Memphis is a record-lovers town if there ever was one. Maybe it’s the city’s storied history, and the megatons of vinyl that originated here. Maybe it’s due to the rich subculture of thrift stores and estate sales, so ripe for bin scavenging. Or it could be the high per-capita density of musicians, who tend to favor the rich sound of analog. For whatever reason, and probably all of them, we have an embarrassment of riches when it comes to records stores, with three top-notch shops in midtown alone.
But the availability of vinyl is about to increase exponentially over the weekend. The Soulsville Record Swap this Saturday, June 17, will bring together local record dealers and others from as far away as Louisiana, Alabama, Georgia, Virginia, New York, and Minnesota. Hosted by the Stax Museum of American Soul Music, in collaboration with Goner Records, music lovers can expect crates upon crates of vinyl, from the common to the ultra-rare. DJ’s will spin their favorite platters, and food trucks from Arepa 901, Sandwiches & More, and MemPops will be right outside, making this an event worth seeing and hearing even if you don’t buy any wax at all. The event is free, though any early birds seeking that rare copy of The Worms can pay $10 to be the first in the door at 10:00.
And if you want to warm up to the event, there’s a pre-swap party at the Memphis Made Tap Room on Friday, where you can hob-nob with fellow enthusiasts. That’s where one can often learn a thing or two. And to keep the conversation flowing, Memphis Made has crafted a special brew, Hop Swap, which will be on tap and in carry-out bombers. Goner DJ’s will be manning the turntables as well. Here’s a little ’45 to get you in the mood…maybe you’ll find a copy for yourself.
A Record Swap at Ground Zero for Choice Vinyl
Soulsville Record Swap will be held at the Stax Museum of American Soul Music, 926 E. McLemore Ave. (in the Stax Music Academy Building next door), 11:00-4:00 p.m., free admission; 10:00 a.m. early bird entry for $10.00.
Pre-swap party is at Memphis Made Tap Room, 768 S. Cooper St., 7:00 p.m., free admission.