Musical acts are scheduled to perform at the Nissan Grand Plaza stage at the 2017 NAMM Show. This year will bring a variety of artists from across the spectrum, with each evening offering performances from rock legends, a pro-athlete and accomplished jazz musician and an R&B hitmaker, all in the spirit of musical diversity.
Kicking off the show on Thursday night, Jan. 19. is rock duo RSO: Richie Sambora and Orianthi. Each a respected guitarist in their own right, Sambora and Orianthi will bring their fret work and screams to the show, marking the duo’s first NAMM performance together. Grammy® award-winner Sambora, also known for his passion for philanthropy, will offer up his world-renowned Songwriters Hall of Fame talent, hooks and lyrics. Platinum-selling guitarist Orianthi has enjoyed a career as a touring artist for the likes of Michael Jackson, Alice Cooper and many others, and was named by Elle magazine as one of the top “12 Greatest Female Electric Guitarists.” The pair has spent the past year touring the globe and will perform at The NAMM Show directly following a tour of the U.K., Asia and Orianthi’s native Australia.
On Friday evening, Jan. 20, former center fielder for the New York Yankees, music education advocate and accomplished jazz musician Bernie Williams and his All-Star Band will take the stage to perform in The NAMM Foundation’s Celebration for Music Education. Williams, who enjoyed a 16-year career in Major League Baseball, is a classically-trained guitarist, Latin Grammy®-nominated (2009’s Moving Forward) musician and designated Turnaround Arts artist a program from the President’s Committee on Arts and Humanities. Williams and band will welcome fellow music and arts supporter, Turnaround Arts artist, singer, songwriter and “Life is Beautiful” hitmaker, Keb’ Mo’, along with additional surprise performers throughout the evening. The NAMM Foundation’s Celebration for Music Education is designated to celebrate the many donors and supporters of the Foundation’s efforts and to encourage attendees to join in the organization’s efforts.
On Saturday, Jan. 21, The John Lennon Educational Tour Bus celebrates its 20th Anniversary with The John Lennon Imagine Party featuring Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees, Ronnie Spector and the Ronettes. As the “Original Bad Girl of Rock & Roll,” Spector is best known for a long string of classic “girl group” rock anthems such as “Baby I Love You,” “Walking in The Rain” and the international number one smash, “Be My Baby.” The rock icon has charted material in six consecutive decades, and along the way collaborated with everyone from Jimi Hendrix and Bruce Springsteen, to Eddie Money, Joey Ramone and the Beatles. Spector and John Lennon first met in London during the Ronettes’ first U.K. tour in January of 1964, and in 1966, the group was personally chosen by the Beatles to open their final tour. From their first meeting forward, Lennon and Spector shared a close friendship with Lennon playing and singing on Ronnie's first solo recordings in 1971. The night will celebrate the Lennon Bus’ 20th Anniversary, the connection we share through music, and inspire those in attendance to continue to build a more musical world
Each act will start at 6:00 p.m. and be preceded by a variety of performers throughout the day. The previously announced schedule is available here: namm.org/thenammshow/2017/events/schedule#concerts
The NAMM Show gathers 100,000 members of the music product industry from around the world to preview new products from every category of music making. Register for badges to experience more than 6,000 music product, instrument and technology brands, special events and live entertainment. The free badge deadline is Jan. 4, 2017, at 11:59 pm PST.
Photo by Tim Tronckoe
For more information, visit namm.org/thenammshow/2017.
