This past Saturday, I had the sincere pleasure of accompanying local singer/songwriter Laura “Kid Loki” Proenza to the Creative Loafing Record fair. The Fair, held at Lot 1901 in Ybor City, drew in a very diverse group of vinyl enthusiasts who understand the thrill in hearing the small crackles as the record spins you in a better place.

Whether they were searching for new sounds or just hunting for classics, the crowd was met by the staff of Mojo Books and Records and their extensive music inventory.

At first, it seemed daunting as lines of people form in front of various record bins. Customers meticulously sift through an exclusive collection, from Frampton to Zappa and Black Sabbath to Black Star.

After digging through some reggae and electronic record bins, “I'm going to find a Toro Y Moi album,” said Proenza. With a look of determination in her eyes, she turned about face and then quickly disappeared into the crowd of music-sniffing scavengers.

I soon made my way to the hip-hop section, where I foundmyself in a dilemma of which Kanye West album I should add to my vinyl collection, "Late Registration" or "808s and Heartbreak," when I finally asked myself “What am I really looking for?”

I wanted something that I was familiar with but something new.

After a few different bins, I find myself in the “P” section asking myself “Why am I looking at a Paramore album?” When three vinyl records behind that I found two albums from an amazing band spewing with originality and gumption —"Sunbathing Animal" and "Monistic Living" from Parquet Courts.

After finding the perfect vinyl, Proenza soon returned from her quest with a small stack of vinyl records and a smile stretched from ear to ear. Modest Mouse, Fleetwood Mac, Screaming Females and Toro Y Moi in hand, she looked ready to drop that needle.

Later, we venture to her house. She walked in, kicked off her shoes and immediately picks and rips the protective plastic off of Toro Y Moi’s "What For?" album. What happened next is a ritual most vinyl enthusiasts live for.

She pulled the vinyl out of the sleeve, carefully placed it on the record table and dropped that needle and waited for the sound to wash over her like a wave breaking the silence.

Thanks to the love folks at creative loafing and Mojo Books and Records a lot of people around the Tampa Bay area were able to expand their vinyl collection while supporting local businesses.