ITHACA, NY (607NewsNow) – A fixture of Ithaca’s music scene is receiving recognition.

On April 10, State Senator Lea Webb presented Angry Mom Records with the New York State Senate Empire Award, highlighting the store’s contributions to the community and economy.

Since opening in 2009, the shop has grown in size and scope, now also operating as a record label and live performance venue.

George Johann founded the shop with affordability as a core principle of his business model. It’s evident in the store’s physical media inventory, which includes vinyl, CDs, cassettes, VHS tapes, DVDs, Blu-Rays, toys, Manga books, and more, some for as little as $1.

Johann’s commitment to music accessibility has led to a loyalty among customers and notoriety among visitors to Ithaca. He calls the award an honor.

“For the last 17 years, we have been a central hub on the Ithaca Commons and the only independent record store in our area, providing new and used products,” said Johann. “We cater to our local customers along with a vast amount of tourists daily, quickly becoming a destination for Ithaca visitors. We have been able to evolve and expand our physical space, which now holds one of the area’s only all-age live music venues. We remain humble but are also excited about what else we can accomplish in the coming years.”

Webb, who also noted the knowledgeable staff and welcoming space, calls it a beloved cultural institution.

“Music is one of the ways we develop community, and Angry Mom Records has been cultivating those connections for years,” said Webb. “I am proud to honor them with a New York State Senate Empire Award to celebrate their endurance for Record Store Day.”

Angry Mom will have a selection of exclusive, limited releases available this Saturday, April 18, for National Record Store Day.