PJ's Lager House to raise money for future Detroit music store

Corktown bar, restaurant, and music venue PJ's Lager House is hosting a two-night fundraiser for Third Wave Music, a musical instrument and supply store scheduled to open in August 2015 in Midtown's Forest Arms apartment building, which is currently being rehabbed. The event takes place Friday, Jan. 2, and Saturday, Jan. 3 at PJ's in Corktown.

Though they didn't win the ultimate $50,000 prize as a finalist in the 2014 Hatch Detroit contest, Third Wave Music has experienced a significant boost from the community. A recent crowdfunding campaign, fundraising concerts, and art auction raised a reported $10,000 for the music store. That money is being used to purchase inventory.

The weekend-long benefit was actually the idea of Lager House owner Paul "PJ" Ryder, who approached Third Wave about hosting another fundraiser. All of the money collected at the door and 50 percent of bar sales will be given to Third Wave.

Detroit is a city internationally renowned for its contributions to popular music. Yet for all of the musicians living and working in Detroit, be they students, amateurs, hobbyists, or professionals, there are few -- if any -- places to buy even the simplest of supplies, from reeds to guitar picks, strings to drum sticks.

"The outpouring of love and support reminds me of how much musicians and the people who love music really have each others back," says co-owner Jen David. "How we really want to help each other succeed, but also how bad we need a music store that is focused on the community."

In addition to supplies, the store will sell used gear, Detroit-made products and instruments, and will offer instrument repair services. As it stands today, Detroit musicians have to rely on suburban stores for the majority of such products. Music lessons are also planned.

A Benefit for Third Wave Music occurs Friday, Jan. 2, and Saturday, Jan. 3, at PJ's Lager House at 1254 Michigan Ave. Music begins at 9 p.m. on both nights. Friday includes sets from Six and the Sevens, Coyote Cleanup, Alison Lewis, 3FT, and DJ Nothing Elegant. Saturday features performances from Robbie Dwight, Kaylan Waterman, Rollin'N'Tumblin, Duende!, and Stone Clover. There is a $10 suggested donation.

Source: Jen David, co-owner of Third Wave Music
Writer: MJ Galbraith

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