April 2026: From Vinyl to Live Music: A Knoxville Guide

If you’ve been around our blog and social media for any length of time, you’ll know we’ve had some fun visiting places around Knox County, Sevier County, and Blount County (and even a few spots just outside those areas). We’ve brought you festivals, coffee shops, restaurants, and downtown areas—but we haven’t brought you music. Until now.

The Tennessee Valley has long been known for its music scene. Tucked into the Southern Appalachian Mountains, we have a long history with bluegrass and early country music. I mean, we did see that statue of Dolly Parton when we strolled around her hometown of Sevierville!

And now, just in time for Record Store Day on April 18th, we have three record stores we’d like to highlight for you—plus a bonus live music venue below. Records have been making a comeback lately, and we love playing them as background music in our homes. We’ve long been fans of old-school ways to listen to music.

Hi-Fi & Fly

Our first stop was the recently opened Hi-Fi Fly Records, located at 11422 Kingston Pike, Suite A in Farragut. It sits in a quiet, unassuming strip mall with an old-school charm. When we first entered the store, we immediately got their “vibe.” Their slogan is “Vinyl, Vintage, & Vibes,” and that is exactly what we felt. It reminded us of a cross between old-school Nashville and a Catskills aesthetic—we felt right at home.

At Hi-Fi Fly, think leather sofas, vintage clothing, and turquoise jewelry for sale. You can find new records alongside old, forgotten albums. We saw many albums we would purchase—and did, in fact, pick up an old Kenny Rogers album (we saw Kenny in 2019 in concert shortly before his death in 2020).

The owners were once vintage resellers turned music shop owners. Over the years, they’ve honed their aesthetic and created an inviting, welcoming space. We enjoyed browsing their collection and would love to sit on the sofa and just hang out. You’ll find all genres of music, along with a great selection of vintage clothing and jewelry.

If you’re looking for something specific, let them know—they might be able to find it for you! They also take trades, and you can sell your collection or individual albums there as well. They carry CDs and cassettes too, if that’s more your speed. If you’re in the area, make sure to add Hi-Fi Fly to your list of places to stop.

You can find them on their website, Facebook, and Instagram. 

Lost and Found Records

Our next stop was Lost and Found Records, located at 3710 N. Broadway in Knoxville. Walking into this store was a blast from our ’90s past. This shop has been around since 1990—literally—and it was full of nostalgia for us, from the record collection to the concert posters, T-shirts, and everything in between.

The store is housed in an old home and is jam-packed with new and vintage finds alike. You’ll find bargain vinyl throughout the shop, along with newer releases and everything in between. It’s organized into categories as you might expect: classic rock, bluegrass, hip-hop, new releases, country, and more. They also buy and trade your unwanted vinyl, CDs, and cassettes.

The staff was knowledgeable and very helpful. Be sure to check their website for more information on what they do and don’t buy. But take it from us—if you’re looking for a record, this is a great place to start.

Lost and Found was busy when we visited, and we have a feeling it stays that way as one of Knoxville’s longest-running record shops. We’ve driven by during their live shows, and it always looks like a great time. Their next event is for Record Store Day on April 18th and benefits one of our local public radio stations, WDVX.

You can find more information on their website, Facebook, or Instagram.

Basement Records

Our final visit was to Basement Records, located at 5009 Chapman Highway in South Knoxville. This store has been in the same location since opening 14 years ago. The owner, Matt, is usually the one you’ll find behind the register (we’d say all the time, but we’re sure he takes a day off now and then!).

This shop is a no-frills, no-fuss establishment—but don’t let that fool you. It’s packed with vinyl, CDs, cassettes, and DVDs. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable and will help you find what you need. During our visit, someone was searching for a specific album. While it wasn’t in stock, they assured the customer they would call if it came in. That’s customer service at its finest.

Once again, the store buys and trades unwanted items. They also offer special orders (as mentioned above) and disc repair. Call, email, or visit their website or Facebook page for more information. They have plenty of great stories to share as well—you’ll want to spend some time browsing and chatting.

There you have it, dear reader. If you’re in the market for records—whether you’re selling, searching for a favorite new release, or just browsing—you’ve got great options no matter where you are in Knoxville. You never know what hidden gems you might find: concert posters, T-shirts, vintage clothing and jewelry, vinyl (new and old), CDs, cassettes, and more!

Bistro at the Bijou

But we’re not done yet! We couldn’t talk about music without including some live music, too. We couldn’t help ourselves—we’ve been wanting to visit the Bistro at the Bijou for jazz night.

The Bistro is located inside the Bijou Theatre building at 807 S. Gay Street, and it’s a gem. With its brick walls, moody lighting, and cozy corner tables, it’s the perfect place to sit back and enjoy the sounds of a jazz band.

The Bistro hosts jazz four nights per week: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. Music starts at 7 PM during the week and 8 PM on weekends. We recommend arriving early, as tables fill up quickly.

We visited twice—once on a weekend and once during the week. We were especially excited to see the Knoxville Jazz Orchestra, which performs regularly on Wednesdays. We had previously attended one of their outdoor concerts in Market Square and were eager to see them in this setting. It did not disappoint.

We grabbed one of those cozy side tables in the back, ordered a burger and a glass of wine, and simply relaxed and enjoyed the evening.

But the Bistro at the Bijou is more than just music. It’s housed in one of Knoxville’s oldest buildings, rich with history. Upstairs, you’ll find even more character and plenty of concert memorabilia. You can also learn more about the current owner, Martha Boggs, who was growing and sourcing local food long before it became trendy by visiting their website.

You can find more about the Bistro at the Bijou by visiting their website, Facebook, and Instagram pages.

We’re thrilled to share this special spot with you ahead of Record Store Day on April 18th, and we truly hope you’ll visit the Bistro (and the Bijou). The staff at every stop this month was amazing—helpful, welcoming, and full of that Southern charm we love.

About the Author:

Kristin is the founder of Chicken Librarian, LLC and The Farmstead by Chicken Librarian, where she shares real-life stories, seasonal living inspiration, and her love for all things local. A freelance blogger and storyteller since 2017, Kristin chronicles her journey at chickenlibrarian.com, celebrating slower living, community, and the beauty in everyday moments. From exploring small-town bakeries and local shops to life on her farmstead, her writing invites readers to notice, savor, and connect with the world around them.