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The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, October 28, 2010
Eye Street The Lowdown with Matt Munoz
Musicians lend buddy a hand Fundraiser will help Younger Half alum BY MATT MUNOZ Bakotopia.com editor mmunoz@bakersfield.com
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f you remember The Younger Half, consider yourself “old school.” Popular for their flashy costumes and high-energy performances, the Victorville quintet was living life in the fast lane during the ‘80s. The band toured their way from the high desert all the way to Hawaii, and Bakersfield was one of the band’s top fan bases. Performing a virtual jukebox of Top 40 hits of the day, bandmates Jimmy Hinojos, bass; Victor Garcia, drums; Wayne Wright, keyboard; Juan Lopez, vocals; and Juan Rios always looked forward to returning to their “home away from home.” “We actually went to Bakersfield in 1978 and performed at Maison Jaussaud’s — now the site of Golden West Casino, for some years,” said Rios via telephone from his home in Victorville. “That was our first gig in the city, and we ended up making a lot of lifelong friends. We were known as a show band.” And put on a show they did. With groovy costumes and a Latino flair, their futuristic funkiness even scored them a scene in the 1984 breakdance comedy “Breakin’ 2: Electric Boogaloo.” The casting was obvious: the Latin Band. “We had special FX, pyrotechnics. We opened for Midnight Starr, Cameo, Gladys Knight, Luther
Go to Bakotopia.com now and save money! Don’t have enough ducats to see Sublime with Rome and The Dirty Heads on Nov. 5 at Rabobank Convention Center? Head over to our website Bakotopia.com and find the contest link to enter to win a pair of free tickets. That's right, we said free! Stay tuned for my interview with Rome from Sublime next week. Vandross, and were very serious about it,” said Rios of his days as a 20-year-old guitarist. But as musical tastes change, so do personal plans. Band members switch occupations, and performances become infrequent. For Rios, the thought of quitting music and dancing never even crossed his mind. That is, until complications from diabetes entered the picture later in life, causing the amputation of his right leg in June of 2007. Rios’ insurance coverage helped him get the prosthetic leg he needed, but over time it became painful to wear, confining him to a wheelchair. To make matters worse his insurance would not cover any replacement prosthesis, which can run up to $10,000. When news of Rios’ situation spread, the musical friendships built during his Younger Half days began to resurface. In hopes of helping him get back in stride with a new prosthetic leg, a fundraiser has been organized for this Sunday at the Bakersfield Eagles Club, 1718 17th St., beginning at 2 p.m. Performing at the benefit concert are bands Latin Breeze, Truce, The Press, Reggie and The Mighty Statons from Fresno, plus a special appearance by Rios and members of the original Younger Half band. “Juan’s a good friend and we
wanted to help him out,” said longtime friend and co-organizer Michael Cancholla of Bakersfield. “I love his passion for music, and if you saw him with The Younger Half back in the day, you would know what I was talking about. Those were the days.” Rios was touched by the outpouring of support. “I have more reason to live today than I’ve had in the last three years. They showed me how much they valued my friendship, and I really appreciate it. I compare this leg to having an old ‘56 Chevy. I’m looking forward to having a Mercedes.” A $10 donation is requested at the event, and all proceeds will go toward helping Rios purchase a new prosthetic leg. For more information or to make a donation, call 324-9684.
In upcoming concert and contest news… This Tuesday at 6 p.m. Jerry’s Pizza, 1817 Chester Ave., hosts a last-minute electro nightmare of a show with Brokencyde, A SkyLit Drive, Millionaires and others. Once a trio of potty-mouthed party girls who “DGAF,” OC’s Millionaires have since become a duo. Sister’s Melissa and Allison Greene have just released their new EP “Cash Only,” much to the delight of pubescent boys everywhere. Admission for the all-ages show is $16. For more info, visit timgardeapresents.com or call Jerry’s at 633-1000. Tickets are currently on sale for Social Distortion with guests Lucero at the Kern County Fairgrounds on Jan. 24. Social D vocalist Mike Ness loves Bakersfield so much he’s joined the ranks of others who’ve written a song about our beloved city. The song was first performed live in 2006 and should make it on their new album, which will most likely sound like the last one. Tickets for
Matt Munoz is editor of Bakotopia.com, a sister website of The Californian that devotes itself to promoting Bakersfield’s art scene. Matt’s column appears every Thursday in Eye Street.
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE YOUNGER HALF
The Younger Half in 1982, from left: Jimmy Hinojos, Juan Rios, Victor Garcia, Juan Lopez and Wayne Wright.
the upcoming concert cost a very un-punk rock $36, and can be purchased at World Records, Impact in the Valley Plaza, Outer Limits and more. For more info, visit timgardeapresents.com.
Matt’s Picks Just Dave Band at Fishlips, 1517 18th St., at 9 p.m. Saturday, $5, 324-2557. It’s hard keeping up with busy Bakersfield singer and killer harp player Dave “Trigger” Bernal. Bringing his band of funky ghouls for the annual downtown haunt, Bernal recently scored a gig producing VH-1’s “Don’t Forget The Lyrics.” I can’t stand that show, but a gig’s a gig and Dave is one talented mofo onstage. There’s also a big costume contest that evening, so plan accordingly before you make the evening rounds. “Rocky Horror Picture Show” at The Majestic Fox Theatre, 2001 H St., at 10 p.m. Saturday, $10, 324-1369. The classic 1975 film with Tim Curry and Susan Sarandon returns for another year and just in time for fans of the annoyingly
fab TV show “Glee.” Local Rocky Horror troupe The Velvet Darkness are back for some pre-show festivities to get you prepped. The movie starts at midnight, so make sure you’ve had enough caffeine or energy drinks before you head over. Prop bags will be available for purchase to make sure you have all the right stuff to throw at each other. Try it, you’ll like it. Day of The Dead / Dia De Los Muertos Celebration at Golden State Mall, at 6 p.m. Tuesday, free, 345-5842. Every year on All Souls Day, the living gather to pray for and remember loved ones. Celebrated around the world with a variety of customs, it really is a “Dead Man’s Party.” Organized by Cruz “Cruzenator” Ramos with help from the Dolores Huerta Foundation, this year’s event will be the biggest yet. There will be an altar display, folkloric dancing, poetry readings, plus live music from Vanity Avenue, Mento Buru, and Velorio. It’s also free. Who could ask for more? Everybody’s coming, leave your body at the door.