Events

[VINYL] When asked by the Record Store Day people about the importance of independent record stores, Fat Mike of NOFX said, “If it wasn’t for independent record stores, I would be a San Fernando valley real estate agent.” This is a statement that would probably be true of many of your favorite artists, especially though who came to prominence during the 1970s, 1980s, 1990s, and early 2000s. For record stores, Record Store Day is bigger than Christmas, as each store ships in a payload of surprise records—all Record Store Day exclusives, some rarer than others.

This year, some of the Record Store Day Exclusive highlights include John WIlliams’ score to Star Wars: The Force Awakens on a 10 inch picture disc, Xiu Xiu Plays the Music of Twin Peaks, a two LP version of the experimental rock band’s interpretation of Angelo Badalamenti’s iconic score from David Lynch’s cult-classic TV show, and a trio of David Bowie exclusives, as well as releases from J Dilla, Patti Smith, Air, Run the Jewels, Madonna, Outkast, Johnny Cash, Metallica, and many more. Each of the area’s participating record stores will not only by slinging records, but hosting some live entertainment. Below is a list of record stores and what they have planned for the 15th annual Record Store Day, this Saturday, April 16.

 SPIRAL SCRATCH 
1109 Elmwood Avenue / facebook
Now fully settled in, Spiral Scratch will celebrate their first Record Store Day at their new location on Elmwood. In addition to a selection of Record Store Day Exclusives, they’ll also be offering two for $1 records as well as live music by Scott Valkwitch, Eric Ellman, and Bill Nehill. 

 RECORD THEATRE 
1800 Main Street (Main & Lafayette) / recordtheatre.com
The Lafayette Street location will be hosting a meet and greet with John Rzeznik of the Goo Goo Dolls, Mary Ramsey of 10,000 Maniacs, and singer/songwriter Cassandra Kubinski who will be signing copies of her Record Store Day exclusive CD, Not So Different. Sales of the album will be donated to the Institute for Autism Research at Canisius College. 

3500 Main Street (University Plaza)
The Record Theatre in University Plaza will be hosting a whole afternoon of music on Record Store Day. Local bands Governess, Handsome Jack, Wolf, Bryce March, Fluse, Pappy Stardust, meNyou, Bold Folly, Peacebridge, Revenge Therapist and Crooked Gener8ion will all provide some entertainment while you browse their the store’s vast collection of records. Both Record Theatre locations will also be serving beer from Community Beer Works.

 BLACK DOTS 
223 Lafayette Avenue / blackdotsbuffalo.com
The Grant Street neighborhood where Black Dots record store is located will be celebrating Record Store Day almost like a block party. Of course Black Dots will have a great selection of Record Store Day exclusives, but they’ve also helped book some acts at The Pop In, right across the street. Del Paxton, M.A.G.S., Dirt War, Night Slaves, GOA, VWLS, Velvet Bethany, and Skateboard will all be performing at the Pop In, which Black Dots customers are encouraged to pop into after browsing through their collection. Spend $50 at Black Dots and get a free Black Dots t-shirt.

 REVOLVER RECORDS 
1451 Hertel Avenue / revolverrecordsinc.com
Hertel Avenue’s newest record store, Revolver Records will celebrate their first Record Store Day this Saturday. Expect RSD exclusives, give aways, refreshments, and entertainment from Lost Elysium, The Moon Calves, Charisse & Tim, Bean Friend, Mark Norris & Jake Brockway, The Devil in Love, Randle & The Late Night Scandals, and Gary Stieglitz.