On June 2, expect to find yourself surrounded by cassette tapes, vinyls, turntables and maybe even a gramophone or two. No, it’s not time travel or Urban Outfitters, it’s the third City of Davis, Armadillo Music and KDVS 90.3 FM Vinyl & Music Fair.
With vendors coming from as far as Reno or Portland, the 50-plus tables offer all sorts of music paraphernalia, from classic rock records and CDs to collectible figurines. Items are sold by record-store owners and swap-meet collectors, with a diverse selection both within and between the booths.
“We started this, I would say, maybe two years ago over at the Natsoulas Gallery downtown,” said Josh Chapman, owner of Armadillo Records. “It was just 15 small tables, and KDVS was always there and they did some DJing and stuff like that. It kind of morphed into what we have now, which is what I’d say [is] one of the premiere record events in Northern California.”
The collaboration with the City of Davis not only provided more space for vendors, but also increased visibility for the city and the spaces that it has to offer, according to Chapman. Armadillo itself also notes increased visibility from the events, drawing in customers that are new to Davis or live in its surrounding areas.
The Vinyl & Music Fair has settled into a comfortable groove, enjoying its current location at the Davis Senior Center and position as a quarterly event.
“It gives people time to regroup and grow their collection more if they’re selling,” Chapman said. “And then it becomes something desirable when people mark that date on their calendar two months in advance and they know this event is coming up. We’ve kind of grown this in an organic manner to the point where folks are buying tables for the next record sale.”
The previous Vinyl & Music Fairs have consistently filled all available tables, but there are still spots available for this upcoming event.
“If there’s anyone on the border going back and forth if they should get a table or not,” Chapman said. “They should give us a ring or stop on by and we can go from there.”
The Vinyl & Music Fair is happening from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on June 2. For more information or to sign up for a table, stop by Armadillo Records on 205 F St. or call (530) 758-8058.
— Tanya Azari
