2020 NAMM Show Recap

Slash unleashing a fiery lead solo during the
'Gibson: Live at the Grove' event on Jan. 16, 2020.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

From the debut of the latest high-tech music-minded gear to stunning performances on stages large and small, the 2020 NAMM Show delivered a long weekend of bona fide excitement in Anaheim (Jan. 16-19, 2020). NAMM, or National Association of Music Merchants, is a music products, professional audio and technology trade show that fills every conceivable square foot of the Anaheim Convention Center as well as several nearby hotels and concert venues.

Earth, Wind & Fire in concert on Jan. 17, 2020.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

I have been attending the annual Winter NAMM Show since the early 1990s and I can't recall an event as packed with enthusiastic attendees as I experienced this year. Along with some really cool new gear and musical instruments, the range of powerful performances unleashed from a diverse field of artists also helped make this a standout year.

According to NAMM, the 2020 Show welcomed more than 2,000 exhibiting member companies representing 7,000 brands. Of the 115,888 NAMM Member and invited registrants, international members accounted for nearly 20 percent growth over two years.

Every NAMM-goer has a different experience at the annual event. Here are highlights of my journey through this year's show.

Cheap Trick lead guitarist Rick Nielsen performing
at City National Grove of Anaheim on Jan. 16, 2020.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

Media Preview Day (Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2020)
A mix of outstanding products and new lines of instruments were displayed in the lobby of the Convention Center. Among the products that caught my eye were:

Yamaha Technical Services Specialist Tony Escueta playing
the Yamaha YC61 Stage Keyboard.
Photo: Robert Kinsler

• Yamaha's YC61 Stage Keyboard, an organ-focused instrument that combines the organ sounds of the Hammond B-3 popularized by rock bands in the 1960s and '70s with the versatility and real-time control available today. The YC61 utilizes a recently-developed virtual circuitry modeling organ tone generator, which models the character and behavior of vintage electronics at the component level. The state-of-the-art keyboard – which ships to retailers in late May 2020 – offers another cool feature; it weighs a mere 16 pounds compared to the 400 pound combination of a Hammond B-3 and Leslie speaker traditionally used. Information: usa.yamaha.com.
• Another impressive sighting was Lekholm Instruments' DM48 Digital Chromatic

  

  Erik Lekholm shows off his new DM48 Digital
  Chromatic Harmonica at the NAMM Show.
  Photo: Robert Kinsler

  Harmonica. The unique instrument definitely takes harmonica playing into the 21st century by allowing musicians to play in any and all keys in one instrument, and to use countless expressive capabilities by tapping into a world of software instruments and effects. There are some pretty impressive videos showcasing the instrument and its great sound on Lekholm Instruments' website. The DM48 is available now and can be ordered via the link below. Information: lekholminstruments.com.
• Paoletti Guitars are handmade in Tuscany, Italy, using reclaimed chestnut wood from 130 to 150-year-old wine barrels. Visually, the guitars blend both old and new, and they sound fantastic too! Information: www.paolettiguitars.com.
• Media Preview Day ended with an invite up to the Gibson booth for a private concert featuring Los Lobos with special guest, superstar Juanes. The eight-song set allowed Los Lobos to showcase their brilliant blend of roots rock, Latin rock and blues-tinged Americana, including sharp versions of the rockabilly-flavored "Don't Worry Baby" and "Evangeline" along with a cover of Santana's "One Como Va." 

Opening Day (Thursday, Jan. 16, 2020)
My 15-hour day began by attending the NAMM Breakfast of Champions, which included singer-songwriter Jason Mraz being honored with the Music for Life Award by NAMM President and CEO Joe Lamond. Mraz was honored, in part, for his efforts on behalf of supporting music education in schools. Many more highlights would follow:

A pack of Pistol Picks retails for $12.
Photo: Robert Kinsler

Laurence Juber performing at Seymour Duncan.
Photo: Robert Kinsler

• Concrete, Washington-based inventor and guitar player John Cunradi brought one of the most simple, but revolutionary ideas to the NAMM Show. "I had a brand new and vague idea in July 2019. I was frustrated as a guitarist; I would start to play and the pick would twist around in my fingers. I thought if I put a handle on it, it wouldn't twist."  Fast forward six months later and here was Cunradi in Anaheim marketing his colorful cutting-edge Pistol Picks, guitar picks that come in several types. They are make of polycarbonate, bend, are durable and easy to use. And they will definitely assist players who can't hold on to their guitar pick. "I'm still a frustrated guitarist, but at least I like my pick!"
• Seymour Duncan hosted an afternoon set from famed fingerstyle guitar master Laurence Juber, a two-time Grammy winner who rose to fame as lead guitarist of Paul McCartney and Wings but has gone on to carve out a career as studio and session musician, composer and solo artist who attracts enthusiastic audiences whenever he performs. His 30-minute appearance at NAMM found Juber offering up brilliant instrumental versions of works ranging from George Harrison's "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" and The Beatles classic "Daytripper" to Jimi Hendrix's "Little Wing" to Pete Townshend's "Won't Get Fooled Again."
• My day ended with courtesy of Gibson at the City National Grove of Anaheim. Over the course of three fast-moving hours, a parade of rising artists joined icons such as Slash (Guns N' Roses), Don Felder (The Eagles), Billy Gibbons (ZZ Top), Elliot Easton (The Cars) and Cheap Trick's Robin Zander and Rick Nielsen for a fantastic concert. Highlights abounded, including a take on Robert Johnson's "Crossroads" featuring emerging singer-guitarist Emily Wolfe, rising artist Celisse performing her soulful original "Get There," Halestorm singer-guitarist Lzzy Hale crushing "I Miss the Misery," and a nice version of Tito Puente's "Oye Como Va" featuring Santana lead vocalist Andy Vargas and Cars lead guitarist Elliot Easton. Other highlights of the night included Slash and Felder joining forces for "Hotel California," Slash, Zander and Nielsen tearing up on the power pop rocker "Big Eyes" and a one-two finale take on ZZ Top's "Tush" and Led Zeppelin's "Whole Lotta Love," the latter featuring an army of talents on stage together. Information: Gibson.com.

Billy F Gibbons, left, with Slash at City National Grove of Anaheim.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

Robin Zander, left, with Slash.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

Elliot Easton, lead guitarist of the Cars,
performing at 'Gibson: Live at the Grove' in
Anaheim on Jan. 16, 2020.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

Day 2 (Friday, Jan. 17, 2020)
My Friday at the NAMM Show included getting the opportunity to meet and chat with several of my musical heroes including Elliot Easton (The Cars), Graham Coxon (Blur) and Geoff Downes (ASIA, Yes, The Buggles) – and that's not even including several great performances:

Sweet Lizzy Project delivering a fantastic set at the NAMM Show.
Photo: Robert Kinsler

Lisset Diaz of Sweet Lizzy Project.
Photo: Robert Kinsler

Graham Coxon at Softube.
Photo: Robert Kinsler

• Sweet Lizzy Project is a quintet from Havana, Cuba who absolutely impressed this writer with a standout set on the Pioneer Pro Audio Stage. The band's infectious style of rock is bolstered by the talents of all five members of the group, including lead vocalist and lyricist Lisset Diaz, co-writer and lead guitarist Miguel Comas, keyboardist Wilfredo Gatell, bassist Alejandro Gonzalez and drummer Ángel Luis Millet. Make sure to read writer George A. Paul's review of Sweet Lizzy Project's set via his post on Music Minded linked here.
• Graham Coxon gave a product demonstration at Softube and answered questions about his recent work scoring episodes for Netflix and possible future projects with Blur. Writer George A. Paul covered Coxon's session and you can get more details here. Information: softube.com.
• Geoff Downes demonstrated the power and ease of using his Studiologic Sledge keyboard, and played selections from Yes and The Buggles on the instrument. Information: studiologic-music.com.
• 
  

  

  Geoff Downes at the Studiologic booth.
  Photo: Robert Kinsler

• The Yamaha All-Star Concert on the Grand was hosted by Sinbad and featured a cast of great players including Verbalase, Kenny Loggins and headliners Earth, Wind & Fire. 

Kenny Loggins rocking at the Yamaha All-Star Concert on the Grand.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

Day 3 (Saturday, Jan. 18, 2020)
I didn't waste my final day at the 2020 NAMM Show:

Guitar great Robby Krieger, left, with Doors sound engineer
Bruce Botnick at the Harman booth on Jan. 18, 2020.
Photo: Robert Kinsler

Harman hosted an intimate session featuring Doors guitarist/songwriter Robby Krieger and sound engineer Bruce Botnick sharing insights into the legendary Los Angeles band's career as part of "Stories Behind the Sessions." I was riveted listening to Krieger discuss and share his guitar work for "L.A. Woman," with Botnick then playing the isolated Jim Morrison vocal tracks too. Incredible stuff. Information: HarmanAudio.com.

Brandon "Taz" Niederauer continues to deliver some of the most incredible and arresting performances at NAMM. Only 16, the New York-based electric guitar and his talented band thrilled at D'Angelico Guitars on Saturday. I can't wait for Taz to release an album featuring his stellar guitar playing and solid songs. Information: dangelicoguitars.com.

Brandon "Taz" Niederauer at the NAMM Show.
Photo: Robert Kinsler

Marcus D Scott leading R&B icons Tower of Power through an
energetic set on the NAMM Grand Plaza Stage on Jan. 18, 2020.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

Tower of Power performed a concert in celebration of the Oakland-spawned troupe's 50th anniversary on the NAMM Grand Plaza Stage. Sponsored by Yamaha, I thought the horn section-anchored R&B band killed it across a two-hour concert that included rousing versions of new tracks as well as classic material (notably "You're Still a Young Man" and "What Is Hip?").  Information: towerofpower.com.


Robert Kinsler


A special "Thank You" to Bob Steshetz for the use of his amazing photos too!

Inbox Update: "YACHT ROCK: The Oral History of the Soft, Smooth, Sounds of the 70's and 80's" coming March 6, 2018

‘It’s amazing that this style came to be. Can you imagine being a struggling musician back then? It must take an incredible amount of restraint to play that gently.’–

Actor/comedian Fred Armisen, from his foreword

The first-ever book that tells the full story of the genre of music you know you love!

Featuring interviews with many of the heavy hitters of the genre, including John Oates, Kenny Loggins, and Don

Felder, The Yacht Rock Book leaves no sail unturned. This is the definitive story of the genre’s creation, rise, chart-smashing success, fall, and stunning rebirth.

Just what is ‘yacht rock,’ you ask? Perhaps the easiest description is music that would not sound out of place being played while carousing aboard a yacht back in the good old days. But these songs were also some of the top pop gems of the 1970s and ‘80s. And while some associate yacht rock’s biggest songs with one-hit wonder artists, several of rock’s most renowned artists fall under this category, too – including Fleetwood Mac, the Eagles, Steely Dan, Hall & Oates, The Doobie Brothers, Toto, and more. Yacht rock seemed to have become extinct by the early twenty-first century … until a comedic video series, simply titled Yacht Rock, went viral and introduced captain’s hats and blazers to a whole new generation – as well as the emergence of a popular cover band, the Yacht Rock Revue, and of course, Jimmy Fallon’s on-air admiration of all things yacht rock. Now, yacht rock is one of the most celebrated ‘yesteryear’ styles of pop music, and has resonated with a new generation of musicians (including the Fred Armisen/Bill Hader-led Blue Jean Committee and soul/funk/electronica crossover act Thundercat).

THE YACHT ROCK BOOK: The Oral History of the Soft, Smooth, Sounds of the 70’s and 80’s

By Greg Prato

On-Sale March 6, 2018

Published by Jawbone Press

Paperback, 320 pages with 20 color & b/w photos

ISBN: 9781911036296

Classic artists showcased via sterling releases

Classic rock fans know 2016 is their year; a number of legendary artists who earned their biggest hits in the '70s, '80s and '90s are back with new collections celebrating and building on their legacies. 

Artist: ZZ Top
Title: Live! Greatest Hits From Around the World (Suretone Records)
You might like if you enjoy: ZZ Top, Buddy Guy, Jeff Beck
Tell me more: It's difficult to think of a classic Rock and Roll Hall of Fame outfit spawned in the late 1960s whose founding lineup remains unchanged while dishing out tasty versions of its best-known material as powerfully as ever. That's exactly the case with ZZ Top, the blues-rock trio formed in Houston, Texas in 1969 heard unleashing fiery versions of many of their best-known songs on Live! Greatest Hits From Around the World. The 15-track disc showcases singer-guitarist Billy F Gibbons, singer-bassist Dusty Hill and drummer Frank Beard via recordings captured on three continents over the course of several recent tours. Standout tracks on this great collection include the driving "Got Me Under Pressure (recorded in New York City), aptly-dubbed Texas rocker "Beer Drinkers & Hell Raisers" (tracked in Las Vegas), fiery "La Grange" (captured in Dallas) and infectious "Sharp Dressed Man" (nailed in Los Angeles). Fans of guitar legend Jeff Beck will also want to get the disc; the groundbreaking guitar virtuoso joins ZZ Top at a performance in London for the melodic blues nugget "Rough Boy" and blistering "Sixteen Tons." Information: zztop.com.

Artist: Toto
Title: Live at Montreux 1991 (Eagle Rock Entertainment)
You might like if you enjoy: Toto, Kansas
Tell me more: In the early 1990s, Toto returned to action as a quartet  featuring founding members Steve Lukather (guitar, lead vocals), David Paich (keyboards, vocals), and brothers Jeff Porcaro (drums, percussion) and Mike Porcaro (bass). That specific lineup is featured on the wonderful live collection Live at Montreux 1991 DVD+CD release (also available on Blu-ray + CD and via digital video) that kicks off with two original prog-rock selections ("On the Run" and the title track from what would be the band's 1992 album "Kingdom Of Desire"). Lukather's guitar playing is a wonder across the concert recording as evidenced by the crowd-pleasing version of the Jimi Hendrix classic "Red House" and amped funk-rock take on the Sly Stone classic"I Want to Take You Higher." Several of Toto's most beloved originals ("Africa," "Rosanna") are delivered in memorable new renditions. Information: eagle-rock.com.

Artist: Styx
Title: Live at The Orleans Arena Las Vegas (Eagle Rock Entertainment)
You might like if you enjoy: Styx, Kansas, Supertramp
Tell me more: Those who can't get enough of the wonderful 2015 audio CD release Styx: Live at the Orleans Arena are in luck. The July 2014 concert release has now been released on DVD, Blu-ray and digital video and was worth the wait. A number of the band's memorable songs are showcased, including a rousing "Blue Collar Man (Long Nights)" where lead guitarist Don Felder (the Eagles) trades fret work with Styx lead guitarists Tommy Shaw and James "JY" Young. The highlight of the concert is an astonishing version of "Crystal Ball," where Shaw begins the masterwork singing alone accompanied by his finger picking on an acoustic 12-sting guitar. The song artfully builds to include lush backing vocals and keyboard textures by the rest of the band as Shaw soon switches over to play electric guitar including a stunning solo. Other favorites on the set include "Too Much Time On My Hands," "Rockin' the Paradise" and "Renegade." Information: eagle-rock.com.

Artist: Marillion
Title: F E A R (EarMusic)
You might like if you enjoy: Peter Gabriel, Genesis, Porcupine Tree
Tell me more: Few progressive rock artists can walk the tightrope between symphonic highs and sparse introspection like Marillion. The British troupe's 18th album F E A R demonstrates that great rock artists are not content to simply revisit past glories; the band's aptly-titled new album is personified by the line "F E A R is everywhere" (in "El Dorado iv. Fear"). There are institutions to be feared (religion, war, greed) in the big picture, and more personal demons like loneliness and mortality that greet our heroes in the mirror. The concept album is filled with memorable songs that resound with melody and texture. This is an album that grips the listener with a single listen, but will resonate even more strongly with subsequent listens. Information: marillion.com.

Artist: Journey
Title: Live in Manila (Eagle Rock Entertainment)
You might like if you enjoy: Foreigner, Steve Perry, REO Speedwagon
Tell me more: Originally released seven years ago as a DVD stand-alone release, the oft-seen Journey concert filmed in Manila, Philippines on March 14, 2009 with the band's then-new lead vocalist Arnel Pineda has been reissued in a beautiful package. Journey Live In Manila has been reissued as a deluxe DVD+2CD version complete with an informative booklet (the title is also available as a Blu-ray+2CD or on digital). Fans of Journey will be won over by the mix of uptempo rockers ("Never Walk Away," Separate Ways," "Don't Stop Believin' ") and power ballads ("Only the Young," "Lights," "Faithfully") that are delivered across the two-hour performance. Information: eagle-rock.com.


Robert Kinsler

Inbox Update: The Eagles, Peter Banks, Quincy Jones and more

Tons of news today...

HISTORY OF THE EAGLES TO BE RELEASED ON DVD AND BLU-RAY

ON APRIL 30 THROUGH CAPITOL RECORDS

PRE-ORDER THROUGH AMAZON AND EAGLESBAND.COM BEGINS TODAY, MARCH 12

THREE-DISC SET INCLUDES ACCLAIMED TWO-PARTDOCUMENTARY FILM AND PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED LIVE

CONCERT FOOTAGE FROM THE1977 HOTEL CALIFORNIA TOUR

Capitol Records has acquired the exclusive DVD/Blu-ray rights to History of the Eagles, the iconic band’s acclaimed documentary, which is set for release on Tuesday, April 30.   This exceptional three-disc set includes History of the Eagles Part One and History of the Eagles Part Two, as well as Eagles Live At The Capital Centre - March 1977, featuring never-before-released performances from the Eagles’ two-night stand at Washington, D.C.’s Capital Center during the legendary Hotel California tour.  

History of the Eagles will be released in both DVD and Blu-ray three-disc configurations – all with 5.1 Surround Sound and Stereo audio – beautifully packaged in a six-panel digipak with accompanying photographic booklet.  A Super Deluxe Box Set will be released as a limited edition, complete with three Blu-ray discs; a 40-page casebound book featuring still photos from the films; 10 archival-quality photographs of the band from throughout its storied history; and a specially created lithograph of the band’s desert-bleached skull icon.  All elements in this limited edition deluxe set will be packaged in a specially designed foil-stamped and embossed box, with a Native American blanket-inspired liner, beautifully wrapped in a leather tie, and fastened with a bone button.

All three versions of History of the Eagles will be available for preorder beginning today, March 12 through Amazon.com  and the Eagles website (http://eaglesband.com).

Seeking to provide an unprecedented and intimate look into the history of the band and the legacy of its music, the Eagles partnered with Academy Award-winning filmmaker Alex Gibney (Taxi to the Dark Side, Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room) to produce the film.  Directed by Alison Ellwood (Magic Trip: Ken Kesey’s Search for a Kool Place), History of the Eagles is a meticulous creation featuring rare archival material, concert footage, and never-before-seen home movies that explore the evolution and enduring popularity of one of the world’s biggest-selling and culturally significant American bands.

History of the Eagles made its television broadcast debut on Showtime last month, earning the network its highest ratings for a music documentary in eight years.  Part One premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in January to great acclaim.

History of the Eagles Part One dedicates two hours to the chronicling of the band’s creation and rise to fame in the 1970’s through its breakup in 1980.  More than 25 new and exclusive interviews were conducted with all current band members -- Glenn Frey, Don Henley, Joe Walsh and Timothy B. Schmit - as well as former members Bernie Leadon, Randy Meisner and Don Felder.  Also featured are new and exclusive interviews with Jackson Browne, Linda Ronstadt, Kenny Rogers, Irving Azoff and many other seminal artists and band contemporaries who have been closely involved with the Eagles’ history. 

While personal stories from band members, managers, and music industry luminaries frame the narrative, it’s the unexpected moments—recording sessions, backstage interactions, and even a whimsical sequence from the Desperado cover shoot—that convey the extraordinary bond linking the artists, their music, and the times (an era when country-tinged rock and finely-honed harmonies spoke to a nation still reeling from unrest).

Additionally, the documentary features previously unreleased home movies and archival footage.  Personal photos, video and memorabilia amassed by the Eagles over the course of their career will also be seen for the very first time.

History of the Eagles Part Two reveals the personal and professional struggles members faced while the band was apart, and chronicles the group’s dramatic reunion in 1994, as well as its resurgence in recording and performing throughout the next two decades.  Among the band’s many achievements since reforming are its triumphant Hell Freezes Over tour, the 2007 release of Long Road Out of Eden (which sold more than 5.5 million copies worldwide and earned two GRAMMY® Awards), and its ongoing ascendance as an international supergroup.

Eagles Live at the Capital Centre - March 1977 features previously unreleased concert performances of “Hotel California,” “New Kid In Town,” “Take It To The Limit,” “One Of These Nights,” “Lyin’ Eyes,” “Rocky Mountain Way,” “Best Of My Love” and “Take It Easy,” all captured during the band’s two-night stand in Washington, D.C. during its historic Hotel California world tour. 

Directed by Alison Ellwood and produced by Alex Gibney, History of the Eagles was created with a select crew of filmmakers including: Blair Foster, Executive Producer; Alison Ellwood and Ben Sozanski, Editors; Karim Karmi, Co-Producer; and Erin Edeiken, Line Producer.

The Eagles have sold more than 120 million albums worldwide, earned five No. 1 U.S. singles and six GRAMMY® Awards.  Their Greatest Hits 1971-1975 is the best-selling album of all time, exceeding sales of 29 million units.  The band’s Hotel California and Eagles Greatest Hits, Vol. 2 have sold more than 16 million and 11 million albums, respectively.  The Eagles were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1998.  For more information, visit the band’s website at www.eaglesband.com. 

Guitar Legend Peter Banks Passes – July 15, 1947 – March 8, 2013

London, UK - Best known for his innovative and unique guitar work with YES and Flash, as well as his own critically acclaimed solo albums, guitar legend Peter Banks passed away at his home in London on March 8, 2013. Banks, a founding member of the ground breaking progressive rock group YES, performed on the band's first two albums, 'Yes' and 'Time And A Word'. He would go on to form Flash and release 3 well-received albums (Flash, In The Can, Out Of Our Hands), along with several successful tours of Europe and the US, culminating in an appearance on the widely watched late night American TV show 'The Midnight Special'. With an admitted fondness for improvisation, music critics touted Banks as a cross between Pete Townshend and Wes Montgomery. Even Pete Townshend, one night after witnessing a YES performance, walked up to Banks, slapped him on the back and said, “You're great!”

After Flash, Peter Banks would form the band Empire in the mid '70s and eventually release 3 albums 'Mark I' 'Mark II' and 'Mark III'. During his career, Banks would release 5 solo albums (Two Sides Of..., Instinct, Self-Contained, Reduction, Can I Play You Something?) and had been active in recent times working with acts such as Harmony and Diversity, Prog Collective, ANT-BEE and Days Between Stations. Banks first solo album 'Two Sides Of Peter Banks' has been considered by many as one of the great 'prog' records of all time and features an all-star line-up of Jan Akkerman, Phil Collins and John Wetton. In the early 2000's Banks wrote his autobiography 'Beyond & Before' published by Golden Treasures publishing in the US. Peter was putting on the final touches of the log awaited live recording 'FLASH - IN PUBLIC' CD set for release on Cleopatra Records at the time of his passing.

"I loved working with Peter on the many records I have produced over the years, he always delivered amazing stuff, creative, inspires and always with that classic original YES flavor that came with his playing. He will be missed by me and many many other fans of his music and playing." - Billy Sherwood

Peter Banks will always be remembered as one of the pioneers of progressive rock guitar and will be missed by musicians worldwide.

Peter Banks - July 15, 1947 - March 8, 2013

AXS TV JOINS POWER OF LOVE AS EXCLUSIVE BROADCAST PARTNER OF QUINCY JONES & SIR MICHAEL CAINE BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION LIVE FROM LAS VEGAS

Star-Studded Gala Benefiting Cleveland Clinic

Features Music and Film Luminaries

AXS TV has joined Keep Memory Alive’s Power of Love Gala honoring Quincy Jones and Sir Michael Caine’s 80^th birthday as the exclusive broadcast partner. The music network will air the special LIVE from MGM Grand Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas on Saturday, April 13, 2013.

The 17^th annual Power of Love Gala raises funds in support of the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health and its fight against neurodegenerative brain disease such as Alzheimer’s, Huntington’s and Parkinson’s diseases, multiple sclerosis, ALS and memory disorders of all kinds.

Celestial twins, born in the same year, same month, same hour and within minutes of each other, one in Chicago, the other in London, Jones and Caine met decades ago and have since been great friends. This glittering star-studded gala, the third time these two icons have joined forces to celebrate their birthday, will bring together the world’s celebrities of music and film to mark this milestone year for these two entertainment marvels. Among the star-studded celebrity guests expected to make appearances with special performances and tributes are Bebe Winans, Bono, Carlos Santana, Chaka Khan, Chris Tucker, Herbie Hancock, Jennifer Hudson, Jordin Sparks, Scarlett Johansson, Terrence Howard, Patti Austin, Stevie Wonder, as well as the expected attendance by superstar Barbra Streisand.

“There are no two greater living icons with a larger influence on the worlds of music and pop culture than Quincy Jones and Sir Michael Caine. Joining the celebration of their 80^th birthdays with the Power of Love Gala as the broadcast partner underscores AXS TV’s commitment to being the foremost live destination on television for fans of music and pop culture events,” said Mark Cuban, AXS TV’s chairman and founder.

"We are committed to improving the lives of patients and their families as they face the many challenges associated with brain diseases," said Larry Ruvo, Founder and Chairman of Keep Memory Alive. "We put together an exciting show and are thrilled that the mission of Keep Memory Alive will be shared and supported by the viewers of the live broadcast."

As part of AXS TV’s celebration of Quincy Jones and promotion of Keep Memory Alive and Power of Love Gala, Jones will appear live on the network’s nightly music program, AXSLive, tonight Tuesday, March 12.

Named by TIME magazine as one of the six most influential jazz artists of the 20^th century, legendary music producer Quincy Jones has spent more than 60 years in the entertainment industry working with America’s greatest musicians, including Ray Charles, Frank Sinatra, Stevie Wonder and Michael Jackson, among many others.  Jones is one of the most decorated entertainers of his time, garnering 27 GRAMMY Awards, a record 79 GRAMMY nominations, seven Academy Award nominations, a Tony Award nomination and an Emmy Award.

Sir Michael Caine is an English actor and is most noted for his roles in Cider House Rules, Miss Congeniality and Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight Trilogy. (Jones and Caine share a birthday and the Power of Love Gala will be the third time they have joined forces to celebrate.

For information regarding this unique celebration, please visit Keep Memory Alive’s website at www.keepmemoryalive.org or call (702) 263-9797. Fans can support Keep Memory Alive and Power of Love’s brain health research efforts by texting “MEMORY” to 80888 to donate $10.

For additional details and to interact with the LIVE event, use #AXSVegas.

Power of Love: Quincy Jones & Sir Michael Caine’s 80^th Birthday Celebration Live From Las Vegas

EXCLUSIVELY on AXS TV

Saturday, April 13, 2013

12am ET (Sunday) / 9pm PT

DIRECTV Channel 340

DISH Network Channel 362

AT&T U-Verse Channel 1106

Verizon FiOS Channel 569

For additional affiliate and distributor channel information including Charter, Comcast Xfinity, Suddenlink and others please visit: www.axs.tv/subscribe