Music Fans Flock To Jazz Record mart In River North Ahead Of Potential Closing
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Music fans are flocking to the Jazz Record Mart in Chicago's River North today as the legendary store gets ready to close its doors, reports WBBM's Nancy Harty.
They came from all over the Midwest to browse the bins full of vinyl, CDs and even cassettes.
Among those browsing the jazz, blues, Gospel and other types of music were elementary school music teachers from East Lansing Katie and Chris Pike.
"I like listening to jazz on vinyl because there's less processing going on," Chris said.
Some were first-timers such as Rob Funkhouser, a composition student in graduate school at Butler University.
Tom Quirk of Orland Park says he's walked the aisles a number of times, calling it a major resource of music.
Tyler Friedman of Milwaukee says he's been to the Jazz Record Mart several times. Today he was pouring over 78s and vinyl records in a room called "the vault". He explains his self-described obsession with those older mediums.
"On some level the difference between owning an original painting and a print and a poster of the thing and there's a thickness to having the object," he said.
Bob Koester says he plans to review an offer from a potential buyer tomorrow. He says that person is interested in all the inventory and fixtures but Koester isn't sure what do to with the space. High rent is making it tough to stay open, he says.