Young Ones Records in Kutztown is coming back after a holiday hiatus hosting free in-store performances by three local bands set for Jan. 10 and 22.
The Americana group Desoto Rust, hailing from Philadelphia, will kick off the New Year on Jan. 10 from 3 to 5 p.m. The band scheduled its performance to promote a new CD.
Following on Jan. 22 from 7 to 9 p.m. is Allentown’s thrash metal group Panic and Berks County’s own punk rock group Hate to Say It. The two bands are already familiar with each other.
According to Young Ones owner Chris Holt, metal and punk often work together to expose each of their audiences to different genres. The groups also share equipment, which Holt says is helpful with limited time and “backstage” space. Hate to Say It is returning to Young Ones after performing this past September.
Holt said that Reading’s Jonathan Monument is already scheduled to play on Feb. 28, and the store will fill the weeks with more performances.
The shows aim to cover a variety of genres, with the heavier styles offered on weeknights and lighter ones on Saturday afternoons. Holt says that Young Ones is also looking to coordinate with national bands touring the area, allowing for in-store appearances, signings and performances.
“The area is teeming with very talented musicians who are releasing new music. This is a great promotional opportunity for music fans and the artists to connect,” said Holt.
He says the concerts “offer an intimate, up-close opportunity to see the bands in a laid-back atmosphere.”
Young Ones tries to book performances in conjunction with the bands’ new music releases. Before, during or after the shows, attendees may purchase music and often merchandise that the bands offer. They may also meet the bands and get autographs.
Holt sees the in-store performances as beneficial to both the performers and audience.
As one of the few opportunities to see live music in Kutztown, Holt says these free performances allow people to be exposed to new bands.
“The artists enjoy a less stressful live experience. For community members who don’t wish to travel to see a band, or can’t or don’t want to go to a bar where many of these bands generally play, they now have a local chance to experience the music,” he said.
The store’s old location allowed for some performances, while the more spacious new location at Whiteoak Street upped bookings to once or twice a week for most weeks since March 2014. The new store opened in September 2013. In the past, the store hosted bands such as Sevendust, Bad Brains, and Black Crown Initiate.
“Customers and bands are very excited about the prospect of live music, and bands and musicians enjoy being able to promote their releases in this setting,” Holt said regarding the general response to these performances.
The independent record store has been networking with many bands in its 24 years in business.
According to Holt, “bands are eager to play” and contact Young Ones via social media, email or visits to the store.
Frank Phobia, who schedules all of the Young Ones performances, has experience booking shows for numerous venues, is a founding member of the Reading band Anthrophobia, has his own label, and maintains many music industry connections in the area. Interested performers can email frank@youngonesrecords.com.
All upcoming in-store performances can be viewed on the Young Ones Facebook page under “Events” or at youngonesrecords.com.
Young Ones is located at 26 Whiteoak St. in Kutztown and is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
