Mountain Music Parlor, Reno, NV
The Magic of Sound at Mountain Music Parlor
At We Play Well Together, we cherish our partnerships with passionate music lovers who share our vision of bringing people together through sound. One such cherished partnership is with Mountain Music Parlor, a gem in Reno, Nevada, dedicated to preserving and celebrating Traditional American Music. For years, Mountain Music Parlor has carried Hokema Kalimbas, introducing countless customers to the enchanting world of these beautifully crafted instruments.
We recently had the pleasure of speaking with Renee Lauderback, co-founder of Mountain Music Parlor, about their story, their mission, and why Hokema Kalimbas have become a staple in their store. Read below what she said:
Can you tell us a little about your store?
Surprisingly Mountain Music Parlor, planted smack dab right in the heart of the city, is Reno's first and only Traditional American Music house dedicated to teaching, presenting, and preserving the treasured heritage music of America's roots.
And that "surprise" is constantly being expressed by just about everyone who walks through the door in the form of delight, excitement and inspiration. Out-of-towners mourn with total envy that such a place doesn't exist in their own town, wishing deeply that one did.
The immediate awe of being surrounded by beautiful silver-rimmed banjos, luscious mandolins and fiddles, entrancing dobros and uniquely distinct instruments is overwhelming and wonderful, no doubt. But it's also the positive vibe, the feeling of LIFE IN music, all that is warmly therapeutic exuding community care, that really hits their hearts.
Mountain Music Parlor is more than a gift to the community, it's an honoring of time-worn traditions, heritage, and the beauty of relationships. A love affair with life.
Why did you decide to carry We Play Well Together instruments in your store?
One of our customers brought Hokema Sansula Basic Kalimba to the store, and I immediately fell in love with the sound. It sounded so pure and magical, and it hit me directly in my heart. I wanted to share this with my customers.
What has been your customer’s reaction to the kalimbas and do they have a favorite model?
A special customer and friend brought in a Hokema Sansula Kalimba for me to see. This was my first time ever experiencing one, and uncontrollably I fell in love with it!
Inquisitively strange turned to amazement as I touched and pulled down the tines. So pure and magical was it's tone, unlike any I've ever heard. Its tonal waves literally flowed into my chest.
With zero hesitation, even though this 'thing' wasn't an instrument associated with American heritage, I knew bringing Hokema Kalimbas into Mountain Music Parlor would not be a mistake.
I was right. Customers love them. With a demonstration, putting one into their hands, they soon realize these kalimbas are NOT just an 'instrument' but a soothing mystical tool that breaks through their false belief that they lack musical talent. They find relief!
Kalimbas are freeing, an uninhibiting heart instrument, like the Native flute. Healing.
Who are your typical customers that buy kalimbas?
Therapists and teachers buy and love them for their students. They are easy, yet very special gifts. One that soothes and becomes cherished.
Where can people find you?
You can find us at: 735 S. Center Street, Reno, Nevada mountainmusicparlor.com Instagram: @mountainmusicparlorreno, Facebook: @mountainmusicparlor
We are so grateful to be part of this journey with Mountain Music Parlor and to see the joy that Hokema Kalimbas bring to their community.
