Update September 2024

The day Hunky Dory Records opened the doors for business, and welcomed its first customers, was perhaps the hottest day of the year in Idyllwild, CA, with temperatures reaching into the high 90’s. Even so, the streets were full of visitors to this glorious mountain retreat. Owning a little record shop has been a dream of Michael Brown’s for years, and now after leaving his job of 20 yrs as a bartender, it has become his reality. For several years both Michael and husband John, have been visiting and imagining living amongst the pines. In 2019, they began working at a small crystal shop and healing center on the weekends, which inspired the idea of a little record shop. With the onset of the covid virus, this vision started to take shape when Michael lost both his jobs on the same day, with the announcement of the stay at home order. In late June, feeling like he just had to do something, Michael made the decision to lease the space and create Hunky Dory Records. Which is named after his beloved artist David Bowie’s fourth studio album. So, he and John quickly jumped into gear and began remodeling the space, which used to be the home of El Buen Cacao, a local chocolatier, who now has a new location. Many visitors have had to be redirected already. So many that the owner Eric, even joked that the name of the record shop should be “El Buen Cacao Has Moved". On a limited budget and the deadline of 8/1/20, the challenge was on, and even though there were some elements still missing, like a front counter, bookshelves, and a sign, they opened the doors. Friends arrived to offer their support and toast Michael’s success, as a steady flow of happy vinyl enthusiasts came and went. Some even decided to hang out on the patio outside the store, which has bistro style tables and chairs and is meant for customers to enjoy. It will also be used as a performance space, and possibly more, with the intention to create a relaxed but lively atmosphere, for all to enjoy. At the end of day one, Michael and John, who currently reside in Palm Desert, CA with 4 cats, knew they had made the right decision, to create something new, and plant their feet, at least partially for now, in the unmistakable and eclectic community of Idyllwild, CA.