Get your groove on: a guide to the best record stores in Tampa Bay, FL
Dig into Daddy Koolâs endless crates. | Photo via @djdonnieluv
Unplug the aux cord and dust off your record player.
If youâre a music lover looking to add some vintage vinyl to your collection, TBAY is the place to be. Between the thriving music scene + plethora of record stores, youâll be sure to find the perfect disc to spin on your turntable. Hereâs a roundup of record stores thatâll scratch your musical itch, from underground gems to well-known institutions.
This retailer claims to be one of the worldâs largest vinyl shops, with more than three million records in its warehouse. Bananas has been serving up a healthy dose of wax to music lovers for almost five decades. Pro tip: Find the Bananas booth at Localtopia on Sat., Feb. 18, at Williams Park.
Looking to get knee-deep in vinyl for hours? Daddy Kool is a treasure trove for true music aficionados. The store frequently drops new titles on its blog. John Cena even follows the store on Twitter.
With a carefully curated collection of hard to find records, Microgroove is a cornucopia for vinyl collectors. You can find everything from obscure indie tunes to classic soul and funk at this genre-less record store. We consider this625-sqft underground store a hidden gem worth seeking.
This store combines the best of three different worlds under one roof: books, records, and coffee. Browse the shelves for hours on end with the help of knowledgeable staff.
*Itâs worth noting that you can sell your records and related equipment at most of these spots.
Caribbean Quarter: Roots, Rhythm, Culture | Tuesday, Feb. 7 | 10 a.m.-6 p.m. | Robert W. Saunders, Sr. Public Library, 1505 Nebraska Ave., Tampa | Free | Take in Maria Ortiz-Haynesâ mosaic expression of the Latin lifestyle.
Tampa Bay Lightning vs. San Jose Sharks | Tuesday, Feb. 7 | 7 p.m. | Amalie Arena, 401 Channelside Dr., Tampa | $25.25-$995.25 | Watch the Lightning take on the San Jose Sharks.
REO Speedwagon | Tuesday, Feb. 7 | 7:30 p.m. | Ruth Eckerd Hall, 1111 McMullen-Booth Rd., Clearwater | $53.25-$108.25 | This performance is sure to take you straight back to the 80s.
Wednesday, Feb. 8
Kevin James: The Irregardless Tour | Wednesday, Feb. 8 | 8 p.m. | Hard Rock Hotel And Casino, 5223 Orient Rd. , Tampa | $148 | See the âKing of Queensâ and âPaul Blartâ star on the big stage.
Thursday, Feb. 9
Ceramics | Thursday, Feb. 9 | 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Tampa Museum of Art, 120 Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa | $280-$336 | Learn wheel-throwing techniques over six weeks.
Wet & Wild Water Show | Thursday, Feb. 9 | 12-12:30 p.m. | Florida State Fair, 4800 US Hwy. 301 N., Tampa | $6-$50 | Watch professionals blast off out of the water with jet-packs.
Cycle Circus Live | Thursday, Feb. 9 | 1-1:30 p.m. | Grand Prix Arena, 4800 US Hwy. 301 N., Tampa | $6-$50 | This performance combines classic circus spectacles with high-flying motorcycle stunts.
Friday, Feb. 10
Smell of the Kill | Friday, Feb. 10 | 8-10 p.m. | Stageworks Theatre, 1120 E. Kennedy Blvd., #151, Tampa | $15-$50 | Michelle Lowe Take tells the chilling dark comedy of six cold-hearted husbands and wives.
We have a calendar filled with events and activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.
Downtown Tampa said its last goodbye to First Watch (520 N. Tampa St.). Officials bulldozed the circa 1920s building earlier this week, making room for ONE Tampa, a new ultra-sleek luxury 42-story condo tower. Units are priced in the $800,000s. đ (Tampa Bay Business Journal)
Number
$99,900. Thatâs the current price(as of 4 p.m., Monday) of a jar of sand from the âexactâ spot where Tom Brady gave his latest retirement announcement is going for on eBay. Thereâs still five days to bid on the jar.âïž (WTSP)
Plan Ahead
Attention self-proclaimed pitmasters and backyard brewers. Savor the best of the South at the Beer, Bourbon + BBQ Festival in Tampaâs Curtis Hixon Park on Sat., Feb. 18. Indulge in an all-you-can-taste smorgasbord of hogs, ribs, brisket, chicken, and sausages paired with over 100 taste bud tantalizing alcoholic bevs. đ» (Thatâs So Tampa)
St. Peteâs inaugural Fried Chicken and Seafood Fest is coming to the Grand Villas (3600 34th St. S.) this Sat., Feb. 11. Browse over 100 localmakers, nurseries, artists, and other vendors, alongside tons of comfort food-selling flavor-packed food trucks. đ (I Love the Burg)
Jobs
Ready for a career change? Hereâs a handful of available positions in TBAY that can rake in a salary over six figures: optometrist, veterinarian, lawyer, and psychologist. Other roles range from tech research to police supervisors.đ° (Tampa Bay Business Journal)
Shop
Whatâs getting us through February: Our humidifiers. We love the Levoit Blue Cool Humidifier for its quiet design, multiplemist levels, and how easy it is to clean. Do your skin (not to mention your houseplants) a favor and up your home hydration.*
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EVENTS
Raise your lighter đ„
Upcoming concerts in Tampa Bay, FL
Indulge in sweet treats and Willie Nelsonâs tunes at the Florida Strawberry Festival. | Image via Wikimedia Commons
After exploring the best record stores in Tampa Bay and indulging in vinyl, turn up the volume a little bit more and enjoy some live music.
Hereâs a roundup of what concerts are in store through March. đ¶
Editorâs pick: Want to talk about a real rock band in the year 2023? Have you heard of Greta Van Fleet? Iâve been following the band for a few years now.
To me, the song âHeat Aboveâ sounds like youâre being shot out of a cannon at Mach speed, up into the clouds, and falling softly into a lush bed of flowers. Pro tip: Wait for the drop.
The more I listen to Greta, the more I understand the feeling my parents had when they heard Queen or Led Zeppelin for the first time.
So now, Iâm on the lookout for tickets to see them at Amalie this March. đ€
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