OUR STORY

We Live for This

In 1939, Roy O’Brien opened a little shop on Water Street in St. John’s — and began creating a legacy. He filled the place with musical instruments, Newfoundland and Irish tunes, and with his wife Nellie enough family spirit to raise six children in the apartment upstairs.

Fast-forward through a whole lot of toe-tapping, kitchen parties, and the small detail of Newfoundland joining Canada in 1949, and O’Brien’s was the place to find an accordion — or someone who could play one. Roy’s sons Gord and Roy Jr. took over in the 1990s, keeping the music flowing and the store filled with friendly smiles.

Today Dave Rowe, whose grandfather started the business and whose mother was raised upstairs, carries on the tradition. Dave spent his boyhood hanging around the shop, tuning up instruments, and learning from the best. He lives above the shop, just like the old days.

Same store, same spirit, same family, same mission — sharing Newfoundland’s music and helping you make your own.

A Newfoundland Tradition Since 1939
Family-owned. Local. Legendary.