Today I wanted to put the spotlight on one of our stores celebrating a big moment this year.

Homer’s Music in Omaha, Nebraska joined our organization in 1995. They are one of our original CIMS members, and this year they are celebrating their 50th anniversary! This is a huge milestone for not only Homer’s but also for CIMS as well. So, this week I wanted to share a few words from Mike Fratt, General Manager, head buyer for Homer’s, and our CIMS board chair of many years:

Hey Everyone,

Homer’s would like to give everyone a GREAT BIG THANKS for all the support over the years as we celebrate our 50th Anniversary

Established in 1971, Homer’s was one of the founding tenants of Omaha's Old Market, a top tourist attraction comprised of century-old four and five-story brick warehouses renovated into shops, restaurants and bars.

The company grew over 4 decades expanding to almost a dozen locations in Nebraska and Iowa, also birthing a successful One-Stop Distributor, RTI.

Today only one location remains, the Old Market store. Recognized for years as Nebraska's best music retailer, Homer’s has been featured in numerous publications including the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Billboard and numerous music and travel magazines. Homers joined the Coalition of Independent Music Stores twenty-five years ago and Homer’s General Manager, Mike Fratt, currently serves as the CIMS board chairman. Homer’s participation in CIMS is a contributing factor in Homer's success weathering so much change over fifty years. CIMS is a founding member of Record Store Day, the international annual celebration of indie record stores. Selection and service have been the cornerstones of Homer’s identity along with the iconic jingle.

Homer’s currently employs twelve staffers. The store is 3500 sq feet with wood floors and 16-ft ceilings. Marq Manner is Store Manager and Haley Clark is Assistant Manager. Mike Fratt is Head Buyer and General Manager. Tom and Sue Weidner are the owners since 1992.

I joined Homer’s in 1978, after some time at Musicland and Record Shop. During my almost 35 years here I have had the wonderful opportunity to work with some amazing people, meet very creative people, discover awesome music and share that with music lovers. Not only that, but CIMS has given us the opportunity to interact with other indie stores strengthening our efforts. It's been great and 2020 caused us to reflect on how much it means. All the more reason to celebrate.

Cheers,
Mike
http://homersmusic.com/
https://www.facebook.com/HomersMusic
https://www.instagram.com/homersmusic/channel/

Homer’s will be doing special sales and promotions to celebrate this occasion all year. Since we are still in a time that makes celebrating these important moments properly a little more difficult, let’s be sure to show this fantastic store some extra love, and next time you find yourself in Omaha, be sure to go by and say hello!

Congrats to Tom, Sue, Mike and everyone at Homer’s for 50 years of music!

Andrea

Andrea Paschal
Executive Director
Coalition of Independent Music Stores
ThinkIndie Distribution
3738 4th Terrace North
Birmingham, AL 35222
Phone: 205.595.1932 x.208
Fax: 205.595.1938
Email : andrea@cimsmusic.com
cimsmusic.com
#cimsmusic

Dan Sartain Romance In Stereo Andrea Paschal - CIMS/ThinkIndie Executive Director This week has been such a heavy one for many with the loss of Dan Sartain. For the majority of my life, Dan and I have shared friends, bandmates, stages, laughs about… — Dan Sartain
***Romance In Stereo***

**Andrea Paschal - CIMS/ThinkIndie Executive Director**
This week has been such a heavy one for many with the loss of Dan Sartain. For the majority of my life, Dan and I have shared friends, bandmates, stages, laughs about pretty much nothing at all and lots of spaces at shows and record stores together. He was full of contrasts; there was definitely a dark side to him, but his goofy nature and excitement often reminded me of that of a little boy. He could be kind of a mess, yet from the time we were kids, he seemed fully formed. Those stark contradictions are what made him who he was. I remember always thinking Dan was a little like a reverse Marty McFly; not quite from the present, but also not quite from the past. So, today I am taking it back to the early days. I always loved this record. I honestly can’t believe these songs are 20 years old this year, and I can’t believe Dan is gone. Sending lots of love to his family and those closest to him feeling this the most.