Argos Grand Opening Story

                                        by Jim Bleeker

On June 15, 16, and 17 we at the New Argos held our first big event- Our Grand Opening Sale and Celebration! 

To spread the word we advertised in several papers and on WYCE Radio- where we underwrote their  “First Amendment Quote of the Day” for a week.  Our books were priced at 30% off for the big sale, plus we offered plenty of free food, punch, and a big cake.  Balloons, flowers, and live music topped it off!  Our band was ”Dublin Station”, featuring J. Oscar and Lauran Bittinger.

Veteran musicians of Americana, Celtic, Folk, Punk and Power-pop bands, Lauran (accordion, keyboards, flute & hand percussion) and J. Oscar (acoustic and electric guitars, mandolin, loops) combine folk & traditional sources with original songs to tell stories, and as they describe it, paint moods & grooves.  From the beginning, J. Oscar and Lauran were my first choice (well almost, but Elvis Costello and Bob Dylan were booked up).

I have known J. Oscar over 25 years, and Lauran almost as long, having first seen him perform with his band “Roscoe and the Faves” at Grand Valley State College (now GVSU). Man they rocked! Oscar is a good friend, a great guy, and  a fine songwriter.  From then on I made to point to see him solo and or in any of his and Lauran’s myriad bands whenever I could. Those bands include “The Pillar Of Fire Society” and the Celtic Folk band “Oxter Mahone“.

 The event was a smashing success! It was a very hot June weekend (esp. Saturday) but the store was still full of people for all three days, regular customers, new visitors, kids, all browsing, buying, snacking, and enjoying the music.

 David Rifenberg serenaded us with several sets of traditional acoustic folk on solo guitar. Dave is an Argos employee and man of many talents. 

Anne Kuipers gave us a special treat by playing her bagpipes for us for over an hour on Saturday. It sounded terrific and could be heard all over Eastown, maybe even downtown! She is a very accomplished musician and played a wide variety of music from traditional to some surprising, and fun, choices. Who else but Anne would play “Blister in the Sun” (Violent Femmes) on bagpipes.  Extra praise for Anne for playing outside in direct sun at high noon on a scorching hot day.

Soon after Dublin Station were set up in front of the store near the lovely landscaping and flowerbeds. The band took refuge in what little shade could be found and treated us to well over an hour of wonderful music. They played original compositions, traditional songs, and a few well placed covers of classic songs Richard Thompson, Elvis Costello, and a few others. They brought their own fine sound system.

 Please check the photos of the event on this page. Thanks to Lee, Dave, Troy, Sara, Sarah, Randy & Anne, and J. Oscar & Lauran for making it a big success. Thanks for coming, Mom. Thanks for the Flowers - Troy, Lou, Eric, Wayne, Lynne & Glen.

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