Music always tells a story and a new monthly event in Chico lets vinyl enthusiasts share those stories through their records.
The event is called Open Turntables and takes place every second Thursday of the month at the Winchester Goose. It’s a chance for vinyl enthusiasts to share cocktails and their musical tastes, like a show and tell for grown-ups.
Linda Higgins, host of Open Turntables, said sharing music is an opportunity to connect with the community.
"It's not just for us who want to play the music and share the music, but for our family and friends to come join us too," Higgins said. "It's an open genre, with a 25-minute set."
Turntables are set up on the stage, and participants spin their music choices within their allotted time.
Higgins love of music grew from her background
The event attendance isn’t limited to those who own vinyl. It is an open invitation for those who genuinely love music to come and listen. Higgins said the community aspect is part of what drew her love to music in the first place.
"It's a huge reason why I fell in love with it, because I am not familiar with all that much music," Higgins said. "I was born in a cult. We could not listen to music."
Higgins grew up as a member of the United Pentecostal Church.
On the rare occasion that Higgins was able to escape her mother’s supervision, she would venture out with family who were not in the church to gain any exposure to outside culture and influences.
“My first knowing of music was via my tios (uncles) and my tias (aunts), and so it was lowrider oldies, sweet-soul and Teena Marie,” Higgins said. “But it wasn't music I could really sit and listen to and just be engulfed in the music, because being raised in the cult, you're just still believing those ways.”
The start of Open Turntables at the Goose
By day, Higgins works for Chico State-Enterprises Passages, helping caregivers and older adults by providing critical services and community resources.
At night, she helps vinyl enthusiasts come together for the love of music.
“The sharing of music is a huge reason why I did fall in love with it,” Higgins said.
Higgins’ motivation to host a vinyl-sharing night came from a friend who had experienced a similar event and encouraged her to host her own.
“I gave it a go and immediately loved it, and the community really came out for it,” Higgins said.
Eventually, Higgins and the Winchester Goose would collaborate on a monthly event together that launched this past Fall.
“I just kept kind of putting my ear out and kind of like hinting around to bars in the community about if they would want to do that monthly,” Higgins said.
For those looking for an extra push, Higgins said not to be shy and join in.
“Don’t be hard on yourself. You're not trying to keep a dance floor going,” Higgins said.
The next Open Turntables night will take place Jan. 9.
