Guitars that once hung on walls, now make sweet music for the masses.

Every Saturday night, Glory Days Music store is transformed into a musical variety show.

Brothers Ben and David Peterson opened The Glory Days Music store in January 1997. The store had humble beginnings.

“We started on a shoestring,” Ben said, “We sold our old, used equipment.”

The store was originally meant to be a no-smoking, no-drinking club.

“We’re not opposed to smoking or drinking,” Ben said, “We just wanted something different. We wanted a place where people could bring their kids.”

A large motivating factor for the rules was a concern for Ben’s health.

“I actually had a doctor ask me how long I had been smoking,” he said. “He said I had signs of emphysema and that was just from all the years of performing in smoky bars.”

The club vision never materialized, but the siblings created a successful business selling everything from electric guitars to drum sets. After Sept. 11, the music business slowed down.

“People were more concerned about buying soap and food,” David said, “not whether or not they needed a new guitar.”

The siblings saw the tough economy as an opportunity to exhibit their musical abilities in the form of their band The Flashbacks.

“It started as a way to bring more people into the store,” Ben said. “If we can get people who wouldn’t normally buy musical equipment in, then maybe they’ll come back.”

The Saturday night jam sessions have been good for business. David said business has picked up and the store now has around 90 students who visit the store for various music lessons. The Petersons use the performances as personal stress relievers too.

“Honestly, it’s an escape,” Ben said. “When we’re on stage, we’re not thinking about how hard business is.”

The Petersons have a musical heritage. Their grandfather was a musician that toured the Midwest and sat in with Louis Armstrong.

The Flashbacks consist of Ben playing drums, David playing guitar and fiddle, friend Jeff Kuhns playing bass, and their sister Buffy Peterson singing lead vocals.

Every member of the band sings lead and background vocals depending on the song. They are especially proud of their three- and four-part harmonies.

The Glory Days Music Café began with four tables and 16 chairs, but now more than 100 people visit the store-converted-club every Saturday night to watch The Flashbacks perform. The music is an eclectic collection of blues, rock ‘n’roll, oldies and folk. Some of the artists that the band covers include Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaugn and Charlie Daniels.

The Flashbacks perform three 45-minute sets every Saturday night starting at 8 p.m.

For information on Glory Days Music, the music café or The Flashbacks, persons may call 206-2525.