The Phoenix record store—founded by husband and wife Josh and Monika Golembiewski—went all out for its second birthday, bringing together local music legends and food and merchandise vendors to spend the day uplifting one another and strengthening the shop local scene.
Music and records are what brought the couple together over a decade ago. Josh had been playing in local punk band Dephinger since 1999 and Monika had been booking shows throughout the Valley around the same time. As their love of music and record collecting strengthened their relationship, the two decided to turn their passion into something they could share with the community, and opened Candy & Records in early 2022.
The two-year celebration’s lineup of live music acts put a spotlight on the diversity of the local music scene. Artists included Dominic Robert, Durdy Jones, Working With Weasels, St. PoP, 86JC & Mijo, Something Outrageous, 2 Bit Nate, Kid Charlemagne, Homegirl, Tactless and 73 Libra.
Vendors for the celebration were Monica’s Closet selling vintage clothing, Ground Zero Studios selling authentic punk gear, and food vendors selling freshly cooked street tacos; something for everyone to get into the punk rock and celebratory spirits.
“We were kids in the 90s and grew up when malls still had record stores,” Monika
Golembiewski shared. “It was important for us when we decided to open the store to support our local music scene and to be that resource for the community, because today’s local band is tomorrow’s headliner.”
While punk was the most frequented genre of the day, other genres included alternative rock, alternative hip-hop, scrap metal, and even something called “jestercore”. The constant flow of sound coming through the store’s speakers helped bring party-goers in and kept them engaged, allowing them a taste of what the scene has to offer and the chance to discover their new favorite Arizona band.
One of the highlights of the celebration was hearing from Ken Armstrong, the son of late Arizona music legend Roger Armstrong from Double Fisted. Armstrong, whose father passed away last December after a hit and run accident, shared stories about what it was like growing up with Roger for a dad. “He was badass,” Armstrong said, “I knew he was important…to create the line of projects he worked on.” He shared that growing up, his father was always working, but as an adult it inspires him to be a hard worker as well.
Some of his favorite memories? Getting his first skateboard from his father when he was two years old, and getting to meet a lot of musicians before their rise to stardom–like Green Day–because of his father’s work and presence in the punk rock scene.
The party was a success, according to the couple. “We didn’t go into this [opening the store] expecting to get rich. We did it for our love of music and putting together events that generate a vibe of goodwill for the community.”
Thank you for all the kind words.