Gettin’ old school with KGLT

For any lover of all things vintage, there are few things better than finding vinyl. It takes patience and a positive attitude to slowly sift through old records to find the right one. Beyond just finding it, you also have to consider if the vinyl is in good condition or not. The true test comes when the vinyl is slowly removed from its sleeve and carefully examined for smudges and scratches. After some digging, the perfect record is unearthed.

Eager vinyl detectives took over Ballroom D of the SUB on Friday, Jan. 24, to participate in KGLT’s semi-annual Vinyl Sale. KGLT, the event host, is the alternative public radio that services most of southwest Montana including Bozeman, Big Sky, Helena, Livingston, Gardiner-Mammoth and Big Timber. KGLT allows vendors from around Montana to join them to sell records and share their love for music. This year vendors like Cactus Records of Bozeman and Ear Candy, of Missoula congregated in the SUB from 2:30 p.m.-7 p.m. on Friday afternoon.

Customers started lining up at 1:30 p.m. conversing about the records they were searching for, their turntable set-ups at home and various concerts they attended. By 2:30 p.m., the line almost reached the end of the SUB hallway. As vinyl enthusiasts began to shuffle their way into the ballroom, the space was quickly filled with excited customers. Some still talked with the people around them while others rushed to find their favorite records before anyone else could get ahold of them.

Most vendors offered a variety of genres of music, including jazz, bluegrass, classical, country, and of course, plenty of rock n’ roll. Ear Candy, who has been in business for 22 years, even had a special collection box full of rare and collectible records. The box featured The Beatles, The Doors, Wu-Tang Clan, and much more. If you ever happen to be in Missoula, check out their shop at 624 S. Higgins Ave. to snatch up their special records.

In addition to vinyl, KGLT also sold hoodies, t-shirts, bags, various pieces of merchandise to represent their company, and tons of free stickers, because one can never have too many stickers.

This event had an amazing turn-out. It brought community members together in a unique way and gave everyone an opportunity to find treasures at a great price. Be sure to be on the lookout for the next Vinyl Sale to ensure you stay groovy.