Record Show Spins into Town

The days where vinyl albums were spun on a record player seem like long ago now that MP3 songs can be downloaded to an iPod with one click, but to die hard music fans, the original scratchy sound is still sometimes more appealing that the digital replacement.

 On Sunday, Big Phil’s Record Show will offer music junkies the chance to flip through endless boxes of albums, check out vintage concert posters and tees, and shop for music memorabilia to add to their collection.

Three music fans and friends, Phil Chaput, Dave Hudon, and Dave Perry, decided to bring back a record show to the Chelmsford area after hearing people reminisce about the old “Big Ed” record shows of the 80s and 90s.

“Phil is such a knowledgeable man—he’s been selling and collecting for years,” said Hudon. “And Dave Perry is like a walking encyclopedia when it comes to music. He has over 10,000 records in his personal collection.”

Big Phil’s Record Show will be free and open to the public on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., with an early bird shopper hour from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. for a $10 admission. Drinks will be available for purchase at the bar, and DJs will be spinning music at the show to provide a great atmosphere for music lovers to hang out in for the afternoon.

“The Chelmsford Elks is a great place to have the show. It also bridges the gap between Boston and New Hampshire for our vendors,” said Hudon.

Dealers from Boston, Manchester, N.H., New York, Maine and Connecticut will be setting up shop at the show, and were handpicked by Chaput, Hudon and Perry to make sure that their first event could offer only the best to the music shoppers.

“When we started telling people about the show, everyone was excited. The nostalgia of the old record shows is something music fans always talk about,” said Hudon. “Music bridges all gaps, it brings people together.”

Collecting vinyl record albums has become the latest trend for college students, with young buyers becoming interested in the way music was formally distributed.

“You’ll see 18-year-old kids coming in and knowing exactly what they are looking for,” said Hudon. “They are looking for rare records, and are into bands that are really amazing, not just the big names of the past.”

Big Phil’s Record Show will offer music of all different genres and generations, perfect for every type of music fan. Memorabilia and music equipment will also be available for purchase.

The tradition of owning record albums has transcended through generations of music fans and artists of today have even continued to release new albums in all formats, including vinyl.  

“You use to sit there and listen to a record in your room, and read the liner notes, see who was in the band, sing along with the lyrics—there was so much information on that album jacket. People still like something they can hold in their hands and to be able to take a moment to just enjoy the music," he said.