2014 Summer NAMM Opens With Vince Gill

(L-R): Vince Gill, NAMM President & CEO Joe Lamond, Brent Mason, Tom Bedell of Two Old Hippies, Paul Franklin, John Hobbs, Eddie Bayers and Michael Rhodes, backstage before Vince Gill Hosts “Insight: Iconic Artists And The Gear That Inspires Them.” Photo: Rick Diamond/Getty Images for NAMM

Summer NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants), one of the largest musical instrument and product trade shows in the country, runs through tomorrow (Saturday, July 19) at Nashville’s Music City Center. On display are the newest instruments and state-of-the-art recording technology.

(L-R): NAMM’s Joe Lamond, Two Old Hippies’ Tom Bedell, C.F. Martin & Co. CEO & Chairman Chris Martin, and Vince Gill, backstage before Gill hosts “Insight: Iconic Artists And The Gear That Inspires Them.” Photo: Rick Diamond/Getty Images for NAMM

Opening earlier this week, Country Music Hall of Fame inductee Vince Gill served as host with Two Old Hippies founder Tom Bedell for “Insight: Iconic Artists and the Gear that Inspires Them” kicking off the Summer NAMM convention in Nashville in Music City Center’s Davidson Ballroom. They shared the stage with their all-star musician friends for an evening of story and song, swapping tales of the beloved instruments used in some of their best-known hits. 

NAMM’s consumer “Music Industry Day” is set for tomorrow (July 19). Opening its doors to musicians, songwriters, and sound and staging professionals, NAMM offers an opportunity to demo new gear from hundreds of brands, attend workshops, check out live music, and network with music industry leaders. Workshops will guide musicians on topics ranging from marketing to navigating endorsement deals. The day also includes a session on building the ultimate pedalboard setup with Guitar World’s Paul Riario. Click here for the complete list of sessions and workshops.

Brent Mason, Vince Gill and Michael Rhodes of The Players perform as the event hosted by Gill. Photo: Rick Diamond/Getty Images for NAMM