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In Memoriam: Al Foster, 1943–2025
Al Foster, a drummer regarded for his fluency across the bebop, post-bop and funk/fusion lineages of jazz, died May 28…
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
Foster was truly a drummer to the stars, including Miles Davis, Sonny Rollins and Joe Henderson.
Jun 3, 2025 11:25 AM
Al Foster, a drummer regarded for his fluency across the bebop, post-bop and funk/fusion lineages of jazz, died May 28…
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