North Street in Pittsfield gets a dose of some new noise with the opening of a premiere punk rock record shop: Rebel Sound Records. After being in the planning stages for over 10 years and after several failed attempts, the store opened its doors on March 14.
Andy Duguay, commonly known as Andy Poncherello in the Pittsfield punk scene, has been involved in the underground music scene for many years. After living in Los Angeles for a spell, he relocated to the area in hopes that he might be able to serve the music scene that gave him his training wheels.
The store deals in CDs, vinyl, shirts, stickers, books, comics and other underground miscellanies. Music-wise, the store doesn't just peddle punk; metal, indie, pop and ska also grace its shelves. The walls are plastered with posters and flyers where local classics like the Outpatients are represented alongside legends like The Damned.
In addition to running the store, Duguay works a day job. His busy life means that the store will be a work in progress for the near future, but it is growing week by week. Duguay says that the store is not yet bursting with stock, but he urges collectors and distributors to drop by to trade and sell just the same.
The store aims to acquire an entertainment license by the end of March, which would enable the large back room to serve as an all-ages show space for local and touring bands. If all goes according to plan, Pittsfield will have one of the few all-ages spaces in Western Massachusetts. Ideally, the space will, in time, also provide a small caf? corner in addition to the store and show space."
Pogo over to Rebel Sound Records, 146-A North St. in Pittsfield. Call Andy at (413) 212-0886 or visit www.myspace.com/rebelsoundrecordsthestore for hours and other information.
