In 2007, the landscape for music stores around the nation was looking bleak as CD sales were flatlining just as digital shopping aggressively took over the space one traditionally assigned to local record stores by consumers.
But lucky for us, in this moment of decline folks around the world banded together to save this local icon with an annual event called
Record Store Day where unique offerings released by the industry on CDs, cassettes, and vinyl cause folks to flood back into these hallowed, analog spaces of music.
On Saturday, be sure to make plans to visit any one of the many local stores from Grand Rapids’
Vertigo Music to Grandville’s
Corner Record Shop who have a day’s worth of special programming that includes great deals on new and used releases, as well as a chance to hear any one of the many musical acts performing on this special day.
The best bet for scoring some special release is to just show up early and get in line. Or if you are like me, just wait until a few hours after the doors open and enjoy the pure pleasure of leisurely shopping for a great music find among some of the coolest folks on the planet. Record Store Day is not to be missed because it is a community rarely in one place at one time these days. It is worth it no matter what time of the day you decide to celebrate Record Store Day.
For complete of the releases being sold this Saturday, please visit
Record Store Day's website.
If all the crowds is not your bag and desire a rebel event organized around this holiday, then visit
Dodd's Records on the Westside for a celebration with bands and a parade.