Got Golden Ears? Prove It at Our First-Ever Crate Digger’s Challenge!
We’ve all felt it. That electric thrill of flipping through a stack of used records and suddenly landing on an absolute gem. It could be a forgotten masterpiece, a wild piece of cover art, or that one elusive pressing you’ve been hunting for years. It’s a moment of pure discovery.
Here at Music To My Ear and Northern Audio, we live for that feeling. And now, we’re turning that passion into a competition.
We’re officially inviting 16 of the most passionate music lovers to take on The Crate Digger’s Challenge! This is a true test of your musical taste, your digging skills, and your ability to unearth a treasure under pressure. The mission is simple, but the glory is immense. And it all happens on Saturday, July 26th at 1:30pm.
How It All Goes Down: The Ultimate Vinyl Showdown
The event is a multi-stage battle to find the best record on a budget. Here’s how the champion will be crowned:
1. The Dig: 30 Minutes of Frantic Fun
After a quick check-in, our 16 challengers will be unleashed upon the used vinyl bins at Music To My Ear. When our host, Greg, yells “GO!”, the clock starts. You’ll have exactly 30 minutes and a $15 budget to find one single, perfect LP. When the buzzer sounds, you’ll purchase your chosen record—this is your official “buy-in” and your weapon for the competition.
2. The Listening Party: Dropping the Needle in Style
With records in hand, all challengers and spectators will head upstairs to a premier listening room at Northern Audio. We’ll have a truly phenomenal high-end audio system warmed up and ready to make these records sing. Each challenger will get 60 seconds to introduce their pick and tell the crowd why it’s a hidden gem. Then, we play a representative track for everyone to hear.
3. The Tournament: A Bracket Battle for the Ages!
This isn’t a simple popularity contest—it’s a tournament! We’ll reveal a bracket, pitting challengers’ records against each other in head-to-head matchups. The crowd will vote for their favorite find in each pairing, and the winner moves on.
But here’s the twist: For each new round, advancing challengers must select a different track from their LP. This isn’t just about finding one great song; it’s about finding one great album!
4. The Final Face-Off: Crowning the Champion
The battles will rage, round after round, until only two finalists remain. After one last musical face-off, the audience will cast the deciding vote to crown the one true Crate Digger’s Champion!
The Grand Prize: To the Victor Go the Spoils
The crowned Crate Digger’s Champion will walk away with:
- A full cash refund for the record they just purchased.
- A $100 Gift Certificate to use at Music To My Ear.
- Ultimate Bragging Rights as our first-ever champion!
More of a Listener Than a Digger? You’re the Judge!
Don’t want to compete? No problem! Your role is just as important. Come be a part of the fun and, most importantly, the jury!
- You Decide the Winner: Your vote helps crown the champion.
- Hear Amazing Music: Discover new (or old) tunes played on a world-class Northern Audio sound system you might not otherwise get to experience.
- All Fun, No Pressure: It’s the perfect way to spend an afternoon, soak up the community vibe, and talk music with fellow vinyl lovers.
Spectator tickets are completely free, but please register so we can get a headcount!
The Rules of the Game (For Challengers)
To keep the competition fair and fun, please note the following:
- Registration: Challenger spots are limited to 16 people and are first-come, first-served.
- Budget: Your chosen record must be priced at or below $15 (before tax).
- Source: Records must be selected from the Music To My Ear used vinyl bins only. No sealed records are allowed.
- Time Limit: The 30-minute digging time is strict!
- The Buy-In: You must purchase your selected record with your own money.
- Playability: Part of the challenge is checking the record’s condition! If your chosen track is unplayable, you’ll get one chance to quickly pick another track from the same album.
This event is all about the thrill of the hunt and the joy of sharing music. So bring your competitive spirit, but leave any bad vibes at the door!
Ready to prove your skills or join the fun?
Challenger spots will go fast. Grab yours now or register as a spectator to be part of the action.
https://tinyurl.com/CrateDiggersChallenge
We can’t wait to see you there and discover what gems you unearth!