By Kate Searcy
Carrboro Commons Writer

Question: Where could one find the Rolling Stones, Joan Baez and Johnny Cash sitting together in perfect harmony?

Answer: The Carrboro Century Center on April 6th from noon to 6 p.m.

Gerry Williams showcases some of his records for sale at the sixth annual Carrboro CD, Record and Memorabilia Show. Vendors came to sell their music and talk about their passion for collecting vintage treasures.
Staff photo by Kate Searcy

These were just a few of the artists from various genres whose musical works were both on display and for sale at the sixth annual CD, Record and Memorabilia Show at the center over the weekend. Music lovers came by the dozens to browse, receive tips on buying and selling, or just to chat with fellow enthusiasts.

“This is a gold mine for me,” said Henry Hannon, a visitor to the event who said he has been collecting music for the past couple years.

Hannon said he was interested in the vinyl records for sale, and that he is currently into funk and soul music from the 1960s and early ‘70s.

Around 35 tables were purchased by vendors for the event, and the show was held in the center’s auditorium. It can fit around 40 vendors, according to Gerry Williams, the creator and director of the event. He is also the founder and coordinator of the Carrboro Music Festival.

Williams said that the show is sponsored by the town of Carrboro and its economic development staff.

Though the show was focused on vintage records and CDs, Williams said almost every musical format was available for sale. Cassettes, 8-Tracks and records of different sizes were just a few of the formats available for purchase. Music players, such as turntables, were also for sale.

Williams said rock ‘n roll was the most popular format for sale, but there was music from all genres to suit all musical interests.

Tim Harris, who drove from Lynchburg, Va., just for the show, said that a lot of people bought items at the show that they wouldn’t necessarily have bought otherwise.

“I’ve sold a lot of stuff that you would have a ‘lightning striking you’ chance of selling, say, online,” Harris said. “I’ve sold a lot of eclectic stuff. Like, someone would come in and say, ‘I collect records with pictures of cats on them,’ and lo and behold, I would just happen to have one.”

Hannon said such things as digital media simply cannot replace the real thing.

“There’s something great about being able to hold [a record] in your hand, even if it’s all scratched up and you can’t play it,” he said.

Harris said he would like to come back and sell his collection at the show next year.
“This is one of the best shows I have done,” he said. “And I have done a lot of shows.”
All of the vendors said that the show went well for them.

“It turned out to be a good day despite being overcast,” said Williams, who had four tables set up at the event. “This event is great for helping to publicize Carrboro. We get a lot of people from out of the area.”

The show is expected to be held again next year for any music enthusiasts who want to get a taste of the true Carrboro experience.