Montgomery County Public Libraries to Celebrate ‘Just for the Record–A Vinyl Day’ on Saturday, Aug. 12, With Focus on 50 Years of Hip Hop Culture and a DJ Scratch Battle

Patrick Herron August 8, 2023 at 2:18pm

Per Montgomery County: Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL), on Saturday, Aug. 12, will host its annual “Just for the Record–A Vinyl Day,” a celebration of music on vinyl records that will feature popular DJs from around the country and a special celebration of 50 years of hip hop. The free, family-friendly festival will take place from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. at the Brigadier General Charles E. McGee Library located at 900 Wayne Ave. in Silver Spring.

Attendees can participate in workshops about music production, songwriting, breakdancing and more. They also will be able to purchase vinyl records and CDs organized by the Friends of the Library Montgomery County (FOLMC). The festival’s concluding event, “FADERATION: United Cuts & Scratches Mid- Atlantic Scratch Battle for DJ Supremacy,” will feature well-known DJs from around the country vying for top “scratch” honors and cash prizes.

“For the last five decades, hip hop has given a voice to communities that were historically disenfranchised and discriminated against, allowing them to express their hopes, aspirations and concerns,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “As we celebrate the anniversary of this important American music artform, I appreciate MCPL’s efforts to educate and engage our community with this history. Events such as ‘Vinyl Day’ help showcase the wonderful offerings available in our County libraries to people of all ages and backgrounds. We are trying to make our libraries a destination that is inclusive and offers something to all our residents.”

The event is being conducted in partnership with FOLMC, Mid-Atlantic Scratch League, Levine Music and Classroom 2 Community.

“We are very pleased to partner with these organizations to bring this in-person event to the community again to delight our customers,” said MCPL Director Anita Vassallo. “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: United Cuts & Scratches Mid-Atlantic Scratch Battle for DJ Supremacy,’ the first hosted by a public library.”

The activities scheduled for “Just for the Record–A Vinyl Day” will include:

11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sale of vinyl records and CDs by FOLMC.
11:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Open Format Lounge DJ Sets. DJ Mars, a member of the Mid-Atlantic Scratch League, will facilitate various DJs as they spin diverse sets for the audience. Open to all ages.
11:30 a.m.-noon. Children’s Storytime (infants to elementary ages).
11:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Digital Audio Workshop and Music Production Center: Music Production Basics Workshop* (teens and adults). Learn and discuss the basics of recording and music production. Register at https://mcpl.libnet.info/event/8871498.
Noon-5 p.m. “FADERATION: United Cuts & Scratches Mid-Atlantic Battle for DJ Supremacy.” Enjoy several DJs’ performances, observe the interactive battle and be a witness to who will “reign wheels of spinning steel supreme.” Open to all ages. The schedule for the scratch battle is:
- Noon-2 p.m.-First Round.
- 3-4:30 p.m.-Second Round.
- 4:30-5 p.m.-Finals.
Noon-2 p.m. Make Your Album Cover (kids and teens). Create your record covers using a variety of art supplies. (Supplies will be provided while materials last.)
12:30-1:30 p.m. Songwriting Workshop* (teens and adults). Learn fundamental songwriting skills to help you craft a piece that speaks to you, your experiences and your emotions. Register at https://mcpl.libnet.info/event/8870327.
12:30-1 p.m. DJ Basics for Kids Workshop* (kids and teens). Learn the essential components of becoming a DJ. Register at https://mcpl.libnet.info/event/8871849.
1-1: 45 p.m. Create Your Graffiti Tag* (open to all ages). Demonstrations, hands-on exercises, and constructive feedback on creating a graffiti tag. Register at https://mcpl.libnet.info/event/8871504.
1-2 p.m. DJ Basics for Adult Workshop* (teens and adults). Learn basic techniques to become a professional DJ. Register at https://mcpl.libnet.info/event/8871578.
1-1:30 p.m. Kids Dance Party.
2-3 p.m. Contemporary Conversations Panel Discussion: Hip-Hop & the Art of the DJ* A conversation with DJ Kuttin Kandi (Anomalies, 5th Platoon) and respected BBoy Danny “The Atomic Goofball” Nguyen (Lionz of Zion Breaking Crew). The program will take place in-person and via live streaming. Register at https://mcpl.libnet.info/event/8870635.
3-4 p.m. Kids & Teens Breaking Dance Workshop* (kids and teens). Register at https://mcpl.libnet.info/event/8871290.
3-4 p.m. Guided Album Cover Painting* (kids and teens). Recreate a famous or iconic album cover from start to finish. Register at https://mcpl.libnet.info/event/8871751.
5-5:45 p.m. FADERATION: DJ Family Reunion Party Rocking. Enjoy the final event of Vinyl Day by socializing and dancing with fellow participants. Open to all ages.