No, it’s not that ’80s movie everybody loves (and probably still has on VHS). This is Adventures in Record Collecting, where Midwest Action’s record obsessed writers bring you the latest in local record stores, collector’s shows, and other happenings. So dust off your turntables and drop that needle, here’s what’s happening in the world of vinyl.
Every few months, the Chicagoland area enjoys one majestic weekend of record collecting with two amazing events, the Orland Park Record Collectors Show & The Chicagoland Record Collectors Show in Hillside, IL. Here’s everything you need to know about these two great reasons to build your record collection this weekend.
Orland Park Record Collector’s Show | Saturday March 15th, 9am – 3pm
Comfort Inn/Georgio’s Banquets 8800 W. 159th St. Orland Park, IL
Formerly the Alsip Record Show, this popular event moved to the Orland Park area about a year or two ago. The location may have changed but the selection and dealers have only improved. Whether it’s ’50s R&B or the latest Flaming Lips album, chances are you’ll find it at one of the many dealers here in Orland. They also have a huge selection of posters, cassettes, CD’s, and other great music memorabilia.
This weekend’s show is growing even larger with 3 new dealers added to the floor, making a total of over 40 tables worth of music. Two of whom have never done the show before and include hundreds of 1970’s era Soul and Funk from an NBC radio source! The other has 2 tables worth of hard to find Blues records. Also, what was formerly “Frank’s Record’s” will be on hand with plenty of clean and cheap LP’s.
Admission to the show is a mere $3 (kids under 12 admitted free). When you enter be sure to sign up for their mailing list to receive a $1 off coupon for future shows!
The Chicagoland Record Collectors Show | Sunday March 16th, 9am – 4pm
Best Western Hotel 4400 Frontage Road Hillside, IL
This is the big one folks. The largest record show in the Midwest, and that is no understatement. If your fingers aren’t too tired from flipping through boxes at the Orland Park show be sure to make it out to this one.
Filling more than two large conference rooms in the Best Western, this is a truly overwhelming record show. Dealers come from far and wide just to secure a spot at this premier collector’s show. A couple of us were even lucky enough to run into Thurston Moore of Sonic Youth at one of last year’s shows; He was flipping through Beatles 45’s just like any other collector.
The show features a wide range of records and CD’s including Rock, Jazz, Soul, R & B, Country, Folk and many others. Housing more than 50 dealers and around 80 tables of old and new music, this show is like no other in the Midwest. The organizers pride themselves in pre-screening each and every dealer, to ensure that you are buying from reputable sellers you can trust.
This is a personal favorite of mine, and one I hardly ever miss. Admission is also $3 (under 12 free). The true collectors will make it out to both shows but if you have to make it to one of the two, this is it.
For more information follow the links below and “Like” their Facebook pages to stay in the loop on future shows. Get out and spin some vinyl this weekend!
Orland Park Record Collector’s Show Facebook
Chicagoland Record Collector’s Show Official | Facebook
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