You may wonder why a concert reviewer would write anything about a store’s sale day. Well, the answer would be that, at least at this particular record store, they celebrate the annual event by showcasing some of Bowling Green’s best local bands. So if you like good, local music, and like it for free, mark the third Saturday in April on your calendar. Great Escape manager Matt Pfefferkorn always brings in several good bands, and this year they ran from 1 PM through 5 PM and beyond.

Nova Coma has been making waves in Europe lately. Fat Box is one of Bowling Green’s top draws, and I think they’re just primed to bust out regionally. The Black Shades have been getting out of BG quite a bit. And then there’s Johnny Thompson, proprietor of the Scottsville Conservatory, and an active writer, producer, and performer, who is becoming a Record Store Day regular, and he always brings some of his top students along to play with him. All were on hand to help the store celebrate. And the music was excellent, on all counts.

It all means plenty of customers, many of whom were there pretty much all day, taking in the music and checking out the deals. Record Store Day gives a whole new meaning to the phrase “just looking”. Since you never know when musical acts might play at Great Escape on other days, you might want to follow their event calendar at http://www.thegreatescapeonline.com/bowlinggreen.php.     

Record Store Day took place at Great Escape Records & Comics on 4/16/2011

About the author: Pennman bought his first 45 at age nine and has been hooked on rock ever since. He has spent much of his disposable income on music, especially live performances. He writes reviews of the shows he sees and keeps a keen lookout for upcoming shows in or near Bowling Green. He has a BA in Communications, specializing in journalism, and has dabbled in music himself, both as a player and instructor. Find more of Pennman’s work at www.associatedcontent.com/user/165511/pennman.html or visit him at www.myspace.com/pennman_bg or www.facebook.com/pennman