Music is returning to Catfish Alley.
Josh Gillis purchased a vacant recording studio at 116 Fourth St. S. Gillis, who has been giving guitar lessons for more than 15 years, will affectionately name the new recording and music lesson joint Catfish Alley Studio.
Since the building has been vacant for more than a decade, Gillis is cleaning up the studio, redoing the floors, lobby area and a bathroom renovation.
Catfish Alley Studio will be a place for aspiring and seasoned musicians. You can join a membership to learn various instruments, including guitar, drums, bass, piano and more. Gillis will be collaborating with music producer Brayden Sansing, who will operate the recording studio in Catfish Alley.
“We want to bring in a lot of local culture, especially to Catfish Alley,” Gillis said. “… I want this to be a spot where people can see local musicians and we can honor the people that made Catfish Alley, ‘Catfish Alley.’”
He hopes to collaborate with local musicians and help bring the community together through music and art. Gills started with guitar lessons 15 years ago, from a sunroom, to his pool house, to the Lyceum at Lee, and now to Catfish Alley. He’s happy to expand and offer local musicians a place to learn, write and record their music.
I can’t talk about Catfish Alley without mentioning a brief update from the Jones Restaurant. Just down from the recording studio, work and renovations have started with the historic cafe. You can stay up to date and check out progress photos on the Jones Restaurant Facebook page.
In the late 19th and 20th centuries, Catfish Alley was a central meeting and business district for the Columbus African American community.
The area was known for its smell of catfish sandwiches and sounds of famous blues musicians. I’m excited to see that life restored with great food and music.
The art scene continues in Columbus!
We have a new creative outlet in town to get “fired up” about.
Fired Up Studio, 424 Main St., opened last month. The pottery studio offers candle pouring, ceramic painting, make-your-own doormat, private parties and more. Check out the new space Wednesdays and Thursdays 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Fridays 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturdays noon to 5 p.m.
We have some sad news over in East Columbus.
Stokes Express Lube, 103 Alabama St., is officially closed. After nearly 30 years of oil changes and auto work, owner Mark Stokes has decided to close down. According to a sign on the business’s door, Stokes final day in operation was June 28.
“After much prayer and consideration, I have decided to close the doors of Stokes Express Lube,” the sign read. “… We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your loyal business through the years. We realized that God blessed us with the best customers any business could ever have.”
Moving toward Highway 45, we have a new insurance company.
Kristin Tate Insurance Agency, 3908 Hwy. 45 N., opened late last month. The new independent insurance company offers personal, business, auto and home insurance. You can check out the new office and insurance services Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Moving over to Starkville, Luna Bella and Merle Norman is moving to 119 E. Main St. in August.
Owner Alaina Phillips confirmed the store will move from its current location at 500 Russell St., Suite 5.
The makeup and gift shop will take the former Pop Porium location’s spot. According to the popcorn store owner Rosa Dalomba, Pop Porium is relocating but does not have a new location finalized yet.
Luna Bella and Merle Norman are having a moving sale with up to 50% off gift shop items. Last year, Phillips added wedding registry items to the store.
“I quickly realized I needed more space,” she said. “For the past year, I have been actively seeking a larger location and preferred Main Street. …We are so excited to be in the heartbeat of town with other like-minded businesses!”
The store offers Merle Norman cosmetics and skin care items, wedding registry gifts, local pottery lines, baby department, candles, home fragrances, jewelry, home decorations, seasonal items and more.
Store hours are Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Check out the grand reopening and ribbon cutting Aug. 15 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. for storewide discounts, giveaways, door prizes and more.
See y’all next week!
Former Dispatch reporter Mary Pollitz writes weekly about interesting business news. Have a tip, send it to her at [email protected].
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