NAMM 2023- A Meaningful Experience
Entertainment, Events, News2 — By Donnell Spencer Jr. on April 20, 2023 at 4:01 pm
Cover photo- NAMM 2023. Photo by Donnell Spencer Jr. Inside photo- Masterful drummer, composer and writer Donnell Spencer Jr. tries out a drum kit at the Odery booth at NAMM. Visit their website at www.odery.com
By Donnell Spencer Jr.
Attending the NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants) show in Anaheim was a wonderful experience that left me with a nice appreciation for the diversity and the size of the event this year. As someone who has participated in many of these industry trade shows in the past, I was pleasantly surprised at how much easier it was to connect with people in a way that felt more meaningful. One of the things that really stood out to me about NAMM this year, was that whether you were an industry professional or up-and-coming musician, there was something to celebrate about the latest and greatest in musical equipment and technology.
There were plenty of exhibits and music merchant displays, so musicians and music marketers had an opportunity to explore everything that the show had to offer. Companies presenting included Yamaha, Peavey Electronics, Shure Incorporated, Eventide, Antelope Audio, Odery and Rhodes, among many others.
The Rhodes Exhibit. Photo by Donnell Spencer Jr.
A young musician tries out one of the keyboards at the Rhodes exhibit. Photo by Donnell Spencer Jr.
Although smaller than in pre-pandemic years, NAMM still proves that it still is one of the best music industry hangs of the year, with over 3,500 brands that gives musicians that attend NAMM a meaningful and memorable experience. This year, NAMM had musical performances that included Yamaha’s Night of Worship on Thursday, with Grammy award-winning artist TobyMac.
Above: Donnell Spencer Jr. displays his monster chops at NAMM.
It also had Greg Phillinganes as emcee for the Yamaha All-Star Concert on the Grand for Friday’s performances, which showcased the eight-piece band Lawrence, swing band Big Bad Voodoo Daddy and Grammy-nominated soul artist Jamison Ross. Saturday’s performances celebrated MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface), which featured Resident Alien, the new band with Brian Hardgroove and DJ Johnny Juice from Public Enemy.
Donnell Spencer Jr. (L) with Mauricio of Odery. Visit their website at www.odery.com.
One of the highlights of my time at NAAM was getting to hang out with the owner of the drum company that endorses me, Mauricio, “Odery.” www.odery.com.
Spending time with him and being able to come home with a new drum kit was fantastic! NAMM 2023, for me, was simply a meaningful experience.
NAMM continues to be one of the biggest musical experiences of the year. Photo by Donnell Spencer Jr.
The Big Johnson Bass booth at NAMM. Photo by Donnell Spencer Jr.
A young musician tests a drum kit. Photo by Donnell Spencer Jr.
Ohana Ukeleles. Photo by Donnell Spencer Jr.
Donnell Spencer Jr.
Donnell Spencer Jr. is a sensational musician, composer and drummer that has toured or worked with Chaka Khan, Stevie Wonder, Anita Baker, Jody Watley, El DeBarge, Destiny’s Child, Patti Austin, John Legend, Brian Culbertson and Boney James among many others. The professional musician is also a terrific photographer. Visit his Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Gruuvdr, (Donnell Spencer Jr. ) and his Instagram page, @donnellspencerjrphotography.
https://instagram.com/donnellspencerjrphotography?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y
You may also hear his music on Spotify:
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