The Legendary Coach House in San Juan Capistrano holds many records in the music universe, including its status as the oldest concert venue in the country owned by the same sole proprietor since its inception, hosting over 4.5 million guests.
Miles Davis, BB King, Bonnie Raitt, Ray Charles, Pat Benatar, Tom Jones, Johnny Cash, Sinead O’Connor, Dana Carvey and Jerrya Seinfeld are among the many legends that have performed on the club’s iconic stage.
MUSIC GEM
“There aren’t a lot of places that do what we do,” says Gary Folgner, owner of the Coach House. “There are probably only two or three left standing in the country.”
This year marks the 45th anniversary of the legendary, internationally celebrated entertainment landmark, THE COACH HOUSE. The owner, Gary Folgner, at 84 years old, is still very “hands on” with the daily operations of this storied palace of music. No one has written a book yet, but they should!
Aside from the furthest seat from the stage being 40 feet away, one of the things that makes the Coach House unique is that you never know who is going to sit in. During a recent concert with Ian Hunter & the Rant Band, they were joined on stage by a guitar playing Johnny Depp. Concert goers were amazed to see the movie star performing right in front of them while they wined and dined.
For up-and-coming performers, as well as rugged veterans of music, and nationally recognized tribute acts, The Coach House has been a launch pad that continues outlasting almost all its competitors from coast to coast. The Coach House opens its doors to host genres from Country, Rock ‘n’ Roll, Jazz, Americana and Blues to R&B, Soul, Progressive Rock and everything else in between.
SURVIVING
“That’s part of what’s hard about this business; you’ve got new bands coming up, and if you don’t try them or use them, you don’t have new music,” founder Folgner continues. “That’s why sometimes you come in and you see a show, and it’s only got a hundred people; that’s probably because the band is new. But if you don’t try the new groups, you won’t have new groups for the future.”
For its 45th anniversary, The Coach House is planning a Celebratory Concert Series and a “Main Event” show, showcasing Don McLean (June 14), whose songwriting, including “American Pie,” has left an indelible mark on music history and the legendary Wayne Newton (October 3), known for his captivating stage presence and timeless hits.
