What to know about Carolina Sound, a music and record expo happening in Gastonia

Carolina Sound, a music and record exposition happening in Gastonia, is exactly the kind of event local record store owner Jason Shaut would have wanted to attend when he was still just a collector.

Before opening JGs Vinyl & More! In December, he was slowly building a record collection by attending events much like the one he and Sell Your Soul Records plan to host at the Gastonia Conference Center from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sept. 27.

However, he believes one key difference to set Carolina Sound apart from similar events – entertainment.

At many record expos, Shaut said, “There is nothing to them but crates full of records.”

So, at the first of more Carolina Sound events to come, Shaut is working with local businesses like The Rooster, Elena’s Argentinian Cafe, Cavendish Brewery and vendors to make the market more “entertaining,” he said.

In the morning, Elena’s Argentinian Cafe will be at the conference selling pastries and coffee, later in the day, Cavendish Brewery will be on site with alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Vendors selling clothing, jewelry, art, amps and records will also be at the event.

Shaut said he believes the music scene in Gastonia is strong, and he plans to put on two Carolina Sound events per year at the conference center. At the upcoming event, children 15 and younger get in free. Adult admission is $10 at the door or $5 if tickets are purchased online ahead of time at www.carolinasound.net.

This article originally appeared on The Gaston Gazette: Gastonia businesses host inaugural Carolina Sound event