More Than Vinyl: Velvet Fudge Records Spins Up a New Community Hub in Stillwater
Building Community Beyond the Cash Register
Velvet Fudge Records opened its doors Saturday at 916 S. Lewis St., bringing vinyl sales and live music back to a Stillwater community that's been without a dedicated record store since Hastings closed in 2016.
Owner Henry Ramsay stood outside the storefront Saturday morning, Feb. 7, surrounded by family and supporters as the smell of breakfast burritos and the muffled thump of a bassline drifted onto the sidewalk. His mother, whose recently closed her restaurant, Good Little Eater, was there alongside his sister Anna and Bobby Wintle, owner of District Bicycle and creator of the internationally renowned Mid South cycling festival. Wintle has mentored Henry through the business planning process and uses the venue space as a clubhouse and storage for his event—a natural partnership blending two passions for community building.
Velvet Fudge Records owner Henry Ramsay cuts the ribbon (left) and raises the window shades (center) during the Feb. 7 grand opening at 916 S. Lewis St. Ramsay celebrates with his mother, Sarah, left and sister Anna. – Photos by Quincy Einstein
Inside, floor-to-ceiling picture windows flood the exposed brick walls with natural light. A door leading to the back office—which doubles as a green room—is painted shimmering silver, a relic from the space's previous life as an art studio. The most recent tenant, Casual Scene Books & Art, closed in late 2025, passing the torch to Henry and his vinyl dream.
About 50 people gathered for the grand opening. Henry's voice trembled with nervous excitement as he addressed the crowd, his gratitude for the community's support evident. Small World Supper Club set up a pop-up, selling breakfast burritos and offering free fudge made especially for the occasion. The event marked a milestone—from an idea born in a dorm room, through pop-ups at Stonecloud Brewing, to a brick-and-mortar reality.
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When Henry and Bobby describe their vision for the space, they both emphasize the same goal: creating a true gathering place. They point to the "bar" at District Bicycle, which has evolved into a low-stakes social hub where friends can visit without pressure to buy anything.
"It's a concept that's becoming increasingly rare—a 'third place' where community is the only currency," Bobby said.
Henry and Bobby are banking on Stillwater's hunger for exactly that, a space that champions more than just the Red Dirt country scene the town is known for.
Stillwater has had record stores before: The Record Exchange, The Happy Narwhal, and Hastings. When Hastings closed in 2016, it left a void that went beyond the absence of stocked shelves. Residents could sift through bins at the Antique Mall, but it never had the same feel.
Henry is aware of this history. "I don't know a lot about the previous stores," he said, "but I'm actively trying to learn more about them, because I'd like to have some kind of remembrance of them in the store."
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Raw Space, Pure Energy
The back of the shop is a raw event space that embodies a DIY punk ethos. Early on, there wasn't even a stage.
"We didn't have any sort of lights and it felt perfect, like this is a space where music can be fully the main focal point," Bobby said.
Live music fills Velvet Fudge Records' back venue during opening night Saturday, Feb. 7. Top left: An all-female mosh pit during Die Mart's set. Top right: Die Mart vocalist Cris performs. Bottom left: Fans pack the DIY space. Bottom right: Crowd surfing during Dreamsickle's performance. – Photos by Quincy Einstein
A simple stage and PA system have since been added, but the space retains its intimate feel. The bands that played opening night matched that spirit perfectly.
Peoria, the first official band to play under the Velvet Fudge name, performed with fierce energy, ending their set by pulling out a phone and taking a selfie with the crowd. Die Mart came all the way from Austin, Texas. Their high-octane set got the room moving, culminating in an all-female mosh pit during their punk-rock cover of "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun."
Dreamsickle, led by Henry's roommate Asa, closed out the night with an emotional performance that brought the support network woven into the evening full circle.
Henry and Bobby are quick to deflect credit, pointing to the ecosystem that makes ventures like Velvet Fudge possible: Release Radar, The Mosspit, Stonecloud Brewing, Block 34, i&i Skateshop, and countless others.
Dreamsickle closes out Velvet Fudge Records' opening night Saturday, Feb. 7. Top left: The band performs in the packed DIY venue. Top right: Lead vocalist Asa, roommate of owner Henry Ramsay. Bottom left: Ramsay speaks to the crowd. Bottom right: The band and fans gather for a group photo after the set. – Photos by Quincy Einstein
"It is truly happening right in front of our faces," Bobby said. "There's like 10 or 12 bands now."
New groups are forming as the support network grows. The goal, they both insist, is for the space to feel welcoming to everyone, regardless of background or age.
The dream extends beyond retail. Velvet Fudge will serve as a place for bands to rehearse, record, socialize, and build a scene together. The store is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Standing in the warm glow of the storefront, with the sound of live music at your back and the buzz of conversation all around, Velvet Fudge isn't just filling a void—it's building a new foundation. And if the energy of that first night is any indication, that foundation is solid and built to last.
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