Kawai’s Kentaro Kawai during the event.
Kawai Unveils New Branding Initiative During Reception K awai revealed a new global branding initiative centered around redefining the company’s legacy during its VIP International Reception on Jan. 23 at the Sheraton Park Hotel in Anaheim, California. Dubbed “Instrumental to Life,” the initiative is a push to make Kawai an instrumental part of life for more musicians and pianists as the company begins the countdown to its 100th anniversary in 2027. Instrumental to Life is the vision of Kawai’s new president, Kentaro Kawai, who brings fourth-generation leadership to the family- owned, Japan-based piano manufacturer. “Tonight we celebrate not only our achievements but also the exciting journey ahead for Kawai,” he said. {kawaius.com}
Roland Honors Patrice Rushen, Sheila E. with Lifetime Achievement Awards T o kick off The 2025 NAMM Show, Roland held its Lifetime Achievement Awards ceremony on the morning of Jan. 23 its booth. the ceremony, DW founder Don Lom- bardi awarded Sheila E. the very first DW Lifetime Achievement Award. From left: DW’s John Good; DW founder Don Lombardi; 2025 DW Lifetime Achievement Award winner, Sheila E.; 2025 Roland Lifetime Achievement Award winner, Patrice Rushen; and Roland’s Jamie Franklin.
“It’s my honor and pleasure to present DW’s first lifetime achievement award to Sheila E.,” Lombardi said during the presen- tation. “Sheila E. continues to blaze trails, and come up with some of the most amazing finishes that we’ve ever done.” {roland.com}
During the presentation, Jamie Frank- lin, Roland Global’s head of artist re- lations, presented jazz pianist Patrice Rushen with the 2025 Roland Lifetime Achievement Award. For DW’s part in
O n the evening of Jan. 23, DR Strings and Guild Guitars hosted a joint Happy Hour at the Guild Guitars booth where they introduced their new partnership. As of now, all Guild USA acoustic guitars will come outfitted with DR Strings’ Dragon Skin+ Phosphor Bronze Strings. DR Strings was founded in 1989 by Mark Dronge, the son of Guild’s founder Al Dronge, to manufacture round-core strings to help Guild acoustic guitars reach their full sonic potential. “To make round core strings, it takes longer and requires more care,” Annika Dronge, CEO of DR Strings and daughter of founder Mark Dronge explained during the event. “However, my dad founded DR Strings based on round core construction.” {guildguitars.com; drstrings.com} DR Strings, Guild Guitars Celebrate New Partnership DR Strings’ Annika Dronge addresses the crowd.
NAMM HOLDS INTERNATIONAL COALITION MEETING O n Jan. 22, the day before the start of The 2025 NAMM Show, the the world for their annual show meeting where attendees shared data, reflected on trends and networked with one an- other. {namm.org} The 2025 NAMM international Coalition meeting’s attendees pose for a photo during the event. NAMM International Coalition brought together industry leaders from around
40 I MUSIC INC. I APRIL 2025
Powered by FlippingBook