In The Groove

Vinyl record stores are making a comeback as multi-purpose rooms in the entertainment world. Monterey County’s latest opened at an unassuming location in Marina on May 16. But S.A.G.E. Collective owner Eric Huerta and Harmonie Vibes owner Delic Tillman (who goes by his DJ name Samory Touray) get that it’s more than just records bringing people in.

“We want to showcase the locals,” Huerta says. Tillman adds, “Our overall vision is to create community.”

One side of the two-in-one business houses S.A.G.E. Collective, a craft and vintage seller created by Huerta and his wife and kids, hence the titular acronym: Samantha, Andrew and Georgia. The other side houses Harmonie Vibes, a similar vintage market that was popping up every third Sunday at The Power Plant Coffee in Moss Landing; it also includes e-bike rentals. Inside, it’s a loungey space with a couch, records, sage and incense.

The collective will begin hosting events that include collaborating with tattoo shop Cali Ink Therapy next door, and bringing in food trucks.

Before the storefront on Del Monte Avenue, Huerta sold wares at pop-ups around the Monterey Peninsula and in the Bay Area, including at Night Market 831 and the Monterey Bay Record and Vintage Expo last April. Now that they’re open, pop-up appearances at other venues will continue, but they also plan to host events onsite. A live vinyl DJ set featuring local artist Micolibri is scheduled in-store at 2pm on Saturday, May 31.

Other events that Tillman and Huerta envision are open mics, small concerts and a podcast series. Tillman hopes to host a series called “tacos and turntables” on Tuesdays, but for now the store is starting small, with future events pending conversations with Marina city planners. “It’s the first time doing this for me,” Huerta says. “It was a big thing to take on. But we love it.”

The S.A.G.E. Collective and Harmonie Vibes are located at 3074 Del Monte Ave., Suite A, in Marina.

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