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CHIRP Record Fair Spins Again Saturday, April 12

By Jessica Mlinaric in Arts & Entertainment on Apr 6, 2014 4:15PM

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Vinylphiles rejoice: CHIRP Record Fair & Other Delights returns Sat., Apr. 12. Hosted by CHIRP Radio, the 12th annual record fair will be held at Chicago Journeymen Plumber's Union from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The non-profit independent radio station will host more vendors than ever at Saturday’s fair. Attendees can build their collections or hunt for rare and out of print pressings from over 60 vendors selling records, arts, zines, and more. If your fingers are itching for a first flip through the stacks, score the $25 early access admission jump starting your search before the general crowd from 8 a.m to 10 a.m.

Music lovers of any persuasion will enjoy the fair’s “other delights.” A live music lineup will soundtrack the event, including DJ sets by Windy City Soul Club. Show off your knowledge with a Music Quiz hosted by CHIRP DJ Austin Harvey. Sustain the hunt with food from Big Star and Upton’s Breakroom, beer by Goose Island, and Dark Matter coffee.

CHIRP’s record fair, like most of its programming, has community values at its core. In addition to playing underrepresented music, the volunteer-driven online radio station partners in community engagement with local non-profits, businesses, and events.

“If it wasn't for community, there would be no CHIRP,” said CHIRP Record Fair Director Michelle Nadeau. “In a land filled with commercials and paid-endorsements, CHIRP is refreshing place for the community to rely on to provide information on what's going on in Chicago, and the soundtrack for community member's lives.”

CHIRP Radio may be extending its reach to the airwave in the near future. Its volunteers were instrumental in passing a federal law to increase the number of low-power FM radio stations last fall, and CHIRP is awaiting the FCC’s ruling on their application for a low-power FM license.

"The FCC actually has been moving through the applications pretty quickly, but they are doing the 'easy' ones outside of urban areas first,” Nadeau said. “We expect to hear from them regarding our application this spring or summer on ours, and are feeling very optimistic.”

Live acts, local vendors, and all manner of music geekery are reason enough to attend CHIRP’s record fair, but uncovering a black vinyl pressing of Horror Business would be cool too.

Chicago Journeymen Plumber's Union is located at 1340 W. Washington Blvd. General admission $7 or $5 with a flyer; Early access $25; Free parking and bike valet