News

Brian Auger & The Oblivion Express makes a stop at Grandma's
Saturday, April 19, 2008
The legendary Brian Auger stunned the crowd on Saturday, showing off his skills on a Hammond B3 Organ. What was just supposed to be a keyboard Clinic turned out to be a full on show! Afterwards Brian answered questions, signed CD’s, and gave much inspiration to everybody he talked to. Thanks to Brian Auger and his Oblivion Express, and everybody who was lucky anough to attend.

94 Rock 2007 Lickoff Competition Winners
Saturday, Sept. 29, 2007
Today, Grandma's was packed with guitarists and fans and you could feel the adrenaline! About 60 very talented guitarists took the stage in 60 second rounds. Styles ranged from acoustic guitar to soulful blues to heavy metal to bass (!). Many thanks to 94 Rock, Ibanez, the judges and to all the contestants for putting on such a great show.

1st place: Artie Meadors (on Bass!!!!) - 2nd place: Shawn Loomis - 3rd place: Justin Ennis

2007 BeatOff Drum Competition Winners
Saturday, Sept. 29, 2007
25 very talented drummers shook up Grandma's stage Saturday afternoon to compete in Grandma's and 94 Rock's 2007 Beatoff Competition. Contestants had 60 seconds in round one followed by a 3 minute round 2 to create a drum solo that would wow the judges! Congratulations to the winners and all the contestants. Thanks to everybody who came out to support the local drummers.

1st place: Leonard Castillo - 2nd place: Abel Cuevas - 3rd place: Matt Loftus

Grandma's Donates 15 Guitars to local schools
Friday, August 10, 2007
Many of our local high schools have excellent guitar programs and Grandma's is proud to be a long-time supporter of New Mexico's music scene and the future musicians in our schools. We have donated 15 Yamaha C-40 Classical guitars to our local high school guitar teachers and are also offering special discounts to their students on select instruments.

Grandma's Donates Keyboard to New Mexico Symphony Orchestra
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Grandma's has a long history (more than 25 years) of supporting our local musicians and music organizations. We recently donated a new Kurzweil SP88x keyboard to the New Mexico Symphony.

Dave Weckl Drum Clinic
Friday, May 25, 2007
Legendary Sabian artist and superb drummer Dave Weckl gave an incredible clinic for a packed-house crowd of 300 fans. This was a true teaching clinic, a rare opportunity to learn from an innovative master about how and why he does what he does. He thoroughly described and explained each HHX Evolution and HHX Legacy cymbal, his signature Sabian lines. He also discussed at length the Yamaha Oak Custom drums we provided for the clinic, as well as his favorite Remo drum heads and his signature Vic Firth drumsticks.

Lacuna Coil
Friday, April 27, 2007
Italian Goth/Metal band Lacuna Coil performed a live acoustic set for nearly 350 local fans. The band's unusually laid-back performance, presented by and featuring Ovation guitars, was enjoyed by all those who were lucky enough to be there. It was followed by a Q & A session and autograph signing. Thanks to Lacuna Coil and all those who attended!

	Best Keyboard Department February 2007 Grandmas Music and Sound was awarded the "Best Keyboard Department" by Music and Sound Retailer, for the second year in a row. We'd like to thank our customers and the readers of Music and Sound Retailer.

	New Keyboard and Software counter. January 2007 We have rearranged Grandma's showroom to dedicate more space to our keyboards and software products. The DJ department also got a new home in the old keyboard room. We have accomplished this by dissolving our accessories department into to the related product areas. This will allow us to help with increased knowledge on accessories. Stop by and check it out.

In Memory of Clyde Hankins
Monday, December 18, 2006
Our dear friend Clyde Hankins has passed away. We met Clyde in 1982. He was our Coast Wholesale rep and wrote our store's first order. A gifted and hard working guitarist, Clyde's career began during the 1930s where he played barn dances in and around San Diego, CA. Eventually he went on to play with Johnny Richard's Band, Bob Astor's Band, Ray Simm's Band, Neal Hefti, The Andrew Sisters and taught the guitar to a youngster named Buddy Holly. During the 50's while working at Adair Music in Lubbock, TX, Clyde sold Buddy his first Strat. Clyde was also an accomplished singer. He also worked in Reidling Music in Albuquerque, NM from 1960-1970. His friends included Johnny Smith, Barney Kessel and Howard Roberts as well as almost every musician he ever met. He was a friend of ours and will be dearly missed. Our sympathies go out to his wife Gladys and their two children.

In Memory of Linda Cotton
Friday, November 24, 2006
We have just received the very sad news that Linda Cotton has passed away of an apparent heart attack on Thursday. Our deepest sympathy goes out to her family, friends and many fans.

Jerry Donahue Guitar Clinic
Sunday, Oct. 22, 2006
Peavey brought in Jerry Donahue to the amazement and delight of over 50 diehard string-bending fans. Jerry shared in detail how he developed his unique approach to the guitar and gave a detailed demo of his new Peavey Omniac Signature model. Backing up Jerry was a killer band composed of John Gagan on bass, Joe Gagan on guitar and Matt Tessler on drums. Well done guys!

Michael Wilton Guitar Clinic
Sunday, Oct. 1, 2006
ESP guitars and Grandma's welcomed Queensryche guitarist Michael Wilton for a guitar clinic. About a hundred hard core fans showed up to hear Michael recreate well-known Queensryches hits. Michael showed the guitarists in the crowd how he played some of his trademark licks as well as some cool ideas he copped from George Lynch! Pictured left to right are Romy, Monique, Michael Wilton and Cynthia.

2006 BeatOff Drum Competition Winners
Saturday, Sept. 30, 2006
60 very talented drummers shook up Grandma's stage Saturday afternoon to compete in Grandma's and 94 Rock's 2006 Beatoff Competition. Contestants had 60 seconds to create a drum solo that would wow the judges! Congratulations to the winners and all the contestants!

Sabian Vault Tour 2006
Thursday, Sept. 28 from 3 to 7pm
On Thursday, September 28 from 3 to 7pm, Sabian set up shop in the parking lot and on our main stage. Over a hundred cymbals were setup onstage and literally hundreds of our customers had a chance to try every cymbal with sticks, fingers or foreheads. It was like hearing a waterfall in the store! Outside we watched Sabian craftsmen design and hammer out all types of cymbals. They are able to dial in the exact tone you want like "I like the 21" Ride, but I would like the bell to ring a little more" or "I like this 16" crash but I would like a quicker decay" - Bang! - they made it happen in front of our eyes!

This year’s traveling cymbal exhibition featured cymbal lathing and hand-hammering demonstrations. It also offered an exclusive selection of prototypes available for purchase. The tour was staffed by SABIAN master craftsmen, so our customers got advice from the same experts that design and craft cymbals for drum legends including Neil Peart and Chad Smith. In addition to the Vault Tour, SABIAN has launched a new collection of cymbals named Vault. Inspired by today’s players and the music they play, as well as ideas generated by our own artisans – Vault has already won an award! That’

2006 LickOff Guitar Competition Winners
Saturday, Sept. 23, 2006
65 very talented guitarists took the stage Saturday afternoon to compete in Grandma's and 94 Rock's 2006 Lickoff Competition. Sound tough? Players had to play for 60 seconds by themselves with no help from a band or backing track!
In front of a crowd of more than 200 spectators and guitar players 3 winners emerged. Pictured in the center is 1st Place winner D.J. Armijo with his prize, a Fender Highway 1 Strat HSS. To his right is 2nd Place winner Rudy "Boy" Jaramillo, with his prize, a Fender Std. Strat, and on the left, 3rd Place winner Darin Dieu, with his prize, a Fender Squier 51. Congratulations to the winners and to ALL the contestants!

Andy Timmons Guitar Clinic
September 9, 2006
Ibanez and Mesa Boogie presented guitarist Andy Timmons to an awe-struck and enthusiastic crowd. If you were here you know why Steve Vai calls Andy "the best guitarist in the USA". We'd like to add that he's really down to earth and funny too! Grandma's own Mike Ostrander opened the clinic with a shred-fest of metal virtuousity.

19th Annual New Mexico Music Awards
May 21, 2006
Many talented and hardworking artists were recognized last night at the 19th Annual NM Music Awards banquet. Grandma's own Micky Patten said, "I am deeply touched to receive the Eric Larson Lifetime Achievement Award. Eric was a great member of the musical family. Thanks to all for this wonderful tribute."

In Memory of Ryan King (1971-April 10, 2006)
April 10, 2005
Our good friend and long-time staff member, Ryan King passed away Monday, April 10th. Ryan was the bass player for Swingin' Meat. We will miss him.

"Best of Burque" - The Alibi
April 6-12, 2006
We would like to thank the readers of The Alibi for voting us "Best Place to Buy New Musical Instruments/Gear".

Grandma's Ultimate Band Auditions for 2006 are Over!
April 18, 2005
The Bands have been formed! Come out to see each band perform Friday April 28th at the Launchpad for the Ultimate Band Showcase and help pick a winner. The winning band scores live performace at Edgefest & Spring Crawl, new equipment, recording time at Eagle Rock Studios, goodies from Gas Pipe, and more. Click on the photo for more information.

DW and Pacific Drums award Grandma's Independent Dealer of the Year!
February 9th, 2006
Grandma's has been awarded Mountain States Independent Dealer of the Year for 2005 by DW Drums and Pacific Drums. Our entire store and especially our Drum Department staff wish to thank our customers for helping make 2005 a great year.

NAMM NEWS: Grandma's Wins Two Awards!
January 19th, 2006
Grandma's has been awarded Best Sales Staff and Best Keyboards for Best Single Store Dealer by the readers of Music & Sound Retailer magazine. We are very honored and appreciative.

Yngwie Malmsteen Visits Grandma's
November 5, 2005
The crowds were lined up out the door to meet Yngwie Malmsteen. Fans of all ages brought their CDs, guitars and even drums to be autographed. Yngwie was very generous with his time, answering questions, posing with fans for photos and giving encouragement to every musician he met.

Jay Springsteen Strat Raises $2500 for AHRMA and Garret Iversen Fund.
September 18, 2005
Legendary racer Jay Springsteen shows off a custom Fender “Springer” Stratocaster guitar which was raffled off at the 3rd Annual Sandia Classic Motorcycle Race on September 18th in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The raffle raised $2500 dollars for the AHRMA Benevolent Fund and the Garret Iversen Fund. The Guitar was designed and donated by Grandma’s Music and Sound and Chick’s Harley Davidson. The winner was Mike Azzar of Michigan.

Jordan Rudess of Dream Theater
July 30, 2005
We asked Jordan Rudess, keyboardist for Dream Theater to drop by the store and say hello to his fans for a few hours today. He very generously went above and beyond, conducting an impromptu keyboard clinic for an enthusiastic audience. All he needed was a Korg Extreme keyboard and for the next hour and a half we were treated to some amazing keyboard chops and sounds. Tickets for tonights performance were given away as well as a Korg Keyboard bag and T-shirts. Many thanks to Korg for helping us contact Jordan!

Laurence Juber Interactive Martin Acoustic Guitar Event
June 18, 2005
Laurence Juber generously shared his extensive knowledge of guitars, wood and electronics and performed a wide variety of pieces including jaw-dropping arrangements of Beatles tunes like "Strawberry Fields Forever" and "Jet" by Wings. Laurence stunned the audience with his very beautiful dynamic playing style and shared some playing tips like positioning the guitar forward to facilitate barring difficult chords. Thank you Laurence!

Grandma's Sponsors 2005 New Mexico Music Industry Mic Awards
May 4, 2005
We are happy to be sponsoring the 2005 New Mexico Music Industry Mic Awards Sunday, June 26, 2005 at the Marriott Pyramid North. Grandma's has been involved with the Mic Awards since 1987.

Grandma's Sponsors New Mexico Music Connection website
May 3, 2005
We are proud to sponsor Mitch's New Mexico Music Connection website (www.nmmusic.com).

"Best of Burque" - The Alibi
April 7-13, 2005
We would like to thank the readers of The Alibi for voting us "Best Place to Buy New Musical Instruments/Gear".

Grandma's Ultimate Band Auditions are Over!
April 18, 2005
181 local area Guitarists, Bassists, Singers and Drummers participated over 4 consecutive weekends. Two winners from each category were selected by judges from ClearChannel to perform on 104.7 The Edge for the next 4 weeks and then to do battle at the Launchpad on May 14. The winner of that battle will then play on the mainstage at Edgefest! Click on the photo for more information.

In Memory of Eric Larson (1954-April 3, 2005)
April 3, 2005
Our longtime friend Eric Larson passed away Sunday, April 3rd. Eric was the founder of the New Mexico Music Industry "MIC" Awards and was a long time producer and engineer for New Mexico recording artists. We will miss him.

Apple Logic 7 Tour
March 10, 2005
More than 50 Logic users were on hand to get the latest information on Apple Logic Pro 7, Express 7 and Garage Band. They also learned how to utilize tools like Sculpture, a leading-edge component modeling synthesizer; Ultrabeat, an innovative drum machine; and Guitar Amp Pro, an advanced amp simulator.

Kerry King of Slayer "Guitar Abuse" Event.
January 29, 2005
We had a Blast! More than 660 diehard Slayer fans packed Grandma's to see Kerry King up close. Kerry invited all comers to play their favorite Slayer songs on-stage with him and then showed them exactly how he does it. Grandma's stayed open afterhours to give Kerry all the time he needed to give everyone a chance for an autograph or photo.

Grandma's Music & Sound Named Fender Dealer of the Year for Southwestern Region.
January 22, 2005
We'd like to thank our customers and Fender.

Grandma's Donates 14 Montana Guitars to Albuquerque Public Schools
August 16, 2004
In the past year Grandma's has also given to the Alzheimer Memory Walk, Special Olympics, 21st Century Public Academy, Southwest Pickers Association, Sierra Vista and El Dorado P.T.A., Southwest Regional Music Therapists and the City of Rio Rancho Police Department.

Grandma's New Store Grand Opening Highlights
February 28, 2004
Over 3,500 people came through our doors from 10am to 10pm during the Grand Opening for our new store on Coors and Paseo del Norte. Thousands of dollars worth of gear was given away while clinicians and live bands performed in a wild six-ring-circus atmosphere. Performing on stage was The Michael Anthony Trio, Linda Cotton, Al Hurricane, Frank Leto and Pandemonium, Chuck Yamek, Deepsky and bassist Stu Hamm. The music was great and so was the crowd. A sincere thank you to all our customers, the bands, the clinicians and reps who made such a complex event the most fun we've had for a long time!

Doyle Dykes Acoustic Fingerstyle Guitar Performance/Clinic
November 24th, 2003
Taylor Guitars Clinician Doyle Dykes gave a dazzling and heartwarming performance to a standing-room-only audience of over two hundred people Monday night. In addition to performing absolutely mind-boggling arrangements of songs ranging from bluegrass, jazz, pop and sacred hymns, Doyle shared his faith with spiritually uplifting stories and told some great anecdotes including the one about Brother Oswald's invention of the flashpot which, as Doyle noted, predates KISS! This was one of those evenings where you "just had to be there."

Marvin "Smitty" Smith Drum Clinic
August 2th, 2003
Jay Leno's Tonight Show band drummer Marvin "Smitty" Smith wowed a crowd of over a hundred fans with an amazing in-store jazz-funk drum clinic. Demonstrating a wide range of styles and techniques with original tunes like "What The Funk" and Coltrane's "Giant Steps" he also was very generous with thoughtful and hilarious advice to both beginners and pros in the audience. His humble, humorous spirit and great talent was inspiring to the audience and Grandma's staff as well. Thanks Smitty!
Marvin “Smitty” Smith became a “Tonight Show” band member on January 30, 1995. He has recorded some 200 albums with various artists, as well as two solo albums. In addition, he also has toured with Sting, Sonny Rollins and Willie Nelson.

Kerry King of Slayer
March 29th, 2003
Grandma's and BC Rich guitars were host to Kerry King of Slayer and more than 500 very enthusiastic Slayers fans. Kerry invited guitar playing audience members onstage to play their favorite Slayer riffs and to get a personal (if not exactly private) lesson from Kerry. Countless autographs and photos with fans filled the rest of the afternoon.
"I think I'm a fan first and foremost," says King. "The difference between me and the people watching our show is that I learned how to play guitar. For some reason, I know how to make up riffs for Slayer and I get the opportunity to do that, so I'm like the superfan."

Review of Performance/Workshop with
Alan Pasqua, Peter Erskine and David Carpenter
February 1st, 2003
This was a very exciting show and Alan, Peter and David have a way of putting an audience at ease while at the same time playing great jazz. When asked by the audience, they defined themselves as a "jazz chamber trio" with the emphasis on listening to each other. "We play it different every night", said Alan in response to an audience member's question about improvisation. When a listener asked if they would demonstrate some "free improvisation", the trio did 5 minutes of edge-of-your-seat improv which went from exploratory atonality to the development of a motif complete with arrangement and further improv. A full evening's worth of great jazz performance and the trio's in-depth responses to questions made for an inspiring evening. Our thanks as well to Yamaha, Shure and Zildjian for their help in sponsoring this performance.

Grandma's Nominated Best Store for 2002!
December 30th, 2002
Grandma's has been nominated Best Single Store - Best Sales Staff, Best DJ Equipment and Best Clinics by the readers of Music & Sound Retailer Magazine. We are very honored and appreciative.

Fender News...
December 18th, 2002
We have just received news that our long time Fender rep Jeff Bowen has been transferred to California. Many of you may know Jeff from the Fender Cash Bash at Grandma's. He also played around the Denver area. Jeff will be overseeing many of Fender's guitar operations. Fender recently acquired Jackson Guitars and this will be part of Jeff's duties. Jeff was our Fender rep for 10 years and we wish him the best in his new position. Our new rep is Mike DeDonna. Mike was our Fender rep in the 1980s.