October 30, 1996 _Over The Edge Bcc oc 45 Sight & Sound: Almost Open _ Monday evening, I attended the “pre-grand opening” of Sight & Sound’s new downtown location. Unlike the public Grand Opening occurring this Thursday (flip the paper over and check out the cool ad on the back page!), this event was by invite only. So, some people got to have a special “sneak- preview” of the new store. And what a store it is! How shall I describe it? It’s unlike any store I’ve ever seen before. First, there is the size of the building. Much larger than its Pine Centre counterpart, the new location is roomy and well-spaced. There’s a great selection of music, on both CD and cassette. However, that’s not the only inventory in stock. One section of the store is dedicated to musical instruments and accessories. (So if you’re thinking of joining a band or starting your own, this would be a good place to look for equipment!) Sight & Sound also has a wide array of electronics, from car stereos to total home entertainment systems. And you’ve got to try out the “Home Theatre Rooms”! These are two rooms designed to give you a feel of having the surround sound entertainment system in your home. They even have really comfy couches to sit on while you’re watching your favourite movie. Now we come to the really amazing (and, incidentally, my favourite) section of the store. Sight & Sound has a wonderful innovation: cappuccino/espresso bar and “listening station”. While resting on the bar stools, you can enjoy a cup of excellent coffee or Jones soda; and discover whether or not you like the CD in question. The listening station consists of a several machines which allow you to listen to any CD in the store. Simply bring it up to the counter, and one of the (very friendly) employees will pop it into the player so you can sample the music, “try before you buy”. This idea will definitely save people from the “I bought this CD for a certain song, but it’s the only one I like” collection. The evening itself was : remarkably similar to the ' Hollywood style cocktail parties. We were met at the door and given a place to hang our coats. For the women, there were corsages in a variety of colour combinations to ensure they | matched your outfit. The ' Ap H koe male guests received commemorative mugs celebrating the 35th anniversary of. Sight & Sound. The staff were on hand to give guided tours of the new store, or you could wander through at your own pace. A jazz quartet created a soothing backdrop for the evening, and added to the soiree atmosphere. Women circulated through the guests with platters of wine and hors d’oerves. (Unfortunately, to the mutual dismay of myself and the staff, they won’t be a by Sheila Wanner permanent feature.) From my point of view, the event was a success, and I look forward to the Grand Opening. ssThePaint Music 8c YOUTH RECREATION INPACT | PRESENT with Locals Deen Frigg Featuring Dw sane GN co oa ws er 710 TICKETS $6.00 advance $8.00 at the door