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Beverly Records Expands To Bar Next Door For 9th Annual Record Store Day

By Howard Ludwig | April 13, 2016 6:48am
 Beverly Records will participate in the 9th annual Record Store Day on Saturday. The doors open at 8 a.m., and there are normally about 100 people waiting to get into the store at 11612 S. Western Ave. in Morgan Park, said owner Jack Dreznes.
Record Store Day
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MORGAN PARK — Record Store Day at Beverly Records is so big this year that is has spilled over into the bar next door.

Cullinan's Stadium Club will host a special bargain selection in its side room from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday. All records at the bar at 11610 S. Western Ave. in Morgan Park will cost $2 and singles (commonly known as 45s) will cost 25 cents.

"It's not junk," said John Dreznes of the bargain selection that's been labeled "Record Fair II: The B Side." "We kind of pick items throughout the year, and we throw a jewel or two in there."

Dreznes works part time in the store owned by his father, Jack Dreznes. The family-run Beverly Records at 11612 S. Western Ave. in Morgan Park will be open from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday.

"We have [records] coming out of our ears. Everyday, we have people trying to sell us records, and we just don't have the room," Jack Dreznes said.

A limited-edition Johnny Cash record is just one of many one-of-a-kind items that will be available on Record Store Day, according to Jack Dreznes, owner of Beverly Records.

Sales from Record Store Day should free up some space. Jack Dreznes expects about 400 people to pass through the shop that is stacked floor to ceiling with new and classic vinyl along with record players, vintage posters, 8-track tapes and more.

Record Store Day began in 2007 to promote independent shops by offering special day-of releases on vinyl. As a result, the line outside of Beverly Records usually starts forming around 6 a.m. for those looking to snatch up the new albums.

And while some of the selections are still rolling in, Jack Dreznes has already received Record Store Day stock that includes releases from Johnny Cash, Warren Zevon, Buddy Guy, Buzzcocks and more.

Picture disks — albums featuring artwork imprinted directly onto vinyl — are also popular on the big day. One such album already priced for Record Store Day includes a horror movie-type picture for a 45 featuring Warren Zevon and Flamin' Groovies.

Reporter Howard Ludwig talks about Record Store Day releases.

Picture disks are popular sellers for Record Store Day, according to Jack Dreznes, owner of Beverly Records. This 45 is called a side-by-side as it features two artists performing the same tune. Here, both Warren Zevon and the Flamin' Groovies perform "Werewolves of London." 

This album is called a side-by-side as both artists perform "Werewolves of London" on each side of the record. Other unique items include 45s wrapped discretely in a black envelope. Nobody knows the "mystery artists" performing on the record or even the song, Jack Dreznes said.

Beverly Records limits such special purchases to one per customer. That said, collectors are known to strike deals among themselves for the most sought-after items while standing in line, the Beverly store owner said.

"I don't know what goes on out there in line when people do horse trading," said Jack Dreznes, adding that the most ardent collectors often hit several stores on Record Store Day.

But the day dedicated to records extends beyond the initial surge of 100 or so eager customers. Curious record buyers and casual fans also stop in the look for deals and stand shoulder-to-shoulder with fellow enthusiasts while paging through boxes of new and used albums.

Many such fans are expected to stick around for a burger or a beer at the Stadium Club. Others simply listen to music, perform in-store karaoke or bounce questions off Dave Benedict of United TV Service in Mount Greenwood.

The television repairman also fixes turntables, receivers and speakers and will be on hand Saturday, Jack Dreznes said.

He went on to estimate his store has more than 500,000 records in stock. Unlike other upstart record stores, Beverly Records wasn't started to simply capitalize on the resurgence of interest in vinyl. In fact, the store will celebrate its 50th anniversary next summer.

It's the only surviving record vendor on the South Side. Heading south, the next closest store is in downstate Champaign, said Jack Dreznes. Thus, he's expecting to attract a crowd of customers from as far away as Joliet on Saturday.

"It's a lot of fun," John Dreznes said. "We play music the whole time."

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