Chuck Levin's Washington Music Center, located in Wheaton, Maryland, has seen its share of a rich history. In business now for over 50 years, The Washington Music Center (or 'Chuck's,' as the locals call it) was originally located on H Street in Washington, DC. Due to fires from the MLK Riots hitting the building, Levin was faced with moving out of DC in 1968.
His buildings in Wheaton look like something out of 'The Blues Brothers.' The basic design has not changed since the move, which makes it a cultural cornerstone. A cornerstone that has survived despite music titan's like Guitar Center trying to overtake the industry.
Looking at this one store that holds so much cultural weight, it's easy to see what it is worthy of preservation and a heightened public awareness. So, after much thought on the subject, I feel as if the best way to bring this out is through a documentary film outlining the history of the store, the personal relationships developed over the years, and the cultural significance it has. After the completion of the film, there would be a screening at the AFI in Downtown Silver Spring, only a 5 minute drive from Chuck's.
The process of research and filming would heighten student awareness, and the film itself would serve as a sustainable object, bringing their message to countless audiences.
The Budget would mostly center around marketing the film once it had reached completion. Due to the AFI's policies concerning Maryland schools, the University would most likely be charged minimal costs (if any) for the screening.
Contacts include Chuck Levin's Music and the AFI for reasons relating to filming and screening.
8 comments:
I know that music store, It's right off of viers mill road right? Documentary in AFI would def. get people to come and watch it. with Wheaton changing and remodeling, i wonder whats going to happen to the store.
Music is always a business that is popular. Chuck Levin's Washington Music Center sounds like an old business with an always youthful mentality. It stands for what it believes and will not be put down by big chains. Although different people like different musical styles matching words with rhythm can be appreciated by all.
It is very interesting to look at any business that can survive for over 50 years that is not a part of major retail. The history and why he had to move out of the DC area makes for a rich background story about Chuck's. There could probally be some brief interviews included in the documentary with people who have shopped at Chuck's over the past few decades.
I love that idea. It could reach so many different kinds of people.
I definitely think this is a worthwhile project because it is important to have small businesses instead of stores like FYE, especially when they have such a rich history.
I think that this is a great idea, I really like that you would be helping out a small business in the process of the the preservation project. From what I understand, the AFI would be a great place, one where people would be interested in coming to see a documentary about the store.
Chuck Levin's is possibly my favorite store in existence, lol. The staff is always really personal and they'll answer any questions you have. Cool topic, man
I used to play music a lot when I was younger, especially the guitar so I know that Chuck Levin's is thought of as a musical heaven to those who know about it. I think your idea is great though because it ties in race relations during the turbulent 1960s with how the store progressed and changed. Great idea!
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