New Vinyl Shop Opens in St. Albans City
ST. ALBANS CITY — Maple City Music is inviting vinyl enthusiasts to celebrate its grand opening at 12 Kingman St. this Saturday, September 5, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The store will feature local musicians throughout the day, with numerous vinyl records available for selection, along with a benefit raffle. Prizes include a PlayStation 5, a $100 gift card for Maple City Music, and a choice of record valued up to $75. Raffle proceeds will support Josh’s House and music therapy programs for veterans.
Owner Walter Byrne, a retiring National Guard member, expressed gratitude for the community’s support in filling the day with local talent. The store was initially launched online last year, but Byrne has always aimed to establish a physical location.
Byrne chose the Kingman Street site due to its vibrant music scene and supportive business environment, considering pedestrian traffic during his search. The inspiration for his venture came from the film “High Fidelity,” which ignited his passion for owning a record store. Although the setup was challenging—including significant renovations after a summer storm—Byrne remains dedicated to creating a community space.
Maple City Music will operate Tuesday and Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursday and Friday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Byrne plans to maintain the online store, which has been essential for keeping the business afloat, allowing him to showcase local Vermont artists and share insights through his blog.
