Seven artists. Three days. One stage. Kawai's bringing you a new era of Official Artists.
Seven artists. Three days. One stage. Kawai's bringing you a new era of Official Artists.
From a six-year-old becoming one of the youngest pianists ever to perform at Carnegie Hall, to an American Idol champion that chooses to build her career around the piano that shaped her childhood, Kawai's lineup has it all. This January, Kawai is presenting seven exceptional performers to the NAMM Show 2026 for three days of live piano performances you won't find anywhere else. From classical virtuosity to indie-pop soul, from Latin Grammy-winning jazz to viral social media sensations, our 2026 artist lineup represents the full spectrum of what's possible when extraordinary talent meets world-class instruments.
ARTIST LINEUP
David Snyder Thursday, January 22 | 11:00 AM
David Snyder's journey from rural North Dakota to opening for Snoop Dogg, Ice Cube, and Flo Rida is the kind of story that reminds you why the internet changed everything for musicians. David opens KAWAI's NAMM 2026 showcase on Thursday morning, setting the tone for three days of performances that span genres, generations, and musical traditions.
Abi Carter Thursday, January 22 | 3:30 PM
When Abi Carter won American Idol Season 22 in 2024, she became the first woman to claim the title in four years—and the first platinum ticket recipient ever to win the competition. "I perform from the very bottom of my soul," Abi has said. At Kawai's NAMM 2026 booth, she'll bring that raw earnestness to life on our instruments, showcasing why piano remains central to her artistic identity.
Sergio De Miguel Friday, January 23 | 11:00 AM
At seventeen, Sergio de Miguel became the youngest musician ever to receive the Latin Grammy Cultural Foundation's "Prodigy" Award—a scholarship sponsored by Gloria and Emilio Estefan that recognized his extraordinary promise. Seven years later, the awards haven't stopped. At NAMM 2026, Sergio performs twice: a solo set on Friday showcasing his modern classical approach, and a dynamic trio performance on Saturday exploring the jazz traditions that earned him his Downbeat recognition.
Artur Zakiyan Friday, January 23 | 3:30 PM
A graduate of the prestigious Yerevan State Conservatory After Komitas, Artur Zakiyan has dedicated his career to blending Armenian ethnic music with classical contemporary and new age influences. Artur has performed at the Catalina Jazz Club and Tower Theatre, building a devoted following among classical music enthusiasts and the Armenian-American community alike. His NAMM performance will feature his signature fusion of Armenian classics with world-renowned masterpieces.
Joshua Levy Saturday, January 24 | 12:00PM
With Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Josh has traveled the world, appeared before millions of people, and worked with many of the industry's finest musicians, engineers, producers, and conductors. Notable appearances have included the Super Bowl XXXIII Halftime Show, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Late Night with Conan O'Brian, and concerts with The Los Angeles Philharmonic, The National Symphony Orchestra at Kennedy Center, and The Hollywood Bowl Orchestra
Krista Marina Saturday, January 24 | 1:00 PM
Krista Marina's music blends the jazz, blues, and soul she grew up with in her Armenian household into an alternative R&B/Pop sound that's distinctly her own. Her collaboration with Arc North on "Meant To Be" has surpassed 33 million streams on Spotify, and her recent starring role in "A Winter's Song"—the first English-language holiday romantic comedy filmed in Armenia—has expanded her artistic reach into film. A UCLA graduate in Music Business and Communication, Krista has performed at iconic LA venues including the Troubadour and Viper Room. She's currently recording her first full-length solo album, expected in 2026.
Alec Van Khajadourian Saturday, January 24 | 3:30 PM
In July 2025, five-year-old Alec Van Khajadourian walked onto the Carnegie Hall stage and made history. Media outlets from ABC World News Tonight to The TODAY Show called his performance a "masterclass in talent." Born with perfect pitch—a gift found in roughly 1 in 10,000 people—Alec began exploring the piano before he could walk. By age four, he was performing works by Bach and Beethoven. By five, he had earned first-place honors at the Charleston International Music Competition, the NY Classical Debut Awards, and the Los Angeles Golden Classical Music Awards, where judges praised his "exceptional musicianship."
Beyond our artist performances, the KAWAI booth offers hands-on access to our complete instrument lineup—from the flagship Shigeru Kawai SK-EX Concert Grand to our latest digital piano innovations. Whether you're a dealer exploring new inventory, an educator seeking inspiration for your students, or a pianist discovering what's possible on a world-class instrument, our team will be on hand throughout the show to answer questions and demonstrate what sets Kawai apart.
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