Red Hot NAMM 2012

Every year I attend the NAMM show – (The National Association of Music Merchants).  I have absolutely no business or reason to attend the show.  I am not a musician and I don’t work in the music business.  But I do love Rock N Roll and thus the NAMM show where where hundreds of people who attend feel the same way.  Dr. Malibu likens the show to a high school reunion, bumping into old friends and reconnecting.   Getting your hands on a NAMM badge takes some connections but it’s not a tragedy if you can’t actually attend the show.  There’s a lot going on outside the convention center walls.

This year I ran across a booth Ultra Case which had a uniquely crafted quilt backdrop.  The owner’s sister in law, Liza, made the quilt using a collection of his treasured vintage rock t-shirts.  If you don’t know anything about quilting, you should know it’s one of the most undervalued and underappreciated forms of art.  To do it well requires a lot of skill, a good eye and even more patience.  Quilts take a long time to make.   I love that the notes along the border play Bohemian Rhapsody.  Amazing!  You an check out Liza’s work here.

You never know what you’ll see NAMM.  People are dressed in some crazy gear, girls are decked out in mini skirts and fishnets, boys in their metal finest, tattoos from head to toe.  A few merchants post scantily clad girls around their booth to attract attention.  Gator Cases put this gator gal on display to capture interest from the crowds.  I couldn’t resist a quick pet and photo op.

I wore my newest and coolest Pink Polkadot Dress and ran into the designer herself – Sharise Neil – who spotted me wearing her dress!

The highlight of the event for me, was meeting Chad Smith from the Red Hot Chili Peppers!  Chad tolerated my death grip on his jacket and stepping on his toes during my excitement over meeting him and getting a picture!

When the convention center shuts down for the day, the evening is just gearing up.  Groups gather in the Hilton Anaheim lobby or the Marriott.  Literally, people party like rock stars until morning.  I mixed up a few shakers of lemon drops (of course) for the gathering in our room.  Just the right way to kick off the evening where more rounds of reunion occur and new friendships are forged.  Rock on!

NAMM Show 2011

Last night – exactly the second night of the NAMM show, was spent packing my bags and planning my outfits.  Inevitably I will forget the correct shoes or some required piece of wardrobe trickery, thus quality planning time is essential.  The NAMM show is, well let’s start with the acronym – The National Association of Music Merchants… but they don’t actually use that any more as it’s a bit broader these days.  My definition is a great weekend to  hang out with my music oriented friends – especially my best friend Kat.  Maybe see some cool stuff and grab some guitar picks for Thing 1 and Thing 2 who must eat them as the supply I gained last year from NAMM 2010 has dwindled down to 10.  Dr. Malibu encouraged me to wear clothes this year.  (I assure you all parts of my body were fully clothed last year).  This morning is a dull wait.  Bags are packed.  Hotel is confirmed.  NAMM badges printed.  Schedule of booths and events reviewed.  Camera is charging.  I’m ready.