Dry Creek Music started in Colorado Springs as the Original Folklore Center back in 1972, founded by Bob Coward as a repair and vintage instrument shop.
John Ramsey and Gene Cole, 1970s
My dad joined in 1974 and eventually became the owner, spending more than 40 years expanding the store's reputation for quality instruments and honest service.
When I came on board full-time in 2012, I focused heavily on expanding our online presence while maintaining the personal service that had always defined the shop.
The pandemic accelerated our web business significantly, and by 2020 it had become the heart of our operation.
Our Manitou Springs, CO location, 2020
After my dad retired in 2021, I continued running the shop solo until 2023, when I decided to take a hiatus for a long road trip around the country in my SUV.
Now I'm back with Dry Creek Music, operating from Florence, Colorado as a fully online business.
This time around, I'm focusing exclusively on Northfield mandolins—instruments I've long admired and am excited to represent.
When I'm not on my laptop, I enjoy hiking Colorado's trails, developing PC games, playing music, and the occasional glass of Pendleton whiskey.