Music lovers, collectors to assemble in Redcliff

PHOTO BY TIM KALINOWSKI- Fred Hauck is one of the sellers who will have musical instruments, music-related antiques, memorbilia, and vinyl records on offer at the St. Ambrose Music Collectors Show and Sale in Redcliff on Mar. 19.

By Tim Kalinowski
St. Ambrose Anglican Church will be hosting the sixth annual Music Collectors Show and Sale in Redcliff on Saturday, March 19. Fred Hauck, one of the founders of the annual show, says anyone with an interest in vinyl records, musical instruments, music-related antiques or memorabilia will find something to catch their fancy at the sale.
“Other shows are just strictly vinyl records and recorded music,” explains Hauck. “But for this one you can find everything: If you need guitars, accordions, violins, Elvis stuff, music books… Last year we had somebody show up with a dulcimer. There are still lots of vinyl records and cassettes, but you never know what’s going to come through the door. If it’s musical, it should be there.”
Proceeds from the table rentals and concessions sold on the day go to support St. Ambrose Church. The show usually brings in dealers from all over the province.
“With this music show, in particular, it has been a success right from day one and all the way through,” says Hauck. “There is a lot of musicians around Medicine Hat and Redcliff, and vinyl records have become popular again. A lot of guitar collectors, for example, show up because they don’t know what kind of guitars are going to be at the sale. If you are taking violin lessons, say, this is the place to buy one;  and you are not going to break the bank by doing it.”
Hauck says most coming out to the sale should find something to fascinate them, even if it is just the home-made pies for sale at the concession. However, for those looking to score a good buy, or add an item to an existing collection, Hauck says come prepared to deal.
“These guys we’ve got coming in are motivated sellers. Never accept the price on the tag as being the final price, even if it says ‘Firm.’ It’s safe to say at a one day show like this you can negotiate. For both sellers and buyers, there is no coming back tomorrow.”
For those with an interest in history, Hauck will demonstrate an early, fully-restored, Edison cylinder record player throughout the day. St. Ambrose will also be giving away a free organ to someone coming out to the sale. There is no admission charge to get in. The Music Collectors Show and Sale runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on March 19.