A couple of years ago, Elmira resident John Woods noticed there were flea markets that sold household items and swap shops for toys and trading card enthusiasts, but there was no place to find affordable musical instruments. Trade shows in larger cities had become quite costly, as patrons have to pay for both parking and entrance fees that can reach as high as $40 per person.
Thus was born the Ontario Guitar and Music Gear Show and Swap.
On Apr. 29 Woods is hosting his third annual music show and swap at Lions Hall in Elmira for those seasoned musicians and newcomers alike to display their used musical instruments for sale, or for anyone just looking for a good bargain.
“We keep changing the date every year as we work with different vendors and we find the change brings in a different crowd that might not have been around or known about the other shows,” said Woods. “This year we have 35 vendors, with several from Toronto, some from Windsor and even Valleyfield in Quebec.”
After the success of last year’s show in August, which saw 400 people crowd into the hall, Woods is hoping for much of this same for the next event. The show will include vendors, collectors, hobbyists, performers, appraisers and music teachers.
Juno-award winner Ted Leonard, a guitarist from the seminal roots collective Fathead, will be on hand running workshops and performing instrument demonstrations while meeting fans and music lovers alike.
There will be a short musical program starting after 1 p.m. that will feature local bands like The Slacks and The Resistors to keep the crowd entertained as they walk through the hall.
To change things up this time around, Woods is hoping patrons will bring in own their vintage instruments as several vendors have indicated they would be making offers to buy them.
Woods is an avid guitar player himself, having picked up the instrument nearly 30 years ago, and has quite a collection of guitars, which he has placed on display at previous shows.
“It’s a great place for any musician who is looking to buy a new instrument or amp as they can try it out and see how well it performs for their needs,” said Woods. “Anyone is welcome to come, even if they are not looking to buy but are just curious about the instruments.”
The event will start at 9 a.m. and runs until 3 p.m. with an entrance fee of $7. For more information about the show visit www.ontarioguitarshows.com.
