About Roxy Music

Musicians helping musicians since 1939

Roxy Music isn’t just a store—it’s a piece of La Porte’s history, a stage for generations of musicians, and a home for anyone who loves music.

Founded in 1939 by Ray Ratajik and Paul LeResch, Roxy Music began with a simple goal: give local musicians a place to find great instruments and real support. Ray played clarinet, Paul played trumpet (and even built his own), and both were beloved in the northern Indiana and southern Michigan music scenes. The original shop stood proudly at the corner of Indiana and Lincolnway inside the historic Roxy Theater Plaza—long before any rock band took the name.

Over the decades, the store moved, grew, and adapted alongside the music world. From the big band era to the guitar boom of the ’60s, Roxy Music became a staple of the local music community and a go-to destination for everything from school rentals to serious stage gear.

The Kabelin Chapter

In 1982, Jerrald Kabelin, owner of the hardware store next door, came in to rent a flute for his daughter. By the end of that conversation, he walked out as the new owner of Roxy Music. Under the Kabelin family's care, the store grew into one of the largest music retailers in Northwest Indiana, expanding into a 9,000 sq ft storefront that now serves musicians across the country.

The Grace Family Vision

On August 1, 2023, we—Ken and Heidi Grace—became the new owners of Roxy Music. I’m a lifelong La Porte native, a gigging musician, worship leader, and music educator. Heidi and I spent 25 years running a private music school from our home before stepping into this legacy.

Meet the Owner

With over 25 years of experience, I’ve served as a full-time music director since 1997 and have worn many hats along the way—record producer, recording engineer, touring musician, choir conductor, and music arranger. Whether behind the board or on stage, I’ve spent my life helping others make great music. Owning Roxy Music is just the next step in that mission.

We didn’t just buy a music store—we stepped into a legacy. Our goal is to honor what came before us while building a future for musicians across Northwest Indiana and beyond.

At Roxy Music, our mission is to support the working musician, the weekend gigger, the worship team guitarist, the beginning student, and everyone in between. Whether you're picking up your first guitar or prepping for your next big show, we’re here with expert setups, honest advice, and personal service from people who live and breathe music.

Why Musicians Trust Roxy Music

When you shop with us, you're not dealing with a faceless warehouse. You're working with real musicians who care about your sound, your story, and your gear.

• Over 2,800 Reverb sales with a 99% 5-star rating
• More than 11,000 sales on eBay with 100% positive feedback
• Reverb Preferred Seller · eBay Top-Rated Seller
• Certified Fender Warranty Repair Center
• Custom setup included with every guitar—whether in-store or online

A Showroom Built for Musicians

We believe musical instruments should be experienced—not just scrolled past.

Our 9,000 sq ft showroom in downtown La Porte is stocked with hand-selected gear for musicians of all levels. Every instrument on our wall is chosen for its tone, craftsmanship, and reliability, and we custom set up each one before it leaves the store.

Whether you're looking for your next stage-ready guitar, testing out amps, or just want to hang out and play something inspiring, we’ve created a space that’s more than retail—it’s a musician’s playground.

We carry top brands like Fender, Martin, PRS, Yamaha, Ibanez, ESP, Ludwig, Strymon, and more—plus exclusive and boutique gear you won’t find at the big box stores.

Music Lessons That Meet You Where You Are

Our lesson program is built on one belief: music is for everyone. Whether you're 7 or 70, brand new or seasoned, we believe everyone has music inside them waiting to be heard.

Our teachers aren’t just skilled musicians—they’re compassionate mentors who tailor lessons to each student’s personality, pace, and goals. We offer private lessons and group classes throughout the year. Students have opportunities to perform in community concerts, student bands, open mics, and seasonal showcases that build real performance confidence.

Repairs You Can Rely On

Your gear matters. That’s why we treat every repair like it’s our own.

We specialize in stringed instrument repairs, from quick tune-ups to full restorations. Roxy Music is a Certified Fender Warranty Service Center, and every guitar we sell comes with a free custom setup to match your playing style. Even if you didn’t buy from us, we’re happy to help get your gear gig-ready.

Come Be Part of the Story

Whether you're looking for your next dream guitar, a trusted place for lessons or repairs, or just someone who speaks your language—we’d love to meet you.

Stop in. Say hi. Let’s make great music together.