World Records

Wonderful venue and the Staff and Owners are all excellent. We really enjoyed the woodfired pizza and salad. The prices are all reasonable, ( if not excellent). I'd recommend them to everyone.

We chose World Records to have my son & daughter-in-law’s wedding and reception and we could not have been happier with how the entire evening turned out. The record storefront was the perfect backdrop for the pre-wedding cocktails, photos and mingling and the concert area in the back was transformed into a beautiful wedding venue where the bride & groom were married on stage while the floor below comfortably accommodated 130 seated guests for dinner & dancing. The caterers had access to a huge kitchen & the facility rental fee also included the guest tables & chairs. Bar service was handled by World Records so that was one less thing we had to worry about (& their prices were more than reasonable). We were allowed plenty of access time before the wedding for set-up and we were not rushed to tear-down and clean-up immediately afterward. There was ample free parking for our guests and security was arranged through World Records, as well. Pat & Bonnie were very friendly, easy to work with and extremely flexible with all of our set-up requests. I feel it is also worth mentioning that they are extremely earth-conscious and recycled as much of our reception disposable materials as was possible. (Just another bonus I feel should be considered when choosing a venue). If you are looking for a unique venue to host your next event, I would strongly recommend you support Bakersfield’s locally owned, World Records! I promise that you will not be disappointed!

World Records is where you go if you live music. It's not a mega store but you will find something you weren't looking for and if you don't find what you're looking for Pat can get it for. Pat knows his music and loves talking music. World Records is a gem.

Fantastic, intimate venue with amazing acoustics. Owners are awesome.

Great sound system. Best ive heard at a live venue.

Wonderful experience in this local record store. You are treated like family and the owner, Pat, is very knowledgeable about a variety of genres. Will be visiting quite often in the future!

I had never heard of this music venue until I saw that one of my favorite artists, Shemekia Copeland would be appearing there on April 1. Although Bakersfield is a 2.5 hour drive from Long Beach we could not miss this opportunity to see Shemekia and we were not disappointed. This is a fairly small intimate venue with comfortable seating and great sound system. I don't think there is a bad seat in the house. You can also get table seating and order dinner before the show consisting of a nice salad and delicious wood fired pizza. you can also have beer and wine and they have a good selection of both. The owner Pat is super friendly and helpful. and to top it all off Shemekia and her band absolutely killed it, one of the better performances I've seen anywhere in my 77 years. Highly recommend this spot. Oh yes they also sell record and cds.

My husband and I are from Massachusetts and have been in the Central Valley for over 10 years. We have attended many wonderful shows at World Records. World Records is a terrific venue with top notch performers. The acoustics and seats are all great. World Records is really a gem.

The gentleman working in World Records was most helpful. Very informative to all questions asked. We ordered a Pentatonix CD and in less than a week it was in and we were informed of its arrival. Also we visited with our friend Lindsay who happens to work there also. I watched as she was helping other customers. Her generous smile and friendliness proved very reassuring to them. We will definitely return for their business!

This place is an absolute amazing spot for concerts to come and enjoy with friends when you're visiting Bakersfield. We recently visited to see "Las Cafeteras from East LA" and now looking forward to see "Los Lobos." Their ticket service is quick and easy especially when you get to speak to someone to purchase tickets. This place offers table (group) & individual seating reservations.

Two Time Hall of Famer Elvin Bishop was at Bakersfields best venue World Records last night and he didn't disappoint. A full house enjoyed mingling catching up, the great pizza's & fresh cookies before the show. Bakersfields Jimmy Johnson fired up the crowd to start off the evening he's amazing and fun with his guitar Jimmys new song My Two Angels was excellent Bakersfields lucky to have such a talented local musician Elvin Bishop's Big Fun Trio were on last night going strong for a solid 2 hours. Bob Welsh on guitar, key boards and Willy Jordan's vocals and his drum box along with Bishop's hearty vocals and vintage blues guitar were outstanding. At 81 Elvin's still got it going. The classic "I fooled around and fell in love" with Jordan's vocals was spirited, a crowd pleaser. They had everyone in the building feeling it, Bishop's new lyrics were great and so true in todays world We were home by 11, what a great evening, enjoyed seeing a true legend who can still bring put it out there Thanks World records

Pat hit it out of the park again bringing in the award winning Mike Zito Band for this concert. He is an amazing blues guitarist and singer who put on a stellar show every time! This is such a great venue for concerts in town. The acoustics are good. The venue is intimate and not a bad seat in the house. If you come early you can order hand made pizza before the concert. They serve beer & wine as well. Pat has been bringing great live music to Bakersfield for many years. The record store has been a staple in Bakersfield for around 40 years. So if you love vinyl & CD's definitely make a trip in here. Do check their hour's first though as they are not open every day. This venue can be rented out for parties, proms and the social functions of your choice.

have visited several times. both to make purchases of records and to hear the concerts that they have there they have some the best acoustics in town can't beat the showmanship there

Never a bad show or poor seating, one of the best venues in Bakersfield with table seats and food/drinks available, keep a watch for 2024 and the expected talent showcase it'll be epic!

Everything. I know the owner Great guy and they can order any thing in about a week's notice. Used to know a gentleman named Bruce that worked there for years. I go by there quite often

A great place to see a show. We met the owners and they are friendly hosts. Seats approximately 500 to 600 people. We will definitely make the trip up north from LA when our favorites play up in Bakersfield.

What an amazing gem of a spot. A sweet little place where you can find some great classic all American vynal hot wax and see it live on stage. Its a perfect place for entertainment. It's big enough to have a concert and small enough for you to be a part of the show. Its tastefully lighted and would make a wonderful spot to rent out for a private event. The sound equipment is top notch, which made the acoustics a four thumbs up on for your listening pleasure. The people who own this gem are taking to the bridge with artist who give you hooks to sing along with, rhythms to clap your hands to, and a tour bus filled with beats for never ending hips. We didn't get a chance to sample the pizza since we had dinner before the event, but the smells that were coming out of that gorgeous pizza oven were amazing. If your looking to have an intimate night out with a flair, check out what this place has going on

Vinyl emporium. Pat is knowledgeable and a great guy. Check out his concert venue as well.

This review is for when they were located on Stockdale. Completed my Kiss, The Doors, and Jimi Hendrix CD collection. It was always a great place to visit. Bruce and Pat are the Greatest Of All Time music experts. If they didn't have what you were looking for, they would find it. I joined the music on digital now BUT I'm still old school and still adding to my vinyl, cassette, 8 & 4 track tapes ( even tho I don't have a player for those anymore) and CDs. I still have to have a physical copy of things plus you can't beat the posters and artwork on the record albums. I've only been to their place once since they moved to Westchester. I went to the Ace Frehley concert before the pandemic and it was awesome. The store part was closed off and the merchandise was covered up. So one of these days I'm going to check it out once again.

Committed to the Mission This whole operation just flies in the face of convention. Still selling vinyl, still selling CDs and still doing great live music. And they are even adding food to the concert line up. Still the best place to see real music in Bakersfield.

Not what it used to be. Sad. However, in spite of all that, I am so pleased to see a business doing so well during these hard times that they don't need customers (as indicated by the guy 30' away behind 3 racks of music not asking me (the only one in the store mind you, the ONLY ONE!!....) to wear a mask, but attacking, telling me "You need a mask I have one if you need it this is a MASKED STORE!!"). Congratulations, really. Good for you.

We chose World Records to have my son and daughter-in-law's wedding and reception and we could not have been happier with how the entire evening turned out. The record storefront was the perfect backdrop for the pre-wedding cocktails, photos and mingling and the concert area in the back was transformed into a beautiful wedding venue where the bride & groom were married on stage while the floor below comfortably accommodated 130 seated guests for dinner & dancing. The caterers had access to a huge kitchen & the facility rental fee also included the guest tables & chairs. Bar service was handled by World Records so that was one less thing we had to worry about (& their prices were more than reasonable). We were allowed plenty of access time before the wedding for set-up and we were not rushed to tear-down and clean-up immediately afterward. There was ample free parking for our guests and security was pre-arranged through World Records, as well. Pat & Bonnie (the owners) were very friendly, easy to work with and extremely flexible with all of our set-up requests. I feel it is also worth mentioning that they are extremely earth-conscious and promote recycling of as much disposable materials as possible. Just another bonus I feel should be considered when choosing a venue. If you are looking for a unique venue to host your next event, I would strongly recommend you support Bakersfield's locally owned, World Records! I promise that you will not be disappointed!

I love what this place has become! I hadn't been there since 1990-ish when it was on the NE side of town near Country Club Liquors and Alphabeta super market. Now my daughter is starting high school. Music bonds us. From Bowie to Queen to Styx, RHCP, Nirvana, T.O.P., P!atd and more, her interests are diverse, like all true audiophiles. I decided it was time to take her musical odyssey to the next level. I picked up a Boytone turntable and 10 fantastic albums to get her started, including a couple of iconic ones from my own high school days, such as Blood Sugar Sex Magik and Nirvana's MTV Unplugged performance, which I watched live and loved so very much. Outstanding and well-stocked selection. I didn't browse the used section though, so if you're into that, sorry. The location is fantastic. Huge space, great vibe, and Pat, one of the original founders and owner, was there to assist me with every question I had. I can't wait to see the look on my daughtere's face when she sees her newly painted bedroom and new vinyl collection. These are the types of epic experiences that make being a father so awesome. Thanks so much, Pat, for keeping the record store dream alive. I look forward to bringing in my daughter so she can experience the sublime adventure of browsing through real physical objects at a real physical location. It's pure magik. This is going to be a great journey for all of us. 5-stars!!!!!

I loved this store when I kid. I was sad when the location on Coffee closed because I thought they were gone forever. I'm glad they're still around.

Watching Coco Montoya and listening to his great blues songs at the World Records club-hope this is the beginning of bringing live bands to Bako!

Awesome show, nice employees. Great beer and wine selection at decent prices. Great acoustics. Only drawback is the front row is a touch too close to the stage. Other than that, love this place! Small venues are the best! Secret gem of a venue.

A visit to World Records, situated in the Westchester neighborhood of Bakersfield, is more of an experience than a mere shopping venture. Record stores in general are becoming a rarity, with the locally-owned record shop being few and far between. Since 1982, you'll have been greeted by owner-operator Pat Evans, who is at once friendly, knowledgeable, and genuine. The shop is everything one would expect from a first-rate establishment, including an extensive selection of new and used CDs, including many rarities and limited-edition runs, as well as related stickers, posters, and t-shirts. What sets World Records apart is its not-inconsiderable vinyl selection, including the latest releases as well as the standard catalogue selections. The used vinyl section shines: each album is put through a professional cleaning machine, is labeled (Excellent, Very Good, Good, and Fair), and is sealed in plastic. Available, too, is a nice representation of record players, from quite affordable stand-alone units to professional Audio-Technica component models. Making World Records even more unique is the pleasure of enjoying a favorite beverage while perusing the stacks, choosing from a curated selection of bottled beers, soft drinks, mineral waters, wine, and craft beers on draft. And artisan pizza - from an on-the-premises wood-fired oven! Add to this the distinction of being the only record store in the United States with its own theater: seating over 500 and featuring brilliant acoustics, being built-from-the-ground-up with that purpose in mind. Specializing in Blues concerts, with its signature "No Stinkin' Service Charge Blues Series," (99 shows and counting), shows have also included such World Music artists as Ottmar Liebert and Luna Negra, Bluegrass sensation Rhonda Vincent and the Rage, former KISS guitarist Ace Frehley, Los Lobos, Jazz ensemble Spyro Gyra, Petula Clark, Coco Montoya, Elvin Bishop, and many more. In short, World Records is THE place to spend a relaxing few hours for shopping and a can't-be-beat experience for a first-rate concert.

I have made it a tradition to go to World Records whenever I stay in Bakersfield. I first visited the record store about a year ago and I was impressed by their musical selection. However, I was absolutely floored by the man running the business. Everything that makes supporting a small business is present here. The man who helped me expressed extreme passion and joy about his business. He discussed music and future ambitions for his store. He took a strong interest in the music that me and my friend were purchasing and he provided useful advice for all my beginner questions (like how do you clean a record, where can I find Bowie LP's, and so forth). The owner just seems like someone who enthusiastically enjoys what he does and I can deeply appreciate that. When I first visited the store, the prices were a little bit high, but overtime, especially with the inclusion of a used record section, prices have become much more affordable. On top of that, the selection itself has slowly grown and become much more diverse and competitive over time. I absolutely love this store and I recommend all true music enthusiast to come out and support this small business. I have a lot respect for the owner and I appreciate the genuine kindness that I encountered at World Records.

great record store amazing selection

Admittedly, I used to hate World Records. Fifteen odd years ago, when I as a lowly teenager, I used to pop by the old Stockdale location from time to time to browse. Typically, I'd find condescending staff, iffy pricing, and really no reason to buy much of anything. So, aside from my trips out of town to Amoeba in Hollywood and Boo Boo Records in SLO, I buy nearly all of my records online. Venturing into a Bakersfield music store really hasn't been on my agenda for a long, long time. Yesterday, I pop by for the first time nearly seven years, out of sheer boredom, at their current location on G Street. One of the staff was setting up some banners outside and he's friendly and curious to know if I'm looking for anything special today. I spot a 2010 Record Store Day poster near the front of the store and ask him about it. You see, I've been preordering a bunch of this year's releases online, but one of them, The Bird And The Bee's "Interpreting The Masters, Volume One," has been eluding me. It's a limited vinyl pressing, and no one seems to be carrying it yet. So, I ask about it offhand. The guy says, "Let me make a few calls." While I'm browsing their vinyl section, I find a few things to buy, and even a few things that make me go, "You know, when I get my next paycheck, I'll have to come back and pick these up, too." As I'm finishing up, the guy asks for my name and phone number and says he'll call me when he gets an answer about my request. Sure enough, a few hours later, he calls back and tells me he can get it. And not just that, but he can have it in 24 hours. In the back of my head, I'm thinking, "Yeah, right." But I tell him to go ahead and order it and to give me a call when it comes in. 24 hours later, I get a call that my record is in. I go, pick the thing up for a mere $20, and head home to spin the platter. Utter bliss, I tell you. My opinion of World Records has completely changed. Maybe it's because I'm not a teenager anymore and the staff there treat me in a different way. Maybe my attitude has changed. Regardless, these guys are legit. They're helpful and they don't mess around. I will be making World Records a regular stop in my life from now on.

This place defies capitalism. It makes no sense buying music from this store. There is better selection and prices at places like Best Buy, Walmart, and (sometimes) Borders. That being said, I do shop here. The people working there are incredibly nice. I've pretty much had to special order all my music from them, they've rarely had anything I am looking for in stock. I normally get special orders within 2 days of ordering which is sometimes faster than amazon.com. You do get a warm fuzzy feeling when you know you are supporting local businesses, I would agree with that. Maybe my music tastes are too obscure? World Records has been around for a while, so it must be doing something right.

This place is a hidden gem in this little town of ours. If you're looking for music,this is THE place to get it Jazz freak? They've got the classics Love Punk Rock? They've got every DK album in the catalog Maybe you like something in the top 40,they've got foster the people and lady gaga as well. All on vynil too!! their CD selection is arguably better than that of Best Buy,and certainly better than Hot Topic.Friendly staff that is knowledgeable in every aspect of music and it's just refreshing when you can just talk music with the staff,for 1,10 or 60 minutes. If they don't have what you're looking for in stock,they can order whatever you need,and 9 times out of 10,they can order what you need at no extra cost!!(and provided it's still in print) Local record shop that knows what their customers' needs and wants are,and they know how to fulfill it

Love shopping here,Pat is always helpful,knowledgeable,friendly and has a vast selection of new and used to choose from.

Possibly the worst "Record Store" I have ever been too, Bruce is a nice guy but Pat really rubs me the wrong way. Prices are insane... I've found way better deals on nearly EVERYTHING they have at FYE. How is this place open still?

World has been meeting my music needs for years. I usually know what I want and they always can get it for me, and they can also provide great suggestions for gift-giving (like recommend a CD of mob-movie music). Personal service and knowledgeable staff mean a lot to me. Think twice before you bypass this great local merchant for Amazon - it's money well-spent that stays in our community.

World Records is my vinyl go-to and and sooo happy we still have a local shop to call our own in Bakersfield. I'm also amazed at their new concert venue and really enjoyed World Records bringing Herb Alpert and Lani Hall to town last spring. Can't wait to see what's next!

Finding small independent record stores is getting harder and harder in Bako. World Records never disappoints. When I lived there, my GF and I would go a buy a CD every couple of weeks if we were feeling pretty flush. They have everything from the C&W to Metal imports. Check them out.

If you want music, Pat and Bruce will find it for you. They have 25 years of experience. Buy a "brick" and help support the creation of their new concert/event venue!

The best kind of service a place can offer is when they are always on the customer's side, helping them with whatever service they can, and that's what World Records is great at. They have a pretty wide selection of vinyl and CDS. If the store doesn't have a particular record or CD available, they'll order it for you- and they have a good turn around time with that. The store is small but the ambitions are big and the people always friendly.

We love coming into Bakersfield for vintage rock and roll. Friendly atmosphere. Quick to help with locating specific artist.

This is a great little vinyl shop in Bakersfield, near the village grill. The guy in there is really friendly and knowledgeable about obscure music, and, although the place is tiny, it has a nice little selection of vinyls and cd's, the latter of which are mostly on clearance. Also, the place looks to be in the midst of quite a big expansion! Oh, and they're totally open on Saturdays.

this is a great record store! they have a huge selection and if they dont have it just ask and they can get it. the owners do a good job of getting talented artists to come to town every now and then as well. for the most part i thought the prices were good too. they just moved to a new location downtown

World Records is the BEST music store in ALL of Central California! They have been my number-1 choice for buying music for over 25 years, and have been, and continue to be the ABSOLUTE BEST in the music retail business! they are able to get music CDs and vinyl that in many cases are so rare and hard-to-find, that other "big corporate" stores are left in the dirt! I have been building up a huge library of hard rock / 80s heavy metal music for almost 3 decades now, and thanks to World Records, and their staff, Pat and Bruce, I have been able to get ahold of MANY very rare CDs of bands like Slade and LOUDNESS, along with many other bands whose stuff will never be found in a "big-box" store! Yes many of the CDs and vinyl may be of higher prices at World records...BUT they are MUCH HIGHER QUALITY! and never censored like the trash that places like Wal-Mart sell (and I will say this once more: I ABSOLUTELY HATE WAL-MART!!!...and the schemes that Wal-Mart tries to pull off to wipe out our local businesses!...I WILL NEVER EVER BUY A MUSIC CD FROM WAL-MART!!...For me it is WORLD RECORDS ONLY!!! as my first choice! (Thanks again World Records and lets continue to work together in our continuing fight to keep Wal-Mart from succeeding in wiping this town out of our wonderful local businesses!)

a real live old school "record store" with people who actually know the music they're selling; an interesting concept in this age of big box towns, i suppose.....

Looking for hard to find music? They probably have it on hand. Great shop. Many styles of music. Very knowledgeable! Involved with bringing a lot of great live music into town. Very helpful and a pleasure to talk to.

i've lived in bakersfield for 15 yrs , after moving from l.a. and i only buy my music from world records . i love the old hard to find classic rock they have . also if they don't have it , they will get it for you . pat and the guy's know music and it's nice to talk to someone who loves music like i do , instead of someone who's just collecting a pay check . us music lovers in bako thank pat for the blues series he puts on , the only thing in this town that keeps live blues music alive .