Eye Street Entertainment / 8 - 8 - 13

14

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, August 8, 2013

Eye Street Editor Jennifer Self | Phone 395-7434 | e-mail jself@bakersfield.com

Index Comedy at the Prospect Lounge ............ 16 Arts Alive .................................................. 18 Bakersfield Collector-Con ........................ 19 The Lowdown with Matt Munoz ............ 20 Golden Empire Gleaners Casino Night .... 21 This Week’s Obsessions .......................... 22 “Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters” ........ 23 Calendar .............................................. 26-27

Cast, gags make for high comedy Sudeikis, newcomer break out in summer laughfest ‘Millers’

BY PRESTON JONES Fort Worth Star-Telegram

M

ultiplex summers have long been the province of lewd comedies, stretching back to the glory days of the ’80s.

The past few summers, however, have been home to ostensibly funny movies forsaking fundamentals — interesting characters, compelling stories, relatively fresh takes on genre tropes — and instead intent on going for broke.

There are exceptions — “Bridesmaids” memorably broke the mold in 2011, and Seth MacFarlane’s “Ted” was rejuvenating last year — but the recent majority of studios’ summertime sillies have been trying way too hard.

Thankfully, “We’re the Millers” falls into the exception category.

Anchored by breakout performances from Jason Sudeikis and Will Poulter, “Millers” is a raunchy, hilarious and ultimately sweet-natured riff on the triedand-true road trip comedy.

Directed by Rawson Marshall Thurber from a screenplay stitched together by four credited authors (Bob Fisher, Steve Faber, Sean Anders and John Morris),

Inside Percy Jackson is back at it in sequel, 23

the film wastes little time establishing its straightforward premise.

Low-level pot dealer David (Sudeikis) is robbed, and forced by his friend and boss, Brad (Ed Helms), to head south of the border and return an RV full of weed over the Fourth of July weekend.

In order to blend in and avoid suspicion from authorities, David hits upon the idea of recruiting a fake family: stripper neighbor Rose (Jennifer Aniston), troubled runaway Casey (Emma Roberts) and awkward teen Kenny (Poulter).

The foursome sets off to retrieve the marijuana, and all manner of off-color hijinks occur — including a horrifyingly memorable (and incredibly uncomfortable) spider bite.

As with “The Heat” earlier this summer, “Millers” walks a tricky tightrope between violent action and gasp-inducing comedy, albeit more successfully.

“We’re the Millers” is far more concerned with its off-kilter nuclear family than the stakes of completing a drug deal, allowing the story to unfold at a more leisurely pace. The film sags in places — at nearly two hours, “Millers” could benefit from a few

MICHAEL TACKETT / WARNER BROS. ENTERTAINMENT

From left, Emma Roberts, Jennifer Aniston, Jason Sudeikis and Will Poulter appear in “We’re the Millers,” an at-times raunchy but generally playful comedy perfect for summer.

trims here and there — but shines when the cast, fueled by tremendous chemistry, is allowed

to cut loose and tear into a series of juicy comic setpieces.

Sudeikis, in his first film since

confirming his exit from “Saturday Night Live,” manages to Please see MILLERS / 24

Big dreams for the big screen? Here’s your chance O THE BAKERSFIELD CALIFORNIAN

rganizers of an ambitious new festival are hoping to make Kern County a magnet for promising filmmakers, but the first step is to put the word out about getting submissions in.

The inaugural Outside the Box Bakersfield Film Festival, scheduled for Nov. 8-10, is seeking entries in four film tracks: • films made by or about people with developmental disabilities • America’s veterans and their stories of survival and recovery • spiritual-based films that inspire and awaken love and compassion

Submit your film to Outside the Box Bakersfield Film Festival

Deadline: Sept. 9; enter by Aug. 19 for entry fee discount Entry fees: $10 to $60 Information: bakersfieldfilmfest.com Festival date: Nov. 8-10

• mainstream independent films.

Within those overall tracks are four subcategories: feature/documentaries, shorts, music videos and animation. The winners of each of the four overall categories

will win $1,250, and trophies will be awarded to several runnersup.

“This is the first attempt of a larger-scale film festival than anything Kern County has seen in the past,” said Rob Meszaros, who is handling marketing for the event.

“We have a city big enough to support something like this.”

The festival was the brainchild of Rick Davis, retired Kern County film commissioner and president of the Fox Foundation, Meszaros said.

The Fox had long wanted to host a large film festival, so Davis reached out to a couple of established local film organizations, such as Inclusion Films, which

works with the developmentally disabled and is run by Joey Travolta.

Travolta, coordinator of the disabilities track of the competition, will bestow an award in memory of his nephew, Jett — the son of actors John Travolta and Kelly Preston — who had autism and died at age 16 in 2009 after suffering a seizure.

Handling the spiritual track of the festival is Joe Brown, organizer of the annual Bakersfield Christian Youth Film Festival.

Davis and entertainment industry executive Bob Bender will oversee the veterans and mainstream independent film categories.

The festival weekend will feature 42 screenings, according to a media release that lists an array of activities, including parties, workshops and a trade show. All the action will take place in downtown Bakersfield, centering around screenings at the Fox complex and the nearby Spotlight Theatre. Tejon Ranch has put up about $15,000 for sponsorship.

Filmmakers who submit their work by Aug. 19 will get a break on the entry fees, which range from $10 to $60. The final submission deadline is Sept. 9.

Screening ticket prices vary. For more information on the festival or to submit a film, visit bakersfieldfilmfest.com.

15

Thursday, August 8, 2013 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street Karen Blockley |1958-2013

Symphony loses a bright light Cancer claims life of 40-year BSO cellist

S

he was the cellist with the bright auburn hair and even brighter smile. Karen Blockley, co-principal cellist and a member of the Bakersfield Symphony for more than 40 years, died Monday morning at Bakersfield Memorial Hospital.

Blockley, who had just celebrated her 55th birthday, was fighting an aggressive cancer, according to her husband, Ted, and the treatments were further impairing her health. Blockley said his wife recently contracted pneumonia and was admitted to the hospital.

“They treated her for that, but there was just nothing left — it just knocked the stuffing out of her,” he said.

Mrs. Blockley is survived by her husband; two children, Anna and Ricky, and their respective families, including granddaughter, Cecilia.

“More than anything else, she loved her family,” Blockley said.

But there was one more member of the family: the cello.

“She wove that into just about everything,” her husband said.

That “everything” included her role as a wife and mother, performer, and also her roles as a business owner and educator.

Born Karen Shively, the Bakersfield native first encountered the cello while in grade school when a teacher suggested she learn the instrument. She began studying privately with Beverly Lam-

“I prayed and prayed that she would join me again. But now she will be right beside me in spirit.

I’m sure of that.”

— Diane Malecki, of Karen Blockley, with whom Malecki shared first chair in cello at the Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra since the 1989-90 season.

bourne, a member of what was then known as the Kern Philharmonic. The student joined the orchestra’s cello section as an eighth-grader, eventually earning the co-principal chair of the cello section. She remained with the orchestra until the middle of the 2012-13 season, when her illness forced her to take a leave of absence “Most of the Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra musicians grew up here, studied here; they often joined the orchestra through their teachers,” said BSO conductor John Farrer. “Karen was definitely a member of that family — she kind of grew up in the orchestra.”

Beyond her abilities as a musician, Farrer praised his friend’s character, noting her work ethic, professionalism, reliability and versatility. But there was something more.

“Always the thing that sticks in my mind is her intelligence and always a positive, happy attitude,” Farrer said. “I can’t ever remember Karen ever being in a bad mood.”

Susan Scaffidi CONTRIBUTING COLUMNIST

Regular BSO audience members will recall the cellist with the head of bright auburn hair, sitting next to principal cellist Diane Malecki, with whom she shared the first chair stand since the 1989-90 season.

“We just enjoyed playing together so much; it was pure joy,” said Malecki, whose friendship with Blockley spanned an entire lifetime — as high school classmates, cello students under Lambourne, as well as orchestra members.

“It was an honor to have her as my stand partner — not only as a friend, but as a wonderful cellist,” Malecki said.

“I prayed and prayed that she would join me again,” Malecki said, after Blockley took her leave of absence. “But now she will be right beside me in spirit. I’m sure of that.”

Even her career in business can be traced to her apprenticeship in music. Mrs. Blockley, who owned Air and Sea Travel, learned the trade while working part time for Lambourne Travel Agency, the family business of her cello teacher.

“What (her career) ultimately allowed her to do was give her the freedom to do more music,” Blockley said.

Family trips often included music and the cello, whether continuing her own education by attending chamber music workshops in Oregon, an international cello exposition in Russia with Mstislav Rostropovich, or even arranging a trip to Italy to include a stopover at Cremona, where the famed Stradivarius instruments were made.

“She came home with a cello,” her husband noted.

At home, the cellist continued

PHOTO COURTESY OF BAKERSFIELD SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

This undated photo shows Karen Blockley at a rehearsal of the Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra. The co-principal cellist played with the orchestra for more than 40 years.

to stretch herself as a performer, playing in several string quartets and other chamber groups, performing both established works and new compositions. She was the first call for most musicians, making herself available for any kind of musical event, often for little or no pay. When I was pursuing my master’s in choral conducting, she did me the great kindness of performing for my recital as well as numerous other performances, and always brought with her a sunny attitude, profound musical insight and lovely playing.

Mrs. Blockley was a dedicated teacher as well. She was part of the adjunct faculty in the CSUB music department, had a private cello studio, and in what may be her most enduring musical project, served as president of the Bakersfield Youth Symphony Orchestra.

Working up a sweat in the moonlight

BY MIRANDA WHITWORTH Contributing writer

Believing moonlight makes every activity better — especially exercise, especially in August — organizers of the Howlin’ at the Moon Fun Run are hoping hundreds of joggers will hit the pavement to raise funds for the Bakersfield Police Department’s K9 unit.

The run — which varies in distance from two to 10 kilometers — takes place Saturday, Aug. 17, at the Park at River Walk, and discounts are available for early registration.

Police Sgt. Mike Hale said the idea for the moonlight event was hatched 12 years ago by the department’s K9 handlers.

“We would go out on the river bottom sometimes at night and there was a time we were out and the moon was full. It was surprising how lit up everything was and I think someone in the unit suggested it would be a great idea to have the run at night."

Though the moon won’t be entirely full on Aug. 17, according to moon-phases.net, there should be plenty of light for the 800 to 900 runners Hale is expecting, a turnout

he said confirms how willing Kern County residents are to support a good cause.

“There are so many runs, so many charity events out there. The community is so great, people always show up and there is a great turnout for everything. People love to help raise money and donations. We are grateful for that.”

While the event is about having fun and beating the August heat, the proceeds are vital for funding training opportunities and buying equipment. But, Hale said, one of the best ways the money is put to use is with community events.

When I last interviewed her, she was cataloguing the orchestral library of the late conductor Richard Rintoul. The teacher was overjoyed that she had been able to acquire Rintoul’s library of some 700 orchestra scores and parts, and had spent an entire summer organizing the library so it could serve the student musicians.

“She loved the teaching,” her husband said. “She was always glad to see students excel.”

Karen Blockley will be missed by her family and by her extended family of fellow musicians and students, not just for the music she made, but for the happy person she was.

Funeral services are pending.

Susan Scaffidi, a regular Californian contributor, is an accomplished musician who has a long family history with the Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra.

Howlin’ at the Moon Fun Run When: Aug. 17; 2k begins at 8 p.m., and the 5k/10k begins at 8:30 p.m.

Where: Park at Riverwalk, 11200 Stockdale Highway Registration: $25 before Aug. 14; $30 on-site Information: 326-3685

“We do a lot of demonstrations for the public. We like to go to schools or the Kiwanis Club and things of that nature.

When we get out with the kids we like to have stuff to give away like stickers and pencils. So the money from this run goes to help us with that.”

16

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, August 8, 2013

Eye Street “I started doing stand-up in college for Top Ramen money and to impress girls. It got me a lot of Top Ramen.”

— Joe Alaniz, Bakersfield comedian

Comedy in Bakersfield?

It’s a funny business Comedians here, but fans, venues a little more scarce

BY MATT MUNOZ Californian staff writer mmunoz@bakersfield.com

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rying to pull a serious answer from a pair of comedians isn’t easy, but what fun would that be anyway?

For aspiring funnymen Danny Hill and Joe Alaniz of Bakersfield, holding a serious tone while engaging even the smallest audience is comedy poison, a situation to be avoided at all costs.

At least that’s the plan that will guide the duo tonight, when they take the stage at Prospect Lounge inside the Padre Hotel for an evening of live stand-up comedy.

“If I don’t perform at least three times a week, I start to tell jokes to my 6-year-old niece. Most of it goes over her head,” said Alaniz, 27. “I will start telling jokes to telemarketers who call me. They are paid to listen, and I’m not cutting the checks, so win-win.”

Alaniz has been making the standup rounds after getting the bug during his starving college years at Fresno State.

“I started doing stand-up in college for Top Ramen money and to impress girls. It got me a lot of Top Ramen.”

Rimshot.

Hill, 33, started his fledgling standup career in high school — to decidedly mixed reviews.

“One of my history teachers ran for local office and lost. So at the next pep rally, I was leading and I addressed it in front of the school.

‘Mr. Robinson, I heard you ran for City Council; I voted for you. But then again you’re my teacher, so I’m not as educated as the people who didn’t.’

He didn’t laugh, and I got suspended.”

Ouch.

That early desperation for laughs may have made them the butt of their own jokes, but today both have garnered new laughs from the stage to the airwaves.

Early risers know Hill as host of the KLLY 95.3 morning show, and Alaniz has been instrumental in helping cultivate the local comedy scene for some time now. Together, they’ve forged a bond in their mission to put Bakersfield’s burgeoning stand-up scene on the map, organizing shows such as the Padre showcase.

MATT MUNOZ / THE CALIFORNIAN

Bakersfield radio personality and comedian Danny Hill, left, and Joe Alaniz appear at the Prospect Lounge inside the Padre Hotel tonight.

Comedy at the Prospect Lounge When: 8 tonight Where: Padre Hotel Prospect Lounge, 1702 18th St. Admission: $5 advance or $10 at the door Information: 427-4900 or 559213-0173

“Not a lot of people know there is comedy in Bakersfield,” said Alaniz. “I have run into fellow Bakersfield natives at shows in L.A., and they have had no idea they could have seen one of the acts (me) right down the street from them.”

But where visibility among the general public is low, the camaraderie and support among fellow comics runs deep.

“They call each other for gigs, share jokes and constantly promote,” Hill said. “Over the last three years I’ve seen an increase in comics and shows in Bakersfield. Business owners realize it’s cheap, easy and packs an early drinking crowd.”

Bakersfield’s large venues — the Rabobank and Fox — regularly compete to satisfy the city’s appetite for humor, booking big names like Jerry Seinfeld, George Lopez, Ron White, Mike Epps, Gabriel Iglesias and Jo Koy. Alaniz would love for smaller

clubs to start thinking about jumping on board.

“I wish local venues would get behind comedy. There is potential to have a great scene locally. There are not a lot of comedians because there is no stage time, and there is no stage time because there are not a lot of comedians.”

While the problem of finding a free stage with one microphone doesn’t sound like a big production, it’s not as easy as it sounds to convince club owners to roll the dice on any live entertainment.

“There needs to be a place for people who are interested in doing comedy to go and try it out in a no-pressure fun environment. Maybe I need to be the person to open a place for people like me.”

A few local venues — Prime Cut, On the Rocks, Jerry’s Pizza — have opened their stages for some midweek comedy stints. And if comedians can’t get stage time in Bakersfield, there’s always the Hollywood Improv, Jon Lovitz Comedy Club and Pasadena Ice House, which are always on the hunt for the next Pryor, Tosh or Lopez. Hill and Alaniz make out-of-town open-mic pilgrimages regularly.

“I was emceeing a show at the Ventura Harbor Comedy Club once, and I go on stage to do a few jokes and intro the next comedians and it starts Please see COMEDY / 24

17

Thursday, August 8, 2013 The Bakersfield Californian

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18

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, August 8, 2013

Eye Street Camille Gavin CONTRIBUTING COLUMNIST

Festival keeps it short, sweet One-act plays aim for quick impressions

GO & DO BCT One Act Festival When: 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday Where: Bakersfield Community Theatre, 2400 S. Chester Ave. Admission: $15, $12 for ages 6-11 and over 65, free to children 5 and under Information: 831-8114

T

he challenge of turning a complete story into a stage play that lasts only 15 to 20 minutes seems like quite a task to me, but at least six local writers were up for the challenge.

The playwrights, and of course the audiences, will get to see their scripts come to life for the first time this weekend for Bakersfield Community Theatre’s 26th annual One Act Festival “It’s all brand new and all fresh — it’s all something people haven’t seen before,” said Janice French in a recent phone conversation. She and Edward French, BCT’s executive director, are producers of the festival.

Conflict is important in any drama and it’s not easy condensing that into a short play. Yet several of the authors have managed to do that.

A great example is “The End … ?” by actor Norman Colwell — a familiar face in shows at BCT and Stars — in his first attempt at playwriting. It concerns a husband and wife who are direct opposites in terms of their philosophy. (Now there’s a combination that’s sure to produce a conflict.)

In an email, Colwell explained the reason for the unusual punctuation in the title and its relation to the play itself.

“The title of the play ends in a question mark because the audience must determine the outcome of the play based on their personal experiences,” Colwell said. “I wanted to have contrasting ideas and personalities displayed by the two actors in my play and the end can only be decided by your personal upbringing. Who knows what lies ahead in our future? Are you ‘open’ to any possibility?”

Although Colwell would have liked to direct his own play, he asked Deva Wiloth to do it since he’s in rehearsals for “Damn Yankees,” which opens Aug. 16 at Stars.

Featured actors in “The End … ?” are Elizabeth Nager and Austin Still.

Based on

‘The Little Mermaid’ When: 7 p.m. today and 1 p.m. Saturday Where: Gaslight Melodrama, 12748 Jomani Drive Admission: $13 Information: 587-3377

‘Fiddler on the Roof Jr.’

PHOTO COURTESY OF FRANK SIERRA

“Fiddler on the Roof Jr.” will be performed at 7 p.m. Friday and 2 p.m. Saturday at Harvey Auditorium.

French’s description it appears that Porter Jamison has managed to put plenty of tension into his “Hanging About,” and to make it funny as well.

“A person has just been let go and is hanging — literally — outside the window of the company building,” she said. “It’s a statement on corporate rules and how everything is either black or white.”

Serious though it sounds, French, the director, assures me it’s definitely a comedy. The cast includes Tyler Palo, Shamaria Smith and Morning Miller.

On the other hand, “A Search for Love in Fast Forward” by Tammy Lynde deals with a sensitive personal issue.

“It’s about a transgender person, and I know it’s very personal to Tammy,” French said. “She’s also directing it.”

Lynde’s cast is made up of Katie Irwin, Palo, Austin Still, Goose Scott, Sheila Robinson and Deva Wiloth.

Rounding out the festival play list are “Cliché Café,” written by Mike Bedard with Deanna Rodgers, director and actors Dawn Tyack, Joey Bedard and Xian Fredericksen; “Dating with Dad,” written and directed by

Camille Gavin’s “Arts Alive” column appears on Thursday. Write to her via e-mail at gavinarts@aol.com

PHOTO COURTESY OF GASLIGHT MELODRAMA

“The Little Mermaid” will be performed at 7 tonight and 1 p.m.

Saturday at Gaslight Melodrama.

Fredericksen, with Andy Tyack and Kelsey Galpin in the cast; and a second one-act by Jamison titled “If I Didn't Care,” directed

by Alexis Philippi, and featuring Katherine Bunge, Drew Hallum and James Rose.

Final performances are at 8 p.m. Aug. 16 and 17.

Opening its 87th season — BCT was founded in 1927 — with the One Act Festival is one of several changes made in the past three months. Traditionally the festival has been held in June and is the final offering for the season.

Artistic director Kenneth Whitchard announced the shift in May, saying it was necessary because of various upgrades and

repairs being done to both the interior and exterior of the playhouse.

Season passes can be purchased at the theater box office or online by visitingbakersfieldcommunitytheatrelive.com/3.html.

Price for the full season of seven shows is $88, while a partial pass for only four productions is $45.

‘Fiddler Jr.’ at Harvey Although the “junior” version of “Fiddler on the Roof” is condensed, the Bakersfield Music Theatre production has all the essentials, says Frank Sierra, the director.

“It’s still the same beautiful story, the same beautiful music

When: 7 p.m. Friday and 2 p.m. Saturday Where: Harvey Auditorium, 1241 G St. Admission: $10 Information: 325-6100

and it’s well-written for kids,” he said. “And to see these kids take on these serious matters is really impressive.”

Especially, I would say, when you consider that the “serious matters” Sierra refers to took place a century before the young actors were born. The cast of 26 ranges in age from 7 to 16.

The original 1964 Broadway musical by Joseph Stein is set in a Russian village in 1905 and is the story of a Jewish milkman named Tevye (Jacob Chivington), his wife, Golde (Ellie Quiroz) and their family during a historic and exceedingly harsh period of time.

Yet despite the fear and the hardships, “Fiddler” is a poignant story with a generous share of joy and laughter.

“I love the story — the tradition of the family, the changing of the times,” said Sierra. A performing arts teacher at Bessie Owens Intermediate, a magnet school, he devotes his summers to teaching in the Stars School of Performing Arts, whose students make up the cast of “Fiddler.”

Sierra is also a notable dancer and choreographer; his footwork is evident in numerous scenes in the current show.

“We do the Bottle Dance during the wedding scene and it’s really fun to see these kids get up there and balance the bottles on their heads,” he said. “It’s kind of Please see ARTS / 24

19

Thursday, August 8, 2013 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street

Has Bakersfield made geek big time?

Second ‘con’ show could be the proof

BY STEFANI DIAS Californian assistant lifestyles editor sdias@bakersfield.com

Y

ou know you’ve made it in the collecting world when your town is big enough to justify more than one event a year.

The first-ever Bakersfield Collector-Con — not to be confused with a more established show with a similar name — will bring a slate of comics, toys, games, costumed guests and more to town Sunday.

Organizer Nick Avalos said this event came out of the growing demand among local collectors.

“I know a lot of the antiques stores and the comic book stores,” said Avalos, who owns the 19th Street Antique Mall. “One of the main feedbacks I got is that Bakersfield Comic-Con is just once a year. Everyone was hoping for another show.”

So Avalos decided to oblige fans, getting a jump on Bakers-

Bakersfield Collector-Con When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday Where: Holiday Inn, 3927 Marriott Drive Admission: $3; free for children 7 and under and those who come in costume; first 200 paid guests will receive a free prize at the door.

Information: 932-1000 or facebook.com/BakersfieldCollectorCon

field Comic-Con, scheduled for Sept. 22.

“A lot of people don’t realize that we have as many comic stores as we have. ... This was just to try it out. I was amazed at the response I got (from vendors). It was sold out in three weeks.”

Among the 20 vendors are Leeters, Man Bites Dog Emporium, X-Tream Game Pit, Harper’s Bizarre and Main Street Comics.

Avalos, who has been selling comics for the past three years, said most of the vendors offer a

mix of books and collectibles.

“In this type of business, you get into both worlds. You get into comics and, when you realize there is a market for toys, you get into toys.

“There are two (for the show) that specialize in games, but they also have comic books and they have collectible toys. They get into everything they know in this business.”

Based on word of mouth and flier distribution, Avalos said he expects a good turnout Sunday.

“They (vendors) do it because they know there will be a ton of people, and they will promote their business.

“If you get 500 to 1,000 people to the show, those are people that are eventually going to come to your store.”

Keeping things interesting will be local company Iron Goblin, which will display its line of elaborate masks at the show, and local representatives from The Twin Suns, a Star Wars club that will have an information booth and up to 10 members in full costume posing for photos.

Speaking of costumes, those who dress up for Sunday’s event

PHOTO BY KRISTINA MAIN

Iron Goblin Masks will be one of the guests/vendors at the first Bakersfield Collector-Con, which takes place Sunday at the Holiday Inn on Marriott Drive.

not only get in free but may also enter the costume contest. The prize for the top look — decided by the audience — is $50 in cash.

Guests have another chance to win at the Relay for Life fundraising raffle. Vendors contributed items to lots, which will be raffled off each hour during the show.

Tickets are $1 each, and guests must be present to win.

Even though the local Collector-Con and Comic-Con are just about six weeks apart, Avalos said, there’s enough business for both, including from his family.

“My kids have sold at ComicCon and they will continue. ... We

go out there (to Bakersfield Comic-Con) and set them up, and they sell their toys and their comic books. Sometimes they buy a little more than they sell.”

Already planning for next year, Avalos said he’d like to allow for some time between events to make sure vendors and attendees can get the most out of both cons.

“Next year we’re going to focus on a much bigger scale, to focus on making it affordable. If I can allow a family to get in for under $20, that means they have more money in their pocket to spend at the show.”

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The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, August 8, 2013

Eye Street The Lowdown with Matt Munoz

Club Heresy’s doctrine is sound Alternative dance nights return Children of the night could be heard happily flapping their bat wings all over Bakersfield once news hit that popular local goth dance night Club Heresy would be rising from the grave.

A monthly gathering for fans of all things alternative, Club Heresy caters to those who dare to dance on the wildly darker side of life.

Originally held downtown inside Riley’s Backstage, the themed club night went on hiatus in February once the venue made the announcement it would be remodeling.

Rather than put up with the construction headache, Mike Fowler, the specialty club’s founder, decided to relocate to Replay Lounge, where it returns on Saturday.

“We stopped hosting at Riley’s because I planned on taking a hiatus from promoting while they remodeled. It was a good plan.

When I was ready to start back up again, Riley’s wasn’t finished remodeling yet. I had been considering Replay for about a year now, but Riley’s had been so good to Heresy that I didn’t want to change anything at the time.”

Last month’s Replay Lounge debut was an overwhelming success, according to Fowler. Though the venue typically hosts nightclub dancing for the young, glitzy, singles bar crowd, the club was transformed into an elegant evening in Transylvania with special lighting and decor brought in to pick up where the club

PHOTO COURTESY OF CHOIRS

Choirs vocalist Joel Brewer (standing) and producer Josh Mallit work on the band’s second CD at San Diego’s Studio West.

PHOTO BY MIKE FOWLER

Bakersfield goth dance night, Club Heresy, returns to Replay Lounge on Saturday. Pictured are club-goers Alex Arias and Ravyn Moon.

left off.

“The response to the new location has been 100 percent positive. The attendees love the new location with all of its room and growth potential. The venue owners also love the Heresy people.”

Additions to Heresy at Replay include an ample dance and lounging area, 18-and-over admittance, two rooms of music with dance floors featuring guest go-go dancers, and deejays spinning all things goth-related: dark wave, industrial, punk and more, against a multimedia explosion of screen projections to boggle the senses.

“Heresy has always been about all manners of alternative selfexpression, without fear of judgment. Newcomers can look forward to enjoying people in their creative outfits.”

Live music will resume at

Heresy as well. In the past, the club has hosted veteran death rock act 45 Grave, local acts Burning Image and Funeral Club. This weekend Bay Area industrial act RetConStruct and Deep Drain from Los Angeles will appear in the main bar area.

Club Heresy nights will be once a month, rotating between the first and second Saturday. For specific dates and news, check their website at heresyentertainment.com.

Club Heresy begins at 10 p.m.

Saturday inside Replay Lounge, 4500 Buck Owens Blvd. Admission is $10. Ages 18 and over admitted.

Free Choirs show Out to smash any early talk of a sophomore slump, Bakersfield band Choirs will be showcasing music from their upcoming new CD, with a free show for fans

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.

tonight at On the Rocks.

It’s been just over a year since the release of the group’s wellreceived debut, “We All Need Closure,” which put the band on a brief tour and onto semi-regular show bills in Bakersfield and around California. Following a few more promotional treks, the band retreated to the lab to begin work on their follow-up.

“The album is not yet complete,” said Choirs vocalist Joel Brewer of the seven-track collection, which has a working title of “USALKT.” “The show was initially put together for an out-of-town band called Lightsystem and then we all decided, ‘Free show, why not?’”

As they did for their debut, the band recorded most of the project in San Diego, this time at Studio West, where such acts as Blink-182, Patti Labelle and Greg Allman have all recorded. The band reteamed with collaborator and producer Josh Mallit.

“It was a long and arduous process, but it made it easier when we were welcomed by their staff; better yet, surrounded by a litany of previously recorded albums lining the halls. When you’re walking into an unknown

environment for seven days, there’s a wonderful relief when you’re made to feel at home in the first few minutes. To date, we have recorded all of the instruments and are working on finding a studio in Bakersfield to finish recording the vocals.”

Hoping for a winter release, Brewer is working feverishly with his bandmates: drummer Cass Faulkenberry, guitarist Dax Dominguez, bassist Michael Aguilar and guitarist Tyler Slayton.

“I can initially put it this way: It’s difficult to explain feelings when you’re going through them, but the common conversation we’ve all had when working these songs out and when listening, post recording, is ‘Are we being less aggressive on this one?’

Which is always followed by an agreed response of, ‘No, this is what’s coming out of us this time around.’”

Also appearing are bands the Volume, Lightsystem and the Nature.

Tonight’s showtime is 9 p.m.

Free admission. On the Rocks is located at 1517 18th St. For more information call 327-7625 or visit facebook.com/choirsofficial.

Please see LOWDOWN / 24

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21

Thursday, August 8, 2013 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street

When vice is nice: Gaming for charity

BY MELISSA PEAKER-WHITTEN Contributing writer

I

f you’re tired of playing blackjack on your phone but can’t make it to Vegas, the Bakersfield Association of Realtors intends to bring Vegas to you.

The second annual Casino Night, hosted by the professional organization to benefit a local food bank, is 6-10 p.m. Aug. 15 and offers a buffet-style dinner provided by Hodel’s along with dancing to the live music of The Hit Machine.

Among the games of chance offered at the 20 tables will be blackjack, craps and Roulette.

“It’s a very high-energy atmosphere,” said Claudia Bugarin, the member services manager for the Bakersfield Association of Realtors.

The Bakersfield Association of Realtors has partnered with Golden Empire Gleaners for more than 20 years on fundraising events to stock the shelves at the food bank, which has served the community since 1985.

According to the organization’s website, the nonprofit feeds an average of 18,000 people per month using donations from

Golden Empire Gleaners 2nd annual Casino Night When: 6 to 10 p.m. Aug. 15 Where: Fleur de Lis, 424 24th St. Admission: $25 in advance only Information: 635-2300

Kern County growers, grocery stores and food processors. Last year, the Gleaners served approximately 200,000 people throughout Kern County, according to Pam Fiorini, executive director. On average, the group distributes between 1.5 million to 2 million pounds of food per year.

“We’re largely an agricultural food bank, so the majority of the food is fresh fruits and vegetables,” Fiorini said.

The $25 price of admission includes dinner (choice of tri-tip or lemon herb-roasted chicken, as well as salad, fruit, rolls and dessert). Game tickets and tickets for the raffle will be for sale at the event.

Tickets for the event are available for purchase at the Bakersfield Association of Realtors office.

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The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, August 8, 2013

Eye Street This Week’s Obsessions

A rallying cry from America’s race fans M

any forms of auto racing have been going downhill

lately.

Indy car racing isn’t even worth discussing, and NASCAR has always been boring, with big heavy cars turning left all day. There was a time when the NASCAR drivers would try to wreck each other once in a while, but now the rednecks have given way to young men from states above the MasonDixon line,

What are your current obsessions?

Excited about a local band, event or concert?

Is there a new book, record, band or TV show that you’re obsessed with? Share with our readers by emailing jself@bakersfield.com.

and they don’t seem to care much for vengeance at all.

Formula 1 has the best equipment and top-notch drivers, but the season is short, and the drivers are all billionaires with impossibly hot girlfriends and

unpronounceable names.

The American Le Mans Series, or ALMS, has great drivers, interesting cars and runs on the best tracks, but they don’t even get in a race a month, so it’s hard to follow. WRC Rally has the best drivers in the world and crazy-awesome cars, but again, there’s little coverage in the U.S., and the drivers race the clock, so there’s no wheel-to-wheel action there. I’ve always wished that these cars could race in a proper format. Well, as it turns out, the folks who put on the X-Games wished the same thing.

In case you missed it, last weekend the X-Games

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were held in L.A. While I don’t much care about skateboarding or BMX stunts, the rallycross event was the hit of the weekend.

Rallycross takes cars much like WRC Rally cars — light, compact with all-wheel drive — and boosts the horsepower to a near-comical 650. The result is insanely fast racing over varying surfaces.

Rallycross arrives just in time, because young people, especially teenage boys, seem to be losing interest in auto racing, and that’s too bad. But rallycross gives generation ADHD what they like: wild paint jobs, rock star drivers and big speed, all in a contained, spectator-friendly environment. It even throws in a bit of drifting, which is easily the dumbest form of motorsport ever.

The first time I ever saw rallycross was in Las Vegas at an exhibition race.

Seemed like a cool idea at the time, but I never thought it would catch on.

How wrong I was. Social media outlets like Twitter and Instagram reported more than 3 million hits just during the race Sunday.

That means young hipster types are tuning in, and that’s a good thing. That traffic will draw advertisers in, which will generate more cash for more cars and drivers. This thing could be huge.

Rallycross has a long way to go to pull NASCAR-type numbers. But with NASCAR fans dying out from a combination of congestive heart failure and mule-kicking accidents, the

EN.WIKIPEDIA.ORG

John Fullbright is a Grammy-nominated singer from Oklahoma.

next generation of race fans are getting what they want: something new.

In the meantime, check your local listings or YouTube, and give rallycross a look. In a few years you won’t have to look hard to find it.

John Fullbright I have a new favorite singer-songwriter, which is rare, because I’ve all but given up on looking for them anymore. Nowadays we have a glut of wannabes cropping up from suburbs all over the country. They’re young, good-looking and woefully untalented, but that’s what music fans are into lately.

I got a call from a buddy who owns a giant Americana station in Texas. He asked me if I’d heard the new record by John Fullbright. I don’t get stumped a lot in these situations, but the truth was I hadn’t heard the kid’s new album.

I told him as much, and asked him to send me a copy of it when he got around to it. He was obviously gravely disappointed in my oversight, and told me to get it on iTunes right

then.

I politely asked what the rush was, and he told me that if I didn’t love it, he would buy me dinner at Friesenhaus restaurant next year when I was in town. Last time we ate there, we ran up a hefty tab, mostly because Monty Byrom was with us, and that guy can stick away the groceries. But it sounded like a solid bet to me. Five minutes later, it was cued up on the iPod. The album is called “From the Ground Up,” and I have to say that it lived up to the hype.

How good is John Fullbright? Well, he’s one of the most requested artists in Texas country, and he’s from Oklahoma. That says a lot. Texans like their talent home-grown, and they love this guy. And so do I. He was born a stone’s throw from the birthplace of Woody Guthrie, as a matter of fact. The album starts out with a song called “Gawd Above,” and if you’re not hooked by the end of it, I’ll eat my hat.

This kid writes songs like he’s been at it for 50 years, like a young John Hiatt or Guy Clark. He’s got no business having that kind of depth at 25. As you listen to this record, you keep waiting for a dud, but it never appears.

If you miss real country, or just want to hear music made by a truly gifted upand-coming Americana artist, give this kid a listen.

All I know is, when I take my friends to the Friesenhaus, I’m buying.

But not for Monty. He’s on his own.

23

Thursday, August 8, 2013 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street

‘Percy Jackson’ sequel is lost at sea Adventure movie lacks the fun, imagination it desperately needs

BY JEN CHANEY Special to The Washington Post

“Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters,” the second film based on Rick Riordan’s immensely popular books about a dyslexic boy who discovers he’s a demigod, may make some moviegoers feel like they’ve stepped into an actual Greek myth — one that banishes them to the underworld for nearly two hours.

Well, maybe not quite the underworld, since a trip down there presumably wouldn’t feature droll quips from Stanley Tucci and Nathan Fillion, who play small but enjoyable supporting roles in this desperately-trying-to-be-epic adventure. But even likable actors can’t obscure the fact that, holy gods on Mount Olympus, this thing is a slog, a movie that dutifully hits its plot points involving prophecies and fleeces without evoking a whiff of spirit or imagination.

It’s a shame that the millions of readers who fell in love with Riordan’s classicmeets-contemporary children’s stories have been handed such limp adaptations of the material. The first, 2010’s “Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief” — directed by Chris Columbus, who leeched some but not all of the life out of the first two Harry Potter movies — was respectable but dull, while “Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters,” as directed by Thor Freudenthal (“Diary of a Wimpy Kid”), is both dull and awkwardly executed. It’s less a theatrical release than a Disney Channel

‘Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters’ ★ Cast: Logan Lerman, Stanley Tucci, Nathan Fillion Running time: 106 minutes Rated: PG

special that got dressed up in CGI clothes and was shoved into a multiplex.

Like its predecessor, this “Percy” sends its teen hero, played by the likable Logan Lerman, on a quest, this time one that requires him to obtain the coveted Golden Fleece in order to restore life to a dying tree that protects Camp Half-Blood from evil forces. (Camp Half-Blood, for those who missed the first movie or the books, is the training facility/safe haven for offspring of one Greek god parent and one mere mortal. That includes Percy, son of a human mom, and Poseidon.)

Operation Fleece Pick-up inevitably puts Percy and his band of Zeussian friends in contact with (duh) some massive beasts beneath the sea. It also briefly zips them through the District of Columbia — or rather Vancouver with a digitally inserted U.S. Capitol jammed in the middle of it — in what qualifies as one of the most laughably inaccurate cinematic portrayals of our nation’s capital in the history of moviedom.

The special effects look clunky and unrealistic, whether they involve depicting the mammoth maw that is Charybdis or the single eye on the forehead of Tyson (Douglas Smith), a cyclops and half-brother to Percy who makes his first appearance here.

PHOTO BY MURRAY CLOSE

Logan Lerman in “Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters,” a movie that is a slog.

Perhaps recognizing that the eye looks a little off (or lacking the budget to make it look on all the time), the filmmakers frequently mask it with a pair of sunglasses.

The result: the moppy-headed fellow son of Poseidon spends most of the movie looking like Brendan Fraser in “Encino Man.” But even Tyson is more pleasant-looking than the cab-driving Gray Sisters (Mary Birdsong, Yvette Nicole Brown and Missi Pyle), who also share a single eye but spew

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groan-inducing lines (“Oh no, we didn’t!”) that confirm that even the attempts at comedy in “Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters” can’t hit the right notes.

Well, that’s not entirely true. Fillion gets the one genuinely funny piece of dialogue in the movie, but it’s one that fans of his old TV show “Firefly” are most likely to get.

Presumably, they won’t be coming to this movie. And, in case this wasn’t clear, fans of the Percy Jackson books shouldn’t bother either.

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The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, August 8, 2013

Eye Street LOWDOWN: CONTINUED FROM 20

Matt’s picks Atlas Genius, 7 p.m. today at B Ryder’s, 7401 White Lane. All ages, $12, 397-7304.

This weekend’s Outside Lands festival in San Francisco may be sold out, but many bands slated to appear have opted to add some one-off appearances en route to Golden Gate Park. One such act is the Australian brother duo of Atlas Genius, making a rare stop into B Ryder’s. Their 2012 single, “Trojans,” can still be heard in regular rotation on top college playlists. Also appearing is Los Angeles quintet Cayucas.

Return of the ’90s Cover Show, 9 p.m. Friday at Sandrini’s, 1918 Eye St., $5, 322-8900. It was an era of grunge, flannel, emo and nu-metal music, but for Bakersfield musicians Salvador Galindo, Pablo Alaniz, Zachary Spier and Jason Blakely, it was a prime time for teen self-discovery, zits, girls and first gigs. Not sure

COMEDY: CONTINUED FROM 16

raining ‘boos,’” recalled Alaniz. “I could barely hear myself because they were booing so loud. I started to think, ‘Was I really that bad?’ When I got off stage I realized that I went on stage with a 49ers hat, and the show sold a ton of tickets to a Raiders booster club. It was relieving to know they were not booing my comedy, just my hat.”

As the host of his own morning radio show, Hill understands he has a rare opportunity to test new material in an environment open to improvisation; still, there’s a downside when the communication is one-way.

“If a joke bombs on the radio, I’ll

ARTS: CONTINUED FROM 18

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a contest to see who can keep theirs on the longest.”

Tevye’s five daughters are played by Emily Kopp, Britta Lowry, Jordan Whitehead, Sophia Resolme and Natalie Ochoa.

Others in supporting roles include Nyoko Brown as Yente, the matchmaker; Avery Hansen as Motel, the tailor; Logan Burdick, a radical student; Colin Pickering as Laser Wolf, a prospective bridegroom; and Abigail Resolme as Golde’s dead grandmother.

Char Gaines is vocal coach. Cast

PHOTO BY FRANK-MADDOCKS

Australian alt-rock duo Atlas Genius appear at B Ryder’s tonight.

what their set list will be, but you can expect a lot of “That’s my song!” heard in the crowd. For those eager to reminisce about terrestrial radio’s last

hurrah before the arrival of robot programming, MySpace and hipsters, pack up the car with your best mates and get your sing-a-long on.

never know. If I’m on stage you will know instantly. The radio audience is mixed with kids, moms, dads and so forth. So you have to be very middle of the road. On stage I can do what ever I want. It’s very freeing.”

Fans of classic observational Cosby-esque humor — which veers occasionally into blue Carlin territory — should expect similar styles from Hill and Alaniz, who will be joined this evening by comedians Eulalio Magana and Joey Valenzuela.

“Joe (Alaniz) is hilarious and is the reason I started comedy in Bakersfield. A funny guy and good friend,” Hill said. “He is very smart and doesn’t need much to shine. Joe

Valenzuela is a local boy that has gone from newbie to experienced comic in the last two years. He is very raw and funny; his family and life is what he pulls from, great to watch.

Eulalio is a very funny host with straight-faced, dry humor that throws the audience for a loop.”

Touched by Hill’s comments, Alaniz was happy to reciprocate.

“Joey Valenzuela is also a Cincinnati Bengals fan. I guess comedy does stem from tragedy. I am glad I do not have to introduce Eulalio. His name has too many vowels for my dialect.

Danny is really funny, too. He has the voice for radio and the face for … I am just going to stop here.”

members sing the songs live with a recorded instrumental accompaniment. Dallas White serves as assistant director, and Kathi Lowry did the costumes.

tion of the musical opened on July 27 and will have its final performances this evening and Saturday.

Payton Meyer plays the part of the red-haired mermaid, and Jack Prince, the son of artistic director Michael Prince and his wife, Jennifer, plays Captain Slappy, one of the sailors in the show.

“Jack’s been in every children's theater production we’ve done since he was 3 years old,” Michael said. “I actually got to play King Triton in ‘The Little Mermaid’ and it was a lot of fun getting to share the stage with him.”

‘Little Mermaid’ This charming, fantasy-like version of a Hans Christian Andersen tale is an adaptation, written by Kathryn Schultz Miller.

It’s the story of a beautiful mermaid who longs to rise above the sea and live on land.

Gaslight Melodrama’s summer Children’s Theatre Workshop produc-

MILLERS: CONTINUED FROM 14

make his selfish, glib drug dealer sympathetic, as well as humorous, and suggests he could have a future with more dramatic parts.

Aniston, continuing her foray into racy comedic roles (after 2011’s “Horrible Bosses” and last year’s “Wanderlust”), finds nuance in what could have been a thankless part. Roberts and co-stars Helms, Nick Offerman and Kathryn Hahn also turn in strong work.

But no one else on screen comes close to the performance delivered by

‘We’re the Millers’ ★★★ Cast: Jason Sudeikis, Jennifer Aniston, Will Poulter Running time: 110 minutes Rated: R

the British Poulter, who is all but unknown to American audiences (he was the lead in the little-seen 2007 gem “Son of Rambow”). His Kenny is a figurative and literal punching bag

for almost every other character, but Poulter conveys dignity and childlike wonder at every turn, even during some of the most outrageous sequences.

It’s a terrific piece of acting — even his spot-on rendition of TLC’s “Waterfalls” — and like Zach Galifianakis’ turn in the original “Hangover,” one that will mark his arrival in Hollywood.

“We’re the Millers” arrives at a familiar destination, but as summer comedies go, the scenery along the way is riotously, refreshingly funny.

25

Thursday, August 8, 2013 The Bakersfield Californian

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The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, August 8, 2013

Eye Street Go & Do Today Open Mic Night, featuring author John Allen Young of “Simple Themes Rhapsody,” others welcome to bring prose and poetry, sign-ups begin at 6:20 p.m., readings begin at 6:30 p.m., Russo’s, 9000 Ming Ave. 6654686.

“Islamic Art: Mirror of the Invisible World” Film, explore the essence of art and the shared histories of western and Islamic societies, 5 to 6:30 p.m., Beale Memorial Library, auditorium, 701 Truxtun Ave. Free. 868-0770.

Concerts by The Fountain, jazz and blues with 3 Guys Playin’ the Blues, 7 to 9 p.m., The Marketplace, 9000 Ming Ave. Score Your Puurrfect Feline Companion, adopt a cat 6 months or older for $7, $14 or $21, based on the price from the magic football that you pick, now through August, Bakersfield SPCA, 3000 Gibson St. Includes spay/neuter, vaccinated, microchip. Visit bakersfieldspca.org or 323-8353.

Friday Buck Owens’ Birthday Bash, featuring “Bakersfield,” a Buck Owens tribute band from Norway, Buddy Alan Owens & the Buckaroos, 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace, 2800 Buck Owens Blvd. $30-$40, plus service charge, per night. vallitix.com or call 322-5200.

Health Fair Luau, health resource information, giveaways, food, entertainment, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Lifehouse Parkview Health Services, 329 Real Road. Free. Visit lifehousehs.com.

Movies in the Park, presents “The Lorax,” begins at dusk, Meadowbrook Park, Westwood Blvd., and Reeves St., Tehachapi. Free.

822-3228.

Movies in the Park, presents “Escape from Planet Earth,” begins at dusk, Jastro Park, 2900 Truxtun Ave. Free. 326-3866.

River Rhythms Concert Series, music by Dub Seeds, 6:30 p.m., Riverside Park, 10 Kern River Drive, Kernville. Free. 760-379-0764.

Bakersfield Black Hole Pre-Season Game, Oakland Raider vs.

Dallas Cowboys, drink specials, raffle at half time, 7 to 11 p.m., Cataldo’s Pizza, 6111 Niles Street.

Free. For more details, call Paul at 706-9294.

Bakersfield Raider Nation Club, come watch the game with us, Oakland Raiders vs. Dallas Cowboys, 7 to 10 p.m., Round Table Pizza, 2060 White Lane. Free. For more information, 340-7167.

Saturday Annual Run to the Pines Car Show, antiques, street rods, classics, British classics, triumphs, Corvettes, Mustangs, 4x4s, motorcycles, food, begins at 9 a.m.,

BUCK OWENS’ BIRTHDAY BASH

PHOTO COURTESY OF ODD LAURITSEN

Norwegian Buck Owens tribute band Bakersfield will be performing at this year’s Birthday Bash at the Crystal Palace.

Buck Owens’ Birthday Bash, featuring Bakersfield, a Buck Owens tribute band from Norway, Buddy Alan Owens & the Buckaroos, 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace, 2800 Buck Owens Blvd. $30-$40, plus fee, per night. vallitix.com or call 322-5200. awards 3 p.m., Pine Mountain Club Village Center,16300 Mil Potrero Highway, Pine Mountain Club. Free for spectators, $20 early car registration; $25 day of event. Visit pinemountainclub.net or 242-1996.

Bakersfield Speedway, Late Models, Hobby Stocks, American Stocks, Mini Dwarfs, gates open at 4 p.m.; races begin at 6 p.m., Bakersfield Speedway, 5001 N. Chester Ave. $15; $5 ages 6-12; under 5 free. bakersfieldspeedway.com or call 393-3373.

Chalk on the Walk, sponsored by Tehachapi Valley Arts Association and Gallery ‘N’ Gifts; 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., Gallery ‘N’ Gifts, 100 W. Tehachapi Blvd., Tehachapi. $15 for participants, includes T-shirt, chalk, and square. Proceeds benefit art scholarships and project grants for local area art classes.

822-6062.

Electronic Waste Recycling Fundraiser, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Centennial High School, 8601 Hageman Road. Free. Email nlagness@yahoo.com or 873-4011.

Farmers’ Markets:, 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, next to Golden State Mall, 3201 F St.; 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Brimhall Square, 9500 Brimhall Road; 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sundays, Kaiser Permanente, 8800 Ming Ave.; 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Wednesdays, in the parking lot of James St. and Central Ave., Shafter.

Free Home Improvement Workshops, “Paint Workshop - Interior Design,” 10 to 11:30 a.m.; and “How to Select & Install Window Treatments,” 1 to 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Home Depot locations. homedepot.com or call 800-430-3376.

Health Fair, presented by Spanish Radio Group; 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Kern County Fairgrounds, 1142 S. P St. Free admission and parking.

327-9711.

Model Trains Show, hosted by The Tehachapi Loop Railroad Club; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, West Park, Recreation & Parks District, 491 West D St., Tehachapi. Free. Email tlrc_club@hotmail.com or visit TehachapiLoopRailroadClub.org.

NASCAR, Pro Late Models 100, Spec-Mods, Mini Stocks, Mini Dwarfs, 6 p.m., Kern County Raceway Park, 13500 Raceway Boulevard. $8-$45. Email sblakesley@kernraceway.com or 835-1264.

Twilight at CALM, bring a picnic dinner and dine with the animals and enjoy them during their active dusk hours, 5 to 8 p.m., CALM, 10500 Alfred Harrell Highway. $9 adults; $7 seniors; $5 ages 3 to 12; children under 3 are free; CALM members are free. calmzoo.org or 872-2256.

Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10859, Rosedale & Ladies Auxiliary, 9:30 a.m., Norris Road Veterans Hall, 400 Norris Road. 5885865.

Walk for Valley Fever Awareness, 7 a.m. registration, walk begins at 8 a.m., Pioneer Village at Kern County Museum, 3801 Chester Ave. Visit online facebook.com/VFAmericasFoundation or 800-825-3387.

Pet Adoptions, cats from The Cat People, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Petco, 8220 Rosedale Highway. $65 includes spay/neuter, vaccines and leukemia testing. 327-4706; pets from the Shafter Animal Shelter; 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., PetSmart, 4100 Ming Ave. $75, includes spay/neuter and vaccines. 7462140.

Yokuts Park Fun Run, practice racing and earn points, 7 a.m., Yokuts Park, Empire Drive off Truxtun Avenue. Free. bakersfieldtrackclub.com or 203-4196 or 391-7080.

Sunday Bakersfield Collector Con, vendors selling comics, toys, collectibles, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Holiday Inn Hotel, 3927 Marriott Drive. $3; children 7 and under are free. First 200 paid guests will receive a free prize at the door. If interested in being a vendor, call Nick at 9321000 or Raymond at 699-0910.

Greater World Gift, with jewelry, baskets, gift items from Third World countries; 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., First Congregational Church, 5 Real Road. 327-1609.

Music in the Park, music by TPops, 2 p.m., Central Park, 311 E. D St., Tehachapi. Free. 822-3228.

THEATER “Fiddler on the Roof,” 7 p.m. Friday; 2 p.m. Saturday, Bakersfield High School, inside Harvey Auditorium, 1241 G St. $10. 325-6100.

“Rosedale,” 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday, Gaslight Melodrama Theatre & Music Hall, 12748 Jomani Drive. $12 to $23.

587-3377.

26th annual One Act Festival, 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m.

Sunday, Bakersfield Community Theatre, 2400 S. Chester Ave. $15; $12 children 6 to 12; five and under are free. 831-8114.

Auditions, for “The Cemetery Club,” 2 p.m. Sunday, Beekay Theatre, 110 S. Green St., Tehachapi.

822-4037.

Improv Comedy Show, with Center For Improv Advancement, 8 p.m. Fridays, JC’s Place, 1901 Chester Ave. $5. 322-8209.

Major League Improv, improvisational comedy show, appropriate for families, 6 p.m. Saturdays, The Empty Space, 706 Oak St. $10.

327-PLAY.

ART Artist Reception: “Whistle While You Work” Group, food and refreshments, 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, The Empty Space, 706 Oak St. Free. 327-PLAY. Artwork on Display, featuring several artists of “Vacation & Holiday” paintings, now through August, Dagny’s Coffee Co., 1600 20th St. 634-0806.

Calligraphy Class with Cynthia Hallstrom, for seventh through twelfth graders, and adults, 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Bakersfield Art Association Art Center, 1817 Eye St. $20 per class/ $80 for the month. 303-2372 or 869-2320.

Side by Side, for children ages 38, art projects, painting, sculpting and more, 10 to 11 a.m. every second Saturday, Bakersfield Museum of Art, 1930 R St. $10 members; $15 non- members; children need to be accompanied by an adult.

323-7219 or bmoa.org.

Watercolor “The Fun Stuff” Class, theme: “Trees and Moun-

tains,” 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Bakersfield Art Association Art Center, 1817 Eye Street. $25. 2831376 or 869-2320.

Art Classes, in drawing, watercolor, oils, color theory, for beginners and advanced, Bakersfield Art Association Art Center, 1817 Eye St. 869-2320.

The Art Shop Club, a quiet place to paint, 9 a.m. to noon each Thursday, Friday and Saturday, The Art Shop, 1221 20th St. All mediums. New members and guests welcome. 322-0544 or 832-8845.

Art for Healing program, classes that alleviate stress, resulting from illness, or grief. All classes are free but some suggest a donation and are held at Mercy Hospital, Truxtun Campus, Truxtun and A St. Visit mercybakersfield.org/art or to register, 6325357.

MUSIC Acoustic Kern River Brewing Company, 13415 Sierra Highway, Kernville, 760-376-2337; Slideways with guest Keith Hall, 7:30 p.m. Friday.

Blues Kern River Blues Society Jam, 2 to 8 p.m. every second Saturday, Trout’s, 805 N. Chester Ave. 8727517.

Lone Oak Lounge, 10612 Rosedale Highway, 589-0412; Mystic Red, 9 p.m. Saturday to 1 a.m. Sunday.

Pyrenees Cafe, 601 Sumner, 3230053; Glenda Robles and Bobby “O,” 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday.

The Prime Cut, 9500 Brimhall Road, 831-1413; Bunky Spurling and Friends, 7 to 10 p.m.

Classic rock Bellvedere Cocktail Lounge, 3090 Brundage Lane, 325-2139; No Limit, 9 p.m. Saturday to 1 a.m.

Sunday.

Crest Bar & Grill, inside Bakersfield RV Resort, 5025 Wible Road, 833-9998; Jim Robinson, 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday.

Lone Oak Lounge, 10612 Rosedale Highway, 589-0412; Diver Duo, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Friday. Classic Rock.

The Prime Cut, 9500 Brimhall, 831-1413; The Blue Mountain Tribe, 9 p.m. to midnight Saturday.

Comedy Elevation Lounge, 818 Real Road, 325-6864; Improv Tuesday - Live comedy with DJ after party, 9 p.m. Tuesdays.

Country Ethel’s Old Corral Cafe, 4310 Alfred Harrell Highway, 873-7613; 6 Gun Romeo, 3 to 7 p.m. Sunday.

Please see GO & D0 / 27

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Thursday, August 8, 2013 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street GO & D0: CONTINUED FROM 26

Greenacres Community Center, 2014 Calloway Drive, 392-2010; The Pals Band, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. every Wednesday.

Rasmussen Senior Center, 115 E. Roberts Lane, 392-2030; The Pals Band, 10:30 a.m. to noon every Thursday.

Sandrini’s, 1918 Eye St., 322-8900; Vince Galindo, 9 p.m. Wednesdays.

Trout’s & The Blackboard Stages, 805 N. Chester Ave., 399-6700; Red Simpson, 7 p.m.

Monday; Steve Woods, 7 to 10 p.m. Tuesdays. Free.

Dancing Beginner Belly Dance Lessons, 5:45 to 6:45 p.m. Mondays, Centre Stage Studio, 1710 Chester Ave. 323-5215. $45 regular session; $65 combo session. bakersfieldbellydance.biz.

Community Ecstatic Dance, creative expression through conscious movement for transformation, 6 p.m. Wednesday, Veteran’s Hall, 1905 Wilson Road. $7-$12.

319-0994.

Dancing Classes, Beginning Pole Fitness, 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.; Beginning Belly Dancing, 6 p.m. Monday; Chair Dance Fitness, 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Simply Irresistible Pole Fitness & Dance, 1420 19th St., Suite C. $45-$55. 444-0133.

DoubleTree Hotel, Club Odyssey, 3100 Camino Del Rio Court, 323-7111; learn Salsa, Cumbia, or West Coast swing, 4 to 7 p.m. every Sunday. $5 per person, per lesson.

Folklorico Classes, advance dancers/performing group 6 to 8 p.m. Fridays; and beginners, all ages, 10:30 a.m. to noon Saturdays, Fruitvale-Norris Park, 6221 Norris Road. $22 per month for beginners; $25 per month for advance dancers. 833-8790.

Greenacres Community Center, 2014 Calloway Drive, offers ballroom dance, East Coast swing (jitterbug) and Argentine Tango dance classes; $35, $45 for nonmembers. 322-5765 or 201-2105.

Joaquin Squares, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Thursday, Rasmussen Center, 115 E. Roberts Lane. $5. 324-1390, 325-3086 or 399-3658.

Maverick’s Dance, with music by Country George, 7 to 10 p.m. Friday, Kern City Town Hall, 1003 Pebble Beach Drive. $7 member; $9 guest. 831-9241.

Pairs and Spares Dance, with Still Kickin’, 7 p.m. Friday, Rasmussen Senior Center, 115 E. Roberts Lane. $7; $9 nonmembers.

399-3575.

Studio 9 Dance, 4000 Easton Drive, Suite 9, 619-1003; basic West Coast swing, 7 p.m. Wednesdays, ballroom, country, two-step, 7 and 8 p.m. Thursdays.

Trouts & The Blackboard Stages, 805 N. Chester Ave., 3996700; two-step, West Coast swing, line dance lessons, 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesdays; West Coast swing, 6 p.m. Fridays. $5.

‘THE LORAX’

Steve Eisen, Mark Meyer, 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Sunday.

Wiki’s Wine Dive & Grill, 11350 Ming Ave., 399-4547; Zanne Zarow, Steve Eisen, Mark Meyer, 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Sunday.

The Nile, Jazz Music, 6 p.m. every Sunday. Cost $10 at 1721 19th St. 364-2620.

Karaoke

UNIVERSAL PICTURES

Danny DeVito provides the voice of “The Lorax.”

Movies in the Park, presents “The Lorax,” begins at dusk Friday, Meadowbrook Park, Westwood Boulevard and Reeves Street, Tehachapi. Free.

822-3228.

DJ Bellvedere Cocktail Lounge, 3090 Brundage Lane, 325-2139; DJ Brian, 7 to 11 p.m. Tuesday.

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, 3100 Camino Del Rio Court. 3237111; live in the mix: old school, ’80s and ’90s music, 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. every Saturday.

Le Corusse Rouge, 4647 White Lane, 834-1611; with DJ Chill in the Mixx, 5 p.m. every Friday until 2 a.m. Saturday.

On the Rocks, 1517 18th St., 3277625; DJ Chuck One, 9 p.m. Friday to 1 a.m. Saturday. Free.

The Bull Shed Bar & Grill, at Hotel Rosedale, 2400 Camino Del Rio Court, 327-0681; with Meg, 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.

Folk Ranchers For Peace at Fiddlers Crossing, 206 E. F St., Tehachapi, 823-9994; Ranchers for Peace, 7 p.m. Friday. $20.

Jazz Cafe Med, 4809 Stockdale Highway., 834-4433; Richie Perez, 7:30 to 11 p.m. Thursdays Imbibe Wine & Spirits Merchant, 4140 Truxtun Ave., 633WINE; live music & wine bar with featuring local artist and Jazz Connection, along with 24 wines, 6 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday; 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

King Tut, 10606 Hageman Road; live Instrumental and vocal jazz, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. each Friday and Saturday. Free.

Le Corusse Rouge, 4647 White Lane, 834-1611; Bakersfield Jazz Workshop, 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. every Wednesday.

Pyrenees Cafe, 601 Sumner, 3230053; Mike Montano band, 2 to 6 p.m. Saturday.

Que Pasa Mexican Cafe, 2701 Ming Ave., 832-5011; Jazz Invasion, 9 to 10 p.m. every Saturday.

Wiki’s Wine Dive & Grill, 11350 Ming Ave., 399-4547; Mauro, 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday; Zanne Zarow,

Banacek’s Lounge, 4601 State Road, 387-9224; 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Fridays.

Bellvedere Cocktail Lounge, 3090 Brundage Lane, 325-2139; 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Thursdays and Sundays.

Best Western, 2620 Buck Owens Blvd., 327-9651; The Junction with host Mac Clanahan, 8:30 p.m.

Tuesdays through Fridays.

Big Daddy Pizza, 6417 Ming Ave., 396-7499; 7 to 10 p.m. every Tuesday; 8 to 11 p.m. every Friday.

Cataldo’s Pizzeria, 4200 New Stine Road, 397-5000; 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Thursday.

Cataldo’s Pizzeria, 6111 Niles St., 363-7200; 6:15 to 10:15 p.m. Tuesdays.

Chateau Lounge, 2100 S. Chester Ave., 835-1550; 9 p.m. every Saturday.

City Slickers, 1001 W. Tehachapi Blvd., 822-4939; 7 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Don Perico Restaurant, 2660 Oswell St., Suite 133, 871-2001; 7 to 11 p.m. Thursdays.

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, 3100 Camino Del Rio Court; 3237111, 8 p.m. to midnight Tuesdays.

El Torito Restaurant, 4646 California Ave., 395-3035, Karaoke with Irish Monkey Entertainment, 8 p.m. Saturdays.

Elevation Lounge, 818 Real Road, 325-6864; 9 p.m. Wednesday.

Ethel’s Old Corral, 4310 Alfred Harrell Highway, 873-7613; 6 to 9 p.m. every Wednesday.

Iron Horse Saloon, 1821 S. Chester Ave., 831-1315; 7 to 11 p.m.

Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Iron Horse Saloon, 1821 S. Chester Ave., 831-1315; Ben and Janet Lara, 7 p.m. Wednesdays.

Julie’s The Branding Iron Saloon, 1807 N. Chester Ave., 6 to 10 p.m. every Friday.

Le Corusse Rouge, 4647 White Lane, 834-1611; A to Z Karaoke, 8 p.m. to midnight Tuesdays.

Lone Oak Lounge, 10612 Rosedale Highway, 589-0412; 10 p.m. Friday to 1 a.m. Saturday.

Long Branch Saloon, 907 N. Chester Ave., 399-8484; 8 p.m. every Wednesday.

Magoo’s Pizza, 1129 Olive Drive, 399-7800; 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Tuesday.

Maria Bonita Mexican Restaurant, 10701 Highway 178, 3663261, 7 to 11 p.m. Fridays. All ages.

McMurphy’s Irish Pub & Sports Bar, 14 Monterey St., 869-1451; 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. Tuesdays.

Pour House, 9 p.m. Fridays and

Saturdays at 4041 Fruitvale Ave. 589-9300.

Pyrenees Cafe, 601 Sumner, 3230053; 8 p.m. to midnight Saturdays.

Replay Sports Lounge & Grill, 4500 Buck Owens Blvd., 3243300; 8 p.m. every Wednesday.

Rocket Shop Cafe, 2000 S. Union Ave., 832-4800; 8:30 p.m. to midnight Saturday.

Rocky’s Pizza & Arcade, 2858 Niles St., 873-1900; Joey Zaza’s Karaoke and Stuff, 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Tuesdays.

Round Table Pizza, 2060 White Lane, 836-2700; 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday.

Round Table Pizza, 4200 Gosford Road, 397-1111; 6 to 9 p.m.

Wednesdays.

Rusty’s Pizza, 5430 Olive Drive, 392-1482; 6:30 to 9 p.m. every Wednesday.

Sky Bar and Lounge, 4208 Rosedale Highway, 633-1116, Karaoke with Ben Lara, 7 to 11 p.m.

Tuesdays.

Sports & Spirits, 6633 Ming Ave., 398-7077; 9 p.m. Thursdays and Saturdays.

Syndicate Lounge, 1818 Eye St., 327-0070; with Alisa Spencer, 9 p.m. every Wednesday.

Tejon Club, 6 to 10 p.m. every Saturday at 117 El Tejon Ave. 3921747.

The Bull Shed Bar & Grill, at Hotel Rosedale, 2400 Camino Del Rio Court, 327-0681; 7 p.m.

Tuesdays and Thursdays.

The Junction Lounge, 2620 Buck Owens Blvd., 327-9651; 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays.

The Old River Monte Carlo, 9750 Taft Highway, 837-0250; 8:30 p.m. every Thursday.

The Playhouse Lounge, 2915 Taft Highway; 397-3599; 7 to 10 p.m. Sundays.

The Pourhouse, 4041 Fruitvale Ave., 589-9300; 9 p.m. every Friday.

The Regent, 2814 Niles St., 8714140; 8:30 p.m. Fridays.

The Prime Cut, 9500 Brimhall Road, 831-1413; hosted by Ed Loverr, 9 p.m. to midnight Friday.

The Wright Place, 2695-G Mount Vernon Ave., 872-8831, 8 p.m. every Thursday.

Tomi’s Cowgirl Cafe, 7 to 10 p.m. Friday, 1440 Weedpatch Highway. 363-5102.

Trouts & The Blackboard Stages, 805 N. Chester Ave., 399-6700; 7 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays, 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Mariachi

Latin

Variety

Imbibe Wine & Spirits Merchant, 4140 Truxtun Ave., 633WINE; Mauro, Rico Velazquez, 6 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday.

Wiki’s Wine Dive & Grill, 11350 Ming Ave., 399-4547; Mauro, Rico Velazquez, 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Golden State Mall, 3201 F St., 872-2037, Joe Loco Duet, 2 to 5 p.m. Sundays.

Trouts & The Blackboard Stages, 805 N. Chester Ave., 3996700; The Blackboard Playboys, 8:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. $5 after 8 p.m.

Camino Real Restaurant, 6 to 9 p.m. every Sunday at 3500 Truxtun Ave. 852-0493.

Music showcase The Prime Cut, 9500 Brimhall Road, 831-1413; featuring local artists, 7 to 10 p.m. every Wednesday.

Old School Que Pasa Mexican Cafe, 2701 Ming Ave., 832-5011; Al Garcia & the Rhythm Kings, 8 to 11 p.m.

Thursday.

Open mic Fiddlers Crossing, 206 E. F St., Tehachapi, 823-9994; 7 p.m.

Wednesdays. $5.

On the Rocks, 1517 18th St., 3277625; musicians, spoken word, poets, comedians, 9 p.m. every Wednesday. Free.

R&B Señor Pepe, 8450 Granite Falls Dr., 661-588-0385, Rebecca Aguilar and Lost Vinyl, 7 to 10 p.m. Thursday.

Rock B. Ryder’s Sports Bar & Grill, 7401 White Lane, 397-7304; Atlas Genius, 8 p.m. Thursday. $10 advance; $12 at the door. All ages.

KC Steakhouse, 2515 F St., 3229910; Jimmy Gaines, 6 to 10 p.m.

Tuesday through Thursday; Jimmy Gaines, Bobby O and Mike Hall, 6:30 to 11:30 p.m., featuring Glenda Robles, 8 to 11:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

On the Rocks, 1517 18th St., 3277625; The Choirs, The Volume, Lightsystem, 9 p.m. Thursday.

Rock and roll On the Rocks, 1517 18th St., 3277625; The 99s, 9 p.m. Friday. $5.

21 and over only.

Soft rock Steak and Grape, 4420 Coffee Road, 588-9463; 7 to 10 p.m.

Thursday through Saturday. Free.

Songwriters The Bistro, 5105 California Ave., 323-3905; Brent Brown, 6 to 8 p.m. Fridays.

Trivia night Bellvedere Cocktail Lounge, 3090 Brundage Lane, 325-2139; 7 p.m. Tuesdays.

Chuy’s, 2500 New Stine Road, 833-3469; 7 p.m. every Tuesday.

On the Rocks, 1517 18th St., 3277625; 8 to 10 p.m. Monday.