ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Record Store Day is Saturday and it offers music lovers and vinyl enthusiasts a chance to rejoice in the resurgence of records.
At one point, it seemed that vinyl records wouldn't survive in a musical world with streaming services, digital downloads, radio and CD options, but they have not only survived, but thrived. Vinyl LP sales accounted for 14 percent of all physical album sales in 2017, with approximately 14.32 million units sold — up 9 percent from 2016 — according to Billboard.
Although the neighborhood mom-and-pop shop might be the perfect spot for trading, perusing or shopping for new tunes on Record Store Day, there are two Rochester landmarks that serve as the ideal places to celebrate: The House of Guitars and The Record Archive.
House of Guitars — You'd be hard-pressed to find someone from Rochester who hasn't heard of the House of Guitars.
"We have about 20,000 guitars in stock at the House of Guitars," said Armand Schaubroeck, House of Guitars owner. "Total vinyl, with CDs, and 45s and everything is over 4 million."
The iconic music store on Titus Avenue in Irondequoit has been a staple in the local music community for more than 50 years.
"We've been open since 1964, that's when the Beatles first came to the United States," Schaubroeck said. "There's a lot of cities that don't have record stores anymore. It's a little tougher today, but vinyl has really picked up our business. The younger people — in college and high school — really got into the vinyl and that's become a very important thing in their life, to get their favorite record on vinyl."
For Record Store Day, the HOG is offering free live music all day:
Tombstone Hands — 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Ponder — 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
The Fender Benders — 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
One on One Band — 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Kevin B. Klein — 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Hankerin' Harry — 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Chris United — 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Kire Najdovski — 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.
In addition to the live, in-store performances, the HOG is offering a special release of rare, limited edition CDs, vinyl, LPs, collectors' items and more. Come hungry! HOG will have free pizza from Mark's Pizza in Irondequoit and complimentary refreshments as well.
Record Archive — Whether it's a classic record, or new album, you can find it at the Record Archive — a music and entertainment destination on Rockwood Street in Rochester since 1975.
"We are going to be celebrating our 43rd year in September," said Alayna Alderman, Record Archive co-owner. "Record Store Day started 11 years ago, and it was basically designed to celebrate what record stores do all year long. What's cool about it, is you have every artist from Neil Young to the Grateful Dead — all different bands, all different genres, they give us exclusive pieces you can only find at record stores that day."
Specializing in vintage vinyl, the expansive store also includes the latest music releases as well as unique gifts, vintage clothing, thousands of movies, audio equipment, two live music stages, local beer, event space and more.
"My business has never been stronger," Alderman said. "Most people who think record stores have gone by the wayside, that's so not true. Record Store Day has single-handedly changed the trajectory of Record Archive's business as well as many independent record stores across the country. It's become this incredible phenomenon that every year I'm like 'there's no way it can get any bigger' and it keeps happening."
The Record Archive is ramping it up for Record Store Day with exclusive vinyl releases, dollar record sales, live music, beer samplings, food trucks, flash sales, giveaways, swag bags and more for some family fun. Live music all afternoon in the backroom lounge:
Hanna and the Blue Hearts — 12 p.m. to 1:15 p.m.
Hop City Hellcats — 1:45 p.m. to 3 p.m.
The Krooks — 3:30 p.m. to 4:45 p.m.
Mikaela Davis — 5:15 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Fickle 93.3's Dino will be giving away prizes from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. and Predisposed Vintage will be there, selling Rochester T-shirts and HTB will be there on-demand T-screening for a one-of-a-kind Record Store Day shirt!