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Many of you are aware that I have a ‘thing’ for locally owned businesses — largely because unique local stores bring people to our city.
They make us different; the proprietors work hard, know their stock well, and offer great customer service.
Last week I spent some time in The Little Music Shop, where first class customer service was clearly on display.
I wasn’t surprised because I’ve been a customer of Bruce and Michelle Curnow’s store for many years; but I was reassured.
The Little Music Shop which grew like Topsy — draws customers from towns like Echuca, Deniliquin, Mansfield, Hamilton and Seymour.
Obviously, they are people who know a good thing when they experience it.
Kids in the Kitchen
Bruce is a drummer, and in the ’80s, was doing tertiary studies, when he met a couple of would-be musicians, who had a couple of mates, and they began jamming together, improvising when they didn’t have adequate musical instruments.
They were using pots and pans and other kitchen utilities when another friend dropped by — and said, “You sound like kids in the kitchen”.
The name stuck.
But when one of them suggested they do a gig, the others queried it. “What! A real gig? With an audience?”
The gig eventuated, supporting another band which wasn’t much good.
Kids in the Kitchen played first, and all their uni friends turned up supporting them enthusiastically.
When the main attraction started playing, the crowd went home.
At their next performance, the same thing happened – and “the Kids” became the main act.
A gentleman turned up and offered himself as manager; closely followed by an interested recording studio.
They were on their way to an album and a tour.
The next stage was the United States, and a tour was arranged.
However, they had just landed when the manager asked to talk with Bruce, who was told he was not to be a part of the band.
They had organised another drummer to take his place.
Bruce was, of course, confused and asked “Why am I here?” He went backpacking around Europe.
My eldest son, inquiring about how this story was going, said “I bet he didn’t tell you that he received more fan mail than anyone except the lead singer. I often hear him playing when I’m in the supermarket though. The first album was the one people liked.”
Shepparton and sound
Bruce began working as a sound engineer for recording studios.
He got his life back together again and came to Shepp in 1994, accepting a position at GMV6.
His new wife joined him as soon as he had settled into the job, and he worked at our television station for around seven years.
He resigned because the television business was changing dramatically; people were losing their jobs, and Bruce reckoned he’d be the next to go.
The Curnows discussed their future and decided it would be in their own hands.
They opened The Little Music Shop in 2002, with strong competition in the field.
Their venture struggled for some time, but as the competition closed their doors, things improved.
Today, their extended shop is sought-after.
Kids in the kitchen – again.
The band, which was popular for several years in the ’80s because it played dance music, eventually folded.
However, from time to time, they play a gig for the fun of it, with Bruce on the drums.
I asked, “How can you forgive them?”
He said that the guitarist, who was behind his dismissal, was no longer a part of the band, and the others were good mates, old friends.
Their next gig is at the Corner Hotel, Richmond on October 5 at 1pm. It is the 40th anniversary of the release of their first album.
Bruce will be on drums.
Bruce Curnow is a good bloke, and his not-so-little Music Shop is one of Shepp’s success stories. As a long-term customer, and a keen observer of good service, I recommend him, Michelle, and the Little Music Shop to everyone interested.
May it be easy, my friends
Marnie
Email: towntalk@sheppnews.com.au
Phone, text or call 0409 317 187.