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!

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

Blues-rock singer-songwriter/guitarist Harris Sweetwater checking out a guitar during
the NAMM Show in Anaheim, CA. Photo credit: Bob Steshetz

From left, violinist Mia Asano performing on stage with saxophonist Grace Kelly
in the Yamaha booth on Jan. 23, 2025.
Photo credit: Bob Steshetz

The Lee Oskar Harmonica Blues & Beyond Showcase thrilled concertgoers on
Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025. Photo credit: Bob Steshetz

Violinist Mia Asano performing during Global Media Day.
Photo credit: Bob Steshetz

Jacob Collier performing during the NAMM Show in Anaheim, CA.
Photo credit: Bob Steshetz

Grace Kelly performing at the Yamaha booth during the NAMM Show in
Anaheim, CA. Photo credit: Bob Steshetz

2024 NAMM Show Highlights

Once again, writer George A. Paul, writer-photographer Robert Kinsler and photographer Bob Steshetz attended the NAMM Show (National Association of Music Merchants), which was held at the Anaheim Convention Center, Jan. 25-28 (not to mention several media events on Jan. 24). 

Photo credit: Bob Steshetz

Media Day (Wednesday, Jan. 24) by Robert Kinsler

C.F. Martin & Co. held a special event to showcase a number of new acoustic guitar and ukulele models, building on the company's legendary lineup of instruments. 

Regarding the high-profile role of A.I. (artificial intelligence) in 2024, Martin Guitars' Chris Martin, executive chairman, noted: "We do not have any self-playing guitars. But we do have artists who play guitars."

Hunter Hayes
Photo credit: Bob Steshetz

Among the models showcased for the first time is the all-new GPCE Inception Maple. Martin noted the development of the guitar also features the fact that the instrument is made of domestic hardwoods (that are easy to regenerate) as opposed to tropical hardwoods from rainforests that are increasingly more rare. Famed country music singer-guitar great Hunter Hayes then performed a song ("Sober") using the Inception guitar (read much more about Hayes via George A. Paul's review of the artist's Jan. 25 performance below).

Later, NAMM's Global Media Day event featured participating companies like Audiotonix, Brown Box Rocks, Dean Guitars, Deering Banjos, Peavey, Shure Incorporated, Vox Amplification, Yamaha and the aforementioned C.F. Martin & Co. showcasing their latest products.

Jay Leonard J at NAMM.
Photo credit: Bob Steshetz

I was particularly impressed by Yamaha's latest versions of their popular Pacifica Guitars (Pacifica Professional and Pacifica Standard Plus electric guitar models). Jay Leonard J (seen in the image on the right) played the great-sounding instrument, which features an alder body, slim C-shape maple neck with compound-radius rosewood or maple fingerboard. It features Reflectone pickups co-developed with Rupert Neve Designs.   

Day 1 Report by George A. Paul

On Thursday, NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants) kicked off Day 1 of The NAMM Show at Anaheim Convention Center in Southern California.

The world’s oldest and largest music trade show draws thousands of music business professionals and others from numerous countries.  

This week marks the first time the annual event returned to its traditional calendar spot since 2020. More than 1,600 exhibitors are representing 3,000 brands, with more than 200 educational sessions scheduled. Additionally, there are music industry award shows and dozens of concerts held on various stages inside and outside the ACC as well as the adjacent Marriott and Sheraton stages.

New NAMM President and CEO John Mlynczak - taking over from Joe Lamond, who spent 20 years in the position - presented an “Industry Insights” breakfast time address Thursday which revealed a newly commissioned study on AI innovation; a pledge to continue open communication and collaboration with music industry members; and NAMM NeXT, a summer education/networking summit for the music industry held in Nashville.

“We put on the world’s best products show,” Mlynczak said. “It’s a historic time for our industry” and “an opportunity to grow back stronger…we must work together.” He also reminded people how “NAMM exists to grow this industry.”

Mary Spender performing at the 2024 NAMM Show.
Photo credit: Bob Steshetz

Special attention was paid to music influencers. Mlynczak heartily welcomed them to The NAMM Show. Then he brought Reverb.com CEO David Mandelbrot and Elderly Instruments President Lillian Werbin to discuss their successful businesses. Next was English singer/guitarist/music influencer Mary Spender who relayed how she built up her 720,000 YouTube channel subscribers over the years. Learn more about this wonderful artist HERE.

Mlynczak bestowed the 2024 NAMM “Music for Life” award to Mark Ronson. The London native is an esteemed producer, musician and DJ with an Oscar, a Golden Globe, several Grammys and other plaudits to his credit. Amy Winehouse, Bruno Mars, Lady Gaga, Miley Cyrus and Duran Duran are among those Ronson has worked with. 

His 2021 documentary series “Watch the Sound” is still airing on AppleTV+. More recently, Ronson has been nominated for an Oscar and Golden Globe for writing a song from the soundtrack to hit film “Barbie” with Andrew Wyatt.

At the Convention Center, Ronson said he was excited to be at NAMM Show for the first time, admitted to being obsessed with music gear and spending much of his teen years in music stores. When Foreigner guitarist Mick Jones became Ronson’s stepfather, visiting fancy studios with “fabulous gear” became the norm. “I loved being around gear and teaching myself how (everything) worked.”

When Mlynczak asked about Ronson’s thought on Artificial Intelligence and its potential effect on the music industry, the artist affirmed his belief in the human power to tell stories like Stevie Wonder and Amy Winehouse have done.

Still, “in the studio, I’ll use any tool available…I have one foot in analog, one foot in digital” sound, Ronson said.

TEC Tracks talks – sessions for recording, live sound and music business professionals – are often insightful. Early Thursday afternoon, “The Art of Mixing” featured mixing engineers Matt Wallace (Faith No More, The Replacements, John Hiatt, Train, Susanna Hoffs) and Mark Everton Gray (The Killers, Katy Perry, Guns ‘N Roses, Joe Bonamassa) with moderator/journalist Steve Baltin.

Wallace said it was “important to be super tuned into what the artist says and read between the lines…people are putting their trust in you.”

He also stated that engineers “have to get out of own egos” and find out “what the artist wants to accomplish.” Gray added “I’m a vessel for the client.”

“It took me two decades to figure out ‘the art of planting seeds’” in the minds of musicians about what you think a song needs,” said Wallace. “It’s like a Jedi Mind Trick. You want to get the best out of the artist.”

Gray, a frequent user of Studio at The Palms in Las Vegas, said, “in the studio, an artist’s creative soul is naked.”

Wallace said he felt engineers should believe in their own instincts. One example cited was his co-production/mixing work on Maroon 5’s multi-platinum 2002 debut album “Songs About Jane.” While the band was away from the studio, Wallace thought some crowd noise would enliven a song and the musicians ended up liking what he did.

Elsewhere, they talked about what happens when engineers need to rescue an album that isn't going well and might not meet a deadline. Wallace also said he tries not to stick with the same genres consecutively because then it’s easy to fall into the pattern of doing things by rote.  

 

Hunter Hayes performing at the NAMM Show on Jan. 25, 2024.
Photo credit: Robert Kinsler

During mid-afternoon Fortunately, it wasn’t noisy in that area of the convention center. Hayes prefaced the half-hour set by saying, “I’ve never played in this chaos before.” He tried to get to know some of the audience members by asking where they were from, and whether any musicians were present.

During the mid-afternoon, country singer/guitarist Hunter Hayes did a warm and inviting acoustic performance adjacent to the C.F. Martin & Co. guitars booth. 

Hayes, 32, provided some career background – how he’d been writing songs since he was six and signed a recording contract at 19 – and then raved about the Martin “Inception” acoustic guitar and its sustainability (Hayes has worked with the guitar company for a decade).

Opening with the title track to 2019 album “Wild Blue,” he delivered passionate vocals for lyrics about independence and freedom, noting that the entire record touched upon those subjects. Before playing a laid back, John Mayer-esque “Somebody’s Heartbreak” complete with falsetto vocal, the artist explained how he knew it had the makings of being a hit (sure enough, the track went top 10 at country radio in 2012). A jaunty “Missing You,” from last year’s “Red Sky” album, was about nostalgia and California. Hayes talked about the album being inspired by the Topanga Canyon surroundings in L.A. while making it.

After touching upon his Cajun influence as a Louisiana native, Hayes admitted to spending the money received from his initial publishing deal on a Martin guitar he’d long had his eye on. Then, the musician played the upbeat and fun “Storm Warning,” his first top 20 hit on country radio. Finally, Hayes closed with the strident “Sober,” off “Red Sky.” The tune, about “dating in the digital age,” gave the guitarist a chance to jam a bit. He dedicated it to people participating in “Dry January,” a challenge revolving around abstaining from alcohol for a month.

Late Thursday afternoon, 5x Grammy Award-winning producer, engineer, and mixer Chris Lord-Alge (Green Day, Bruce Springsteen, Muse, Cheap Trick, Brian Setzer, P!nk) presented a TEC Tracks Session on “Commanding Your Career.”

The large upstairs convention center room was packed; people even stood against the walls to listen. With a brash and frank talking style, Lord-Alge paced around the floor, and often asked whether attendees had encountered specific problems with past clients.

His dozen “CLA Rules” for being a successful mix engineer included: how to network, communicate professionalism, maintaining rules and defining boundaries, collecting payment, time management, understanding the artist’s vision and more.

Among the notable Lord Alge quotes from the session: 

“Whether you’re Harry Styles, Muse or P!nk, you’re gonna pay me.”

“The artist wants to be led – you’re the shepherd…and there to serve the artist.”

At one point, Lord-Alge’s equally successful music engineer brother Tom Lord-Alge appeared at the room entrance and gave him a boisterous shout out – likely typical of New Jersey siblings.

Day 2 Report by Robert Kinsler

On Friday, two highly-anticipated artists made return appearances to the NAMM Show. 

Alicia Witt with Brian Pruitt at Casio on Friday, Jan. 26.
Photo credit: Bob Steshetz

Early in the day, Casio America, Inc. hosted a performance by singer-songwriter/keyboardist Alicia Witt performing on the company's signature "Harmonious Mustard" PX-S7000 Privia digital piano. Witt impressed me when I caught her at the previous NAMM Show held in April 2023, so I made sure to catch her full set this year. This time around she was joined by percussionist Brian Pruitt whose nuanced playing added additional power to Witt's six-track set.

Witt opened with "Someone To Write Me A Song" off her latest album Witness. A beautiful song, the track showcased Witt's strong talents as a keyboardist, lead vocalist and lyricist. The equally lovely "Chasing Shadows" featured a strong mix of singer-songwriter and melodic stylings. The driving, more rock-flavored "About Me" (featuring a strong jam between Witt and Pruitt to dynamically end the cut), an artful cover of Billy Joel's "She's Always a Woman" and set-ending original "Witness" were among the other highlights of her performance. Learn more about this outstanding artist at her official website HERE.

Guitarist Leo Fujii demonstrates the
DimensionTripper at Casio.
Photo: Robert Kinsler

While I was at Casio I checked out the eye-opening Dimension Tripper, a wireless effect controller operated by a guitar strap. Imagine operating a wah-wah pedal without using your feet; the Dimension Tripper allows a guitarist to use their guitar strap to utilize various effects while playing. The printed material I picked up said it has not yet been decided whether the product will be sold outside of Japan; my hope is guitarists in America will be able to get their hands on this fun music-minded gadget soon! Get more details on Casio America, Inc. at Casio.com.

Lindsey Stirling headlining on the Yamaha Grand Plaza Stage.

Headlining on the Yamaha Grand Plaza Stage was acclaimed violinist-composer-dancer Lindsey Stirling. Backed only by a drummer and keyboardist/guitarist, Stirling's full-length set allowed the artist to perform a wide range of material touching on her singular sound that fused classical, electronica, hip-hop, rock, pop and other styles into a signature sonic brew delivered as she completed intricate choreographed movements with four other dancers. In addition to a moving instrumental cover of Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah," she delighted fans with the triumphant "Crystallize," dance-minded "Don't Let This Feeling Fade" and dazzling "Shatter Me," the latter featuring Stirling's virtuoso violin work.

Day 3 Music by George A. Paul

Jon McLaughlin performed Saturday evening on the Yamaha Grand Plaza Stage. Noting that he'd done two previous stints there as a guest, the Indiana singer/pianist was thankful to be the headliner. His impressive, nearly 90-minute set, included earnest pop/rock tunes that often recalled Chris Martin of Coldplay as well as latest single "Why it Hurts" and some Police and Billy Joel covers. McLaughlin brought along friends like Matt Wertz and 2009 "American Idol" winner Kris Allen to perform a couple songs each. The latter did his platinum-selling single 'Live Like We're Dying." The finale found them all back again for a group singalong of The Beatles' "Hey Jude."

The NAMM Show will return to the Anaheim Convention Center in January 2025. For more information, visit namm.org. Check out the images below for a roundup of a number of great photographs taken by Bob Steshetz at this year's NAMM Show.

Garry Gary Beers of INXS with his new G.G.B. bass guitar at The
NAMM Show. Information: ggbbasses.com

Cream Guitars made quite a splash with their booth at the NAMM Show.

Singer-songwriter-keyboardist Alicia Witt performing at the Casio booth on Jan. 26.
Also pictured with Witt are percussionist Brian Pruitt and her canine pal "Ernest."

Guitar great Henry James playing his "Signature Juliet" guitar
at the 2024 NAMM Show.

Bluegrass trio The Chapmans performing with guest banjo great Jens Kruger on Friday, Jan. 26, 2024.

Minarik Guitars' "Wizard of Oz" themed guitar was showcased
at the company's booth. Information: MinarikGuitars.com

Lindsey Stirling at the NAMM Show.