A flyer for the Northern Michigan University record show and poster sale is seen. (Photo courtesy of Shawn Wolfman)

MARQUETTE — Tens of thousands of vinyl records, original art, cassette tapes, CDs, DVDs, video games, concert posters and other pop culture collectibles will be available for purchase at Northern Michigan University’s first record show and poster sale of the year.

The free event, which is open to the public, is presented by the NMU Record Club and will be held Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Whitman Hall Commons.

There are three NMU record shows held through the year — one during the fall near NMU’s homecoming, another in the winter when students are getting back into the swing of their routines after the holidays, and one in the spring close to May commencement.

For about a decade, thousands have been introduced to a vast array of artists or discovered gems they’ve been searching for by attending these events.

Jon Teichman, the show’s organizer, said it’s been a great way to bring folks together over the years.

“Popular culture and things we enjoy connect us to others who enjoy the same things that we do,” Teichman said. “That’s really such an important part of life and it’s always a great time meeting likeminded individuals you may not have had the chance to meet before.”

After years of shying away from the limelight, vinyl is in popular demand once again.

“For awhile, there was kind of a waxing and waning, you know, with the move from vinyl to CDs,” Teichman said. “That happened around the late 80s. So record shows started converting over to CDs and vinyl collections started getting smaller — but it’s morphed back now where there’s much more vinyl again. I mean, some vinyl from the 90s, like a Garth Brooks album or something, is hard to find because they made limited copies at the time, but we still have items like that too.”

All formats will still be represented at the show, even a-tracks, Teichman said. Boxes will be alphabetized so if someone’s looking for something in particular it’ll be easy to find.

Teichman expects people to travel to Marquette from different areas for the show, as it’s generally been the case in the past.

“People travel from all over the state and Midwest to attend these shows,” he said. “It continuously grows every year and the reason we’re successful is because all of the great support from the community, from the folks at the radio, TV, print media, and people who just take the time out of their day to physically come to the event, or share the event on social media. The Vinyl District just picked up a story by TV6, so that’s pretty cool.”

There have been record shows in the greater Marquette area for about 30 years, held at places like the Marquette Mall and Lakeview Arena, Teichman said.

“Ed Johnson (of Newberry) has been putting on record shows for about 30 years,” he said. “He’s maintained a mailing list over the years and sends out 400 postcards to people notifying them about the shows. It’s very analogue, which is kind of funny to say — but even though we’re in this world of electronic mail and texting, people are creatures of habit and look forward to them every time.”

Teichman, along with Geoff Walker, a Marquette native who lives in the Lower Peninsula, also co-hosts the annual multi-day record show at the Ore Dock Brewing Co. The next show will take place March 28 to 31.

“I think that’s the point, you know — when it’s cold and dark outside, it’s nice to have stuff to look forward to,” Teichman said. “But it wouldn’t happen without everybody being involved, and it really means a lot. All the vendors, too, because it’s really about curating a good show and it’s truly gratifying when someone picks up something they’re so excited to find.”

As people search through the large collection Saturday, Marquette DJs Vinyl Reception will play an eclectic mix of music.

Booth space is still available for anyone interested in participating in the event. Those interested can message Teichman on the event’s Facebook page, which can be found at www.facebook.com/events/2283917804954615/ or call 906-373-6183.

Jaymie Depew can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 206.