Musician Opens Strings ‘n Things to Revitalize New Milford Scene

Musician Ryan Camaioni has launched a new music store, Strings ‘n Things, in New Milford, Connecticut, aiming to create a vibrant hub for local musicians. Opened on August 15, 2023, the store specializes in electric and acoustic guitars, sound equipment, and accessories. It also offers rental instruments for students in local high school bands and orchestras, fulfilling a significant community need.

Camaioni, originally from California, moved to Connecticut in 2014. Over the years, he has dedicated himself to his passion for music while also raising a family. The opening of Strings ‘n Things marks the fulfilment of a long-held dream to own a music store. The shop is conveniently located on Kent Road, next to an antique store, and is designed to foster a sense of community among musicians.

“I want to create a community for musicians here in New Milford,” Camaioni stated. “The store can become a central hub for people to share stories, music, and instruments. There’s a need for it here.”

Inside Strings ‘n Things, customers will find a selection of guitars from renowned brands such as Squire, Gibson, Epiphone, Fender, and Ibanez. The store also features unique instruments, including a charango, a small stringed guitar, and an Appalachian dulcimer, which Camaioni hopes will find new owners.

The musician is particularly excited about his instrument rental program tailored for students in New Milford’s public schools. The program includes instruments like saxophones, clarinets, flutes, violins, and cellos, which can be rented or purchased.

Camaioni noted the absence of a dedicated music store in New Milford since The New Milford Music Center closed its retail operations in 2011. While Bearclaw’s Academy of Music on Railroad Street has provided music lessons for a decade, Camaioni believes there is room for a new retail option.

“It’s a different music scene in Connecticut. It’s very local,” Camaioni explained. “Danbury had a big music scene back in the 80s, and people say it’s back, so I want to make that happen here.”

He expressed a desire to collaborate with local schools, emphasizing the importance of supporting their music programs. As a seasoned guitar player and member of the band Gumbo, Camaioni is well-connected within the local music community. The band, known for its ska, reggae rock, and alternative music, has a performance scheduled at Stella Blues, a venue in New Haven.

In addition to Strings ‘n Things, Camaioni runs Certified Studios in New Milford, a private space for musicians to rehearse and record albums. He envisions expanding his operations in the future to accommodate events and more music activities.

“That would be amazing,” he said, referring to his dream of establishing a larger music center in town. He pointed out the former Cookhouse restaurant site, currently listed for $1.99 million, as a potential location.

Since its opening, Strings ‘n Things has received a warm welcome from the community. Mayor Pete Bass attended the grand opening and has actively supported local businesses. “The mayor was great; he was like a little kid,” Camaioni remarked, recalling the excitement during the event.

Customers have expressed their enthusiasm for the new store, with many indicating their happiness at having a music shop back in town. “People are coming in all the time, saying they’re so happy to have a music store again in town,” Camaioni noted.

Social media has also played a role in building community connections. Camaioni recently shared on Facebook about helping artists find new instruments and connecting musicians with one another. “I realized the store was really clicking when people started coming in not having time to chat but literally on their way to a gig and just needed some strings, cables, and a tuner,” he said.

As Strings ‘n Things continues to grow, Camaioni is committed to meeting the needs of local musicians. His store not only offers products but also serves as a gathering place for those passionate about music. For more information, the store can be found on Facebook or contacted at 860-799-0555.