THE NAMM JAM
The annual National Association of Music Merchants trade show is always, to borrow an adjective from David Letterman, an "extravaganza," and this year's show in Atlanta was no exception. Exhibitors from around the world packed the Georgia World Congress Center with every imaginable musical instrument in Christendom, and then some.
EXTENSION CHORDS
THE NAMM JAM
by
Allen Hester
The annual National Association of Music Merchants trade show is always, to borrow an adjective from David Letterman, an "extravaganza," and this year's show in Atlanta was no exception. Exhibitors from around the world packed the Georgia World Congress Center with every imaginable musical instrument in Christendom, and then some. As usual, the atmosphere was congenial, and the competition was fierce. When the smoke cleared after four days of heavy negotiating, parlaying, braying, beating and bragging, everyone retired to their respective corners to lick their wounds, count their casualties, and plan new strategies and surprises for next year.
In many ways, music conventions are a lot like any convention; people keep ridiculous hours, talk till they are blue in the face, party harder than usual, crack a lot of bad jokes, and buy trinkers for the kids back home. But where else could a guy see Chet Atkins, Toto, Eddie Van Halen, and Arlen Roth for free? Now I ask ya...