“Just for the Record – A Vinyl Day” Set for August 12

The annual “Just for the Record – A Vinyl Day” will return to the Brigadier General Charles E. McGee Library in downtown Silver Spring to celebrate vinyl records and the DJ culture surrounding them.

Montgomery County Public Libraries, Friends of the Library, Montgomery County, Inc., Mid-Atlantic Scratch League, Levine Music, and Classroom 2 Community are presenting the free event, which will run from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, August 12.

The event will include workshops, activities, and the concluding “FADERATION: Mid-Atlantic Scratch Battle.” Vinyl records, CDs, and books will be sold by Friends of the Library.

“We are very pleased to partner with these organizations to bring this in-person event to the community again to delight our customers,” MCPL Director Anita Vassallo said in a press release. “Music, in its various forms, brings people together, and the library is the perfect space to provide this type of event. This year, we are very excited to host the FADERATION Mid-Atlantic Scratch Battle, the first hosted by a public library.”

“Just for the Record-A Vinyl Day” will include the following activities:

FOLMC Vinyl and CD Store — 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. (Open to All Ages) — Friends of the Library Montgomery County (FOLMC) will sell vinyl records, CDs, books, and much more!
Open Format Lounge DJ Sets — 11:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Open to All Ages) — Enjoy experiencing the versatility of open-format DJs from throughout the DMV area. Respected DJ Mars, a member of the Mid-Atlantic Scratch League, will facilitate various DJs as they spin diverse sets for the audience.
FADERATION: United Cuts & Scratches Mid-Atlantic Battle for DJ Supremacy — 11:00 AM – 5:45 PM (Open to All Ages) — As we celebrate 50 years of Hip-Hop culture, the Mid-Atlantic Scratch League welcomes some of the best Turntablist (DJs) on the East Coast as they battle showcasing scratching and cutting skills. A DJ battle is an event where DJs can interact, share common interests, and practice the art of turntablism competitively. Enjoy several DJs’ performances, observe their interactive battle, and be a witness to who will reign wheels of spinning steel supreme. Join us and have fun while listening to creative performers. Be part of history; this is the first time a public library hosts a DJ Scratch battle of this caliber.
Children’s Storytime — 11:30 a.m. (Kids) — Children of all ages and their fa.m.ilies are welcome to join us to hear stories and participate in activities that promote and develop language skills and imagination.
DAW & MPC Music Production Basics Workshop — 11:45 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. (Teens & Adults) — For 50 years, DJs and Producers have pushed technology to create many of the hits we hear at the club or on the radio. Join the Mid-Atlantic Scratch League as they host respected producer Andy Capp. He will teach and discuss the basics of recording and music production in this practical and fun workshop. Andy will demonstrate and discuss Digital Audio Workstations (DAW) and production devices like MPCs and NI Maschine for beat production. Registration required. Space is limited. (20 capacity).
Make Your Album Cover — 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. (Kids and Teens) — Participants will design and create their record covers using a variety of art supplies. Participants will receive all the necessary materials, including blank album covers, paints, brushes, markers, and easels. This activity will be fun and creative and educational, as participants will learn about the role of visual art in music and culture. Supplies will be provided while materials last.
Songwriting Workshop — 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. (Teens & Adults) — Does music creatively inspire you? Are you interested in writing your own Hip-Hop lyrics but don’t know how to start or finish a song? Come and join us to learn fundamental songwriting skills to help you craft a piece that speaks to you, your experiences, and your emotions. (Registration is Required. Limited Spacing of 30 Participants)
DJ Basics for Kids Workshop — 12:30 – 1:00 p.m. (Kids and Teens) — Join us to learn the essential components of becoming a DJ while having fun! See a member of the Mid-Atlantic Scratch League demonstrate the equip.m.ent used and the basics of Scratching and Mixing. Registration required. Space is limited. (30 capacity)
Create Your Graffiti Tag — 1:00 –1:45 p.m. (Open to All Ages) — In the Graffiti Tag Workshop, the instructor will provide demonstrations, hands-on exercises, and constructive feedback on creating a graffiti tag. Participants will be taught how to create a graffiti tag using their name or nom de guerre of their choice and encouraged to experiment with different techniques and styles and create their own unique graffiti art pieces. All materials, including mixed medium paper, paints, stencils, markers, and paintbrushes, will be provided to be used during the workshop.
DJ Basics for Adult Workshop — 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. (Teens & Adults) — Every beginner DJ needs to learn basic techniques to become a professional DJ. Learn the funda.m.ental methods and equip.m.ent needed to enjoy being a DJ at your home. This workshop will be hosted by a member of the Mid-Atlantic Scratch League, who will demonstrate proper equipment and technique. The Baby Scratch, Mixing, Dropping on the One, Stems, and Software integration will be covered.
Kids Dance Party — 1:00 – 1:30 p.m. (Kids) — Put on your dancing shoes, get ready to move, and join the fun! Children of all ages with their fa.m.ilies are welcome. An adult is required so the child doesn’t injure another while dancing. Adults attending must have an accompanying child.
Contemporary Conversations Panel Discussion: Hip-Hop & the Art of the DJ — 2:00 -3:00 p.m. — Join us for a conversation with Dr. DJ Kuttin Kandi (Anomalies, 5th Platoon) and respected BBoy Danny “The Atomic Goofball” Nguyen (Lionz of Zion Breaking Crew).
Kids & Teens Breaking Dance Workshop — 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. (Kids & Teens) — Did you know the art of the BBoy/BGirl (Breakdancing) is now an Olympic Sport? Come learn some of the basics of this respected element in Hip-Hop culture with BBoy Danny “Goofball” Nguyen! Danny will demonstrate basic moves like Uprocking, floor moves, freezes, and much more in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere with fun music.
Guided Album Cover Painting — 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. (Kids & Teens) — During this workshop, participants will be guided through recreating a famous or iconic album cover from start to finish. Open to all ages and skill levels. Materials, including blank album covers, paints, and brushes, will be provided during the workshop.
FADERATION: DJ Family Reunion Party Rocking — 5:00 – 5:45 p.m. — Bring your dancing shoes! Enjoy the final event of Vinyl Day by socializing and dancing with fellow participants. Special surprise guest mixes with members of the Mid-Atlantic Scratch League, spinning some of the best of old and new school music.

A full schedule and more information about “Just for the Record-A Vinyl Day” can be found on the Montgomery County Public Libraries website.