The much-respected instrument retailer and repair shop celebrated its 50th anniversary in Lansing’s Old Town with live music, workshops, axe-throwing, food trucks and more. The photo gallery at Local Spins.
Birthday Serenade: Rev. Robert Jones was part of Elderly Instruments’ anniversary celebration. (Photo/Chelsea Whitaker)
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What would a golden anniversary for an instrument paradise be without live music?
Lansing’s Elderly Instruments celebrated its 50th anniversary on Tuesday with a day-long block party in Old Town Lansing that rolled out performances, workshops, food trucks, caricature drawings, tintype photographs, a raffle and even free axe-throwing for all ages, courtesy of Bull’s Eye.
An Institution: Elderly Instruments. (Photo/Chelsea Whitaker)
Launched in 1972 by founder and owner Stan Werbin with just a handful of instruments. Elderly Instruments has grown to become an iconic retailer and repair shop, considered one of the best in the world. It has maintained Werbin’s mission to serve as a place that makes people feel comfortable — where folks could walk in, explore and play instruments without the stress of a sales pitch.
The store quickly outgrew its original space, buying and renovating an old lodge hall in Old Town Lansing in 1983. As Elderly Instruments grew, it added a repair shop and many more instruments, both new and used. The repair team boasts more than 150 years of combined experience.
On Tuesday, some of those employees took to the stage — an outdoor space as well as an indoor stage in the showroom. The performer lineup included the Flint Southerners, The Pretty Slim Pickens String Band, Wilson Thicket and Zydecrunch, helping draw an impressive turnout: Attendees said they hadn’t seen the shop that busy in ages.
In addition, multiple workshops were offered in the special events room, hosted by the likes of Taylor Guitars, Rev. Robert Jones and others.
PHOTO GALLERY: Elderly Instruments’ 50th Anniversary
Photos by Chelsea Whitaker
