Your Guide to Record Store Day 2017

In 2007, a conglomerate of independent record store owners and employees came together to conceive the idea of Record Store Day: one day each year to celebrate the resurgence in popularity of vinyl, and those that help distribute it.  Today, there are over 1400 record stores participating in Record Store Day, located on every continent except Antarctica.  Record Store Day is an official organization that works with these independent record stores by helping provide special releases and exclusive merchandise, as well promoting festivities. This year’s record store day is Saturday, April 22.  Check out the list below of 9 stops you have to make this year if you’re spending Record Store Day in Northeast Ohio.

Square Records – 824 W Market St, Akron

Undeniably one of the most diverse and impressive record stores in the area, Square Records stocks mainly fresh music from independent artists and labels, concentrating on rock.  However, they are continually hoping to expand their selection of experimental, noise, hip-hop, jazz, classic R&B, and soul records.  Square Records also houses the work of local artists in the back of the shop.  On this particular Record Store Day, you can expect to arrive at Square Records and find hundreds of unique releases, Angel Falls Coffee Co. coffee being served for those waiting to get into the record store in the morning, and a free Square Records souvenir gift bag for those that are the first in line at 11 AM.  The store will also be hosting two performers on its stage starting at 6 PM, kicking off the night with Miyamigo , followed by G.S. Schray.

Hollow Bone Records – 2721 W Market St, Akron

This eclectic store houses records from all eras & genres and will be open starting at 9 AM this Saturday.  There will also be complimentary coffee & donuts in the shop, first come first served. There will be a 10% sale on all vintage vinyl, and 50% off all apparel in the store.

Hoppin’ Frog Brewery Record Store Day Celebration – 1680 E Waterloo Rd, Akron

If you’re looking for a 21+ environment where you can celebrate the magic of vinyl, look no further.  The Hoppin’ Frog Brewery in Akron be spinning records all day, so bring your old favorites or new purchases from the day.  They’ll be taking requests from 11 AM – 7 PM.

The Vinyl Groove Records – 679 Broadway Ave, Bedford

This emporium of new records, better used records, and stereo equipment will be handing out deals on Saturday with exclusive Record Store Day releases, 20% off all used vinyl and equipment, and hard-to-find titles. The store will be open 9 AM – 8 PM.

The Beachland Ballroom – 15711 Waterloo Rd, Cleveland

If you’re barely surviving on that “end of the semester” budget, but can scrape together enough gas money to make it up to Cleveland, be sure to check out this FREE event at the Beachland Ballroom and Tavern.  The day will begin with a brunch at the Tavern, followed by DJ sets and a pop-up shop, as well as later performances by Bummed Out and Forager.  The event, sponsored by Gotta Groove Records ) & Dogfish Head Brewery will begin at 11 AM.

Music Saves & Blue Arrow Records – Cleveland, OH

Right down the street from the Beachland Ballroom, these two tiny but essential Cleveland record stores will both be celebrating with fresh selections and DJ sets.  Check out Music Saves at 15801 S Waterloo Rd & Blue Arrow Records at 16001 S Waterloo Rd.  Music Saves will be featuring p. stoops spinning jams from 12-3 PM, while Blue Arrow Records is hosting Part Time Lover starting at 2 PM.  Make sure to get to Music Saves right when it opens at 8 AM, as the first 100 guests will receive a bag of free items!

LOOP in Tremont – 2180 W 11th St, Cleveland

The LOOP in Tremont is one of those places that you saunter into and instantly feel cool.  Part coffee shop, part art gallery, and part record store, LOOP has it all.  LOOP will be open bright and early at 8 AM for you to begin searching through their exclusive Record Store Day releases.

My Mind’s Eye – 16010 Detroit Ave, Lakewood

My Mind’s Eye is my personal favorite record store in the area, for its homegrown vibe, INSANELY cheap selection of records, and extremely personable staff.  This west side store will be selling exclusive Record Store Day releases, as well as having DJ sets throughout the entire day.  They open their doors at 8 AM!

Young Kings Record Store – 1418 W.29th Street, Cleveland

This newer record store in the Hingetown neighborhood hones in on jazz, funk, soul, and hip-hop records.  Make sure to stop by between 10 AM and 10 PM to search through their record day exclusives and to listen to music by DJ Candi Fresca.

If you’re an avid vinyl collector that knows exactly what you want, or if you’d like to get an idea of the exclusives that may be available at these stores, make sure to check out the official list at http://www.recordstoreday.com/SpecialReleases. Stay hydrated, get out there, and get your dream record!

Check out this handy map to the record stores on this list!