Local couple launches K-Solo Vintage in Highland Park with a community event Nov. 3

Community event to feature live musical performances “Beatles & Bagels” from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 3.

K-Solo Vintage, 458 Central Ave., Highland Park, is hoping to become a community hub for enjoying music of all genres. Owner Kevin Weinstein and his wife, Taryn Fisher, grew up on the North Shore and are proud to introduce a new business to the vibrant shopping district.

Upon arrival at K-Solo, comfy vintage couches invite customers to hang out and enjoy the laid-back vibe. The store opens to reveal display cases stocked with an array of vinyl records handpicked by Kevin, and tucked in the corner, a listening room complete with two turntables offering a chance to sample any used record prior to purchase. The shop also sells a variety of vintage clothing and accessories for men and women thoughtfully procured from all over the country.

Weinstein is no stranger to selling vinyl records. He’s been operating an online record store for the last year. Weinstein’s online success and the public’s increased interest for vinyl albums inspired him to create a brick and mortar.

“It’s so exciting that the vinyl industry is having this resurgence,” says Kevin. “Listening to a complete album, let alone on vinyl is a lost art. An album tells a complete story. When you listen to a vinyl record, it locks you in. There’s no hitting skip.”

Weinstein hopes that K-Solo will be a place for music enthusiasts to connect and network. Some say it’s all about the music. Yet to Weinstein, in addition to the music, “the romantic part of vinyl” is the cover, liner notes, photos and even the advertisements. Weinstein feels there is a renewed desire for music you can tangibly experience. He sees vinyl records as time capsules, that allow the listener to be transported back to when the music was created. Weinstein takes care of these treasures, diligently inspecting, cleaning, and adding new inner sleeves and plastic slip covers to every record that graces his shelves.

According to Weinstein, finding used vinyl from the 60s, 70s, and 80s in good condition isn’t an easy endeavor. He was fortunate to make relationships while sourcing albums for the store, finding large quantities of inventory while keeping the costs down. In addition, he will be selling hundreds of records from his personal collection. Records at K-Solo will range from $2.99 to $149.99.

The store will have a large section of new albums including classic rock and jazz standards from artists such as Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, John Coltrane and Miles Davis, to obscure underground indie rock, jazz, and rap artists such as Death Grips, Alex G, JPEGMAFIA and Kamasi Washington.

Weinstein shares that the music genre which currently excites him most is rap. K-Solo’s collection of new albums certainly reflects that, with rap boasting the largest section.

On the used side, the store has an incredible amassment of classic records from all genres including large sections of classic rock and jazz. Contained are many rare originals for vinyl enthusiasts and collectors to procure. A large selection of used albums for $4.99 and under will appeal to those digging for treasure. What sets K-Solo’s used collection apart is the rare collection of classic hip-hop singles from rap’s golden age by artists such as Tupac Shakur, Notorious B.I.G., Run-D.M.C., LL Cool J, Eric B. & Rakim, Mobb Deep, and many more.

In his free time, Weinstein is an avid concertgoer and doesn’t discriminate when it comes to delving into a musical experience. The name K-Solo is derived from one of Weinstein’s lesser known nicknames. The name K-Solo is a humorous nod to his all to frequent solo adventures. Yet, when it comes to running the store, K-Solo Vintage will be far from a solo venture. Kevin’s wife Taryn, a managing partner at Sage Counsel Law Firm and an elected official on the Lake Bluff Board of Trustees, will happily take on the task of stocking the racks with unique vintage clothing. The couple’s children, 16-year-old son, Jude, and 12-year-old daughter, Tallulah, will lend a hand whenever their busy schedules allow.

Weinstein and Fisher will call on their musically inclined friends and family to support the store’s grand opening event on Sunday, Nov. 3. Expect performances of classic Beatles hits by a lineup of their uber-talented loved ones, some who have graced the stage and screen.

“Like many, The Beatles hold a very special place in my heart” says Weinstein. Luckily, Kevin’s son, Jude, and his band have agreed to be part of the musical lineup. The entire community is invited to stop by K-Solo Vintage for a free nosh, contest giveaways including a new record player, and live musical performances of classic Beatles hits from 10 .am. to 1 p.m.

K-Solo Vintage is at 458 Central Ave., Highland Park

Soft Open: Oct. 17 with store hours from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays.

For details, call (847) 220-8841, email kevin@ksolovintage.com, or visit ksolovintage.com.