Oldies, goodies and new items can all be found in a new shop in Cumberland Gap.
Papa Chum’s Music & Rarities, located at 522 Pinnacle Alley, has items of interest to many.
A family owned and operated business, Danny Chumley, his son Daniel and daughter Candice are excited to be partnering in this new venture. Music, arts and creativity are a big part of their lives.
“This has been a dream of mine for probably 30 years,” said Danny. “I just feel now is the time after I sat down and had some conversations with local musicians. We’ve been involved with the Tri-State Youth Choir for a long time and this is also kind of an expansion on that.”
The shop has vinyl records, which Daniel says are making a comeback, as well as record players. They will sell, buy and trade vinyl as well as musical instruments and books. They will also take consignments, he added.
Papa Chum’s carries accessories for musical instruments such as strings and reeds – so musicians won’t have to travel to Knoxville for replacements. They will also order records, other instruments or anything along the same lines as what they have in the store.
The musical instruments are completely refurbished, so they can sell them at a price less than many other stores in even larger areas, said Danny.
“Why go anywhere else when you have us locally?” he said, adding that they carry good products priced reasonably for those starting out.
There are also new, one-of-a-kind instruments handmade by a man in Georgia who has now passed away. Those instruments, coming in soon, will include dobros, banjos, dulcimers and mandolins.
Danny has made some cigar box instruments as well.
“We’ll have gift sets available around Christmas,” said Candice.
In addition to musical instruments and accessories, there are other items – natural soaps, essential oils, herbal teas, natural makeups, jewelry and many handmade items.
“We’re creating something that I wanted to have while I was growing up,” said Candice. “There’s a void that needed to be filled and we’re trying to do that.”
The talented family also offers lessons for the guitar, bass and ukulele. Violin lessons may also be offered there in the future, Danny added.
“The skill level and capacity to learn will be geared toward what the student wants to learn,” said Daniel. “It will be individualized to their skill level.”
Candice, who works for a film festival, plans on some film events and possibly some competitions as well. A gifted writer, she will also be doing some songwriting and writing workshops and meet-ups for writers with some featured writers.
When warmer weather arrives, the family plans to have live music. They have a “pickin’ porch” as well as a stage and will welcome musicians to share their talents.
The family encourages people to enjoy music and take the opportunity to grow their talents.
“Growing up, I saw a lot of people addicted to drugs,” said Daniel. “What kept me out of all that was being involved with music – it kept me out of trouble. When others were out partying I was jamming with my band or with youth at church.”
“I’ve seen what music has done in many youth’s lives – they didn’t know their natural talent,” said Danny. “I feel it’s part of our mission and calling.”
“This is God – not just us,” chimed in Daniel. “Our heart is music and we’re doing it for God. We want to give back to the community because we love it.”
New items are being added daily but the store is open for business. They plan a grand opening celebration in the near future.
“There are a lot of talented people around here,” said Candice, “and I hope they come by.”
Candice added that local artisans and crafters are welcome to bring their items by to possibly sell through the shop.
“We will have many handmade items,” she said, adding, “we’re creating something I would have wanted – there’s not much encouragement for artsy people and we want to encourage them.”
“We’ll try to find anything you come at us with,” said Danny with a smile. “We’re always open to suggestions.”
Not to be left out, wife and mother Deborah Chumley is cheering her family on supportively as she works at Servolution Health Services in Speedwell.
Papa Chum’s Music & Rarities is open Tuesday through Saturday 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. They are currently testing the store hours, so they are subject to change. The phone number is 423-869-5958 or 606-246-0538. They can also be found on Facebook.
Reach Marisa Anders at 423-254-5588 or on Twitter @newsgirl88.
