01/09/2026
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the era of Crawdaddy Music is drawing to a close. Open since 1987, Crawdaddy Music has been a home for musicians, students, and enthusiasts -- a place not only to buy instruments and gear, but to connect with fellow musicians.
We began the transition to new ownership in late 2023 following Rob Houze's retirement announcement. In a bid to keep Crawdaddy on Main Street, we got involved, invested in the store, transformed the vibe, and updated and modernized our collection. As a small store, we focused on a curated collection of entry/mid-level instruments, hands-on instruments, and enough "weird" and "curiosity" pieces to keep even experienced musicians intrigued. And our policy was always "please play the instruments." We were honored to be part of a legacy where music could be "easy, fun, and cool." And it was a really exciting ride.
2024-25 were rough years for independent music retail stores, with increased online competition, high product inflation, and a glut of gently used instruments entering the market (think: abandoned pandemic projects). We hung in there longer than many others because Crawdaddy wasn't just a place to buy instruments, it was a place to BE.
I salute everyone who was part of Crawdaddy's recent journey, especially my business partner Graham Anderson whose regular and unfailing presence in the store became legendary.
So... let's celebrate. Crawdaddy Music will be open during normal business hours through January 25 (that's Friday/Saturday 1-8pm, Sunday-Tuesday 1-6pm). What a great time to get that new guitar or pedal or set of bongos you always wanted. And of course there will be SPECIAL DEALS -- just ask Graham. Let's send Crawdaddy Music out on a high note!
Thank you Madison, for the privilege of serving you. Hope to see you in the store later this month.