NAMM and Sesame Street Bring a Powerful Musical Message to the 83rd Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade(R)

CARLSBAD, Calif., Nov. 23 /PRNewswire/ — Each year, more than 44 million people watch from the street and on TV as dozens of themed floats transform New York City into a scene of wonder and majesty during the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade®. This year, the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) makes its Macy’s Parade debut with longtime partner Sesame Workshop as the organizations join forces to deliver a powerful message about the joy and benefits of playing music.

Celebrating their 40th birthday this year, Sesame Street and it’s famous stoop will be alive with music as Big Bird, Abby Cadabby, Oscar the Grouch and Elmo along with a slew of their friends delight the crowd with their musical abilities.

With help from their friends at NAMM, the cast, along with children on board, will show spectators the importance that music plays in the lives of kids everywhere as they bring the magic of musical instruments to life this Thanksgiving. All of the friends remind us that this is a great time of year for families to enjoy making music together.

At 32-feet long, 20-feet wide and 2 stories tall, the Sesame Street float will rock the holidays as it reaches another famous crossroad, 34th Street where the cast and Muppets of Sesame Street will perform a medley of “What Makes Music” and “Sing.”

“The holidays are a time for families and music,” said Joe Lamond, president and CEO, NAMM. “And that’s why NAMM is proud to once again partner with our good friends at Sesame Street to send a message this holiday season to the millions of viewers watching at home about the proven and powerful benefits of playing music.”

The 83rd Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade airs on NBC Thanksgiving morning, Thursday, Nov. 26 at 9 a.m. EST (Check local listings). For more information about the benefits of playing music this holiday season and how to find music stores and lesson providers in your area, visit www.wannaplaymusic.com.

About NAMM

NAMM is the not-for-profit association that unifies, leads and strengthens the $17 billion international musical instruments and products industry. NAMM’s activities and programs are designed to promote music making to people of all ages. NAMM is comprised of approximately 9,000 Member companies. For more information about NAMM or the proven benefits of making music, interested parties can visit www.namm.org or call 800-767-NAMM (6266).

About Sesame Workshop

Sesame Workshop is the nonprofit educational organization that revolutionized children’s television programming with the landmark Sesame Street. The Workshop produces local Sesame Street programs, seen in more than 140 countries, and other acclaimed shows to help bridge the literacy gap including The Electric Company and Pinky Dinky Doo. Beyond television, the Workshop produces content for multiple media platforms on a wide range of issues including literacy, health and military deployment. Initiatives meet specific needs to help young children and families develop critical skills, acquire healthy habits and build emotional strength to prepare them for lifelong learning. Learn more at www.sesameworkshop.org.

MEDIA CONTACT:     Kymberly Drake                 Scott Robertson, APR
                   Public Relations Manager       Director of MarCom
                   NAMM                           NAMM
                   760-438-8007, ext. 162         760-438-8007, ext. 102
                   Fax: 760-438-8257              Fax: 760-438-8257
                   kymberlyd@namm.org             scottr@namm.org

SOURCE NAMM