The Music People congratulates Yamaha for 125 years in business.  It takes a special company to reach that mark and a special event to celebrate it. We were proud to join in the festivities!   The Music People has over 30 years of MI history itself, so it’s no surprise the pros look to us for their instrument stand needs. A case in point is our KS7365-EJ double tier keyboard stand. Developed in close collaboration with Sir Elton John’s equipment tech, Tony Smith, the KS7365 meets the need for a tour-worthy stand that’s portable, heavy-duty, and fully adjustable. Smith’s requirement was a stand that could work in pairs set at 90 degrees, so that’s what we developed. With generous height and width adjustability, three horizontal support bars, plus an angle-adjustable 2 nd tier, a pair of KS7365-EJs allows access to 4 keyboards on whatever plane the player likes, no matter what the combination of instrument make/model. On top of all that, the KS7365-EJ folds down to the smallest possible form to fit in truck-packs or in the back seat, whichever is your reality. It’s just what Tony Smith was looking for and another example of professional made accessible by On-Stage Stands. Check out the KS7365-EJ here:    

On-Stage-Stands, the leader in innovative accessories for the working musician, is proud to introduce the new MS7201QTR Quarter-Turn Round Base Microphone Stand. Adopting the same technology found on the MS7625B and the MS7625PG, the MS7201QTR was designed to aid in set-up and tear down, a decidedly tasking feat. The round base stand has been an industry favorite for decades, and has remained virtually unchanged since it was first designed. Weighted bases are preferred over tripods because of their stability and small footprint, yet folding tripods are a more common sight in portable systems because they setup faster than their threaded counterparts. The introduction of On-Stage Stands MS7625B Hex-Base Quarter-Turn stand offered musicians their first chance to combine the setup ease of a tripod with all the advantages of a weighted base, but we heard the clamor for a round-base version.  On-Stage Stands therefore designed the MS7201QTR. The MS7201QTR has the look and functionality of the classic round base microphone stand with the instant threadless quarter-turn end. The threadless end mates with a unique J-slot in the familiar round base of the MS7201QTR. In one swift motion, the user only needs to push down and rotate the shaft ¼-turn clockwise to lock, or push down and rotate ¼-turn counter-clockwise to remove. With the MS7201QTR, stripped threading is a thing of the past. What's more, the sheer convenience of the design means users who prefer weighted stands, yet opt for tripods to save setup/tear down time, can now setup a quality weighted base stands instantly. The 10” round base is constructed from sand-cast steel for strength. Six rubber feet on the underside of the base keep the stand stable. A die-cast steel mid-point clutch effortlessly allows height adjustments from 34” to 60”. The entire stand sports a scratch-resistant finish and is built to last gig after gig. The MS7201QTR is priced at $49.99 (List), 29.95 (MAP), and it is slated to ship to dealers in March 2013. 

Before launching On-Stage Stands, president and founder Jim Hennessey headed up artist relations for a popular guitar manufacturer. He hobnobbed with many of the great 70’s acts and learned that building a personal relationship was the key to not only getting artists to use your products, but to getting detailed feedback regarding those products. With that key in mind, On-Stage Stands has announced an expansion of its On-Stage Artists program. On-Stage Artists include recording and touring musicians who use On-Stage Stands products as part of their regular setups. Current On-Stage Artists hale from all across the spectrum and include performers like Day Above Ground, Waylon Hicks, and Australian Pink Floyd. Previously, these artist endorsements essentially consisted of photos and write-ups on the company website. The new push is to stimulate a conversation between the company and its artists, both internally and on social media where consumers can join in. The On-Stage Artist Program is spearheaded by Rod Washburn. “I work with the artists, establishing a good, comfortable relationship and asking for constant feedback,” explains Washburn. “We want to expand our visibility by growing social network websites, maintaining blogs, contributing to forums, and positively representing the face of On-Stage Stands. This is more effective when we are linked directly with our artists and their communities.” By featuring artists on the company’s YouTube channel, for example, the company can draw the attention of their communities. “This draws fans that now see the On-Stage Stands brand with their favorite band,” continues Washburn. “It’s an ever-growing family of artists, fans, and customers, all seeing us in a different light… Not just an affordable line of products, but a brand that rightfully claims its name ‘On-Stage,’ up there next to the pros.” This new artist relations effort corresponds with the release of several new pro-level product series from On-Stage Stands and its sister brands. With new products, new marketing efforts, and expanded professional exposure, On-Stage Stands is poised to continue strong and steady growth. For more information regarding On-Stage Artists, visit www.onstagestands.com . Better yet, if you plan on attending Winter NAMM, stop by Booth #5940 and meet the artists in person!  

The recent tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, CT made a profound impact on The Music People, Inc. (TMP), headquartered in Berlin, CT.  To honor the memory of precious lives lost and to demonstrate its support of the surviving families, TMP will sponsor a team to participate in the SANDY HOOK RUN FOR THE FAMILIES, a very special event organized by the Hartford Marathon Foundation. As a team sponsor, the company has registered 20 members of the TMP family in the 5K run, and hopes to register even more participants before the race opens on Saturday, March 23, 2013. The team, named “On-Stage Stands up for Sandy Hook”, will be wearing T-Shirts designed specifically for the event.  The 5K run is open to runners and walkers of all abilities. On December 21, 2012, one week after the world learned of the tragic events at Newtown, TMP honored the victims of Sandy Hook by observing the national moment of silence.  But that did not seem to be enough for the company.  “TMP wanted to do more. We weren’t sure exactly what we should do to show our support” explained Tom Tedesco, TMP’s Director of Business Development. “When we saw the Sandy Hook Run for the Families we knew that we had to be a part of this event,” he adds. “We realize the pain from that day will never go away completely but we wanted to show the families that, as a community, we support them and we’ll stand by their side in their time of need.” For more details about the SANDY HOOK RUN FOR THE FAMILIES, please visit hartfordmarathon.com.

Music & Sound Retailer presented The Music People, Inc. with two Music & Sound Awards at the Winter NAMM show yesterday. The first award, for Best New Guitar Accessory category of 2012, went to On-Stage Stands for their new Mighty Uke Stand. The GS6000 Mighty Uke Stand was introduced at the 2012 Summer NAMM Show. Affordability, size, and featured roles in recent pop hits have made ukuleles the hot instrument for the coming season, and the GS6000 is the perfect match for these little wonders. It’s also an ideal fit for other small instruments such as mandolins, fiddles, violins, dulcimers and autoharps. Compact and portable, the Mighty UKE Stand is the must-have folk instrument stand! “We’re so happy to hear that people dig our Mighty Uke Stand! After we won Best in Show at Summer NAMM for this product, it blew-up across the industry and we knew we had a winner! With the Uke market still on a rapid incline, it was a no-brainer for us to help support that market with a profitable and fun add-on accessory” says On-Stage Stands Sales & Marketing Director, Jeremy Payne. “We want to give a huge thanks to all our dealers for being so willing to try new products and specifically the Mighty Uke Stand. As we were in the process of creating this new stand, we reached out to our dealer partners for feedback; what we got was honest and valuable feedback which eventually made it not only a product of great quality, but also one with outstanding packaging, HUGE profit potential and great marketability” Payne Added. The Music & Sound award for the 2012 Representative of the Year was proudly accepted by Jim Mingo, Director of Pro Audio Products and National Accounts Manager. Jim has been a live sound technician for over 20 years and started with TMP in 2005. He was recently promoted to Director of Pro Audio Products. “Going the extra mile for our customers is the core of what we do at TMP, and it is an incredible honor to personally receive the award for Representative of the Year” offered Jim Mingo. “When one of my customers needs a solution, I have the ability to look at all available brands and make a recommendation based on real world experience. I think it is that ability, and the obvious satisfaction I get from helping the great people in our industry every day for the past 7 years, that got me this award. A huge thanks goes out to all those who nominated and voted for me” he adds. To learn more about our award-winning products and sales team, visit onstagestands.com or tmppro.com.

NAMM 2013: Live On-Stage Demos and Performance Schedule Just Released   Come on down to booth #5940 for live music!  The On-Stage Stands and TMP Pro Distribution booth has the best lineup in the show. Check out daily performances from On-Stage Artists including: Day Above Ground   |  Mandi Powell Band   |  Rod Washburn   |  Six String Boys   |  Waylon Hicks     These performers cover a wide range of genres and are leading artists in their respective scenes.  Along with showcasing their talents, the On-Stage Artists will offer insights on how they use On-Stage Stands products on the road and in the studio. Their experiences can be a great tool for you to use when selling accessories to your customers. Plus, we’ve got a bunch of new products to show off! Our On-Stage Artists will be demoing this new gear, and you’ll see for yourself why 2013 will be another great year for accessories.   While at the booth, be sure to meet our TMP Pro team, too. Our reps are musicians, installers, and sound engineers themselves, and they bring a truckload of product knowledge and experience to every order. The team is there to show you what the TMP Pro Advantage is all about. So come down to booth #5940 and join us for an insider’s look at some of the industry’s hottest products, from the industry’s hottest distributor!   Demos and performances will occur daily at times below:     Thursday Jan. 24th Friday Jan. 25th Saturday Jan. 26th Sunday Jan. 27th 11:15am TMP demo Rod Washburn Waylon Hicks Waylon Hicks 12:15pm TMP demo Mandi Powell Mandi Powell Six String Boys 1:15pm Rod Washburn Waylon Hicks Waylon Hicks Rod Washburn 2:15pm TMP demo Day Above Ground Day Above Ground TMP demo 3:15pm TMP demo Waylon Hicks Mandi Powell   4:15pm Mandi Powell Day Above Ground Day Above Ground    

  Come on down to booth #5940 for live music!  The On-Stage Stands and TMP Pro Distribution booth has the best lineup in the show. Check out daily performances from On-Stage Artists including: Day Above Ground   |  Mandi Powell Band   |  Rod Washburn   |  Six String Boys   |  Waylon Hicks     These performers cover a wide range of genres and are leading artists in their respective scenes.  Along with showcasing their talents, the On-Stage Artists will offer insights on how they use On-Stage Stands products on the road and in the studio. Their experiences can be a great tool for you to use when selling accessories to your customers. Plus, we’ve got a bunch of new products to show off! Our On-Stage Artists will be demoing this new gear, and you’ll see for yourself why 2013 will be another great year for accessories.   While at the booth, be sure to meet our TMP Pro team, too. Our reps are musicians, installers, and sound engineers themselves, and they bring a truckload of product knowledge and experience to every order. The team is there to show you what the TMP Pro Advantage is all about. So come down to booth #5940 and join us for an insider’s look at some of the industry’s hottest products, from the industry’s hottest distributor!   Demos and performances will occur daily at times below:     Thursday Jan. 24th Friday Jan. 25th Saturday Jan. 26th Sunday Jan. 27th 11:15am TMP demo Rod Washburn Waylon Hicks Waylon Hicks 12:15pm TMP demo Mandi Powell Mandi Powell Six String Boys 1:15pm Rod Washburn Waylon Hicks Waylon Hicks Rod Washburn 2:15pm TMP demo Day Above Ground Day Above Ground TMP demo 3:15pm TMP demo Waylon Hicks Mandi Powell   4:15pm Mandi Powell Day Above Ground Day Above Ground  

    On-Stage Stands has long been an industry leader in X-style, Z-style and platform keyboard stands. The classic KS7190 is among the best selling X-style stands in the industry, while the heavy-duty KS7350 Z-style is known as one of the strongest stands on the market. Now On-Stage Stands has developed its first column-style keyboard stand, the KS9102 Quantum Core.   The KS9102 Quantum Core is a pro level two tier stand with integrated cable management system and fold-away captive support arms. Built around a rigid extruded aluminum core, the KS9102 is an extremely stable platform, capable of supporting 125lbs per tier; that’s 250lbs total! Its four arms and three legs provide a broad foundation for instruments, yet fold neatly within the core for transportation. They are completely captive with no loose parts to lose. Whether deployed for performance or folded for transport, they stay attached.   Each of the Quantum Core’s two tiers is independently height adjustable. Overall tilt of the stand can be adjusted via a forth peg-leg to provide just the right playing angle. Strategically positioned cable clips accommodate instrument and power cables, resulting in a clean, organized presentation on stage. What’s more, the central column features a combination 3/8” and 5/8” threaded adapter at its apex, fully compatible with any gooseneck or boom arm, eliminating the need for a microphone boom stand and allowing the cleanest possible keyboard setup.   The KS9102 Quantum Core is the new standard for professional performance, portability, ease of use, and affordability. The stand is slated to ship to dealers in April.  It will list for $299 and carries a MAP price of $189.95.  

  A full roster of fresh faces, familiar faces and new talent will be on hand in The Music People’s booth (#5940) in Anaheim, California. Among them will be several new reps on the On-Stage Stands team and TMP Pro Team.   All members of the new On-Stage Stands Sales team will be in attendance to meet with MI dealers about the profit potential that stem from turning over On-Stage Stands accessories on the retail floor. Heading up the team is Jeremy Payne, recently promoted to OSS Sales & Marketing Director. Jeremy’s success in his previous position as VIP Accounts Manager prepared him for the instrumental role he will play in the expansion of the On-Stage Stands product line. Two new National Sales Managers join Jeremy’s team: Vinny DeLaria and Tammo Hinzmann.  Vinny is a keyboard player, Tammo plays the guitar, and both are as enthusiastic about music as they are about helping their customers succeed.  The third addition to the team is strategic accounts manager Jason Cawley. A lifelong Connecticut resident, Jason earned a degree from Eastern Connecticut State University and has worked in sales and customer service for nearly a decade. The customer-service driven background of each member of the new OSS team ensures dealers will receive the same great service that they have come to expect from On-Stage Stands.   On the TMP Pro Distribution team, Jim Mingo was recently promoted to Director of Pro Audio Products, and will be on hand to meet with his customers, as well as pro-audio manufacturers and representatives to enhance TMP’s portfolio of brands.  Jim has been a live sound technician for over 20 years. Since he started at TMP in 2005, he has continuously demonstrated a strong entrepreneurial leadership that has resulted in new business and lasting customer relationships. “Jim’s insights and passion have helped us realize potentials and develop new opportunities. He has done a great job and his promotion is well deserved”, said John Hennessey, Vice President of Operations.  The newest addition to the TMP Pro team is Joe Johnson, Pro Audio Sales Manager, who started at TMP this past December. Joe’s impressive resume included supervisory and recruiting experience in the US Marine Corps which earned him a Meritorious Unit Citation from President Bill Clinton for outstanding performance and leadership, and four separate Letters of Merit for high productivity.  Driven to learn and excel, Joe has had comprehensive sales training that focused on business-to-business sales techniques. An avid performer, he has also shared the stages and recording studios with members of world-renown heavy metal bands such as Slayer and Testament.  His plethora of sales management experience, leadership and real world experience using pro-audio gear will allow him to lead the sales team in pro-audio distribution.   TMP will also be featuring some exciting new talent. Artist endorsee Day Above Ground and Singer/Songwriter Rod Washburn will be performing in Booth #5940. From Los Angeles, Day Above Ground brings a fresh, new blend of Rock & Hip Hop to the airwaves. A native of Connecticut, Rod Washburn will be performing solo acoustic versions of his songs from his two solo CD’s “Songs for a Sunday Morning” and “Who are you” as well as various covers. Stop by our booth for show times.    

The Music People, Inc. is proud to extend congratulations to its own Tom Tedesco for his inclusion in this year’s Connecticut Magazine 40 Under 40 list. To his co-workers, it’s no surprise that Tom takes his place with “the best and the brightest among Generation Next”. It’s further proof that TMP has the best team in the industry! From Connecticut Magazine : From graduate assistant with UConn women’s basketball to director of operations for the WNBA, Tom Tedesco seemed on course to work in basketball administration. But then he joined Outrageous Ventures in Hartford, where he tripled sales in two years and was named COO. Now director of business development for The Music People in Berlin, he oversees new initiatives (e.g., forming a sister company in China) and was instrumental in having the pro audio distributor named a top state workplace. He still plays basketball,  and also runs for the cure.    Read the whole article here: http://www.connecticutmag.com/Connecticut-Magazine/January-2013/40-Under-40-Class-of-2013/