KU News Release

A sound investment: Buy musical goods, help Audio-Reader

LAWRENCE — Music for all conceivable tastes, from the bizarre and obscure to classical and popular favorites, can be found on vintage vinyl for bargain prices at this year’s “For Your Ears Only” audio fundraiser benefiting Audio-Reader.

This year’s sale features more than 12,000 vinyl records, including a donation of more than 5,000 record albums from a Canadian collector of British rock and Canadian pop artists spanning several decades.

The inventory will also include an eclectic mix of audio equipment, turntables, reel-to-reel players, speakers, thousands of CDs, DVDs, books on CD and more. All items have been donated throughout the year by individuals and businesses in Douglas County and the surrounding communities. Most vinyl records sell for $1 and CDs for $3.

“Even if you go in with just 10 bucks in your back pocket, you’ll still walk out with some nice stuff,” said Nick Spacek, program director for KU’s student-run radio station KJHK. “I’ve found a lot of oddball compilations, some sealed Roger Miller records and scads of CDs that would otherwise cost me an arm and a leg. If you want to rub shoulders with hipsters, record dealers and nerds, it’s certainly the place to be.”

The sale takes place from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 19, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 20, in building 21 at the Douglas County Fairgrounds, 2120 Harper in Lawrence. There is a $10 entry fee Friday evening, which features live music by the Lonesome Hobos, free food, prizes and first pick of the extensive inventory. Advance $7 tickets for Friday are available at Audio-Reader, 1120 W. 11th St. in Lawrence. Admission is free Saturday with bargains slashed to half price after noon.

“We literally have something for everyone of all musical tastes,” said Janis Hutchison, event volunteer. “Shoppers will find ’60s psychedelic, British rock, Russian classical, jazz greats, children’s music and even bizarre party favorites at the sale.”

Audio-Reader is a free reading and information service for the blind, visually impaired and print disabled with service in Kansas and western Missouri. Services are free of charge and include a radio reading service, Lions Telephone Reader, special request recording, audio description of live theater, an Internet broadcast and a sensory garden. More information is available at reader.ku.edu or by calling (800) 772-8898.

-30-

The University of Kansas is a major comprehensive research and teaching university. University Relations is the central public relations office for KU's Lawrence campus.