Portnoy and Sabian Live at NAMM

NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants) never fails to provide an annual look into the best products and talents available throughout the world of music. For those lucky enough to attend a NAMM event, lives are changed forever, especially when it comes to  experiencing some of the greatest talent the industry has to offer… not to mention the sneak peeks at all the new instrumental goods a musician could ask for. As the sponsor of “the largest and longest-running musical instruments and products trade show in the United States,” NAMM has given the world of music a fun, free and educational way to connect musicians, artist and fans together for one amazing jam session. This year, the NAMM show was no different, and with footage continuing to pop up on YouTube and other websites, the amazing acts, instruments and gear continue to provide a fantasy land of wonder for professional and amateur musicians, alike.

The Sabian Live Event is always an important part of NAMM’s annual show. This year, the talented Virgil Donati was showcased, performing with the equally amazing Allan Holdsworth, Jimmy Haslip and Dennis Hamm. Tony Roster, Jr., was said to have showed off his Sabian cymbals painfully well, rousing the audience into a frenzy and wreaking percussion havoc in his own unique way. Then, of course, there was Mike Portnoy, Derek Sherinian, Billy Sheehan and Tony MacAlpine teaming up on behalf of Sabian cymbals, giving the audience an unforgettable show that is possibly still thumping against ear drums today.

Because of organizations like NAMM and its annual event that benefits the music industry on both intimate and expansive levels, the ability to collaborate, network and learn among music professionals and amateurs continues to grow. Whether as a fan, customer, performer, teacher or business, NAMM 2012 has made its mark on the world of music, becoming a springboard for the next generations of sound, rhythm and style.