News

Ben Harper & Ellen Harper to Headline 2014 Claremont Folk Festival

The 31st Claremont Folk Festival takes place on Saturday, May 31st, 2014, with gates opening at 10:00am. The festival features a wide range of music, art and learning experiences, housed within the natural beauty of The Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden.

General Admission and VIP Seating tickets are available. Children 12 and under are admitted free, except in the VIP section. VIP tickets are limited and the price includes prime reserved seating and VIP lanyard. VIP tickets must be purchased for children. For more information and tickets, visit http://folkmusiccenter.com/folk-festival/.

Musical Performers:
Ben Harper and his mother Ellen, Very Special Musical Guests (to be announced May 5), Dave Alvin & The Guilty Ones, The Gonzalo Bergara Quartet, The Coals, The Chapin Sisters, The Ooks of Hazzard, Blue Highway, Steve James, Rick Shea, Ross Altman, Peter Harper, Phoebe Bridgers, and Old Brown Shoe

Storytellers:
Angela Lloyd
Karen Rae-Kraut

Music and Art Teachers:
Ukulele Bartt, Jason Arimoto, John Rockwell, Homero Chavez, Rick Shea, Kevin Marin, Steve James, Leigh Adams, Ray McNamara, Gonzalo Bergara, Ross Altman, Kent Besocke, Chris Wahl, Bob Hurton, Sue Geeting, Phoebe Millerwhite, and Sue Bush

Workshops:
Cajon Drumming, Songwriting, Bottleneck Slide Guitar, Gypsy Guitar , Banjo, Beginning Ukulele, Reggae Style Ukulele, Fancy Fingers on the Ukulele: Right Hand Stuff, Mosaic Making Studio, Drum Circle, Fine Art with the dA Center for the Arts, Body Percussion & Boomwhackers, Harmonica, Protest Songs, Open Jam/Song Circle

Kids Passport Activities:
Song Quilt, Face Painting, Butterfly Pavilion, Zen Painting, Sunflower Planting

Local artists will be selling a variety of art, musical instruments and more. Gourmet food trucks and local micro-breweries will provide food service in designated areas during the Festival.

Festival attendees will have exclusive access to Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden for the day. The entire 86 acres will be open for self-guided tours and exploration. RSABG members can receive a discount code by contacting The Garden development office @ development@rsabg.org or (909) 625-8767 ext 221 (4 ticket max).

The Garden is a living museum, much different from a park or other recreation area, so personal food, glass bottles, and animals (with the exception of identified service animals) are not allowed. We do encourage bringing refillable bottles of water for personal hydration.

This is a Rain or Shine Event. No refunds.

Discover Claremont to Offer “Flitter and Frolic” Getaway Package, May 23 to July 27

Families who come Discover Claremont this spring and summer can experience a unique opportunity to walk among California native butterflies. Discover Claremont, the Claremont tourism board, is partnering with the Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden for a “Flitter and Frolic” overnight package that includes garden admissions, local dining and shopping credits, and a comfortable hotel room.

Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden’s annual Butterfly Pavilion runs from May 10 through

Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden Butterfly Festival — The Butterfly Pavilion at Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden opens on May 10.

July 27, 2014. The pavilion unites science education and hands-on fun for visitors of all ages as hundreds of butterflies call the temporary enclosure home this spring and summer. Visitors can walk among the butterflies and caterpillars as well as explore the 86-acre botanic garden, the largest botanic garden dedicated exclusively to California’s native plants.

Beginning Memorial Day weekend, May 23, and continuing until the butterflies are set free on July 27, Southern Californians looking for a local escape will find Discover Claremont’s “Flitter and Frolic” getaway package to be an attractive “stay and relax” option. The package includes a minimum one-night stay, separate Botanic Garden and Butterfly Pavilion admissions for up to four guests, and $50 in Discover Claremont gift cards redeemable at participating hotels and more than 130 other locally owned establishments.

A limited number of “Flitter and Frolic in Claremont” packages are available on a first-come, first-served basis to guests who book directly through participating Claremont hotels, including Hotel Casa 425 (909-624-2272), DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Claremont (909-626-2411), and Hotel Claremont and Tennis Club (909-621-4831).

Claremont’s visitor attractions also include the world-renowned Folk Music Center museum and store, owned by musician Ben Harper’s family; Fair Trade Shopping at dozens of independently owned boutiques; live entertainment at PianoPiano, Hip Kitty Jazz, Flappers Comedy Club, Candlelight Pavilion and other spots; and local and regional craft beers at Claremont Craft Ales, The Back Abbey and other pubs and eateries.

A complete list of Claremont merchants participating in the gift card promotion can be found at http://discoverclaremont.com/giftcards.

Claremont Ski & Surf Winter Escape Specials Available through March 31, 2014

Claremont, nestled in the San Gabriel Mountains between the area’s ski resorts and beaches, is offering a winter special for visitors who are looking to ski and surf the Southland. Claremont’s location on the Los Angeles County border makes it possible for visitors to ski in the local mountains at sunrise, grab a quick lunch, surf in the Pacific Ocean in the afternoon, and enjoy a fine meal and entertainment at night.

Claremont welcomes travelers to “stay and relax” at one of the city’s hotel and motel properties and enjoy the town’s many tourist amenities. This winter, through March 31, 2014, the Claremont tourism board is offering its popular “Discover Claremont” stay-and-relax package that includes a minimum one-night stay and $100 in gift cards redeemable at more than 130 locally owned eateries, boutiques, day spas and salons, and entertainment venues.

A limited number of “Discover Claremont” packages are available on a first-come, first-served basis to guests who book directly through participating Claremont hotels, including Hotel Casa 425 (909-624-2272), DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Claremont (909-626-2411), and Hotel Claremont and Tennis Club (909-621-4831).

Foodies can redeem Claremont gift cards all day long: Start your morning at Some Crust Bakery or The Last Drop Café, grab a to-go lunch from the Cheese Cave or Wolfe’s Market, sip a cold one at Claremont Craft Ales or the Lounge at Casa 425, enjoy a dinner at restaurants like Orchard, La Parolaccia, Aruffo’s, Espiau’s or the bistro at Packing House Wines, and grab a dessert at I Like Pie.

Shoppers will enjoy exploring Claremont’s boutiques like Rio de Ojas, Colors 91711, Nectar, Barbara Cheatly Antiques, Heirloom, and Aromatique.

Entertainment options using Discover Claremont gift cards include Dueling PianoPiano at the DoubleTree by Hilton, and the Candlelight Pavilion dinner theater.

Claremont’s attractions also include the 86-acre Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden, the largest botanic garden dedicated exclusively to California’s native plants; and the world-renowned Folk Music Center museum and store, owned by musician Ben Harper’s family.

A complete list of Claremont merchants participating in the gift card promotion can be found at http://discoverclaremont.com/giftcards/.

Claremont Hosts Largest Annual Arts And Crafts Faire, October 26

With fall quickly approaching, the Claremont Chamber of Commerce is hard at work for the preparation of the Inland Valley’s largest Arts & Crafts Faire, Village Venture.

With an estimated 15,000 people in attendance the streets of the Claremont Village will be filled with 500+ booths at this annual event on Saturday, October 26, 2013 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Streets will be closed from First St. to Fourth St. and Indian Hill Blvd to College Ave. The streets will be lined with booths selling unique art, original crafts, apparel, business and organization information, international food and entertainment.

A children’s pre-carved pumpkin competition will be held in Shelton Park (corner of Harvard Ave. and Bonita Ave.) Judging will take place at 2pm. Sponsored by The Claremont Sunrise Rotary.

The traditional children’s Halloween costume parade will begin at 9:30 a.m. All participants will assemble at the corner of Harvard and Bonita Ave. at 9:15 a.m. (No motorized vehicles will be allowed in the parade.)

No need to worry about parking. A complementary off site shuttle service will be provided. Shuttle locations: Claremont University Facilities on First St. and Mills Ave. Cahuilla Park parking lot on Scripps Ave. and Indian Hill Blvd. and St. Ambrose Episcopal Church on Bonita Ave and Mountain Ave.

Don’t miss out on this fun-filled family event.

For more information contact the Claremont Chamber of Commerce at (909) 624-1681 or visit www.claremontchamber.org

Five Claremont, California Hotels Welcome Parents, Campus Visitors Back to Town this Fall

As students return to the Claremont Colleges for the 2013-2014 school year, the City of Claremont’s five hotel properties welcome parents and other campus visitors to stick around and enjoy a relaxing getaway in the “City of Trees.”

From economy to boutique, Claremont’s 449 hotel rooms provide guests with inviting accommodations and peaceful nights. Staying in Claremont puts you in walking or bicycling distance to the city’s day spas and salons, locally owned boutiques, galleries and public works of art, and more than 80 pubs, grills, sandwich shops, bakeries and fine dining restaurants.

Claremont’s attractions include the 86-acre Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden, the largest botanic garden dedicated exclusively to California’s native plants; and the world-renowned Folk Music Center museum and store, which is owned by musician Ben Harper’s family. The city’s nighttime entertainment boasts classical, jazz, comedy, dueling pianos, a vibrant college music scene, and performing arts at the colleges and Candlelight Pavilion.

At the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Claremont ($149-$350), elegant, contemporary guest rooms and suites offer comfort and convenience with luxurious Sweet Dreams® beds, 32-inch flat screen LCD televisions, in-room safes, refrigerators, and high-speed Internet access. Relax with friends, alumni or business associates in its lush courtyard, enjoy a cocktail or meal by the waterfall, and dine in casual elegance at The Orchard Restaurant, serving a wide selection of California Mediterranean Fusion influenced dishes. Piano Piano’s high-energy, all-request show keeps guests singing laughing into the night! Ask for special college rates.

Hotel Casa 425 ($195-$400) is a stylish boutique hotel and lounge opening onto a tranquil courtyard in the heart of historic Claremont Village. The only sophisticated boutique hotel in Southern California’s Inland Empire, Casa 425 merges California mission architecture with contemporary styling and features 28 sophisticated guest rooms, an onsite lounge and full bar, a beautiful outdoor living room featuring water fountains and fire pits, meeting and event space, and more.

Claremont Lodge ($49-$80) offers unbeatable accommodations with comfortable stylish rooms, including available Jacuzzi suites. Amenities include an outdoor swimming pool and free Wi-Fi.

Hotel Claremont & Tennis Club ($69-$129) features one of Southern California’s finest tennis facilities available year-round with eight lighted championship tennis courts. Guest amenities include free local shuttle, free Wi-Fi, swimming and wading pools, Jacuzzi, and free use of its championship tennis courts; group and private tennis lessons are available for an additional fee. Rooms feature 32-inch LCD TVs and refrigerators, and hotel guests also enjoy a daily continental breakfast, including fresh waffles, fruit and cereal.

Howard Johnson Express Inn Claremont ($55-$85) provides free Rise & Dine continental breakfast and an outdoor pool. Features include free Wi-Fi, available laundry and valet services, and parking for vehicles of any size.

Visitor information and a listing of restaurants, hotels, boutiques, day spas, events and more can be found at www.discoverclaremont.com.

About Discover Claremont

Discover Claremont is the official destination marketing organization for the city of Claremont, California. Known for its seven nationally renowned colleges, Claremont is a hidden gem in greater Los Angeles – an ideal destination for intimate, relaxing days and nights. Visitors who “Take Time to Exhale” under Claremont’s urban canopy will discover inviting guest rooms, relaxing day spas, more than 80 restaurants and pubs, dozens of locally owned boutiques, and an abundance of outdoor activities from bicycling to skiing to golf. Claremont is also the first Fair Trade Town in Southern California, reflecting the community’s commitment to using ethically sourced products; many local retailers and eateries carry Fair Trade Certified™ merchandise and foods. Whether by car or Metrolink, Claremont is “the getaway that’s only a few miles away.”

Claremont to Host “Claremont Restaurant Week,” July 9-16, 2013

The “City of Trees” will become the “City of Eats” when Claremont hosts its first-ever Claremont Restaurant Week – running for eight nights, July 9-16, 2013 – to showcase its many pubs, grills, sandwich shops, bakeries, and fine dining restaurants. Visitors will discover a wide variety of cuisines as 20 of the city’s locally owned eateries and hotel restaurants will participate by offering prix fixe dinner menus. claremont_restaurant_week_2013

The participating Claremont restaurants will offer three courses for $20, $30 and $40, in addition to their regular menus:

Aruffo’s (Italian)
Casa de Salsa (Mexican)
Casa Moreno (Mexican)
The Lounge at Hotel Casa 425 (American (new))
Eddie’s New York Pizzeria (Italian)
Espiau’s (American and Mexican)
Euro Café (Portuguese)
Kazama Sushi (Japanese)
La Parolaccia Osteria Italiana (Italian)
The Last Drop Café (special lunch menu)
Loving Hut Claremont (Vegan)
The Orchard at the DoubleTree by Hilton Claremont (California fusion)
Packing House Wine Merchants (American bistro)
Pita Pit Claremont (Greek)
Pizza ‘N Such (Italian)
The Press Restaurant (American)
Saca’s Mediterranean Cuisine
Tutti Mangia Italian Grill (Italian)
Walters (Mediterranean, American)
Z Pizza (Italian)

“Claremont Restaurant Week will showcase the stellar chefs, delicious menus and outstanding restaurants that make up the Claremont culinary scene,” said Maureen Aldridge, CEO, Claremont Chamber of Commerce. Additional details and links to the event menus can be found at http://www.ClaremontRestaurant.com.

Local hotels offering special Discover Claremont packages, based on availability, include Hotel Casa 425 and DoubleTree by Hilton Claremont. Visitor information and a complete listing of restaurants, hotels, boutiques, day spas, events and more can be found at www.discoverclaremont.com.

About Discover Claremont

Hotel Casa 425 and Claremont Yoga Present Vino + Vinyasa, Free Yoga Class Plus Happy Hour, June 23

It worked so well the first two times, Hotel Casa 425 and Claremont Yoga will team up once again to present Vino + Vinyasa, an afternoon of stress relief and relaxation. The event takes place Sunday, June 23 in the hotel’s outdoor courtyard.

Casa425 The complimentary, hour-long yoga session led by Nicole Schwander Riel, co-owner of Claremont Yoga and lululemon ambassador, will start at 3:30 p.m. Vinyasa, also called flow yoga, is a style that employs synchronized postures and breathing techniques at a faster pace, thus providing aerobic benefits in addition to the increased flexibility, better posture, and stress reduction commonly associated with traditional forms of yoga.

From 4 to 7 p.m., participants will enjoy Happy Relaxation Hour in the Hotel Casa 425 Lounge, with select glasses of wine starting at just $5.

The June 23 Vino + Vinyasa is the first of four such sessions to be held at Hotel Casa 425 this summer. “What started as a one-time event was such a hit, we decided to do it again. When the second Vino + Vinyasa was even more popular than the first, we knew it was time to make them a more regular thing,” said Tara Naughtin, Manager of Hotel Casa 425. The result: Vino + Vinyasa events featuring different instructors from both Claremont Yoga and Green Tara Yoga are also slated for July 14, August 11 and September 8, 2013.

Participants should bring yoga mats and arrive 15 minutes prior to class start time, as spots are on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, visit www.casa425.com.

Hotel Casa 425 is located in downtown Claremont at 425 W. First Street, in historic Claremont Village. The lounge offers a casually sophisticated venue for mingling with friends, along with signature drinks, an extensive wine and beer list and gourmet small plates. Indoor seating is available, or relax in the hotel’s central courtyard, which feels more like an outdoor living room with its canopy of trees, lounge furniture, fountains, and glass fire pits.

Hotel Casa 425 is part of the Four Sisters Inns collection, including 13 properties in California. The group includes the Blue Lantern Inn (Dana Point), Hotel Casa 425 (Claremont), Channel Road Inn (Santa Monica), Newport Beach Hotel (Newport Beach), Gosby House Inn and Green Gables Inn (Pacific Grove), West Cliff Inn (Santa Cruz), Blackbird Inn (downtown Napa), Maison Fleurie and Lavender (Napa Valley), Healdsburg Inn on the Plaza (Healdsburg), Inn at Sonoma (Sonoma) and the Gaige House (Glen Ellen).

6th Annual Mi Casa es Su Casa Wine, Spirits and Craft Beer Tasting Benefit, June 2

Delight in an evening of fine wine, select spirits and craft beer tasting at the “Inland Valley’s Best” boutique hotel and lounge in the Claremont Village, Hotel Casa 425. The sixth annual “Mi Casa es Su Casa” event will take place on Sunday, June 2, 2013, from 5:00-8:00 p.m. Tickets are $75 per person, with proceeds benefiting the Claremont Community Foundation and Claremont Educational Foundation.

Sip an array of special libations while tasting savory appetizers and listening to exciting flamenco music and soft jazz. Come and meet the wine makers and representatives of these exceptional offerings which include Chalk Hill, Hahn, Beaulieu, Mount Veeder, Chocolate Box, Glenlivet, Heaven Hill, Claremont Craft Ales and Dale Bros. Brewery.

Tickets may be purchased online at www.claremonteducationalfoundation.org

Hotel Casa 425 Lounge Announces Spring & Summer Live Music Schedule

Warm evenings are back, and Hotel Casa 425 is ready with a new schedule of live music to accompany the innovative cocktails and small plates menu in the 425 Lounge.

Featured performers on the agenda include jazz guitarist Lorenzo Grassi, Flamenco-jazz guitarist Vahagn Vahagni, and modern jazz guitarist Brandon Bernstein. Admission to all performances is complimentary.

Hotel Casa 425 is located at 425 W. First Street, in historic Claremont Village. The 425 Lounge offers a casually sophisticated venue for mingling with friends, along with signature drinks, an extensive wine and beer list and gourmet small plates. Happy hour is from 4 to 7 p.m. daily, with select small plates and drinks ranging from $5 to $10.

Indoor seating is available, but many prefer to relax in the hotel’s central courtyard, with its canopy of trees, lounge furniture, fountains, and fire pits. The small plates menu represents a blend of American and Latin flavors, tempting patrons with offerings ranging from Cajun Calamari with ginger lime aioli and Pulled Pork Sliders to Champagne Chevre Salad.

The Casa 425 Lounge live music schedule includes:

Wed, May 1, 6-9 pm: Lorenzo Grassi (solo)

Sat, May 25, 7-10pm: Vahagni (trio)

Wed, June 5, 6-9 pm: Brandon Bernstein (solo)

Sat, June 22, 7-10pm: Lorenzo Grassi (trio)

Wed, July 3, 6-9 pm: Lorenzo Grassi (solo)

Sat, July 27, 7-10pm: Vahagni (trio)

Wed, Aug 7, 6-9 pm: Vahagni (solo)

Sat, Aug 24, 7-10pm: Brandon Bernstein (trio)

Wed, Sept 4, 6-9 pm: Brandon Bernstein (solo)

Sat, Sept 28, 7-10pm: Lorenzo Grassi (trio)

Wed, Oct 2, 6-9 pm: Vahagni (solo)

Sat, Oct 26, 7-10pm: Brandon Bernstein (trio)

For more information, visit www.casa425.com.

Hotel Casa 425 is part of the Four Sisters Inns collection, with 13 properties in California: Blue Lantern Inn (Dana Point), Newport Beach Hotel (Newport Beach), Hotel Casa 425 (Claremont), Channel Road Inn (Santa Monica), Gosby House Inn and Green Gables Inn (Pacific Grove), West Cliff Inn (Santa Cruz), Blackbird Inn (Napa), Maison Fleurie and Lavender (Yountville), Inn at Sonoma (Sonoma), Gaige House (Glen Ellen) and Healdsburg Inn on the Plaza (Healdsburg).

Butterfly Pavilion at Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden Opens May 11

See the Miracle of Butterfly Metamorphosis!

butterfly6 butterfly5 The Butterfly Pavilion at Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden unites science education and hands-on fun for visitors of all ages. The pavilion is open daily May 11 through July 28, 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.

The Butterfly Pavilion focuses on the relationship between local butterflies and native plant California habitats. Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden is a privately-funded nonprofit organization dedicated to California native plants.

Pavilion admission is $2 per person (plus Garden admission or membership). Garden admission is free for RSABG members; $8 adults, $6 seniors and students and $4 children age 3 – 12 (under 3 free).

Butterfly Observation Tips

Wear light-colored clothing: Light-colored or white clothing may encourage a butterfly to land on you.
Come when it’s warm, or cool: Butterflies take flight as temperatures rise.
Slow down: These beautiful creatures are more likely to land on those who walk at a slower pace.
Remember your camera: Before you head over, grab your camera. No tripods, please.

The discerning palate of caterpillars helps explain why so many butterfly species are threatened. The major cause of species disappearance in a given area is almost always habitat destruction and the elimination of the plants that they need to survive. In spite of our extensive urban sprawl, Southern California has many species of butterflies that are fairly abundant and easily attracted to flowers or food plants in local gardens. Native plants are ideal for butterfly gardening because they provide food sources and in turn butterflies aid in flower pollination.

About RSABG

Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden, founded in 1927 by Susanna Bixby Bryant, is the largest botanic garden dedicated exclusively to California native plants. The Garden is located on 86 acres in Claremont, approximately 35 miles east of Los Angeles. RSABG, a private, nonprofit organization, offers educational programs and special events throughout the year and is home of the Botany Department for Claremont Graduate University. The Garden offers a superb selection of California native plants for sale at Grow Native Nursery.

Visitor information

Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden is located at 1500 N. College Ave., Claremont, California. It is open daily from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m., Jan. 1, July 4, Thanksgiving and Dec. 25. The California Garden Shop is open daily from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Admission: free for RSABG members; $8 adults; $6 seniors and students; $4 children 3-12; For more information please call (909) 625-8767 or visit www.rsabg.org.