Record Store Day

Record Store Day, now in its second year, celebrates the independent record store and Ballard has two really fine record stores: Sonic Boom and Bop Street.   I read recently that since 2003 over 1000 indie record stores have closed their doors.  I really don't want that to happen in Ballard.  Sonic Boom and Bop Street have been great for Ballard, not only in providing two fine locations for picking up music but supporting and showcasing local musicians by sponsoring local music festivals and providing free all-ages shows.

Join the celebration today.  Sonic Boom is leading the charge on this one.  Here is the link for Sonic Boom Records listing what's happening today.   There will be DJs (including Andy Harms from 107.7 The End) and live music starting at noon.   There will also be limited releases, free swag, a sidewalk sale and Peter Blecha will be signing "Sonic Boom" his history of NW rock.  

Ballard's own Say Hi (Barsuk) is performing at 2pm.  Eric Grandy's Stranger review from March says "on Oohs & Aahs Elbogen plays it relatively straight, singing personal and character-rich songs about love and heartbreak that are simply affecting and subtly catchy."  Say Hi played yesterday at the Crocodile and were live on KEXP; if you missed them this is a great chance to check them out.  It's great indie pop, interestingly recorded on Eric Elbogen's home Mac.  The link above is to his MySpace page.

Subpop's Vetiver is playing their well loved folk-pop at 4pm before their show at the Crocodile later tonight.  You can check out their MySpace page for a listen to their sound. 

Sonic Boom is at 2909 Market Street in the heart of downtown Ballard (south side of Market approaching 22nd St.).  (206) 297-BOOM.   A portion of all sales will benefit Seattle schools music programs and they are silkscreening for donations to benefit School of Rock. 

It looks like Bop Street's MySpace page is closed and I can't tell if they are officially participating ... but for wax it is one of the best shops in the country with virtually a warehouse of wax.  Please stop by and show them your support.

BTW Sonic Boom is coordinating with a number of other Ballard merchants who are co-promoting Record Store Day with discounts and a few other specials.  If you get down to Sonic Boom spend a little time seeing what else is on offer.  Times are still hard all around and Ballard has taken it on the chin.  If you are looking to spend some money please consider doing it in Ballard if possible.  

Signing off for now ... 

UPDATE:  There was a sizable line at the door at 10:00 when they opened and the crowd swarmed the limited releases and reissues.  They may have more for restocking but if you are interested in the limited releases I would recommend getting down there.  There are lots of free compilation cds, some posters, discounted tees,  free Jones sodas with Barsuk labels and more.