but comes equipped with Bluetooth allowing the user to connect their smart devices and play their favorite songs directly through the instrument. There is also an onboard looper, so you can record and play back your performances. There is built-in reverb, chorus and delay effects with simple controls. And there is a rechargeable battery and magnetic charging connection providing more than five hours of play time.

In terms of eye candy, Martin Guitars showcased its beautiful one-of-a-kind double-neck instrument, the Grand J-28E DN (see images above). The first double-neck guitar produced by Martin in more than a century, this all-new instrument combines Martin's renowned craftsmanship with modern cutting-edge innovation; it features an acoustic-electric with a 12- and six-string neck. The Grand J-28E DN features two compound dovetail neck joints and unique X bracing. The guitar also includes built-in custom Fishman electronics, making it ready for any stage or studio setting.

Alicia Witt performing at the NAMM Show on Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025.
Photo credit: Robert Kinsler

Alicia Witt with Ernest, a rescue dog who accompanies her
onstage during performances. Photo credit: Bob Steshetz

In her two 30-minute appearances at the Casio booth, singer-songwriter/pianist Alicia Witt impressed with her winning and sumptuous original songs bolstered by her lovely soprano and virtuoso skills displayed using the "Harmonious Mustard" Privia PX-S7000 Privia digital piano. Among the terrific songs she performed at the NAMM Show was the introspective "Witness," emotional "Friend," the triumphant rocker "What About Me?" and the bewitching "Chasing Shadows" (watch the official "Chasing Shadows" music video HERE).

Rachael Sage performing at the Casio booth on Friday, Jan. 24.
Photo credit: Robert Kinsler

Also performing at Casio was famed singer-songwriter/pianist Rachael Sage, who I caught when she performed on Friday. Performing her singular blend of pop, rock and folk, I was particularly thrilled with her dynamic genre-blending cut "Trouble" featuring some finger snap accents.

Harmonica great Lee Oskar blasting away on the Yamaha Grand Plaza Stage on
Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025. Photo credit: Bob Steshetz

A former member of the band War, Harmonica great Lee Oskar brought his latest project — the Lee Oskar Harmonicas Blues & Beyond Showcase — to the Yamaha Grand Plaza Stage on Jan. 23. The highlight of the troupe's set was a nine-minute version of War's 1975 hit "Low Rider."

Fingerstyle guitarist Laurence Juber performing on the Martin Stage at NAMM.
Photo credit: Bob Steshetz

Virtuoso fingerstyle guitarist Laurence Juber performed at the Martin Stage on Thursday, wowing the crowd with signature instrumental versions of his own compositions and classic rock favorites artfully arranged to be performed solo on his OMC-21 Martin guitar. His wonderful "Cobalt Blue," artful take on Paul McCartney's "Maybe I'm Amazed," a first-ever live performance of his astonishing version of The Who's "Won't Get Fooled Again" and a tender "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" (the latter George Harrison-penned gem was dedicated to the Los Angeles community impacted by a number of wildfires over the past few weeks) all thrilled NAMMgoers.

Singer-songwriter/guitarist Mary Spender performing at The NAMM Show.
Photo credit: Robert Kinsler

Also performing on the Martin Stage was British singer-songwriter-guitarist Mary Spender, who appeared on Friday afternoon. Armed with her talents as an amazing singer and acoustic guitar player, she treated the crowd to a 30-minute set of infectious originals including the introspective "Darling, You Need Therapy," Baroque folk-flavored "Primrose" and the catchy sing-along closer "Blues Duet."

Jon Batiste performing on the Yamaha Grand Plaza Stage at NAMM
on Friday night, Jan. 24, 2025.
Photo credit: Bob Steshetz

Because I missed Jon Batiste's performance when I attended Coachella in April 2024, I was delighted to catch the Louisiana native's headlining set at the Yamaha Grand Plaza Stage at NAMM on Friday night, Jan. 24. Batiste and his excellent backing troupe performed a thrilling mix of soul, R&B, classical, funk, hip hop, New Orleans jazz and more during their full-length set. I was especially impressed with Batiste's virtuoso skills playing a number of keyboards and piano, as well as behind the drum kit. He is also a top-tier vocalist and band leader.

Jon Batiste performing at NAMM
on Friday night, Jan. 24, 2025.
Photo credit: Bob Steshetz

Batiste is a generous performer and seemed to relish every second he was on stage, interacting with his band mates, backing singer and the enthusiastic audience. During one extended segment he led the band in walking through the crowd and performing a high-powered medley, including a sing-along of "When The Saints Go Marching In."

The highlight for me was an absolutely gorgeous performance of "Butterfly" that he performed alone at a grand piano.

Learn more about Batiste via his official website HERE.

For more information on The NAMM Show, visit NAMM.org.

And be sure to check out the colorful images taken by photographer Bob Steshetz below capturing so many sights and sounds on display during the NAMM Show!