Folk Mote Music

Folk Mote Music

Folk Mote Music was established in 1979 in beautiful downtown Santa Barbara. It is an alternative music store striving to whet the appetites of those clientele whose musical tastes seek something eclectically different. While Celtic harps are a specialty (instruction and materials, parts, repairs), a myriad of stringed instruments both ethnic and traditional are also found on the premises, as well as ethnic percussion and woodwinds. Aside from instruments, there are books, recordings and individual instruction offered in harp, guitar, and other instruments. The store also offers mail order services. The building also houses the editorial offices of the Folk Harp Journal, the editor being Nadine Bunn, one of the owners of Folk Mote Music, who also plays the harp. The other owner, Cherie Chako, who performs on many of the instruments, is well-versed in instrument repair and set-up, and early on in the business had built over 25 harps and an assortment of other instruments as well.

Cherie and Nadine both have BA degrees from the University of California at Santa Barbara. The store came to be as a result of a career change for the two musical social workers who were lingering on the verge of burnout after many years of dedicated service in the East L.A. area. The business has grown steadily over the years.

Folk Mote's existence was threatened in 1987 by a City government relocation due to the construction of a huge downtown mall. After hearing about the City's plans to demolish their building, the Folk Mote owners proposed to physically move the building, a two-story historical structure worth saving, to a vacant lot purchased four blocks away. The City agreed to sell the building for one dollar, and it was moved to its new location and restored by the building's new owners, Cherie and Nadine. The building now sits on a corner across from the beautiful Santa Barbara Courthouse and is the permanent home of Folk Mote Music. The project could never have succeeded without the heart rending support, music and prayers of the folk music community in Santa Barbara. Come see us on your next trip to the coast of California.

Daisy, the store sheltie
(also known as fluff-puff-love-bug-flundle-rug)

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Folk Mote Music
1034 Santa Barbara Street
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
(805) 962-0830 voice
(805) 962-2841 fax

Store Hours: Mon-Sat 10:30am - 5:30pm