By Dominic Abassi

Annual record show builds on Nanaimo’s history with vinyl

Apr 29, 2017 | 2:21 PM

NANAIMO — From novices looking to learn, to hardcore collectors in search of a rare find, the third annual Nanaimo Record Show will have something for everyone.

A week removed from Record Store Day, more than 20 of the finest vinyl dealers from across Vancouver Island, the Sunshine Coast and the Lower Mainland converge on the Legion in Harewood to celebrate and share the medium they love.

“Nanaimo has always been a great place for records…There’s a history in Nanaimo of buying records,” Record Show co-producer Jack Tieleman told NanaimoNewsNOW.

Tieleman said as the popularity of vinyl surges, their event has seen constant demand and “hundreds and hundreds” of people.

“People love coming to the record show because they can see records they don’t ordinarily see. They can meet with dealers, they can talk and learn.”

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He said bringing dealers in from out-of-town creates a unique opportunity for local aficionados to get a look at records, posters and collectibles they may not find at one of the two local Nanaimo shops.

Tieleman said himself and co-producer Dave Read have both bought and sold records for a long time and decided one night they needed to start an event in the harbour city. His connection goes back to his first purchases in 1972, which included Elvis live at Madison Square Garden. “With any good addiction, you become a user and then you become a dealer,” he joked.

“They’re (records) cool in one respect, they need care you can’t just treat them poorly…and there’s just something intrinsic about holding a record and looking at the cover. If it’s an old used record it’s got a history to it.”

Graeme Tait, music director for Nanaimo rock station 106.9 The Wolf and avid collector, said local record dealers offer something people are connecting with, pointing to larger outfits like HMV shutting their doors.

“These guys can find stuff you can’t find anywhere else. Your big box stores don’t get their hands on the neat things you can find at the record store,” Tait said.

A report from the international organization representing the music industry showed Canada was 5th in global vinyl sales in 2015.

Tait said that has led to a reaction from the artists and promoters he works with.

“The album is becoming an important thing again. Now that it does appear vinyl is coming back, the album is coming back. This is something you’re listening to in its entirety, the way it’s meant to be listened to.”

The Nanaimo Record Show goes Sunday, April 30 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Branch 10 Legion on Harewood Rd. Admission is $2, while kids under 12 get in free.

dominic.abassi@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @domabassi