New music: Brenda Lee documentary, Young the Giant, The Turtles

In this column I feature new music releases featuring Rock and Roll Hall of Fame artist Brenda Lee, modern rock outfit Young the Giant and classic rock favorites The Turtles.

Artist: Brenda Lee
Title: Rockin' Around: The Story Behind The Iconic Singer (Mercury Studios)
You might like if you enjoy: Jackie DeShannon, Wanda Jackson, Brenda Lee
Tell me more: Brenda Lee is a groundbreaking American singer who has achieved fame in a number of musical genres including rockabilly, pop, country and Christmas music; the American artist scored her first Billboard hit in 1957 when she was only 12 and has sold more than 100 million records globally. The Atlanta, Georgia native's holiday favorite "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" (recorded in 1958) topped the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 in 2023, making Lee the oldest artist ever to top the chart. Now 80, Lee's incredible genre-defying career is celebrated via an insightful documentary titled "Rockin' Around: The Story Behind The Iconic Singer" that is available via a terrific Mercury Studios Blu-ray + DVD release. 

In addition to archival footage of the artist performing in the 1950s, '60s, '70s and '80s, there are modern-day interviews with Lee as well as Keith Urban, Tanya Tucker, Trisha Yearwood, Jackie DeShannon, Pat Benatar, Neil Giraldo and radio personality Shotgun Tom Kelly discussing Lee's amazing career. The documentary provides a look at the myriad of challenges she has faced throughout her life, as well as her successes (Lee was Billboard's Top Female Artist of the Decade in the 1960s). Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2002, Lee's parade of classic hits includes "Sweet Nothin's," "I'm Sorry," "I Want to Be Wanted," "Speak to Me Pretty," "Losing You" and "All Alone Am I." There is also plenty of time dedicated to the success of "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" and that song's extraordinary road to iconic status. Information: mercurystudios.co.

Artist: Young the Giant
Title: In The Open Volume One (Jungle Youth Recordings)
You might like if you enjoy: TBA
Tell me more: Young the Giant has just released a new acoustic EP, In The Open Volume One, featuring stripped back versions of some of the band's most beloved material including the confessional "Mind Over Matter" and bewitching "Apartment." The EP kicks off with the previously-unreleased original track "Bitter Fruit," a new acoustic-flavored gem that looks at the painful end of a relationship and the hope for a better future. Other standouts on the EP include the heartfelt "Amerika" and the introspective "Heat of the Summer." In addition to top-tier singer Sameer Gadhia, Young the Giant features Jacob Tilley (guitar), Eric Cannata (guitar), Francois Comtois (drums) and Payam Doostzadeh (bass). Young the Giant will headline in Costa Mesa, CA tonight, Sept. 12 as part of their current In The Open Tour, an intimate concert experience performed in beautiful spaces and venues around the country; opening the show will be Cassandra Coleman (debut album produced by Jack Antonoff). Information: youngthegiant.com.

Artist: The Turtles
Title: All the Singles (Manifesto Records)
You might like if you enjoy: The Turtles, the Hollies, the Kinks
Tell me more: With the tragic passing of Turtles lead vocalist/guitarist Mark Volman widely reported on Sept. 5, now is the time to revisit the band's wonderful legacy. Spanning a shimmering cover of Bob Dylan's "It Ain't Me Babe" released in June 1965 to the sweeping baroque pop nugget "Me About You" released in late 1970, the Turtles' enduring parade of great songs is celebrated across the glorious All the Singles (released in 2016). The two-disc, 48-track collection allows plenty of time to explore the Los Angeles-spawned group's radio hits as well as more experimental material that draws comparisons with the Kinks and the Byrds. With Howard Kaylan and Volman's artful and wonderful harmony vocals leading the way, the material ranges from folk-rock (the Warren Zevon-penned "Like the Seasons"), garage rock ("Almost There," "Outside Chance"), power-pop ("She'd Rather Be With Me," "Elenore"), sunshine pop ("So Goes Love," "On a Summer's Day"), psychedelic ("Sound Asleep") and even country ("Who Would Ever Think That I Would Marry Margaret"). The Turtles' 1967 number 1 hit "Happy Together" remains one of that decade's most enticing songs and has never sounded better thanks to the remastering from Bill Inglot and Dave Schultz showcased across this must-have collection. Information: manifesto.com.

Robert Kinsler

New music: 'Walkin' After Midnight: The Music of Patsy Cline', Chris Vincent & The Raw Deals, Green Apple Quick Step, Wild Mountain Mystics

In this column I highlight a new tribute to Patsy Cline, as well as new audio titles featuring Chris Vincent & The Raw Deals, Green Apple Quick Step and Wild Mountain Mystics.

Artists: Mickey Guyton, Crystal Gayle, Grace Potter, Wynonna, Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo, more
Title: Walkin' After Midnight: The Music of Patsy Cline (Mercury Studios)

You might like if you enjoy: Mickey Guyton, Crystal Gayle, Grace Potter, Pam Willis, Ashley McBryde, Pat Benatar

Tell me more: Country music singer Patsy Cline was one of the 20th century's most influential artists despite her relatively brief recording career (she sadly died in a plane crash on March 5, 1963 at the age of 30). Now a star-studded tribute concert filmed at the legendary Ryman Auditorium in Nashville in 2024 has been released as a Blu-ray+CD title available now. The parade of inspired covers of Cline hits on the first half of the title ranges from Mickey Guyton's bluesy take on the 1950s hit "Walking' After Midnight," Tami Neilson's affecting take on "Three Cigarettes in An Ashtray" and Crystal Gayle's emotive delivery of the ballad "Always" to Grace Potter's bewitching take on the jazzy "Strange" and Wynonna's soaring take on "Sweet Dreams." Late disc standouts include Ashley McBryde's heartfelt "Leaving' On Your Mind," Kristin Chenoweth's deeply felt "I Fall to Pieces," Mandy Barnett's tearful "Why Can't He Be You," and a blues-soaked take on "Imagine That" featuring Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo. Artists from a number of musical genres are represented on the outstanding concert recording. Information: patsycline.com.

Artist: Chris Vincent & The Raw Deals
Title: Good Crook (Chris Vincent Music)

You might like if you enjoy: Delta blues, Bob Dylan, Michael Ubaldini

Tell me more: New Orleans-based bluesman Chris Vincent's freewheeling style shines across the 12-track Good Crook, an album which was recorded in a mere two sessions (one with New Orleans jazz drummer Johnny Vidacovich, the other stripped down with just Vincent and his beloved 1947 Gibson L7 guitar). Chris Vincent & The Raw Deals also features Vidacovich on drums and Dean Zucchero on bass guitar; all dozen cuts were all written by Vincent. There is a palpable honesty to the songwriting and performances captured on the disc, with Vincent addressing the darkest corners of his life. Gems range from the opening title track and literate "Come Clean" to the poetic spoken word-flavored "Bloody Mary Monday Morning," bewitching "Skinned Knees," gorgeous love song "What Johnny Said" and slide guitar-anchored "New Orleans, My Darling. Information: ChrisVincentNewOrleans.com.

Artist: Green Apple Quick Step
Title: Dizzy: The Medicine Label Anthology (Omnivore Recordings)

You might like if you enjoy: Pearl Jam, Stone Temple Pilots

Tell me more: Dizzy: The Medicine Label Anthology  is an outstanding two-disc compilation produced by Cheryl Pawelski featuring studio and concert performances featuring Green Apple Quick Step. The collection features all of the post-grunge Seattle band's recordings tracked for The Medicine Label from 1993-1995, which includes the albums Wonderful Virus and Reloaded. The double CD contains 13 bonus tracks, four of which are previously unissued. Highlights on the title include the searing dream-swept "Broken," acoustic "Ludes and Cherrybombs," fiery "Bottle," thundering "Feel My Way," psychedelic foray "Hotel Wisconsin," reflective "T.V. Girl," and lovely "Underwater." The impressive packaging features new liner notes from Joe Marchese, including a new interview with lead vocalist Ty Willman. Additionally, both Wonderful Virus and Reloaded have just been reissued on color vinyl. Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.

Artist: Wild Mountain Mystics
Title: Fire & Honey (Blackbird Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Neil Young, Fairport Convention, Nils Lofgren

Tell me more: Americana duo Wild Mountain Mystics have just released their long-awaited debut Fire & Honey. A warm and inviting collection of 10 songs greet listeners on the outstanding debut featuring the talented California-based musical duo —  Rick Deering (vocals/guitars/bass/drums) and Lisa Miller (vocals/mandolin/keyboards/banjo/electric sitar). The breezy opener "Fire & Honey" is melodic at its core and is adorned by a sumptuous arrangement featuring guitar, mandolin, keyboards, bass and drums. What follows is a parade of strong originals, ranging from the playful country-styled "If You Can Bluff," harmonies-anchored "Love Takes Over The Night," probing genre-blending "Hangin' On A Star," country rocker "Love Is The Law" and an absolutely captivating Americana-styled version of the Beatles classic "All You Need Is Love." Information: WildMountainMystics.com.

Robert Kinsler

Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo to release new vinyl versions of 'Crimes of Passion,' 'In The Heat of the Night' and 'Precious Time' on Sept. 13

 Media release

ROCK AND ROLL OF FAME® INDUCTEES PAT BENATAR & NEIL GIRALDO TO RELEASE NEW VINYL VERSIONS OF CRIMES OF PASSION, IN THE HEAT OF THE NIGHT, & PRECIOUS TIME ON SEPTEMBER 13   NORTH AMERICAN TOUR UNDERWAY

PREORDER HERE   AVAILABLE IN MULTIPLE CONFIGURATIONS [July 30, 2024 - Los Angeles] – Multi-GRAMMY® Award-winning Rock and Roll Hall of Fame® Inductees Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo announce new vinyl reissues of three seminal albums, Crimes Of Passion, In The Heat Of The Night, and Precious Time, out September 13, 2024, via UMe.   Each LP will be available in various limited-edition configurations: In The Heat Of The Night will be pressed on either Black or Tangerine Vinyl, Crimes Of Passion on either Black or Opaque Magenta Vinyl, and Precious Time on either Black or Opaque Fruit Punch Vinyl.   “We know how much you’ve wanted reissues of the early records on vinyl. Finally, here they are! Happy listening, enjoy!” – Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo   Preorder In The Heat Of The Night, Crimes Of Passion, and Precious Time HERE.   The platinum-certified debut, In The Heat Of The Night, initially landed in 1979, effectively introducing Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo to the world. It notably boasts anthemic hits such as “Heartbreaker,” “I Need A Lover,” and “We Live For Love.”   Just a year later, Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo returned with Crimes Of Passion in 1980. It reached #2 on the Billboard 200 and went 4x-Platinum. In addition to housing hits “You Better Run” and “Treat Me Right,” it included the signature smash “Hit Me With Your Best Shot,” which went Top 10 in the United States. The album marked their first GRAMMY® Award win for “Best Rock Vocal Performance, Female.”   1981’s Precious Time bowed at #1 on the Billboard 200 and touted “Promises In The Dark” and “Fire And Ice,” notching their second straight GRAMMY® Award in the category of “Best Rock Vocal Performance, Female.” The record also went 2x-Platinum.   To date, Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo have sold over 30 million records worldwide and garnered four consecutive GRAMMY® Awards.   Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo are on tour this summer! For dates and more information, click HERE.   # # #

Dolly Parton set to release legends-packed 'Rockstar'

I can't think of another single new studio album that boasts the diverse and number of rock 'n' roll notables as Dolly Parton's forthcoming 'Rockstar' LP...Robert Kinsler

What do John Fogerty, Ann Wilson (Heart), Sting (The Police), Debbie Harry (Blondie), Elton John, Peter Frampton, Steve Perry (Journey) and Ringo Starr and Paul McCartney have in common? 

Those legendary notables are among the parade of guests on country music icon Dolly Parton's forthcoming album Rockstar (set for release on Nov. 17, 2023).

Of particular interest to classic rock fans is cover of “Freebird,” meanwhile, features posthumous vocals from Ronnie Van Zant and guitar work from Lynyrd Skynyrd’s Gary Rossington, who passed away in March 2023.

Said Parton in an official statement about this record, her first so-called “rock” album:

“I’m so excited to finally present my first rock and roll album Rockstar! I am very honored and privileged to have worked with some of the greatest iconic singers and musicians of all time and to be able to sing all the iconic songs throughout the album was a joy beyond measure. I hope everybody enjoys the album as much as I’ve enjoyed putting it together!”

The first single, “World On Fire,” arrives on May 11, 2023.

The album’s track listing is truly impressive:

1. ‘Rockstar’ (special guest Richie Sambora)
2. ‘World on Fire’
3. ‘Every Breath You Take’ (feat. Sting)
4. ‘Open Arms’ (feat. Steve Perry)
5. ‘Magic Man’ (feat. Ann Wilson with special guest Howard Leese)
6. ‘Long As I Can See The Light’ (feat. John Fogerty)
7. ‘Either Or’ (feat. Kid Rock)
8. ‘I Want You Back’ (feat. Steven Tyler with special guest Warren Haynes)
9. ‘What Has Rock And Roll Ever Done For You’ (feat. Stevie Nicks with special guest Waddy Wachtel)
10. ‘Purple Rain’
11. ‘Baby, I Love Your Way’ (feat. Peter Frampton)
12. ‘I Hate Myself For Loving You’ (feat. Joan Jett & The Blackhearts)
13. ‘Night Moves’ (feat. Chris Stapleton)
14. ‘Wrecking Ball’ (feat. Miley Cyrus)
15. ‘(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction’ (feat. P!nk & Brandi Carlile)
16. ‘Keep On Loving You’ (feat. Kevin Cronin)
17. ‘Heart Of Glass’ (feat. Debbie Harry)
18. ‘Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me’ (feat. Elton John)
19. ‘Tried To Rock And Roll Me’ (feat. Melissa Etheridge)
20. ‘Stairway To Heaven’ (feat. Lizzo & Sasha Flute)
21. ‘We Are The Champions’
22. ‘Bygones’ (feat. Rob Halford with special guests Nikki Sixx & John 5)
23. ‘My Blue Tears’ (feat. Simon Le Bon)
24. ‘What’s Up?’ (feat. Linda Perry)
25. ‘You’re No Good’ (feat. Emmylou Harris & Sheryl Crow)
26. ‘Heartbreaker’ (feat. Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo)
27. ‘Bittersweet’ (feat. Michael McDonald)
28. ‘I Dreamed’ About Elvis (feat. Ronnie McDowell with special guest The Jordanaires)
29. ‘Let It Be’ (feat. Paul McCartney & Ringo Starr with special guests Peter Frampton & Mick Fleetwood)
30. ‘Free Bird’ (feat. Ronnie Van Zant with special guests Gary Rossington, Artimus Pyle and The Artimus Pyle Band)

TJR and Robert Kinsler discuss the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's 2022 nominees

Beck, seen here at the Brooklyn Bowl
in March 2016, is among this year's
nominees. Photo: Kim Kinsler

Devo is among the groundbreaking artists nominated
to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Make sure to watch their latest episode where TJR and Robert Kinsler discuss the nominees for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's class of 2022. 

Several past nominees appear on the ballot again this year (including Devo and Pat Benatar), while other notable artists are appearing for their first-time ever (including Beck and Duran Duran). Watch the episode HERE. 

TJR and Robert Kinsler discuss the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

While TJR and Robert Kinsler were at the 2020 NAMM Show last weekend, they took out a few minutes to discuss last week's announcement about the Inductees who will be getting into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame this spring:

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame nominees announced

The nominees for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's Class of 2020 have just been announced. 

Dave Matthews, right, with violin player Boyd
Tinsley at Irvine Meadows in August 2006.
Photo: Kelly A. Swift

On first view, I would love to see Depeche Mode, Todd Rundgren, Kraftwerk and the Dave Matthews Band get in next year.

Rundgren, Kraftwerk and Depeche Mode have been previously nominated, and all three are totally deserving of the honor.

Other nominees that deserve to get in now, or at a later date include T. Rex, Nine Inch Nails and Thin Lizzy.

What are your thoughts? 

Posted by Robert Kinsler


Below is the official media release from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame:

ROCK & ROLL HALL OF FAME ANNOUNCES NOMINEES FOR 2020 INDUCTION

35^th Annual Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony to take place on May 2, 2020 at Public Auditorium in Cleveland, Ohio

Fans can cast their vote for Inductees at Google, Rockhall.com, or the Museum

Depeche Mode

CLEVELAND (October 15, 2020) — The Nominees for induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2020 are:

• Pat Benatar
• Dave Matthews Band
• Depeche Mode
• The Doobie Brothers
• Whitney Houston
• Judas Priest
• Kraftwerk
• MC5
• Motörhead
• Nine Inch Nails
• The Notorious B.I.G.
• Rufus featuring Chaka Khan
• Todd Rundgren
• Soundgarden
• T.Rex
• Thin Lizzy

To be eligible for nomination, an individual artist or band must have released its first commercial recording at least 25 years prior to the year of nomination. Nine out of 16 of the Nominees are on the ballot for the first time, including Dave Matthews Band, The Doobie Brothers, Motörhead, The Notorious B.I.G., Pat Benatar, Soundgarden, T.Rex, Thin Lizzy, and Whitney Houston.

Inductees will be announced in January 2020. The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame 2020 Induction Ceremony, presented by Klipsch Audio, takes place at Public Auditorium in Cleveland, Ohio on May 2, 2020. The Ceremony is preceded by Induction Week, which includes a special dedication of the 2020 Inductee exhibit, Celebration Day, and other events and activities at the Museum and around town! Ticket on-sale information will be announced later.

Todd Rundgren

Nominee ballots are sent to an international voting body of more than 1,000 artists, historians and members of the music industry. Factors such as an artist’s musical influence on other artists, length and depth of career and the body of work, innovation and superiority in style and technique are taken into consideration.

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame offers fans the opportunity to participate in the induction selection process. Beginning October 15 and continuing through 11:59 p.m. EST on January 10, 2020, fans can go to Google and search “Rock Hall Fan Vote” or any nominee name plus “vote” to cast a ballot with Google, vote at rockhall.com, or at the Museum in Cleveland. The top five artists, as selected by the public, will comprise a “fans’ ballot” that will be tallied along with the other ballots to choose the 2020 inductees. 

The Nominees were announced live on SiriusXM VOLUME channel 106’s “Feedback” morning show today with hosts Nik Carter and Lori Majewski along with Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Foundation President & CEO Joel Peresman.   

Rock Hall donors and members get exclusive Induction ticket opportunities. Donate or join by January 31, 2020 to be eligible. Visit rockhall.com/support  to learn more.

Klipsch Audio, a leading global speaker and headphone manufacturer, is a strategic partner and presenting sponsor of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, its Induction Ceremony events and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s Main Stage. Klipsch’s renowned products deliver the power, detail and emotion of the live music experience throughout the iconic museum.

Follow the Rock Hall on Facebook (@rockandrollhalloffame), Twitter and Instagram (@rockhall) and join the conversation at #RockHall2020.

Press can access hi-resolution images and bios for Nominees at rockhall.com/press-room. Media Credential Applications become available in December 2019. For interviews, contact swilson@rockhall.org. 

About the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

Rock Connects Us. Our mission is clear: To engage, teach and inspire through the power of rock and roll. We share stories of the people, events and songs that shape our world through exhibits, innovative programs and concerts. Join the millions who love it as much as you do. Experience us live or online – Visit rockhall.com or Facebook (@rockandrollhalloffame), Twitter and Instagram (@rockhall). Long Live Rock!

About Klipsch Audio

In 1946 Paul W. Klipsch, inventor, acoustics pioneer and maverick, founded Klipsch Audio with the sole purpose of bringing the power, detail and emotion of the live music experience into his living room. Through the use of highly efficient speaker designs, handcrafted cabinetry and a thirst for real engineering breakthroughs – Klipsch, the great American loudspeaker company, was born in Hope, AR. Today, our diverse range of quality audio products includes speakers and headphones for almost any consumer and professional application – including cinema, whole-house, wireless, home theater and portable offerings. Honoring our founder’s legacy, Klipsch continues to be the legendary high-performance brand of choice for audiophiles and aficionados around the world. We are the Keepers of the Sound®. Klipsch Group, Inc. is a VOXX International Company (NASDAQ: VOXX).

You can vote here.

She Rocks Awards 2018 Celebrates Outstanding Women in Music

Photo credit: Ron Lyon

NAMM 2018: The Sixth Annual She Rocks Awards Celebrates Outstanding Women in the Music Industry

Melissa Etheridge, members of The B-52s, and many other musicians and audio industry professionals honored at prestigious event

Melissa Etheridge on Jan. 26, 2018.
Photo credit: Brandon Daza

Exene Cervenka of the band X.
Photo credit: Kevin Graft

Anaheim, CA, January 29, 2018 ––The sixth annual She Rocks Awards rocked the House of Blues Anaheim on January 26, 2018. Hosted by the Women’s International Music Network (the WiMN), the gala celebration featured a star studded array of honorees that included Melissa Etheridge, Kate Pierson & Cindy Wilson of The B-52s, Exene Cervenka of X and members of the pioneering all-female rock band Fanny, as well many other women from all corners of the music and audio industry.

Featured performers Command Sisters delivered an upbeat B-52s medley that had the house singing along. The evening also included the premiere of a new song by WiMN founder Laura B. Whitmore and recording artist Jenna Paone called, “Just a Girl,” along with a moving video that delivered a message encouraging girls to dream big. Laura B. Whitmore co-hosted along with Kat Corbett of LA radio station KROQ. 

Other highlights included a fantastic performance of the Etheridge hit “Come to My Window” by Laura Clapp, and Olivia Rox’s rendition of the Pat Benatar anthem “Invincible.” Alaska Reid of Alyeska interpreted X’s hit “Breathless” with sultry abandon. Members of the pioneering rock band Fanny shared their new project, Fanny Walked the Earth, with a preview of their upcoming 2018 release.

The rousing finale brought together members of Fanny, The B-52s, Melissa Etheridge and performers Olivia Rox, Jenna Paone, Laura Clapp and Sabrina Lentini to deliver an inspired performance of “Respect.” The song, made famous by Aretha Franklin, but written by Otis Redding (whose daughter, Karla Redding-Andrews, was also honored during the event), was an energetic ending to a moving evening. 

The full list of 2018 honorees includes:

•    Pat Benatar, four-time GRAMMY® Award-winning artist
•    Melissa Etheridge, Grammy® Award- and Academy® Award-winning artist
•    The B-52s Katie Pierson & Cindy Wilson, original members of one of the most
      beloved party rock bands of all time
•    Karla Redding-Andrews, Executive Director for The Otis Redding Foundation
•    Exene Cervenka, vocalist for the iconic punk band, X 
•    Amberly Crouse-Knox, Senior Director, Creative and Business Development, BMG Production Music
•    Jean Millington Adamian, June Millington, Brie Howard Darling, Patti Quatro Ericson and         Alice de Buhr of the pioneering all-female American rock band, Fanny
•    Candace Stewart, Studio Manager, EastWest Studios in Hollywood
•    Dawn Birr, Channel Manager for the Americas, Sennheiser Business Solutions 
•    Fabi Reyna, Founder and Editor of She Shreds Media
•    Vanessa Mering, Marketing Manager, HARMAN Professional
•    Kristy Porter, Guitar Center’s Director of Merchandising, General Accessories & Media

Whitmore reflected, “We were proud to formally recognize all the 2018 honorees at the She Rocks Awards. From manufacturers to musicians, our honorees span all corners of our industry. I felt truly humbled to be able to acknowledge their leadership and accomplishments. It was such a pleasure to join with them in this year’s celebration of women in music.”

Find out more at sherocksawards.com.

NAMM Show update: OK Go, Andy Grammer, Melissa Etheridge, Vanessa Carlton, Jackson Browne, Jesse Hughes & more

Held annually at the Anaheim Convention Center, NAMM (an acronym for the International Music Products Association's previous name) runs January 24 - 28, 2018, and is expected to draw approximately 100,000 attendees from around the globe. Here is a media release with an early glimpse at some highlights coming to the event this month...Robert Kinsler

Anaheim Convention Center will host the annual NAMM Show later this month.
Photo courtesy of Bob Steshetz

THE 2018 NAMM SHOW & MEDIA PREVIEW DAY AT ANAHEIM CONVENTION CENTER JANUARY 24 – 28, 2018 Music instruments, technology news and reveals from over 7,000 music brands, celebrity appearances, interactive demos, live concerts OK Go, Andy Grammer, Vanessa Carlton, Jackson Browne, Yamaha Artists, Melissa Etheridge, Pat Benatar, B52’s Kate Pierson & Cindy Wilson, Jesse Hughes
WHAT:	The NAMM Show – the global crossroads of the music products, pro audio and sound, and event technology industries, presented by the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM).
SCHEDULE:	Wednesday, 1/24, 4-6PM – NAMM Show Media Preview Day by invitation-only. Get credentials before The NAMM Show opens; preview new musical instruments and technology releases. Just announced and set to be included as part of the Media Preview Day is an appearance by Cal Campbell, son of famed artist Glen Campbell. 2018 marks the 50th Anniversary of Glen Campbell’s iconic “1627” original, Ovation Guitars artist model. To mark the occasion, Ovation Guitars has released the Glen Campbell 2018 American Artist Model which features a high-end, torrefied spruce top which gives this USA-made model a vintage, “played-in” look, increases durability and lends a brand new guitar increased “openness,” and improves tone and responsiveness. Cal Campbell will be at the event to showcase the new 2018 model. Crafted in the Ovation Custom Shop located in New Hartford, CT, the Glen Campbell 2018 American Artist Model also features an engraved, ebony truss rod cover and a custom, mid-depth bowl which was built to the exact specifications of Campbell’s original artist guitar which he personally helped design and immediately became a best seller when it was originally released in 1968. Get more details on this guitar here. The Glen Campbell Signature Model / Photo Credit Rob Shanahan Location: Anaheim Convention Center Idea Center, Hall C Lobby. Complimentary parking in the new ACC North building (enter off West Katella Ave). Map HERE. Contact: NAMM@lippingroup.com. Participating companies listed at bottom of this alert.     Thursday – Saturday, 1/25-1/27, 10AM-6PM; Sunday, 1/28, 10AM-5PM – *The NAMM Show –Business leaders, musicians, celebrities and media from around the world and over 500 Education Panels & Sessions from NAMM U and NAMM education partners A3E, AES, TEC Tracks, The Pro Production Sessions, Dante Training and Certification. Full schedule HERE. Highlights also include artist-related panels: Eagles of Death Metal’s Jesse Hughes; Concert producer Kevin Lyman of Warped Tour Fame; Tom Petty Crew Reunion Panel; Grammy Award-winning engineer, mixer and producer Andrew Scheps; Birth of a Record: Jackson Browne's 1977 "Running on Empty." Location: Anaheim Convention Center & surrounding hotels. Park HERE at Angel Stadium and utilize complimentary media shuttle. Contact: NAMM@lippingroup.com. *The NAMM Show is not open to the public. OK Go / Photo credit: Makoto Kubota Thursday, 1/25, Friday, 1/26, Saturday, 1/27 – The NAMM Yamaha Grand Plaza Stage Performances – All performances begin at 6PM OK Go (Thurs.); Yamaha All-Star Concert on the Grand with artists to-be-announced (Fri.); The John Lennon Educational Tour Bus Presents The 2018 Imagine Party featuring Andy Grammer (Sat.). Location: Grand Plaza Stage between Hilton / Marriott hotels; Contact NAMM@lippingroup.com Andy Grammer Friday, 1/26, 6:30PM – The 2018 She Rocks Awards – As part of NAMM events, honoring women for contributions and leadership within the music industry, including Melissa Etheridge, Pat Benatar,B52’s Kate Pierson & Cindy Wilson. Tickets available here.  Location: House of Blues, Anaheim. Parking: House of Blues. Contact: leslie@mad-sun.com Melissa Etheridge will be honored on January 26 at the She Rocks Awards. Photo: Bob Steshetz Friday, 1/26,  7:30PM – The Parnelli Awards – The Industry’s Highest Honor for Live Event Professionals – Tickets available here. Location: Hilton Anaheim Hotel’s Pacific Ballroom. Parking available at Hotels and nearby locations. Contact: NAMM@lippingroup.com Saturday, 1/27,  9:00AM – Grand Rally for Music Education. Presented by The NAMM Foundation to honor music education champions and advocates. Also featuring FORTE, Vanessa Carlton, Bernie Williams, Manhattan School of Music Electronic Jazz Ensemble. Location: Anaheim Hilton, California Ballroom CD (Level 2). Park HERE at Angel Stadium and utilize complimentary media shuttle. Contact: NAMM@lippingroup.com Saturday, 1/27, 5:30PM – Roomful of Pianos, a Lounge 88 Event – Grand finale event featuring 50+ pianists that will be playing the same song in unison. Location: Anaheim Convention Center, Lounge 88 (Level 3 Ballroom). And, the piano that was in Ford Theatre the night President Lincoln was shot will be shown in the Lounge, its first-ever showcase of piano at a NAMM event. Contact: NAMM@lippingroup.com Saturday, 1/27, 7:00PM – NAMM TEC AWARDS – Hosted by Comedian Demetri Martin – Les Paul Innovation Award to Jackson Browne – Hall of Fame to The Section, and the best of winners in professional audio and sound production excellence. Limited press seating available. Contact:NAMM@lippingroup.com. For a list of NAMM Show events and performances throughout the Anaheim Convention Center, surrounding hotels and concerts, visit https://www.namm.org/thenammshow/2018/events/schedule.
WHERE:	The NAMM Show – Anaheim Convention Center (800 W Katella Ave, Anaheim, CA 92802) & surrounding hotels Media Preview Day Exhibiting Companies Include: 3Dvarius; 64 Audio; Adam Hall Group; Antares Audio Technologies; BandLab; Beyerdynamic, Inc.; Bittree Patchbays; BOSE Corporation;  BOSS; Casio America, Inc.; C.F. Martin & Co./Martin Guitar; Chroma Coda; D’Addario; D’Angelico Guitars; dBTechnologies; Deering Banjo Co.; Earthquaker Devices; Enhancia; Fender Music Instrument Corporation; German Light Products; Gretsch Drums; IK Multimedia; inMusic; Innovative Concepts & Design LLC; Kawai America Corporation; LAVA Guitars; Ludwig Drum Co.; McSwain Guitars; MXL Microphones; Ovation Guitars; PK Sound; Reverend Guitars; Roland; Schertler SA; SHIKUMI DESIGN, Inc.;  Sound Enhancement, LLC; Sound Techniques Ltd.; Spalt Instruments; ToneWoodAmp; Universal Audio; Walrus Audio; YAMAHA; Yudo Inc.; ZYLIA.