Boston, MA | A Damn Shame Records set to open at Lowell’s Mill No. 5: When one (record store) door closes, another one opens; A Damn Shame Records is coming to Mill No. 5 in Lowell, just months after the building’s prior music shop shuttered. The new business shared news of its July 13 debut on social media late last week. A Damn Shame Records will be located on the fourth floor of Mill No. 5, a hub for shopping and cultural events that also houses an independent movie theater, a yoga studio, and a 200-person music venue called The Overlook. …The former record shop, owned by father and son duo Dave and Dan Perry, opened in 2013 and marked the first proper retail venture inside Mill No. 5. Vinyl Destination stocked an abundance of genres and new and old albums, although A Damn Shame Records has yet to reveal if the shop will specialize in any one style or format.
Madison, WI | MadCity Music has a new owner: Bobby Hussy takes the reins from Dave Zero. Dave Zero is proud of all he has accomplished at MadCity Music, where he’s worked for 27 years including the last 17 as its owner. But now he is ready to hand over the oldest continuously open record store in Madison to his right-hand man, Bobby Hussy, a change in ownership that’s been long discussed between the two men. The transfer becomes official July 1. Hussy, who wears shoulder length brown hair and rectangular glasses, is a self-described “punk garage guy who’s slowly getting older.” He recently returned from a two-week tour with his band Whippets that took him across the Great Plains states, Texas, and parts of the South. As Zero’s employee at MadCity for the past 13 years, Hussy was integral in helping with the store’s move in 2017.
Bastrop, TX | New play to be staged in downtown Bastrop record store: Lost Pines Theatre Guild is presenting “Love and Vinyl”—a new play by Bob Bartlett. Set against the backdrop of a charming vintage vinyl shop, this quirky romantic comedy will run at Astro Record Store in Bastrop from Nov. 2-18. “Love and Vinyl” tells the story of long-time friends Bogie and Zane, who meet for an evening of browsing at their favorite record store to indulge in their shared passion for vintage vinyl. As they explore the shop’s treasures, they encounter Sage, the store’s new owner. What unfolds is a delightful exploration of life, love, loneliness and the music that connects us all. “Love and Vinyl” offers a truly unique experience as it will be performed in Astro Record Store (910 Main Street), located on Bastrop’s historic Main Street. The limited seating ensures an up-close and personal connection between the audience and the performers, making each performance an intimate, unforgettable experience.
Spokane, WA | Sommelier, musician couple in Coeur d’Alene come together to make Stylus Wine and Vinyl Bar: Krista and Robby French, owners of Stylus Wine and Vinyl Bar in Coeur d’Alene, are taking a new approach to wine and music by bringing it to some place unexpected. “The way Coeur d’Alene has embraced it … it’s not for everyone because we are doing something in a small city that is successful in larger cities and metropolises like San Diego to New York and Nashville,” Robby said. But it’s not just where Stylus is located that makes it different from other spaces. “We’re not a typical wine bar,” Robby said. “People have this initial preconceived notion of, ‘Oh, it’s just going to be like … quiet and chill … with elevator music in the background,’ and that’s not what we are. We wanted to take the concept of everything we love about wine and food and music and turn it on its head.”
Kyiv, UA | Bursa Bar is a place for collectors of vinyl records from Mirzoyan Studio: Mirzoyan Studio created the interior design of the music bar Bursa Bar in the very center of historic Kyiv. The bar is located on the first floor of the Bursa Hotel in Podil. The studio was tasked with creating a small but cozy music bar that would attract vinyl record collectors and fans of live performances every weekend. The space is distinguished by simple and functional zoning: at the entrance there is a DJ booth and a vinyl collection, in the center there is a dance floor for free movement of guests, and on both sides there are bar counters for cocktails and snacks. Special attention is paid to the acoustic design. The sound is created using one of the best acoustic systems – devonojas. The idea of the architects was to create a space reminiscent of a musical instrument, where each visitor will feel as if he is inside a giant speaker or guitar, surrounded by a cozy atmosphere of plywood.
Owensboro, KY | Romp and Roll vinyl record show to offer wide range of music this weekend: Vinyl records lovers will have a major opportunity to add to their collection this weekend during the inaugural Romp & Roll Record Show, a 3-day event featuring approximately 100 vendors offering all manner of music items. The event is scheduled for June 28-30 inside the Owensboro Convention Center and will coincide with the annual ROMP Festival activities. Event organizer Jeremy Bonfiglio said vinyl lovers will feel like a kid in a candy store. “Walking into a room like that and seeing that much music during what is the biggest 3-day record store in the area for that weekend, people will take advantage of the opportunity. You’ll find some music you love and talk to the dealers because we’re in this because we love music,” Bonfiglio said. He noted that when planning the event, they were instantly attracted to planning around ROMP Fest and adding a layer of music to the weekend.
Front 242 launch repressing of ‘Two In One’ and ‘Geography’ on clear transparent vinyl: In 2024, Front 242 will be re-releasing 5 timeless classics on classy crystal clear vinyl in their original vintage design artwork. Already out earlier this year are the titles “Endless Riddance EP”, “Politics Of Pressure” and “No Comment”. Coming up in September and now in pre-order via Alfa Matrix is a second batch holding “Two In One” and “Geography”. The two vinyls will again be available in a combo 2-vinyl package offered with a second and different exclusive Front 242 tote bag limited to 500 units worldwide. This offer is strictly limited to sales via the official Alfa Matrix store and their official German e-shop www.deejaydead.de. “Two In One” compiles the band’s two very first 2-track singles, originally released in 1981 and 1982. It also features founding members Dirk Bergen next to Daniel B. and announced the band’s classic debut album “Geography.”
The Karate Kid: 40th Anniversary Original Motion Picture Score Vinyl Coming to IGN Store Next Week: For the first time ever on vinyl. The Karate Kid is one of the most influential films of all time. Released in 1984, Daniel’s story is one that has inspired generations. 2024 marks the film’s 40th anniversary, and SPACELAB9 and Columbia Pictures have partnered up to celebrate in a big way. For the first time ever, the original score of The Karate Kid will be available on vinyl. IGN Store will offer an exclusive opaque red variant, which you can check out below. Don’t miss your chance to celebrate The Karate Kid’s 40th anniversary in style! This deluxe double LP release features original artwork on the front cover that was designed by prominent artist Astor Alexander. Additionally, a special note from Composer Bill Conti is included in the package alongside stills from the original release of The Karate Kid.
