Henry Wong, owner of An die Musik

Five Things I Have To Have Now

February 3, 2008

In 1990, Henry Wong and a few of his friends decided to open a revolutionary music store, An die Musik, in Towson. The business went green, recycling all music packaging, and became one of the first stores in the country to offer music listening stations that allow customers to sample CDs.

In 1996, An die Musik moved to downtown Baltimore and began solely focusing on jazz and classical music. Now, the store resides on North Charles Street, in the former building of the Eubie Blake National Museum, and holds several jazz and classical concerts every month on its second floor. Latin jazz great Eddie Palmieri is among those who have played at the venue.

Wong lives with his wife and cat in Parkville.

1. A completely solar-powered house

"I care a lot about the environment. Whatever we can save now will benefit future generations."

2. An assistant

"I dont have time to do everything. I would love to have an assistant, but wouldn't be able to pay him or her much because we dont make much money."

3. A trip to Tibet

"It's one place I have to go to before I die. It's so spiritual."

4. More people attending our concerts

"It would take a financial burden off our shoulders because it would be easier to pay our musicians."

5. Soon Doo Bu Jigae at my favorite local Korean restaurant

"I love tofu, hot soup and seafood."

[JENNIFER CHOI]