The Beat Goes On, but not for long...

In an earlier life, the store was part of a local chain of music stores called I Believe In Music, 1970s to the late 1990s. Mario worked for the chain and when they sold this location, he bought it and gave it its Sonny & Cher inspired name. After 31 years in the music business, Mario now has the bank knocking at his door, and started to liquidate his inventory back in December. He does not know anything but the music business and is a little panicky about he will do next.

Walk into the store and, except for some modern day music on display, you are stepping back into the 1960s. I expected to catch a whiff of pot (not that I would know what that smells like) but was just greeted by the scent of old cigarette smoke. Autographed pictures and record albums cover the walls. The back shelf is filled with collectible dolls , most in unopened packages; among the oldest were a Grace Kelly and a Barbie loves Sinatra. Rows of CDs fill the room along with some DVDs, and a few VHS tapes and 8-tracks. Of the two large incense displays, one was empty - sold-out. People still burn that stuff?

I bought a few CDs, and a Grateful Dead t-shirt for my son, took a last look at a 5' round metal peace sign wrapped with Christmas lights that was leaning on a board painted with a portrait of Elvis, and wished Mario all the best.

Side Wall.