Search Results for: Tropical

The 2026 NAMM Show Took Center Stage as Historic Gathering Celebrating the Future of Global Music Industry

2026 Show Marked 125-Year Anniversary of NAMM and Demonstrated Why the Global Music Community Gathers Every Year at The NAMM Show.

January 28, 2026 – NAMM (The National Association of Music Merchants), the largest global not-for-profit music trade organization, celebrated 125 years of NAMM at The 2026 NAMM Show — a powerful week that concluded on Jan. 24 and set the music industry’s narrative for years ahead. Featuring five days of incredible education, live concerts and special events, alongside three days of extraordinary exhibits and brand activations, this year’s show featured 1,650-plus exhibitors representing over 5,400 brands and more than 200-plus educational sessions for NAMM member communities.

The 2026 NAMM Show highlighted innovative music technologies, product introductions and trends that will shape the future of the music industry during a five-day-long platform for networking, connections and meetings that are critical for uniting and growing music makers globally.

“The 2026 NAMM Show once again delivered an incredible week of unity and energy for our global NAMM members, showcasing products, partnerships and networking for the entire music industry,” said John Mlynczak, NAMM president and CEO. “NAMM continues to be the global stage for our industry to announce groundbreaking products, establish transformative partnerships and gain valuable education that drives success for our industry for the rest of the year.”

NAMM SHOW 2026 BY THE NUMBERS

60,000+ show attendees, including 8,760+ international attendees from 122 countries, regions and territories
1,650+ exhibitors representing 5,400+ brands, which is 25% more than 2025
Nearly 15,000 artists demonstrating and endorsing products and brands
200+ education sessions with 550+ speakers
1,600+ media, influencers and content creators reaching over 200+ million followers, which is 50% more than 2025.

NAMM SHOW 2026 SET LIST HIGHLIGHTS

Product Launches

The NAMM Electronic Press Kit, an online book of product and show announcements, tripled in size from 2025, with nearly 400 brands and companies using the platform to launch new products at The NAMM Show.

NAMM Global Media Day

Now in its third year, NAMM’s Global Media Day featured iconic brands spanning music, sound and entertainment technology categories to announce more than 500 ground-breaking products and business news to an exclusive media/creator/podcast-only audience of 750-plus guests.

NAMM Events and Awards Shows

Providing the platform for some of the industry’s best awards shows and live events, The 2026 NAMM Show saw sold-out crowds all week long, starting with the TEC Awards, followed by The Bass Awards Show, She Rocks Awards and The Parnelli Awards. Each show catered to a thriving professional community that gathered to honor the best of the best in each category.

Looking Back on NAMM, 125 Years Later

NAMM has been consistently guided by the best minds in the music business, who share a common desire to grow the industry and music making. Ever since 1901, NAMM leaders have come together, even as competitors, to ensure their association is helping the entire industry expand. The 125-year timeline is fully digitized and available to everyone on NAMM.org

NAMM’s Music for Life Honor Awarded to Industry Icon Rick Beato

NAMM presented globally acclaimed producer, educator, musician and YouTube creator Rick Beato with its highest honor, the Music for Life Award, in recognition of his lifelong contributions to music and commitment to inspiring music makers. In an exclusive Thursday morning Q&A with NAMM President and CEO John Mlynczak, Beato discussed his early musical influences, the music products that have helped define his career and the future of the music business in the age of AI.

NAMM’s Grand Rally for Music Education 

NAMM rallied the industry around its mission Saturday morning, highlighted by magical moments with Grammy Award-winning artists Victor Wooten and Chad Smith. The session, hosted by John Mlynczak and Julia Rubio, brought the audience to its feet with inspirational performances, conversations and messages, as well as live performances from Roots of Rhythm.

The NAMM Foundation

In honor of our 125th “NAMMiversary,” and the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States, the NAMM Foundation — with a generous $125,000 matching donation from Chris Martin, past chair of NAMM — announced at the 2026 show a total of $250,000 in funds to give back.

The Return of NAMM NeXT Europe and New NAMM NeXT Latin America

Coming off the success of last year’s inaugural event, NAMM NeXT Europe will return and NAMM NeXT Latin America will debut in 2026. These NAMM NeXT events are one- to two-day leadership conferences that will gather our industry to focus on how we can grow the industry and address common challenges.

  SCORPIO, Reported and correspondent on the job at NAMM!

Radio host and International Salsa Magazine correspondent Bryan Astrachan, aka Scorpio, at the NAMM Show

The 2027 NAMM Show is already in the works for January 26-30, 2027, at the Anaheim Convention Center. Booths with early bird rates and discounts are available now at NS27 Exhibit | NAMM.org

“I have worked with Gary since 2018 and I have been able to actively learn from his expertise as an engineer, host, programmer and now as the interim program director”

“Gary has always welcomed me with open arms and kindness”

He always supports Canto Tropical and our paths continue to cross as we support live music in all genres! Scorpio

Gary baca and Scorpio at the NAMM — Gary Baca, KPFK, Interim Program Director & Scorpio, Reporter, Correspondent, and Anchor

Gary Baca, aka G-Spot was born and raised in East Oakland. Baca began his radio career at KALX Berkeley before initiating his radio programming at KPFA Berkeley which then lead him to KPFK Los Angeles.

Gary is an American radio veteran and cultural tastemaker who currently.

In previous radio programs, Baca’s featured presentations have included interviews with Lisa Lisa, Rick James, Morris Day & The Time, George Clinton, Boy George, Tito Puente, Macy Gray, Roger Troutman & Zapp, Bootsy Collins, WAR, James Brown and Cameo, Rakim, The Commodores, Buddy Miles, The Doors, Earth, Wind & Fire, Johnny Mathis and Carlos Santana.

Now celebrating over 30 years of radio programming, he is also a concert emcee introducing such acts as Ice Cube, Cameo, Cypress Hill, DJ Quik, Too Short, E40, Tierra, Malo, The Dramatics, Rappin 4Tay, Sheila E. & Rhythm Tribe.

KPFK 90.7 FM’s Pocho Hour of Power provides a smartly satirical look at political issues facing Latinos in America. Co-hosted by cartoonist Lalo Alcaraz, filmmaker Esteban Zul, comedian’s Jeff Keller, Paul Vato, and producer Gary Baca the show brings its raucous brand of satire.

*Gary has a history of discovering artists, hosting community TV, and teaching radio skills.

KPFK, Interim Program Director: Manages Programing for KPFK.DJ & Host:

Global Village (Tuesday’s 11am-

1pm) The Pocho Hour of Power

(Friday’s 3-4pm) Welcome 2 the

Dawn (Saturday 4:00 AM – 6:00 AM) Co-Host and produce La Raza radio Thursdays 3-4pm

Gary Began his career in radio in the late 80’s at KALX in Berkely

KPFK 90.7 FM Los Angeles, 98.7 FM

Santa Barbara,

93.7 FM San Diego, 99.5 FM

Ridgecrest & China Lake *ONLINE @ KPFK.ORG

Studios located in Glendale, CA
Transmitter high atop Mt. Wilson
With 110,000 watts of power

Scorpio and Rafael Feliciano — Scorpio with Rafael Feliciano, “Soul Sauce”

Born out love and respect for the unique musical sounds created by latin jazz legend/vibist Cal Tjader, this collective of pro players recreate the exact musical arrangements Tjader wrote and recorded for today’s audience. From original hits such as “Soul Sauce(wachi-wara)” to versions of jazz standards like “Speak Low”, this band will entrance an audience with its exotic, soothing sound which fuses afro-cuban and brazilian rhythms with modern jazz classics.
The band features Peter Burke on vibes/percussion, Ramon Banda on timbales, Rafael Feliciano on congas, Joe Rotondi on piano, and Ross Schodek on bass. There is usually a surprise guest appearance added to each show as well, making each performance a special occasion.

“I have had the pleasure of attending several “Soul Sauce” presentations at a variety of venues including Roscoe’s in Long Beach and I have always been impressed with their professionalism, talent , respect & love for the music they play live”

Scorpio, Reporter, Correspondent and Anchor

Musicians at The NAMM Show — Some musicians at The NAMM Show

Gabrielito at The NAMM Show — Gabrielito Y La Verdad at The NAMM Show

Gabriel Gonzalez, also known by his stage name Gabrielito, is a multi-talented artist whose career spans decades of film, music, videos, commercials, theatre and live-performance concerts. Internationally recognized for movie roles from his childhood work in Mexican cinema to cult classic films as well as countless mainstream commercials, tours and stage productions, Gonzalez captivates audiences with his dynamic stage presence and larger-than-life vocals that make each performance a memorable experience.

He began his career in show business at the age of seven appearing in numerous top grossing films in Latin America featuring the Latin Orchestra La Sonora Santanera and famed comic Resortes. At eight years old, he recorded his first album. Gonzlaez has toured and shared billing with some of today’s most iconic artists across Mexico, Cuba, and the U.S. including Camilo Sesto, Lalo Guerrero, Juan Gabriel, Los Van Van, QUETZAL, Cubanismo, Lila Downs, Los Lobos and many more.

Most notably, he toured with the Tony award-winning musical, In the Heights by acclaimed composer Lin-Manuel Miranda as a principal character of the 2011-2012 North American National Tour. Gonzalez’s latest projects include working in the Salsa community with bands such as Boogaloo Assassins and the Los Angeles-based La Verdad.

La Verdad is the premier West Coast Latin music ensemble. A collective of world-class musicians embodying the truth of the Los Angeles Latin experience, the group is led by Grammy award-winning singer-songwriter Gabriel Gonzalez. La Verdad’s traditional and original repertoire spans the scope of Latin American route music including Salsa, Cha-Cha, Boogaloo, Latin Soul and much more.

“I have had the absolute pleasure of knowing Gabrielito for several years and I have grown to love & respect his music”

I have had numerous conversations with him regarding community uplift activities and his love for his family and children!

“Gabrielto has impressed me with his ongoing support of public radio especially Canto Tropical and Alma Del Barrio and live music”

Scorpio, Reporter, Correspondent and Anchor

Scorpio and Max at the NAMM Show — Scorpio and Max from La Verdad

Pictures of NAMM

People shopping in the stands of the NAMM Show

Instruments at The NAMM Show — Some instruments at The NAMM Show

Humberto Ruiz Jr, Musician at The NAMM Show — Humberto Ruiz Jr, Musician

Musicians on stage at the NAMM Show — Some musicians on stage at the NAMM Show

MOLENNON BUSES IN THE UNITED STATES AND EUROPE ARE DEDICATED TO PROVIDING YOUNG PEOPLE, COMMUNITIES AND SCHOOLS WITH FREE EVENTS, WORKSHOPS, INTERACTIVE EXPERIENCES, AND HANDS-ON OPPORTUNITIES TO PRODUCE AUDIO, VIDEO, AND DIGITAL MEDIA PROJECTS.

THE JOHN LENNON EDUCATIONAL TOUR BUS IS A NON-PROFIT MOBILE PRODUCTION STUDIO.

MUSIC AND VIDEO CREATION

The John Lennon Educational Tour Bus is a non-profit mobile production studio.

MOBILE PRODUCTION STUDIOS

The John Lennon Educational Tour Bus is a non-profit mobile production studio.

MOBILE PRODUCTION STUDIOS

The John Lennon Educational Tour Bus is a non-profit mobile production studio.

North America / February 2026

Directory of North American nightclubs
CANADA
ONTARIO		VANCOUVER
UNITED STATES
CALIFORNIA	FLORIDA	ILLINOIS
MICHIGAN	NEW JERSEY	NEW YORK
OHIO	PENNSYLVANIA	TEXAS
VIRGINIA	WASHINGTON DC

Vinny Rivera release his latest single “Mientes”

North America / USA / Boston

Vinny Rivera. The #1 Latin Kizomba Artist in the World

Vinny Rivera ‘s new single “Mientes” coming off of his album “La Torre” takes Kizomba to the next level. Good friend Guelo Star who is currently writing for the likes of Don Omar, Ivy Queen, Jowell y Randy, De La Ghetto just to name a few originally wrote this song with the spirit of Kizomba and Vinny Rivera was the perfect voice to compliment the writing. This love song is sure to bring The #1 Latin Kizomba singer and songwriter towards new heights of world music.

Sound off the bongos & kick in the bass, Vinny Rivera is ready to hit the stage. One of the hardest working singer/songwriters, Victor “Vinny” Rivera, continues to shine in the music entertainment scene. Surrounded by great mentors and industry leaders such as world renowned international producers M&N Pro, Jorgie Milliano, Grammy award winning producer Richy Peña (Niña Bonita), and Universal Latino’s recording artist Yunel Cruz, Vinny’s sound has captured audiences all around.

The music of Vinny Rivera is refreshing and lends a sweet tuned voice to the likes of urban bachata Superstar Prince Royce mixed in with Latin Pop Superstars Luis Fonsi & Enrique Iglesias. Genres of music are no different. His voice as well as being multilingual lends itself to Salsa, Bachata, Kizomba, Mambo, Pop, R&B and many more musical genres.

Vinny Rivera - Mientes — Vinny Rivera – Mientes

On the other hand and recognizing musical legend “Jerry Rivera”, Vinny Rivera alongside longtime friend and producer Jorgie Milliano pay tribute to a tropical classic “Amores Como El Nuestro” by giving it a tasteful Kizomba twist that audiences everywhere are sure to enjoy.

Vinny Rivera is currently working on a new Latin Kizomba album that will continue to capture the hearts and ears of all Kizomba lovers.

Besides, Vinny’s talent for capturing audiences has exponentially increased his passion for performing and entertaining. Performing in festivals and special events, the demand has been genuine and stage performances continue to impact his listeners.

Musical Trajectory

Victor Rivera, known artistically as Vinny Rivera, was born in Boston, Massachusetts, United States. Of Puerto Rican parents under the tutelage of his Dominican stepfather, he is one of the most hard working singers / composers to shine in the musical entertainment scene. Being influenced by the Boston city melting pot, he was exposed to a variety of musical genres including Reggae, Jazz, Soca, R & B and pop and the sounds of his native island and the neighboring Dominican Republic sounds the Salsa, Merengue, Bachata.

Completely addicted and forced by music and the desire to share his energy and healing skills, at the age of 16 he bought his first DJ set with his best friend Okland López and began playing music of all kinds of events. In that period he realized that he wanted to take the next step, to make music. He then began to study all kinds of music and finally was able to be comfortable enough to sing.

His friends encouraged him to record music and were associated as a trio together Loco Jow to pursue a career within the music industry. Although not signed with any record label they achieved a network of relationships around the world that got them heard everywhere, which allowed them to rank No.3 in a company of radio and distribution of popular music in South America.

Vinny continued to work with the group opening shows for world-renowned acts such as Don Omar, Wisin & Yandel, Zion & Lennox, Ivy Queen, Rakim & Ken-Y, Tony Dize, Alexis & Fido.

The group split because of four years of Vinny’s enlistment in the United States Air Force. Now a veteran of the Air Force from June 2004 to December 2014 Vinny learned that “Life is too short and you have to give everything you have.”

He started working and learning with Grammy-winning Producers such as Richy Peña who produced the hit “Niña Bonita” by Chino & Nacho and Lenny Santos recognized by the Bachata group “Aventura”. To then sing and write with Universal Billboard and Cuban artist Yunel Cruz. He also wrote a final hit for Jowell and Randy “Lo Que Quiero”, which reached # 11 on the charts, being remixed with Reggaeton Super Stars Arcangel, Farruko and Divino produced by his great friend Jorgie Milliano.

His work and vocal skills have captured the respect and attention of the public around the world. The formula for Vinny Rivera’s latest plan is to use his music as a tool to address problems in the world. Until then he will continue to work diligently on making good music to enjoy.

Music reviewer and photojournalist Ricky Ricardo describes his work from the last 35 years

Ricky Richardson, better known as Ricky Ricardo, is one of those important figures who should be taken notice of for his significant contribution to Latin music, even if it is often not quite appreciated by the public. The Tampa-born photographer, writer, and music reviewer has honoured us by talking about his career and experience covering events related to Latin culture and music, so we invite our readers in the beginning of the year to enjoy the revelations of our talented guest.

Ricky Richardson at the festival — Ricky Richardson at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival entrance

How Ricky got started in the coverage and review to Latin music and cultural events

First of all, Ricky thanked us for the interview and went on to tell us that he started as a photographer for a local newspaper called California Crusader News. Over time, his superiors asked him to start writing articles to accompany his photographic work, resulting in music reviews based on his attendance at numerous events and festivals throughout Los Angeles and beyond.

His work also included meetings with newspaper and magazine publishers who were always searching for content for their own publications, which led Ricky to send reviews and photos to all kinds of publications.

Major publications Ricky has worked with

Among the most important publications Ricky has collaborated with is Latin Beat, which was the main means of communication related to Afro-Cuban music. The photographer met Rudy and Yvette Mangual many times at various concerts and festivals. They met backstage at the Hollywood Bowl during the Blue Note Jazz Festival, an event he covered just like all the artists who performed there.

He also covered events in other parts of the United States, such as the New Orleans & Jazz Heritage Festival and the French Quarter Fest.

Kathy, Lázaro, and Nelson. Photo by Ricky — Kathy “La Rumbera” Diaz, Lázaro Galarraga and Nelson Rodriguez (Photo by Ricky Richardson)

In the case of Vidasalsera, Ricky first heard that name coming out of a musician’s mouth at a Puerto Rican festival in Long Beach, where he often ran into Cal Sakaniwa, the photographer and videographer for this media outlet. That is when he reached out to the webmistress of Vidasalsera.com Dena Burroughs and began providing photo galleries for her website, even though they have never met in person.

What made Ricky fall in love with Afro-Cuban music

During his childhood and youth in Tampa, Ricky was very exposed to Latin music due to the large Cuban population living in the Ybor City area, and he and several of his friends used to frequent many places and stores where this music was played.

When the young man heard Afro-Cuban music for the first time on radio stations KACE and KKGO (nowadays known as KJAZZ) was a point of no return for him. His love for this kind of music was greatly strengthened by radio programs such as Alma Del Barrio, Jazz on the Latin Side, Canto Tropical, Groove Time, and Canto Sin Fronteras. Not to mention that many international artists were constantly giving concerts at venues and festivals.

Events covered by Ricky to date

Throughout his career as a photographer, Ricky covered a huge number of events, including the Long Beach Jazz Festival, Monterey Jazz Festival, Central Avenue Jazz Festival, Los Angeles Street Scene, San Diego Street Scene, Simon Rodia Watts Towers Jazz Festival, Watts Towers Day of The Drum Festival, Cuban-American Festival, Puerto Rican Festival, and many others.

When we wanted to know more about his experiences at these events, he replied that he felt very honored to have been able to share with established and emerging artists over the past 35 years. He also feels very lucky to have been able to witness such wonderful performances by artists who always greet him and spend warm smiles at him whenever they meet him.

Dionne, Monica, and James. Photo by Ricky — Councilwoman Dionne Faulk, Monica Bracho, Mayor James T. Butts Jr., Councilwoman, and Brendt Stallings, Chief Executive Officer & Chief Investment Officer-Inglewood Park Cemetery (Photo by Ricky Richardson)

Alma Del Barrio Fest 2025

Ricky told us that he had the honor of attending the first and second iteration of the Alma Del Barrio Salsa Festival, which took place at different locations at Loyola Marymount University. Future attendees got really excited about the current venue chosen by the organization to host the event, which is Lawton Plaza with its amphitheater, seating arrangement, abundance of grass, and the dance floor.

“I love the fact that many people get to meet and greet some of Alma Del Barrio Program Hosts (DJ’s) in person. I like the fact that Alma Del Barrio Salsa Festival attracts several generations of salseros, that are diverse, multi-cultural, and from all walks of life.,” Ricky said on the subject.

Why Ricky retired last year

Last year, Ricky finally made the decision to retire from music critics and photography after covering the Latin music scene for so many years in order to allow new generations of talented journalists to take over and keep Afro-Cuban music alive.

He is currently looking for opportunities to work in public relations and marketing for sporting events that will be held in the next three years such as the NBA All-Star Weekend, the FIFA Worzld Cup, the Super Bowl, and the Olympic Games.

North America / January 2026

January 2026 / Festivals

BIG
Salsa & Bachata Festival
San Diego

Jan 16-19, 2026

Marriott Mission Valley
8757 Rio San Diego Dr
San Diego, CA 92108

$ 180

Directory of North American nightclubs
CANADA
ONTARIO		VANCOUVER
UNITED STATES
CALIFORNIA	FLORIDA	ILLINOIS
MICHIGAN	NEW JERSEY	NEW YORK
OHIO	PENNSYLVANIA	TEXAS
VIRGINIA	WASHINGTON DC

Search Results for: Tropical

2026 Show Marked 125-Year Anniversary of NAMM and Demonstrated Why the Global Music Community Gathers Every Year at The NAMM Show.

MOLENNON BUSES IN THE UNITED STATES AND EUROPE ARE DEDICATED TO PROVIDING YOUNG PEOPLE, COMMUNITIES AND SCHOOLS WITH FREE EVENTS, WORKSHOPS, INTERACTIVE EXPERIENCES, AND HANDS-ON OPPORTUNITIES TO PRODUCE AUDIO, VIDEO, AND DIGITAL MEDIA PROJECTS.

THE JOHN LENNON EDUCATIONAL TOUR BUS IS A NON-PROFIT MOBILE PRODUCTION STUDIO.

MUSIC AND VIDEO CREATION

MOBILE PRODUCTION STUDIOS

MOBILE PRODUCTION STUDIOS

Directory of North American nightclubs

Vinny Rivera. The #1 Latin Kizomba Artist in the World

Musical Trajectory

How Ricky got started in the coverage and review to Latin music and cultural events

Major publications Ricky has worked with

What made Ricky fall in love with Afro-Cuban music

Events covered by Ricky to date

Alma Del Barrio Fest 2025

Why Ricky retired last year

January 2026 / Festivals

BIG Salsa & Bachata Festival San Diego

Directory of North American nightclubs

BIG
Salsa & Bachata Festival
San Diego