We have two machines in the Shop being worked on currently. One is Ship-Mates, a 1964 Gottlieb production, which was the third most manufactured machine of the 1960s! The color scheme and artwork make it a standout piece.

The second machine under repair is Williams' 1963 Jumpin' Jacks. Again, the looks are incredible and definitely from the era.

What I enjoy most about these machines is how well-loved they once were. You can see the every bit of wear and tear. The paint scrapes and exposed wood underneath. And just look at the dust, speaking much about their age, as we uncover and restore what was once a treasure. While electronics are in place, these units are just as much mechanical pieces that you simply do not see in the marketplace in 2020. One of the best things about playing a pinball machine is it encapsulates a moment in time. Each one has its place. It is incredible being a part of preserving these points in history for everyone to enjoy in the present.

And before you are finished. Have you cleaned the playfield? Have you replaced burned out bulbs?

Matt (Social Media)

Three years! Can you believe it? As we have been recapping here on our website, you can see how special our third year was. Countless artists have performed between open mics and concerts. Don't forget about the live paintings between! Just the sheer amount of talent has been a joy to experience. Then, there is what we are known for: Pinball! The arcade machines. We have virtual reality as well. (Which, by the way, was jam packed last night! Try it out if you haven't already.)

We officially celebrated our anniversary in July with a collection of experimental musicians. A far departure from many of the rock bands who swing by. And, boy, did they bring it! Mixing electronics, brass, and live painting into the usual vocals, strings, and percussion, it was such a unique audio and visual experience. On top of this, our entire collection of games were free to play! It was a blast.

That about wraps it up for 2019! What a year it has been. I am excited for what's to come in 2020. We will see you all on the flip side!

Matt (Social Media)

We threw our first annual Halloween party this year and we could not have asked for a better one! I personally lost track of the amount of kids and parents in costumes, we had so many! The Polaroid up top is the majority. We had prizes for best costumes and of course all the candy you can imagine. Everyone had a grand time. I can still hear the laughs and cheers!

Here are a few more photos from the evening.

Matt (Social Media)

Continuing with music, we played host to a myriad of rock bands over 2019. From Potbelly to Bad Sex to Generation Decline, our voices are still working their way back. And don't bother talking to us because we can't hear you! :) If you missed any of the action, head over to our Facebook and Instagram pages for photos and videos, as well as updates on the next concert! Which, by the way, is January 25, 2020. Potbelly is bringing the heat with fellow bands as they celebrate their 25th anniversary! You will not want to miss that!

Thanks to every band who rocked Langley from our sweet arcade in 2019! We will see everyone next year!

Here is a small collection of photos I (Matt) took during the year. For more photos, Destruction Productions did a tremendous job getting right in the middle of the action as well!

Matt (Social Media)

We had a few Open Mic evenings that featured the likes of Paige Norman and our own Raquel Jensen painting away as fellow artists serenaded the crowd. Being an artist, whether you play an instrument or wield a brush, is always a vulnerable practice, especially in front of a crowd. The fact that these two created a piece of artwork, from start to finish, on stage is something very special. It was fascinating and insightful seeing their process, and a glimpse into what makes them tick. We were glued, wondering what the next detail on the canvas was going to be, or why they did it. It became more about watching the inner workings of an artist than the art itself. If you have never seen a live painting before, it will be one of the best experiences you will be a part of!

Thank you again, Paige & Raquel, for sharing a piece of yourselves. We were honored to have you both. The paintings were beautiful, and mean more to us knowing everything that went into them.

Here are a few more photos from the evening.

Matt, Social Media

Photos by Matt (IG: FStopStories)

It has been quite a full year of events here at the Shop! It is hard to believe 2019 is coming to a close. As the days tick down, we will be posting various recaps of the events that have graced our piece of pinball heaven here on Whidbey Island. Let's talk open mics!

Open Mic events are held every Friday evening, from 7:30pm to close. Through them, there have been countless local artists that have echoed some incredible voices and instrumentals off our walls! Anyone from our own staff to musicians building a career, and every one who simply wanted to have a blast in between.

The best part about these small events is the sheer amount of camaraderie and encouragement each artist has for one another. It has been incredible to witness and be in the midst of. As amazing as the tunes have been, this continuous support for local artists has been leaps and bounds beyond that.

If you have not already stopped in on a Friday evening, our doors are always open! Well. Unless the host gets sick! It happens! Haha. Check our Facebook page for updates.

We are always in awe of your talents, and are extremely lucky and honored to host you all every week. Thank YOU!

Matt, Social Media

Photos by Matt (IG: FStopStories)