4 minute read

The tables turn

Next Article
Adult.-ing

Adult.-ing

How local record shops are handling reopening.

By Matthew Moyer and Josh Bradley

Advertisement

owing to the inevitable, Record Store Day 2020 as one big, mass gathering of vinyl junkies packed into record stores all around the country is not happening. However, you can still support your favorite Tampa Bay mom-andpop record emporiums and the bands offering RSD-exclusive releases, just in a socially-distanced kinda way, as there will now be a trio of drop dates for RSD loot at participating record stores later this year.

Record Store Day Drops of quantities of select exclusives will happen in phases on Aug. 29, Sept. 26 and Oct. 24. The list of which exclusive releases will be available on which dates will be released on June 1 on the RSD website, and as you can imagine, the list of participating stores will be a work in progress between now and August. As of this writing, for the first time, record stores will be allowed to do day-of online sales of exclusives as well as inperson purchases. Obviously there will be a lot of planning yet to be done to ensure potential customers’ safety.

Head to cltampa.com/music to finds links tofollow the Record Store Day Drops event page for updates, as well as the Record Store Day Facebook page, but look below for Josh Bradley’s recap of local updates.

Bananas Music (retail location)

May 4 as a reopening date was a definite no for the world’s largest record shop. But though nothing is confirmed, reps at the retail location stated the possibility of reopening by the end of the week. Even if they don’t, they do have a Discogs page for those who are dying to go digging again. 2887 22nd Ave N., St. Petersburg. 727-327-4616 (ext. 1). bananasrecords.com

Clearwater Record Shop

The shop told Creative LoafingTampa bay that its reopening date will be Wed. May 13. In the meantime, the home of Clearwater’s monthly record show does ship worldwide from eBay. If you have any requests that may not be on their store, send an email to clearwaterrecordshow@gmail.com. 1610 N. Hercules Ave. Suite G, Clearwater. 727- 200-9397. clearwaterrecordshow.com

Daddy Kool Records

On Facebook Live, manager Manny Kool confessed that while his online store will remain active, he didn’t feel comfortable reopening the building just yet. “We will [reopen] eventually, but right now, it’s not gonna be May the 4th.” If you’ve bought concert tickets from Daddy Kool for a show that has been postponed, either hold onto your tickets, or contact the store for a gift card worth 150% of your purchase. 2430 Terminal Dr. S., Side B, St. Petersburg. 727-822-5665. daddykool.com

Dunedin Records & Audio

A soft opening happened on Monday, and the store will officially reopen to the public tomorrow, with all safety measures in place. Oh, and owner Frank Schiano wantsyou to know that his store hasn’t been a house for a little while. 430 Patricia Ave., Dunedin. 727-423-4108. dunedinrecords.com

Kingfish Records

Owner Pat Nolen plans to open the store starting this weekend, at 25% capacity. Until then, the store accepts mail orders, and curbside delivery on certain days at certain hours. Check Kingfish’s Facebook page for the latest info. 26024 U.S. Hwy 19 N., Clearwater. 727-351-5177. kingfishrecords.com

Microgroove

Everyone’s favorite indie spot in Tampa proper took to social media Thursday to announce that not only is a reopening improbable right now, but it’s in dire need of new stock, and would love to sell some used records. So maybe if you have some wax you don’t need anymore, definitely think about shooting Keith Ulrey a message offering him a look. Entry to the store for that purpose is appointment only, but there’s no better time to help out than now. 4906 N. Florida Ave, Tampa. 813-667-7089. microgroovetampa.co

Mojo Books and Records

While only eight people are allowed in the store at a time, and curbside delivery still being an option, the record and book shop near USF has officially reopened to the public. 2540 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa. 813-971- 9717. mojotampa.com

Planet Retro Records

May 5 is the St. Pete spot’s first day back in the loop, but by appointment only, one person at a time, and hand sanitizer will be required. Be sure to be healthy if you’re planning on going in. 226 Martin Luther King Jr. St. N., St. Petersburg. 727-218-7434. planetretrorecords.com

Sound Exchange

Employees have been running curbside delivery at the Tampa location only since the pandemic began. However, starting May 4, the Pinellas Park store is also offering curbside delivery. You can also have your order shipped to your house for an extra $5 shipping fee. soundexchangetampabay.com

Steelworker Records

On March 18, Riverside Heights’ Steelworker records transitioned to “appointment only for the next couple weeks.” One guest per visit with a 30-minute time limit. Email steelworkerrecords@gmail.com or get in touch by phone, through Facebook and Instagram (@steelworkerrecords). The shop is also offering curbsidepickup, free delivery within a three mile radius and free shipping on Steelworker gift certificates. 708 W. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Tampa. 813-666-4933. steelworkerrecords.com

Vintage Vinyl LLC

Not only has the store reopened, but the hidden gem in Tarpon Springs has moved to a new location in Palm Harbor’s Shoppes of Boot Ranch. And yes, those autographs are real. 664 E.Lake Rd., Palm Harbor. 727-491-3800

You can still support your favorite Tampa Bay mom-and-pop.

This article is from: