One of the things I hear a lot is that there is a void when it comes to guy stuff at craft shows like the Rock & Shop Market. We try our best to create a shopping environment that both guys and girls will appreciate, but to be fair most of the vendors that apply are women. That said, I’ve rounded up some of my top male-centric gift picks that will be at the Rock & Shop Market on December 19th. And guys, if you are reading and have a great product, do apply to a future event, there is a niche to be filled.

From left to right: T-shirt by Flytrap Studios (Carrboro), Wooden Planter by Erde Designs (Cary), Note Card by Bigwig & Silver (Durham), Belt Buckle by Buncombe Buckles (Asheville), Bearded Guys Magnets by Jordan Grace Owens (Greensboro), Merge Records Companion Book from Merge Records (Durham), Squid Bowl by Designs by Takemoto (Virginia Beach, VA)

In addition to these great products, there will be hand crafted guitars made from cigar boxes, art posters & prints, and of course beer from Aviator Brewing Company.

Check out this video promo for this Saturday’s Rock & Shop Vintage Market and Fashion Show in Durham created by our friend Charles at Bifocal Media.

We are now accepting vendor applications for the tenth! Rock & Shop Market on Saturday June 20th from 1-5pm at the Tir Na Nog in Downtown Raleigh. The first event of its kind in the Raleigh, NC area, since 2004 the event has remained a local favorite. To check out past vendors and bands and to submit an application, please visit the website: www.rockandshopmarket.com.

In 2004 I started a little event called The Rock & Shop Market to bring attention to local designers like myself and highlight the talented musicians in the area. At the time there wasn’t anything like it in the Triangle. Now, the area is ripe for designers selling their wares, similar events have popped up to much success and The Rock & Shop is as flourishing as ever. I’m proud to be hosting the eighth! one this Saturday the 13th and I hope to see you there. It will be indoors at the Tir Na Nog (across from Moore Square) in downtown Raleigh from 1-5pm. Admission is $3.

The event promises to be a great one with live music by local bands The Whistlestop & The Tender Fruit plus a hand-picked selection of over 30 emerging North Carolina designers selling their goods. You can check out all the designers as well as hear preview mp3’s of the bands that are playing at the website.

I hope you’ll come out to grab a beer, shop local, and support fellow North Carolinians who are making a living by doing what they love.