Everyone in Sault Ste. Marie with even the slightest affiliation to the music scene knows who Paul Muncaster is.
The former choir boy and current Rad Zone proprietor, widely known as just 'Monk', has been peddling vinyl to local music lovers for 30 years.
Saturday night at the Rockstar Bar, Johnny Pints Presents hosted an anniversary celebration with a line up of live entertainment in Monk's favourite genre - punk rock.
Headlined by Montreal's The Ripcordz, locals Destroilet and Jack Spades also joined the party which was sponsored by Vans and included a number of prizes and give-aways.
"Not many people know this, but The Rad Zone really started in my bedroom in Haviland Bay," Monk told SooToday.com. "I had vinyl and t-shirts, and people would come to me to get their punk records."
Now in its 20th year of business, The Rad Zone boasts tens of thousands vinyl pressings of all styles and genres, as well as books, clothing, collectables, skate decks and accessories, video games, and electronics.
As much as he lives and breathes collecting for both himself and the shop, Monk told us he often tries to talk sellers out of parting with their collections of vinyl.
And although Algoma area audiophiles have grown to depend on Monk's comprehensive expertise, he told us he won't be in the business forever.
"I've got 10 years left in me. I want to sit and enjoy life with a fishing rod," he said. "Somebody 10 years behind me will pick it up and keep going with it."
Before Monk's retirement day arrives, head to the Rad Zone in the Wellington Square Mall to browse the almost overwhelming selection of music available.
Be sure to chat with Monk as a he has a gift for guiding music lovers to their new favourite thing.
Up next from Johnny Pints Presents is an all-ages show featuring The Rebel Spell with locals Destroilet, Jack Spades and The Pixo Control on Thursday, October 23 at the Moose Lodge (543 Trunk Rd.).
For more information about this and other upcoming events, search Johnny Pints Presents on Facebook.
Pictured: Owner Paul Muncaster offers thanks during the Rad Zone's 30 anniversary celebration at the Rockstar Bar in Sault Ste. Marie on Saturday, October 11, 2014. Donna Hopper/SooToday