Silver Spring, MD | Bringing People Together for the (Vinyl) Record: In a time when many Americans were forcefully isolated by COVID-19, the Love the Music (LtM) Record Show brought local music lovers together for the purpose of buying, selling and trading records and other items. The inaugural LtM event was held at Rosensteel Hall in Silver Spring on October 2, with vendors lined up both inside and outside of the building, including record store owners and representatives, independent vendors as well as collectors. The event was sponsored by Rick Mulvihill of Kensington, who wanted a way of uniting record shoppers during COVID-19. Mulvihill originally retired from his job in July of 2020 and needed a way of restructuring his life. He wondered how he could get more involved in the music community, as he has a collection of music himself, particularly vinyl records featuring various genres and artists. “I wanted to start rebuilding some of those connections and bridges between people and music, particularly because music is such a big influence and touches people so closely…”
Selinsgrove, PA | Selinsgrove teen opening vinyl record store downtown: Sarah Leason is turning her love of vinyl records and classic rock into a business with Saturday’s opening of Wren Records in downtown Selinsgrove. The 16-year-old Selinsgrove Area High School junior’s mother, Heather McNabb, encouraged her to make use of her passion, so Leason spent a part of last summer visiting record stores throughout New England where she amassed an impressive collection of nearly 2,000 vintage rock and folk albums. “My parents are entrepreneurs,” said Leason, of McNabb and Steven Leason, co-owners of Selins’ Grove Brewing in downtown Selinsgrove, who inspired her entrepreneurial spirit. “I really enjoy talking to people about music. This is a creative way to do it.” Awed by her daughter’s interest and knowledge of music and the amount of money she was spending on records, McNabb suggested opening a record store. “In my mind, she was spending a lot of money and I thought maybe she should earn some,” McNabb said with a laugh. “It’s not that risky since I had the space that had been empty for four years” when a nonprofit group moved out.
Allentown, PA | Inner Groove bringing beers and beats to Allentown: The Verona-based business — named after the spot on a vinyl record where bands lay hidden tracks — will occupy a 1,400-square-foot spot on East Warrington Avenue. The site will also feature a 1,100-square-foot, winterized beer garden in the lot next door. The taproom is expected to open in early 2022. …Inner Groove is already making their brand known in the neighborhood by participating in block parties and other events along the bustling corridor, which boasts a variety of shops and restaurants. Nearby storefronts include Alla Famiglia, Black Forge Coffee House and Dr. Tumblety’s Time-Inspired Specialty Shop. Arlington Beverage Club is opening soon. The owners plan to partner with local food vendors to keep beer lovers happy. Inner Groove’s new site will boast a similar, laidback aesthetic to their Verona production facility on East Railroad Avenue. Customers can rock out to live music and listen to albums play on the turntable.
Chippewa Falls, WI | It sounds better on vinyl: Chippewa Falls couple launch custom vinyl record business: t’s easy enough to buy a heartfelt gift off the shelf at your local Target or Wal-Mart, but putting time and effort into a unique and custom product can be much more intimate. Vinylus, a custom vinyl record cutting company based in Chippewa Falls, is providing the area with a unique outlet to express their love for music. Started in March 2020 by co-owners Eric and Izabella Warner, the couple runs Vinylus out of their home and provides individuals the opportunity to purchase custom cut 7”, 10” and 12” vinyl records complete with custom artwork and track-listings. “We’re at the intersection of people’s relationships with music,” Eric Warner said. “It’s a gift that’s incredibly heartfelt and personal. It’s different than buying something that is mass produced. Like someone at a photo shop sometimes see images only meant for one person to another, the projects can become very personal and very fulfilling.”
Bolton, UK | Lead singer of The Alarm to visit Bolton during UK tour: An ‘iconic’ singer is coming to Bolton as part of UK-wide anniversary tour. The Alarm’s frontman, Mike Peters, is set to visit X-Records on Bridge Street on Thursday to celebrate the release of his 40th anniversary anthology, History Repeating 1981 – 2021. The anthology features 40 of the Welsh rock band’s best-known hits, including Two Rivers, Equals and In The Poppy Fields. The gig kicks off at 4pm, with the singer treating guests to an unforgettable evening featuring a live performance and record signing. Mike Peters said: “I’m looking forward to visiting X-Records in Bolton and celebrating the release of The Alarm History Repeating 1981 – 2021. “Steve, who owns the store has always kept a great inventory of music on both CD and LP and has supported artists like myself and The Alarm long before the new vinyl revival has driven music-loving people back into record stores…”
Why I 🧡 AC/DC’s Powerage, by Aerosmith’s Joe Perry: Aerosmith guitarist and AC/DC admirer Joe Perry on the Aussie band’s underrated classic, Powerage. “I was introduced to AC/DC when we were lucky enough to have them open for us at shows on the Draw The Line tour in 1977. I was absolutely blown away the first time I saw them, and I’ve been a really big fan ever since. Even if you hadn’t heard their songs before, when you saw them live they had everybody on their feet, including me. “They didn’t need any production, they didn’t need any lights, they just needed their guitars, their amps and plenty of watts, and they’d destroy the place. They were pretty mellow guys off-stage, but once they stepped onstage, they were on fire. They’re rock’n’roll at its best, the real deal. “All the early records with Bon Scott are great, and Powerage is definitely one of my favourites. To me, it perfectly distilled everything that I like about rock’n’roll down to its essence. As a guitar player, obviously I’m going to be drawn in by the riffs and the way Angus [Young] just tore it up on every solo, but then you listen to Bon’s story-telling and that’s just wonderful…”
Spearfish, SD | Vinyl Night hosted by Nowhere Men’s Clothier & Lounge: Nowhere Men’s Clothier & Lounge hosts Vinyl Night every Tuesday night from 4 to 8 p.m. in their lounge called The Vault which is located in the back of the store. Nowhere Men’s Clothier is a men’s clothing store located on Hudson Street just a small walk from Common Grounds in Spearfish, S.D. The clothing store opened in February of this year and has been doing Vinyl night every Tuesday from 4 to 8 p.m. ever since. The Vault has a very “backstage” kind of vibe with brown leather couches and chairs, lounge seating, a bar, and, of course, a record player. Here you can chat and have a glass of wine or beer while listening to music on vinyl records. You’re also welcome to browse the store and look at all the fine men’s clothes they have for sale, from vintage ties to T-shirts.
