We’re big fans of CHiRP, the Chicago Independent Radio Project. The non-profit was stated last year in response to unsatisfactory changes at local indie radio stalwart WLUW, with the long term goal of launching a totally separate, low-wattage independent FM station in Chicago. One of the major yearly fundraisers for ChiRP is the annual Record Fair, during which independent radio supporters and vinyl fanatics alike gather at the Pulaski Park Fieldhouse to dig through crates of vintage records and “other delights.” Genre specialists and rarity collectors are the main draw for those looking to add new old shit to their personal troves, and the hipster aroma of thrift store + coffee shop will hang heavy in the air.

Lest you think there’s nothing at the ChiRP Record Fair for you, my dear non-turntable-owning faux hipster, think again: live entertainment from some of Chicago’s brightest buzz acts and performance-based artists, including the delightful Blue Ribbon Glee Club and their a capella renditions of indie and post-punk classics, hip-hop darlings Yea Big & Kid Static, and buzzy dream-pop trio Speck Mountain.

Since I’m in the process of downsizing apartments, I won’t say that I’m in the market for a whole lot of new vinyl goodness…but I will say that I’m staunchly in favor of the ChiRP end goal to support a free form, public-driven broadcast entity in Chicago - the thought that there could no longer be a terrestrial home for experimental music is a sad, cold, depressing potential reality.

The CHIRP Record Fair & Other Delights runs Saturday, April 12^th from 10AM-6PM and Sunday, April 13^th from 10AM-5PM.  Admission is $7, or $5 with an ad or flyer.  A special $25 pre-admission session from 8-10AM on Saturday allows collectors early access to the dealers, and offers unlimited access all weekend long.  Pulaski Park Fieldhouse is located at 1419 W. Blackhawk.

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