Carrboro's 38th biannual CD and Record Show

Gerry Williams (founder and organizer) and Keith Knight (participant and vendor) discussed Carrboro's CD and Record Show, a vinyl resurgence, and how newcomers can navigate the event.

Gerry Williams has been selling records for more than 50 years. He ran Orpheus Records in D.C. from 1977 to 1995 and then Roots CDs & Vinyl in Carrboro, on Weaver Street, from 1996 to 2001. He now sells online at his Musical Roots Productions site. Keith Knight, cartoonist and musician, has a table at the upcoming show.

Williams says vinyl sales are back to 1995 levels now after a huge slump in the first couple decades of this century. Knight added, "Vinyl outsells CDs now." Most small towns have a record store again and larger cities have several.

Knight says there's "a big connection" between comics and music– they have "the same mentality" and attract a similar demographic.

Historically, Williams has tried to schedule the CD & Record Show on a day free of other town events due to parking concerns. This time, it coincides with what might be the biggest day in Carrboro all year: Carrboro Earth Day with Open Streets, a mega-event combining three signature town events. But he expects the garage at the Drakeford Library Complex to alleviate parking problems, given its 171 parking spots (with 70 spots for bikes). Loading and unloading inventory may be challenging with Weaver St. closed to traffic.

The Show will feature 35 vendors covering 42 tables, and many are regulars who have participated in 20 or 30 shows here. Williams advises newcomers who want to see what it's all about: "Don't blow your budget at the first few tables. Hit a bunch of tables without spending a lot at any one table. And keep your budget in mind!" To which Knight added, "Visit the only comics table!"

What has changed over the years? "People are different now." He anticipates all ages in attendance. He also observed, "I'm not sure if customers are nicer now or if I’ve mellowed." He enjoys organizing the CD & Record Show. "It’s fun. Everyone is nice. I’m now responsible for making it run smoothly," which can include mediating conflicts among participants although that is a rare occurrence.

Williams arrived in N.C. with a personal vinyl collection of around 15,000. He has since whittled that down to about 50 (most of those are autographed) and he doesn't want to collect any more. "I try not to look at other people's collections."

Why do you keep organizing this show? "It’s a lot of fun—I enjoy it. I still have a ton of records to sell” and the Town of Carrboro is very supportive, providing a free space and helping to set it up.

Knight believes, "This is what makes Carrboro special—how receptive [the Town is] to events like this."