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Top 10 Things to Experience at AXPONA, April 15-17

Top 10 Things to Experience at AXPONA, April 15-17

The following is a press release issued by AXPONA.

ROSEMONT, IL | March 17, 2016 – Now in its 7th year AXPONA (Audio Expo North America) continues to entice audiophiles, music lovers, musicians and seasoned audio experts looking to enhance their sound with the latest technology. The show, which returns to the Westin Hotel in Rosemont April 15-17, will feature 400 exhibitors and offers attendees the enviable opportunity to touch, test, and shop the newest technology in high-end consumer audio products. Featuring over 110 interactive listening rooms, a Gear Expo, Live Concerts, Special Exhibits, seminars and more, AXPONA 2016 will encompass 8 floors of the hotel. The show will be easy to navigate with these top ten “must do’s”:

1.Manufacturer’s Showcase
This museum-like display of the newest products and innovations from more than 18 manufacturers and dealers will display nearly 100 products. Exhibitors include Aesthetix, AMG, Artisan Fidelity, Audio Alchemy, Audeze, AVM, Channel D, Clearaudio, Convergent Audio Technology, DS Audio, Blue Smoke Entertainment Systems, ELAC, Emotiva, GAUDER AKUSTIK, Kharma, Kyomi Audio, Legacy Audio, Luxman, Merrill Audio, Musical Surroundings,  Nola Speakers, Peachtree Audio, Playback Designs, Pro Audio, Questyle Audio, Sbooster, Sonist Audio, STEALTH Audio Cables, TEAC and van den Hul.  The Showcase is open exlusively to VIP and Media and Friday, and to all ticket holders Saturday and Sunday.

2. Live Evening Concerts
AXPONA attendees can stay after hours for live evening concerts including an intriguing and soulful Friday (8-9:30 pm) performance by jazz organist Akiko Tsuruga, presented by Technics. Being of Japanese origin, this talented musician began playing the organ at the age of three. She launched her career in jazz immediately after graduating from the Osaka College of Music. While living in Osaka, she had opportunities to play with world-renowned jazz musicians from the United States.

On Saturday, April 16, 8-10 pm, blues lovers will enjoy an exciting concert line-up presented by Acoustic Sounds. Up-and-coming artist Noah Wotherspoon will start the show. Fans are in for a treat when headliner Chicago Blues Legend Lurrie Bell joins Wotherspoon on stage for a performance. Born in 1958, the son of famed blues harmonica player Carey Bell, Lurrie Bell picked up his father’s guitar at age of five and taught himself to play. He also grew up with many Chicago blues legends around him.

Wotherspoon has been immersed in the blues and mesmerizing audiences with his soulful guitar playing since he was a teenager. In 2015, Wotherspoon received the Best Guitarist Award at the International Blues Challenge and the band placed 2nd in the finals.

3. Turntable Set-up Seminar with Michael Fremer, Stereophile Contributing Editor and analog guru
In this “hands on” seminar held Friday and Saturday from 1-2pm, music lovers will learn how to correctly set-up a turntable, install a cartridge and optimize its performance. Perfect for a novice or if you need a quick refresher course.

4. Legends of High End Audio Panel, Saturday, April 16, 4-5pm
Four of high-end audio’s greatest designers and company founders including Dan D’Agostino of Krell and Dan D’Agostino Master Audio Systems, Kevin Hayes of Valve Amplification Company, Paul McGowan of PS Audio and Frank Van Alstine of Audio by Van Alstine will talk about how they started their companies, invented new technologies, and created their iconic products. This panel is a rare gathering of the industry’s most legendary figures.

5. Daytime Acoustic Performances in the Music Lounge
Take a break from the listening rooms and reproduced sound and treat your ears to some acoustic performances.  On Friday, WDCB presents pianist Jim Ryan and the Roy McGrath Duo.  Saturday and Sunday enjoy classical pianists and Jazz groups throughout the day from local Chicago Universities.

6. Listening Rooms
See and touch superbly designed, high-performance systems in over 110 dedicated listening rooms crafted by the best manufacturers in the business. Experience sound like never before in room settings, perfect to inspire sound systems for your media room, man cave or home office!

7. Ear Gear Expo
An expo dedicated entirely to the art of the headphone. See the world’s top brands reveal their latest and greatest gear from top manufacturers including Sennheiser, Shure, Onkyo, Cleer, Astell & Kern.

8. Marketplace
Discover and shop thousands of parts, components, gear, accessories, vinyl and turntables more all in one place from manufacturers like Acoustic Sounds, Elusive Disc, Morrow Audio, Music Direct, Nordost, and PS Audio.

9. Prudence Farrow Bruns Seminar & Book Signing
Join Prudence Farrow Bruns of “Dear Prudence” fame Saturday, 2:30-3:30pm as she takes you through her turbulent teenage years which led her to meditation and the teachings of the Maharishi in India. During that time her path crossed with the Beatles, because like so many from this era, they were seeking new spiritual guidance and exploring meditation.  Learn about Prudence’s journey, explore how the quest for spirituality shaped the Sixties and hear the story behind the famous song “Dear Prudence”.

10. Tape:  The Format of the Future
Tape is having a renaissance.  Attend the seminar on Friday at 3:15pm where pros will discuss how easy it can be to have a studio quality tape machine playing back Master tape copies in your Living room.

Open to the public, AXPONA offers a variety of ticket options for attendees.
Ticket prices: one day pass $25; two day pass $45; 3 day pass $55; VIP pass $125; Industry pass $55; and student pass available on Sunday $5.

The VIP Experience Package is the ultimate AXPONA experience, and includes VIP Check-in, a special VIP badge, scheduled semi-private audition appointments in Listening Rooms, early access to the Manufacturer’s Showcase on Friday and access to the VIP Lounge. VIP passes are available for $125. A limited amount of VIP passes will be available.

All general admission tickets include access to the exhibits including listening rooms, the Marketplace, Ear Gear Expo (EGX), as well as educational seminars, live music, special events. 

AXPONA will be open Friday and Saturday 10 am – 6 pm; Sunday 10 am – 4 pm.

The Westin O’Hare is located at 6100 North River Road. Ample parking is available at the Westin’s main lot and overflow lot for a discounted rate of $10/day for AXPONA attendees and exhibitors.

To purchase tickets or for more information about the event, please visit www.axpona.com or call 203-371-6322.

About JD Events                                                                        
JD Events is dedicated to the creation of targeted and innovative industry-leading events that deliver results. The company brings together highly qualified buying audiences, education-rich content and high-level networking opportunities — all geared toward increasing business transactions in the markets it serves. For more information, visit: http://www.jdevents.com.

Tags: AXPONA

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