Andrew Gustin, owner of Ameliorate Records and curator of "Two Minutes in Indiana" poses with his guitar Jan. 17, 2022. Gustin played his own track called "Willow Tree" on the album alongside individual compositions from 19 other Indiana musicians. Laura Hergenroether, Photo Provided
INDIANA

Music artists share original compositions on living in Indiana

Eric Salazar knew after a high school jazz band bass clarinet solo what he wanted to do with the rest of his life. After his Brownsburg High School band director Joe Vrabec credited him as the reason the band won a judge’s choice award from a 2007 Purdue University jazz competition, he said he wanted to become a music performer to “help people feel their feelings and help people through music.”


Rustic Rebels Geode and Crystal Mine opened in October 2021 in the former location of ScreenBroidery, which moved a few doors down on West University Avenue last year. Along with other business updates in the Village this school year, there is construction at the old Two Cats Cafe location. Eli Houser, DN
COMMUNITY

New and established Village businesses share the inspiration behind opening their doors

The Village wasn’t always as lively as it is now. After the 2008 recession, many buildings sat vacant while landlords tried to find buyers. While some businesses, including Village Green Records and White Rabbit Used Books, survived 2008, the recession coinciding with the COVID-19 pandemic saw some businesses move out of the Village and others move in. Jack’s Donuts and Rustic Rebels Geode and Crystal Mine are two businesses that just opened last semester, with ScreenBroidery also moving its location.