Benefit show to support Musician’s Outlet after fire

Musician’s Outlet in Palm Desert has served the Coachella Valley music scene for nearly 30 years. Just a week before moving to its new location in the same retail complex, the shop got rocked by a fire July 20.

“One hundred percent of the merchandise was either burnt or had soot damage, or some water damage of some type,” said owner Randy Hewitson.

Randy Hewitson and his wife Cindy Hewitson were out nearly $300,000 in collectibles and inventory, but decided to move into their new storefront regardless.

“Cindy went ahead and got a hold of our vendors and saw how many of them would advance us some merchandise,” said Randy Hewitson.

Friends and music lovers are strumming up ways to help. CV Weekly publication will partner with Schmidy’s Tavern in Palm Desert to host a Brick for Brick Benefit Show Saturday, August 29. Twenty bands will perform between 12 p.m. and 2 a.m.

“When I found out about the fire I was heartbroken for them”, said CV Weekly owner and friend Tracy Dietlin. “We’re trying to rebuild Musician’s Outlet brick by brick.”

“They’re a mom and pop shop and we’re a mom and pop shop, if we don’t help each other no one will,” said Schmidy’s owner Dennis Ford.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation. Hewitson is grateful for the community’s support.

“It’s awesome everyone’s pulled together,” he said.

Brick By Brick Benefit Show by CV Weekly
Schmidy’s Tavern
72286 Highway 111, Palm Desert
12 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Entrance fee: $10

For more information, visit www.coachellavalleyweekly.com