(Left) Nashville's own studio ace Brent Mason demonstrates his new signature Valley Arts model guitar while playing for an audience at the Summer NAMM show held in Nashville, Tennessee.

NASHVILLE, TN, July 18, 2003—NAMM, the International Music Products Association, today kicked off its 2003 NAMM Summer Session, which drew an international crowd of music products industry professionals—manufacturers, buyers and media—to the Nashville Convention Center and adjoining Gaylord Entertainment Center.

Several show attendees started their show experience early at last night’s Pre-Show Party at The Hang in the Gaylord Entertainment Center. Along with the music of several industry bands, the party was highlighted with a performance by hip hop artists the Black Eyed Peas, as well as the announcement of the John Lennon Songwriting Contest winner, Amy Fairchild, who was awarded $20,000 for the 2002 Maxell Song of the Year.

The show floor filled quickly with attendees who crowded show aisles checking out the latest music products, conducting business transactions and making their way to many of the free NAMM University professional development sessions.

Attendees in the Gaylord Entertainment Center were making some real noise, due in part to meetings between exhibitors and buyers, along with the NAMM International Fastest Drummer Contest. A steady stream of contestants pounded away throughout the day in a competition for fastest hands and fastest feet. In the evening, people gathered to watch the winners of the John Lennon Songwriting Contest perform in The Hang.

NASHVILLE, TN, July 19, 2003—NAMM, the International Music Products Association, began the second day of its 2003 Summer Session today with live music in the Gaylord Entertainment Center lobby. Chapman Stick virtuoso Greg Howard performed jazz, rock and original solo compositions for attendees who were waiting for the show floor to open. Many of these show-goers also caught some live music the night before when Gretsch presented the Brian Setzer Trio at the annual Wildhorse Saloon party co-hosted by Fender and NAMM.

Today marked the first day of the Gibson Guitar/Chevy Rock and Roll Tour and Exhibit, housed in the Gaylord Entertainment Center. The exhibit features interactive displays, rare music memorabilia and innovative guitars.

NASHVILLE, TN, July 20, 2003—NAMM, the International Music Products Association, began the final day of its 2003 Summer Session today with uplifting melodies at the Gospel Music Pancake Breakfast. Before the show floor opened, Dr. Bobby Jones and the Nashville Super Choir, among other gospel solo artists and groups, performed for the crowd at The Hang in the Gaylord Entertainment Center.

In the Gaylord Entertainment Center, the final heats of the NAMM International Fastest Drummer Contest took place. Taking the title of “Fastest Hands” was Eric Okamoto with 1,018 strokes in 60 seconds, and the “Fastest Feet” honor went to Kermit “Thumper” Tarver with 768 beats in 60 seconds. In addition, a new world record was set today when current hand-drumming world-record holder, Jotan Afanador topped his existing record of 1,123 single strokes in 60 seconds with a new record of 1,165 strokes.

NAMM’s 11th Summer Session in Nashville came to a close today after three action-filled days of commerce, artist appearances and educational seminars. At the close of the show, NAMM, the International Music Products Association, reported a two percent increase in registered attendance, setting another all-time record for the summer trade show.

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It was love at first sight, even disbelief, as guitar icon Les Paul did Summer NAMM in Nashville last weekend. "That's Les Paul," shocked industry veterns, peers and even Gibson employees muttered at first sight of the 88-year-old living legend. It was Les' first Nashville visit since 1976 when he came to Music City to record the Grammy-winning Chester and Lester with the late Chet Atkins.

Thursday night he attended Gibson Custom's 10th anniversary VIP party. "I'm very proud of what they've done with the Les Paul guitar," he told a crowd that jammed the front parking lot at Gibson's Custom, Art & Historic division. "I want to thank all the fellas who work here at the plant. And I want to thank the players, because if it wasn't for all those guys out there playing the thing, we'd all be hungrier than hell."

In introducing Les Paul, Gibson president Dave Berryman noted, "This is a great event in the history of the guitar and the history of rock 'n' roll." Although Les' appearance had been unannounced, when Berryman said "The father of the electric guitar, the man who started it all," the crowd knew who the special guest was.

The next three days he enthralled the industry and the city with several appearances, always taking more time than planned and winning new admirers with his humility and humor. "It's not often that I get down here," he said. "It's not often that I go anywhere."

(Left) Rock & Roll "Wild Man" Ted Nugent plays his custom Gibson "Great White Buffalo" Byrdland guitar at Gibson's Custom Shop party for dealers and media.