Music and beer will be flowing this Saturday, June 9, for Claremont’s third annual Blues and Brews. Craft beer and food tastings will span the streets of the Claremont Village from 4 to 8 p.m.

The summer food and drink crawl is modeled after Claremont’s autumn wine walk. Also sponsored by the Claremont Chamber and Village Marketing Group, it provides the opportunity for local foodies and beer lovers to become acquainted with Old Towne Claremont, good food and company.

“We’re very blessed with the Village being as vibrant as it is,” said event organizer Sonja Stump. “I love watching people enjoy themselves, walking around, listening to music  and getting to know our businesses.”

In contrast to the wine walk, Blues and Brews has allowed the Village Marketing Group to cater to a younger, more diverse demographic interested in exploring craft beers, according to organizer Bob Fagg.

This year’s brews will sample a diverse range of tastes with over 30 Village businesses participating, each boasting a different brew. Eureka Burger has been hard at work coordinating the different selections, including local favorite Dale Bros. and a new Belgian brewery out of Colorado. Non-alcoholic options will also be available, such as root beer floats at Stamp Your Heart Out.

In between the food and beverage stops, passersby will be serenaded with the tunes of 12 different blues bands, ranging from hometown favorites like The Claremont Voodoo Society to a taste of Chicago-style tunes from the Melvin Eddie Blues Band.

Ticketholders may select up to 10 locations to sample craft beer creations and hors d’oeuvre. One option this year is “dining under the stars” sponsored by La Piccoletta and Therapy Solutions. The parking lot next to the 2 Village businesses will be repurposed to serve as a venue where patrons can enjoy dinner and music beneath the summer evening sky.

“It’s a pleasant way to spend a late afternoon, early evening in June,” suggested Ms. Stump, adding that Blues and Brews is also a way to give back to the local community.

In addition to satiating appetites, event participants will also help provide for local nonprofit organizations. This year’s proceeds will benefit Pomona Valley Hospital Auxiliary, Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden and Shoes That Fit.

Revelers must be 21 years or older to participate. Tickets may be purchased in advance at a number of Village businesses: Aromatique, Bert & Rocky’s Cream Company, Claremont Chamber of Commerce, Claremont Village Treasures, Colors 91711, Heirloom, On a Mission, Sonja Stump Photography, Stamp Your Heart Out and Rhino Records. Advanced tickets will be sold for $35 with any remaining tickets for sale the day of the event for $40. The event will cap at 1000 tickets so event organizers encourage participants to purchase in advance.

In addition to purchasing tickets at the aforementioned Village shops, tickets are also available for the first time online at www.claremontblues andbrews.com. Questions may be directed to info@ClaremontBluesandBrews.com, or call Sonja Stump Photography at 626-1147.

—Beth Hartnett

news@claremont-courier.com