New Record Shop's Grand Opening Is a Nightclub Bash

By Christina Georgiou

Many new shops have opened in Easton recently, and most of them celebrate shortly after opening their doors with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and maybe a small party, possibly with light  refreshments.

But that's not enough for Used Grooves, which was opened in June by owners Pete Ruzich and Ken Connors on the corner of North Fourth and Northampton streets. The shop, dealing in vintage vinyl records, which are seeing a revival among hipsters and audiophiles across the country, is planning a bash from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. at the nearby Club Jungle for 500 people tomorrow evening--the night spot's full capacity.

Four DJs--all known on the New York club scene and beyond--along with breakdancers, models from the also recently-opened Elite Boutique, and Selectronics, will all be on hand to ensure the party is the place to be Friday night.

Used Grooves store manager Brad Scott Smith
chats with DJ Dogtrane at the shop
Wednesday afternoon.

"We're giving out loads of tickets," said Used Grooves store manager Brad Scott Smith.

Having a ticket to the event isn't strictly necessary to attend the party, and they're also available at many restaurants, cafes, and other shops around town, but having one can't hurt, Smith said.

"Just like we don't discriminate when it comes to the music we sell, we want everyone who wants to be there to come," he said. "It's our thank you to Easton for all the support the city has given us."

Pretty much the only requirement is that attendees be 21 or over and dress for the occasion.

"Dress to impress--think night life. No flip-flops," Smith said. "At the end of the day, it's a private party."

The vibe is set to bring a little bit of the classic New York City nightclub scene to Easton, with DJ Dogtrane, Ben "Cozmo D" Cenac, DJ DB, and Derrik Foxx all taking a shift at the turntables and bringing their individual sounds on the experience.

Those familiar with the international club scene will recognize Cozmo D as a member of Newcleus, which produced "Jam-On Revenge" in the early 1980s. DJ Dogtrane is his son and a rising DJ in his own right.

DJ DB is the founder of of Breakbeat Science recordings and store, the first record store in the United States to specialize in drum and bass, while Derrik Foxx was a Friday night fixture for many years at the Sound Factory and the first resident DJ at Cafe con Leche in NYC.

"Elite Boutique is hosting the VIP room," Smith said, and Josh Finck will perform as Selectronics to provide visual ambiance.

Used Grooves will celebrate its grand opening Friday
night down the street from the shop at Club Jungle.

While many in Easton  may overlook Club Jungle, or even mistake the venue as being part of Latino Heat next door, it's the perfect spot for the party, Smith said.

"If you see the system in there, it's amazing," he said. "It's such a hidden cave--it's perfect for an event like this."

While Used Grooves sells records, ultimately the new shop aims to do more than just provide retro home entertainment, and the party is the kick-off for future events, which will probably happen monthly, Smith said.

Some events are already happening, with DJs and breakdancers having also performed on several past Saturdays. Smith is also a DJ himself and can be seen at his weekly Sunday gig during brunch at Valenca.

Foxx will be spinning at Used Grooves this Saturday after the grand opening party, and may also stay in Easton long enough to accompany Smith on Sunday at Valenca as well, he added.

And, while the shop is well-stocked, "We're more than just a record store," Smith said.

Used Grooves' official grand opening party runs from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. at Club Jungle, 411-419 Northampton St. Cash bar, must be 21 or over to attend. 

For more information about the party or Used Grooves, visit www.usedgrooves.com, call 610-252-8282 or stop by the shop at 401 Northampton St.

See you there!