Filipino artists, entrepreneurs throng Anaheim music trade show

“PJ” Prianjoni Villaflor (in red shirt a Pioneer Turntables DJ- music artist) instructs, Jeannine Gardner-Washington (a Detroit drummer, and future music producer) how to “scratch” on a turntable. INQUIRER/Florante Ibanez

ANAHEIM, California — Thousands of music buyers, instrument shop owners and musicians flocked to the 2020 National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Trade Show January 16 to 19 at the Anaheim Convention Center to sample the latest instruments, software and musical innovations.

A large number of Filipino Americans and Filipino Canadians moved through the crowds, attended workshops, musical demonstrations, and hardware and software presentations. Filipinos also showcased their musical talents.

A group of seasoned Filipino musicians waited next to the main outdoor stage. Adam Casante (guitarist/singer), Alain Guiamin (from Sacramento), Kris Ivan Bacani  (lead singer of Browndition, a Los Angeles Filipino band) and Jayson Vera Cruz (drummer of Browndition) reunited annually at the NAMM Show with many other Filipino musicians. Casante traveled from Toronto, Canada. Browndition performs at Noypitz Bar and Grill.

Young Pinay DJs perform what they learned from the United DJ Mixing School at the World Famous Beat Junkies Booth at NAMM. Among the faculty are well-known Fil-Ams DJ Icy Ice and DJ Q-Bert. INQUIRER/Florante Ibanez

At the Pioneer turntable/DJ booth area, “PJ” Prianjoni Villaflor, who describes himself as a music artist and full-time YouTuber, taught newbies the art of turntable scratching, which requires both patience and coordination.

PJ has worked for Pioneer for a couple of years, this being his 2^nd NAMM Show. His father was a musician. PJ started off playing guitar and piano before turning to DJ-ing and music production in his late teens.

He also was the first person in the world to win the Red Bull Freestyle, and was able to go to Berlin to make music at the Red Bull studios there in July 2019. PJ lives in Detroit. but is originally from Des Moines, Iowa. He was able to quickly teach his “friend and drummer from Detroit, Jeannine Gardner-Washington, the basics of DJ “scratching.”

Performing at the AUDIX Corp. booth with the band “Quel Bordel!” were brothers Allen Dela Rosa (left) and Aaron Dela Rosa (right) from San Diego, California INQUIRER/Florante Ibanez

Across the way at the World Famous Beat Junkies Booth, well known Fil-Am DJ and radio personality  Icy Ice observed the latest crop of young Pinay DJ artists learning the art at the United DJ Mixing School, where Ice serves as one of the faculty. Ice has served as a role model for many upcoming Fil-Am DJs.

At the AUDIX Corp. booth, playing in the band Quel Bordel! were Pinoy brothers Allen and Aaron Dela Rosa from San Diego. Both had to switch from playing guitar for years to banjo and bass guitar when they formed the band.

Fil-Am Mike Inez, now with Alice in Chains and former bass player for Heart and Ozzie Osborn was interviewed in a Q & A session at his sponsor Fishman booth on Friday.

Longtime friends and musicians (left to right) Adam Cesante (studio guitarist/singer), Alain Guiamin (from Sacramento), Kris Ivan Bacani (lead singer of Browndition, Los Angeles Filipino Band), and Jayson Vera Cruz (drummer for Browndition) reunite annually at the NAMM Show with many other Fil-Am musicians. INQUIRER/Florante Ibanez

Jamming outside the convention hall in the warm sun with instruments from Kala Brand Music Co. were Fil-Ams Lenny San Jose aka “ukulenny,” who is an education specialist with Kala and in charge of the on-line Kala ukulele lessons.

Alongside with ukulenny were Lawson Navarro, who recently produced his CD “Jazz by the Bay,” and multitalented musician and former music director- drummer for Philippine-born jazz vocalist Charmaine Clamor.

Returning to NAMM again was creative luthier-owner of Elgee Custom Guitars, from the Philippines, Jon G. Dela Cruz who created another stir among bass players with his beautifully hand-made custom bass guitars of exotic Philippine woods.