Black Friday is large part of our capitalist culture, and like it or not, Thanksgiving could soon become “Grey Thursday.” But that capitalist culture comes with some positives, like the long-standing tradition between the music industry and Black Friday: Record Store Day specials.
On Record Store Day, some bands release new and limited albums, and record labels release classic albums with a cool new twist. This year, artists Diplo and Leftover Salmon will be releasing new albums, and Disney/Marvel will release a cassette version of The Guardians of the Galaxy soundtrack Awesome Mix Vol. 1 – just like the one Peter Quill carries around in his Walkman. Albums by Ed Sheeran, Metallica, Miles Davis and many more will be re-released with a unique twist: most will be vinyls and picture discs.
In Portland, Record Store Day has really caught on in recent years. At Portland’s Music Millennium, the line is usually about 2 to 4 blocks long and begins to form hours before the record store opens.
In Eugene, House of Records will also be participating in Black Friday and Record Store Day celebrations. However, the popularity isn’t as big down here, so the House of Records selection can be limited.
If you’re a fanatic of vinyl records or collector of limited albums, Record Store Day is perfect for you, or perfect for that hipster in your life who “prefers the sound quality of vinyl.”
House of Records (258 E Ave, Eugene) opens its doors at 10 a.m.
Music Millennium (3158 E. Burnside, Portland) opens its doors at 10 a.m.
Thanksgiving Weekend Event Calendar:
Eugene
Nov. 27 Turkey Trot: Run 4 or walk 2 miles benefiting FOOD for Lane County and St. Vincent de Paul. Register with the Eugene Running Company at Oakway Center. The run/walk starts at Valley River Center, 9 a.m., $20-25 registration fee.
Nov. 27 Community Thanksgiving Day Dinner: If you’re staying in Eugene for the short Thanksgiving break, grab some food or volunteer at the annual community dinner hosted by Friendly Street Church of God from noon until 3 p.m. (2290 Friendly St.)
Nov. 28-30 Live Music at Capitello Wines: Enjoy live performances and food trucks at noon. (540 Charnelton St)
Nov. 29 Swan Lake: The young boys and girls who make up the Oregon Ballet Academy will be performing at the Lane Community College Auditorium (4000 E. 30th Ave.) at 2 and 7 p.m., $15.
Nov. 30 Festival of Trees: Enjoy the last day of the Thanksgiving break by checking out a holiday display at the Florence Events Center that will benefit the Military Heritage Museum (715 Quince St., Florence) noon-3 p.m., $1.
Portland
Nov. 28 Tree Lighting Ceremony: Christmas is just around the corner. Begin your Christmas festivities with with the tree lighting ceremony in the Portland Courthouse Square. (701 SW 6th Ave) 5:30 p.m., free admission.
Nov. 28 & 29 Little Boxes: The month leading up to Christmas is all about shopping. Begin your black Friday shopping in Portland’s Little Boxes – indie and local retail shops. A full list of shops and their locations can be found online.
Nov 29 The Museum with the Yellow Brick Road: Walk from Gale Farm to the Land of Oz at Portland’s Children’s Museum. (4015 SW Canyon Road) 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., $10 admission
Nov. 30 Ugly Sweater Run: Pull out that ugly Christmas sweater that’s hiding in the back of your closet and show it off at the Ugly Sweater 5K run/walk. If you’re of legal age, enjoy a holiday beer from sponsor: Sam Adams, Boston Lager. Oregon Convention Center (777 NE Martin Luther King Jr Blvd.), 9 a.m., $35-45 registration fee.
Nov. 30 Disney in Concert: What’s the holiday season without your favorite Disney movies? The Oregon Symphony will be playing selections from The Lion King, Beauty and the Beast and many more. Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall (1037 SW Broadway Ave.), 3 p.m., $22 and up.