Arts and Culture, Astoria, Astoria Arrivals, Coffee, Music, Shopping
Jul 13, 2015

HiFi Records: A Red-Hot Opening Day!

Saturday was a banner day for Astoria, as our community came out in full force to support the highly-anticipated opening of HiFi Records. Vinylphiles from all over visited the new (…)

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Astoria, HiFi Records is finally here!

Astoria, HiFi Records is finally here!

Saturday was a banner day for Astoria, as our community came out in full force to support the highly-anticipated opening of HiFi Records. Vinylphiles from all over visited the new record store and coffee shop, located at 23-19 Steinway, to peruse the selection, listen to some live music, and enjoy the delicious Turkish cuisine provided by Truva. Owner Javi Velazquez has put his heart and soul into this shop, and it shows!

 

At 2pm sharp, crowds spilled into the intimate space, bringing the heat from the July sun into the shop. (These customers were so dedicated, they weren’t worried about a little sweat!) Once the attendees had a chance to check out the goods, a steady stream of happy shoppers carrying HiFi’s signature lime green shopping bags began exiting the shop, all giddy with the excitement of new items to add to their vinyl collection. As I stood outside chatting with attendees, one theme became crystal clear: Astoria is thrilled to welcome a record store to the neighborhood. I spoke with multiple local residents who’ve been trekking out to Brooklyn and Manhattan to scratch their vinyl itch for years–this was definitely an exciting day for them!

 

Proving once again that they can throw one hell of a party, our friends at Play Too Much curated an afternoon of excellent live music to add to the already killer day. Kicking off the intimate session was The Gantry, a group of Astorians giving us a raw, bare bones taste of their brand of Americana rock.

 

The Gantry kicks things off. Photo Credit: Paul Payabyab-Cruz

The Gantry kicks things off. Photo Credit: Play Too Much

 

Up next was gospel/R&B firecracker Bria Monet, whose unique voice carried out into the streets, commanding bystanders to walk in and take notice.

 

Bria Monet brings it. Photo Credit: Paul Payabyab-Cruz

Bria Monet brings it. Photo Credit: Paul Payabyab-Cruz

To end the night on an electrifying note, hip-hop duo Negative Death took the mic, accompanied by special guest Chris Pizzolo on guitar. Their dynamic performance provided one final jolt of energy to an already powerful day.

 

Negative Death close the night on a high note. Photo Credit: Stephanie Cruz

Negative Death close the night on a high note. Photo Credit: Stephanie Cruz

We Heart Astoria was proud to work with HiFi Records and Play Too Much to make this long-overdue day happen. Now tell us: Did you make it to the opening day? What did you think? Share with us on Facebook and in the comments below!

About Lindsay Goyette

Lindsay has been eating and drinking her way through Queens since 2011. A casting director by day and Astoria explorer by night, you can usually find her checking out live music, theatre, or the newest neighborhood spot to enjoy a craft beer.

4 Comments

LindsayG

Hi Hannah!
I’m including their store hours for you to check out. Monday is actually the day they are closed, not Sunday. Hope you are able to swing by soon!

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 10-7
Wednesday: 10-7
Thursday: 10-7
Friday: 10-8
Saturday: 10-8
Sunday: 12-6

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Hannah Smith

Their FB definitely says they don’t open on Sundays. They might want to update that :)

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Hannah Smith

Why are they closed on Sundays? Are they actively trying to go out of business early?

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