The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) will host Summer NAMM in Nashville July 12–14, 2012. The musical instrument and products trade show will be at the Nashville Convention Center exhibiting the newest instruments, state-of-the-art music-making technologies, DJ gear, instrument demos, lighting and sound equipment.

Sat., July 14 is Public Day, when Summer NAMM opens its doors to the general public and music enthusiasts of all ages. Admission is $15, available here.

In addition to many professional workshops, highlights also include:

Wed., July 11—A Celebration of Music at Events on Third, a venue on Printer’s Alley. Set to perform are John Oates, Gary Morris, Drake White and The Little Kids Rock student band. The free party is sponsored by Two Old Hippies, Bedell Guitars, The Music Trades and NAMM.

Thurs., July 12—NAMM Retail Summit at 8 a.m. NAMM Pres./CEO Joe Lamond and Amro Music Stores Chairman/author Chip Averwater offer an in-depth discussion of retail success.
The Best of Nashville Music Event, 6 p.m. – 8:30 p.m., features The Duffy Jackson Big Band, Three Ring Circle, 18 South, The Charles Walker Quartet and more. Presented by the Nashville Musicians Association and NAMM.

Fri., July 13—Joe Lamond discussion with Bill Ivey, founding director of the Curb Center for Art, Enterprise and Public Policy at Vanderbilt, 10-11:00 a.m.

Over 10,000 music industry professionals from 20+ countries are planning to attend the three-day event. Details at www.namm.org/summer/2012.

The 18th Annual ICM Faith, Family & Country™ Awards, set for Oct. 18 at Schermerhorn Symphony Center, has named the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Nashville as its charity of choice for this year’s week-long celebration.

The ICM Faith, Family and Country™ 20 Year Homecoming Concert Celebration, taking place Oct., 14 – 18 at the Millennium Maxwell House Hotel, is open to the public and includes showcases, a songwriting contest, seminars, a talent competition and much more. A portion of the ticket sales will benefit the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Nashville.

For more information on the 18th Annual ICM Faith, Family & Country™ Awards, please visit www.ccma.cc/ and for more information on Ronald McDonald House Charities of Nashville, please visit www.rmhcnashville.com.

Eric Church and his music will be featured in two upcoming specials, beginning with CMT’s premiere of Mixtape on Saturday, July 7 at 9:15 am CT.

The 30-minute short film will air commercial free and was the basis of Church’s video for the No. 1 hit “Springsteen.” Fans will also be able to watch the film on cmt.com after the premiere.

“I am very excited to share Mixtape with everyone,” said Church. “I’ve gotten a lot of questions about the music video, asking about the actors, where did the scenes come from, what did they pertain to? Well, this movie will clear everything up,” says Church. “Peter Zavadil crafted an art representation that adds a whole new emotional element to the song and video. In fact, it essentially inspired the video. I’m honored to show it on CMT.”

In conjunction with the premiere, fans will have a chance to win two tickets with meet and greet passes on the Blood, Sweat & Beers tour. Fans must make not of the full list of songs and instrumental tracks in order as they appear in Mixtape. Details here.

The following day Sunday, July 8, GAC will air Origins: Eric Church at 8 pm/CT. The biographical special will recount Church’s unconventional journey to headlining star, from his early days playing 200 shows per year to his chart-topping present success.

“I was going to find a way to make it work,” says Church. “And if it didn’t work, I was still going to be able to sleep at night. I stuck to my guns, right or not.“

Viewers will also be treated to live performances of “Drink In My Hand,” “Springsteen,” “Smoke a Little Smoke,” “Homeboy,” “These Boots,” and “Like Jesus Does.”