2026 NAMM Show Roundup

Singer-songwriter-guitarist Ron Artis II performing at the 2026 NAMM
Show in Anaheim, California on Jan. 22.
Photo credit: Bob Steshetz

From left, Sheléa Melody McDonald, Stevie Wonder and Alana Springsteen performing on Jan. 23, 2026. Photo credit: Bob Steshetz

Here is my roundup of the action I caught at the 2026 NAMM Show in Anaheim, California last week. A special "thank you" to Bob Steshetz for allowing me to use so many of his amazing photographs. 

You can also read music writer George A. Paul's excellent coverage of the 2026 NAMM Show via Rock Cellar Magazine HERE.

Robert Kinsler

The NAMM Show, the largest music industry trade show in the world, returned to the Anaheim Convention Center and adjacent hotels last week for several days of education sessions, performances, award ceremonies, new product demos and much more. 

NAMM SHOW 2026 BY THE NUMBERS 

• 60,000+ show attendees, including 8,760+ international attendees from 122 countries, regions and territories  
• 1,650+ exhibitors representing 5,400+ brands, which is 25 percent more than 2025  
• Nearly 15,000 artists demonstrating and endorsing products and brands 
• 200+ education sessions with 550+ speakers 
• 1,600+ media, influencers and content creators reaching over 200+ million followers, which is 50 percent more than 2025.  

Below are some highlights of my visit to NAMM's 125th anniversary show.

From left, Molly Tuttle and Martin President/CEO Thomas Ripsam at NAMM's Global Media Day on Jan. 21, 2026. Photo credit: Bob Steshetz

On Jan. 21, music journalists and social media influencers were given a preview of what select music manufacturers offered as part of NAMM's Global Media Day. Grammy Award-winning bluegrass artist Molly Tuttle and singer-songwriter Margaret Glaspy, as well as rising young band The Runarounds performed as part of the event; Tuttle was excited to showcase two new signature Martin guitars (the D-18 and D-X2E).

The Runarounds performing at NAMM's Global Media Day.
Photo credit: Bob Steshetz

Singer-songwriter Margaret Glaspy performing at NAMM's Global Media Day.
Photo credit: Bob Steshetz

NAMM President/CEO John Mlynczak kicked off the Media Preview Day, held in the Hilton Pacific Ballroom. A number of other high-profile guests also participated during the event.

"We love to create new products," C.F. Martin & Co. President/CEO Thomas Ripsam said. 

Ripsam was joined by Tuttle at several media-related events on Jan. 21. "All my favorite guitar players played Martin (guitars)," Tuttle noted. 

Molly Tuttle performing at the Martin Guitars Booth on Jan. 21, 2026. Photo credit: Robert Kinsler

Tuttle was truly one of the great musicians I caught performing at NAMM this year; the Santa Clara, California native — who celebrated her 33rd birthday earlier this month — began playing guitar at age 8. She released her fifth studio album So Long Little Miss Sunshine in August 2025. Her performance of the original song "San Joaquin" from her 2023 album City of Gold was a highlight for me (you can see that performance HERE).

At the media event Mlynczak noted that "5,400 brands are collaborating" with NAMM this year and the industry show saw double the product releases in 2026 compared with 2025. "This is where new products flourish," he noted.

Guitarist Chris Buck demonstrating his technique and the sound of Yamaha's Chris Buck Signature Rev-star RS02CB at the NAMM Show.
Photo credit: Bob Steshetz

Among the wide range of new guitars showcased that day were PRS Guitars' Silver Sky Wild Blue Limited Edition and Ed Sheehan Cosmic Splash Limited Edition guitar models, Yamaha's Chris Buck Signature Rev-star RS02CB and C.F. Martin & Co.'s Super D-14 Acoustic Guitar line (the latter whose larger body provides for 20 percent more air volume and projection). 

John Mlynczak at NAMM. Photo credit: Bob Steshetz

Jan. 22 saw Mlynczak welcome attendees at the NAMM U Breakfast Session - Industry Insights. During his keynote address before thousands of NAMMgoers, he explained because "Music-making is a core function of society, we are consistently guided by the best minds win the industry and we adapt, evolve and learn from the past."

That day also saw several memorable performances.

During a powerful 40-minute daytime set on the Yamaha Grand Plaza Stage, singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Ron Artis II was backed by a great two-man rhythm section. He delivered strong originals blending rock, blues, soul, and more. Among my favorite originals he performed was the propulsive funk-fueled "The Truth." 

Laurence Juber performing on the Martin Guitar
Acoustic Stage. 
Photo credit: Robert Kinsler

Another fantastic live performance that Thursday came courtesy of Grammy Award-winning fingerstyle guitarist Laurence Juber, who appeared on the Martin Guitar Acoustic Stage. His signature instrumentals were unleashed before a big, enthusiastic crowd. Standouts included his dazzling takes on the Jimi Hendrix classic "Little Wing," The Beatles' "Strawberry Fields Forever" and The Who's "Won't Get Fooled Again." 

Italian guitarist Matteo Mancuso performing on the Yamaha Grand
Plaza Stage on Jan. 23, 2026.
Photo credit: Bob Steshetz

On Jan. 23, I caught a number of other performances. The most high-profile of the concerts was led by instrumental guitar virtuoso Matteo Mancuso. The Italian guitar master's set on the Yamaha Grand Plaza Stage blended progressive rock, jazz and flamenco elements into a signature sound across a 40-minute crowd pleasing appearance.

Cannibal & the Headhunters at the end of the troupe's Jan. 23, 2026 set at NAMM.
Photo credit: Bob Steshetz

John Wayne Townsend performing at NAMM.
Photo credit: Bob Steshetz

Later that afternoon on the DAS Audio Arena Plaza Stage, a "Legends Concert" featuring Cannibal & the Headhunters celebrating the classic rock era had attendees dancing, cheering and enjoying a number of rock radio staples; the highlight was seeing John Wayne Townsend play keys and sing his enduring 1977 hit "Smoke From a Distant Fire."

The 2027 NAMM Show will take place from Jan. 26-30, 2027 in Anaheim, CA. 

PRODUCTS AND PERFORMANCES APLENTY

Below is a photo gallery of more images captured at the 2026 NAMM Show.

Chinese-made Caraya banjos on display.
Photo credit: Robert Kinsler

Singer-songwriter-guitarist Ron Artis II  in action on Jan. 22.
Photo credit: Bob Steshetz

Traveler Guitars make quite an impression.
Photo credit: Bob Steshetz

A close-up look at the Ed Sheehan Cosmic Splash Limited Edition
instrument showcased by Stevensville, MD-based PRS Guitars.
Photo credit: Bob Steshetz

The Retablo Art Guitar crafted by John Page. Learn 
More via johnpageguitars.com.
Photo credit: Bob Steshetz

An attention-grabbing Guitar Capo.
Photo credit: Bob Steshetz

A casual get-together on the floor - an impromptu jam at NAMM.
Photo credit: Bob Steshetz

Cannibal & the Headhunters performing on Jan. 23, 2026.
Photo credit: Bob Steshetz

From left, Matt Starr, Phil X and Billy Sheehan tearing it up at the 
NAMM Show on Jan. 23.
Photo credit: Bob Steshetz

Legendary bassist Billy Sheehan.
Photo credit: Bob Steshetz

Phil X shredding at NAMM.
Photo credit: Bob Steshetz

No ordinary picks. United Kingdom-based Timber Tones offers the
"largest selection of luxury Guitar Picks in the world." 
Photo credit: Robert Kinsler

A look at the Boutique Guitar Showcase.
Photo credit: Bob Steshetz

NAMM stickers.
Photo credit: Robert Kinsler

Famed harmonica virtuoso Lee Oskar (famed for his stint with
WAR), left, with yours truly at the NAMM Show. The Lee Oskar
Harmonicas booth was a must-see at the 2026 NAMM Show.

A closer look at road-ready Traveler Guitars.
Photo credit: Robert Kinsler

Performances have become a key part of the NAMM experience. Here is
Tom Griesgraber playing the Chapman Stick.
Photo credit: Bob Steshetz

VIDEOS FROM THE 2026 NAMM SHOW

MusicUCanSee was also at the NAMM Show and has posted a number of great videos available now:

An interview with the John Lennon Bus Educational Tour Bus co-founder Brian Rothschild HERE. 

If you play guitar, check out this video on Casio's new Dimension Shifter HERE.

Watch Molly Tuttle's full-length performance of her song "San Joaquin" HERE.

Watch Molly Tuttle's performance of her song "Rosalee" HERE.

Watch a bit of Hannibal & The Headhunters' performance of "Land of 1,000 Dances" HERE.

Finally, here is an interview of me by MusicUCanSee host Tino Anglade on Jan. 21.

2025 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival Preview

The Desert Star Weekly's contributing music writers Robert Kinsler and George A. Paul each highlight some of their must-see artists coming to the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. Taking place over consecutive weekends at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, Coachellafest will be held April 11-13 and again April 18-20, 2024. This year's headliners are Lady Gaga, Charli xcx and Green Day. There are countless emerging and established artists performing this year equally worth catching this year.

Pictured: "Dancing In The Sky" 2024 art installation by Morag Myerscough.
Photo courtesy of Coachella / Photo credit: Lance Gerber

By Robert Kinsler and George A. Paul

The Desert Star Weekly’s contributing music writers spotlight some can’t miss music acts headed to Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival on April 11-13 and April 18-20. This year’s headliners are Lady Gaga, Green Day, Post Malone, and Travis Scott. More than 150 established and emerging artists are scheduled to perform over the two consecutive weekends. 

Fridays, April 11 and 18

Photo credit: Frank Lebon

Lady Gaga — On the heels of the release of her seventh No. 1 album in a row, Mayhem (released last month), singer-songwriter/keyboardist Lady Gaga appears at Coachellafest for the first time since 2017. The influential New York City native and 14-time Grammy Award winner should thrill festivalgoers with her signature mix of dance, synth-pop, funk, disco, and rock. Among the new cuts she will surely feature in the Indio sets: "Disease" and "Abracadabra," the first two Mayhem singles and “Shallow” off the film soundtrack to “A Star is Born.” Read George A. Paul's review of the new book titled "Lady Gaga is Life: A Superfan's Guide to All Things We Love about Lady Gaga" HERE. (RK)

The Marias / photo credit: Jaxon Whittington

The Marias — The Los Angeles-based quartet make an eagerly-awaited return to Coachella, having last performed here in 2022. The Marias just dropped new tracks “Back to Me” and “Nobody New.” The latter was co-written by Benny Blanco and follows The Marias’ appearance on Blanco & Selena Gomez’s current charter “Ojos Tristes.” The troupe's ’24 album Submarine included gold-certified hit “No One Noticed” and such enticing tracks as the hypnotic "Hamptons," immersive "Echo," dance-minded "Blur" and Spanish language delight "Lejos de Ti," which recalls the sonic magic of '80s favorite Cocteau Twins. (RK)

Go-Go’s — Initially part of the LA punk music scene during the late 1970s, the Go-Go’s broke new ground when they became the first all-female band to write and perform everything on a No. 1 album (1981’s pop-leaning, double platinum debut Beauty and the Beat). The quintet notched indelible hit singles like “Our Lips are Sealed,” “We Got the Beat,” “Vacation,” and “Head Over Heels,” later serving as inspiration for Bikini Kill. HAIM, The Linda Lindas, and others. Various reunions have happened over the years. The Go-Go’s were the subject of an acclaimed documentary in 2020 and they unveiled a spirited “Club Zero,” the first new song in decades. Since Green Day’s Billie Joe Armstrong co-wrote/played on 2001’s God Bless the Go-Go’s, could a guest appearance be in store at Empire Polo? (GAP)

Saturdays, April 12 and 19

Green Day / Photo credit: Alice Baxley

Green Day — This California trio helped spearhead the Nineties punk revival via massively successful album Dookie and hit singles “Basket Case,” “Longview,” “Welcome to Paradise” and “When I Come Around. The musicians subsequently appeared at most major music festivals around the world but somehow hadn’t played Coachella (although frontman Billie Joe Armstrong did do a memorable guest spot with the Replacements in 2014) until now. Last year saw the incisive, compelling new studio album Saviors, sporting timely rocker “The American Dream is Killing Me.” Then the excellent American Idiot 20^th Anniversary reissues arrived. The highly recommended super deluxe box set features a wealth of unreleased demos, live tracks (from Tokyo’s Makuhari Messe, VHI Storytellers, a full American Idiot live run through at NYC’s Irving Plaza), rare B-sides, 2 Blu-rays with compelling documentaries, memorabilia, detailed liner notes and more. (GAP)

    

Michelle Zauner of Japanese Breakfast at Coachella in April 2022.
Photo credit: Julian Bajsel / Getty Images for Coachella

Japanese Breakfast — The moniker for singer-songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Michelle Zauner, Japanese Breakfast was clearly a wonderful discovery for many music fans at Coachella ‘22. With the release of Zauner's bewitching fourth album For Melancholy Brunettes (& sad women) last month, Japanese Breakfast will likely attract even more attention this time around. There is a dreamy quality across the new material and the singular setting afforded by the Empire Polo Field should bring even more magic to gems such as "Here is Someone," "Orlando in Love" and "Magic Mountain." (RK) 

Jimmy Eat World / Photo credit: Jimi Giannatti

Jimmy Eat World — Hailing from Arizona, Jimmy Eat World formed in 1993 and came to national prominence eight years later with the stellar, platinum-selling fourth album Bleed American. The Mesa band’s emotionally driven brand of alt-rock led to modern rock radio staples like “The Middle” (a Top 5 pop crossover among Spotify’s Billions Club), “Sweetness,” “Pain” and “Work.” Jimmy Eat World’s last studio album, 2019’s Surviving, featured guests Davey Havok (AFI) and James King (Fitz and the Tantrums). The quartet – which previously played Coachella ‘11 – recently put out the Phoenix Sessions, derived from three engaging 2021 entire album livestream performances, on limited edition vinyl. Each “reimagined” title reveals subtle new sonic nuances from playing the songs on the road for years. Multiple photos are included. The Futures 2LP gatefold features a detailed recollection by the band about the original album creation alongside producer Gil Norton. Chances are good fans will hear recent single “Something Loud” live in Indio. (GAP)  

Weezer performing at Coachella in Indio on April 20, 2019.
Photo credit: Courtesy of Coachella

Weezer (Weekend 1 Only) — Rivers Cuomo and company were just added to the 2025 Coachella lineup late last weekend; the Los Angeles-spawned band is slated to appear at 3:10 p.m. on the Mojave Stage on Saturday for Weekend One. Weezer last appeared at the festival in 2019 and delivered memorable sets featuring original material and artful remakes at each of the band's weekend sets. (RK)

Ed Sheeran (Weekend 2 Only) – For the first time since surprise performers started being added to the Weekend 1 lineup (Vampire Weekend, Arcade Fire), Weekend 2 attendees finally get to enjoy one too. The British pop superstar – who headlined Dodger Stadium in 2024 and is best known for such Billboard top 5 singles as “Shape of You,” “Perfect,” “Thinking Out Loud,” “Bad Habits” and “I Don’t Care” will appear in the Mojave tent. Expect to hear the festive, Middle Eastern-tinged new single “Azizam” in the singer/guitarist’s set. (GAP)

Sundays, April 13 and 20

Kraftwerk / Photo credit: Falcon Publicity

Kraftwerk — The term “pioneer” often gets bandied around, but Kraftwerk truly fits the bill. If Ralf Hutter and Florian Schneider hadn’t started the German electronic music band in 1970, the Eighties new wave, alternative, rap and EDM landscapes might’ve sounded far different. Kraftwerk has been sampled by Dr. Dre, Afrika Bambaata & Soulsonic Force and Busta Rhymes. Additionally, everyone from David Bowie, Depeche Mode and Duran Duran to Bjork, The Prodigy and Daft Punk have cited the Dusseldorf musicians as an influence. Previously performing at the 2004 and ’08 Coachellas (where it rivaled Prince for the event standout), the Indio sets arrive on the back of a nine night Walt Disney Hall in 2024 stand. (GAP) 

Information: Coachella.com.

2024 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival Preview

Coachellagoers walk past "The Messengers," an art installation by artist Kumkum Fernando. Photo: Robert Kinsler

Music writers Robert Kinsler and George A. Paul each highlight some of their must-see artists coming to the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. Taking place over consecutive weekends at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, Coachellafest will be held April 12-14 and again April 19-21, 2024. This year's headliners are Lana Del Rey, Tyler, The Creator, Doja Cat and No Doubt. There are countless emerging and established artists performing this year.

Fridays, April 12 and 19

Brittany Howard / Photo credit: Bobbi Rich

Brittany Howard — Just two months after the release of her acclaimed album What Now, five-time Grammy Award-winning artist Brittany Howard will bring her soulful and high powered approach to Coachellagoers in Indio. The former singer-guitarist of Alabama Shakes, Howard's 2019 debut Jamie landed on a slew of best-of-the-year lists including The New York Times, Rolling Stone and Pitchfork; it was named NPR's album of the year too. (RK)

Lana Del Rey
Photo credit: Chuck Grant

Lana Del Rey — Acclaimed singer-songwriter Lana Del Rey will bring her parade of wide-ranging hits and stylish approach as the headlining artist on both Fridays of Coachella this month. Last year the New York City native was named the Greatest American Songwriter of the 21st Century by Rolling Stone UK, and her wonderful powers as a vocalist bolster the delivery of wonderful songs such as the dreamy "Video Games," melancholy-adorned "Candy Necklace," electronica-tinged "Doin' Time," piano-anchored soft rock ballad "The Greatest" and shimmering "Say Yes To Heaven." Since the release of her major label debut Born to Die in 2012, the songstress has successfully fused and explored a growing number of styles in her celebrated work. (RK)

Saturdays, April 13 and 20

Sublime — When Sublime founding singer-guitarist Bradley Nowell passed away  in 1996, the band broke up and it appeared the trio from Long Beach, CA might be forgotten. However, the band's third full-length album released two months after Nowell's death spawned the huge enduring hit "What I Got" and interest remained in the reggae rockers. In 2023, founding members Eric Wilson (bass) and Bud Gaugh (drums) announced the reforming of Sublime with Nowell's talented son Jakob Nowell — the band performed at a benefit show at the Teragram Ballroom in Los Angeles, and are now set to make a more high-profile return via their Coachella appearances where they will undoubtedly perform energetic classics such as "Wrong Way," "Santeria" and "What I Got." (RK)

British rock great Blur 
Photo credit: Reuben Bastienne Lewis

Blur — During the Nineties, this London quartet spearheaded the Britpop music movement thanks to an inclination toward making eclectic music – a trait singer/songwriter Damon Albarn continues with Gorillaz and other solo projects. Best known in America for the modern rock radio hits “Song 2” (ubiquitous at sporting events), “Girls & Boys” and “There’s No Other Way,” Blur notched a dozen top 10 hits in the U.K. Last year, it headlined two nights at Wembley Stadium there and released their atmospheric, reflective ninth album The Ballad of Darren alongside producer James Ford (Arctic Monkeys). Guitarist/singer Graham Coxon said the songs, recorded with everyone in the same room, were “loaded with the right intention and emotion.” No stranger to Coachella, Blur has played Indio twice before. (GAP)

Bleachers / Photo credit: Alex Lockett

Bleachers — A decade ago, following stints in Steel Train and fun., mild mannered New Jersey native Jack Antonoff launched Bleachers. It is essentially a one-man-band by the Grammy-winning producer/musician (Taylor Swift, St. Vincent), who often crafts rousing rock anthems with multiple instruments and prominent use of saxophone, lending comparisons to Bruce Springsteen (The Boss even appeared on ’20 single “Chinatown”). Bleachers’ popular adult and alt-rock radio singles include “I Wanna Get Better,” “Rollercoaster,” “Don’t Take the Money,” “Stop Making This Hurt,” and recently, “Modern Girl.” The excellent new eponymous fourth album contains guest appearances from Florence Welch, St. Vincent, and Matt Healy of The 1975. Antonoff has also worked with Lana Del Rey, so his Coachella set could easily have some special guests. (GAP)

The Drums / Photo credit: Qiao Meng

The Drums – Singer Jonny Pierce co-founded The Drums in 2008. Two years later, the NYC pop/rock band’s self-titled debut made major inroads in England, where several singles charted there and in Mexico. The reverb-drenched vocals, melodic guitars and keyboard-driven sound frequently recalls the Eighties heyday of Postcard and Rough Trade Records acts. By 2017’s Abysmal Thoughts, The Drums transitioned into a solo vehicle for Pierce, a LGBTQ artist who writes songs with unflinchingly honest lyrics. Last year, The Drums’ old giddy jangle pop gem
“Money” went viral on social media and was certified gold here. Seventh studio album Johnny finds noted female hip hop singer Rico Nasty guesting on “Dying.” A new deluxe version expands the latest release to 21 tracks. (GAP) 

Sundays, April 14 and 21

Taking Back Sunday
Photo credit: Ashley Osborn

Taking Back Sunday — Long Island's Taking Back Sunday was definitely among the more captivating emo/post-hardcore bands to emerge in the late 1990s/early 2000s. A Warped Tour regular, they gained popularity from the get-go with indie album Tell All Your Friends. Yet when guitarist Fred Mascherino joined for Where You Want to Be, his playing style and interlocking vocal interplay with frontman Adam Lazzara took everything up a notch. Modern rock radio hits “Make Damn Sure,” “A Decade Under the Influence,” and “Liar” were prime examples. The intervening years have seen several lineup changes. Solid latest album 152, named after a long-running in-joke between band members, contains what Lazzara said is “a lot of fun stuff and more pop-influenced material.” (GAP) 

TBA

No Doubt — Few people expected a reunion of the massively successful alt-rock and ska band from Anaheim, considering singer Gwen Stefani’s busy solo career, Vegas residencies, coaching stints on NBC’s “The Voice,” clothing and beauty lines and various singles with husband Blake Shelton. Coachella will mark the foursome’s first gig together in nine years. No Doubt’s last studio album was 2012’s underrated Push and Shove. Stefani told Jimmy Kimmel they plan to play a deep cut from 1995’s diamond-certified Tragic Kingdom. Chances are good that fans will also hear some big hits like “Spiderwebs,” “Sunday Morning,” “Just a Girl,” “Don’t Speak,” “Hella Good,” “Hey Baby,” and the fine cover of Talk Talk’s “It’s My Life.” (GAP)