So before I forget, here are some “notes” (pun intended) for the next time I go to that crazy, huge, loud music trade show knows as NAMM.1) Make sure I have all my friends’ cell phone numbers already programmed into my phone. I wanted to connect with a couple of old bandmates and discovered that I didn’t actually have their numbers in my new phone. (Never assume!) That place is so huge that it’s easy to miss people. Luckily, while I was wandering around, I bumped into a mutual friend who knew their numbers.
2) Go early and read through the big, daily magazine while listing to the live music before the exhibit floor opens at 10 a.m. It will give me an idea of the booth appearances for the day that may not have been provided on the Internet or mobile phone Web ap.
3) Have a black and a silver sharpie on hand. I got a nice autographed picture from Adrian Vandenberg thanks to the generosity of the Japanese guys in front of me who let him keep their silver sharpie marker. (Domo arigato gozaimasu!)
4) Remember that I have a camera. There were some great photo opportunities that didn’t dawn on me at the time, for whatever reason. For example, I could have gotten a cool picture with the Tierra Negra flamenco guys. I was wandering through the loud drum section seeing if I can spot my friends (see #1 above about the cell phone), and in a booth near the drum section I heard some great guitar playing. I went over there and Tierra Negra were playing with hardly anybody around. Someone else walked up while videotaping them and said, “These guys sound like Tierra Negra.”
I pointed down to the postcards in front of them that showed they actually were Tierra Negra, and replied, “That’s because they ARE Tierra Negra.”
He laughed and said, “Only at NAMM!”
Too true. At least I had the wherewithal to have them autograph one of their postcards for me, but I had to make them dig around the back of the booth for a pen. (But of course, next time I’ll have one at the ready per note #3 above!)
5) It would REALLY have helped if I actually remembered the $%^& charging cable for the camera, which doesn’t run on batteries. I practically drained the fully charged battery the first night there. I actually had to buy a disposable camera. It felt weird having to put my eye to the view finder to take a picture.
6) Speaking of pictures, I noticed that I looked a little dorky wandering the hall with my laptop backpack. I wasn’t there to look cool and pick up on rocker chicks (like some people I know), but I think next time I’ll reduce the dork factor a little and take a messenger bag. What do you think? Here I am with guitar shredder Yngwie J. Malmsteen. I look like I’m saying, “Hello Mr. Rock Star. Don’t I look spiffy with my ergonomically correct, cushioned laptop backpack?”
7) Have more cash on hand. I went through it pretty fast, even though I was being pretty good with the food and drinks. The cab rides added up. I spent a fair amount on CDs, but it was nice discovering new artists and groups and being able to buy their CDs after their performances. I did get a great deal on airport parking as well as shuttle. I’ll have to be sure to check the Internet again before I go on the trip.
8) Bigger suitcase. I tried not to take too much stuff from the show. I actually could have grabbed a few more guitar magazines and catalogs. Even with what I had, I really stuffed my suitcase, and it took a while to get it all packed in there. Next time, I’ll just take a bigger suitcase. Southwest doesn’t charge for it unless it’s overweight.
9) And regarding the topic of being overweight: If I ever had any motivation to get in shape, it would be for something like this. My legs were sore after first day. That night when I was checking out bands, I was seeing what I could lean against. Next time, I’ll try to shape up first. With so much to do and see, I’ve got to keep my stamina up! I’m too used to letting my fingers do the walking, either on the keyboard or the guitar. I’ve got work the legs a little more. Is Suzanne Somers still selling those Thigh Masters? Oh, yea, she is!
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