Music store to open — for 9 months

Kevin Walsh is striking out on his own after 25 years of managing Streetside Records, 401 S. Providence Road.

The soon-to-retire man plans to start his own music store.

But because he only signed a nine-month lease on the space at 26 N. Ninth St., Kevin Walsh’s World of Popular will be a limited feature. It opens May 1.

“It’s going to be a nine-month experience,” Walsh said. “It’s going to be over after that. Stay tuned.”

Walsh said he doesn’t foresee having to compete with his former employer, because his store will be so different.

“It’s along the lines of a liquor store or a head shop, but with music as the intoxicant,” he said.

Walsh said aside from CDs his store will offer collectibles, T-shirts and vinyl records. The store may also feature a cafe or lounge, he said.

Walsh said he wants his store to be an outlet for promoting local bands.