When Dylan Kloska opened his record/houseplant store Vines & Vinyl at 3730 Prairie Ave. last fall, he said he hoped the place could also be something of a cultural center, hosting open mic nights and artsy pop-up shops.
He wanted a place where people like him, those who’d moved from hip city neighborhoods into the suburbs, could revisit that city vibe.
“What we all miss most about the city are the cultural touchstones, like that independent coffee shop and record stores,” Kloska said. “It reminds city folks of what it was like in the city.”
Last December, Kloska offered up a handful of live performances in the “record room” of the storefront, singer/songwriter showcase nights, and the store has also hosted water color and paint pour classes.
“I wanted to turn the shop into a place where, if you have a creative itch you want to scratch, this space is where those kinds of things can be made available,” Kloska said.
Based on the positive feedback from those attending the December events, Kloska has decided to make music a more regular part of Vines & Vinyl’s offerings. He’s also booking more than singer/songwriters workshopping new material solo, although he’s trying to feature acts that play original music.
“It can be jazz, hip-hop, country, as long as they’re doing original work,” Kloska said. “Most live music is cover band based, which is great, but my goal is provide space where people can come and do their own thing. It’ll always be different, but original every time you come through.”
On both April 15 and 16, the store will host two bands, including its first rock combos. The shows on April 15 are all-ages begin at 6 p.m. with a pair of bands featuring recent graduates of Riverside-Brookfield High School, Laikaa and Forgetting Sarah. There’s a $5 cover.
“It’s the first time with two full-blown bands,” Kloska said. “I’m excited for that.”
On April 16, a Sunday, the performances will take place during regular store hours, starting around noon. There’s a $5 cover and the bands, The Rust Riders and Meg & The Wheelers, skew country.
“Meg & The Wheelers are probably the most established band to play in the shop so far,” Kloska said.
While the music is performed in the record room, Cherry Thrift will host a pop-up shop in the plant room up front.
Other performances will be announced as they’re booked, said Kloska, himself a singer/songwriter who plays guitar.
“The schedule is going to be flexible,” he said. “They’ll either be Friday or Saturday as the shop is closing for the day or music while the shop is open [as on April 16].”
