Entertainers Jeff Vance and Michael Mastromatteo are center stage Nov. 12 in front of a full house. Audience members participate in their act, as well as request songs. / photo by Jakeh Landrum

by Samantha Sincock
photography by Jakeh Landrum

The smell of liquor rises from the sticky black floor. The air hovering around the large group of bystanders is close and hot. “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart,” making every woman sigh, is being pounded through the worn ivory keys. It is nights like these when visitors and regulars gather to put bread in the piano man’s jar.

By day, the cherry red booths are shined to perfection and tables polished until you can see your own reflection. Every light bulb is screwed into place and liquor returned to rightful shelfs. The stage is reconfigured to its original form. The dueling masterpieces face each other like a western standoff, and the percussion and string accents adorn the remaining parts of the scene. But by night, a show unlike any other will unveil nostalgic music and adventurous games to the evening’s lively guests at this frequented club.

Behind the keys

Piano Piano’s dueling night bar in Claremont has entertained thousands for more than two years since its November 2008 opening. Every Wednesday through Saturday, the night venue musicians serenade with their musical selections and vibrant performances all comers, from Bucco de Peppo employees just off the job, to couples on a date, to college students looking for an entertainment ride away from the books. The pianos create a noise that rumbles your insides as they yell back and forth throughout the evening. The duelers throw comments at each other as they bend backwards, play one handed or footed and bring each arrangement to life. But the pianists are not long restricted to their benches; they randomly jump off the keys and into the drum set or strap on a guitar as if they were acrobats in a circus.

It is not uncommon for a female patron to sit next to Ryan Bueter or “Ryan The Piano Guy” as he melodically woos her with a comical song. And individuals are pulled up on stage to participate in dance and charades. “I’ve been playing here since November of ’08, day one, and I love every night,” exclaims Ryan, one of the entertainment hosts for the venue. With more than 25 years of musicianship and entertainment under his belt, Ryan makes every night seem more like a Vegas show than a small town bar. “The night is a complete show, burst full of entertainment and musical comedy,” he says. “We’re are not just about pianos; the night is way worth the money and much more.”

As for entertainment, the staff knows how to make the evening fun for everyone—from those who want to join to the people watchers who sit back, relax and take in the crazed antics. “We keep upping the ante on the show, bringing in new, talented entertainers to keep Piano Piano rockin’ for years to come,” explains outlet manager Jeff Clark. During the evening, one will see waiter/performer Shaun Taper singing hip hop arrangements to the crowd. If you catch him by the arm during the night, he will let you pick one of the numbers—and there are dozens on the list. Susan Erwin, co- entertainment director, and Ana Guigui, Susan’s sidekick, take song requests to new heights with their modern renditions and clever lyrical transformations. The two are often found badgering a 21st birthday or local bachelorette party. “As a performer, it is not about ‘me’; it is about the crowd,” says Susan. “From the bar to the door, we are all looking for a good time, and, if you are not having fun, something is wrong.”

The dueling night bar makes the old, young, fresh and mature feel right at home. “I have been coming here for a year, and the act never disappoints,” says regular Robbie Rugg, from Upland. Robbie frequents this rocking hole in the wall whenever he can get a group together. “I use any excuse to come here; the liquor is top notch, and the company is excellent. I love how it’s all in my backyard town.”

Like Robbie, many come to rehabilitate and wind down after a long work week. “It is comfortable and clean, unlike most clubs out there,” says Dani Woods, of Claremont. “I feel sophisticated as I sip on my martini and enjoy the pianos’ tunes.” Although the room is crammed with people, one never feels cramped or invaded. The flaming booths and dim lighting in the blackened room transports you to an old jazz club feel from the roaring ‘20s.

As for music, anything from Carry Underwood’s “Before He Cheats” to Elton John’s “Tiny Dancer” can be heard playing on the stage. “We are really up to date on music in a more ‘modern’ sort of way then other clubs,” says Ryan. While the piano may sound like a carnival, the people in the room add to the rhyme by singing along to their treasured songs. “We rock it out pretty hard at our bar and try not to just make it a sing-a-long event,” says Ryan. “Our show is based on the crowd, and it’s what we live for.”

On with the show

Although this smashing club is only open a select number of nights, “we can open this baby up any night of the week we aren’t already running and have private parties,” says Ryan. Every Thursday is college night. Deals abound on drinks and appetizers. On Wednesdays, Rock Star Karaoke night performers take the stage. Game? The musicians toss you a sheet of music, and you sing to the pianos’ tune. More? Individuals are also encouraged to bring instruments. “Local” jam sessions breakout spontaneously.

Depending on the night you decide to head down to this rock hopping club, drinks can range from $2 to $7, and Piano Piano knows how to mix a good cocktail. The bartenders uniquely craft each and every drink to perfection. If you are hungry, there is no need to wait until after the party. From cheesy garlic fries to Yoko Ono Vegetarian pizzas, chef Jose crafts dishes that make you wanting more. As far as a cover charge, do not expect to pay any on Wednesday or Thursday nights, and, as long as you get there before 8 p.m. the other nights, it is $5 per head.

Piano Piano has much planned for its visitors. Holidays and special occasions trigger the wildest tune parties. Special guest appearances are upcoming: consider Valentine’s or St. Patrick’s celebrations; the entertainment is downtown. “We don’t take ourselves too seriously, so come on down to drink, sing and have fun,” exclaims Jeff. A price cannot be put on memories and good entertainment (even if it is starring you), and if you get to Piano Piano at the right time, you will not have to.

Teasing a bridal party with clever lyrical arrangements, co-entertainment director Susan Irwin wakes up the night crowd with comical tunes and dramatic skits on her “keytar.” As the night progresses, Susan and fellow performer Mark Michaels play a variety of music, from classic rock to modern pop, take requests and accompany audience members as they attempt karaoke. / photo by Jakeh Landrum

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Center stage to an audience focused on its own dinner entertainment, guitarist Seth Greenberg, Ph.D., college professor and acclaimed artist, performs prior to an April start of “Thoroughly Modern Millie.” / photo by Michael D. Martinez

by Lauryl Bakke
photography by Michael D. Martinez

Shoes squeaking across a hardwood floor, the buzz of the scoreboard as time expires, the cheer of a fan-filled crowd and the bouncing of a basketball circling the rim – these were all familiar sounds in the building that once housed the former Claremont High School gymnasium. But now athletic cheers are only a forgotten echo to the sounds of Big Band music, show tunes beautifully being sung and the applause from capacity crowds of entertained people who fill the building now known as the Candlelight Pavilion Dinner Theater. Since its beginning 25 years ago, the Candlelight Pavilion has been a family affair, and it is this strong, unique trait that keeps its patrons coming back for more.

The start of the show

It all started when the theater’s founder Ben D. Bollinger was approached in 1983 by Sandy Sanford, owner of the Griswold’s complex on the site of the old Claremont High School. Bollinger was the dean of music at Citrus College and staged a yearly Christmas show, attended that year by Sanford. Sandy propositioned a better use for his gym building, which was currently being used for receptions and special events. It was on a napkin that the plan was conceived—a dinner theater—one unlike any that had been done before in the community, and one that would prove successful. At first, everything was split: Ben was in charge of the theater and Sandy the food. Ben brought in his family to help staff the new venture, and the simple plan born on a napkin began turning into a reality.

Son Michael “Mick” Bollinger, now general manager, remembers the opening days at his dad’s theater. “I didn’t start any higher than busboy; I had to learn every job before I could move up in the ranks.” Mick, then a Citrus College student, first transfered to the University of Southern California to start a music business major. But when his dad took on the dinner theater, Mick decided to move close and started his degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management at Cal Poly, Pomona. In 1990, when Ben Bollinger took over the Candlelight Pavilion as sole owner, Mick earned the chance to move up to general manager. He has successfully been running the theater ever since.

Mick is not the only one involved in the Candlelight Pavilion, as many family faces and names can be seen and heard throughout the building. From his sister Mindy in production and human resources, to his mother in payroll and accounts payable to his daughter in the box office, the Candlelight Pavilion is truly a family-run business. Even the employees not a part of the Bollinger family have been embraced and, through the years, have become part of the family, with most employees having worked for the theater for many years. From employees to actors to audience, family is a running theme at the Candlelight Pavilion. “I did the very first show at the Candlelight Pavilion; it’s always been a home to me,” describes John Lalonde, actor and artistic director for the Pavilion. “I left and then came back in 1995 and started directing while still doing shows. It was a great opportunity to get the chance to direct.” Many of the current actors performed at the theater early in their careers and end up coming back to do more because of that family atmosphere. “You hope you cast people who get along,” explains actress Leslie Scott. “It’s the frosting on the cake.”

Behind the scenes

Not only can one feel the family-run atmosphere when attending a show, but also the personal touches and the intimate, catered feeling that brings people back time-after-time and makes the Candlelight Pavilion a special and unique dinner/theater venue. “We only serve fresh food; we even make our own ice cream,” says Mick of the great dishes they serve. Everything is controlled and run by the Bollinger family when it comes to the dining experience, the building and the shows. They make all the on-set costumes, which, post production, are then rented out and benefit school theater productions. They design and construct all set elements. The food is carefully thought out and made fresh for the audience, and the actors are auditioned and hand picked for every production. The Candlelight Pavilion stages about 10 shows a year, all taking months of advanced planning to carry out successfully. “It’s like a jig saw puzzle,” says Mick, describing the process of choosing shows. “We have to find what shows are available, but we don’t get first pick. Any large tours or remakes being run at the same time cannot be done; then we have to find what tracks fit the shows.” It is a complex, tedious process to put out a yearly theater schedule, but it is well planned with the audience in mind. Some shows are even requested to be brought back by the loyal patrons who come to the theater.

Doing it for the children

A unique annual show is the Summer Children’s Program and Workshop. This three-week program helps children with their acting ambitions and covers everything from headshots to theater etiquette, ending with a performance. Children of all ages learn the theater trade via hands-on advice from professionals who work behind the scenes and on the stage. At the end of the three-week program, the children put on an actual theater performance. This year it is “Once Upon a Mattress,” to be performed in front of a paying Candlelight Pavilion audience. This unique experience helps community children enhance their love and knowledge for the theater and gives them the opportunity to launch a career and do another show for the Candlelight Pavilion. The annual Christmas production has become a favorite, too, of many Candlelight Pavilion patrons, new and old alike.

From great food, amazing service, an entertaining show and everything in between, the Candlelight Pavilion is a dining and entertainment experience that is unique and special. As the room fills with thunderous applause, the cast takes its final bow, and the audience is full of complimentary and enthusiastic chatter. The curtain may be going down for “The Pajama Game,” but after 25 successful years of entertainment and community involvement, the curtain will be going up countless times in the future, as Ben D. Bollinger’s Candlelight Pavilion and Dinner Theater continues to bring quality entertainment to the Inland Valley.

For information and show times, visit the website www.candlelightpavilion.com.

Upcoming Shows

The Candlelight Pavilion is known for its entertaining and unforgettable shows, and for the 2010 season, that is on par with “Will Rogers Follies,” (closing Sept. 26), an intriguing revue that spotlights the glamour of Will’s Ziegfeld Follies days. Also showing throughout the season is “Return to Sin City: Big Band Nights 2010.” Sure to be a hit is the “Silver Jubilee” (Oct. 1-3) that celebrates 25 years of the theater’s success, revisiting more than 170 productions, countless familiar faces and unforgettable memories. Ben Bollinger and family will serve as hosts.

Mick Bollinger, general manager of the Candlelight Pavilion and son of founder Ben D. Bollinger, takes pride in the success of his family’s dinner theater. / photo by Michael D. Martinez

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Stocking shelves, repairing bikes and making sure that all customers leave the store satisfied keeps general manager and owner of Jax Bicycle Center, Jonathan Chang, busy and content. / photo by Walter Mansilla

by Jordan Litke
photography by Walter Mansilla

Jax Bicycle Center in downtown Claremont has been keeping the community in bicycles for more than 30 years. Once the site of Bud’s Bicycle Shop, the store has made slight changes over time to meet customer needs, and today is more focused on the family recreational rider than the hardcore competitor.

Jax is a Trek concept store, which means they predominantly carry the Trek brand of bicycles and accessories. Along with the products they provide, they have full-service bicycle maintenance capabilities. After purchasing a bicycle, customers can come in and get free adjustments for the first 60 days of ownership. Jax can build bikes from scratch, starting with just a frame, and allow customers to personally choose the other necessary elements.

Because they are avid bicyclists themselves, the Jax staff can instruct customers on what would best suit them. “There is no such thing as the best bike. It’s what’s best for the individual,” says Jonathan Chang, manager of Jax in Claremont. Chang and the other employees do not attempt to sell the most expensive bike on the rack. They sell what is most suitable for each client.

Claremont resident Scott Eddy has been a customer since the shop was still Bud’s. He always loved the service he received from Bud’s. When he discovered that the new owners could take care of his cycling needs, he decided to remain a customer. He had Bud’s specially build bicycles for him, and he is now having Jax custom-build him new ones. “You don’t go into Wal-Mart or something and get a bike,” Eddy says. For serious cyclists, the smallest detail can make a big difference in a ride. Although some would never purchase an off-the-shelf bicycle at a store like Wal-Mart, many bicycle shops, including Jax, are able to make adjustments on any bike, giving it a more personalized ride.

Not only are the people at Jax concerned with bikes and accessories, they are also big advocates of cycling. They want to encourage the sport for personal health and for the betterment of the environment. They avidly support groups like Bikes Belong, based in Washington, D.C., Warrior’s Society, based in Cleveland, and The California Bicycle Coalition. Chang says that Jax really does maintain a bicycle-friendly work ethic, encouraging their employees to ride to work instead of drive. They try to allow time in their work schedule for the extra effort it takes to bicycle to work.

Chang says that he works for Jax for four basic reasons. One, he gets to work on bikes. Two, he gets to ride bikes. Three, he get to talk about bikes. And four, he gets paid to do it. Since the staff consists of serious riders, customers know they are getting reliable facts and full service from this small bike shop.

Besides Claremont, Jax also has locations in Irvine, Huntington Beach, Fullerton, Long Beach, Mission Viejo and Yorba Linda.

From children’s bikes to adult bikes, Jax Bicycle Center in the Claremont Village carries several contemporary brands of bicycles, including Trek, LeMond, Haro, Nirve and Electra as well as bike parts, clothing and other bike-related products. / photo by Walter Mansilla

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Botanical Gardens volunteers Michael and Susan Gregory. / photo by Leah Heagy

by Dustin Smith
photography by Leah Heagy

Tucked behind the Claremont School of Theology, there is a piece of California history that has been growing for many years: the Rancho Santa Ana Botanical Gardens. Much different from other gardens, this garden consists of a diverse display of California native plants that are expert survivors of the California sun. Not only does the garden offer breathtaking views, it also offers education about California native plants.

The garden is quiet and calming, which enables visitors to hear the chatter of birds in the trees and the scurrying of squirrels running through the bush. This environment quickly allows one to forget that a Los Angeles suburb surrounds the gardens.

“Now is a good time to visit the gardens,” says Michael Gregory, a volunteer at the gardens. “I like to go there with my wife. We go there and walk quite often. Also, a lot of photographers and painters go there in the spring to capture the colors in the springtime blooms.” During his time as an elementary school teacher, he brought his students to enjoy the beauty of the garden.

What is different about these plants at the gardens is that they are native California plants, which require much less water and are used less frequently as houseplants. The plants can be purchased at the gardens store, and are promoted at the garden’s annual fall and spring sales.

“The sale in fall is huge,” says Gregory, who began volunteering at the garden three years ago. After taking an eight-week orientation class to become a nature interpreter, he began volunteering as a tour guide for primary school children.

At the fall sale, many commercial buyers and landscapers make large purchases, since the winter season is a popular time to plant for flowers to bloom in spring. The spring sale is about as a third as successful, since many people do not plant during the upcoming summer season. Many people worry about the longevity of their plants, not knowing that many California native plants can take the heat of the summer sun and require less water than most plants.

“We waste so much water, and it is a growing concern,” says Robert Neher, professor of biology at the University of La Verne. Neher, concerned about the environment and the conservation of water, has taken an extra step to protect the environment. He created his own California native garden at his house. He has replaced his front yard with California native plants that require much less water to keep growing.

“I plant things I don’t have to water, which saves water,” says Neher.

The strong push for water conservation has given the garden a promotional boost, since the public has recently become more interested in conserving water. According to Gregory, more people are calling and visiting the garden in search of more information about drought-tolerant plants.

Brooke Gray, a senior biology major at the University of La Verne, had originally heard of the gardens at an Earth Day fair at ULV.

“I wanted to know more about it, but I didn’t know where it was,” says Gray. “I was excited when Neher said we were going to the gardens as part of our environmental lab.”

“The gardens are a microcosm of what California was and what it should be,” says Gray. “Californians plant too many plants that require too much water. It also serves as a testament to the fact that all lands, no matter how barren, will produce life that is attractive and appealing.”

The gardens are making a push for awareness, with more advertising and through articles in local newspapers. Also, the gardens offer information on when to plant different species of plants. At the gardens, visitors can buy plants that are pleasing to look at, such as bush poppies and lupine plants that display a bright blue color.

For more information about the Rancho Santa Ana Botanical Gardens, visit www.rsabg.org. Admission is free to the public. However, donations are welcome. Hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The gardens are located at 1500 North College Ave., Claremont, Calif., 91711-3157, (909) 625-8767.

Flowers fill the landscape in springtime at the Rancho Santa Ana Botanical Gardens. / photo by Leah Heagy

Coast iris / photo by Leah Heagy

Hedgehog cactus / photo by Leah Heagy

California poppy / photo by Leah Heagy

Matilija poppy / photo by Leah Heagy

Lupine in bloom / photo by Leah Heagy

photo by Leah Heagy

photo by Leah Heagy

photo by Leah Heagy

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Once known as Claremont Books and Print, Second Story Books of Claremont was reopened in November 2007 by new owner Kyle Hernandez. / photo by Leah Heagy

by Jillian Peña
photography by Leah Heagy

As summer approaches and those of us in the Inland Empire look to the outdoors for our weekend entertainment, the streets of Claremont Village begin to buzz with students making summer plans and families talking about how beautiful the weather is. While walking around the Village, you may notice a small, unpretentious sign for a bookstore located on Yale Street.

If you aren’t looking for “Second Story – Books of Claremont,” you might miss the small blue door wedged between a busy Italian restaurant and an upscale woman’s clothing boutique. But if you do find it, consider yourself lucky because you are about to embark on an adventure equal to that of the “Odyssey,” “Moby Dick” or “Pride and Prejudice.” You have just found a book lover’s paradise.

The creaky and poorly lit staircase that leads to the second story bookstore sets the stage for the fairytale setting that lies above. Like entering the enchanted wardrobe from the classic C.S. Lewis tales of “The Chronicles of Narnia,” or the secret passageways in the ever-popular Nancy Drew books, it is hard to know what lies beyond that last step. Your excitement rises; the smell of books and dust is now bombarding your senses. As you climb the steps, your eye catches the floor-to-ceiling bookshelf packed with books of all kinds. These priceless treasures are just waiting to be dusted off and cracked open.

Once you reach the final step of the old staircase, it takes a minute to really take in what you are looking at. The maze-like second story is divided into several rooms—eight, to be exact. Each has floor-to-ceiling bookshelves packed with fact and fiction. Customers ranging in age from 17 to 87 mill around the 24-year-old store looking for something that will spark their interests. This task is not exactly difficult because the small store, filled with so much character, has what seems to be an endless selection of categories from which to choose. Topics range from philosophy, Americana, New Testament studies and math to European literature, Civil War, politics, dance and architecture.

Kyle Hernandez, a 22-year-old Covina resident, sits quietly behind the front desk with a small cash register and computer. He looks like your average college student, kicking back at his part-time job, just making some extra cash. However, he is actually the owner of the bookstore. To own a bookstore at age 22 is something most would flaunt, but Hernandez is a very modest man.

“Book lover is the only business that I have ever known, and I wouldn’t trade it for the world,” Hernandez says. Last October he bought the store from a man who had owned it for 24 years, when it was called “Claremont Books and Prints.” Hernandez was familiar with the store because of his passion for the written word. One day he saw a sign that said something along the lines of “If you want to own a bookstore, call this number.” So he picked up the phone on a whim and called.

Hernandez is determined to maintain the unique character of the store where you can buy, sell and trade books, and where it is possible to find a 1901 version of the classic novel “Canterbury Tales.” Miranda Garcia, a 20-year-old college student, loves the atmosphere that the store offers to its customers. Garcia’s grandmother always encouraged her to read as a child. She left Garcia several first-edition books when she passed away, and that sparked Garcia’s passion to find other first editions of classic novels.

“I love coming here. Every time you walk in you can find some treasure. Right now, I’m looking at this 1901 version of the ‘Canterbury Tales.’ Seriously, it’s like holding history in your hands,” Garcia says as she walks away to sit and flip through the pages of the old book.

The store is meant to feel like a place where you can come to escape. It is okay to curl up in a corner and read for a while. There are even strategically placed old wooden chairs that invite customers into their arms to enjoy a few quick pages of their book of choice. Hernandez admits that if the funds were available, he would make a few changes to the store.

The biggest change, though, is the addition of a Web site at secondstoryclaremont.com, where customers can go to access information about the store and buy books online. The site came to Hernandez free of charge because one of the store’s regulars offered to create the Web site in exchange for books. That is part of the charm of the bookstore; it is a place where people feel comfortable coming back time and time again. Many of the regulars become personal friends with Hernandez. As a matter of fact, people love the store so much that many of the books that the store receives tend to be from former patrons who have passed away and whose families donate the books to the store as instructed in their will.

So if you are looking for a place almost as good as home to curl up with a good book, drop by this cozy hideaway for an adventure, a fairytale, a poem or anything else your literary appetite desires.

photo by Leah Heagy

photo by Leah Heagy

photo by Leah Heagy

photo by Leah Heagy

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