Vinyl lovers will be up early on Saturday, April 12, lining up outside independent record stores to celebrate Record Store Day — a global event that gives fans a chance to dig through crates, score exclusive releases and support local music shops.
Beverly Records
In Chicago, Beverly Records will once again be a destination for crate-diggers. At 8 a.m., the family-run shop at 11612 S. Western Ave. will open its doors for what has become a neighborhood tradition.
“We’re thrilled to share that Beverly Records has exciting plans lined up to celebrate this special occasion with our community of vinyl enthusiasts,” said John Dreznes, son of owner Jack Dreznes.
The store will offer a 20% discount on all used vinyl through the weekend, alongside special Record Store Day titles and free refreshments.
“We always see a great turnout for Record Store Day,” Dreznes said. “It’s always amazing to see how passionate people are about vinyl.”
The event is one of the biggest of the year for independent music retailers. Since its start in 2008, Record Store Day has brought together fans, musicians, and store owners for vinyl releases, live shows, and a celebration of physical music. It happens twice a year — in April and again on Black Friday.
Beverly Records has been around since 1967. The Dreznes family turned it from a gift shop into a full-blown record hub that once operated four locations. Today, it remains a South Side institution run by multiple generations, including matriarch Christine “Mrs. D” Dreznes, now 87.
But Beverly isn’t the only shop preparing for the crowds.
The Record Shop on 95th
A few miles west, The Record Shop on 95th in Evergreen Park is marking the day its own way and offering deep discounts and surprises along the way.
“We’ll be celebrating ‘The Day of The Record Shop,’ better known as Record Store Day, in our own way — different than most, but even more exciting and fun,” owners Jeff and Jessika Law said.
The Record Shop on 95th, located at 3576 W. 95th St., will open early at 9 a.m. Saturday, offering “buy one, get one” sales — up to 50% off — on all vintage, used, and new vinyl. The same deal applies to CDs and cassettes. The store will also discount its branded T-shirts and vinyl carry bags and offer giveaways and prizes throughout the day.
“We’re putting out boxes upon boxes of really cool stuff, some even from our own personal collection,” Jeff said. “Our shop is set up by price point, so there will be opportunities for every person, of every budget, to get some vinyl and be part of our Record Store Day.”
The Record Shop on 95th is otherwise open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday through Saturday.
Long Live Vinyl
Bringing the era back to life in the heart of the Palos Park community is Mike Keysboe, owner of Long Live Vinyl Records, located at 12916 LaGrange Road.
The small, independent shop is built for deep digging. Vinyl is organized alphabetically and by genre, giving shoppers the space to slow down, flip through records, and reconnect with music.
“It is an absolute joy to serve the beautiful community of Palos Park,” said Keysboe, of Orland Park.
To celebrate Record Store Day, Keysboe is offering 10% off any and all vinyl in the store — new and used. The deal is good on Saturday, April 12, and applies to in-store purchases only.
“I’m really looking forward to Record Store Day and meeting even more members of the community,” he said.
For all three shops, Record Store Day is about the community and a shared love of music. And for vinyl lovers, it’s a chance to rediscover the joy of holding music in their hands and flipping through pieces of history.
The Rock Shop in Homewood is turning up the volume this Saturday for Record Store Day.
The store, located at 18109 Dixie Highway, opens early at 10 a.m. with a daylong offering of live local music, drinks and snacks — plus 10% off all vintage, used and new vinyl. Shoppers who spend more than $50 will get a free Rock Shop canvas tote.
“Record Store Day is a great way to highlight our community’s shared love of not just vinyl, but the artists and the music itself,” said co-owner Laura Bruni.
Bruni runs the shop with her partner Craig Frank, who says the Rock Shop “pays tribute to all things music.”
Everything from the custom guitars and art lining the walls to the fancy couches scattered about the shop is available for purchase. As an added bonus, there are new and used books, rocks and antique curiosities — all found by Bruni on Frank’s quest to procure vintage vinyl and old guitars.
The Rock Shop is open Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays from noon to 6 p.m., Thursdays from noon to 8 p.m., and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.