You would be forgiven for not knowing where Alley Cat Music is downtown. Nestled in between Beaver Avenue and Fraser Street Parking Deck, the shop defines the quaint hole in the wall stores that we all know and love.

But this store, and its owner, come with an unusually colorful history. A history that not only spans across many years of music, but many names and places too.

Owner Mark Ross is almost as charismatic and as much of a character as his store. And this is not to say anything of Ross, but rather a compliment to the hectic and eclectically decorated store that he resides in.

Ross has ran the store, “on and off for 14 years”, which offers everything from guitars to the strings on them as well as many homemade offerings. The store hosts Ross’s own series of guitars, strings, and amps, all of which contain a signature sound and quality. The store is decorated with a myriad of hanging guitars, amps, and accessories and Ross is a definitive expert on them all.

“Our experience is pretty valuable, whether we have what you need or not, we will still try and point you in the right direction”, said Ross, whose experience is certainly qualified.

Ross has on many occasions opened for music legend BB King, and has played in his own series of bands, earning record deals and embarking on tours. After Ross started a family though, he decided to make his guitar shop and carry out his passion in his own way while settling down.

If you are a guitar player of any ranging ability, someone looking to get into guitars, or maybe someone just looking for unique decorations for an apartment, think of this small store, located in a small alley, with a small sign, but a big selection and personality to boot.