Kutztown’s record store Young Ones drew music fans in Thursday night for an in-store performance by bands Panic and Hate to Say It.
The concert had a “nerve-wracking” start, according to Frank Phobia, who coordinates Young Ones performances. When setting up, Hate to Say It guitar player Adam Madeira cut his finger, and Phobia said the band may not play. Madeira and the rest of the band waited it out while Panic performed first.
This performance was Panic’s first at Young Ones, according to lead singer and guitar Joey Torelli. The bands set up in the back of the store, moving aside merchandise to make room for equipment. Panic, originating in Allentown, said they have played in smaller places before.
“We can just set up in the back and jam,” said drummer Vinnie Torelli before the show.
Another feature of playing in-store is the lighting.
“A lot of bands have been freaked out because they can make eye contact with everyone,” said Phobia.
Before playing several songs, Joey joked to the audience, “I hope you hate every single one of these.”
Afterwards, the band sold CDs for $1. In February, they will record a four-song EP called “Hang Loose.”
Berks County’s Hate to Say It played at Young Ones in 2014. They performed again Thursday, since they practice only five miles away in Topton, according to bassist Stickboy.
The band, which formed in summer 2012, will play “anywhere where someone wants to hear us,” according to drummer Robbie Clark. They hope to start recording a new album again by the spring or summer.
“The hardest part is the art. It takes forever to get the art together,” Stickboy said.
Attendees ranged from friends of the band to community music lovers to KU students.
AJ Woytko, who interns with Phobia at Young Ones, had never been to one of the concerts but knew that they benefited the artists and store.
“It gives them more of an at-home type feel,” Woytko said. “It also attracts more people than normal.”
He said that people walking in to the store see the concerts and might stay to watch.
Becky King of Royersford is a friend of Hate to Say It. Thursday was her first Young Ones in-store concert, although her husband attended some before. She said the sound is really good and that these concerts are an opportunity to see new bands for free.
“It’s huge, especially for kids that aren’t 21,” King said, noting that many concerts may be at bars or be too expensive. “It’s nice, open access to everyone.”
KU student Connie Kilgore and KU graduate Nate Raring attended a Young Ones concert for the first time as well. They found out about the performance from following Hate to Say It on Facebook and went because it was right down the street. They have seen the band a few times and are “big fans,” according to Raring.
“It’s nice that a bunch of people can come here,” said Kilgore. “It’s free, you can chill out, [browse] the store.”
Jeff Lobb of Kutztown has been a “metal head” for 30 years, starting with Metallica and getting into bands like Megadeth, Slayer, Anthrax, Exodus, Overkills, and Testament. He likes all kinds of metal, which is one reason he came to see Panic.
“They’re very talented. I like their style,” Lobb said of Panic.
Lobb and his brother have been going to the Young Ones performances, even at the old location. He notices mostly young college students attend these concerts, too.
“I think it’s kind of like a social gathering,” said Lobb. “Us older guys, we can blend in because we share the love of music with the younger generation.”
“People are here for one reason, and it’s music,” said Phobia. “It’s as one-on-one as you can get.”
Young Ones has more in-store performances coming up. For an updated list of events, visit youngonesrecords.com. The store is located at 26 Whiteoak St. in Kutztown.
Panic and Hate to Say It will come together again for a Jan. 31 concert at 3 p.m at the Reverb in Reading.