With Record Store Day only a few Saturdays away, it’s time to start plotting out your map of local music destinations to visit. The early arrival of RSD means that we get to overindulge in vinyl a week earlier this year. Although there will be plenty of deals at the handful of record shops across Columbus, this post focuses on a pocketful of shows that will be taking place on Saturday, April 13. With some of the events not costing a penny and all of them being under $10, all of the below local shows will save you from emptying your pockets if you went buck wild on vinyl earlier in the day.
The six concerts listed below will all be taking place on the official RSD celebration date, April 13.
MCoachella ‘19 @ Browning Amphitheater
For about a decade now, the Musicians’ Collective at Ohio State University has been paying tribute to local bands and performers who have at least one Buckeye in the group with MCoachella. Those who got a head start on their Record Store Day shopping can make their way down to Mirror Lake to check out what may become the future of the Columbus music scene. More specifically, the event will be returning to the Browning Amphitheater, an open-air venue that will help you get in the spirit for outdoor shows in the coming months. MCoachella is one of the biggest musical events taking place at Ohio State throughout the entire year, so don’t miss out on this free, unique opportunity.
Time: 3:30 p.m. Address: W. 12th Ave. Admission: Free
Record Store Day @ Craft & Vinyl
Taking place over three days, Craft & Vinyl’s RSD celebration includes much more than just live music. To name a few things, the upstart craft beer counter, record shop and recording studio will be offering 20 percent off all new and used vinyl (excluding RSD deals), all sorts of giveaways, a special OFM96 recording and much more. Live music begins at 7 p.m., so you have plenty of time to shop some discounted vinyl on top of enjoying a couple of craft beers before the shows get underway. Five bands will be filling the bill on Saturday, including locals DAYMARE, Monarchs to Oblivion, Cane Toads and Cream Camino.
Time: 7 p.m. Address: 1806 W. 5th Ave. Admission: Inquire about tickets from Craft & Vinyl
Weird Brother RSD19 Release Show @ 934 Gallery
What better time to release a debut album on vinyl than on Record Store Day? Boundary-pushing rockers Weird Brother will be coming out to the Milo-Grogan district exhibition space to unveil their latest release, “True Love is a Dog” on Saturday. This particular show is a chance to break away from the traditional Columbus venues that are often frequented. You can still support local artists while adding some flavor to your concert experience. Noble Vices and Surfer will be providing additional opening support for Weird Brother.
Time: 7 p.m. Address: 934 Cleveland Ave.
The Bascinets / the Roof Dogs / hidden places @ The Shrunken Head
The Bascinets have been grinding out the Columbus music circuit for some time now, but unfortunately for us locals, the time has come for the band to make a move. Since 2014, the power-pop group has made The Shrunken Head a home away from home, so it would only be proper for The Bascinets to make this the stage to say their Columbus goodbyes before they head off to Chicago. Close friends of the band the Roof Dogs and hidden places will be providing additional support for this special Record Store Day event. If you happen to be free around 6 p.m., you can catch a special free Electric Goes Acoustic performance with The Phantom Queens and Ghost Soul Trio prior to the start of the 8 p.m. show.
Time: Doors 8 p.m. Address: 251 W. 5th Ave. Admission: $8
Sleeping Bag, Campbell, Coughy, Cliffs @ Spacebar
Brought to you by local booking company distinct populace, Spacebar’s Record Store Day show will feature an offering of both local and out-of-town acts. Starting off with what’s close, Columbus bands Campbell and Cliffs will be filling out half of the bill. Bloomington, Indiana rock-n-roll outfit Sleeping Bag and Brooklyn/Philadelphia duo Coughy are the out-of-towners who will also be taking on this jam-packed showcase. If you happened to break the bank on vinyl beforehand, you’ll be able to enjoy every act for the low cost of $5. The Record Store Day party will be sponsored by Pabst Blue Ribbon and proceeds will benefit The Dick and Jane Project.
Time: Doors 9 p.m. Address: 2590 N. High St. Admission: $5
Willie Phoenix @ The Walrus
If you’re looking to close out your Record Store Day festivities late into the night, Willie Phoenix’s set at The Walrus will be one long set of music appreciation and adoration. His decades-long career has blended many forms of rock music, including psychedelic, blues and garage rock. He’s also had the opportunity to play alongside legends such as Muddy Waters, B.B. King and The Talking Heads, showcasing his abilities as an extremely technical and well-respected performer. Phoenix enjoys the late sets when he is usually accompanied by drummer Steven Day Carter and bassist Chuck Birchfield.
Time: 10 p.m Address: 143 E. Main St. Admission: Free
