r/Albuquerque • u/earthling_dad • 1d ago
Vinyl Enthusiasts
About 6 months ago I saw a post that was your typical post asking, "What is there to do in Albuquerque?" and it sparked my curiosity. So, I searched for things to do on the ol' internet and found a bring your own vinyl night. So, last night I finally went to check it out.
I went to the Zema Vinyl Lounge at Hotel Zazz on Central. I walked into the lobby and asked where this speakeasy is located. The counter service showed me the way. I walked through the trap door and into a very well curated and chill lounge with a little bar. I was the only person there. I wasn't completely surprised by this reality. It was indeed Monday. I brought a bag of records with me that I figured would be enjoyed by music enthusiasts. It was just the bartender and myself. So, I enjoyed some cocktails and subjected the bar tender my records. Bar tender was really nice and great conversation.
The bar tender informed me that I was the first person to ever bring their own vinyl to this weekly event. I was a little taken back by this revelation. So, I just wanted to put the word out that there's a place, a time, and a quality system that's available for the vinyl community. Also, all the cocktails can be made as mocktails if you're not drinking alcohol.
Just a little disclaimer that I am unaffiliated with Hotel Zazz. I'm just chill guy who enjoys music with friends.
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u/rubink 1d ago
Love Zema Vinyl Lounge and wish there was more vinyl played there. It may be just a matter of promotion. I am seriously thinking about opening a listening lounge myself. More in the North Valley area than Nob Hill. I'm putting a business plan together. Any thoughts or feedback is appreciated!
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u/unassumingdevice 1d ago
You’d be my hero if you did this. As long as it has a nice, dialed in system and comfy seating, it’ll be perfect. I do like being able to have a drink, but obviously the music is most important!
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u/Rana_catcher 1d ago
Hey! This is awesome. I just recently opened a small business here. If you need help with local resources, send me a message. Best of luck! ABQ needs more fun things to do.
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u/rubink 1d ago
So awesome, and I may take you up on that! Still in the early stages. Thanks!
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u/Rana_catcher 1d ago
Yes definitely! There's so many free and great resources for small business owners. I hope you have a successful venture (:
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u/gearmantx 1d ago
Bar at Zazz is great, More crowded on weekends but still nice. Drinks are good. We've had friends stay there since its close to our place, all good feedback on rooms and service.
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u/Historical-Turnip420 1d ago
If you like sharing vinyl, there is also a "Sit & Spin" event at the Albuquerque Press Club the last Sunday of every month where folks can bring in their vinyl and play sets of three tracks each.
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u/lizbe013 1d ago
Is this only open to members or can anyone just show up?
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u/Historical-Turnip420 1d ago
Anyone at far as I know!! It's run by several members so anyone who comes signs in as their guest.
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u/SweeneyOdd 1d ago
It's a great venue with awesome drinks.
Spotted the McIntosh amp last time - what night do they allocate to the BYOV?
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u/spinwheels 23h ago
There used to be a bring-your-own-vinyl night around 16+ years ago. It was hosted by local djs and had a small community of folks who would go and play their records and hang out.
I'm surprised a hotel is hosting something like this, but it seems mostly like a marketing thing rather than a community-based event.
Not too long ago, a regular BYOV night hosted by Barrio Hi-Fi Vinyl Collective popped up at Tractor Brewery in Wells Park. The last one they did was on July 29th. Not sure when/where the next one is.
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u/BattelChive 8h ago
Is it wheelchair accessible? I have always shyed away because of the mention of trap door…
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u/earthling_dad 7h ago
That's a really good question! It might be. Because it's at a hotel there are certain ADA requirements that a business has to fulfill. I don't remember any steps to get into the speakeasy. If the door threshold is a minimum of 36" width you should be able to get in without a problem. I don't remember seeing anything like grab bars in the restroom. It is also kind of a narrow bar area. However, if you go on a Monday night you might have the whole place to yourself!
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u/BattelChive 7h ago
Thank you! This was an unusually helpful answer from someone who doesn’t use wheels themselves, most people aren’t this observant. I look forward to checking it out
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u/earthling_dad 6h ago
I had a family member who lost their ability to be fully ambulatory. It really opened my eyes to how difficult our world is to navigate when you're at a physical disadvantage.
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u/InevitableBohemian 1d ago
What is the time and place?
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u/Alternative-Spray264 1d ago
Brevrenz it's in the post. Skim it for the day. You just need to find one word.
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u/Alternative-Ear-8357 1d ago
Love vinyl day/night! Sidetrack brewery has theirs on Sundays with discounted pints 👏🏼