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arts entertainmentPop Music

CD Source to close, finally, at the end of March, with farewell bash on tap for this Saturday

Six months ago, Lance Price announced the demise of CD Source on Greenville Avenue. At the time, he did not know when the 22-year-old Old Town institution would close its doors. He was just awaiting word from the landlord, who will lease the space to Massage Envy. But, finally, in the words of The New Year, the end's not near, it's here: Price says the big adios is tentatively scheduled for March 22, to be preceded by a March 7 farewell concert featuring, among others, Rahim QuaziNicholas AltobelliDead Mockingbirds.

Despite the going-out-of-business and clearance-sale banners that have decorated the store for months, through Record Store Day and holidays, only now are customers beginning to say their farewells. On Sunday it felt like an endless parade of well-wishers had queued up to shake Price's hand as he walked the store surveying what was left in the racks.

Old friends from Austin, where Price attended the University of Texas School of Law, came by with their grown kids to say hi and exchange a few remember-whens. But most were longtime customers who'd either moved away - all the way to Richardson! Plano! - or stopped buying their music on compact discs.

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"You let me know if you decide to move to a new spot," said one bearded, balding man swaddled in an Army-green parka. "And if you don't, if this is it, then good luck, and I appreciate everything you've done." He shook Price's hand. After he walked away, I asked Price if that was the best thing or the worst thing someone could say to him at this point.

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"Yes," he said, sporting a grim smile.

(Harry Wilonsky / Special Contributor)
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Price has toyed with the idea of relocating, sure. After all, he wouldn't be closing if he didn't have to. He still can't believe he's being forced to move for Massage Envy's relocation and a Pluckers expansion. ("I'm losing my space over wings.")

Since he initially broke the news about the closure, plenty of people have suggested plenty of places: Lakewood, Oak Cliff, you name it. But the stock is dwindling, thanks to deep discounts: Used CDs and DVDs are 70-percent off; old records, 60 percent. Even the new stuff's down to 20-percent off the sticker price, but if it doesn't sell he'll take the stuff to eBay along with other collectibles and odds and sods sitting in the warehouse.

A lot of the good stuff's gone. But if you have a few hours to kill there are gems scattered among the dross - out-of-print imports, EPs from critically adored bands that sold copies by he dozens, oddball compilations.

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"I still haven't adjusted to it," Price says as the end approaches. "I am grateful we lasted over 21 years. At the same time, it'll be sad to see it go."

Below, the schedule for Saturday's farewell bash.

11 a.m.: Five Times August

Noon: Rahim Quazi

1 p.m.: Quentin Moore

2 p.m.: TBA

3 p.m.: Nicholas Altobelli

4 p.m.: Skinny Cooks

5 p.m.: Annie Benjamin

6 p.m.: Dead Mockingbirds

7 p.m.: The Bright

Price says food will be provided as well. Among those scheduled to serve: Baker Brothers, Sweet Tomatoes, Panda Express and Fuddruckers.