Kevin Drost Purchased Boulder Music Institution

The local music store owner acquired the legacy shop located on 28th Street from former owner Sondra Blanchard.

Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Folk

Kevin Drost Purchased Boulder Music Institution

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Kevin Drost has officially taken ownership of HB Woodsongs, a long-standing Boulder music shop. The business, located at 3101 28th St., has served the community for 55 years.

Why it matters

The transition marks a change in leadership for a local establishment that provides essential music education and instrument rental services to 1,500 families annually. Former owner Sondra Blanchard decided to sell the store after years of guiding the business through periods of growth and change.

Founded in 1971 as Folk Arts Music and Leather Supply, the store has operated in Boulder for 55 years. It currently supports approximately 1,500 students and families through its active rental program each year.

The players

Kevin Drost

He is the new owner of the Boulder music shop who plans to expand the store's digital and physical inventory.

Sondra Blanchard

She is the former sole owner of HB Woodsongs who oversaw the business since 2021.

Shawn Cupolo

He was a co-owner of the store who worked there for 14 years before his death in 2021.

The details

The ownership transfer was finalized on Sept. 26, 2026, following a transition period facilitated by Blanchard. Drost intends to build on the store's legacy by expanding its online presence, growing current lesson and rental programs, and increasing the available stock of vintage instruments.

The shop was founded as Folk Arts Music and Leather Supply in 1971.
Sondra Blanchard and Shawn Cupolo bought the business in 2017.
Blanchard became the sole owner in 2021 after Shawn Cupolo passed away.
Kevin Drost officially took over the shop on September 26, 2026.

Industry Dynamics

The sale follows the 55-year legacy established by the 1971 founding of Folk Arts Music and Leather Supply in Boulder. This transition represents a generational shift for a local fixture that has maintained a consistent role in the regional music scene despite broader market changes.

Students and families currently using the store for rentals will see the programs continue under new ownership with plans for potential future expansion. Customers should expect an increased focus on vintage inventory as the new owner begins implementing planned store improvements.

The takeaway

Maintaining long-term local businesses often requires a balance between honoring historic foundations and adapting to modern digital demands. New owners of legacy shops can ensure success by preserving essential community programs while exploring new revenue streams like online storefronts.