A New Downtown Store for Local Musicians and Performers

With today's hustle and bustle, many people in San Angelo just want to go to the big box stores, get in, get out, and go home. For those who do stop to smell the roses, and prefer quality over quantity, there is a hidden gem tucked away for music lovers at 102 N. Chadbourne Street. Don't let the tiny burnt orange storefront fool you; once inside, it's literally an oasis in this desert and a musician's mecca.

BackBeat Music Company has a multitude of offerings, including instruments and accessories for sale with everything from your basic G-Strings to amps, accordions, and even a Fender Acoustic Electric FM52E Mandolin. The shop's Facebook site advertises, "We're low on acoustic electric guitars, bass gear, keyboards, and do consignment sales of all kinds of instruments, so bring your stuff down!"

Alex Cunningham, proprietor, said June 12 will be their one year anniversary at this location, so, on the 11, they will have an all day festival with music from noon until 8 p.m. Partial proceeds from the event will benefit Meals for the Elderly. Extremely passionate about inspiring local musicians to hone their craft, Cunningham said she grew up as a "roadie" for her father who was a country musician, while her mom was into Motown. Her stepfather had more of a classical interest. Throughout her life, Cunningham has always been around musicians, having dated several; she even married a musician. 

"My dad was a drummer, and around 4 years of age, I have pictures of me, somewhere, trying to carry the big floor top." Cunningham attributes her dad being a huge inspiration for her establishment.

Joy Cavenaugh said she "met Alex at a former job, and they just developed a friendship over the years." She "also came from a family of musicians." Cavenaugh said she loves to hang out and crochet as this is her happy place. Cunningham concurred, "It's all about the music and feeding your soul; a place to relax and regenerate. We're not a bar; [we] don't have alcohol revenue, and don't offer anybody pay, but many times there is a ticket price for events, which the majority is donated back into the community towards various charitable organizations."

 Under the same roof is "The Club Room @ BackBeat" where novice to professional musicians are welcome to just sit and jam.

"Education and mentorship was our first priority when designing the venue because there's a lot of musical talent in the area," said Cunningham. " We want to keep it alive and keep it growing. There is a stage and a full PA with a seating capacity of 60 in this main room."

By reservation, the general public can schedule bachelor/bachelorette, graduation, and/or birthday parties, fundraisers, comedy shows, concerts and more. If more space is needed, there is a big back yard (The Big Sky Room), with a covered patio-stage that accommodates larger venues and seats around 120 people.  

Cunningham said, "Our outdoor area is complete with light wrapped trees to set the ambiance, and people are welcomed to bring their blankets and chairs." 

Upcoming events include Singer Darren Morrison, on Friday, May 13. On Saturday, May 14, people can enjoy the "Rocky Horror Theme Party" advertised as "Come do the Time Warp with us dressed as your favorite character, or as just one of the Transylvanians! Non-Alcoholic beverages and other refreshments included with your ticket! The most fun you can have in someone else's clothes!" And, on Friday, May 27, people can enjoy "Flipside Comedy." Cunningham stressed, "Hurry and get your tickets as comedy night always sells out quick."

Cunningham added, "I am all about coexisting and promoting others, and there have been many times I have been in an on-call situation. If, for instance, someone were playing locally, and say needed some extra guitar strings or were in some other kind of bind, they call me and I help them out."

As posted on their Facebook page, BackBeat Music Company is "a place in San Angelo where you can bring your own libations, relax in a take-it-easy atmosphere and hear live, local bands, all for the price of a $10 Ticket." The page also states BackBeat is not a bar. It's simply a place that lets people kick back and enjoy life and music.

"Come feed your soul in The Club Room and The Big Sky Room at BackBeat Music Company," says the site.

For more information, please check the BackBeat Music Company out at http://www.backbeatmusiccompany.com and its Facebook page.