Opening of store fulfills a dream
Opening a music store was a natural progression for Stewart Ray.
Stewart Ray, wife, Rita, and daughter, Tori, celebrate the opening of Center Stage Music in WesTown Market Square.
Photo by Timothy Cox
Ray, who owns Center Stage Music in WesTown Market Square on Washington Road, has been a musician for many years. Opening the store on Aug. 1 fulfilled a longtime ambition.
"I stepped out on faith," said Ray, a drummer who performs with the pop band Flashback. "I've always had a passion for music and wanted to be in business for myself. It's the ultimate for me - it's really a dream come true."
Ray, a member of Abilene Baptist Church, comes from a musical family. His late mother, Lucy Ray, was a pianist at First United Methodist Church in Thomson and his father, the late Taylor Ray, played drums in area bands for more than 40 years.
Center Stage Music sells guitars, drums, keyboards, band instruments and other musical equipment.
Ray and his wife, Rita, have been married for 24 years. They have a daughter, Tori, 17.
"I've always supported Stewart's music, and especially this new venture," Mrs. Ray said.
Center Stage Music is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Friday and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays. For more information, call 860-8600.