This weekend is the ultimate music nerd dream. Record Store Day is tomorrow, and all weekend long is the CHIRP Record Fair. CHIRP (Chicago Independent Radio Project) is a non-profit organization working to secure a broadcast license for a new community radio station in Chicago. CHIRP have been busy lately, working on building their new station space and getting ready to head to Washington later this month to meet with members of Congress, FCC officials, and other leaders to discuss the issues surrounding Low Power FM. We'll have more on CHIRP and their approaching trek to Washington next week, but this weekend it's all about the music!
And not only records will be sold. They'll be literary goods, posters, and other various handmade goods. And live music throughout the day including Scotland Yard Gospel Choir, and DJ sets by members of Tortoise and Mucca Pazza. To top it off, you can meet many of the amazing and talented individuals behind some of the top Chicago independent labels. Shake their hand, ask them what their favorite album is, and thank them for working their butts off to bring good music into the world.
Oh, and on Sunday Gapers Block will be there ALL DAY! Come buy an awesome poster to hang in your barren apartment, get some free buttons and stickers, and if you come early while I'm there, I'll even give you a free hug. Or a high five. Us music writers may not be the richest people, but we sure are loving individuals.
The 7th annual CHIRP Record Fair is April 18th and 19th from 10 am to 5 pm. The cost is $7 or $5 with the CHIRP Record Fair ad from their website, or a receipt from any record store that is dated 4/18/09 (another excuse to go celebrate Record Store Day). The CHIRP Record Fair is located at the Chicago Journeymen Plumbers Union at 1340 W. Washington. It's close to Union Park for all you Pitchfork Festival fans who need a reference point.
There is also a Saturday pre-admission from 8-10 am for the serious audiophiles that want the first picks of the day.The pre-admission is $25, but once again, you get first pick two hours before the fair opens.
