Layla Abbas
Staff Writer
Adults, children and pets enjoyed an evening of free entertainment during Friday Nights Live on Oct. 6 at the Village Square Public Plaza, Claremont Chamber Patio, City Council Chamber Plaza and Shelton Park Stage.
David Warner, 83, danced with his wife, 98, in the Public Plaza in Claremont to swing music by Harmony Sisters and the Little Big Band in the Claremont Village.
As Warner spun his wife around, they encouraged smiles from roughly 100 people walking about the village and watching them dance.
“My previous wife was handicapped from the waist down and we didn’t dance,” Warner said. “I started dancing after she passed away to find something to do and then I fell in love with it. And that is how I met this young lady here.”
Warner said he dances with his wife at least three to four times a week, before he called her a cougar and laughed.
The entertainment is provided by the Claremont Chamber of Commerce, the City of Claremont, Claremont Village Marketing Group and Claremont Village Square.
Adrienne McNeill, a worker for adults and children with disabilities, found herself in Claremont’s Public Plaza after she watched a movie at Laemmle Theatre.
McNeill documented her first time at Friday Nights on Facebook Live.
“I had a minor surgery today and the doctor told me I can either go home and be sad or go out and enjoy the day,” McNeill said.
“So after the movie, I heard the music and saw everyone enjoying themselves, and here I am,” she said.
The plaza was just one of the many places people could find their scene. With over 150 businesses in the village, there is something to do and look at wherever you go.
During a cover of the song “Love Potion No. 9” by the Harmony Sisters and the Little Big Band, who sings swing and blues music, an older gentleman danced with his cane inciting onlookers’ smiles.
The Village is comprised of unique shops, retro boutiques and impressive artistry.
It also has a wide, diverse selection of restaurants including Afghan, Argentinean, Thai, French, Indian and Greek food.
Betsy Blackard, a development psychology student at Claremont Graduate University, enjoyed pizza from Blaze Pizza as she watched her friends from the band, In the Land of Giants perform.
“I love Claremont’s proximity to many sites like Joshua Tree, Mt. Baldy and Los Angeles,” Blackard said. “The architecture around Claremont shows the city’s commitment to preserving the history.”
Aside from Friday Nights Live, the Art Mart at the Claremont Packing House also takes place from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday.
May Perey, creator of Que Sera Designs, hand makes affordable jewelry such as rings, bracelets, necklaces and earrings.
Perey earned a Juris Doctor degree in law, but said she finds creating one of a kind pieces more fulfilling than a law career.
“I wanted to be my own boss. It is very rewarding because you’re doing something you love and that you’re good at,” Perey said. “It is less stressful to know you’re not going to have a boss breathing down on your neck.”
Friday Nights Live will continue from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. every Friday through Oct. 27. The musical performances on Oct. 13 will be the Buckets Band, Soulshine Band, Slinker and Squeekin’ Wheels.
Layla Abbas can be reached at layla.abbas@laverne.edu.
