Musician, Entrepreneur and Canadian!
by Lisa Morgan
For more than a quarter of a century, Randy Hewitson, owner of Musicians Outlet, has been providing instruments, sound equipment and accessories to our valley’s vast number of talented troubadours. Musician’s Outlet is more than a local business; it is an institution, an institution that has weathered many changes in the market, the industry, and the Coachella Valley.
His wife, Cindy can attest to his heart and work ethic: “Randy and I have been together for 7 years now, and I have witnessed his outstanding integrity and his level of responsibility to both Musicians Outlet and to SIR Sound and Lighting. His compassion toward others in the local music community has prompted him to be generous to the music related non-profit organizations and schools. He continues to serve the community in the best way.”
Opened by Randy Hewitson in 1986, Musicians Outlet has been the main resource for much of the amazing live music you and I are fortunate to enjoy here in the Coachella Valley. For 25 years, Hewitson’s store was the only full-line music store in the valley, and they remain the best place to find new, used and vintage gear. They are also the place to go for music instruction, be it voice, piano, flute, recorder, drums, woodwinds, brass, violin, viola, cello, guitar or any other fretted instrument. Their instructors have excellent reputations, resumes and experience. They also offer repairs including re-string, set-ups, electronics, complete overhauls and more, by people well-known and trusted here in the valley.
Hewitson had to pull all his resources to weather the serious challenges that came with the benefits of the international web. Online stores were launched, creating a new stream of competition. More recently, a large corporate music store moved into town. Pooling his resources, streamlining his store and banking on the long term relationships he had developed over the years, Hewitson is overcoming the challenges like a champion. And even in these trying times, he never wavered in his consistent support of local charity events. Hewitson is more than a tenacious business man; he is a genuine guy, who is never too busy to listen to the needs of friends and customers. Not bad for a guy whose first job was at a sign shop.
“I got started, working in the entertainment business. I owned a talent agency. I noticed there wasn’t a good music store in the desert, so I opened the doors at Musicians Outlet.” Hewitson is driven by the age old saying, “The show must go on.” His inspiration? “My wife,” he shared. “I am inspired seeing what a great mom and grandma she is. She came to work at Musicians Outlet five years ago. She runs the place now!” Together they have 5 children and 8 grandchildren.
Hewitson and Musicians Outlet are actively involved with M.O.M. Corp – “Making of Music”, a program he founded with his idol, Don Canady. “We supply elementary schools with approximately $30,000 worth of music instruments and a music curriculum. Hewitson is still determined to continue his legacy of providing music to the Coachella Valley, but there is one thing many people don’t know about him – Randy Hewitson is a Canadian citizen. But as far as the music community is concerned, he is family.
Musicians Outlet is located on Highway 111 at San Pablo Avenue. Check them out at www.musicians-outlet.com , follow them on Facebook or give them a call at (760) 341-3171.
