It's been a year since legendary music man Russ Solomon held a grand opening for his newest venture, R5 Records.
How's business? "It could be better," says the founder of Sacramento's former Tower Records chain, which launched almost 50 years ago, became an international icon but eventually fell victim to the Internet's competition.
The new business isn't yet profitable. But Russ is upbeat as always. Despite the ailing economy, he says, "We're still here."
To celebrate, he's holding a "music festival" this weekend, outside the mural-bedecked former Tower location at Broadway and 16th Street.
Local bands will play in the parking lot, starting at 11 a.m. Saturday, and at noon Sunday. There'll be free hot dogs and goodie bags.
"It will be as much razzle-dazzle as we can put together," says the 82-year-old Solomon, who will host the party. What's ahead for R5? Solomon's team is investing in the same medium that caused Tower so much heartache. R5's Web site, www.r5records.com), will be renovated to create a home for videos of local bands, along with blogs and other interactive features. The intended formula: Showcase up-and-coming groups. Sell some CDs.
"It's really a case of us marrying up with the local music community," Solomon says of the Web initiative. "We're saying, 'We really believe in you and we want to help you.'"
For the rest of Bob Shallit's column, see Saturday's "Our Region" section. Reach Shallit at (916) 321-1049. Back columns: www.sacbee.com/shallit
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