Last week, at least two assholes burglarized St. Petersburg record store Planet Retro Records, making off with cash and turntables all whilst jacking the place up something fierce. The initial news was a complete bummer, and police have only been able to confirm that suspects may have fled in a black car.
The community did not delay in responding. Within hours many had already reached out to help. Donations are being collected via PayPal, and there is a benefit concert happening on Friday, August 12 at the Local 662 (662 Central Ave., St. Petersburg). Moon Flag, Navin Ave, Kevin K Band, Low Season, and Old Vices are confirmed along with a healthy offering of door prizes and a 50/50 raffle.
All proceeds from the show will go towards helping Planet Retro owner Rob Sexton recoup from the burglary.
"The response was so overwhelming. I immediately reached out to Nick Marcisin from Local 662 and Lucy Volpe from Destroyer Fest. Within hours of planning, we had five confirmed bands. We had to turn some away," Shannon Kelly told CL in a message. Kelly, who lives in St. Pete and once owned a business on Central Avenue, added that Kyle Wenzel threw together the flyers.
"A lot of these guys started playing at Planet Retro. They know how much Rob has done for the scene," Kelly, added. "He's been like the punk rock dad we all never had."
Anyone interested in volunteering is asked to contact Shannon Kelly by email (s.kelly352@gmail.com) or phone (352) 636-248. RSVP for the event on Facebook and listen to some Kevin K below. Directions are available at CL's events page.
This article appears in Aug 4-11, 2016.