The Coach House in San Juan Capistrano has been a cornerstone of live music since its inception in 1980, showcasing performances from some of the most renowned artists across various musical genres. This brief historical account highlights the journey of the Coach House and its founder, Gary Folgner.

 

Gary Folgner, a long-time resident of the area, moved to San Juan Capistrano with his family, which includes three brothers, in the mid-1950s. He attended Las Palmas Elementary School in San Clemente and graduated from Capistrano High School in 1959. Gary's experience in the restaurant and entertainment industry began early; shortly after relocating, his father, Bud Folgner, purchased the Dana Villa Motel in Dana Point in 1956, despite having no prior experience in hospitality. Originally known as The Dana Villa Motel by The Sea, this establishment, built in 1930, became a historical landmark featuring a restaurant and gas station. The restaurant included a stage that hosted jazz, blues, and rock 'n' roll bands, and Gary eventually took over operations, transforming it into a popular venue known for its lively bar, nightly entertainment, and a menu featuring Mexican cuisine and classic roadside fare.

In 1980, Gary opened the Coach House, initially focusing on country music, which was experiencing a surge in popularity at the time. The venue, at that point, had a seating capacity of only a quarter of its current size. The restaurant offered a unique "Bring Your Own Steak" barbecue option, complete with a grill and buffet-style side dishes, and operated four nights a week. A notable feature of the Coach House was a red double-decker bus, imported from England, which Gary and his nephew Blake discovered for sale in Florida and drove back to San Juan Capistrano - a journey filled with stories that could easily inspire a film.

 

The Coach House’s commitment to country music on select nights allowed for a diverse range of musical acts to perform on other evenings. Over the years, it has evolved into one of Southern California's most affordable venues for live music, providing an intimate setting where audiences can enjoy performances up close. Additionally, patrons benefit from complimentary parking, a rarity in the region, making it a convenient destination for locals who appreciate the variety of live music without the hassle of freeway travel.

Concert-goers at the Coach House are treated to a visual feast, with walls adorned with hundreds of autographed photographs of past performers, including legends such as Ray Charles, Willie Nelson, Glen Frey, Los Lobos, B.B. King, Tom Jones, John Mayall, Bonnie Raitt, Cheap Trick, Jackson Browne, and The Wailers, among many others. A guided tour of the venue, featuring anecdotes from Gary th about his experiences with these artists, would undoubtedly be a memorable experience.

In addition to hosting original acts, the Coach House has become a popular venue for cover bands, providing an affordable alternative for fans of legendary artists who may no longer be touring or whose ticket prices have become prohibitive. Cover bands performing hits from the Eagles, Pink Floyd, Rolling Stones, Beatles, Doors, Linda Ronstadt, Led Zeppelin, Tom Petty, and Fleetwood Mac often sell out consecutive shows, drawing enthusiastic crowds of all ages who come together to sing along and relive the classics from the ‘60s, ‘70s, ‘80s, and ‘90s.

Today, the Coach House offers a comfortable environment for enjoying live music, with a seating capacity of 500. Guests can choose from main floor tables, surrounding booths, or private ‘Sky Box’ rooms overlooking the stage. The venue also features bar seating for those who prefer a more casual experience. Reservations can be easily made seven days a week by contacting the box office directly.

Throughout its history, Gary has generously opened the Coach House for philanthropic and fundraising events. For instance, a recent fundraiser aimed at assisting a well-known local musician, songwriter, and U.S. Marine Corps veteran with medical expenses featured a performance by Jackson Browne, who contributed his time and talent to support the cause. This commitment to leveraging music for community benefit is yet another reason to celebrate Gary and the Coach House on its 45th anniversary - thank you for the music!

San Juan Capistrano.