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Down Home Music Store--Arhoolie and Les Blank Films

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MTJ3:
I apologize for this seemingly craven plea, but it is for a worthy cause. 

Since Down Home Music in El Cerrito, CA opened in 1976 (when I coincidentally started patronizing it), it has been a great venue for musical performances and for books, periodicals, LPs, CDs, 78s, and, yes, even cassette tapes.  (Johnm, I bought your second album there many years ago.) Last week, I learned that Chris Strachwitz evidently did not make any allowance for Down Home Music Store in his estate plan and that there is a real and present danger that the property that the store occupies will be sold by the executor of the Strachwitz's estate.  If it is sold, it will likely be yet another case of "they paved paradise and put up a parking lot". Les Blank Films Inc. has started a Go Fund Me to raise money to prevent the sale and to preserve the store. I can't paste the associated QR code here, but if you are interested in contributing, please do an internet search for "Go Fund Me Down Home Music". 

Stuart:
Thanks for the heads up MTJ3--Here's a link:

https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-secure-el-cerritos-cultural-landmark

https://richmondstandard.com/richmond/2024/10/29/down-home-music-seeks-community-support-amid-building-sale/

lindy:
Yes, MTJ3, thanks for bringing it to our attention.

When I first saw your post, my immediate thought was "they want to raise money to buy a building in the Bay Area, just outside of Berkeley? That's crazy."

But the fundraiser is for a much smaller amount than I expected. With no personal knowledge whatsoever of the details of the situation or plan, it looks like it might be seed money or "on hold" money until they figure out what to do for the long term. Thus, lots of small donations can make a difference.

L

MTJ3:
For better or worse, I no longer live in the Bay Area but serendipitously visited the venue over the weekend.  I don't claim any special knowledge beyond what I was told.  What I was told:

1.  They have a potential angel investor.
2.  They are not sure what's going on.

I stand ready to stand corrected.  And, yes, Lindy, small donations can help.

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