On 20 April 2024, the VP Records store in Jamaica, Queens, was abuzz with excitement. For Record Store Day, visitors flowed freely through the historic space, combing through rows of CDs and vinyl, meeting and taking photos with Romain Virgo, and enjoying an hours-long sound system session outside. Around 6 p.m., the event culminated with Romain Virgo’s announcement to the large crowd that he would be bringing The Gentle Man tour to the Crown Hill Theatre in Brooklyn on June 7 and 8 – his first shows in the city since last year.
Hosted by Garfield ‘Chin’ Bourne of Sound Chat Radio, the event brought together Reggae fans from all of NYC’s five boroughs – and beyond. It featured sound systems like Bass Odyssey, LP International, Nexxt Level, Super Force, and Dub Electric playing vintage dubplates in VP Records’ parking lot, with artists like Valiant and Tarrus Riley making special guest appearances. Authentic sound system culture was on full display as the various “sounds” went dub-for-dub against each other – a segment that was followed by Romain Virgo toasting over classic dancehall riddims.
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For hours, fans took advantage of the opportunity to get CD copies of The Gentle Man, Romain Virgo’s new album, signed by the artist. Many were quick to scoop up this year’s exclusive Record Store Day titles: re-issues of Don Carlos’ Pass Me the Lazer Beam LP, The Aggrovators’ Dubbing at King Tubby’s, Vol. 1 and 2, and of Yellowman’s Zungguzungguguzungguzeng.
“The turnout on Saturday was a strong reminder that people still have a deep love for vinyl, Reggae music, and sound system culture. It was a great day for the community, and we look forward to putting on more events like this in the future,” said Chris Chin, President of VP Records. “Thanks to the VP Records team for their contributions to the event’s success, especially Dane ‘Fatman’ Bogle for his coordination of the sound system activities.”
Romain Virgo’s upcoming shows in Brooklyn are part of a longer string of U.S. East Coast concerts, beginning at Toad’s Place in New Haven, CT on June 6 and wrapping up at The Ave Live in Philadelphia, PA on June 9. The tour is in support of his latest album, which features Masicka, Patoranking, Capleton, and Jesse Royal.
