Since its inception in 1991, Uptown Music has been more than just a music store for the Keizer community. It has been a hub for musicians, a destination for music lovers, and a vital support system for local schools and nonprofits. Jeff Whaley, the store manager at Uptown Music, shared insights into the store’s history, its offerings, and its deep-rooted connection with the community.

A Legacy of Passion and Community

Jim Nardi and Mark Kaufman founded Uptown Music in January 1991. Building on their industry knowledge and success and years of music performance experience, Jim and Mark opened the store a scant three weeks after Music West (Jim’s previous employer of 12 years) had closed. Scraping together $2500.00 and stocking the store with leftover inventory from Music West, they made their debut. Mark left the business shortly after its opening, and Jim’s wife Sylvia joined the business.

In March 2014, the Nardi’s sold Uptown Music to long-time store manager Paul Elliott and his wife Karen after several years of growth. Jim finally retired from the business placing it confidently in the hands of Paul and his staff in March 2015.

Paul leads his staff in commitment to offering outstanding service. If you live in Keizer, you know that during the 20+ years of being part of the Uptown family, Paul has been actively supporting music and education in this area. He has spent the last couple of years on the board of Salem Youth Symphony and helped with live streaming a few performances over the years. He is also responsible for most orchestral instrument repairs that pass-through Uptown’s doors.

Jeff Whaley, who started as a salesperson in a smaller music shop in Southern Oregon, found his way to Uptown Music when he moved to the area. Drawn by the store’s community spirit and nostalgic feel, Jeff has been with Uptown Music since 2016, gradually taking on more responsibilities and contributing to its growth. When asked what he enjoys about living in Keizer, Jeff’s answer was straightforward, “The small-town feel. It’s nice to be able to recognize our regular customers and really get to know them!”

Comprehensive Offerings and Unmatched Customer Service

Uptown Music is renowned for its extensive range of instruments and accessories. They are a full line music shop offering everything from guitars and basses to amps, drums, keyboards, PA equipment, studio gear, band & orchestra instruments, and sheet music. They also provide service and repair for guitars, amps, and band & orchestral instruments. The store caters to musicians of all genres and skill levels. Uptown proudly stocks top brands like Fender, Taylor, Eastman, Ibanez, Yamaha, Roland, and more, to ensure customers have access to the best quality instruments.

One of Uptown Music’s standout features is its dedication to customer service. The staff, including Paul, Janis, Jeff, Wyatt, Rich, & Gaby are not only knowledgeable about the products but also deeply invested in the needs of their customers. “We hire good-hearted people,” Jeff explained. “I can teach you how to sell and about our instruments, but I can’t change your heart and attitude.” This philosophy has cultivated a team that goes above and beyond to ensure customer satisfaction, whether it’s spending extra time finding a specific part or offering personalized advice.

Supporting the Community Through Music

Beyond retail, Uptown Music plays a significant role in supporting local music education and charitable initiatives. Their band and orchestra rental programs are crucial for young students embarking on their musical journeys. These rental programs are flexible and customer-friendly, allowing students to switch instruments or upgrade sizes as needed, with repair and replacement services available to manage any mishaps.

Uptown Music is also deeply involved in community service. They host donation bins for the Keizer Community Food Bank year-round and organize events like Food for Strings in April each year. For a donation of four cans of food, participants can get their guitars or ukuleles restrung for free. Additionally, the Guitars 4 Vets program, which Uptown Music supports, has gained national recognition for its success in helping veterans through music therapy. The owners and staff of Uptown Music have always been deeply connected to the community. It’s not just a place of business but a part of the local culture.

A Vision for the Future

Uptown Music is thriving in its current space and there are no immediate plans to expand into multiple locations. The focus remains on maintaining the intimate, community-driven atmosphere that customers love. However, they are always open to growth opportunities that align with their mission.

This summer, Uptown Music is teaming up with Keizer Chamber of Commerce, The Rec by Valor Mentoring, and the City of Keizer to present Keizer Rapids Summer Sounds. Join us every Saturday from July 20 to August 31, (except for Saturday, August 10, 2024, which is KeizerFEST weekend), for free concerts featuring local bands performing at the Keizer Rotary Amphitheatre at Keizer Rapids Park. This initiative exemplifies Uptown Music’s commitment to fostering a vibrant local music scene. We hope you can join us!

Local Partnerships and Community Bonds

Uptown Music prides itself on its strong relationships with other local businesses and organizations. They frequently collaborate with establishments like River City Rock Academy and Willamette Valley Music ensuring a cooperative rather than competitive atmosphere. These partnerships enhance the community’s musical landscape, providing a comprehensive network of support for musicians and music enthusiasts.

Visit Uptown Music

For those interested in learning more about Uptown Music, their offerings, and upcoming events, visit their Website. Find information on staff, lessons, rentals, used gear and much more. Store hours are Monday through Friday from 10:00am to 6:00pm; Saturday from 10:00am to 4:00pm; and closed on Sundays to allow their hardworking team a well-deserved rest.

A Heartfelt Thank You

Jeff concluded the interview with a heartfelt message to the community: “A big thank you to Keizer. We couldn’t do it without you all. Every time people come in saying they appreciate us, it’s right back at you. We wouldn’t be able to do what we want to do if it weren’t for those guys.”

Uptown Music is a tremendous example of the power of community, the joy of music, and the importance of supporting local businesses. It’s a place where passion meets purpose, and where every customer is a part of the family.

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