It’s that time of year again, folks! Record Store Day 2011 is right around the corner, and this year is going to be bigger than ever. In the four years since its inception, RSD has exploded into a quasi-national holiday for music lovers everywhere, celebrating the collaboration between artist and vendor.

A full day to bask in the majestic love of limited edition releases, in-store performances, contests, giveaways, and everything else that makes independent record stores a staple of our music-loving life. Although we have seen the number of record stores decrease in the past couple decades (R.I.P New World), Buffalo will still be representing itself nicely with two stores and three different locations participating this year. Since there will be so much going on at Spiral Scratch and Record Theatre this Saturday, we’ve prepared this little guide to help you catch the bands you want to see, learn about the most interesting vinyl releases, and get the lowdown on our favorite day of the year!

Spiral Scratch Records

291 Bryant St.
716-873-1484
10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

In-Store Performances:
Matt Smith (the Orphans) - 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
Tony Flaminio (Failures Union) - 12:30 to 1:15 p.m.
Mark Costantino (Fences Make Good Neighbors) - 1:30 to 2 p.m.
White Whale - 4 to 4:30 p.m.
Big River - 5 to 5:30 p.m.

Get a list of interesting releases and additional information here.
 
Record Theatre Main Street

3500 Main St. (University Plaza)
716-837-2090
10 a.m.  to 9 p.m.

In-Store Performances:
Brian Wheat - 10 a.m.
Son of the Sun - 11 a.m.
Iceberg - 12 p.m.
Wooden Waves - 1 p.m.
The Stay Lows - 2 p.m.
Doppelgangers - 3 p.m.
Here Come the Comets - 4 p.m.
Johnny Nobody - 5 p.m.
Bearhunter - 6 p.m.
White Bison - 7 p.m.
Cassi Meyerhoffer - 8 p.m.

Get a full list of details here.

Record Theatre Lafayette

1800 Main St.
716-873-1355
10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

In-Store Performances:
Tifani - 10:30
Alumni - noon
DJ Drapes, Django and Press - 1 p.m.
Wes Walters - 2:30 p.m.
Love Scenes - 3:30 p.m.
DJ Scarlett - 4:30 p.m.
J Bangin Brew - 5:30 p.m.
Off The Cuff - 6:30 p.m.
Drea Ndur - 7:30 p.m.

Full details, interesting releases and more can be found here.

So there it is, folks. Everything we think you’ll need to make sure you have a the most successful Record Store Day yet.  Given how popular purchasing music digitally these days, records shops are always going to be fighting to stay open.  As you should with any local business, make a point to stop over to one of these three locations today to help show your support.  Good luck getting all the vinyl you want, say thank you to the owners/employees, treat your fellow shoppers with respect, and happy hunting!

~bw+mm

*This post originally appeared on BuffaBLOG.com, Buffalo’s premiere music site covering local and national bands.