Musician Ryan Camaioni has opened a new retail music store, Strings ‘n Things, in New Milford, Connecticut, fulfilling his long-held dream of creating a community space for local musicians. Located on Kent Road/Route 7, the store offers a variety of electric and acoustic guitars, sound equipment, and accessories, along with rental instruments for school band and orchestra students.
Camaioni, who moved to Connecticut from California in 2014, aims to establish a vibrant music hub for the community. “I want to create a community for musicians here in New Milford,” he stated. “The store can become a central hub for people to share stories, music, and instruments. There’s a need for it here.”
A Variety of Instruments and Rentals
Adjacent to an antique store at 209 Kent Road, Strings ‘n Things features a cozy atmosphere filled with guitars from brands like Squier, Gibson, Epiphone, Fender, and Ibanez. Camaioni also stocks unique instruments, including a charango, a ukulele from Hawaii, and an Appalachian dulcimer, which he hopes will find new homes.
Furthermore, the store offers an instrument rental program aimed at students in New Milford’s public schools, providing options such as saxophones, clarinets, flutes, violins, and cellos. This initiative is especially significant, as the long-standing New Milford Music Center closed its retail operations in 2011. Camaioni believes that the community is ready for a new music store, as several similar establishments in Connecticut have recently closed.
“It’s a different music scene in Connecticut. It’s very local,” Camaioni commented, reflecting on the evolution of the music culture in the area. He expressed a desire to revitalize the local scene, particularly in New Milford, which he believes has untapped potential.
Community Support and Future Aspirations
Since the store’s grand opening on August 15, 2023, Camaioni has received overwhelming support from the community. Among the visitors was Mayor Pete Bass, who actively promotes new businesses in the area. Camaioni recalled the mayor’s enthusiasm during the opening, saying, “He was like a little kid, taking pictures and very interested in everything.”
Customers have responded positively, with many expressing joy at the return of a music store in town. “People are coming in all the time, saying they’re so happy to have a music store again in town,” Camaioni noted. He has already sold several guitars and has seen musicians stop by for essential supplies before gigs.
Camaioni’s passion for music extends beyond the store. He is a member of the band Gumbo, which plays ska, reggae rock, and alternative music. The band has a performance scheduled at Stella Blues in New Haven in the coming weeks. Additionally, he owns Certified Studios, a private space for musicians to record albums and rehearse.
Looking ahead, Camaioni dreams of expanding his offerings. He envisions a larger space that could accommodate both his retail store and studio while hosting events. “I drive by the old Cookhouse restaurant and can imagine what it would be like to have a big music center there,” he said, acknowledging the high cost of such a venture, with the property listed at $1.99 million.
For now, Strings ‘n Things is poised to grow as a central resource for musicians in New Milford. Camaioni encourages local musicians and students to visit the store. “The schools have a good music program,” he said, emphasizing his desire to collaborate with educators.
To reach Strings ‘n Things, interested customers can find the store on Facebook or call 860-799-0555. As the store continues to develop, it stands as a testament to the enduring love of music within the community.
