'Record Shows Maine' hosts vendors and consumers from around New England all connected by music

'Record Shows Maine' hosts vendors and consumers from around New England all connected by music

'Record Shows Maine' is a series of four events throughout the year dedicated to bringing music lovers of all ages together. It began in 2020 after those in the industry realized there was a demand in the area.

According to organizers, the event has grown immensely and now has hundreds of customers and over 30 vendors consistently selling thousands of records.

Also, they add that there's a kind of music for everyone scattered around the conference room of Portland's Fireside Inn, where the event is held.

"There is a lot of interest and it's all age groups," said Manager Connie Hartley. "We have some parents that come and bring their children that are like 12 or 14, then we have college students that come over and want to check out our music, see what we have to offer."

Hartley says she's seen an incredible growth in desire with younger generations to purchase and collect records.

"It's the nostalgia of it," commented Hartley. "People, they not only love to collect the vinyl for the music, but they also love to collect the vinyl for the covers."

The last show of the year, which Hartley says tends to be the busiest, is scheduled for Nov. 15.