There is no way to prepare for the sheer size of the Savannah Record Fair. The River Club, SCAD Savannah’s event space on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, was crowded with sounds and more than 1,400 attendees over the weekend. Vendors from all over the country set up at fold-out tables, which were laid out in square formations. Records by Simon & Garfunkel, Frank Sinatra and Jimi Hendrix were propped up on boxes. Some boasted one-dollar vinyl, while others cost five bucks. It could have been overwhelming to a newcomer, but those more familiar with the Southeast’s premier vinyl record expo, which started in 2005, were able navigate though the rows of vinyl and score some rare finds.
The entire second floor of the club was dedicated to print makers from the BandWagon Poster Art Show + Sale, which joined forces with the Savannah Record Fair to present the posters and designers behind the music. Artists from all around the country set up booths where onlookers could admire and purchase concert posters and other original prints. Demonstrations went on to show the process of printmaking. Big, bold posters were stacked against black drapes. “The amount of visuals is overwhelming,” Jason Statts, participating print maker and SCAD alum, said.
The fair, organized by SCAD Radio, included a free concert later that night on Montgomery Street. Students, tourists and locals sat on the concrete and stood along the street to hear Texas band Listen! Listen!, who performed for an hour before introducing the Athens band, Elf Power. Both bands played indie pop/rock music which was perfect for the cool Savannah night. It was fun and energetic, and children and adults alike swayed to the music.
Click here to learn more about this year’s fair.