Weiser music store changes ownership


Ken Avant brought his musical expertise to Weiser and opened Picker’s Paradise ten years ago. Avant sold his business to music lovers Joe and Narie Young. A musical family, the couple will continue to be a resource for stringed instruments and are planning on expanding their inventory. Photo by Nicole Miller
By: 
Nicole Miller
Picker’s Paradise located at 440 State St. in the heart of downtown Weiser has been the area’s resource for stringed instruments and musical expertise since Ken Avant brought the business and years of experience to the town ten years ago. 
 Avant recently decided to retire and sold the music store to couple Joe and Narie Young. The new owners said they are excited to honor Avant’s legacy. 
 As music lovers, the pair have been loyal customers to Picker’s Paradise over the years since moving to Weiser 11 years ago. Avant began discussing with the Youngs a few years ago about taking over the business when he was ready to retire and the couple said they agreed it would be a good fit for their family.
 Husband Joe was already running a business designing and building custom guitars. He began playing guitar at 14-years-old and said he has always felt guitar was a natural outlet and therapy for him. 
 The family is also highly involved with music with the Young children all loving to play or perform music, especially 15-year-old daughter Gracie. 
 The Youngs have also owned businesses previously and said they feel the experience and knowledge gained in marketing and customer service they have gained will be applicable to the new business venture.
 The pair said they are incredibly grateful for the groundwork that Avant made when creating Picker’s Paradise. They said they know Avant has been incredibly appreciative of the community and the support of customers over the years. 
 Saying goodbye to the business he built as he looks to his next phase in life has been bittersweet for Avant and the Youngs are committed to continuing his legacy as they make the business their own.
 Avant served the community and his customers through his store in many ways. Joe Young said he remembered an occasion when a young customer came to return a violin. It was clear the child was upset about giving the violin back and Avant asked why he was returning it. The boy said that he could not afford the payments on the instrument. Avant then said to his customer, “I’d rather you just keep it. We’ll work something out.”
 “He’s been influential in a quiet way. He made music accessible to so many and gave many musicians the help they needed to grow in their talent,” Joe Young said.
 The Youngs have seen the uplifting power of music first-hand and understand the importance of the community having an accessible music store. They said they hope to expand the store’s inventory and financing options. They hope to also partner with instructors who can offer lessons. However, the couple said with YouTube videos, websites, and apps, anyone interested in learning music have the tools necessary to learn the basics. Young said he has always loved discussing music and the guitar and can help gain an interest in anyone to begin a musical journey.
 The husband and wife said they are excited to be business owners in Weiser. The family has created a home in Weiser and said they appreciate all the town has to offer and the community support that offers a wonderful place to raise their five children. Through Picker’s Paradise, the couple hope to be an open support for the community and contribute to multiple community needs.
 One of the many goals the new owners have is to bring back “Friday Night Live” events. “Friday Night Live,” created by Avant, was a positive way to offer live music to the area throughout summer months. Several well-known local musicians, including Dave Nudo and Stella Beams, were given the opportunity to perform during these concerts. The Youngs said they are hoping that with some other community partnerships, the summer music series can begin again. 
 Picker’s Paradise is now open and adding new inventory with the new ownership. The Youngs said they are excited and ready to help customers find a new instrument to play, purchase new music, and repair and winterize instruments for the cold weather.
 Picker’s Paradise is open Monday through Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. through the holiday season.
 

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Signal American

18 E. Idaho St.
Weiser, ID 83672
PH: (208) 549-1717
FAX: (208) 549-1718
 

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