Pocono News Section

Smash Music Center Opening in Williamsport

Smash Music Center Opening in Williamsport - Wednesday, July 1, 2009 at 2:34PM EST

Reported by: Jeremy Deebel
Wednesday, Jul 1, 2009 @ 02:34pm EST
Williamsport, Lycoming County-

A new music store is set to open in downtown Williamsport, and we're told it will be unlike any other.

Take a walk down Fourth Street and you’ll notice the signs for Smash Music Center. Take a walk inside and you’ll certainly notice the colorful paint job.

And while buying and selling musical instruments will be the main business, much more is expected here.

Founder John Gianino explained, “If an artist is actually trying to develop a career in music, they can sell their music in the store. If someone doesn’t have the money for an instrument, we can provide that through donations we would be receiving.”

We’re told Smash is being set up as a non-profit organization.

The people in charge of Smash Music Center say it will not only be a music store, but a place where the music community and fans can gather, network, and share their love of the arts.

Gianino said, “If a fan wants to come in and check out what the musicians in the area are like, they can come in and check it out at the listening station we’re going to have set up.”

Competitions using the video game Rock Band will be held each day to attract and entice non-musicians.

A networking and collaboration board has been posted to help local musicians get together.

And the people in charge at Smash are also looking for veteran musicians willing to volunteer some time to teach up-and-coming artists.

Gianino added, “You’ll see someone turning into a refined musician here from the help that you give them, and that’s our plan.”

Smash Music Center’s grand opening kicks off Thursday night around 6:30 with plenty of live music and entertainment.

For more information, check out .