~by Dena Burroughs

THE FUN OF NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants) 2008

Inside NAMM - January 19, 2008

I can't say much more than what the pictures say by themselves. However, I will say... look for Johnny Rodriguez Jr "Dandy", Giovanni Hidalgo, Tito Rodriguez Jr., Sheila E., Pete Escobedo, Chino Nunez, Ralph Irizarri, George Balmaseda, Tomas Cruz, Jesus Diaz, Marc Quinonez, Bobby Allende, Horacio "El Negro" Hernandez, Armando Peraza, Candido Camero, David "La Mole" Ortiz, Karl Perazzo, Eddie Montalvo, and many more familiar faces! 

LP, Pearl, Toca, Tycoon, Remo... they had a ton of fabulous people in town.  A definite treat! 

[click to enlarge]

A clip of Giovanni Hidalgo and friends playing at the LP booth:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6hmrdoI48PQ

A clip of Ralph Irizarri and Tomas Cruz playing at the Tycoon booth: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x2ipfNpBLn4

Also, very difficult to ignore, Ozomatli.  Here's a short clip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9IUGkzQZsQ8

Chembo Corniel's workshop, downtown L.A. - January 18, 2008

Just came back from the workshop led by Chembo Corniel in downtown L.A.  In the mix of the evening was David "La Mole" Ortiz, Ernesto Valenzuela, Rochelle Courtney, Shelly Lee, and a few other folks who've unfortunately become victims to my Alzheimer's. My apologies.  However, here's some pictures.  Always fun! 

Another workshop with Chembo is being planned for the end of this month/beginning of February, so if you're interested, let me know and I'll try to direct you to the organizer.

[click to enlarge]

Lucky 7, with Ralph Irizarri, at El Floridita - January 17, 2008

The fun of NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants)( http://www.thenammshow.com ) is, in part, that so many musicians travel to our area to attend it.  When that happens, they show up here and there to "jam" with our local musicians.  Such was the case last night when Ralph Irizarri 
( http://www.soncafe.net ) played along with our local band "Lucky 7," at El Floridita ( http://www.elfloridita.com ) in Hollywood.

Having been no secret, El Floridita was packed, the band had definitely more than just seven lucky members, and we all had a great time.

NAMM's first day is today.  That means many musicians and instrument vendors are gathered in the O.C. and will continue to do so each day until Sunday.  The evenings, however, are a different story.  The evenings are for special workshops, performances and to hang out with friends who don't see one another often.  Some of the workshops and performances are listed on my main calendar.  If you want to get into some very exclusive fun, do attend some of them!

Below are some pictures from last night at El Floridita.  [click to enlarge]

You're going to have to trust me that this is Ralph Irizarri playing, because you'll never see his face.... but seriously... look at those hands! = http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PYwaAEoF7JE