Independents’ Day

April 16: Independent Record Store Day. So here’s to small businesses and vinyl heads. And independent bookstores. Thanks to Ria and Emily at Ardea Books and Art for hosting a wonderful night. And family, friends, old and new, who came out, mingled, enjoyed the Dirty Apron munchies, and celebrated books and art.

Arrival at Departure Bay. Here’s to the cashier at Giant Dollar in Nanaimo who patiently provided directions and refused to be influenced by the other cashier who authoritatively dished out erroneous directions.

And here’s to Mark at The Sun the Stars and the Moon — a vintage store along the Island Highway filled with all manner of collectibles, including an amazing collection of vinyl — who has never heard of Independent Record Store Day.

And hats off to troubadour Dan, Tony the Tiger, and the Easter Bunny.