Music Blog

Music Blog

Vinyl in the Woods: Part Deux

A few days ago, I alluded to a Vinyl in the Woods reprise. Well, now it's official: On Saturday, May 28, floods of independent labels, vendors and record freaks will set up shop under Big Sur's inviting redwoods at the Henry Miller Library. No one expected last year's gathering of record geeks would amount to anything. Not even the library director, Magnus Toren, foresaw the large turnout of CD haters. Check out footage from the lovable and hyperactive garage outfit, the Mystery Lights, performing at last year's hoopla.

Amoeba Records, Finders/Keepers Records and Groove Merchant are already on board but there's still room for any interested vendors for $60 per table (call 831-667-2574).

If you haven't checked out my recap on last year's shindig, here's another opportunity.

Some pivotal FAQ's courtesy of HML:

• Bring your own vinyl and participate in our “Open Turntable” segments. It’s true: step up to the stage and play that one special jam for all to hear.
• Please note, however: if you bring more than 10 records, we’ll ask for a $10 donation, as some vendors have paid that amount to purchase crates from us.
• Parking is limited. If you pass Nepenthe on your right and see cars parked on the 1, park. That means there’s no parking nearby.
• Bring cash! We have no ATM on site; there is one about 2 miles north at the Big Sur Deli
• Bring layers. It can get chilly at night.
• No outside food or booze, please. (There will be Cuban food and beer and wine available)
• Feel free to bring blankets and chairs. Make a day of it.
• Tell your friends!

More info on the upcoming event HERE.

On a related note, I just watched I Need That Record, a killer documentary that explores that segment of the population plagued (or blessed) with an undying horniness for the independent record store. But the story is kind of a bummer: 3,000 of these dingy, Ramen Noodle-smelling enclaves have closed in the last decade thanks to the omnipotence of the Internet. Thurston Moore and Mike Watt are among the many advocates who speak on the subject. It's like a real life slice of Nick Hornby's High Fidelity. Check out the trailer below.

Be on the lookout for my upcoming rundown of Henry Miller Library's impressive summer schedule, which includes John Waters and Chris Robinson.