An outpost of world music on SE Hawthorne, the record store known as Timbuktunes has sadly announced that they are closing their doors at the end of the year. Owner/manager Andy Hosch first opened the store back in 2001, and for the past decade, Timbuktunes has been the best spot in town to find world and American roots music that you would have a hard time finding elsewhere. It also hosted community events, such as the listening party for the Alan Lomax in Haiti compilation. It became a lovingly curated shop run by a music lover; after the store’s closure on December 31, Hosch will continue to host his KBOO shows “A Different Nature” and “Africa Oyé.”
The reason for Timbuktunes shutting down is an economic one. I don’t know if you heard this, but record sales are apparently down (you don’t say), and running a specialty shop such as Timbuktunes became increasingly difficult. For the months of November and December, the store will be having a liquidation sale of its remaining merchandise. Right now, stock is 15% off and the prices will continue to go down after Thanksgiving, so it’ll be a good spot to buy that Christmas gift for your dearest fan of international folk music. Timbuktunes is located at 4726 SE Hawthorne.
End Hits: In related news, Timbuk3 went out of business in 1995.
I hadn’t heard this, and it makes me sad. Really good shop for those who like really interesting, rare stuff from around the globe and don’t turn up their nose at the sight of a CD. God forbid anything happens to Exiled Records. I wouldn’t have a single destination left on Hawthorne.