Since 1990, The Record Track has provided music and entertainment from all genres to the historic neighborhood of South Chicago. It’s committed to providing quality sounds to the community and leading the way for innovation in today's changing music industry by providing apprenticeships and mentoring to talented local youth. Among other archivists, Harvard University’s Hutchins Center for African & African American Research purchases music here. Our new interactive space will lower the: cost, time and know-how barriers for enthusiasts to get their hands-on music with their community members, using: video prompted training stations for quick music lessons. We will also provide: karaoke like impromptu backup bands with a mentoring community. Our products and services will include: music lessons, demo recording, music studio equipment, stage and safe standing room. These are services that the local community now leaves the neighborhood for. $46 million leaves our neighborhood annually for hobbies, books and music. “We would shop here if we had more options” is a common refrain from neighborhood residents. Many artists—professional, emerging, young and old—live in South Chicago and face challenges in practicing their art, developing their skills and earning a living. We will provide opportunities for local musicians and other performance artists to participate to create better social, recreational and enrichment opportunities for youth and families and we will facilitate information-sharing, networking and learning among artists, businesses, organizations and residents. Arts and culture have been a constant part of life in South Chicago, but have not been highly visible to most residents. Residents see the arts as potential tools for improving the community and for building connections between neighbors. We tested a prototype of this concept in our neighborhood, at the Sweet Home South Chicago Block Party and we're amazed by the response from the community.