From July 18 through July 20, Nashville is heating up with the 2019 edition of Summer NAMM! While MI went to the Winter NAMM show, the Summer NAMM Show is the mid-year edition of the event, bringing music lovers and industry people together from all over the globe in the Music City itself, Nashville, TN.
For those new to the business, NAMM stands for National Association of Music Merchants and its many member companies, which represent the music products industry, including music instruments and pro audio products.
While at NAMM, you get to see all the newest and coolest gear and artists, and get some inspiration for your own music! There are a LOT of NAMM events, but we decided to highlight a few Summer NAMM 2019 events that you shouldn’t miss!

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1. NAMM Opening Party Featuring The 36th Annual American Eagle Awards
On July 18, enjoy drinks, appetizers and live music for The Annual American Eagle Awards, which will honor funk visionary George Clinton, the late “Peanuts” composer Vince Guaraldi, and the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum for their unique and incomparable contributions to American musical culture and heritage. Some of the presenters will include country singer-songwriter John Rich, jazz pianist George Winston, and singer-songwriter Liz Rose. The event is free.
2. #SheRocksit Panel and Networking Event
This year, the Women’s International Music Network is putting on the #SheRocksIt panel and networking event, to bring together women working in all facets of the music industry. Presented by the WIMN founder and She Rocks Awards producer Laura B. Whitmore, this panel of women in music will share their stories, experiences and insights on how to succeed in the music industry, especially in a male dominated industry. This will be a great chance to network and find some new opportunities for yourself! Please RSVP at the link below.
3. The Making of ‘Help Us Stranger’ by The Raconteurs
Grammy Award-winning mix engineer Vance Powell and recording engineer Joshua V. Smith will sit down with Jonathan Pines of Rupert Neve Designs during this special discussion of the making of the Raconteurs’ #1 album, “Help Us Stranger.” If you’re a fan of Jack White, this is a can’t miss event to get an inside look on how our favorite albums comes to life.
4. Get A Sneak Peek Of The Martin’s Brexit and American Chopper Themed Guitars
Yes, really. We vote the Brexit Martin guitar to be one of the most interesting collaborations of Summer NAMM 2019.This 14-fret Martin Dreadnought art guitar is printed with custom Brexit themed art by Robert F. Goetzl and will definitely be getting some people talking. Martin will also showcase a design inspired by the American Chopper TV show and both will be part of Martin’s Summer NAMM 2019 line. You will want to snag some photos for your Instagram…
5. Check Out Gibson Unveiling Their New Collabs with Sheryl Crow, Vivian Campbell and Brian Ray
Ahead of Summer NAMM 2019, Gibson has revealed a trio of artist collaborations, with Sheryl Crow, Vivian Campbell and Brian Ray. You can make a stop to view these new additions at the Gibson’s NAMM booth along with their other original, modern and custom shop collections.
The Sheryl Crow “Country Western Supreme” will be the latest of her and Gibson’s longstanding collaborative relationship and the acoustic guitar is set to release in the Fall to coincide with Crow’s latest album release, Threads.
Other signature models include an Epiphone Holy Diver Les Paul model for Def Leppard’s Vivian Campbell, as well as a Custom Shop SG Jr for veteran session player Brian Ray.
6. The Make Music Experience
July 20·(OPEN TO PUBLIC, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.)
This year will be the second edition of the Make Music Experience, which is a one day festival during NAMM designed for musicians, gear enthusiasts, educators, artists, songwriters and industry professionals to network, discover new products, build careers with educational workshops, and experience live music.
7. Songwriting Masterclass With John Oates
A songwriting masterclass with John Oates? Of Hall & Oates!? At Summer NAMM, this dream can be yours! If you need an introduction, John Oates is one half of the incomparable duo Hall & Oates, as well as an accomplished solo artist.
The man wrote “Maneater,” so there’s no questioning why he’s a member of the Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. In this special session, he’ll discuss the stories behind the writing and recording of his iconic songs and offer advice for artists of all levels. Don’t miss this one!
Keep in mind, this is just a TINY part of everything that is available at Summer NAMM. Make sure to check out the full EVENTS page, for other demos, booths and performances you can see!