The annual NAMM Show is a wondrous event. If it involves music, you’ll see it there. Classes, concerts, technology, music, engineering, producing, music law, publishing, amazing musical instruments, sound reinforcement, software, mixing consoles, microphones, more drums and cymbals than you can shake a drum stick at, harmonicas, gadgets, toys – if you can name it, you can find it there.
And of course, parties, which in NAMM’s case are primarily about the music, with a bit of drinks, eats, attitude and wardrobe outrageousness thrown in. I was walking around with Michael O’Neal, who many know from his Beginner Audiophile podcast, from Rennch (in which he builds a Porsche 911 with a dual-turbocharged Subaru flat engine), and as the founder and host of the very successful podcast, The Solopreneur Hour, among others. Michael’s also a touring drummer, and when he said, “Hey, want to go to a private gig tonight?” I said, “Of course!”
I grew up in Anaheim, the site of the NAMM show, and even though I was heavily into music, in high school I didn’t have much time or freedom to roam about. My parents always had chores for me, studies to do, music lessons, after-school activities, clubs, sports, you name it. Even my Saturdays were taken, all the way over in Pasadena where I attended the CalTech Saturday Science Program (SSP) every week for years. It was only later, when I was in college, that I was free to hit events like concerts and gigs. So, I wasn’t really aware that Anaheim had a famous underground hardcore scene, holding forth mostly at a small little bar called the Doll Hut. (I’ll be working on a story about that in the future.) The point is that even in your hometown, there can be amazing things and scenes you aren’t aware of, and in this case the evening was about to prove that.
We drove to an undisclosed spot, less than a mile from Disneyland, and Michael warned me to just follow him, and not speak (tough for me if you know me), and we’d have a great time. We entered a building without any signage, and through a chain link fence we ascended a ramp and suddenly were in a space filled with music, instruments, musicians, a few fans, food, drinks, neon, and a full-blown Pro-Tools system. I was a bit blown away.
We had entered the unique and private EmpowerLogic Studio, a community-based rehearsal space, studio, monthly birthday gathering, hangout, and more. Run by the irrepressible Glen Stern, who has funded and guided the studio for years in multiple locations, it had a great vibe. Why were we there? Because Michael had been invited to sit in that night for their annual Nights After NAMM event, which featured a wide range of well-known performers as well as locals and members, many of whom had driven hours to be there. These are jam sessions with some incredible talent, while you can enjoy sipping a cold drink with amazing barbecue by Tobi Hero. It's a community-run space, so everyone is expected to chip in and help.
Who was there that night? Jeez, here are a few names! Scott Page, who was a touring sax player with Pink Floyd, was there with members of his band. Other attendees included Gregg Sartiano (Corey Feldman’s guitarist), Gillman Waldo (saxophonist for We Are The Aliens), Jamesan Zane (EmpowerLogic, vocalist), Miki Sounds (singer, musician, publisher), Sarah Daye (Grammy-nominated performer), Scott “Bongoman” Abelson, Justin “Jut” Feiertag, Eric Pascal (guitarist), Wayne Livingston (vocals and guitarist), Tobi Hero (Bass and barbecue master), Glen Stern (drums), Lhana Berger (singer), Travis Harral (EmpowerLogic staffer and drummer for the Step Daughters), Stephen Perkins (drummer – Jane’s Addiction), Derek Day (guitarist – Classless Act), Rick Grajeda (keyboards), Norwood Fisher (Fishbone), Omar Avni, Mike Gryciuk (drummer), David Moss (Watts Conservatory of Music). The Tom Ciurczak Band with Melissa Robyn (vocals), Ken Harrill (guitar), Tom Ciurczak (guitar and vocals), Kyan Wnuck (drums), and Phil Stein (bass); Chris McKinney (keyboards). Phil Van Vorndran (singer – Buckshot), and Keith Berger (EmpowerLogic).
As you might imagine, the event was a great time, as were the jam sessions – many of these folks had never played together before. Since then, I’ve been to other events at the studio, which is now partnering with the House of Blues in Anaheim. Hearing live music is a great reminder to never forget that as nice as wonderfully-constructed and designed music reproduction systems are, they still pale in comparison to the real thing. So, make sure to hit a few gigs, and leave a tip!
Here are some photos from those nights.
Here are drummer Glen Stern, Jamesan Zane (singer for Empower Logic), and Michael O’Neal of Beginner Audiophile, who also plays drums.
Phil Stein plays bass for Southern California singer/songwriter Tom Ciurczak.
Melissa Robyn sings in Tom Ciurczak's band.
Scott “Bongoman” Abelson handled – what else? – the bongos.
Ken Harrill plays guitar for Tom Ciurczak.
One more Tom Ciurczak band member was present: Chris McKinney on keyboards.
The event was well attended – standing for the photo are guitarist Eden Perkins, a dashingly-attired guest, ThinkX saxophonist Scott Page, drummer Mike Gryciuk, and David Moss from the Watts Conservatory of Music.
Michael O’Neal of Beginner Audiophile is quite accomplished on the drums.
Derek Day of Classless Act rocks out with Jane's Addiction drummer Stephen Perkins, and Scott Page.
Scott Page was ever present during the music making.
Barbecue and bass master Tobi Hero takes a break.
Fishbone bassist Norwood Fisher hangs out with and Travis Harral of EmpowerLogic Studios and drummer for the Step Daughters.
Lhana Berger takes the mic, with Scott Page accompanying.
Lhana and Michael O’Neal take a break.
Jamesan Zane gets on stage.
Gregg Sartiano takes some time off from being Corey Feldman's guitarist.
Singer, musician and publisher Miki Sounds enjoys a moment with Glen Stern of EmpowerLogic Studios.
Wayne Livingston is a top notch singer and guitarist.
Miki Sounds, Gregg Sartiano and Wayne Livingston jam with guitarist Eric Pascal.
Header image: Tobi Hero has a good time playing bass.
All photos courtesy of Harris Fogel.
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