Anaheim, Calif, January 22, 2012—Frédéric Yonnet represented C.A. Seydel Söhne harmonicas as an endorsee at The 110th National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) show which featured over 1,441 exhibitors and over 95,700 registered attendees from around the world. The annual trade show is the place where music products retailers meet face-to-face with manufacturers to make their biggest purchases and gain product knowledge for their stores in the year ahead. It’s also a great place for musicians to reconnect, try new products, get endorsements or demonstrate the brands they already endorse.
Throughout the day Yonnet, along with several other Seydel endorsees – Ross Garren, Just Dave and John Schaman, MD – demonstrated their technique on the products while C.A. Seyel president Lars Seifert, U.S. President Rupert Oysler and sales manager Os Leguizamo took sales orders. When not demonstrating, Yonnet made his way through the various halls with the intent to check out the latest gear. “It was really hard to got 10-feet without running into a musician that you knew or one that you wanted to know,” said Yonnet.
Stevie Wonder jokes with Yonnet to "get on the bus" as they make the rounds at NAMM.
While talking with representatives from a studio microphone manufacturer, Yonnet turned to see a huge crowd moving in his direction. Leading the pack was none other than Stevie Wonder. Yonnet approached, said “Bonjour” and the next thing he knew, he was apart of the entourage. Wonder wanted Yonnet to introduce him to the Seydel line of harmonicas so, after a few stops — which included Samson, Suzuki, and Moog, they headed the Seydel. Wonder samples three harmonicas and settled on The Saxony, a chromatic with stainless steel reeds.
As if the exhibitions didn’t offer enough music during the day, almost every hotel and club in the area was booked with live music at night. On Friday night, Yonnet checked out the Bass Bash hosted by Nate Watts — bassist for Stevie Wonder. As Stevie Wonder sat in the audience, Yonnet was called up on stage where he “ripped” a solo on “Superstition.” Afterwards, Yonnet accompanied Wonder to Mike Phillips show hosted by Hidden Beach Records.
Special thanks to Shure microphones, T C Electronic and Peavey for loaning Seydel and Yonnet equipment for the booth.
Celebrity sightings included: Tommy Lee, George Benson, Stevie Wonder, Donovan, Greyson Chance, Greg Grunberg, Scott Grimes, Bob Guiney, Chuck Lowery, Tinsel Korey, David Crosby, Shaun Barrowes, Maya, Joel and Benj Madden, Jackson Brown, Alan Parsons, Bob Weir, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Baby Face, Navarone Garibaldi, Jay Gordon, John Stamos, Ken and Colbie Caillat, Dan Jacobson, Amber Frakes, Stokley Williams, Bootsy Collins, Peter Escovedo, Sheila E and Cameron Mitchell.
Urban jazz harmonicist Frédéric Yonnet is featured in the new NRDC Natural Resources Defense Council’s Green Gift Campaignwhich promotes giving gifts that are good for the environment. Of course, gifts that help clean the air are at the top of Yonnet’s list, especially since he has asthma.
The vignette-driven campaign, which launches this month, features several celebrities including punk rockers Green Day, actress Kyra Sedgwick (The Closer), producer Laurie David,(Inconvenient Truth), the Aqualillies, and actor Tony Shalhoub (Monk). Mini-Fred is played by Frederick Cobb.
[Washington, DC] Urban Jazz Harmonicist Frédéric Yonnet and Ethiopian-born signer/songwriter Wayna know that music won’t heal the pain of a sickle cell crisis but they’re betting it can raise awareness of the inherited blood condition.
On Saturday, November 19, they will preview their new collaboration at the Third Annual “Mo’ Than Jazz” Sickle Cell Benefit Concert hosted by Florida Avenue Baptist Church (FABC) for the benefit of Faces of Our Children, a non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness, support and funding for the fight against the sickle cell disease. Yonnet, a Stevie Wonder protégée, and Wayna, a 2009 Grammy nominee, are keeping a tight lip on the specifics of the song. However, it’s expected that Yonnet’s “in your face” approach to the harmonica along with Wayna’s thoughtful lyrics and unpredictable, yet timely phrasing, will create a powerful anthem. Florida Ave Baptist Church’s choir Adoration will also be featured during the concert. (more…)
Over 25 youth participated in the Sultata Project Downrigging harmonica workshop offered on Saturday, Oct. 29, 2011.
Yonnet Rocks the Boat in Chestertown
[October 7, 2011] Where can you see a fleet of tall ships assembled in one of America’s best preserved historic seaports, listen to performances from world-class musicians… sit in on lecture or workshop, and sail on some of the most beautiful sailing ships anywhere? Downrigging Weekend 2011, that’s where!
The harbor and wharfs of Chestertown, MD will be filled to capacity on the weekend of October 27-30, 2011, as ships, schooners, skipjacks, buyboats and wooden boats of every conceivable shape and size make their way to Chestertown to celebrate the end of the sailing season during Sultana Projects’ eleventh annual Downrigging Weekend.
The harbor will never be the same after Urban Jazz Harmonicist Frederic Yonnet and his band “rock the boat” at the Garfield Center for the Arts. For those inspired to revisit the instrument that they have laying around the house, Yonnet will host a workshop on the waterfront for kids and adults. For more information visit sultanaprojects.org.
Free Youth Workshop Saturday, October 29, 3:00-4:00 PM Downrigging Pavilion at the Foot of High Street Sponsored by Kent County Arts Council
Frédéric Yonnet hit the runway at the 27th Annual Howard University Alumni Brunch and Fashion Show on October 23, 2011 at the Wardman Park Marriott. Sponsored by Bloomingdales and produced by Stephany Greene, the show included collections from Tory Burch, Rachel Roy and Theory, and a live performance from Yonnet and his band. ABC’s Cynné Simpson hosted the event and Yonnet, after modeled in the “Networking” and ‘Monochrome” series, decided he’d stick to playing the harmonica. Yonnet wore designer Hans Ubbink.
Frédéric Yonnet pauses to serenade model, Monica as they hit the catwalk during Howard University Annual Alumni Fashion Show. Photo credit: AlexandeVeni Photography
After an earthquake and a hurricane postponed many of the originally scheduled MLK events in August, however the skies were blue on the October 15-16th, and the show went on!
Below are a few highlights:
Stevie Wonder, James Taylor, Sheryl Crow and Frédéric Yonnet during the finale at the MLK events on the National Mall. Photo credit: K. Dose
Frédéric Yonnet and Stevie Wonder perform Superstition at the MLK Dedication, October 16, 2011. Photo credit: K. Dose.
India.Arie, Indan Raichel and Frédéric Yonnet perform at the MLK International Gala on April 25, 2015. Photo credit: K. Dose.
If you missed the Martin Luther King Memorial Dedication concert at the Kennedy Center on August 27, you can catch a highlight here! The finale featured Yonnet paired with Naturally 7′s “– best know for their vocal play”– for a high energy exclamation of “What the World Needs Now”… Love!
The full live webcast, which streamed live from the Kennedy Center, featured gospel icon Maggie Ingram, Naturally 7 (21:57) and Frédéric Yonnet (46:35). Yonnet played both host and headliner during the show while actress and activist Victoria Rowell made a special appearance (46:35) to introduce his performance. Watch the full finale with Naturally 7 and Yonnet (77:00).
Thanks to all our Philly Phriends for coming out to the show on Saturday night at the Bride. Below are some highlights from the night. Special thanks to Nikki Jean for posting this video after the show. Check out HERmusic too.
Credit: Paul Kopicki for The Painted Bride
Looks like Nikki Jean has an eye for Frédéric Yonnet and the harmonica. Click to see who else does.
