This post is from Bob & Liz, who own the “Sound Station” record store business in Westfield, NJ. Sadly, their business burned to the ground yesterday. As if it’s not tough enough running a Ma & Pa retail business in today’s economy, now they have been devastated by this huge loss. Here’s Bob’s FB post about it:
Our store is gone. Since 1988 I’ve been behind the counter just trying to get through to people about everything I love in life. It’s all gone now & I dont know how to deal. I feel like life is lost. Nothing inside could be saved. My hands smell like smoke. We’re just going to try to get through today. We dont have internet at home because we’re at the store all day in front of a computer on loan from Christopher Marti. We’ll try to check in from time to time to keep you all in the loop. We love you all so much.
CLICK HERE TO HELP SOUND STATION
Update – 1/23/12 10:37 PM
Our Story
Westfield, NJ has always been a town rich in youth culture, and one of our soaring traits is our celebration in music. For most of us that grew up here, the word music brings to mind one place: Sound Station. The headquarters for all things music: CDs, records, tapes, and especially knowledge. Sound Station has been a pivotal place for generations growing up in Westfield. Their open doors gave many of us that didn’t quite fit in anywhere else a place to feel welcome and accepted. A place where everyone of all ages, even the youngest of kids could hang out and bond over something that nowhere else really gave us a space to: our love of all kinds of music. Family owned and run, the record shop has kept a local music scene thriving with their constant stock of relevant new releases, classics, hidden unknown gems, a table for local bands’ releases, and live shows right in between the aisles. Bob and Liz always greeted you with a smile, helped you find what you needed, and made you feel like family. The Major Generals to our Sound Station Army.
On Sunday, January 22, our town suffered a terrible tragedy. A fire raged on South Avenue, destroying a few local shops, including what was to many a home, Sound Station. Help us raise money to get Bob, Liz and Sound Station back on their feet after what is sure to be a treacherous road of hardships and more heartbreak. For all of the times the shop made our town, our music scene, and our spirits bloom. For all the times music has helped you when you thought you had hit your lowest.
The Impact
Your contributions will go straight to Bob Larsen, Liz Walsh, and the relief of their business after this disaster.
What We Need & What You Get
It’s going to be a long road. Anything helps, but there will be a lot of expenses. We will be raising money from now until Record Store Day 2012, which falls on April 21. Although $5,000 may not seem like a lot in comparison to how awful the damage done to our precious musical safe haven was, our goal reflects the humble attitude of Sound Station and it’s owners. Never flashy people or business. We are hoping that the donations received will skyrocket this goal.
Contributors will receive copies of flyers, hand designed by Liz, of the last few live shows put on inside Sound Station. Leave your information with your donation if you would like to receive one.
Other Ways You Can Help
You can contact Bob and Liz through the comments section on this site, or visit the shop’s Facebook page ( http://www.facebook.com/soundstationnj ). A kind word goes a long way.
