Dustin White
Editor

Walking into the Laughing Sun Brewhouse and Pub on any given Monday night, one is welcomed in by local musicians displaying the great talent that is present in the community. Among those who grace the stage is Richard Loewen, the owner of Rhythm Records. 

Seeing Loewen on stage, it becomes obvious that music is more than just a passing hobby, but truly a passion. Following that passion, and seizing an opportunity to make it his life, Loewen stepped into an industry that has had a long history in the area. 



Long History
The Bismarck area has had a long history when it comes to music. Peck’s Music Store, having opened by 1911, was one of the first such establishments in the area. Situated in the Grand Pacific Hotel, where the current Well’s Fargo building sits, Peck’s largely supplied musical instruments. 

As Bismarck grew, additional stores sprouted. In 1921, the city was abuzz with news that a new live music store was opening in Bismarck. The Maynard Music Store would open to great enthusiasm, promising to serve the area as an “up-to-the-minute” music store. 

From Maynard’s, one could purchase not only musical instruments, but also phonographs, sheet music, records and player piano rolls. 

For nearly a century, additional music stores would come and go, evolving with the times. Often, that meant adapting to new media, as the music industry adopted new formats. For many, that would become a crushing blow. 

However, while others tried to keep up with the changing music industry, a growing trend has started towards moving back to older formats. Along with that trend from buyers, contemporary artists have also taken notice. 

Performing at Laughing Sun, Richard Loewen lit up the stage, showing his passion for the music. Dustin White photo

Rhythm Records
As the music industry began to be dominated by digital media, a local music store took a different path. Instead, they have focused on media that you can hold in your hands; something physical. 

The store, Rhythm Records, originally opened under Robbie Montgomery. Among the frequent visitors to the store was Loewen.



“I hung out there a lot,” Loewen said. “If I got down to the store, it was a good day.”

Soon, Loewen hanging out at the store transformed into a friendship with the owner, as well as a job. 

However, as Loewen began taking over many of the day to day tasks, becoming the only employee and the manager, he would be given an opportunity he couldn’t pass. The former owner was looking to sell the shop.

“It got to a point that I was the only one working there,” Loewen said. “Then the previous owner gave me the option to buy the store, and I did.”

Loewen’s passion turned into a career, and it has been growing ever since. Eventually, this growth has led to a number of changes, including to the store. While Rhythm Records would come under new ownership, so did the building in which it was located. 

With the new ownership to the building, improvements have also come. While it has been exciting, it has also been expensive. 

“It’s been hard with the transition, and currently being in a temporary location,” Loewen said.

On Feb. 3, that transition got a large boost, with Rhythm Records celebrating a grand re-opening.

“Some local musicians contacted me and wanted to throw a fundraiser to help,” Loewen said. 

With support from the community, the grand re-opening was a resounding success. But it also came with a bit of bad news. While the event went off without a hitch, Loewen also had to announce that the official move in date had to be pushed back to March. 

However, even with the success, and set back, Loewen is set to continue with the hard work. Having learned the business as he goes, Loewen is looking to grow to a point where he isn’t doing it all. 



“When you make something you love your life, you can get burned out,” Loewen said. “You can get burned out. Energy is finite, and running the shop is a lot of work. I enjoy it though.”

To check out Rhythm Records, stop by the store at 212 E. Main Ave., or look them up on Facebook at www.facebook.com/rhythmrecordscafe.