The Bop Shop, one of few remaining independently-owned record stores around, will be celebrating its 25th year of doing business in the Rochester beginning its celebration of this great achievement on the weekend of July 20-22 birthday celebration with a series of free concerts, Bop Fest 2007, in the courtyard of the Village Gate Square, which has been its home all that time. Starting on Friday evening, at the Bop Shop, there will be an exhibit by local photographer Garry Geer of his digital captures of jazz artists. Reception and music by the Respect Duo from 6 to 8pm. There will also be concerts from 3pm to 6pm Saturday and Sunday. On Saturday, the concert will feature Brokedown, Barrence Whitfield, and The Hi-Risers with other special guests. On Sunday, the Tarbox Ramblers will appear and a special acoustic performance by Joe Beard.

With the formation of Bop Arts Inc., a non-profit, and community support, owner Tom Kohn will be able to continue the ongoing series of free jazz shows in the atrium of the Village Gate adjacent to the Bop Shop as well as other music projects throughout the community.

Get out there and help Tom Kohn celebrate! Help him keep that unique place alive by buying lots of CDs (and difficult to find vinyl). Hope to catch some of it myself.