Since the closing of City Lights Records in late January, State College has been searching for a place to satisfy its music needs. The answer may have arrived in the form of The Music Underground.
The Music Underground will be opening in time for the fall semester and will be conveniently located at 316 E. College Avenue, the same space that City Lights Records had previously occupied. Although the official opening date has been pushed back, The Music Underground will be operating in some capacity this summer.
But it isn’t shaping up to be just another independent music store; aside from selling new and used vinyl, CDs, cassettes, and other music memorabilia, it will be offering music equipment rentals, repair services, turn tables, and refurbished stereo components.
Maria Browne, The Music Underground’s manager to be, believes this music outlet will be successful where City Lights Records fell short. She said, ‘We are trying to be more a central music hub than just a store.’
Browne will be working alongside owners Jesse Ruegg and Jeff Van Fossan, who also own Chronic Town on West College Avenue.
During April, Chronic Town held a sneak peek event featuring the diverse and affordable collection of music, some of which came directly from Greg Gabbard’s (City Lights Records owner) collection. Based on this preview Browne appears to be optimistic. She said people seem really excited and interested in the project.
Not only was the event beneficial to customers, but to the owners and management as well. They were given the chance to talk to the people stopping by and find out what it was that music enthusiasts wanted which confirmed their rental equipment idea.
‘There are not many music establishments in State College that offer music equipment rental and repair services,’ Browne said, ‘there are not many places to find equipment and this will make it easier for students and local bands to perform.’
Connected to the rear of The Music Underground will be the Kill Screen Kafé, which Browne said will add even more appeal to the ‘music hub’. The cafe will offer snacks, smoothies, as well as vintage arcade and pinball games.
Browne said, ‘The main thing is…we’re not just music.’
