Nonprofits form to save Watermelon Music and Natural Food Works
Meanwhile, the ‘Tasty’ trend continues in downtown Davis
→ Seeds of change: Two Davis music fans just co-founded Friends of Watermelon Music, a nonprofit they hope will keep the music store’s mission alive.
On May 3, the owners of Watermelon Music announced they were winding down sales, and putting the building up for sale. Even after raising more than $100,000 through a GoFundMe effort, a year later, they couldn’t bring in enough revenue to pay the bills. They planned to close it at the end of August.
Saddened community members wondered what they could do. Two of them got together and put a plan into action. Serena Williams and Iben Wilson have filed for 501(c)(3) status for Friends of Watermelon Music, and hope to take over a portion of the building on Sept. 1.
“Serena sparked the idea on the Davis Parents Facebook group,” Wilson, a local Realtor, said Thursday. “I said a nonprofit (would work). She learned about my background in finance and real estate. Within four days, we had filed (for the nonprofit) and started getting the ball rolling.
“I think there’s a real passion in town to save Watermelon Music, and with Woodland losing their store, people don’t want to go to Sacramento.”
The restructuring plan has several components that could keep most of the 10,000 square feet of the building operational. Changes would be most significant in its 3,300-square-foot showroom. Board members of the nonprofit would maintain 1,350 square feet – the showroom’s left side. That section would sell used music equipment that is donated or consigned, much like All Things Right & Relevant sold clothing and housewares. They also hope to offer discounted group music lessons there.
The nonprofit would include an instrument-rental program for beginning and continuing music students, with a wide range of offerings. There are dreams of a repair shop where teens and others could learn to repair instruments and offer free repair for income-eligible musicians. Organizers also want to host an instrument swap that’s like the annual Davis High Ski Swap, to circulate outgrown and unused instruments back into service.
The other pieces would not be part of the nonprofit. Three current employees – Brian Aguilar, Hala Alsaid and Eric Wellington – plan to maintain a downsized Watermelon Music, filling about 1,100 square feet, to the right of the main entrance. It will sell mostly new guitars, sheet music and accessories. The 850 square feet at the entryway will become a lobby, separating the two stores.
Jeff Simons, who runs Watermelon Music, and his ex-wife, Olga Simons, own the building at 1970 Lake Blvd., Suite 1. Olga will manage the 17 classrooms, continuing to rent them out to music teachers for private instruction. Jeff will manage the acts at the site’s music venue, The Melon Ball.
But all plans rely on a substantial backing from community members, likely before nonprofit status is set. Jeff Simons does not want to do another GoFundMe. The multi-faceted plan hinges on the nonprofit’s viability.
“This is a startup ask,” Wilson said. “Our immediate goal is to get some revenue.”
She said many people are willing to support the plan, and have pledged to donate instruments. “But we need the space first.”
In an email to customers, Jeff Simons said, “Friends of Watermelon Music will collaborate with Watermelon Music to host a benefit concert and party to celebrate the launch of these new businesses under new management. More details to come.”
There’s a survey gathering community input on the plans. Check it out here. As of Thursday afternoon, Wilson had 167 responses, with 70 percent saying they would help the nonprofit with donations, volunteer hours and/or with supporting the business once it opens.
For additional information, email Iben Wilson at IbenWilson@protonmail.com.
