LANSING, Mich. — The 6th annual Music Instrument Swap will take place Sunday, March 31 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Causeway Bay Convention Center in Lansing, MI (6820 S. Cedar St. Lansing, MI). Nine years ago, while attending the Chicago Drum Show, Shawn VanSteeland decided it was time to do a drum swap in Lansing. The event began as a drum swap, and expanded to include equipment and all instruments to buy, trade or sell. VanSteeland is no stranger to the music scene, having played in many local bands, and put on many local festivals and events in the area. Fellow event coordinator Mark Steele is an avid guitar collector, traveling from guitar shows and swap meets all over the country.
There are only two similar shows that happen in Michigan – in Detroit, and Grand Rapids. VanSteeland and Steel are happy to bring this event to their hometown. “We felt that this would be a great opportunity for local musicians to get a chance to see custom, new, vintage and used equipment in one place,” VanSteeland said. “This show will allow customers to talk to vendors who build custom instruments. Normally, people would have to drive hundreds of miles to see this much varying used equipment in one place.”
Many returning vendors make the show a reunion of sorts. “Over the last six years, we continue to see more customers coming through the door,” VanSteeland said. “The joy on the customers’ faces when they have purchased a new or used musical instrument is a pleasure to see each and every year. Because Lansing has such a great music scene, this also gives musicians a chance to visit with old friends and make new ones.”
The Causeway Bay Hotel and Convention Center provides an 8,000 square foot room, allowing 70 to 80 tables expected. Instrument brands will include Fender, Gibson, Gretsch, Paul Reed Smith, Taylor, Washburn, Marshall, Behringer, Peavey, Ludwig, Tama, Pearl, Zildjian, Paiste, and many others. Recording, live sound equipment, collectibles, vintage and more will be available. Admission is $5 at the door.
To buy tickets or vendor space, contact Shawn VanSteeland at (517) 410-6409 shawn@audiologicdj.com
