Los Angeles - May 04, 2007

Pump Up the Jam

Equator Vinyl Opens

Record storeius maximus: Sadly, a species on the verge of extinction.

The only hope for survival? Equator Vinyl, opening tomorrow.

A store within a store (you’re familiar with Equator Books, right?), Equator Vinyl’s independent, eclectic-eccentric, multiculti ethos is showcased through its stockpile of around 1,500 records.

Alongside concert posters and all sorts of music paraphernalia, look for jazz, blues, R&B, rock, soul, and hip-hop in the stacks of classic, collectible, forgotten, or rare music. And don’t miss the selections from the personal stash of Grover Lewis, one of Rolling Stone’s original music critics. (Fancy.)

Prices range from $15 to $1,500, but the place also offers plenty of ways to get a bang (record release parties, signings, and live performances) for none of your bucks. Like on Saturday, at their grand opening party. (It’s free before 9 p.m.)

You’d be a dodo to miss it.

Equator Vinyl, 1103 Abbot Kinney Boulevard, between Westminster and San Juan Avenues, Venice (310-399-5544 or equatorbooks.com). Opening party and in-store concert, Saturday, May 5, 7-11 p.m. Free before 9 p.m., $10 after.