Thanks For A Great Show!

ARCA thanks its special guests (Lee Masters, Marc Phillips and Roscoe Robinson), dealers and of course, the hundreds of customers who made our 31^st Annual Show a success!  The show continues to grow and attracted customers from the eastern U.S.A and as far away as Germany.

We want to hear of your experience at our show and welcome your suggestions/comments.   ARCA also maintains a mailing list for individuals wishing to be informed of 2013 Show information.  To be added to the list or to send us comments, please email AlaRecordCA@gmail.com.    

DJ Lee Masters to be Honored at the CD and Record Show

Lee Masters is one of the most durable DJs in Birmingham. Born and raised in Birmingham, Lee started his radio career in 1973 at WERC, then moved to WYDE. He left the state for a few years and worked in Nashville, Memphis and Corpus Cristi. However, he returned to Birmingham in 1981 and worked for Kicks 106 as Rock and Roll Jones. In 1983, he went back to WYDE and helped to start the Oldies format working with ARCA.

He worked at WVOK from 1986 to 1990. In 1986 he was asked by the PD to develope a Sunday night program. Lee had always been a fan of local music and Birmingham and the surrounding areas had tons of it, so Lee started a program called, "Whatever Happened To....?" Each week would have a different guest who was in a local band in the 50s and 60s. Guests included Henry Lovoy, Bo Reynolds, Bobby Marlin and Rooster Gallagher. The show only ran for fourteen weeks, but it helped to spotlight some great musicians that had otherwise might have been forgotten about.

The next year, 1987, Lee helped develope and then emceed the "Reunion of Sons and Daughters of the 60s" concert which featured local bands like the Distortions, Rockin' Rebellions, The Townsmen, The Hard Times and many others. The benefit helped to raise money for children of slain police officers.

For the next several years, after leaving WVOK, Lee moved around, since radio was becoming more and more automated and fewer and fewer DJs were needed. He currently works for 105.5 news radio WERC, sort of where it all began, only without music; what a shame for that.

Please come and meet Lee Masters Saturday beginning around 10 am as he is honored by ARCA for all he has done for Birmingham radio and promoting the local music of the past.

Marc Phillips to appear at CD & Record Show as 'Hotel' is honored

Marc Phillips, who was the lead vocalist, main songwriter and keyboard player of the Birmingham pop band Hotel will be appearing at this year’s CD & Record Show as ARCA honors Hotel. Hotel was formed in 1973 by area musicians and, after a few initial personnel changes, solidified its most recognized line-up by 1976. That line-up included original members Marc Phillips on keyboards and Tommy Calton on guitar. The band was rounded out with Lee Bargeron (keyboards, guitar), Mike Reid (guitar), George Creasman (bass) and Michael Cadenhead on drums. All members added vocals which contributed to the strong harmonies, sometimes 6-part, that were a staple of Hotel’s music. The musicianship was outstanding and the music was well polished and produced.

Hotel toured the southeast and opened for some great national acts. In 1978, they signed with Mercury Records and recorded their first single, “You’ll Love Again.” It reached #71 on Billboard and caused people to take notice. In 1979, they recorded their first album, simply entitled “Hotel,” which included two more single releases, “You’ve Got Another Thing Coming” and “Hold On To The Night.” Both releases reached the Hot 100. All three songs were written or co-written by Phillips.

By 1980, music, in general, was changing; New Wave was now the ‘IN’ thing. Hotel didn’t move that way, but did try to make their music a little bit edgier. That same year, they released their second album, “Half-Moon Silver” with one single release, the title track. Though the single reached the Hot 100, which makes four total songs to do so, nothing had yet hit the Top 40. Mercury did not promote the album or the band and the second album sold less than the first and Mercury dropped them. Both albums, however, contained great music and deserved better promotion. The musicianship and vocals were as good and polished as any band in the country.

Hotel stayed together touring the club circuit, but disbanded in 1982. Phillips and Calton quickly formed the Calton-Phillips Group, which later changed its name to Split the Dark. The band parted ways in 1988.

The various band members are currently spread all over the country, with Phillips remaining right here in Birmingham. Marc is very active in various Christian ministries and his church and still records music. He loves to talk about his days with Hotel and does all he can to keep the music alive.

Come and meet Marc on Saturday, May 19 at 10:00 at the Alabama Record Collectors Association’s 31st annual CD & Record Show at the Bessemer Civic Center, just off I59 at exit # 108. After a short ceremony honoring Hotel, Marc will be available for autographs, photos or just chat. He should also have CDs for sale. He has remastered both Hotel albums onto CD

GENERAL INFORMATION FOR THE 2012 SHOW

Dates for the 2012 ARCA CD & Record show to be held at the Bessemer Civic Center are Friday, May 18th & Saturday, May 19th. On Friday, the Early Bird session starts at 1 pm with an admission charge of $10. The $3 general admission hours on Friday are 4-9 pm and 9 am – 5 pm on Saturday. A two day general admission can be purchased for $5.

2012 SHOW DEALER INFORMATION

ARCA has mailed information to last year’s dealers. Returning dealers in good standing will receive table priority until April 1st. If you are either new to the show or did not participate in our 2011 show contact Joe Reddick at heyjoe1357@aol.com to be added to our list.

The Best Western is offering a special rate for our 2012 show. Call 205-481-1950 and ask for the ARCA rate.

CUSTOMER INFORMATION

Will this be your first time to attend our show? Here are a few hints to enhance your experience:
1. Allow plenty of time to browse dealer inventory (you’ll need it).
2. Bring cash, most dealers do not accept other forms of payment and there is not an ATM at the Civic Center. If you forget, the admissions desk will have a list of nearby ATM locations.
3. Retain your admission ticket so that you can reenter the show on the same day. If you would like to eat a meal there are 12 eating establishments at this exit (108). Vending machines are available on the first floor of the Civic Center for a quick snack.
4. We don’t recommend the show for young children. Alabama Adventure is located 3 miles away off Exit 110. Colonial Promenade Tannehill, a large retail center with Movie Theaters, is less than five miles away at Exit 1 on I-459.
5. Consider purchasing the two day ticket which allows admission on both Friday & Saturday.

If you need help or advice, don’t hesitate to contact us! We would love to hear from you and your questions are welcomed. Our email address is AlaRecordCA@gmail.com

General Show Information

The ARCA CD & Record Show is held on two consecutive days (Friday & Saturday) each spring at a location in the Birmingham, Alabama area. Recently the show has been at the Bessemer Civic Center. Admission is $3.00, except for Friday’s special early bird period which is $10.00. Children under the age of 12 are admitted free. A two day general admission pass is available for $5.00. The show features hundreds of thousands of records, CDs and musical memorabilia from dealers from all over the United States. Special guests from the music profession are honored on Saturday mornings.