The historic Garner House at Memorial Park came alive on July 27, 2024, as the Treasury of Claremont Music Summer Concert marked its triumphant return to Claremont's cultural calendar. First launched in February 2020, the Treasury series was unfortunately interrupted by the pandemic shortly after its debut. Now, four years later, this collaboration between Claremont Heritage and Claremont Music Scene brought together some of our city's most influential musical figures for an evening of celebration and outstanding performances.
Brian Luft, President of Claremont Music Club, served as master of ceremonies for the evening, while David Shearer and John Neiuber of Claremont Heritage handled the honoree presentations with grace and insight. The evening kicked off with Mick Rhodes and the Hard Eight delivering a powerful opening set that immediately captured the audience's attention. Thanks to the expert sound engineering of Ray Woods, every note rang clear through the warm summer evening, creating an exceptional listening experience for performers and audience alike. As the performances continued with Roy Durnal and the renowned Ellen Harper of the Folk Music Center, the audience remained spellbound, clearly moved by the historic significance of the gathering.
This year's honorees represented a diverse cross-section of Claremont's rich musical heritage: Justin Andres, an accomplished session musician and tour manager; Roy Durnal, a cornerstone of Claremont's rhythm section for over five decades; the legendary Folk Music Center; the late David Lindley, whose musical genius touched countless lives; and Mick Rhodes, whose contributions to the local music scene span over four decades.
The evening was enhanced by the exceptional catering provided by event sponsor As You Like It, who created a spread that matched the high caliber of the performances. Their attention to detail and quality service contributed significantly to the event's elegant atmosphere.
What made the evening particularly special was watching multiple generations of Claremont musicians sharing the stage, trading stories, and celebrating our community's musical legacy. Past honorees Marguerite Millard, Jerry O'Sullivan, and David Millard joined in the performances, creating unexpected and delightful musical moments that perfectly captured the collaborative spirit of Claremont's music scene.
The success of this event not only honored our musical past but also pointed toward a vibrant future for live music in Claremont. The revival of the Treasury series after its pandemic-induced hiatus demonstrates the resilience of our local music community and its commitment to preserving and celebrating our rich musical heritage.
Special thanks go to all the volunteers, sponsors, and organizers who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure everything ran smoothly. Their dedication helped create an unforgettable evening that will be remembered as a highlight in Claremont's cultural calendar.
The Treasury of Claremont Music Summer Concert served as a powerful reminder of why we continue to celebrate and support our local music scene. It's not just about the music—it's about the community, the history, and the endless possibilities that arise when we come together to honor our artistic legacy.
