It’s Record Store Day this Saturday, April 23, and Taylor Swift is the official ambassador. In case you weren’t aware, Record Store Day is a worldwide initiative by independent record sellers to celebrate the culture of the indie record store but also to get folks moving through the doors and records moving out. The event was founded in 2007 by Eric Levin, Michael Kurtz, Carrie Colliton, Amy Dorfman, Brian Poehner and Don Van Cleave in Baltimore, Maryland. Officially, Record Store Day happens in April with a follow up event on Black Friday each year.
Here’s a short list of some participating local independent record sellers and their event plans:
Better Days Records - “Louisville bands Indignant Few, The Glasspack, Creeps Inc, Carolina, and The JimHärralson will be at Better Days Records selling music and merchandise. Come meet the bands and arm yourself with the latest goodies they have to offer.” Check out LEO's story about Better Days record label revival.
Cardinal Record Co.- “We will be opening TWO HOURS EARLY at 9 AM and will stay open until 7. We will have hundreds of Record Store Day titles in stock as well as discounts on our entire inventory of new and used records.”
Guestroom Records -”Get ready for a day full of limited Record Store Day releases, lots of brand new to the floor used LPs, sweet new Guestroom Merch, free goodies, and more!” Guestroom will be a participating store in the Crosley record player giveaway.
The Great Escape - “Saturday, April 23rd, all Great Escape locations will be celebrating RECORD STORE DAY! It's hard to believe it's been 15 years of RSD celebrations - we plan to make this one better than ever! Everyone who comes in the store can choose up to 5 FREE records or CDs (or a combination) from our massive 99 cent sale selection! We'll be putting out extra sale stock at all the stores, so you will have plenty to choose from. If you want more free stuff, just go to another location and pick five more - all day. We will be open 11 full hours for your shopping pleasure!”
Underground Sounds - Celebrating 27 years in business. Underground Sounds is stocked and opening at 8 a.m. on Saturday for Record Store Day.
From the Record Store Day website: There are a lot of independent stores that participate in Record Store Day. Not all of them will choose to participate in all promotions or carry all releases. Just because a store is listed here does NOT mean it will have the goodie or record you're looking for. That said, find a store near you and check with them directly. It's always a good idea to be BFFs with your neighborhood record store.
In that case be sure to visit:
Surface Noise - On April 22, Surface Noise celebrates the return of longtime favorites Misha Feigin, Jon Silpayamanant, and Aaron West, coming together for an evening of poetry and music, improvised and otherwise. The show is free and open to all, but a hat will be passed, and a $5-10 donation is requested, with all proceeds going to the performers. If you’re broke, however, don’t sweat it; we want you there, regardless, and hope to see you on the 22. They will be open 12 p.m.-6 p.m. on Record Store Day.
Book and Music Exchange - Locally owned since 1972, Book and Music Exchange has been your one stop shop for gently used books, CDs, DVDs, Blu-Rays, LPs, video games and so much more. They will be open noon-8 p.m. on Record Store Day.
Matt Anthony’s Record Shop - Vinyl, merch, owned by a kick-ass DJ, they will be open Noon-6 p.m. on Record Store Day.
Kevin’s Records - Located in the Fleur de Flea, Kevin’s Records is your vintage vinyl paradise. Open from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. on Record Store Day.
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