- By Lauren Arbogast

No longer will you find the legendary Whitesel Music Shop on 34 South Main Street in Harrisonburg; in its place stands a newly arrived sister in the music business—Downtown Music 34. The concept is quite simple: retail shop and recording studio by day, and a rockin' black box theatre by night, suitable for all the performing arts. DM34, as it's affectionately called, has carved a niche in the local music community since it's inception in October of 2010, and operates with the understanding that "anyone can get started" in music. Thom Metroka, part owner, is quite serious as he states DM34's mantra: "Get an instrument, get lessons, get recorded, and become a rock star!" Though you'll often find him smiling and laughing when discussing his passion for all things music, it's also quite apparent that he really is serious about this rock star stuff.

As someone who is not on top of the music scene nationally, much less locally (a few jobs and a few kids will take care of that)—it was eye opening and refreshing to hear what Thom and DM34 are presenting to the Harrisonburg community. The 250-person capacity space offers a range of services—primarily music based. The establishment remains a non-alcoholic venue, open to all ages, but the space can also be fully catered to accommodate the specific needs of private party rental. This is something that has worked in larger cities, but is just taking a foothold locally. "So far, the feedback has been really positive." Thom smiles, "The community is catching on."

When Chris Clark, co-owner of the Artful Dodger, and Thom, also general manager at the Dodger, put their heads together last year, they were specifically brainstorming what was lacking in the 'Burg's music scene. What they envisioned was a multipurpose music venue, similar to the "black box" theatres popular in the '60s and '70s—a flexible, raw performance space with more human than technical elements. Talking with the locals, they found that Harrisonburg used to delight more in the music arena, and not just local bands playing the bars, but venues that attracted local and national talent. It didn't take long for Chris and Thom to partner and decide that they wanted to do their part to help make Harrisonburg a destination for music again.

As a day job, DM34 offers locals a chance to browse a small selection of musical instruments, accessories, records, and rock memorabilia. Thom laughs as he says, "With the black box theatre concept, we have to put it away for concerts—we can't have wall-to-wall stuff!" The inventory is limited but tailored; Thom keeps catalogs out and will order what the customer specifically wants. "If you do each aspect right…you don't have to have twenty different sets of drumsticks. Just a little bit of everything done right." The local music stores also work in conjunction to cater to the music scene, and as Thom affirms, "Each music store has something specific; we are constantly referring customers back and forth, supporting each other, and the local economy as well."

No matter the genre or outlook on music, this is where Thom wants people to start. Looking to help musicians get their name out is also the name of the game at DM34, and Thom recounts a story of a band from Florida that had a less than stellar show, for various reasons, one night at DM34. The next day, he opened the doors for the guys to just rock out all day, drawing in people off the street for an unconventional show. In a more structured example, Thom contracted with MacRock this past fall as a venue for the local show that has made an annual home at JMU, allowing DM34 to showcase both regional and national bands and host over a thousand people in foot traffic per day. Performance and chasing fame isn't the only option on the plate at DM34, which allows for diversity in the customer base that Thom seeks.

If you happen to be in the market to buy or sell musical instruments, DM34 can hook you up on this level, as well. Although most of the instruments are technically "for sale," some are on consignment from fellow local musicians—this offers people an alternative to selling online, and Thom offers a great consignment contract. The overall instrument selection is geared more towards beginner and intermediate players, true to the DM34 thought that "everyone can get started," although the advanced music aficionado will find something to perk their interest, all the same. The shop also offers the more traditional band and orchestral instruments, and Thom is working with local band directors to provide rentals to middle and high school students.

And it's those middle and high school students that put Thom back on his music venue soapbox. "High school kids—where can they go?" He questions the availability of local, underage venues, and delights in the fact that DM34 actively recruits high school age bands to play in a safe, non-alcoholic venue. For this, DM34 has received a lot of gratitude from local parents, who enjoy the chance to see their children perform and interact with the local music community. One of Thom's "coolest" stories involves the younger crowd. "A middle school kid came with his parents to a high school band show. He paid his three dollar cover at the door, got his hand stamped, and you could tell that he just thought he was the coolest thing ever." It's sparking that interest in music, whether through a show or with an instrument, that Thom revels in.

But don't think for a second that DM34 is only for the younger crowd. A look at their recent and upcoming events reads like a "Who's Who" of local and national artists from all age groups and genres. The nightlife at DM34 is rockin', and most shows and performances are offered between 8 and 11 (p.m.) any night of the week. This ties in to Thom's web of support for the local community. He likes to say, "Go get dinner somewhere downtown, walk to DM34 for a show, and if you choose, go back out on the town to finish the night. Support others for food and drink, but come to DM34 for the music."

The last Thursday night of each month is an open mic night, appropriately titled "Thursday Night Live," where, for twenty bucks, local talent can get recorded. Check out their website for samples of recordings done this way. Thom cautions, "It's not a studio recording; it's a true live demo. We keep it raw. If you want to know how you really sound, this is it." Live recordings can also be done at other times, and can be set up on a case-by-case basis. Prices start at twenty dollars for a twenty- to thirty-minute set, for a solo artist, and a band can record for thirty to forty-five minutes for forty bucks. If you require a more formal recording, DM34 offers such, recording most bands for less than a hundred dollars. The list goes on for services offered at the shop, including instrument tune-ups, lessons at $25/half-hour, private parties starting at $60/hour, and instrument rentals from $26/month.

Be sure to check out the website at dm34.net, or their Facebook page for upcoming events. Email: booking@dm34.net to set up recording sessions or shows, and for general and rental information, contact downtownmusic34@gmail.com—or better yet, simply swing by and check out the 'Burg's newest musical experience, and be amazed at the service and passion for music you encounter. And don't forget to bring your inner rock star!