Judging from the video, it appears as though the first Brooklyn Record Riot was a smashing success—men and women, old and young, enjoying beer, pierogies, kielbasa, and records. Got a problem with that, fun-haters?
The guys from Iris Records, sponsors of the show, even used my incredibly innovative crumpled up poster treatment as an intro to the video. I feel cool about that. I did not make it to the event, however. Which is, perhaps, a good thing. Just look at all that vinyl! I might have had to rent a U-Haul to get it all back to Jersey City.
The good news is that Iris Records has announced their grand re-opening. At a time when other music stores are closing down, Iris is actually throwing their doors wide open. Starting tomorrow, Iris will offer regular weekly hours (Fridays from 3-9pm, Saturdays from 1-7pm, and Sundays from 1-5pm). Indeed, it promises to be a weekend-long vinyl festival. Store owner Steve Gritzan jokes, "Quite a celebration. We might have beer. And then maybe get shut down by the authorities."
You never know. Jersey City is funny like that. Gritzan also hints that there'll be many special records for sale. "We've been saving all sorts of things for this event."
You know I'll be there. During breaks from compiling the "Recommended Components" blurbs, you'll find me hitting the vinyl stacks. A man can't live on work alone.
