The Folk Music Center in Claremont, CA
It might be known to my cousins as the shop where their once babysitter Ben Harper used to kick around, but to me it is a playground for folk music. Plus, Ben’s brother still runs the place.
Here are pictures from when I was there last week. If you go, check out their website ahead to see if a local musician will be playing, or an open mic is on.
When you go: Come midweek to avoid the college crowd scene too much, unless you are coming for a show. You get more attention from the staff in the early afternoons it seems. (There are five universities in this small, so-called “east of the west” town) 220 Yale Ave., Claremont, CA 91711, 909.624.2928
Look for: Cool, small, international noise makers, many of which are safe and fun for kids, a rainbow of yukeleles, great tips from the musicians who work there, infinite guitar know-how and fixer-uppers if you’ve got your axe in tow.
Tags: California, Explore, Learn, Listen, Updates!
