Eye Street Entertainment / 7 - 18 -13 by Matt Munoz

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, July 18, 2013

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

Index Clues to good crime writing .................... 16 Arts Alive .................................................. 17 This Week’s Obsessions .......................... 18 Josh Abbott Band...................................... 18 The Lowdown with Matt Munoz ............ 20 City’s funniest day ever .......................... 21 Ticket roundup ........................................ 22 Calendar .............................................. 24-25

“Milt is the gold standard for how you should support the arts.” — John Farrer, conductor of the Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra

Milt and Betty: Thank you Youngers honored for helping build the arts scene from ground up BY CAMILLE GAVIN Contributing writer

or Milt and Betty Younger, supporting the arts in Kern County has been a steady upward climb for close to 50 years. And their efforts continue today. They seem driven by a personal commitment to make our city the very best it can be, particularly in the areas of culture and education. To honor the Youngers for their many contributions over the years, the Arts Council of Kern is saluting them as Couples of Accomplishment at a fundraising dinner on July 25 at the Bell Tower Club. Both have deep family roots in Bakersfield. In 1884 Betty’s grandfather established a homestead at the northeast corner of 18th and H streets, property she still owns. Milt’s parents came here from Hungary in 1909 and he gleefully points out that the house he grew up in now is the location of the parking lot for Bill Lee’s Bamboo Chopsticks. Superlatives abound when other leaders in the arts community speak of the couple. “Milt is the gold standard for how you should support the arts,” says John Farrer, conductor of the Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra. And former Arts Council director Jeanette Richardson Parks says of the diminutive Betty: “Never underestimate her stature based on her physical height; she might be tiny but she is mighty when it comes to her sculptures, public art and her defense of Kern County artists.” Parks, who initiated the couples award during her tenure, is assisting Arts Council president and interim executive director Anthony Goss with preparations for the dinner. One thing that stands out

Couples of Accomplishment When: 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. July 25 Where: Bell Tower Club, 1200 Truxtun Ave. Admission: $75 Information: 324-9000

about the Youngers is their altruism. Betty is an artist who once taught the subject to special education students at Bakersfield High School; Milt learned to play the violin at age 4 and in his teens performed with the Bakersfield Symphony, which then was called the Kern Philharmonic. Yet they play no favorites. Check the donor listings for just about any organization devoted to music, theater or the visual arts, and you’ll find their names among those who have contributed significant amounts. Typically, their support encompasses far more than their financial gifts. Milt served five years as president of the symphony and on numerous occasions has appeared before the Bakersfield City Council and the Board of Supervisors urging support for the arts. And in 1996, when the Arts Council was undergoing funding difficulties, Betty approached Kelly Blanton, who then was Kern County Superintendent of Schools about linking the Arts Council with the schools' programs. “It was the first time I stood up and spoke aggressively,” she says now. The KCSOS is still actively involved with the organization and helps coordinate Arts Council visual and performing arts events in schools throughout the county. In the early 2000s, Milt was actively involved in promoting the construction of a $200 million performing arts center as part of the Mill Creek project. He hasn’t given up the hope that it someday will become a reality, one that will help make Bakersfield a des-

ALEX HORVATH / THE CALIFORNIAN

Happily married for 58 years, Milt and Betty Younger are shown with “Moon Window,” one of the many sculptures Mrs. Younger has created over the decades.

tination, not just a stopover where travelers can get a bite to eat. The couple talked about their ongoing plans relative to the arts recently during a conversation in the Sculpture Garden, a shaded park-like area next to the Bank of America building, which they own. “I’ve still got all the plans for the performing arts center,” Milt said. “I'm 82 and I hope that somebody younger than I am will come along and see it to completion.”

Meanwhile, the Stanford Law School graduate continues to maintain a solo practice in downtown Bakersfield. In recent months Betty’s commanding sculpture “Christ of Compassion,” which was done on commission, has been installed in the garden of The Mission. A more abstract piece, “Mended Hearts,” was presented as a gift to the Houchin Community Blood Bank for its new location in southwest Bakersfield. The couple have been ardent

supporters of the Arts Council almost from its beginning in 1977. For 20 years they provided free office space in the Bank of America building for the organization. The Younger Gallery, a suite on the first floor of the building, is a funding source for Arts Council. Currently they are involved in the Downtown Business Association’s “Trees” project, which scheduled to take off in October. In fact, Betty is creating a design for a tree sculpture that will be 9 feet tall.

Thursday, July 18, 2013 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street

Christian fans? Pop fans? Just Amy fans Grant does unthinkable by blurring boundaries BY MATT MUNOZ Californian staff writer mmunoz@bakersfield.com

ew artists have been as successful as Amy Grant at escaping the creative straitjacket that is standard issue in the music industry. Moving seamlessly among pop, contemporary Christian, even country circles, the singer — as fresh-faced today at 52 as when she burst onto the charts decades ago — avoids labels by ignoring them herself. Consciously or not, Grant has built her career on the best piece of advice her mother ever gave her: “Sing something that matters.” That credo was the guiding principle on “How Mercy Looks from Here,” Grant’s first fulllength studio album in 10 years. She’ll be playing selections from her return to praise and worship music in a career-spanning concert at the Fox Theater on Wednesday. “I still love everything about music and am happy being in the audience as much as I am onstage,” said Grant during a recent phone interview. “I also love being inspired by people who are much better than I am. That’s why it’s always fun to be in different circles.” Grant enlisted some of her favorite singers and songwriters in what critics have hailed as the singer’s most impactful release to date. The impressive roster of talent includes singers Sheryl Crow, Carole King, James Taylor and her husband, Vince Gill. For most of her early career, Grant stood alone as the Queen

“They grew up listening to me, but it’s their game now, and I get it. You still have to have a certain amount of competitiveness to go, ‘Oh yeah, well I’m gonna go home and write a good song too.’” — Amy Grant

of Christian Pop, a title she jokes about but humbly accepts. No other artist has risen to the heights of Grant’s success in the Christian music world since. In fact, it’s hard to imagine contemporary Christian music before Grant, who has sold millions of records that have since become standards of praise and worship. From the serene melodies of “El Shaddai,” and “Father's Eyes” to the sugary pop of “The Next Time I Fall” and “Baby Baby,” Grant’s pioneering crossover career into secular music provided a road map for today’s biggest contemporary Christian artists, who’ve made similar leaps to the mainstream. “I’ve gotten a lot of hugs from a lot young artists who say, ‘I grew up on your music.’ That happened the first time I met Katy Perry. I went to see her movie with my daughter and later told Katy, ‘I’m so sorry your parents never let you listen to anything else.’ There was so much good stuff happening.” At home in Nashville, Grant said she continues to be inspired by the vibrant state of the city’s music and arts scene, whose

diversity offered the perfect backdrop for her beliefs. “I think it’s great. There are so many unsung treasures. When I look at the Nashville music, theater and literary scenes, it’s amazing. We have so many great universities that we have all these students who come here and want to stay after they graduate and be part of and contribute to the scene.” One of those artists contributing to the fabric of Nashville is Grant’s husband, country singer and guitarist Vince Gill. “Vince is working on something almost every day. He has an amazing guitar collection and I love having him play those guitars. We have a studio at the house, and something is always going on. Everything is based on who you know in both the songwriting community and musician community in Nashville. I get to make coffee for everyone.” While most people assume the busy couple spends free time singing in the kitchen, Grant describes their home life as that of a typical American household. “I’ll have the few things that have to be done, I know what they are, but then I try to be available to whatever the day holds. That removes so much stress. The one thing about being creative is you have to have time to be alone, but not I’m not an introvert and we don’t book time by the hour. “A lot of important things in my life happen spontaneously like putting this record together.” Grant hopes the Christian market will embrace her decision to include mainstream pop and country artists on her album. “Now that I’m back on the promotion trail, I’m meeting young

PHOTO COURTESY OF AMY GRANT

Contemporary Christian music and pop singer Amy Grant appears Wednesday at the Fox.

Amy Grant When: 8 p.m. Wednesday Where: Fox Theater, 2001 H St. Admission: $49 to $69 Information: 324-1369 or vallitix.com

Win Amy Grant tickets! Tune in to “First Look” at 9 this morning to win tickets to the show. Just hit up bakersfield.com for the live video stream.

artists. What I see is such a compassionate, informed faith and spirituality. It’s not the kind of weird judgment that I grew up under.” But don’t think Grant’s role as big sister to those young artists has changed her outlook on keeping her music catchy and appealing.

“I feel their energy. They grew up listening to me, but it’s their game now, and I get it. You still have to have a certain amount of competitiveness to go, ‘Oh yeah, well I’m gonna go home and write a good song too.’ It’s a great thing, because you just have the thrill of somebody else loving and doing the same thing that you love. That’s exciting.” Looking ahead, Grant plans to continue working with the man upstairs as her guide and a loving family as her earthly foundation. “Vince and I are going to drive six hours to drop off our daughter at camp, six hours back, then I leave at the crack of dawn to promote the record and tour. My husband and I love what we do. I don’t know anybody else that I could be a partner with that would understand the craziness. But because he understands, you just love what you love.” Opening Wednesday’s show is singer Brandon Heath.

Small bar hosting big-time competition 11 singers in one night? That’s entertainment BY JENNIFER SELF Californian lifestyles editor jself@bakersfield.com

Nearly a dozen aspiring country singers are ready to take the Bull Shed by the horns Friday at the 32nd Annual Texaco Country

Showdown, a nationwide competition that helped make stars of unknowns like Brad Paisley and Miranda Lambert. But don’t tell the capacity cops. The small bar, at Camino del Rio Court and Rosedale Highway, just may bust at the seams trying to contain the contestants, their respective cheering sections and unsuspecting regulars wondering

what all the fuss is about. “The opportunity to go out and see 10 or 11 different acts in one evening doesn’t happen,” said Kris Winston, program director at 92.1 KIX Country, the radio station hosting the local leg of the competition. “When you go to a club, you see a band, one or two performers. You don’t get to see this buffet. If

you’re really into music, it’s a unique opportunity to sit there.” The call for entries went out to artists a few weeks ago, and Winston said the station received many submissions, via CD, MP3 and videos. Judges not affiliated with KIX selected the group of 11 finalists: JD Hardy, Whitney Wattenbarger, Marc Madewell, LauPlease see SHOW / 19

32nd annual Texaco Country Showdown What: Contest featuring 11 country music singers When: 7 p.m. Friday Where: The Bull Shed, 2400 Camino del Rio Court Admission: Free

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, July 18, 2013

Eye Street GATE OPENS AT 4:30 JRS PLAY AT 5PM DRB AT 7PM

Writers get away with murder Prosecutor to discuss where court dramas get it wrong BY JENNIFER SELF Californian lifestyles editor jself@bakersfield.com

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s a deputy district attorney, David Wolf can hardly bear to watch television shows like “CSI” and “Law & Order,” fast-paced crime and courtroom potboilers that aren’t about to be slowed down by plot killers like accuracy, legal procedure and the Fourth Amendment. But when several European law students visited Kern County recently to get a first-hand look at the American justice system, Wolf turned to Hollywood for help, showing the group a film that, in his estimation, offers some pretty authentic courtroom scenes: “My Cousin Vinny.” The 1992 Joe Pesci comedy is a classic showcase of “voir dire,” a French term that means “to speak the truth.” The attorney explained that voir dire is used during jury selection and sometimes as the basis to question the qualifications of expert witnesses at trial. “‘My Cousin Vinny’ shows both types of voir dire and they’re both accurate,” Wolf said in an illuminating phone conversation Monday. “There are only a few little tiny messups in ‘My Cousin Vinny,’ but I don’t know if the writers messed up or if the attorney in the movie is supposed to mess up.” “My Cousin Vinny” gets a rare pass from the discerning Wolf, 49, who handles homicide cases for the District Attorney’s Office and is the guest speaker at a meeting of the Writers of Kern on Saturday. The presentation is geared to aspiring writers of crime novels, but any fan of courtroom best-sellers, movies or television programs is in for a lively morning with the engaging Wolf, who can rattle off a mile-a-minute litany of La La Landmeets-legalese gripes, all delivered with equal parts elucidation and wit. The attorney’s challenge: limit his pet peeves to 10. “On TV, every cop and D.A. has an iPad with your financial data on it,” Wolf said. “So what’s Jennifer Self got in the bank right now? You’d have to do a search warrant and it takes months to get records. We’re in the United States and have a Fourth Amendment. We don’t want to get something if it’s not admissable.” And don’t get him started on the ratings-baiting drama he sees. “One of my points might be the media. The media and the FBI. In the movies, the local cops hate the FBI because the FBI is going to come in and take your case. On television, they hate the media, they don’t want to talk to the media. In real life, it’s not a love relationship, but we respect each other’s roles. When we’re trying

PHOTO COURTESY OF WRITERS OF KERN

David Wolf, a Kern deputy district attorney, volunteers with the sheriff’s search and rescue team, with whom he was training a couple of years ago.

Top 10 Most Stupid Crime Writer Blunders What: A presentation to the Writers of Kern by deputy district attorney David Wolf; the public is welcome When: 10 a.m. Saturday Where: Clarion Hotel, 3540 Rosedale Highway Admission: $10

to get the word out or warn people about something, we can’t survive without you guys.” Wolf was approached by Writers of Kern after working with the group on a scholarship program for children, though, as a writer himself, he’s a natural choice to lead the discussion. In addition to contributing pieces on the law and courtroom testimony to prison training manuals, he has committed to paper a story he used to tell his children about a chicken who wants to become a rooster. The title of the book: “But You’re a Girl.” “I’m an official writer because it’s been rejected several times,” Wolf said with a laugh of the book’s reception from the publishing industry. “The kids loved it.” That discouragement aside, he feels that, based on his 20-plus years of experience putting bad guys away, he’s got to have his own John Grisham-esque thriller in him somewhere. He’s just too busy to write it. “Maybe when I retire. The only thing that stops you is that people keep committing crimes. You convict one murderer and the next day another one is waiting to be prosecuted.” Wolf briefly escaped the criminal justice grind awhile back, an experimental time for his career when he toyed with the idea of practicing tax law — until his wife told him he was

crazy. He ended up taking a job in the county counsel’s office for about a year, coming away with a couple of revelations: One, that civil attorneys are, in fact, not very civil to one another, and that once you’ve been a prosecutor, it’s hard to feel as committed to anything else. “There’s usually a good guy and a bad guy; it’s not very gray, like it is with civil cases.” Another benefit is that his years at the D.A.’s office have provided him with endless source material for a dumb-criminals compilation or two. “We had a gal who was wanted for workers’ comp fraud. She got pulled over and avoided getting arrested by giving a fake last name: Alias. Nobody realized the name until they let her go and I heard it and told them what she did.” Though Wolf’s writing plans make him Exhibit A in support of the maxim that people should write what they know, he said you don’t have to be a cop or attorney to tell a credible crime story. “I don’t want to discourage anybody. I think it depends on how gifted a writer you are. I could make a good solid, logical argument about why someone is guilty. I can’t describe a sunset. People who are eloquent with words impress me. If they were a good writer and wanted to do their homework, I think they could write a good book.” To prepare for Saturday’s presentation, the attorney is watching a lot of bad TV and crafting his arguments with the same vigor and scrutiny he brings to a murder trial. If opposing attorneys quake at Wolf’s ability to dismantle a defense strategy, they should see what he can do to an episode of “Rizzoli & Isles.” “I’ve watched and will have comments, but if you want to know what those comments are, you have to come to the presentation.”

Thursday, July 18, 2013 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street Camille Gavin CONTRIBUTING COLUMNIST

Call it girl power, circa 1840s Trailblazing journalist subject of comedy

would venture to guess that few Americans, except scholars familiar with the personal lives of Hawthorne, Emerson and Thoreau, have ever heard of Margaret Fuller, a 19th century feminist and war correspondent for a New York newspaper. An extraordinary woman, particularly for her times, Fuller is the subject of “Charm,” a comedy mixed with tragedy that opens Friday at The Empty Space. Written by Kathleen Cahill, the play is set in the 1840s, yet through the author’s clever use of magical realism, it reflects certain aspects of today’s culture. Or as one critic put it: “‘Charm’ is a contradiction unto itself — a comedy with serious undertones, a history that keeps morphing into fantasy, a 19th-century story that leaps forward into the 21st.’” Perhaps its contradictory nature is what caused Miguel Torres, co-director of the local production, to change his opinion from negative to positive the first time he saw it performed at the American College Theatre Festival. “By intermission I was ready to walk out,” he wrote in an email. “But not only did the audience love it, my friends did too. So I stayed with the hope it (would) get better. I ended up loving it.” Torres went on to say, “I understood that the playwright had done everything I hated on purpose so I could love it in the end. All my expectations were fulfilled.” By the way, it was the production’s chief director, Kevin Lohmann, who initially pitched the play to the folks at The Empty Space and then recruited Torres to assist him. Emily Candia, a young actress who portrays Fuller, dresses for the part in very drab colors. “The costume I (wear) is a beige blouse, with a jacket, and a very long dark green skirt,” Candia said. “The whole ensemble is what the director described as

PHOTO COURTESY OF NORMA EATON

“Tea Time with Strawberries” is a work by Cindy Stiles.

Foundry gala

PHOTO COURTESY OF EMILY CANDIA

Emily Candia appears as Margaret Fuller, a 19th century feminist and war correspondent for a New York newspaper, in “Charm.”

‘homely’ which is what Margaret is considered to be during the 19th century.” Others in lead roles are Hudson Sanders as Ralph Waldo Emerson, and Michael Palowski as Orestes Brownson, a Unitarian minister and journal editor who publicly praised Fuller’s abilities at a time when women writers were rarely published. Performances of “Charm” continue through Aug. 3.

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

In some ways, the party and silent auction to be held at The Foundry on Tuesday is a celebration of the cooperative gallery’s continued existence. Director Christina Sweet compares the organization’s progress to the theme of a famous children’s book. “The Foundry has morphed from the ‘Little Gallery that Could’ to an important part of our community's art scene,” she said. “The members are doing this from the kindness of their hearts to benefit the gallery.” About 20 member-artists will be showing and selling their work, she said. In addition, a number of local businesses have donated raffle items. Now in its fourth year, the gallery has moved twice since 2010, when it first opened in a corner of Justin Jennings’ custom framing business on Chester Avenue. The following year it migrated to a small retail space on 20th Street next to Dagny’s. Then in September 2012 The Foundry set up shop at 1608 19th St. next to Metro Galleries in the heart of the downtown Arts District. Looking back over the past 10 months, Sweet said sales have been steady and recently have even shown a slight up-tick. “The (June) show featuring Bakersfield country was a huge hit,” she said. “We sold all but

PHOTO COURTESY OF DUANE ANDERSON

This image of a street scene in San Francisco is by Duane Anderson, who will be the instructor for the “Trees” class.

one piece.” Guests at the event will be served free appetizers from the Window Sill Pie Company and there will be a no-host beverage counter.

Still-life paintings Cindy Stiles of the Bakersfield Art Association filled me in on the group’s call for entries in its upcoming still-life show. “We haven’t gotten many still lifes lately,” she said. “We thought it would be a good idea to have a group show (featuring) them. We’re calling it ‘On the Table.’” Monday is the deadline for registration — each participating artist must complete an entry form that includes a digital image of the painting. The exhibit opens with a reception on Aug. 2 as one of the First Friday events. Stiles has already finished her entry, “Teatime with Strawberries,” a 16-by-16-inch oil painting that includes a vase filled with

tulips and a tall, slender silver pot rather than the low, round kind usually associated with a tea service. “I know it’s really a coffee pot,” she said, “but I liked ‘teatime’ better.” Any work submitted must be an original by the artist and painted within the past three years. It also cannot be the product of work done in a workshop or class, which Stiles said is “kind of a standard request” because such work tends to be influenced by the artist teaching the group. Artists who submit need not be BAA members. All artwork must be available for sale with 30 percent of the purchase price retained by the association. The BAA is a nonprofit organization established in 1944. Floyd Dillon is president of the 12member board; Iva Fendrick is vice president; Joyce Umfress, secretary; Elleta Abuliel, treasurPlease see ARTS / 19

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, July 18, 2013

Eye Street This Week’s Obsessions

If I give you a cookie, will you be my friend? U

ntil recently I worked out of a radio station where I’d been for more than 10 years. For better or worse, I’d gotten to know everybody who worked there. I knew what kind of dog everybody had and how good they were at softball. It's nice knowing all your co-workers. Though I still technically work for the radio station, my workplace itself has changed in recent months (hello, Bakersfield Californian newsroom!), and with that extreme makeover came a whole new cast of characters, most of whom didn’t know what to make of me. All they knew was that I was some idiot from the radio, and that the powers that be had turned their conference room into a broadcast studio. Oh, and I had a parking space, which not everyone around here gets. Over the last few months, I have actually gotten a few of these people to talk to me. And the more I get to know these people, the more horrible stuff I learn about them. So this week my obsession has been about helping these poor hapless people.

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.

(Not Lois Henry though. She's beyond help.) But first a little background about this place: They’re constantly having potlucks at the paper. I’m not sure who goes or what they bring, because I don't get invited. But I hear about them. And here's the thing they don't know: My wife is a very talented cook. So the other day on the amazing “First Look with Scott Cox” we were talking about one of the thousands of books sent on a weekly basis to the Eye Street editor, who neither wants, needs nor asks for them. So we give them away. But this particular freebie, an Amish cookbook, got me thinking about how I (meaning my wife) could bring a ray of sunshine into their otherwise dismal days.

Scott Cox is host of "First Look with Scott Cox," which airs from 7 to 10 a.m. weekdays at bakersfield.com and KERN-AM, 1180.

On the cover was a picture of these fantastic-looking oatmeal sandwich cookies. I just assumed that most people would see that picture the way I see pictures of Ferraris: amazing but unattainable. I announced to everyone in the room that I would be bringing those cookies into work. Not someday, but tomorrow. I printed out the recipe from the book and took it home, and as luck would have it, the little woman was doing some baking that night anyway. And thus, in exchange for promising to clean up the kitchen, I showed up at work the next day with a Buffy the Vampire Slayer lunchbox stuffed with Amish oatmeal sandwich cookies. I'm assuming there's some irony there. The sense of shock that I’d actually made good on the cookie promise (these newspaper types are a skeptical bunch) quickly gave way to unbridled amazement at how good these things were. All the “First Look” crew got one before word eventually got out that there were top-shelf home-baked goods in the building. Pretty soon people from all departments were showing up for a taste. After the show I took the remaining cookies around and hand-delivered them to the folks who'd been out of the cookie loop or, worse yet, couldn't leave their cubicles.

PHOTO BY SCOTT COX

The best way to make new friends at work: a batch of cookies.

By the time it was all over, word had spread like an oil slick fire to all corners of the building, and soon the tales were being retold. Tales of the horrible bald monster-man and his amazing baked goods. And while I’m sure that many of them believe that I did all this in an attempt to win the respect, or at least tolerance of my co-workers, or better yet just to spread good cheer around the newsroom, the truth is that I know that the word of my wife's baking will reach those elitists who organize the potlucks. And they'll want me to join them next time. But I won't. Oh no, they had their chance. I will keep bringing the best homemade baked goods in town to everyone who wants them, until they're lined up outside the studio like crack-addled

lab rats fighting each other over the next stray crumb. Then I will be totally in control of a legion of pastry-addicted followers ready to do my bidding. At that point I’ll only need to suggest that going to the potlucks might endanger the cookie supply chain, and that will be the end of the potluck menace forever. And if you think revealing my evil plan, Bond movie-style, will doom it to failure, you haven't tasted my wife's cooking. And I will have done it without even having to resort to brownies, cupcakes or tarts. Perhaps best of all, the people who thought I was a horrible person all along will be proved right, so it's like I’m helping them too. I just hope they appreciate the gesture.

Built to last while having a blast Texas indie band doesn’t cave to industry demands BY MATT MUNOZ Californian staff writer mmunoz@bakersfield.com

The intensity involved with working your music to radio can bring some artists to their knees. Not Josh Abbott. The country stalwart sticks to his artistic beliefs without bowing to the demands of the industry, and that sets him apart. With a built-to-last Texas attitude, Abbott is a vital figure in the independent country movement, with a backing band of friends ready to throw down at a moment’s notice. “I definitely think the radio industry is dependent on the

Josh Abbott Band When: 7 p.m. Tuesday Where: Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace, 2800 Buck Owens Blvd. Admission: $10 Information: 328-7560 or vallitix.com

Win Josh Abbott tickets! Tune in to “First Look” at 9 this morning to win tickets to the show. Just hit up bakersfield.com for the live video stream.

Nashville labels for its food source,” Abbott said in an interview before his return to Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace Tuesday.

“I've noticed too many guys wearing girl jeans and, quite frankly, it needs to stop. It annoys me when ‘country’ bands don’t really look country.” — Josh Abbott

“Not very many are willing to take a big chance on a tune if it isn't promoted by a label. ... You just have to find the stations that believe in the song and really work with them and be grateful for whatever spins you can get.” The band’s latest, “Small Town Please see ABBOTT / 22

PHOTO COURTESY OF JOSH ABBOTT

The Josh Abbott Band appears Tuesday at Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace.

Thursday, July 18, 2013 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street SHOW: CONTINUED FROM 15

ren Ashley, Jeff Schmidt, Dillon James, Noah Claunch, Rick McKay, Dan Talbot, Calboy Calvin and Highway Down. Most of the artists are from the area, Winston said. The judges for Friday nightâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s event are songwriter and producer Steven Sharp; Bakersfield singer Deedra Patrick; and musician Todd Brumley (son of the late BuckaJames roo great Tom Brumley). The public, too, will have a chance to be heard, though the popular vote will not affect the judges, who will score the artists on scale of 1 to 10 in the categories of overall talent; marketability in country music; vocal/instrumental ability; originality of performance; and stage presence/charisma. Performers singing original material stand to gain up to another three points if the judges like what they hear. The winner and runnerup receive cash prizes, but the real perk is advancing to the next phase of competition at Knottâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Berry Farm and maybe on from there. The grand prize of the entire contest is $100,000. Two of the local contestants â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Lauren Ashley and Dillon James â&#x20AC;&#x201D; will be hoping for an edge by singing their own songs at the competition. Though Ashley is just 18 and James 20, both have years of experience playing guitar and writing songs, starting as children. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I remember the first time I performed,â&#x20AC;? said Ashley, a newly minted Highland High graduate. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It was at American Sound Recording, I was 13, I was playing all my original songs and I got up there and I was just shaking so bad. But my dad was there with me and it made it better. I wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t always superconfident on stage, but it gets better.â&#x20AC;? Ashleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s poise and determination belie her youth. She convinced respected singer/musician Monty Byrom to produce her CD, has shot three music videos and estimates her songwriting catalog stands at 300 compositions. As a preteen, she had the pluck to contact â&#x20AC;&#x153;American Idolâ&#x20AC;? finalist

ARTS: CONTINUED FROM 17

GO & DO â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Charmâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

er; and Jim Bates, finance. Toni Lott serves as manager of the Art Center, the associationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s gallery in downtown Bakersfield.

When: 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday Where: The Empty Space, 706 Oak St. Admission: $15, $12 students Information: 327-PLAY

Tree-drawing class

PHOTO COURTESY OF LAUREN ASHLEY

Texaco Country Showdown contestant Lauren Ashley recently graduated from Highland High School.

See Lauren Ashley perform today The aspiring country singer, who describes her style as â&#x20AC;&#x153;a little bit of pop flair, a little spunkyâ&#x20AC;? will sing for the Eye Street crew and our listeners on â&#x20AC;&#x153;First Look with Scott Coxâ&#x20AC;? this morning at 9. Visit bakersfield.com to see her live or tune in to KERN-AM, 1180.

and Bakersfield resident Amy Adams about teaching her the ropes. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I heard she was doing vocal lessons, so I called her myself â&#x20AC;&#x201D; I always took the reins, sometimes to my parentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; dismay.â&#x20AC;? She said she values the self-confidence she gained by working with Byrom and Adams, a trait sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll no doubt call upon when she leaves the security of her close-knit family and heads to college in Los Angeles at the end of the summer. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m going to be a music attorney. I like to read about the copyrights and all that and I figured if Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m doing that for my career, why not do it in college.â&#x20AC;? But to make it to the next round, Ashley will have to outshine 10 others, including Dillon Galanski, who goes by the stage name of Dillon James. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m planning on singing two songs. One is the Darius Rucker song â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Wagon Wheelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and one is mine,â&#x20AC;? said the Ridgeview High graduate. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I thought it would be more fun to play a more peppy, upbeat song that everybody knows. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll end it with my own, which is kind of a slower, more heartfelt song.â&#x20AC;? Music, though his first love, is not Jamesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; only foray into entertainment.

Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s up for a part in a Lifetime movie starring Dolly Parton and gets work from time to time as a model. â&#x20AC;&#x153;My plans are to try to make it onto a major label doing music and move to Nashville.â&#x20AC;? In the meantime, James will shop around the demo he made after winning another singing competition and work on new material. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When I first started writing, I wrote because I wanted to try to write. As I got older, it became more of a venting process, if I was bothered or stressed out, or even in happy times. All my songs are pretty much based on experiences in my life.â&#x20AC;?

Whether itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an element in a rural landscape or an advertisement for a model home, trees add a special touch to a drawing. So says Duane Anderson whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s teaching a workshop devoted to drawing and coloring trees on Saturday at The Foundry. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re the eye candy in the entourage,â&#x20AC;? the Bakersfield College professor said in a recent phone conversation. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In an architectural drawing trees frame the scene, bring warmth to it and give (the viewer) a sense of place, of belonging.â&#x20AC;? No previous experience is necessary to enroll in the one-day workshop. It is designed for ages 13 and older. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The only thing (participants) need to bring is the materials and a sense of curiosity,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;My teaching (philosophy) is that it should be fun.â&#x20AC;? Essential materials include a fine point and an ultra-fine point black Sharpie, a Prisma colored-pencil set, a 9-by-12-inch bond paper pad, plus about five graphite pencils and watercolors, if desired. Emphasis will be on learning the structure of three types of trees â&#x20AC;&#x201D; palms, conifers and deciduous â&#x20AC;&#x201D; and then guidance in drawing each species. During the school year at BC, Anderson teaches introductory courses in architecture and hand-drafting as well as color rendering and graphic drawing. He devotes his free time to fine art painting in his home studio and is preparing for a solo show at The Foundry in August. Originally from Tennessee, he came here 45 years ago to attend Bakersfield College and later taught there on a part-time basis for a number of years before taking a full-

Pr u P e nt â&#x20AC;Ś.

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Treesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; When: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday Where: The Foundry, 1608 19th St. Admission: $60 Information: 388-0278

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;On the Tableâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Bakersfield Art Associationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Call to Artists When: Registration deadline, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday Admission: $20, $15 BAA members Information: 664-1931

Art Gala & Auction When: 5 to 9 p.m. Tuesday Where: The Foundry, 1608 19th St. Admission: $5, $4 seniors and students Information: 388-0278

time position nine years ago. â&#x20AC;&#x153;My love of painting made me leave architecture, my chosen profession, to concentrate on architectural illustration,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;That proved to be a good decision as I was able to combine my passion for painting with my love for architecture.â&#x20AC;? To reserve a place in his workshop, send an email to art@bakersfieldfoundry.com and write â&#x20AC;&#x153;Trees 7/20â&#x20AC;? in the subject line.

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The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, July 18, 2013

Eye Street The Lowdown with Matt Munoz

This ‘Machine’ fueled by hope Band blends spirituality with youthful energy

he members of Silent Pacific are eager to make your spiritual acquaintance. The band offers messages of hope presented with copious amounts of youthful energy and edge, meaning local fans will be hard-pressed to find a more jubilant show than the group’s CD release party at the Gate on Saturday. “We want to bring a very simple, bold statement of God’s love to the forefront of the music scene in Bakersfield,” said Gabriel Zuniga, 22, the band’s lead guitarist and vocalist. “And, secondly, we want to revamp people’s understanding of what a real rock show is.” Silent Pacific is part of a revival of the local alternative Christian scene, which is seeing the emergence of young bands releasing music that could be played alongside any secular rock format. The band’s debut five-song EP, “Fuel for the Human Machine,” is an impressive collection of original post-hardcore riffs and catchy melodies tightly executed by bassist Darin Chavez, guitarist Saul Navarro and drummer Richard Raygoza. “Each of our songs comes from a different source,” said Zuniga. “When I first started writing music, I had nothing personal or interesting. I literally had to stir up some dramatic stuff in my life to have things to talk about. I want to convey the gospel of Jesus Christ in a raw, practical, and realistic way instead of the cookie cutter way most Christian bands try to sugarcoat their songs.” Like most young bands, the members of Silent Pacific intricately weave into the music their personal lives at home, in the garage and the studio. “We all have busy schedules,” said Raygoza, 22. “We are all employed students trying to navigate the ‘system’ so we all practice as much as we can. Our set practice days are every Saturday and Sunday in the mornings.

PHOTO BY MYRIAM SANTOS PHOTO BY MIGUEL ANGEL GONZALEZ

Bakersfield band Silent Pacific celebrate the release of their new EP at The Gate on Saturday.

However, we do practice during the week if we can.” With more rehearsals than live shows under their belt, the guys plan to showcase all their current material along with some older songs. “In the beginning, there was a lot that we wanted to do but we had to be mindful of the time set,” said Chavez, 23. “We had to condense a lot of our stuff because we usually have a small amount of time. Now we have enough music to play for the people.” Following Saturday’s show, the band plans to continue adding more gigs and building a larger fan base through their message of positivity. As the primary songwriter, Zuniga said the band is sincere about its message of hope for believers and non-believers. “So much confusion and economical turmoil has caused everybody to forget about what really fuels their spirit, rather than their body and mind and wallet. We want the music to be loud and chaotic and unrelenting. The first four songs are lyrically telling a story of desperation and the subconscious search for God that I believe we sometimes feel compelled to do. The final lyrics are kind of an answer to everything. ‘If lawyers lie and

doctors die, and judges sin behind closed doors, and sexiness is so abstract that beauty’s almost lost — if Jesus died to save mankind, and politics and youth collide, and you’re observing from afar, Lord, help us fix the world.’” “Fuel for the Human Machine” will be available for sale at the show, as well as all regular digital download sites including iTunes. Also appearing are Burn the Ships, Arizonity, and Chunrun. Saturday’s showtime is 7 p.m. Admission is $5 in advance; $7 at door. All ages. The Gate is at 2010 O St. Visit facebook.com/silentpacific.

Sick Puppies at B Ryder’s Not that they’re suffering from a disappointing musical career, but Aussie rock trio Sick Puppies can always use a hug. After the release of the band’s 2007 single “All the Same,” which was used as the soundtrack for a touching tribute for a friend, the video became a viral sensation, helping to launch the Puppies’ careers into high gear. The sensation continues for the members of Sick Puppies: Emma Anzai, bass; Shimon “Shim” Moore, guitar; and Mark Goodwin, drums. Bakersfield will get a glimpse of the magic Sunday at B

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.

Australian alt-rock trio Sick Puppies appear Sunday at B Ryder’s.

Ryder’s. “Firstly, it was a complete accident,” said Anzai, 32, during an interview. “Shim made ‘Free Hugs’ as a ‘feel better’ video for his friend, who had recently lost his grandmother. After it got put on YouTube, it got a life of its own, skyrocketing beyond our control. It’s been a few years now and we still see people all over the world holding ‘Free Hugs’ signs.” Anzai said the band’s latest release, “Connect,” was built with help from their fans. “The one thing we like to do before we start the process of a new album is ask our close fans what they want more of and less of. We have a group of people called the Sick Puppies world crew who have been fans from the beginning, and the world crew continues to grow as we do. We look to them when we write and record, as sometimes being in this band bubble can be disorienting, and they bring us back to equilibrium.” Critics are split on the group’s latest direction, pointing out the band may be trying to take themselves too seriously after coming off the joyful hype of “Free Hugs.” “In a nutshell, I’d say that it’s a complete mixture of our albums ‘Dressed Up As Life,’ ‘Tri-Polar’ and ‘Polar Opposite,’” Anzai said. “It’s a snapshot in time, as albums always are, and this one is a snapshot of our time when we wrote it. It’s more musical and we explored and experimented with our sound just enough to make it

a little different, but not too much as to make it ‘not us.’” Musical “hugs” from the stage will be plentiful in Bakersfield, said Anzai, adding that hand sanitizer is optional. “We hope that people get to forget all their problems for an hour and to feel something, to purge something and hopefully leave with a good feeling when they go home.” Sunday’s showtime is 8 p.m. $22. All ages. B Ryder’s is at 7401 White Lane. 397-7304 or numbskullshows.com.

Matt’s picks Viva Bakersfield at Narducci’s Cafe, 622 E. 21st St., Saturday, 7 p.m., $8, 324-2961. It’s an extravabandza in Old Town featuring the Lovely Bad Things, Kitten Forever, Wyatt Blair, and Love Lush. This is the first of a proposed series in association with the Pomona-based Viva independent music festival. From the tragically hip to the chaotic and beyond, each act is as uniquely eclectic as it gets. Tijuana Panthers and more at Sandrini’s, 1918 Eye St., Monday, 9 p.m., free, 322-8900. I caught Long Beach post-punk trio Tijuana Panthers open for Dead Kennedy’s vocalist Jello Biafra and Reverend Horton Heat in Anaheim some months back and they threw me for a loop with their cool blend of garage and surf-tastic guitar style. Also on the bill are GRMLN, The Waywards, and Crooked Folk. Highly recommended.

Thursday, July 18, 2013 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street

July 26 red-letter day for laughter It’s Seinfeld vs. Jo Koy as venues prepare for hot fall BY JENNIFER SELF Californian lifestyles editor jself@bakersfield.com

erry Seinfeld still pulls in the crowds 15 years after his eponymous sitcom went off the air, so much so that he recently was ranked No. 1 on Forbes’ list of topearning comedians. Yet despite his undeniable drawing power, plenty of tickets remain for the comedian’s July 26 show at the Rabobank Theater. But Ed Dorsey, assistant general manager of Rabobank Arena, recommends that Bakersfield’s notoriously last-minute ticket buyers not put off securing their seats too long; Seinfeld sold out both of his previous shows in Bakersfield, in 2003 and 2005. “He usually tours every two years or so and does sort of a circuit,” Dorsey said. “Once he comes to a city, he’ll usually come back.” Also returning to Bakersfield July 26 is comedian Jo Koy, whose show at the Fox should more than fill the city’s laugh quota that night. Lauren Montana, client relations associate for the company that books the landmark theater, said tickets are still available but that she expects a sellout of that concert as well. So why does comedy do so well in Bakersfield? Without venturing any guesses, Dorsey and Montana said it just does. “Combined with the Fox, we’ve done pretty well,” Dorsey said, ticking off an impressive list of funny men who have sold out the theater or arena, including George Lopez, Carlos Mencia and Jeff Dunham. As for other concert news on the horizon, Montana said tickets are nearly sold out for country singer Billy Currington’s July 31 show at the Fox and that new bookings for the fall should pick up in August. She said the most successful booking at the Fox this year was the Darius Rucker concert in April. Meanwhile, AEG has assumed management of the city-owned entertainment venues, which includes the Rabobank complex, after longtime contractor SMG lost the gig. That means AEG is looking for a new general manager to run the facilities. The job has been vacant since June 30, when former GM Scott Neal, an SMG employee, left for a position with the company in Long Beach. Personnel and management issues aside, Dorsey and recently promoted marketing manager Nick Wynne are keeping things humming. “2009 to ’10 was pretty dry, but we did 20 concerts last year, and it’s picked up a bit this year,” Dorsey said. “Not everything is going to be huge for us because we’re not a major market. The most concerts we ever did is 2006 and ’07 with 30.” Dorsey said the most successful concert this year was the May 9 Miranda Lambert/ Dierks Bentley double bill,

“2009 to ’10 was pretty dry, but we did 20 concerts last year, and it’s picked up a bit this year.” — Ed Dorsey, assistant general manager of Rabobank Arena

which filled 8,300 seats. “The most we’ve ever had, 11,000, was Neil Diamond the first time he came,” Dorsey said of the 1999 concert. “It was a center stage in the round so we could use all the seats.” Fun fact: Dorsey noted Diamond wasn’t the first performer to sell out the then-brand new arena. That honor goes to Aerosmith, also in 1999, but in true rock ’n’ roll fashion, Steven Tyler and company canceled several shows on the tour, including the Bakersfield date, forcing the arena to refund all the tickets. “He’s (Tyler) made up the dates, but not ours,” Dorsey said. “They want an exorbitant amount of money now.” It’s just that problem — money — that usually takes Bakersfield out of the game when booking the biggest names in music. “You have superstars wanting huge amounts, and they’re getting it. But it’s a consideration here in Bakersfield. We’re half the size of Staples Center or the Honda Center (in Anaheim) or Oracle Arena in Oakland.” But that doesn’t stop fans from thinking big when requesting concerts, and sometimes, if management hears the same names bounced around, they do try a little harder to secure the booking. That’s how the Carlos Santana show happened in 2011. “We tried for two and a half years to get him in,” Dorsey said. “Hopefully you ask enough, but you don’t want to ask too much because you become a pest.” So who is No. 1 on Bakersfield’s list nowadays? Kanye West, Beyonce or Metallica? No, no and no. Surprisingly, it’s Jimmy Buffett, a guy whose hottest chart action was during the Carter administration. Nevertheless, the flip-flopped crooner is a wanted man, commanding huge sums. Dorsey knows because he has tried again and again to get him, but apparently there isn’t enough tequila in Margaritaville to coax Buffett away from the water. But rather than focus on the hard-toget, Dorsey pointed to some interesting shows on the calendar, including the Gary Allan/Sheryl Crow concert Sept. 15. “Shows that do well are country, if it crosses over into country pop. Also, Latin music does well and acts like Elton John and the Eagles. “But then shows you think will do well don’t and the other way around. It’s a gambling man’s game, as far as being a concert promoter.”

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, July 18, 2013

Eye Street ABBOTT: CONTINUED FROM 18

danashousekeeping.net

favorite musical comforts. “I can depend on Terry Allen’s ‘Lubbock (On Everything)’ to put me in a good mood, Pat Green’s ‘Three Days’ or ‘Dancehall Dreamer’ albums.” To prove how grassroots he truly is, Abbott said he handles most of the band’s social networking sites. If your post or Tweet gets a response, chances are you’re interacting with the man himself. “Honestly, it’s me. Our management makes most posts on Facebook, but I alone handle the Twitter, Instagram and Vine. It’s a chore sometimes to keep up but it’s such a great medium to connect with fans.” That web interaction has also helped inspire Abbott to write new material, with topics and themes pulled directly from daily web surfing. “Spontaneity in relationships and the adventures of being young. So, trying to write fun upbeat songs along with a few sex songs.” As for what local fans can expect, beyond hearing the band’s latest single, “She Will Be Free”: “Original music, written, recorded and performed by the same people. I think fans can hear authenticity in a band when they play live and I think that’s why people dig our band. The Crystal Palace has a lot of history, so it’s a must-stop when coming to California.”

TICKET ROUNDUP Rabobank 1001 Truxtun Ave. ticketmaster.com or 800-745-3000. (Listed ticket prices do not include additional fees.) July 26: Jerry Seinfeld, 7 p.m. in the theater, $45-$75.

Aug. 20: WWE Smackdown, 7 p.m. in the arena, $15-$95. Sept. 5-8: Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, show 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday; 11 a.m., 3 and 7 p.m. Saturday; 1 and 5 p.m. Sunday. $20-$75. Sept. 15: Gary Allan and Sheryl Crow “Free & Easy Tour,” guest Drake White, 7 p.m. in the arena, $33-$73.

▲

Family Dream,” boasts all the ingredients of the group’s signature style. And if radio doesn’t want them, there’s always the road. Back home in Texas, the group notched its first official sellout (6,000 seats) in 2010 at Billy Bob’s, the world's largest honky-tonk. That’s a lot of Wranglers and belt buckles and, for Abbott, a sight edging toward extinction. “I've noticed too many guys wearing girl jeans and, quite frankly, it needs to stop. It annoys me when ‘country’ bands don’t really look country.” Joining Abbott are long-

time compadres Preston Wait, fiddle; Edward Villanueva, drums; James Hertless, bass; Caleb Keeter, guitar; and cofounder Austin Davis, banjo. To help break the monotony of the road, Abbott has made the tour bus like a home away from home, tailoring it with typical “guy” comforts. “If we're on the bus, someone is usually playing Xbox. Several of us golf, so we’ll do that once a week or two. And I love to fish, so if I get the chance I’ll hire a guide and bring some of the guys for a fishing trip.” He also counts on his

Oct. 6: “The Four Preps,” presented by Bakersfield Community Concert Association, 3 p.m. in the theater, $80 for eight concerts. bakersfieldcca.org or 2058522 or 589-2478. Oct. 19: Guns N’ Hoses Charity Boxing, 6 p.m. $10-$35. Nov. 1: Mike Epps, 7 p.m. in the theater, $44-$51. Nov. 3: “Golden Dragon Acrobats,” presented by Bakersfield Community Concert Association, 3 p.m. in the theater, $80 for seven concerts. bakersfieldcca.org or 205-8522 or 589-2478. Dec. 8: “Eve Selis,” presented by Bakersfield Community Concert Association, 3 p.m. in the theater, $80 for six concerts. bakersfieldcca.org or 205-8522 or 5892478. Jan. 31: The Fresh Beat Band concert, 6:30 p.m. in the theater, $18 to $38.

Sept. 14: Dru Hill with Case and H Town, 8 p.m. $28.50-$68.50. Sept. 21: Kenny Loggins, 7:30 p.m. $59.50-$99.50. Oct. 5: Country Roads: A John Denver Celebration, 8 p.m. $26-$69. Oct. 26: 3 Faces of the King: An American Legend, celebrate the music, life and legacy of Elvis Presley, 8 p.m. $26$69. Nov. 11: Moscow Ballet's Great Russian Nutcracker, 7:30 p.m. $27.50-$175. Dec. 7: An Irish Christmas, 7:30 p.m. $26$51.

Kern County Fairgrounds 1142 S. P St., Budweiser Pavilion The concerts are free with Kern County Fair paid admission. All shows at 8 p.m., unless specified. Sept. 18: Uncle Kracker Sept. 19: REO Speedwagon Sept. 20: Zendaya Sept. 21: Jo Dee Messina Sep. 22: Mickey Thomas Sept. 23: Los Lobos Sept. 24: The Four Tops Sept. 25: Dustin Lynch with Lucky Ned Pepper Sept. 26: Kutless Sept. 27: The Hollywood Stones Sept. 28: Lonestar

Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace

Sept. 29: Banda la Costena, with special guest Ana Victoria, 7 p.m.

2800 Buck Owens Blvd. vallitix.com or 322-5200. (Listed ticket prices do not include additional fees.)

Kern County Museum, 3801 Chester Ave.

July 23: Josh Abbott band, 7 p.m. $10.

Sept. 7: Village Fest 2013, 6 p.m. $65.

July 30: Asleep at the Wheel, 7 p.m. $20.50-$28.50.

Outside The Box Film Festival

Aug. 1: Charlie Worsham, 7 p.m. Free

Nov. 8: Panels & Workshops, Spotlight Theatre, 1622 19th St. $25.

Aug. 9-10: Buck Owen's Birthday Bash, 7 p.m. $30-$40. Aug. 15: Joel Crouse, 7 p.m. Free. Aug. 29: Phil Vassar, 7 p.m. $30.50$38.50.

Fox Theater 2001 H St. vallitix.com or 322-5200. (Listed ticket prices do not include additional fees.)

July 24: Amy Grant, guest Brandon Heath, 7 p.m. $40-$60. July 26: Jo Koy, 8 p.m. Friday, $29. July 31: Billy Currington, 7:30 p.m. $35$60. TICKETS AVAILABLE AT THE FOX THEATER BOX OFFICE, RUSSO’S BOOKS AT THE MARKETPLACE, EMPORIUM WESTERN STORE 661-322-5200 888-825-5484 - FOXTHEATERONLINE.COM - VALLITIX.COM

Sept. 13: Anjelah Johnson, 8 p.m. $30.50.

Aug. 24: Courtney Love, 8 p.m. $28-$48.

vallitix.com or 322-5200.

Nov. 8-10: 3 Day Festival Pass, 9 a.m. Friday through 5 p.m. Sunday, Fox Theater, 2001 H St. $175 adults; $90 students. Nov. 8: Outside The Box Film Festival: Feature Film Movie, 8 p.m., Fox Theater, 2001 H St. $15 adults; $7.50 students. Nov. 10: Outside The Box Closing Night Wrap Party, 9 p.m., The Padre Hotel, 1702 18th St. $100.

Eagle Mountain Casino 681 S. Tule Reservation Road, Porterville. eaglemtncasino.com or 559-788-6220. All shows 8 p.m. $25 general; $35 reserved, unless specified. Saturday: Sara Evans, 8:30 p.m. Aug. 30: Trace Adkins, 9 p.m. $30-$40.

Thursday, July 18, 2013 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street

‘This is the image of a rock star’ Magazine’s ‘glamorized’ cover of terror suspect roundly condemned BY LEANNE ITALIE Associated Press

NEW YORK — Sultry eyes burn into the camera lens from behind tousled curls. A scruff of sexy beard and loose T-shirt are bathed in soft, yellow light. The close-up of Dzhokhar Tsarnaev on the cover of Rolling Stone to hit shelves Friday looks more like a young Jim Morrison than the 19-year-old who pleaded not guilty a little more than a week ago in the Boston Marathon bombing, his arm in a cast and his face swollen in court. Has the magazine, with its roundly condemned cover, offered the world its first rock star of an alleged Islamic terrorist? The same image of Tsarnaev was widely circulated and used by newspapers and magazines before, but in this context it took on new criticism and accusations that Rolling Stone turned the bombing defendant into something more appealing. “I can’t think of another instance in which one has glamorized the image of an alleged terrorist. This is the image of a rock star. This is the image of someone who is admired, of

WENNER MEDIA

Boston Marathon bombing suspect Dzhokhar Tsarnaev appears on the cover of the Aug. 1 issue of Rolling Stone.

someone who has a fan base, of someone we are critiquing as art,” said Kathleen Hall Jamieson, a communications professor and the director of the Annenberg Public Policy Center at the University of Pennsylvania. Public outrage was swift, including hard words from the Boston mayor, bombing survivors and the governor of Massachusetts. At least seven retailers, including CVS and Walgreens, said they would not sell the issue that features an in-depth look into how a charming, well-liked

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teen took a dark turn toward radical Islam. Tsarnaev is not referred to as Tsarnaev in the article. The magazine uses his playful diminutive instead in a headline: “Jahar’s World,” with the tagline, “The Bomber. How a Popular, Promising Student was Failed by His Family, Fell Into Radical Islam and Became a Monster.” Rolling Stone did not address whether the photo was edited or filtered in any way in a brief statement offering condolences to bombing survivors and the loved ones of the dead. “The fact that Dzhokhar Tsarnaev is young, and in the same age group as many of our readers, makes it all the more important for us to examine the complexities of this issue and gain a more complete understanding of how a tragedy like this happens,” the statement said. That’s little consolation for James “Bim” Costello, 30, of Malden, Mass., who needed pig skin grafts on most of his right arm and right leg after the bombing. His body was pebbled with shrapnel, including nails he pulled out of his stomach himself. “I think whoever wrote the article should have their legs blown off by someone,” struggle through treatment “and then see who they would choose to put on

“The survivors of the Boston attacks deserve Rolling Stone cover stories, though I no longer feel that Rolling Stone deserves them.” — Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino

the cover.” Lauren Gabler had finished her fourth Boston Marathon and was two blocks from the explosions that April day. At first she thought the Rolling Stone photo, released on the magazine’s website and Facebook page, was of a model or a rock star. “All of a sudden you realize that’s the Boston bomber,” said Gabler. “The cover almost tricks you into what you’re looking at. I haven’t read the article yet, and I know it will probably be quite indepth, but my initial reaction is that the photo that’s being used almost makes him look like a good guy.” Rolling Stone said the cover story was part of its “long-standing commitment to serious and thoughtful coverage of the most important political and cultural issues of our day.” And the magazine has had plenty of covers featuring people outside the realm of entertainment, from President

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Obama to Charles Manson. Putting criminals and alleged criminals on the covers of major magazines is justified if they are major news figures, said Samir Husni, a journalism professor who heads the Magazine Innovation Center at the University of Mississippi. It’s digitally manipulating a photo that never is, said Husni. “They’ll probably regret it later,” he said of Rolling Stone’s handling of the cover. “Even if it wasn’t doctored it’s going to bring those negative reactions.” Hundreds of Facebook and Twitter commenters condemned the magazine. Many cursed. Others expressed sadness and still more vowed never to read or purchase the magazine again. Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino spoke for them in a letter he dashed off to Rolling Stone publisher Jann Wenner accusing the magazine of offering Tsarnaev “celebrity treatment” and calling the cover “ill-conceived, at best,” in that it supports the “terrible message that destruction gains fame for killers and their ’causes.’” The letter goes on to call the cover an obvious marketing strategy and concludes: “The survivors of the Boston attacks deserve Rolling Stone cover stories, though I no longer feel that Rolling Stone deserves them.”

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The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, July 18, 2013

Eye Street Go & Do Today Third Thursdays Faire in the Park, entertainment, barbecue, arts and crafts, games, contests, farmers market, 5:30 p.m., Central Park at Mill Creek, 21st and R streets. 325-5892. Concerts by the Fountain, a Steely Dan tribute band with The Blue Deacons, 7 to 9 p.m., The Marketplace, 9000 Ming Ave. Free Admission Day, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Buena Vista Museum of Natural History, 2018 Chester Ave. 324-6350.

MAKING A SPLASH THIS SUMMER

ART

Friday 32nd annual Texaco Country Showdown Finals, hosted by 92.1 KIX Country; see local musicians battle to become the winner, 7 to 10 p.m., The Bullshed, 2400 Camino Del Rio Court. Free. 3279711. Friday Family Night Swim, 6 to 8 p.m., Bakersfield College, 1801 Panorama Drive. $5 for two adults, 2 children; $1 each additional child, $3 each additional adult. 395-4663. Meditation & Teachings with Tibetan Teacher, Anam Thubten, 7 p.m., Junior League of Bakersfield, 1928 19th St. $10. Visit facebook.com/contemplativebakersfield or call Ben at 412-3212. Movies in the Park presents “Wreck-It-Ralph,” begins at dusk, Stonecreek Park, 8515 Akers Road. Free. 326-3866. NOR Junior Theatre presents “Seussical,” 7 p.m. Friday, 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday, East Bakersfield High School, 2200 Quincy St. $7 all ages. 392-2000. Pirate’s Cove Family Fun Night, 6 to 9 p.m., McMurtrey Aquatic Center, 1325 Q St. $3 per person; $10 for groups of four to six. 8527430.

Saturday Bakersfield Blaze vs. Lancaster Jethawks, 7:45 p.m. Saturday and Monday, 11:30 a.m. Sunday, Sam Lynn Ballpark, 4009 Chester Ave. $7-$12. bakersfieldblaze.com or 716-HITS. Bakersfield Speedway, Late Models, Sport Modifieds, Mini Stocks, Mini, Dwarfs, NMRA, 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. Celebrating Independence: A Salute to Freedom, presented by Independent Living Center; food, music, auction, inspirational stories, entertainment, 6:30 to 10 p.m., Kern Law Enforcement Association, 3417 Pegasus Drive. $50. Proceeds benefit the Transition Program of Independent Living Center. 325-1063. Day-long Meditation Retreat with Tibetan Teacher, Anam Thubten, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Junior League of Bakersfield, 1928 19th

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.

THE CALIFORNIAN

Jimmy and Bobby Branton were ready to go for Family Fun Night at the McMurtrey Aquatic Center on July 20, 2012. Pirate’s Cove Family Fun Night, 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, McMurtrey Aquatic Center, 1325 Q St. $3 per person; $10 for groups of 4 to 6. 852-7430. St. $50-$75. Visit dharmata.org/bakersfield or email bakersfield@dharmata.org. Derby Revolution of Bakersfield, vs. Central Coast, 5:30 p.m., Saunders Park, 3300 Palm St. $10; $5 seniors/children. Free Home Improvement Workshop, “Cabinet Updates,” 10 to 11:30 a.m., Home Depot locations. homedepot.com or call 800-430-3376. Kern Audubon Society Field Trip, hike in Sycamore Canyon in Bear Valley Springs, meet at 7:30 a.m., meet at Burger King on Tehachapi Boulevard, Tehachapi. Bring water, snacks, binoculars. Moderately strenuous terrain. Email Richard Sparks at webmaster@kastehachapibird.org to participate, and for more details, Deb at 805-0232. Kid’s Club Design Class, theme: ladybug pals, 10 a.m., Log Cabin Florist, 800 19th St. $35, includes a T-shirt, snacks, certificate of participation. 327-8646. NASCAR, CITGO Lubricants Late Models 50, Trucks, Legends, Bandoleros, 6 p.m., Kern County Raceway Park, 13500 Raceway Blvd., $8-$45. Email sblakesley@kernraceway.com or 835-1264. Sara Evans, 8:30 p.m., Eagle Mountain Casino, 681 S. Tule Reservation Road, Porterville. $25 general admission; $35 reserve. Tickets online at eaglemtncasino.com or 888-6950888. Summer Movie Series, presents “The Sandlot,” noon, Bakersfield Fox Theater, 2001 H St. $1, cash only. 324-1369. 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. Writers of Kern Monthly Meeting, with deputy district attorney David Wolf, discussing “The Top 10 Most Stupid Crime Writer Blunders,” 10 a.m. to noon, Clarion Hotel, 3540 Rosedale Highway. $10. Visit writersofkern.com. Swap Meet, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., Golden State Mall, 3201 F St. Certified Farmers Market, 8 a.m. to noon, next to Golden State Mall, 3201 F St. 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. 3274706; pets from the Shafter Animal Shelter; 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., PetSmart, 4100 Ming Ave. $75, includes spay/neuter and vaccines. 746-2140.

THEATER NOR Junior Theatre presents “Seussical,” 7 p.m. Friday, 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday, East Bakersfield High School, 2200 Quincy St. $7 all ages. 392-2000. “Charm,” 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, The Empty Space, 706 Oak St. $15 general; $10 students/seniors. 327-PLAY. “Spamalot,” 7:30 p.m. today through Saturday, Stars Dinner Theatre, 1931 Chester Ave. Adults dinner/show: $54-$59; $38 show only; students dinner/show: $39; $23 show only. 325-6100. Improv Comedy Show, with Center For Improv Advancement, 8 p.m. Fridays, JC’s Place, 1901

“Diva’s Dish & Design,” each class will feature a fabulous new project with new techniques and tools you’ll be able to use on your own projects in the studio, 6:30 p.m. today, Color Me Mine at The Marketplace, 9000 Ming Ave. $50. bakersfield.colormemine.com or 664-7366. Perspective Drawing Class, with artist Jim Bates, 1 to 4 p.m. today, Bakersfield Art Association Art Center, 1817 Eye St. Free. 8692320. $30. Email jabates@bak.rr.com or 805-6201. Children’s Calligraphy Class, for grades seventh through 12th, 4 to 6 p.m. today, Bakersfield Art Association Art Center, 1817 Eye St. Free. 869-2320. $20, includes supplies. Email cynbad1000@att.net. or 3032372. Drawing & Coloring Trees Workshop, with Duane Anderson, for ages 13 and up, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, with a hour lunch break in between, The Foundry, 1608 19th St. $60. Need to bring materials. Reservations, email sweet@bakersfieldfoundry.com. Watercolor Workshop Class, with artist Norma Neil, 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Bakersfield Art Association Art Center, 1817 Eye St. $25. Email nneil2@att.net or 283-1376, 204-4653. Art Exhibit “Layered Beauties,” by Dacey Dia Villarreal, now on display through July, Bakersfield Art Association Art Center, 1817 Eye St. 869-2320. 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 Avenue and A Street. Visit mercybakersfield.org/art or to register, 632-5357. David Gordon, featured artist for the month of July Dagny’s Coffee Co., 1600 20th St. 634-0806. The Art Shop Club, a quiet place to paint, 9 a.m. to noon today, Friday and Saturday, The Art Shop, 1221 20th St. All mediums. New members and guests welcome. 322-0544 or 832-8845.

MUSIC Blues Trout’s, 805 N. Chester Ave., 8727517, Kern River Blues Society Jam, 2 to 8 p.m. Saturday. Lone Oak Lounge, 10612 Rosedale Highway, 589-0412; Mystic Duo, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Friday.

Pyrenees Cafe, 601 Sumner, 323-0053; Glenda Robles and Bobby “O,” 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday.

Classic rock Bellvedere Cocktail Lounge, 3090 Brundage Lane, 325-2139; Blonde Faith, 9 p.m. Saturday to 1 a.m. Sunday. Jacalito Grill, 10606 Hageman Road, 679-7920; Prisoners of Love, 7 to 10 p.m. Tuesday. La Mina Cantina, 8020 District Blvd., 831-2777; Mystic Red, 7 to 11 p.m. Saturday. The Old River Monte Carlo, 9750 Taft Highway, 837-0250; No Limit, 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The Prime Cut, 9500 Brimhall Road, 831-1413; The Groovies and friends, 7 to 10 p.m. Wednesday.

Classic soul Cafe Med, 4809 Stockdale Highway, 834-4433; Mr. Trimble and Unique Soul, 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Comedy Elevation Lounge, 818 Real Road, 325-6864; Improv Tuesday — Live comedy with DJ after party, 9 p.m. Tuesdays. On the Rocks, 1517 18th St., 3277625; 7:45 p.m. Thursday. $5. Visit facebook.com/ontherocksbakersfield.

Country Ethel’s Old Corral Cafe, 4310 Alfred Harrell Highway, 873-7613; Still Kickin’, 7 p.m. Friday; Lil Gritty, 3 to 7 p.m. Sunday. Buck Owens Crystal Palace, 2800 Buck Owens Blvd., 3287560; Monty Byrom and The Buckaroos, 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. $5. Greenacres Community Center, 2014 Calloway Drive, 3922010; The Pals Band, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. every Wednesday (except the third Wednesday). Lone Oak Lounge, 10612 Rosedale Highway, 589-0412; Nightlife, 9 p.m. Saturday to 1 a.m. Sunday. Sandrini’s, 1918 Eye St., 3228900; Vince Galindo, 9 p.m. Wednesdays. The Prime Cut, 9500 Brimhall, 831-1413; Teddy Spanke and the Tex Pistols, 9 p.m. to midnight Saturday. 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. Please see GO & D0 / 25

Thursday, July 18, 2013 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street GO & D0: CONTINUED FROM 24

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. Pairs and Spares Dance, music by Tommy Hayes band, 7 p.m. Friday, Rasmussen Senior Center, 115 E. Roberts Lane. $7; $9 nonmembers. 399-3575 or 619-3859. 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., 399-6700; two-step, West Coast swing, line dance lessons, 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesdays; West Coast swing, 6 p.m. Fridays. $5.

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.

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 Paul Cierley, Rick Lincoln and Zanne Zarrow, 6 to 8:30 p.m. today; Bunky Spurling, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Friday; Jay

Parson, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.; Mark Meyer and Steve Eisen, 6 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday; Mike Montano, 6 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday. Wine Me Up, 3900 Coffee Road, Suite 2, 588-8556; Mauro, 7 to 9 p.m. Friday. Free. 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. Que Pasa Mexican Cafe, 2701 Ming Ave., 832-5011; Jazz Invasion, 9 to 10 p.m. every Saturday. The Nile, Jazz Music, 6 p.m. every Sunday. Cost $10 at 1721 19th St. 364-2620. Wiki’s Wine Dive & Grill, 11350 Ming Ave., 399-4547; Terry Houston, 7 p.m. Friday, Mauro, 7 p.m. Saturday, Jazzmatazz, 11 a.m. Sunday.

Karaoke B. Ryder’s Sports Bar & Grill, 7401 White Lane, 397-7304; 8 p.m. Thursday. 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. 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., 8691451; 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, 323-0053; 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 Prime Cut, 9500 Brimhall Road, 831-1413; hosted by Ed Loverr, 9 p.m. to midnight Friday. The Regent, 2814 Niles St., 8714140; 8:30 p.m. Fridays. 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.

Variety

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

Golden State Mall, 3201 F St., 872-2037, Joe Loco Duet, 2 to 5 p.m. Sundays. Pyrenees Cafe, 601 Sumner, 323-0053; Mike Montano band, 2 to 6 p.m. Saturday. Trouts & The Blackboard Stages, 805 N. Chester Ave., 399-6700; The Blackboard Playboys, 8:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. $5 after 8 p.m.

Music showcase

UPCOMING EVENTS

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

Monday 7/22

Mariachi

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.

Reggae Bellvedere Cocktail Lounge, 3090 Brundage Lane, 325-2139; Dub Seeds, 9 p.m. Friday to 1 a.m. Saturday. Que Pasa Mexican Cafe, 2701 Ming Ave., 832-5011; Mento Buru, 8 to 11 p.m. Thursday.

R&B Señor Pepe, 8450 Granite Falls Drive, 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; Tanked, The Cretins, Crooked Folk, 9 p.m. Friday to 2 a.m. Saturday. $5. 21 and over only; Sick Puppies, Nyceria, 8 p.m. Sunday. $22 advance; $24 at the door. All ages; Tijuana Panthers, GRMLN, The Waywards, Crooked Folk, 9 p.m. Monday to 1 a.m. Tuesday. $5. 21 and over only. 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.

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.

“Take Your Best Shot” Photo Contest, sponsored by Tehachapi Valley Arts Association; entries must be submitted between July 22 to July 29. Photos will be on display the entire month of August with a special First Friday Awards Reception on Aug. 2. $5 per entry. For complete rules and information visit galleryngifts.com/photorules.pdf. Be Your Best Self Boot Camp, for fourth through eighth graders, learn about the five principles of the Be Your Best Self program, an outreach of the Distinguished Young Women scholarship program, 8 a.m. to noon, Harvey Auditorium, 1241 G St. $25. Email Bakersfield@distinguishedyw.org or 342-7622. Summer Science Weekly Camps, for first through sixth graders, 8 a.m. to noon Monday through Thursday, now through Aug. 1, Buena Vista Museum of Natural History, 2018 Chester Ave. $85; $75 members. Includes snack, camp T-shirt and materials. 324-6350.

Tuesday 7/23 Josh Abbott band, 7 p.m., Buck Owens Crystal Palace, 2800 Buck Owens Blvd. $10. vallitix.com or 322-5200. Kid’s Summer Film Festival, see the movie “Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked,” 10 a.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, Maya Cinemas, 1000 California Ave. $1. 636-0484. Reel Kids Summer Movie Series, see “Chimpanzee,” 10 a.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, Reading Cinemas-Valley Plaza 16, 2000 Wible Road. $1. 833-2230. Summer Children’s Art Camps, each camp will have a completed project such as paint a T-shirt, build a picture frame, make a journal, watercolor painting, make a clay ornament, 10 a.m. to noon Tuesday through Friday, biweekly through Aug. 9, Schilling Art Studio, 12426 Jomani Drive, Suite B. $90 per week. Supplies included. 587-4400. Summer Movie Express, see “Racing Stripes” Tuesday; and “Happy Feet Too” Wednesday, starts at 10 a.m. both days, Edwards Cinema, 9000 Ming Ave. $1. 663-3042.