This past weekend, February 19th, I had the pleasure of witnessing a historic event in Monrovia, California. I was involved with the 40th anniversary of a small family record shop named “A Family Affair Music” What a catchy title, but so appropriate. The owner of this shop is Donald Collins. His daughter, Casey, and he run the shop which is open Monday-Thursday 11:00-7:00pm and Fridays 11:00am-9:00pm during the family festival a.k.a. farmers market. Saturdays they are open 10:00am-6:00pm. Closed on Sundays.
What’s so amazing about this shop to me is that it’s filled with the typical vinyl 45’s and albums one would expect to see in a record shop but there’s something else that you don’t find everyday… small town hospitality and love for the community. In addition they sell current music, guitars, drums, violins… various instruments, posters, etc… and if you don’t see what you want, they told me they can order it for no additional charge! I thought that was cool!!!
Family Affair has weathered 40 years at the same address 510 S. Myrtle Ave and have seen many businesses in the area come and go. I was impressed that the Mayor Lutz of Monrovia took time out on a Sunday to join in the celebration to present Donald with a certificate of recognition (see the attached photo of Mayor Lutz and Donald behind the store with DJ Lunatik). To help celebrate the occasion there was a special sale — just 40 cents per record, album, and cassette.
T.K. Carter (you might remember him from Punky Brewster fame) stopped by to give his congrats to Donald as well. There was great music played by DJ Lunatik. A few of the newer business owners stopped by to wish him congratulations and expressed that someday they too hope to have a commemorative celebration of their own. One owner made me laugh. He said “Wow. I just have 39 years and 11 months and 1 week to go to catch up to you lol.” I mean they had people who they went to elementary school with stop by and showed him some love in addition to his kids, in-laws, sisters, niece, and a host of friends he’s met along the way.
If you have a leisurely Saturday afternoon and want to see what all the buzz is about go to “A Family Affair Music” or check them out on Face Book at Family Affair Music.
Written by Tamu Smith
