The nation’s most prominent boombox collectors and organizers of NostalgiaCon’s inaugural ‘80’s pop culture convention nare teaming up to launch the National Boombox Museum.
“Boomboxes not only helped birth today’s Hip Hop culture, they were also the urban fireplaces for millions of kids who played, danced and made friends with them outdoor from L.A. to New York and many parts in between,” said boombox collector and museum co-curator Howard Medrano, who is also a public school history teacher. “It’s time these iconic machines got the recognition they deserve and our collectors are gonna bring it strong.”
The pop-up museum will take center stage at NostalgiaCon with a fully curated, interactive experience that features:
- A historic display showcasing rare boomboxes from every year of the 1980s, including the films where they appeared
- A breakdance floor for Hip Hop fans to show off their best dance moves and compete for prizes
- A Wall of Boom photo space that will allow convention-goers to Instagram their personal pictures or videos with some of the most outrageous and colorful boomboxes of the era
Breakin’ and Breakin’ 2: Electric Boogaloo star Michael ‘Boogaloo Shrimp’ Chambers, who gained worldwide fame for creating the liquid animation style of dance, will be on hand to MC the exhibit. Chambers will also moderate the pop culture panel, “For the Love of Boomboxes: A Retrospective Look at Their Impact in Hip Hop Culture and How to Collect Them.”
“This museum captures the youthful, retro-cool spirit of what makes our show stand apart as we unite all generations who love Hip Hop, boom boxes and pop culture,” said NostalgiaCon co-founder Manny Ruiz.
The National Boombox Museum is part of a dynamic agenda that will showcase Hip Hop performances from The Sugar Hill Gang, Doug E Fresh, Monie Love, and TKA. NostalgiaCon will also pay homage to urban pop culture with a cinematic event for the cult classic The Last Dragon that will feature karate and a panel with star Taimak.
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Frederick J. Goodall is the Editor-in-Chief of Mocha Man Style, media spokesperson, event host, photographer, and a top social media influencer in Houston, TX. He likes to write about fashion, cars, travel, and health.