Marquette’s historic music scene is reaching new heights this month as the long-running "Geoff and Jon" record shows celebrate their thirteenth year with a unique venue change. Organizer Jon Teichman (along with Detroit's Geoff Walker, traveling up for the event) is bringing thousands of records, CDs, cassettes, and music memorabilia to the sixth-floor Sky Room at the iconic Landmark Inn. Running from Friday, May 29th, through Sunday, May 31st, the three-day event intends to transform the traditional record-digging experience into a scenic celebration. Attendees can browse stacks of physical media while enjoying panoramic views of Marquette’s lower harbor, partnered with themed cocktails from the nearby Crow’s Nest and the potential for a record-themed brunch downstairs.
The choice of the Landmark Inn is no coincidence, as the venue boasts a rich musical legacy, having previously hosted legendary artists like Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, and the Rolling Stones. Teichman emphasizes that the event caters to every kind of collector, from seasoned veterans hunting for limited foreign pressings and local music releases to casual "newbies" discovering albums purely by their cover art. To accommodate out-of-town guests and late-night crate diggers, overnight rooms are available at the inn, allowing enthusiasts time to explore the inventory as the harbor view shifts from day to night.
In addition to expanding their own personal collections, community members are encouraged to participate in the local media ecosystem by rehoming their old music collections. Attendees are welcome to bring a handful of items or a box of media (including vinyl, VHS tapes, and laserdiscs) directly up to the sixth floor for evaluation. For larger collections, Teichman recommends reaching out in advance to coordinate arrangements. Ultimately, the weekend is being billed as a casual, welcoming kickoff to summer, complete with extended hours on Friday and Saturday, where music lovers can connect over a shared passion for physical media in one of the city's most celebrated landmarks.
Public Radio 90's Kurt Hauswirth spoke with Teichman in our studio:
The "Records in the Sky" show takes place at the Landmark Inn from May 29th to the 31st.
Visit the Facebook event link for more information.
