News: NAMM review day one... by NAMM

ANAHEIM, Calif., January 13, 2010—The first day of the NAMM Show drew a capacity-crowd to the Breakfast of Champions opening show session at the Anaheim Hilton in the early morning hours, where NAMM President and CEO Joe Lamond welcomed numerous industry laureates who shared valuable industry insight with attendees.

The Breakfast of Champions featured Vic Firth, founder of Vic Firth, Inc.; Bob Zildjian, founder of Sabian Cymbals; Ikutaro Kakehashi, founder and special consultant, Roland Corporation; Jon Haber, founder and owner of Alto Music; Sam Ash, chief operations officer of Sam Ash Music Stores; Mike Huckabee, TV commentator and former Governor of Arkansas; Bobby Roberts, manager of Bobby Roberts Company, Inc.; and Bernie Williams, former New York Yankee and musician.

Gov. Huckabee and Williams spoke about their passion for supporting music education for children.

“Music and arts programs are vital,” Huckabee said. “I like to say it this way: They're not extracurricular, they're not expendable, and they're not extraneous—they're essential.” more