San Rafael’s rock steady music store, The Magic Flute (182 Northgate One), opened its doors in 1976 under the ownership of Michael Mitchell and is still going strong today.
That’s a pretty rare streak in this day and age for any brick and mortar, and without a doubt, there are some fantastic stories of staying afloat within their walls. The store was recently named Best Musical Instrument Store in the Pacific Sun’s Best of Marin voting. Riding that wave of love from the community, the store’s current owners are launching a Willy Wonka-like search for new owners who will keep the store not only thriving but also maintain its community minded tone.
Those current owners, Christian Dean and Tamara Osheroff, purchased The Magic Flute from Mitchell in 2010. In keeping with the curated and cared for vibe of the store, Dean worked there as a high schooler, way back in 1980, thus sparking a love for music that thrives today.
The Magic Flute is more than a place to buy instruments or have work done on them; they offer music lessons and have produced annual community fundraising events including the Restring-a-Thon and the Holiday Education Fundraiser. They also host open mic nights and recently hosted their first Pop & Rock Academy for kids.
It’s for all these reasons and more that Dean and Osheroff are looking for more than just a buyer or investor to take the stage; they’re looking for someone who recognizes the importance of music in the community.
In a short elevator pitch, Dean sums it up thusly: “The ideal person will be someone who has been involved in the store as a musician or maybe their child is a musician. They also need to recognize the importance of music in the community.”
He adds, “There’s been some interested parties and people who just want to invest, but we want someone who wants to continue to serve the community.”
Dean and Osheroff are hoping to name a new owner by the end of the year, so if this strikes a chord, it’s time to step up to the mic.
For more information, go to themagicflute.com.
