The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Hi,

Considering that the Mechanical Music Extravaganza is pretty much dead due to the surge in Omicron COVID cases in New Jersey and the incoming new mitigation measures in the state, I was wondering if any of the usual venders who attend the MME are planning on attending the Allentown 78 show this March instead? I know that Allentown is one of the largest record shows in the US and that there is a good percentage of 78 dealers there. Additionally, it would be pretty cool to see the Allentown show expand to include more phonograph venders and venders who sell cylinders.

I don’t know why you say the Mechanical Music Extravaganza is dead. Mike Devecka had an add in the last issue of The Antique Phonograph saying the MME Show is scheduled for April of 2022. The exact date is to be published soon. Also why would it be safer to go to Allentown Pa rather than Wayne NJ.

Rich Gordon

rgordon939 wrote: Wed Dec 29, 2021 12:56 pm I don’t know why you say the Mechanical Music Extravaganza is dead. Mike Devecka had an add in the last issue of The Antique Phonograph saying the MME Show is scheduled for April of 2022. The exact date is to be published soon. Also why would it be safer to go to Allentown Pa rather than Wayne NJ.

Rich Gordon

New Jersey is planning on reinstating many of its COVID restrictions in the next few weeks, which will make the MME all but impossible to take place. Also, COVID case rates are a lot lower in Allentown than Wayne and the Pennsylvania state government cannot legally reinstate COVID restrictions as per a state constitutional amendment passed in May, so the Allentown show is set to take place in March.

Just because they passed a state constitutional law that doesn’t mean that people will attend. Also who knows what restrictions will be in place by February, March, or April. Sounds like your just shooting down the Wayne Show to promote the Allentown record show. Why now hope both take place.

Rich Gordon

Cases here are rising fast. Mandates can be reinstated by the governor, with legislative approval (slim chance of that in PA, though). IMHO, it's sheer folly to hold or attend congregate events in these troubled times. No phonograph or record is worth the risk. To each his own.

Updated Dirty Harry says:

I know what you're thinking. 'Did that coughing guy standing next to me at the record bins say he’s vaxxed and boosted?’ Well to tell you the truth, in all this excitement, I kind of lost track of it myself. But being that this is the Omicron strain, the most transmissible Covid variant in the world, and could jump your vaccine quick and easy, you've got to ask yourself one question: 'Do I feel lucky?' Well do ya, bunk-y?

If you wear seatbelts when you’re in a moving vehicle, do you do it because it’s mandated, or because it’s the intelligent thing to do?

PeterF wrote: Thu Dec 30, 2021 1:20 pm Updated Dirty Harry says:

I know what you're thinking. 'Did that coughing guy standing next to me at the record bins say he’s vaxxed and boosted?’ Well to tell you the truth, in all this excitement, I kind of lost track of it myself. But being that this is the Omicron strain, the most transmissible Covid variant in the world, and could jump your vaccine quick and easy, you've got to ask yourself one question: 'Do I feel lucky?' Well do ya, bunk-y?

If you wear seatbelts when you’re in a moving vehicle, do you do it because it’s mandated, or because it’s the intelligent thing to do?

Exactly! Sadly, appeals to reason don't seem to be working in the present crisis.

Hi,
I posted about diverting some of the cylinder/phonograph/ gramophone/78 activity from the New Jersey shows to the Allentown show yesterday. I know that COVID is a far more serious threat now than it was a few months and in my defense I am only 27, fully vaccinated and boosted and may not have been as sensitive to the needs or concerns of older collectors or collectors that have immunocompromised family members or friends. Please forgive me if I spoke out of turn. It seems that Omicron is the most severe variant yet in terms of case numbers, mortality, and hospitalizations even for vaccinated and boosted people, so please everyone stay safe in the new year.