The Pickin’ Porch to Become Full-Time Guitar Studio
On Saturday, May 2nd the Pickin’ Porch retail store will close. The Pickin’ Porch will remain a fretted instrument instruction studio at the Willis Avenue location.
Most of the store’s inventory will be placed on clearance: Inventory will be 25% off retail price April 16th – 23rd and 50% off retail price April 24th – May 2nd.
Last year, I placed the Pickin’ Porch for sale. I hoped to sell the store and dedicate more time and energy to my guitar students, family, farm chores and performance career. Several potential buyers inquired about purchasing it and two sought to relocate it to downtown Floyd. However, a tightening credit market and downtown politics conspired against the sale. Selling in this environment is unlikely, yet I need to move forward.
The Pickin’ Porch’s success came by serving the musical needs of Floyd and supporting local musicians and instrument makers. I am deeply grateful for the support from all of our customers and consignors. The Pickin’ Porch also thrived thanks to the support of my family who often pitched in to staff the store. I am indebted to Temple Garrison, who managed the store for the past two years.
What’s next?
I will continue to dedicate myself to my vocation as guitar teacher (and mandolin and ukulele). This month a dozen students will record the first Pickin’ Porch student CD. Almost 50 students will perform at our student recital June 7th and 14th and join me in other performances this summer. I am recording an instructional DVD on “How to Play the Blues” and will write an instructional book on beginning guitar.
The Pickin’ Porch will continue its mission: “Celebrating and Cultivating Floyd’s Music Making Tradition” and will offer student instruments and supplies and maintain dealerships and warranties. Consigned instruments or CDs and any outstanding payments should be picked up by May 2nd.
Instruments, instructional books, DVDs and supplies will be sold online at www.thepickinporch.com.
My family and I look forward to spending more time enjoying the people and places of Floyd County.
