Independent Record Store 'Wrong Way Records' Celebrates Record Store Day Canada with Live Performances

Michael Drukarsh
Apr 19
3 min read

Wrong Way Records (l-r: Store Manager Adam Rayfield, Newmarket Mayor John Taylor, Owner/General Manager Ray Pelletier

By: Michael Drukarsh

Newmarket, Ontario - The doors to Wrong Way Records in Newmarket opened at 8:00 am on April 18 to celebrate Record Store Day Canada 2026 (RSDC). Arriving just after 8, I figured I would be there to watch as things got set up and ready for the day. Turns out, I was late...

With growing anticipation of the special vinyl releases in honor of RSDC26 as well as the free in-store concert, the lineup of eager music fans for Wrong Way Records started just before 6 am. Still there when I arrived, people were being let in slowly as the store was packed full of vinyl enthusiasts. The ever present store manager Adam Rayfield along with owner/general manager Ray Pelletier were abuzz, greeting customers and directing them to their genre of choice. It was wonderful to see young and old, with stacks of wax, picking up new Record Store Day releases or just buying back their childhood, one artist at a time.

Vinyl enthusiasts search for gold at Wrong Way Records in Newmarket, Ontario. Photo By: Michael Drukarsh

Amongst the organized chaos, band members made their way through the crowd to get equipment ready for the in-store concert. A bill featuring four local (or relatively local) bands, each playing a stripped down 30-45 minute set in honor of RSDC got going at 9 am.

Despite what appeared to be cramped quarters, the bands, starting with The Ravens Haven followed by Cigar Club, The Lemon Pistols, and Yellow Magnolia all made themselves very comfortable on the plush leather chairs with the drummer behind the kit in front of the store's big bay window and a stool front and center if needed.

The sound was amazing as each band played tunes from albums already released as well as taking the opportunity to introduce new songs, using the venue as a testing ground. Cigar Club took advantage of RSD by bringing in their latest release, Volume II available only on vinyl. It was very cool to watch as fans purchased the record and then had the opportunity to get it signed by the band.

Cigar Club perform live at Wrong Way Records. Photo By: Michael Drukarsh

Each set had its highlights. The Ravens Haven bassist Julian Rayfield created a sound that had the other bands in awe. Drummer Tyler from Cigar Club kept the rhythm going with a sound that was crisp, clean and swinging despite professing to not being used to playing so softly. The Lemon Pistols started their set with an incredible cover of "Freebird" after someone from the audience (might have been me) yelled it out as a joke and went on to deliver a guitar driven set showcasing both Anthony Carbonaro and Nick Scaglione’s guitar wizardry. The final act, Yellow Magnolia, brought the soul as the venue lent itself perfectly to their 70s sound.

As new kids on the block, Wrong Way Records did an incredible job promoting their first RSDC. Not only did they attract a crowd that kept the store constantly filled with very happy people, the store had some very impressive guests including Newmarket Mayor John Taylor, and Deputy Mayor and Regional Councillor Tom Vegh along with Ryan Kerr, Operations Manager for Record Store Day Canada.

Photo Gallery (all photos by: Michael Drukarsh)