Springfield, NJ - Most people haven’t really thought about what happened to those millions (perhaps billions) of records and LPs printed from the early 50’s on – were they thrown out? stashed in attics? and who cares anyway? There are many people who do care, and they can be found browsing through thousands of vinyl "platters" at record shows.

Compact discs debuted in the early ‘80’s and less than ten years later, record sales had dwindled to a mere trickle. Or had they? Club DJs are constantly searching for fresh grooves on vinyl for their mixes. Record collectors, those purists on the prowl for gem mint LPs and covers, never went away. Lately, a crop of popular television shows that focus on antiques and collectables and their potential value has rekindled interest in all things "old," including that box of LPs and 45s hidden at the back of the closet. One place where all of these individuals converge is at record shows, such as the one being held at the Holiday Inn on Route 22 West in Springfield on Sunday, June 11, 2000.

"The show is just as popular as the first day it was held in this location, about eight years ago. That’s due to the diversity of items available – it ranges from ‘50’s rock and jazz LPs to ‘60’s/‘70’s soul to brand-new CDs, music collectables, videos – all kinds of music-related items are here." Dave Lenz, show promoter, has over 20 years’ experience in the retail music business. "Really, vinyl is just as hot as ever. Maybe more so, as people in their 20’s are ‘discovering’ the old record player stuck in a corner of the closet and realizing that instead of paying $15-$20 for a new CD, they can pick up maybe a dozen LPs for the same money. That, and the fact that quite a few small independent record stores have closed their doors means that record shows are one of the few places to find records."

Although music videos, CDs and tapes abound at record shows (normally at cut-rate prices), the main thrust is records – affordable LPs, rare 45’s and unusual albums. Online auctions, a popular aspect of the computer age, can drive prices higher than most would want to pay. Since record shows are an amalgamation of many music vendors in one room, they are in competition with each other, generally driving prices down and giving browsers the opportunity to pick up music treasures at reasonable prices. The environment is also ripe for selling those records gathering dust in the closet.

For more info on the Greater New Jersey Record Show (Sunday, June 11, 2000 from 10 am until 4 pm at the Holiday Inn, Route 22 West in Springfield, adults: $5, seniors: $3, kids under 12: admitted free), or selling your records there, please call Dave Lenz at 908-486-3303. Additional record shows will be held at this same location on Sunday, September 17, 2000, and in 2001.