Ask the News - Oct. 14

What’s the status on the Clovis Chamber of Commerce building a recording studio? When will it be ready? And did they resolve the issues with Norman Petty Studios?

The Clovis Sound Studio project is under development, according to Clovis-Curry County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Ernie Kos.

“The demolition has taken place and we have been in design mode working with our contractor, the City of Clovis and our expert design team,” Kos wrote in an email Tuesday.

Kos added construction “will begin soon” and equipment will be ordered.

“The plan is to refresh the current museum displays. We have also been working on marketing and branding of the ‘Clovis Sound Studio,’” Kos wrote.

Kos reported “The Clovis Music Association” has been formed to include local musicians, songwriters and promoters who will benefit from the Clovis Sound Studios.

Overseers of Clovis’ Norman Petty Studios in the spring raised concerns about use of the Petty name and other points in connection with the Chamber’s plans for building a recording studio.

Greg Walker, managing member of Norman Petty Studios, said he was concerned about the “lines of identity” being skewed between Norman Petty Studios and the Chamber’s endeavors.

Kos said at the time the Chamber was aware of concerns and had relayed “that we had no plans of naming the recording studio after Norman & Vi Petty.”

“The Chamber has a long history of protecting and promoting the legacy of Norman & Vi Petty for the benefit of our community. We have always worked cooperatively with others who also care about the Petty’s legacy, and we will continue to do so,” Kos wrote.

Kos said last week, “There has been no correspondence with the Norman Petty Studios for approximately six months.”

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