Jul 22, 2026 12:37 PM
In Memoriam: Rodney Holmes, 1966–2026
Drummer Rodney Holmes, a powerful presence behind the kit who emerged as an in-demand player on the New York scene…
Rachel Z performs with the ensemble Ozmosys in January during the NAMM Show in Anaheim, California.
(Photo: DownBeat)After recently announcing plans to move ahead with its trade show in Anaheim, California, The NAMM Show now is set to host Believe in Music Week in lieu of an in-person event due to health concerns over the pandemic.
The remote event is slated to run the week of Jan. 18, 2021, and is set to include an interactive marketplace to connect buyers and sellers, as well as a range of educational events, according to a press release from the organization. The weeklong event will host NAMM members from the music instrument, pro audio, live sound and event industries, artists, media and policymakers, as well as participants from GenNext (college music students and faculty), school music administrators and NAMM Foundation grantees and nonprofit affiliates. Music-making projects are planned as part of the programming.
“While it remains unsafe for us to gather in person in January, Believe in Music Week will use new, intuitive technology to connect us all to harness the incredible energy that happens when we come together,” said Joe Lamond, NAMM president and CEO. “With a robust marketplace to launch new products and share your brand story, Believe in Music will also feature networking and matchmaking for our buyers and sellers, education for all segments of the industry, and live music and concerts. And just like at all NAMM events, these activities will raise awareness and financial support to serve our NAMM family across our Circle of Benefits model. Believe in Music Week will be a critical step for our industry to help us prepare for the new year and new opportunities.”
Events that typically occur during The NAMM Show, such as The TEC Awards, The Top 100 Dealer Awards, Best in Show and The Grand Rally for Music Education, are set to take place.
Details about registration can be found at believeinmusic.tv, and additional information regarding events, receptions and other activities will be made available in the coming weeks.
“If there’s any one common vision, it’s that as a global community, we believe in music,” Lamond said in the release. “We believe in the future of music and in the future of our industry, and in this moment, we will unite and support music makers around the world.” DB
A drummer’s drummer, Rodney Holmes gigged with everyone from Joe Zawinul and Carlos Santana to Steve Kimock and the Brecker Brothers.
Jul 22, 2026 12:37 PM
Drummer Rodney Holmes, a powerful presence behind the kit who emerged as an in-demand player on the New York scene…
Clockwise from top left, Mary Halvorson, Patricia Brennan, Adam O’Farrill, Keith Jarrett’s At the Deer Head Inn: The Complete Recordings, Sheila Jordan and Jaki Byard.
Jul 16, 2026 1:34 PM
The DownBeat Critics Poll never ceases to amaze! And the 74th Edition offered plenty of accolades for poll veterans and…
“The love from the jazz and music community restored my faith in humanity,” Walia wrote in an online post upon his release from detention at an ICE facility.
Aug 18, 2026 2:15 PM
Indian jazz guitarist and composer Pritesh Walia has been released after being unexpectedly detained by ICE and taken…
Wilson’s ability to connect to audiences helped her to win two Grammy awards and multiple other accolades. She was named an NEA Jazz Master in 2022.
Sep 3, 2026 10:44 AM
Cassandra Wilson, a singer, songwriter and producer who was one of the most acclaimed and successful jazz vocalists of…
Percussionist Poncho Sanchez was among the artists scheduled to perform at the now-canceled inaugural LA Jazz Festival.
Aug 11, 2026 12:53 PM
The inaugural LA Jazz Festival, originally scheduled to run Aug. 7–23 with dozens of events across Los Angeles’…
