International Record Store Day, which has been bringing together hardcore music fans and rare collectibles since 2008, is Saturday, April 20.

The event was conceived by an independent record store employee (with the debatably unfortunate name of Chris Brown) in 2007, and since then, each third Saturday in April sees myriad bands and artists release limited-edition vinyl.

This year’s official ambassador is Jack White of the White Stripes. A special two-tone vinyl edition of the White Stripes’ Elephant, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, will drop at select stores.

Other artists releasing special editions this year include queer favourites Ani DiFranco and David Bowie.

Tyler Clark, manager of Compact Music, adjacent to Ottawa’s gay village, says the store will have limited-edition vinyl up for grabs and free seven-inch records with a purchase.

In addition, Warner Music has stocked the Bank Street store with free cloth record tote bags.

“[There will be] no tax storewide to celebrate that people still come into record stores and buy music the old-fashioned way,” Clark says.

I know I will be scouring local record stores for a special split vinyl by two of my favourite bands, Garbage and Screaming Females.

Record Store Day

Compact Music

190 Bank St

“I Don’t Mind It,” Screaming Females