News

From October 15-18, 2026, Acoustic Sounds will host the inaugural Vinyl Summit, a landmark gathering that will invite audiophiles, vinyl collectors, and dealers alike into an immersive, four-day experience in Salina, Kansas. Featuring a behind-the-scenes look at Acoustic Sounds’ production scale, a record fair, a hi-fi show, and world-class live performances in multiple venues, the Vinyl Summit marks 40 years of Acoustic Sounds, and is intended to celebrate the past, present, and future of the company’s dedication to audio excellence.

Founded in 1986 by Chad Kassem, Acoustic Sounds began as a one-man mail-order operation that has since grown into both a global analog powerhouse and one of the foremost standard-bearers for audiophile vinyl. Over four decades, Kassem has built a fully independent analog ecosystem spanning mastering, pressing, printing, recording, and distribution — all driven by uncompromising standards and an obsessive commitment to superior sound. Dubbed the “wizard of vinyl” by The New York Times, Kassem has spent 40 years pursuing and redefining what it means to hear recorded music at its highest fidelity.

As Acoustic Sounds enters its fifth decade, the Vinyl Summit stands as (to quote their words) “both celebration and culmination: a living expression of craftsmanship, community, and conviction.” The four-day, fully immersive experience will offer attendees the opportunity not just to hear the music, but step inside how it’s made, preserved, and experienced at the highest level.

Set across the Acoustic Sounds campus, the event will feature a large-scale record fair and hi-fi showcase; rare behind-the-scenes access to one of the world’s leading vinyl production and mastering facilities; and the opportunity to rub shoulders with industry heavyweights including Daryl Wilson of Wilson Audio and Merck Mercuriadis of Hipgnosis Song Management, with more guests and participants to be announced soon — not to mention culinary fare ranging from Cajun classics to Kansas-style barbecue.

Me, I have experienced Kassem & company’s fine culinary fare firsthand, so I can confirm just how lip-smackin’ good it is. We here at AP may also be involved in the overall Vinyl Summit in some capacity, so stay tuned!

With live performances curated by Kassem and the Acoustic Sounds team at venues including Blue Heaven Studios — a beautifully restored 1920s church turned recording and performance space (which I can again personally confirm firsthand is an excellent-sounding venue!) — and downtown Salina’s historic Stiefel Theatre, the Vinyl Summit offers a unique opportunity to experience the full spectrum of analog culture in one place, among the people who shape and sustain it.

The Vinyl Summit is an open invitation to experience the real thing in person — i.e., to see the highest standard of record pressing, mastering, and recording in action; to meet, buy, sell, and trade with collectors and dealers who share the same depth of devotion; and to hear world-class live performances in an environment built for true listening. It is an entry into a living ecosystem — in short, and in their words again, “it’s the world as Chad Kassem envisioned it, as Acoustic Sounds has built it, and as collectors and music lovers have long imagined it could be.” See you there!

VINYL SUMMIT PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE

October 15, 2026 – Blue Heaven Studios – Jazz Night
General Admission - $100
Doors open at 6:00p.m. – Show starts at 7:00p.m.
Chico Freeman & Band
Jerome Sabbaugh
Dave Douglas
Becca Stevens

With a backing band consisting of
Pete Washington (bass)
Billy Drummond (drums)
Elan Mehler (piano)

October 16, 2026 – Blue Heaven Studios – Blues Night
General Admission – $100
Doors open at 6:00p.m. – Show stars at 7:00p.m.
Big Mud Morganfield
Jimmy D. Lane
Marquise Knox
Lil’ Jimmy Reed
Robert Finley
Cedric Watson With Steve Riley

October 17, 2026 – Stiefel Theatre
Stiefel ticketing platform information to come
Taj Mahal
Jimmie Vaughan
Robert Finley
With a special closing performance by Bernard Allison

For more about the Vinyl Summit, go here.
To obtain tickets to the Vinyl Summit, go here.
Interested dealers can go here.