The Lowdown with Matt Munoz / July - Dec., 2019 by Matt Munoz

T h u r s d ay, J u ly 4 , 2 0 1 9

Eye Street

Editor: Stefani Dias • Phone: 661-395-7488 • Email: sdias@bakersfield.com

COURTESY OF “FRIENDS THE MUSICAL PARODY”

“Friends the Musical Parody” is coming to the Fox Theater on July 10. Madison Fuller, a longtime fan of the original TV show, plays Phoebe Buffay.

‘Friends’ goes from TV to stage in musical parody at the Fox Theater BY KELLY ARDIS kardis@bakersfield.com

“Friends” might be distinctly of the 1990s but its popularity is as strong as ever here in the 21st century, with reruns on half a dozen channels and a devoted fan base that freaks out whenever Netflix even thinks about taking it off its streaming service. Now there’s one more way to enjoy the shenanigans of Rachel, Ross, Monica, Chandler, Joey and Phoebe: “Friends! The Musical Parody,” which is coming to the Fox Theater on July 10. “It takes all the best jokes and moments and puts them into a kind of sketch comedy-like musical production,” said Madison Fuller, who plays Phoebe. “It covers all 10 seasons. The writers did a really good job.” The show was created and written by Bob and Tobly McSmith, with the show originally running Off-Broadway before going on to tour the country starting last fall. The duo have also written musical parodies of “Saved by the Bell” and “The Office.” The musical includes plenty of fan favorite moments, like the “Pivot!” scene where Ross and Chandler try to move a couch and the Thanksgiving when Monica puts a turkey on her head. Smitten barista Gunther even makes an appearance. Fuller, who was born and raised in Atlanta, was all too happy to join the touring production of “Friends! The Musical Parody.” “’Friends’ has been my favorite TV show for a very, very long time,” she said. “It’s what I watch to fall asleep.” At 26 years old, Fuller came to the show after its initial run, watching it on Nick at Nite and, in college, on a friend’s DVDs. “’Obsessed’ is an understatement,” she said. “Once it ended, I’d cry at the last episode and start (the first season) up again. I was thrilled to get to be a part of recreating one of my favorite shows.” As a major fan of the show, Fuller said she feels a responsibility to other fans and to Phoebe to portray the character right, taking on the voice and mannerisms Lisa Kudrow originally gave the character. She admitted there is a little more pressure when portraying a well-known and beloved character. “I owe it to everyone whose favorite character is Phoebe to bring as much of Lisa Kudrow as I can,” she said. “I love these characters so much. I don’t want the audience to see me. I want them to see the Phoebe from their TV screens.” Phoebe is especially fun for Fuller because, she said, she’s actually more like a certain Please see FRIENDS | C2

COURTESY OF BAKERSFIELD ART ASSOCIATION

“Desert Dreams” is this month’s collection at the Bakersfield Art Association. The show will include art by eight artists, including Iva Fendrick. A reception is planned for Friday from 6 to 8 p.m.

First Friday has desert views, with air-conditioning BY KELLY ARDIS kardis@bakersfield.com

This time of year, the heat is on everybody’s mind. But while some dwell and complain, others take inspiration and get creative. For First Friday, the Bakersfield Art Association is holding an opening reception for its July show, “Desert Dreams.” The event will be held at the BAA Art Center from 6 to 8 p.m. The show features work from eight local artists, each depicting a desert scene in their own unique styles. Participating artists are Marilyn Cameron, Norma Eaton, Iva Fendrick, Toni Lott, Susan McQuerry, Phyllis Oliver, Robert Ross and Stacy Wingate. Unlike the desert scenes the reception showcases, the center does have air conditioning. Art lovers can enjoy the desert views without the desert (or Bakersfield) heat. The Bakersfield Art Center is at 1607 19th St. Art lovers should also brave the heat long enough to walk down from the center to Dagny’s to see the coffee shop’s BAA Art Gallery featuring Dawn Grider as its artist of the month. An art teacher first in public classrooms and now in private lessons, Grider works in acrylic, watercolor and ink, as well as oil and dry mediums. Describing Grider’s work, the BAA newsletter said: “She specializes in depicting the natural world realistically, but she also likes to stylize her subjects. She also enjoys incorporating surrealism into her spiritually themed ink drawings and short stories, which have been published into a book called ‘Sermon Illustrations.’” Grider will be at Dagny’s for a reception from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday.

COURTESY OF BAKERSFIELD ART ASSOCIATION

“Desert Dreams” is this month’s collection at the Bakersfield Art Association. The show will include art by eight artists, including Marilyn Cameron. A reception is planned for Friday from 6 to 8 p.m.

Dagny’s is at 1600 20th St.

GAME ON AT BUBBLE POP Bubble Pop Gallery is all about celebrating the art of pop culture. While that has often meant shows with art inspired by movies, TV shows and beloved characters, this month’s show will open it up to another element of pop culture: sports. The gallery’s first-ever Sports Art Show will open on First Friday from 5 to 9 p.m. at Temblor Brewing Company, where the art will remain for the month of July. Artwork featured in the show will be inspired by sports, athletes and sports in pop culture. All the art will go on sale at the start of the show. The show includes work from local artists like 11th and T Designs, Scott “Fuzzy” Joseph, Terry Tripp, GoodyK Art Styles, Ashley-

marie Sey Lively, Nate Parrish, Alex Zamora, Guilli Munster and Sarah Harmon. Some of the artists, including the last four, will be at the show to meet guests. National artists Lissette Carrera and Amanda Harrington also have work in the show. Admission is free for all ages, and Temblor will have its full food menu and beer options available for purchase. Temblor Brewing Company is at 3200 Buck Owens Blvd. Suite 200.

BMOA OFFERS FREE ADMISSION The Bakersfield Museum of Art will offer free admission and extended hours as part of this month’s First Friday. Its current exhibitions include “Platinum,” photographs by Please see FRIDAY | C2

THE LOWDOWN

Studio engineer hits milestone with sound mastering credit for ‘Hybrid’ Seasoned studio engineer Dave Fore has heard his share of hits and misses. From rap to silky soul, gospel, reggae and hick hop (you read that correctly), his ears have also been taken to some of the furthest sonic reaches known. For hours and sometimes days, there’s no stopping until the final sweet take and a commitment to excellence MATT MUNOZ that often FOR THE CALIFORNIAN borderlines on mad scientist-like obsession. Call it what you want, but for Fore, it’s what keeps him in the business. “It’s a roller coaster ride and for the life of me I can’t figure out why,

PHOTO COURTESY OF DAVE FORE

Bakersfield sound engineer Dave Fore’s latest milestone is a sound mastering credit for the 2019 album “Hybrid” by American reggae artist Collie Buddz.

but it seems like it’s either feast or famine,” he said from his home, describing life as an independent studio owner where a healthy number of hits have been crafted and launched into sound systems

and earbuds around the world. “The ebb and flow of projects piling up and then having no projects at all.” His latest milestone: a sound mastering credit for the 2019

album “Hybrid” by American reggae artist Collie Buddz. The album debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard reggae charts in May and continues hovering atop as one of the genre’s biggest summer sellers of the year. “Ninety percent is all referrals from other people in the music business. Your network absolutely determines your opportunities in this industry. However, some of my biggest achievements are the direct result of meeting and interacting with a small handful of people on social media. Social media should complement your hustle, not be your hustle.” Drawn to the science and intricacies of sound engineering at an early age secretly taking apart his family’s transistor radios, he eventually pursued a formal music education taking up piano, saxophone and vocal lessons. All of that proved vital ear-training before analog synthesizers and drum machines and their associated mediums to record them helped turn his passions into a career. “I learned audio engineering in Los Angeles at the tail-end of analog tape and large format mixing consoles. That experience

still benefits me to this day working in the digital domain. Now I prefer a mix of both analog and digital gear to get the sound I’m looking for.” The list of artists Fore has collaborated with reads like a who’s who of hip hop and RnB, including best-selling rappers Snoop Dogg, DJ Quik, Xzibit, N2Deep, Tech N9ne, E-40, gospel icon Fred Hammond, and platinum songstress Deborah Cox, whom he’s never met. Some like Cox send their tracks to Fore’s studio for sound mastering without ever meeting. “It’s interesting because I primarily work from my private studio at home, so most of the time I am sent projects that have well-known artists featured on them. Some I get to meet or talk to on the phone and some never even know I exist. That’s the music business today.” Fore’s work with Georgia-based rappers, The Lacs, known for their eclectic mix of country-laced Southern rap known as “hick hop” a wildly popular subgenre has also boosted his professional

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The Bakersfield Californian

Thursday, July 4, 2019

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PHOTO COURTESY OF COLLIE BUDDZ

Bakersfield sound engineer Fore has worked with a number of best-selling artists including reggae artist Collie Buddz, pictured here.

MUNOZ

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COURTESY OF BAKERSFIELD ART ASSOCIATION

Dawn Grider is the featured artist at Dagny’s for July. She works in acrylic, watercolor and ink.

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Douglas Isaac Busch and E.F. Kitchen; “The Sublime,” the 2019 Visual Arts Festival; and “Wake Up,” art from students the museum’s ArtWorks Program. The “Golden State” exhibit, with selections from the museum’s permanent collection, is also still open. It will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. The museum is at 1930 R St.

MUSIC AT THE MARK

FOURTH OF JULY PLAYLIST

For First Friday, The Mark Restaurant will have free jazz music outside in its Park patio. The Jay Smith Group will perform. The music continues on Saturday, with the same group performing inside the restaurant. Both nights start at 7 p.m. The Mark is at 1623 19th St. Kelly Ardis can be reached at 661-395-7660. Follow her on Twitter at @TBCKellyArdis.

COURTESY OF BAKERSFIELD ART ASSOCIATION

“Desert Dreams” is this month’s collection at the Bakersfield Art Association. The show will include art by eight artists, including Robert Ross. A reception is planned for Friday from 6 to 8 p.m.

FRIENDS

“FRIENDS! THE MUSICAL PARODY”

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plan-obsessed, slightly uptight character. “I love Phoebe; she’s very different from me,” Fuller said. “I’m very much a Monica in real life. Phoebe is in her own little world. She doesn’t think she’s abnormal. She’s very unapologetically herself.” While there’s one song you might expect from Phoebe, it won’t be featured in the musical due to copyright issues. But Fuller promised her free-spirited character does have an interaction with a smelly cat.

When: Doors at 6:30 p.m. and show at 7:30 p.m. July 10 Where: The Fox Theater, 2001 H St. Admission: Tickets start at $29, plus fees; use code “PIVOT” to receive 20 percent off select seats, now until Thursday at 11:59 p.m. Information: 324-1369 or thebakersfieldfox.com “Friends! The Musical Parody” has some adult humor and is recommended for audiences 13 and older.

The song titles hint at what other storylines the musical will follow: the on-again, off-again relationship of Ross and Rachel in “We Were on a Break!” and “Will They or Won’t They,” the unlikely (but perfect) pairing of Chandler and Monica in “Could I BE Anymore ... in Love with You?” and Joey’s flirtatious ways in “How You Doin’?” “Being a parody, everything is heightened,” Fuller said. “Everyone is playing an homage to the original character in silly fun ways.” The song “495 Grove Street — How Can We Afford This Place?” just might answer the question viewers have wondered for years, while “The One Where We Make a Million Dollars an Episode” addresses how rich the show made its stars. The music “is poppy and upbeat,” Fuller said. “Even the songs have you laughing.” Fuller said one of the things that makes “Friends” so special is the way it’s been able to transcend the 1990s and early 2000s when it ran and work its way into the hearts of multiple generations. “It’s cool because what would be a show that our parents watched now resonates with us too,” she said. “Everyone can relate to having friends, relationships and the life of a young person.” *Must be 21 years old or older for alcoholic beverages/ Valid through the month of July exclusively in Bakersﬁeld locations.

reputation. Poke fun at the group’s music all you want, there’s no denying their appeal. “The Lacs projects have been really fun to work on. They fall into the rap category which requires an engineer who can make that low-end bump. These guys are some of the hardest working artists in the industry, on the road like 75-percent of the time. Their fans are extremely loyal so much so that Wal-Mart stocks their CDs in stores. One of the songs off an album I mastered for them is getting close to hitting 25 million views on YouTube. That’s exciting.” Any advice for those interested in entering the studio business? “A good portion of all the big, iconic studios from the past are out of business, so it goes without saying that this is a very difficult business to be in. If you’re a great engineer who gets booked a lot, you might consider opening your own but many engineers make their living working out of other studios. Build your client base first and then decide if it makes sense to open shop. Put in the work before you start complaining about the results. Overnight success usually takes 10 years.” Artists of every genre interested in working with Fore can visit his website davefore.com and fill out a contact form. While you are there check out Fore’s extensive list of projects, music samples and more.

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Kelly Ardis can be reached at 661-395-7660. Follow her on Twitter at @TBCKellyArdis.

Everybody loves a good playlist to celebrate the birth of our nation, but instead of a repeat of those old dusty regulars, try flexing some real freedom, loosen up and go deep with these tracks to commemorate the original 13 American colonies (in no particular order). “Hands of Time” – Margo Price: A Midwestern tale any prodigal daughter can relate to. Sometimes you just can’t go back home to the farm. “Freedom of Choice” – Devo: A timeless tune about the absurdity of mindless consumerism in the land of the free. “National Anthem” – Lana Del Rey: Summer love finds the pair in this song filled with passion, pain and too much heat. “Bullet the Blue Sky” – U2: These Irishmen perfectly capture the plight of the everyday American from Wall Street to Joshua Tree. “Capitalism” — Oingo Boingo: A sarcastic and satirical new wave essential for the ages. “4th of July” – X: A PHOTO COURTESY OF MARGO PRICE tale of life on the rough, Nashville singerworking class side of songwriter Margo Price town on Independence should be added to your Day. Independence Day playlist. “Sprawl II” – Arcade Fire: Perfectly captures what it feels like to be a stifled teen in the American suburbs. “Last Dance with Mary Jane” – Tom Petty: “You may think “American Girl” is the ideal Petty song for this list, but “Mary Jane” is the quintessential American girl with the quintessential tragic story. “One Nation Under a Groove” – Funkadelic: Let go, free your mind and your American booty will follow is the message of this p-funk dance classic. Do it. “North American Scum” – LCD Soundsystem: This garage dance jam pokes fun at the kids coming to America with big dreams while lamenting the reality of being young on this side of the pond. “Kids In America” – Kim Wilde: A catchy pop number with a punk undertone born in the Reagan era. “One Time One Night” – Los Lobos: An elderly man reflects on heartache by those living the so-called American dream. “American Music” – Violent Femmes: Memories of being young, irresponsible and having fun without a care in the world. Amen. Happy Birthday America! Contributing columnist Matt Munoz brings you the latest news of Bakersfield’s music scene every other Thursday.

Eye Street

T h u r s d ay, J u ly 2 5 , 2 0 1 9

ALEX HORVATH / THE CALIFORNIAN

Deb McCormack leads a chair yoga class at the Kern County Museum.

Exercise from the comfort of your seat at new museum classes BY KELLY ARDIS kardis@bakersfield.com

Exercise can, of course, make you feel better, but when not feeling your best makes exercise difficult, it becomes a hard cycle to break. But with new chair-based classes at the Kern County Museum, anyone of any ability can join in on the action. The museum is starting a five-week course on chair Zumba and chair yoga, meeting every Tuesday and Thursday starting next week. Led by Deb McCormack, guests with limited mobility can get moving in a safe, easy and accessible way. “It’s a non-intimidating environment perfect for people who want to get active again but can’t necessarily go to the floor,” said Nicole Bolinger, who handles community engagement at the museum. “Anybody can come but it is designed for people who don’t have the best mobility.” The course includes both classes twice a week and costs $25 for members of the Kern County Museum and $50 for nonmembers, with all proceeds going to the museum. Each day of the course, chair Zumba will be held at 7:30 a.m. and chair yoga will be held at 8 a.m., both in the Please see CHAIR | C3

WORTH NOTING | ENTERTAINMENT

Editor: Stefani Dias • Phone: 661-395-7488 • Email: sdias@bakersfield.com

CONJURE UP A GOOD TIME FOR HARRY POTTER’S BIRTHDAY AT BLUE OAK BY KELLY ARDIS kardis@bakersfield.com

he Harry Potter series didn’t spend a lot of time showing what art classes were like at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, but it’s possible they might have looked something like a special event that’s happening downtown next week. In honor of Harry Potter’s July 31 birthday, Art With Heart and Blue Oak Coffee Roasting are teaming up for two days of magical crafts and treats on Tuesday and Wednesday. “Harry Potter is COURTESY OF ART WITH HEART life,” said On Tuesday and Wendy Wednesday, Art Johnson, With Heart will owner of be set up with Art With different Harry Heart. Potter-themed “There’s crafts, including this reacthis sculpted tion you mandrake. get from people. They see it and they light up.” While guests probably won’t learn how to COURTESY OF BLUE OAK COFFEE make their ROASTING own magiThe coffee cal, talking shop will have portraits butterbeer lattes, like the scones and cookies ones in the for the second series, they Harry Potterwill be able themed day. to make wands, mandrakes and the Monster Book of Monsters. Guests can also paint on canvas, make string art and

COURTESY OF BLUE OAK COFFEE ROASTING

Blue Oak Coffee Roasting will host Art With Heart for a special Harry Potter birthday celebration on Tuesday and Wednesday. The coffee shop will have butterbeer lattes, scones and cookies.

COURTESY OF “THE OFFICE! A MUSICAL PARODY”

“The Office! A Musical Parody” will be at the Fox Theater on April 1, 2020. Tickets go on sale Friday at 10 a.m. or Thursday at 10 a.m. with the code “office2020.” Pictured here are members of the New York cast; the touring cast will be different. THE BAKERSFIELD CALIFORNIAN

The Fox Theater will once again bring a musical parody of a hit TV comedy to its stage next spring. This time, it’s “The Office! A Musical Parody,” which will be at the theater on April 1, 2020. Tickets go on sale Friday at 10 a.m. but those who want to get theirs early can use the code “office2020” to get tickets at 10 a.m. Thursday. The play tells the story of a typical day at Dunder Mifflin, drawing on storylines (and jokes) from all nine seasons of “The Office.” Already playing Off Broadway in New York City, the production is set to start touring North America this month. The touring cast includes original member Madeline Glenn Thomas as receptionist Pam. This play comes from Bob and Tobly Smith, the creators of “Friends! The Musical Parody,” which was at the Fox earlier this month. Tickets will be available online at Eventbrite. Please see NOTING | 3

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A RT WITH HEA RT AT BLUE OA K Harry Potter birthday celebration When: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday Where: Blue Oak Coffee Roasting, 1717 20th St. Admission: Crafts, drinks and treats range in price Information: facebook.com/ Blueoakcoffee, facebook. com/art.wth.heart or (541) 543-4869 Regular hours for Art With Heart at Blue Oak Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Art With Heart will not be there on Aug. 1 because of the two Harry Potter days earlier that week. Art With Heart can also be booked for private parties.

COURTESY OF ART WITH HEART

Harry Potter crafts and treats will return to Blue Oak Coffee Roasting next week in honor of the wizard’s birthday. On Tuesday and Wednesday, Art With Heart will set up different Harry Potter-themed crafts, including wands, mandrakes and paintings. Blue Oak will have special butterbeer lattes, cookies and scones.

THE LOWDOWN

Local performer, 13, earns top prize at young artists awards

ongratulations are once 1978 through the Young Artist again in order for BaAssociation, a non-profit orgakersfield actress, dancer, nization that offers scholarships and rapper, Prymrr LoBasso, for and financial help to those purwinning big at the Young Artists suing careers in the arts, the first Academy Awards ceremony on awards were presented in 1979. July 14 at the Avalon Previous winners in Hollywood. include Leonardo Taking home the DiCaprio, Jennifer award for “Best PerLawrence, Zendaya, formance in a Music Julia Roberts, Johnny Video, Teen Artist” Depp, Scarlett Jofor her music video hansson, Selena Go“Gamblin’”, LoBasso’s mez, Emma Watson, calculated career and more. This year moves have so far marked the awards made the 13-year old MATT MUNOZ 40th anniversary. FOR THE CALIFORNIAN triple threat a talent The video, shot and to be dealt with. directed at various “I was so surprised and excited locations throughout Bakersfield to win,” said LoBasso who was 12 and Kern County by local filmat the time of the song’s original maker Fabian Euresti Vasquez release. “The music video was put and co-produced by her mother together with a lot of help from Lisa LoBasso, has received over local Bakersfield talent. It was a 26,000 views and counting on small but dedicated crew.” Youtube since its release last NoThe Young Artists Academy vember. The video also includes Awards recognizes youth pera number of local performers, formers under the age of 21 dancers, and extras cast in variin the fields of film, television, ous roles. theatre and music. Founded in “Fabian and I have known each

COURTESY OF PRYMRR LOBASSO

A scene from the “Gamblin’” music video video by Prymrr LoBasso.

other for a long time and have previously worked on projects so I knew he would be the perfect choice to direct this music video,” said Lisa LoBasso. “We are able to connect artistically and communicate easily to create the aesthetic Prymrr wanted.” Add it to Prymrr’s (pronounced ‘Premiere’) growing stage resume that includes her stint starring in the music video, “Straight Outta

Vagina,” by Russian political punk rockers Pussy Riot in 2016 and “Never Give Up” by best-selling singer songwriter Sia, both of which can be found online. There’s also commercial work with companies such as Nike, Alcatel and Alexa. “This is the first major producing project I have worked on and it was a large undertaking, especially on our tight budget, but it

was definitely a success. Everyone had a blast on set and we are very happy with the end project,” said Lisa LoBasso. This was Prymrr LoBasso’s second time attending the Young Artists Academy Awards show. Last year she was a presenter and double nominee, but no wins. This year she returned primed as both a featured group performer and winner, but most of all she was just happy to be there. “Last year I was so nervous about giving an acceptance speech I was glad when I didn’t win. This year I was so focused on performing and making sure I did a good job presenting. I was really shocked when I won because I had forgotten about my nomination at the time,” she said. “It’s not a rags-to-riches story yet. No beach or LA house,” said Lisa LoBasso. “We drive back and forth on a regular basis. It’s exhausting and a lot of work for both Prymrr and I. It’s also a hardship on our family as a whole

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Thursday, July 25, 2019

The Bakersfield Californian

EYE STREET

CHAIR

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museum’s Standard School. The chair sessions came about thanks to the relationship that McCormack has developed with the museum from other events. This course is the first time she has done chair exercises at the museum, but McCormack has done other yoga sessions there. “We thought it would be a good way to reach out to the community,” Bolinger said. “Gyms can be intimidating. But here, it’s at a museum.” Participants might be exercising from the stability of a chair, but that doesn’t mean they won’t be working out. In yoga, they can expect lots of stretching arm movements, like a modified version of the proud warrior pose. “Anybody can do it,” Bolinger said. “I actually did it the other morning and got a good stretch.” The Zumba classes, on the other hand, are designed to get heart rates up while sitting down. McCormack has 30 years of experience in fitness and is good at making people feel comfortable, Bolinger said. “As a person, she’s a little more reserved but when she gets teaching, she’s outgo-

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com, at the Fox box office Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. or by phone at 324-1369. For more information on the show, go to theofficemusicalparody. com/tour/.

‘THE BACHELOR LIVE ON STAGE’ Turns out, there is something in between dating apps and going on national television hoping to meet “The One.” “The Bachelor Live on Stage” will give one eligible, local bachelor the chance to date a handful of local women at the same time, all on stage, when the production comes to the Rabobank

ALEX HORVATH / THE CALIFORNIAN

Regina Perkins and Tom and Beverly Watts participate in a chair yoga class at the Kern County Museum.

ing, she’s smiling,” Bolinger said of McCormack. “She’s the perfect person for an event like this.” Bolinger said the museum team was happy to work with McCormack on a special course like these chair exercise classes. “With her skills and our reach, we thought it would be a good collaboration to help Kern County get a little healthier,” she said. For the moment, this five-week course is the only chance to do chair exercises at the museum, but

Theater on Feb. 17. The touring show will be hosted by Ben Higgins, a contestant on “The Bachelorette” before becoming the suitor on a subsequent season of “The Bachelor.” According to press materials, the live show “fits an entire season of ‘Bachelor’ drama into one evening, giving members of the audience the opportunity to find love in their own community, complete with a rose ceremony.” Unlike when viewers scream at the TV telling the bachelor who to pick, the audience at the live show will have a say in the rose ceremony. “Along with the audience, Ben will guide the bachelor in his journey to find love, from

CHAIR EXERCISE AT THE KERN COUNTY MUSEUM When: Tuesdays and Thursdays, July 30 to Aug. 29; chair Zumba is at 7:30 a.m. and chair yoga is at 8 a.m. Where: Kern County Museum, 3801 Chester Ave.

Admission: $25 for museum members, $50 for non-members; fees cover both classes all five weeks Information: 4373330x203 or bebe@ kerncountymuseum.org

Bolinger said if it goes well, it could become an ongoing program there. “From the feedback we’re getting, we would love for it

to be a regular event,” she said. There is no deadline to enroll but space is limited so Bolinger encouraged

ALEX HORVATH / THE CALIFORNIAN

The Kern County Museum is starting a five-week chair exercise class meant for seniors and those with mobility issues. Each session will include Zumba at 7:30 a.m. and yoga at 8 a.m.

anyone interested to sign up now. Bolinger said she knows doctors everywhere want their patients to exercise more and that chair exercises are a good way for people to get their feet wet while still keeping those feet firmly on the floor.

“We hope they develop a healthier lifestyle, make some friends and, if they like coming to the museum,” she said, “maybe they come more often.”

Tickets go on sale Friday at 10 a.m. online at AXS.com. For more information on the live show, go to bachelorliveonstage.com.

performers dressed as toy soldiers, snowmen, penguins, candles, reindeer, gingerbread people, carolers and, of course, Santa. Buy tickets online at rabobankarena.com or by phone at 888-929-7849. They can also be purchased at the Rabobank box office.

‘CIRQUE DREAMS HOLIDAZE’

COURTESY OF “THE BACHELOR LIVE ON STAGE”

“The Bachelor Live on Stage” will give one eligible bachelor the chance to date a handful of local women at the same time, all on stage, when the production comes to the Rabobank Theater on Feb. 17, 2020. “Bachelor” alum Ben Higgins will host. the first impression rose to group date challenges and

the coveted one-on-ones,” the release said.

Even if you’re not celebrating Christmas in July, you could be making plans for the holiday season, even if it is still several months away. Tickets are now available for “Cirque Dreams Holidaze,” which will be coming to the Rabobank Theater on December 16. Cirque Dreams was founded by Broadway director Neil Goldberg, whose holiday show will include circus artists, singers, dancers and more. Expect new twists on favorite songs of the holiday season and

Kelly Ardis can be reached at 661-395-7660. Follow her on Twitter at @TBCKellyArdis.

CALL TO ARTISTS The Arts Council of Kern is looking for artists to design, create and paint murals in Panorama Park. The project is a partnership between the council and Supervisor Mike Maggard’s office. Interested artists need to apply by the Aug. 9 deadline. To apply and to find more information on the project, go to kernarts.org.

PHOTO BY LISAANN LOBASSO COURTESY OF WINSTON CRITE

Bakersfield rapper Crite will celebrate the release of his new album “Crite Year” at Elements Venue on Saturday.

LOWDOWN

release (the album dropped online in May), CriteNite Continued from PAGE C1 will be held at Elements Venue on Saturday. The and we all have to be patient gathering of fellow local with each other because artists is no ordinary soirée getting into the industry and will include a full requires a lot of dedication schedule of performances, and work beyond talent. crowd games, giveaways She is very dedicated.” and a dining experience. Humbly basking in the “Local artists are glow of her win, Prymrr branding and marketing LoBasso recalls her favorthemselves instead of just ite part of the whole video releasing music. Fans and experience. “The best part radio stations are grouping was that I got to feature my up and supporting those grandpa at the poker table. artists, and there are dozens He gets a closeup when he of indie hip-hop events tells the guys to grab me and going down every month,” throw me out of the game,” said Crite, who many locals she said. “All his friends are know as the host of the “Satasking him if he is famous urday Night Street Party” on now.” Hot 94.1. To be continued. “I don’t just want people to have a good time. We CRITENITE plan to deliver a unique exThe hyper creative state perience they can rememof Bakersfield hip-hop ber for a lifetime,” he said. continues staking its claim The ambitious underin our section of the valley taking by Crite and crew with the addition of “Critwill begin with a red carpet eYear” the new album by entrance into the venue local rapper, radio personat 7 p.m., leading into the ality and event promoter, show’s program featuring Winston Crite Jr. performances from Itze To celebrate the album’s Garcia, Gage Navarro, Silas

Bakersfield actress, rapper and dancer Prymrr LoBasso at the Young Artists Academy Awards ceremony at the Avalon in Hollywood on July 14.

party with DJ Dynomit3. Your host emcee for the event: local hip-hop humanitarian Blaine Hodge, who also performs using the stage name ‘Static’. “You’re not coming to hear me just run through my music. This is an immersive experience full of sights sounds, tastes, vibes and more. No two moments will be the same,” Crite said. But wait there’s more: “CriteYear” is actually a double album. The first disc can be streamed on all major digital platforms including Apple Music, etc., while the second disc is only available to those who purchase the album in its entirety via his official website itscrite.com. Copies of the album will be available for purchase at the event. Crite on. “The response has been more positive than I could have dreamed,” he said. COURTESY OF TRISH TOLEDO “I’m blessed to not only Acclaimed SoCal classic soul singer Trish Toledo appears have this talent, but to have so many people that are Friday at La Movida. willing to seek me out in orBlack, Jovon Dangerfield, more. The evening will also der to enjoy it.” Jehdiah Woodrow, Jay Jay include a live performance Advanced tickets for Hicks, Nick Bonner, and by Crite, followed by an after Saturday’s event are avail-

able for $15 and $30 at Eventbrite.com. Elements Venue is located at 3401 Chester Ave. next door to La Costa at The Ice House.

MATT’S PICK Trish Toledo, MC Magic, 8 p.m. Friday, La Movida, 212 E. 18th St., $30 plus service charge. 18 & over admitted. (562) 331-5315. When vintage soul singer Trish Toledo steps up to the mic to enchant her audience of adoring fans, it’s like stepping back to a bygone era. Hailing from the city of Long Beach, the silky smooth chanteuse has been filling venues of every size up and down the state and whipping fans into a musical trance-like state of romance. From essential Lowrider soul classics to originals, Toledo is the real deal. Check out her music videos at Youtube for a preview. Co-headliner MC Magic also has his healthy share of radio and underground hits not to be missed. Also appearing is June Rossi, D-Loc, Malik. Highly recommended.

Thursday, August 8, 2019

The Bakersfield Californian

EYE STREET

THE LOWDOWN

A fresh slate of local music to carry us through late summer T he late summer heat may be beating down on Bakersfield, but thankfully there’s just enough new local music to keep tempers cooled and feet moving. Let’s start with the longawaited, full-length release by classic reggae and soul outfit The Soul Chance. A collection of 12 tracks that could have been pulled directly from the hallowed music vaults of Jamaica’s Studio One or Trojan Records of the ‘60s and ‘70s, the duo of Nico Collins and AJ Brewer have a serious scorcher on their hands. Opening with “My Best Guy”, an irresistibly soulful track lead by Collins, it’s a perfect introduction to what I expected to be a fun ride PHOTO BY SETH VLACH aboard The Soul Chance Bakersfield band Western Medicine will release their soundsystem. I was right. new single today. Pictured above from left: Grant Burich, Next up, the first of three Rebecca Spickler, Emile Antonell and Kody Bjork. previously released singles beginning with “Give Love a Try”, a favorite and a track digital platforms with a lim- may add reggae/ska to its that helped expand interest ited-edition red vinyl press- list of tourist draws with in the group from around ing available for pre-order the recent release of “After the globe. Brewer’s ability now at goingundergrounThe Shuck” by Stoneflys. to re-create the early low-fi drecords.com. According to Fronted by vocalist and keywarmth of old Going Undertar slinger Guy Jeans, owner Jamaica in the ground Records of the Kern River Fly Shop studio is pretty owner Ron in Kernville, the group also amazing and Ramirez, the features veteran trombonist showcased album has al‘Skabone’ Stan Middleton nicely here. ready generated (Crucial DBC, Pato Banton From there, the a lot of buzz and more) plus a host of album strolls so if you want other solid players from the steady along in to snag a copy central coast and SoCal mua reggae mood from the initial sic scenes. A mix of sunny with some Ny500 units drop- California style rhythms, the MATT MUNOZ abinghi style ping on Sept. album also delves into pop FOR THE CALIFORNIAN hand drum27, you better and reggae rock originals, ming in the mix hurry. plus a cover of “It’s All I Can on the instrumental “I Tried You can also catch the Do” by The Cars. Having My Best,” another favorite band live on Sept. 20 at been familiar with Jeans’ followed-up by “Tonight”. Temblor Brewing Co. for the previous projects, Lion I’s The inclusion of a reggae group’s official release party and Papa Nata, the 12 tracks cover of “Is It Any Wonder?” and if the pre-sales haven’t on “After The Shuck” should by Durand Jones & The Inwiped out the inventory, help the group further esdications should please fans you should be able to get a tablish itself throughout of the original viral video. physical copy at the show. Kern County. Not that they The album wraps on a pair We’ll keep you posted, but haven’t already shown the of high notes with “Why in the meantime, follow the locals their stuff following Wait,” a take on Billy Stewgroup at facebook.com/the- strong appearances at both art’s soul classic “Sitting In soulchance and on InstaVillage Fest and MicheThe Park,” and “You’ll See gram and @thesoulchance. lada Madness events in Me,” the album’s final track. Bakersfield. STONEFLYS Released on the Going This Friday night, you can Underground Records label Kernville may be known catch Stoneflys live at the imprint, Obeah, the album for Whiskey Flat Days, lorelease party for “After The is currently available for cally brewed craft beer and Shuck” from 9 to 11 p.m. stream and download on all blues music, but it soon at the Kernville Saloon, 20

Tobias St. in downtown Kernville. Admission is free and as an added bonus attendees get a free CD just for rolling through. It gets no more irie than that. Just make sure to show your appreciation by skanking it up on the dancefloor. For more info visit facebook.com/ stoneflysmusic.

WESTERN MEDICINE Heading back to the street sounds of Bakersfield, the new single by Western Medicine titled “I Won’t Let You Down” will be available for download and stream beginning today. I was lucky enough to get a rough mix of the song last week smuggled to my inbox from vocalist, guitarist and producer wiz, Emile Antonell, who always has something brewing in his home studio. If this was the rough mix, I look forward to hearing the final mix and mastered track. After a few listens, one thing is for certain: after eight years together, they may have finally found the California rock/country roots sound they’ve been searching for. If that sounds confusing, give it a listen for yourself. Download “I Won’t Let You Down” at westernmedicinemusic. bandcamp.com and follow the group at facebook.com/ westernmedicinemusic.

VICTIMAS DEL DOCTOR CEREBRO Tickets are currently on sale for a rare local appearance by not one, but three of Mexico’s most legendary rock acts: El Tri de Alex Lora, Victimas del Doctor Cerebro, and La Castañeda at the Fox Theater on Oct. 19. If you’ve never heard the raspy rockero voice of the outrageous Alex Lora, prepare yourself. Nicknamed the “Mick Jagger of Mexico” he’s been performing as long as The Stones south of the border. Helping usher in the Latin alternative rock movement, Victimas Del Doctor Cerebro mixes rock with ska and punk styles. On the poppier alternative

TBC

Omar Juarez created the cover art for the new full-length album by Bakersfield classic reggae-soul act, The Soul Chance.

PHOTO COURTESY OF STONEFLYS

Kernville-based reggae/world beat act, Stoneflys, will celebrate the release of their new CD on Friday at the Kernville Saloon.

side, La Castañeda are the more dramatic of the three. Do a Youtube search for an endless archive of video footage along with recent concert footage of all three groups. Fun Fact: Both El Tri and Korn co-headlined the annual Vive Latino music festival in Mexico City in March. Tickets for the Oct. 19 concert are available for $65 to $125 and can be purchased at thebakersfieldfox. com or at the Fox theater box office, 2001 H St.

MATT’S PICK Liberty Roche, 7 p.m. Saturday, Temblor Brewing

Co., 3200 Buck Owens Blvd. Ste. 201, free, all ages, 4894855. It’s been almost a year since local singer songwriter Liberty Roche released her six-song debut with help from her mentor, singer Amy Adams. But just as the celebration seemed to be leading to another early career milestone, she’d all but disappeared from the stage (unless we missed something?). After making a recent appearance at the reception for Ken Burns’ country music documentary at The Padre, Roche makes her return at Temblor. Welcome back.

TICKET ROUNDUP THE BAKERSFIELD CALIFORNIAN

BUCK OWENS’ CRYSTAL PALACE 2800 Buck Owens Blvd. 328-7560. Buckowens.com, prices do not include service fees. ■■ Today: Boogie Shooz, 7 p.m. Free. ■■ Friday and Saturday: The Buckaroos with Rudy Parris; Stampede, 7 p.m. $5. ■■ Aug. 14: Peoples and Flemming, 7 p.m. Free. ■■ Aug. 16 and 17: The Buckaroos; Stampede, 7 p.m. $5. ■■ Aug. 21: Vince Galindo, 7 p.m. Free. ■■ Aug. 22: Tyler Rich, 8 p.m. $20. ■■ Aug. 23 and 24: Johnny Owens and The Buck Fever Band; Night Life Band, 7 p.m. $5. ■■ Aug. 30: Stoney Larue, 8 p.m. $15. ■■ Aug. 31: Stampede; David Jones Band, 7 p.m. $5. ■■ Sept. 13: Steve Wariner, 8 p.m. $45.50-$53.50. ■■ Sept. 28: Johnny Owens and the Buck Fever Band; Night Life Band, 7 p.m. $5. ■■ Oct. 24: Cristela Alonzo: My Affordable Care Act, 8 p.m. $31.50-$61.50.

FORD THEATER 1101 E. Lerdo Highway, Shafter, 630-4053, shafterfordtheatre.com ■■ Aug. 17: I Am They, 7 p.m. $25-$30. PARK AT RIVER WALK, SPECTRUM AMPHITHEATRE 11200 Stockdale Highway, 888-929-7849, AXS.com ■■ Sept. 18: The Doobie Brothers, 7:30 p.m. $32. THE MARKETPLACE Free concerts 7-9 p.m., 9000 Ming Ave. themarketplacebakersfield.com ■■ Today: The Aviators ■■ Aug. 15: The Jay Smith Group ■■ Aug. 22: Orphan Jon and The Abandoned ■■ Aug. 29: Mento Buru ■■ Sept. 5: Lost Vinyl FOX THEATER 2001 H St. 324-1369 and thebakersfieldfox.com. Price does not include service charges. ■■ Saturday: “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” noon. $5. ■■ Aug. 17: “Peter Pan,” noon. $5. ■■ Sept. 17: Kansas, Point of Know Return Anniversary

Tour, 7:30 p.m. $45-$120.

7:30 p.m. $39-$129.

$35-$65.

■■ Sept. 20: Home Free: Dive

■■ Aug. 23: Toby Keith’s

■■ Jan. 7 and 8: Sesame

Bar Saints World Tour, 8 p.m. $20.50-$60.50. ■■ Sept. 27: Roy Orbison and Buddy Holly: The Rock ‘N’ Roll Dream Tour, 7:30 p.m. $35-$60. ■■ Oct. 4 and 5: Smokin’ Armadillos, 8 p.m. $35-$70. ■■ Oct. 6: We Will Rock You: The Musical, 7 p.m. $45-$180. ■■ Oct. 12: The Legendary Count Basie Orchestra, 7:30 p.m. $30-$60. ■■ Oct. 19: El Tri de Alex Lora, Victimas and La Castañeda, 7 p.m. $65-$125 ■■ Oct. 22: Joe Bonamassa, 8 p.m. $69-$179. ■■ Nov. 2: Three Dog Night, 8 p.m. $37-$72. ■■ Nov. 10: Great Russian Nutcracker, 3 p.m. $23-$175. ■■ Nov. 16: Felipe Esparza: The Bad Hambre Tour, 8 p.m. $37.50-$60.

“That’s Country Bro” Tour, featuring Ned Leboux, 8 p.m. $44-$820. ■■ Aug. 30: Banda MS de Sergio Lizarraga, 8 p.m. $67-$245. ■■ Sept. 13: Ghost with Nothing More, 7:30 p.m. $26.50-$66.50. ■■ Oct. 1-2: Nick Jr. Live! “Move to the Music,” 6 p.m. $18-$55. ■■ Oct. 10: Newsboys United, Greatness of Our God Tour, 7 p.m. $56-$116. ■■ Oct. 11: Jo Koy, Just Kidding World Tour, 8 p.m. $45-$55. ■■ Oct. 12: Godsmack with Halestorm, 7 p.m. $36.50-$76.50. ■■ Oct. 20: J Balvin, 8 p.m. $54-$1,092. ■■ Nov 1, 2 and 3: Disney on Ice: Worlds of Enchantment, 7 p.m. Nov. 1; 11 a.m., 3 p.m., and 7 p.m. Nov. 2; 1 and 5 p.m. Nov. 3. $38-$328. ■■ Nov. 2 and 3: Jon Pardi with special guest Riley Green, 7:30 p.m. $34-$51. ■■ Nov. 5: Blue Man Group, Speechless New Tour, 7:30 p.m. $35-$70. ■■ Dec. 16: Cirque Dreams Holidaze, 7:30 p.m.

Street Live, Make Your Magic, 6 p.m. Jan. 7; 10:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. Jan. 8. $18-$63. ■■ Feb. 17: The Bachelor Live on Stage, 7 p.m. $38-$75.

RABOBANK ARENA THEATER AND CONVENTION CENTER 1001 Truxtun Ave. rabobankarena.com, axs.com or 1-888-929-7849. Price does not include service charges. ■■ Sunday: Jackson Browne,

■■ Sept. 5: Escape: Journey

Tribute, 7 p.m. $30-$35. ■■ Oct. 11: Smooth Sounds of

Santana: Santana Tribute, 7 p.m. $30-$35. ■■ Oct. 17: Strange Days: The Doors Tribute, 7 p.m. $30-$35. ■■ Nov. 7: Twisted Gypsy: TEMBLOR BREWING CO. Fleetwood Mac Tribute, 3200 Buck Owens Blvd. 4897 p.m. $35-$40. 4855, temblorbrewing.com. ■■ Nov. 21: Queen Nation: Price does not include serQueen Tribute, 7 p.m. vice charges. For audiences $35-$40. 18 and over unless noted. ■■ Dec. 5: Don’t Look Back: ■■ Friday: Mira Goto, Boston Tribute, 7 p.m. 7-10 p.m. Free. $35-$40. ■■ Saturday: Liberty Roche, EDWARDS BAKERSFIELD 7-9 p.m. Free. STADIUM 14 ■■ Aug. 17: Ponce’, 7-10 p.m. Free. 9000 Ming Ave. 844-462■■ Aug. 30: Jay Mohr, 7 and 7342, FathomEvents.com. 9 p.m. $30; $50 VIP. $12.50, unless noted. ■■ Aug. 31: Ballyhoo! And Pas- ■■ Today: “Big Loud and Live safire with special guests 16,” 3:30 p.m. $18. Kash’d Out, 8 p.m. $17. ■■ Sunday and Wednesday: ■■ Sept. 14: Erik Griffin, “Hello Dolly,” 1 p.m. Aug. 7-10 p.m. $20. 11; noon and 7 p.m. Aug. ■■ Nov. 13: T.J. Miller, 8 p.m. 14. $35; $50 VIP. ■■ Aug. 13 and 19: “Millen■■ Nov. 20: 2019 Night B4 nium Actress,” 7 p.m. Thanksgiving Jam, fea■■ Aug. 15 and 20: “The Giant turing Mento Buru, 6 p.m. Spider Invasion,” 8 p.m. Free. Aug. 15; 7:30 p.m. Aug. 20. ■■ Aug. 25, 26 and 28: BAKERSFIELD MUSIC “My Neighbor Totoro,” HALL OF FAME 12:55 p.m. Aug. 25; 7 p.m. 2231 R St. 864-1701, bakersAug. 26 and 28. fieldmusichalloffame.com.

Peaches, raspberries and wine: This white sangria is bright and refreshing BY BECKY KRYSTAL The Washington Post

I’m not much of a boozehound myself, but if I had anything resembling a “house drink,” it would probably be sangria. Made in advance, big enough to serve a crowd and crowd-pleasing — there are lots of reasons to take a cue to drink as the Spanish do. I immediately had to try Sonja and Alex Overhiser’s peach sangria recipe when I saw it flash across my Twitter feed a few weeks ago. The couple cites chef, humanitarian, cookbook author and everywhere-man José Andrés as their inspi-

ration. Andrés’ tips include macerating the peaches and raspberries in sugar for about an hour. Macerating is one of those culinary terms that gets thrown around with the expectation that everyone knows what it means. The TL;DR version? Sprinkling the fruit with sugar draws moisture out of the fruit, softening it. You also end up with a sweet liquid that bathes the fruit. That syrup and the fruit exchange flavors, and a lovely balance is met. So when you incorporate the mix into the sangria, you get fruit that is soft enough to pleasantly

eat (please, no hard chunks of apple here) and a drink that is infused with the flavors of the peaches and raspberries. It’s light, seasonal, pretty and a leading contender for your new signature summer cocktail.

Superfine sugar will dissolve easier. If you have only granulated, make your own superfine by grinding a few more tablespoons than the recipe calls for in the food processor. Or you can combine the granulated sugar with the brandy (it should almost completely WHITE SANGRIA WITH dissolve) before adding it to PEACHES AND RASPBERRIES the pitcher, so that it doesn’t Active: 10 minutes | Total: immediately sink to the 1 hour 10 minutes bottom as you mix all the 6 servings ingredients together. This refreshing, light Make Ahead: The peaches sangria is made for summer and raspberries need to entertaining. Seasonal fruit macerate in the sugar at and white wine combine for room temperature for 1 the ultimate quencher on a hour. hot day.

Ingredients 2 ripe peaches, pitted and coarsely chopped, plus more for optional garnish 1 cup raspberries, plus more for optional garnish 3 tablespoons superfine sugar, plus more for sprinkling One 750-milliliter bottle dry white wine, chilled 1/2 cup brandy (may substitute peach liqueur) 1 handful fresh mint leaves (optional) 1 lemon, sliced into thin rounds Sparkling water, for serving Steps Add the peaches and

raspberries to a large pitcher, sprinkle lightly with sugar and stir. Let the fruit begin to break down (macerate) on the counter for 1 hour. Add the wine, brandy, the 3 tablespoons sugar, mint leaves, if using, and lemon rounds; gently stir to combine. Fill glasses with ice and evenly divide the sangria. Add a splash of sparkling water. If desired, place fruit on long skewers as a garnish. (Adapted from Sonja and Alex Overhiser at acouplecooks.com.)

T h u r s d ay, A u g u s t 2 2 , 2 0 1 9

Eye Street

Editor: Stefani Dias • Phone: 661-395-7488 • Email: sdias@bakersfield.com

‘Birthday Bash’ comedy show supports good cause BY KELLY ARDIS kardis@bakersfield.com

Turning 30 is no joke. You’re painfully aware of the passage of time, as new aches and pains start to pop up in a body that could easily handle a fun night out just a few short years ago. Learning to laugh it off helps, though. For this month’s Laugh for a Cause, local comedian and producer Jessica De La Garza is celebrating the milestone birthday of her cousin, Cristal Escutia, who regularly helps out behind the scenes of the show. Whether you are turning 30, several years from it or way past it, the show Saturday night at the Back COURTESY OF DLG CO. Door Bar promises to be a good time. Luz Pazos is “Without giving headlining the show, away too much of the which is benefiting surprises, there will be the Epilepsy Society birthday decorations,” of Kern County. De La Garza said. “I might jump out of a cake. I’m just kidding, I will not be jumping out of a cake.” The show features seven comedians hailing from Bakersfield and beyond. As with all Laugh for a Cause shows, a portion of the proceeds will go to a local nonprofit. This month, it will benefit COURTESY OF DLG CO. the Epilepsy Society of John Brickley Kern County. Headlining the show is Luz Pazos, who is originally from Peru and now lives in Los Angeles. “You do not want to miss the chance to see this talented comedian,” De La Garza said. “Her comedy is COURTESY OF DLG CO. bold and empowering. She does not hesitate to Shelly Howls talk to the crowd. You’re in for a real treat with Luz.” The six other comedians are: Shelly Howls, a local comedian with a “surprisingly blunt” style; Erick Downing, a local comedian who is “high-energy and hilarious”; Minnie Perez, from Fresno, whose comedy “packs quite a punch”; Cammie Syprasert, from Tulare, whose style is self-depCOURTESY OF DLG CO. recating; Dana Turner, a Minnie Perez comedian from Fresno; and John Brickley, originally from Minneapolis and currently living in Los Angeles. Priscilla McNamara will once again host. Please see COMEDY | C3

LAUGH FOR A CAUSE: BIRTHDAY BASH EDITION What: A monthly comedy show, this time supporting the Epilepsy Society of Kern County When: 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday Where: Back Door Bar, 1105 19th St. Admission: $10 online, $15 at the door; tickets available at eventbrite.com Information: jessicadelagarza.com Keep up with Jessica De La Garza and the local comedy scene by watching “The Rundown” by Canoodle Studios on Facebook at 7 p.m. on Mondays, co-hosted by Darling Hernandez.

COURTESY OF OVATION THEATRE

Dominic Demay plays mean Miss Trunchbull in “Matilda,” opening at Ovation Theatre this weekend.

‘Matilda’ brings magic to Ovation Theatre BY KELLY ARDIS kardis@bakersfield.com

Plenty of books get turned into movies, but you know the story is really something special when it goes one further and also becomes a play. Opening this weekend at Ovation Theatre, “Matilda” is based on the novel of the same name by Roald Dahl. Now through Sept. 15, audiences can see what the director said is likely the theater’s largest and most expensive production yet. “I really think this show is going to wow people,” said Adam Cline, who is directing the play with his wife, Terri. As in the book and 1996 movie, Matilda is a smart girl with a love for reading and a particular talent for moving things with her mind. But Matilda (played by Kaya Layendecker and Addison Cline in alternating shows) doesn’t have the best home life: her parents (Tara Haner and David Allen) dislike and mock the bookworm. At school, she has to deal with the mean headmistress, Miss Trunchbull (Dominic Demay), who is out to get all the students.

COURTESY OF OVATION THEATRE

Kaya Layendecker, left, and Addison Cline share the titular role in Ovation Theatre’s new show “Matilda,” which opens this weekend. Each young actress brings something different to the role, said director Adam Cline.

But Matilda forms a special bond with her teacher, the sweet Miss Honey (Nancee Steiger), who gives the girl the kindness and encouragement she deserves. Cline explained the choice to double-cast the lead role, saying with several pages-long

monologues, it was a lot to ask one kid to do for 12 shows. Plus, each of the two young actresses cast as Matilda brings something different to the role: Layendecker is the older of the Please see MATILDA | C2

THE LOWDOWN

Former resident’s podcast highlights indie country artists

othing like a country mubut after the first music podcast sic discussion to bring out made its official debut in 2004, it historians, curmudgeons, was only a matter of time before critics and artists for a heated fans began to find ways to both debate on the polarizing state of discover and support new artists. terrestrial radio and its frenemy – Today, there are podcasts for the online music podcast. every type of listener imaginable Dave Bernal, who like Bernal who behosts “The California came disenchanted Country Show Podwith mainstream cast”, a companion to terrestrial radio and his weekly Thursday joined the podcast night radio show revolution five years of the same name ago with his own broadcast on KLBP show to help bring Long Beach Public some country music Radio has heard lovin’ back to the west MATT MUNOZ plenty. And while coast. FOR THE CALIFORNIAN being on various “I had a series of sides of the debate conversations with can be fun at times, the former friends on how disconnected the Bakersfield resident prefers to be indie country scene was in Los an outlet for independent counAngeles, Bakersfield and Califortry artists looking to get some nia,” said Bernal who produces airplay, and maybe, just maybe, both versions of “The California an in-studio interview if they’re Country Show” from a shared lucky. rehearsal lockout space. That may have sounded like an “I’ve lived all over and saw this impossible dream during the new change happening. Many young country boom of the nineties, country singers and bands were

PHOTO BY CHRIS AUSTIN

Dave Bernal, host of the The California Country Show, at the Oakheart Country Music Festival in June.

pulling their influences and song selections directly from the Nashville factory of radio hits. So, I set out to make a show that would play California-based music and

share a bit of history in there, too.” Joined on occasion by friend and fellow musician Casey Cannon of the outlaw country act 29

Mules, who also helps contribute to the weekly playlists, Bernal handles the majority of the show’s production and editing duties himself. “If you listen to the show closely, you can hear all the drummers and bands rehearsing down the hall. Let’s just say I’m looking for a studio down the road.” It’s a step up from the duo’s original set-up: a microphone set-up in Cannon’s kitchen, a free download of the Garageband recording software, and playlists comprised of unlicensed iTunes Music purchases. Bernal recalled the legal learning curve during that time. “We learned later that music licensing needs to be paid for and received a cease and desist from Sony,” he said. After reassessing the project and following the ins-and-outs required to keep the suits at bay, Bernal changed the show’s

Please see MUNOZ | C2

The Bakersfield Californian

Thursday, August 22, 2019

EYE STREET

COURTESY OF OVATION THEATRE

In “Matilda,” the title character (Kaya Layendecker) has a hard life at home but forms a special bond with her teacher Miss Honey (Nancee Steiger). The play opens at Ovation Theatre this weekend.

MATILDA

because it’s very tech-oriented,” Cline said. “It’s defiContinued from PAGE C1 nitely been an undertaking When: 7:30 p.m. Friday to do this but it’s been fun.” and Saturday, 2 p.m. two and is a firmer, more One technical element Sunday; running this mature Matilda, while Adis the 87 scenic projections weekend through Sept. dison Cline (the directors’ that will be used to set each 15 daughter) is a younger and scene. When Matilda tells Where: Ovation Theatre, sweeter Matilda. a story of an acrobat and 1622 19th Street “They’re doing a great job escapologist, it is animated Admission: $15 to $35 keeping on track and being behind her on the screen. vibrant and alive,” Cline “We have a new animated Information: theosaid of the two leads. “They projector device that lets us vationtheatre.com or help each other out. They go from scene to scene,” Cline 489-4601 totally get along.” said. “We’re the first theater to Another casting choice take it on and try that.” that could do with a litDemay does a great job. He’s But that doesn’t mean the tle explaining is a man having a lot of fun with it.” whole set is just the projecfor the role of the mean As the story is filled with tor. It will also be adorned headmistress/former ham- magic and imagination, the with what looks like Scrabmer-thrower champion, production has required a ble pieces exploding around Miss Trunchbull. The charlot of technical genius. From the stage, a design created acter has typically been a scene where Miss Trunch- by Jason McClain. played by a man in the stage bull spins and throws a girl To take the production version of the story, and the by her pigtails to all Matilto the next level musically, local production will keep da’s telekinetic displays, “Matilda” will feature a live that tradition. there’s a lot going on. orchestra, something that “It’s actually very hyster“It’s kind of been a big was encouraged by the proical,” Cline said. “Dominic taking-on for our theater duction’s musical director,

‘MATILDA’

COURTESY OF OVATION THEATRE

In “Matilda,” Miss Trunchbull (Dominic Demay) is out to get Matilda and her classmates but the sweet Miss Honey (Nancee Steiger) does her best to stand up to the mean headmistress. The play opens at Ovation Theatre this weekend.

Jeff Ingle. “It’s a very eclectic group of different songs,” Cline said. “It’s one of those shows where you really can’t get it out of your head.” One song Cline mentioned is “When I Grow Up,” which will have the actors playing on swings installed on the stage. Terri Cline has spent upward of 100 hours choreographing the num-

bers, Cline said. “Matilda” has music and lyrics written by Tim Minchin and book by Dennis Kelly. It debuted in Stratford-upon-Avon in 2010 before heading to London’s West End the next year and Broadway shortly after that. It has won several awards, including five Tony Awards. Cline is excited to bring the hit musical to Bakers-

field, where many audience members likely haven’t seen it before. He also pointed out that “Matilda” is perfect for theater fans of all ages. “I think kids will really enjoy seeing ‘Matilda’ come to life on the stage,” he said. “It’s definitely a fun, family show.” Kelly Ardis can be reached at 661-395-7660. Follow her on Twitter at @TBCKellyArdis.

PHOTO BY SAM VALDEZ

Bakersfield country singer songwriters, Lauren and Kyle Appleton.

MUNOZ

Continued from PAGE C1

original format away from solely music to an interview-style talk show, going behind the creative scenes of the independent artist life. “The podcast gives me an opportunity (and good practice) to introduce my audience to the hard-working artists trying to make it in country music. We talk about touring, songwriting, and how to compete with

the big music labels cranking out assembly line music to the masses.” Among some of the LAbased artists and groups Bernal has interviewed for the show are Wynchester, Calico the Band, and Tonya Watts, as wells as Sam Outlaw, a California boy now residing in Nashville. Bernal recently expanded the show for remote production at the OakHeart Country Music Festival held every June in Thousand Oaks, where he held court as host of his own stage un-

All August JUST

PHOTO BY MATT TWONEY

Texas country singer songwriter Vince Neil Emerson appears Saturday at the Monte Carlo.

derneath a 37-foot banner of the podcast’s official logo. In addition to choosing the acts for the stage, he also performed, MC’d and recorded a special episode for the event. It was a big triumph for Bernal and crew who took full advantage of the opportunity to introduce himself to thousands of rabid country music fans. “The proudest feeling came from the fact that our side stage became a village-type hang out for local musicians and singers. I felt like the work to unify the scene was not only worth it,

WANT TO LISTEN? The California Country Show Podcast is available for stream and download at iTunes, Stitcher, TuneIn and SoundCloud.

but the beginning of something bigger than we could have imagined,” he said. But Bakersfield will always be home for Bernal and where both his family and musical roots still reside. Recalling his days performing as a member of

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Lisa Bowman and the Wild Ones country band, Bernal has performed for the annual Buck Bash at the Crystal Palace along with many of the now defunct local honkytonks. Like clockwork he still gets asked regularly by touring musicians and country fans where they should find their next gig in Bakersfield. “They want to know where I recommend they go when they’re in town. I wish I had more answers for them. I wish there were more reasons to head to town to play, but they know the history, the legends, and the scene. The Bakersfield Sound is known all over the world and should be a source of pride for all in Bakersfield and California residents.” That homegrown pride is at the heart The California Country Show Podcast for Bernal, who always includes a sincere nod to the musical pioneers of Kern. “I play Merle and Buck like they’re new tunes and explain to listeners that ‘the song you just heard was the Red Simpson original version.’ We’ll take a wild guess that the ‘original’ in question was a spin of the 1966 single “Highway Patrol” by Red Simpson, also covered by Junior Brown, creator of the guit-steel, a combination lap steel guitar and six-string guitar invention, in 1993. The song has since become Brown’s musical calling card. “Buck made the decision not to chase Nashville. I think Bakersfield could do the same, or it will lose great local talent,” Bernal said. Artists interested in submitting their music for airplay consideration should

email Bernal at justdave@ california-country.com to request a submission form. Submissions will be accepted in CD and digital forms, and according to Bernal, all artists who receive airplay will qualify to receive royalties through their registered music rights and publishing houses. “My show will pay you royalties for being on the playlist, so make sure you send me the mastered version of your music with your ISRC (International Standard Recording Code, the international identification tool for sound and music video recordings) embedded so you can track it. No demos please. Don’t know what those are? Email me. Listen to the show. I want to help you succeed as an artist. This is a business and I always email back with assistance.” Amen, Dave.

MATT’S PICK Vincent Neil Emerson, The Appletons 9 p.m. Saturday, The Old River Monte Carlo, 9750 Taft Highway, $5, 837-0250. According to his mini-bio, country singer songwriter Vincent Neil Emerson has both a reputation around Texas and Nashville for staying true to the roots of classic country. With his recent appearance in actor Jason Momoa’s “On the Roam” YouTube series alongside his good friend, fellow troubadour Colter Wall, Emerson has also been hailed as one of the best new songwriters to come out of “The Lone Star State.” Also appearing will be Bakersfield husband and wife country blues duo, The Appletons. Highly Recommended.

Thursday, August 22, 2019

The Bakersfield Californian

XY E X EX XSXT XR XE X ET

WORTH NOTING | ENTERTAINMENT

CALM offering cold treats for animals and guests THE BAKERSFIELD CALIFORNIAN

Humans aren’t the only ones who love a cold treat on a hot day. The animals at the California Living Museum do, too. CALM’s 12th annual Ice Cream Zoofari is happening Saturday from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. While the bears and condors enjoy their “zoocicles,” guests to the zoo can treat themselves to an ice cream sundae, an ice cream cone or a root “bear” float. Docents will be throughout the zoo offering a chance to meet ambassador animals up close. The Dixie Nuts Dixieland jazz band will also be there. Guests will be able to ride the Central California Children’s Railroad for free. Admission is $15 for adults and $12 for children ages 3 to 12 years old. Members of the zoo can get in for $10 for adults and $8 for children. Proceeds go to CALM’s wildlife rehabilitation program. Find CALM at 10500 Alfred Harrell Highway. For more information, go to calmzoo.org or call 872-2256.

of Jordan Berman, who is looking for Mr. Right with his three close girlfriends by his side. When they each find their own significant other, Jordan has to face the tough task of supporting his friends as they find love while he is still looking for it himself. Written by Joshua Harmon and debuting Off-Broadway in 2015 before heading to Broadway in 2017, “Significant Other” will be directed locally by Mendy McMasters. It stars Michael Pawloski, Cristina Goyeneche, DeNae’ Brown, Angela Poncetta, Jan Hefner, Bryce Loo, Dakota Nash, Kris Hernandez, Nicky Roy and Tyler Herzog. The play runs Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., this weekend through Sept. 7. Tickets are $10 for students and seniors, $15 for general admission (first-come, firstserved) and $20 for preferred admission (reserved center seating). Doors open at 7:30 p.m.

PROHIBITION PUB CRAWL

Take a trip back to the 1920s for the Prohibition Pub Crawl on Friday evening. ‘SIGNIFICANT OTHER’ OPENS Organized by Do The AT THE EMPTY SPACE Crawl, the event goes from Being single is made 5:30 to 10 p.m. and will start easier when you’ve got close at Riley’s Tavern for check-in. friends dealing with it right Other stops include Jerry’s alongside you. But what hap- Pizza & Pub, Crash Lounge, pens when they start getting Sandrini’s Public House and married too? Syndicate Lounge. “Significant Other,” Each location will have opening this weekend at The drink specials, and a few Empty Space, tells the story will have food specials as

COMEDY

Continued from PAGE C1

As with previous shows, De La Garza sought to create a diverse line-up. In a male-dominated industry, she said, it’s important to hear everyone’s story. “We all have different cultures, viewpoints and humor, and this is a way for all of us to understand each other,” she said. “Representation matters. I can’t stress enough how important it is. Sometimes in a smaller city, we don’t see the representation. I am so proud to have a Latina woman headlining this show.” Another aspect of the shows De La Garza is proud of is its ability to give back to the community.

The Epilepsy Society of Kern County came to her attention by a friend who has a family member with epilepsy. Not only does each month’s COURTESY OF DLG CO. nonDana Turner profit get 15 percent of the show’s proceeds (and 100 COURTESY OF DLG CO. percent Erick Downing of any donations), it also benefits from the exposure De La Garza

COURTESY OF CALM

CALM is holding its 12th annual Ice Cream Zoofari on Saturday. Guests will get an ice cream sundae, ice cream cone or root “bear” float, while some animals will get frozen treats of their own. well. There will be games, contests and prizes. Guests can dress in their Roaring ‘20s best if they choose but a costume is not required. Tickets are available online only and will not be sold at the door. Go to Eventbrite. com for tickets, which are $12. Visit dothecrawl.com/

Bakersfield for more information.

Center, 201 New Stine Road, suite 350. The films are free and guests are invited to ENVIRONMENTAL FILM stay after for refreshments SERIES and discussion. Sierra Club Buena Vista ■■ Friday: “Pittsburgh to Group will host a three-part Paris,” a National Geographic documentary film series on film about climate change various environmental topics and the Trump administrathat kicks off Friday. The tion’s decision to exit the films will be shown from 7 to Paris Climate Agreement. 9 p.m. at the Stockdale Event ■■ Sept. 20: “Reinventing

gives it at local farmers markets, where she regularly has a booth to promote the show. This month, De La Garza and Escutia handed out pamphlets on the Epilepsy Society in 100-degree COURTESY OF DLG CO. weather. Cammie “I tell Syprasert organizations now, ‘let me advocate for you,’” De La Garza said. “’During the month, I am highlighting you; let me hand out your flyers and tell people about your organization.’ That face-to-face con-

tact at the farmers market is so important.” Turnout at the monthly comedy show has just gotten better and better since it started in February, De La Garza said. Many people have been attending since the first show. De La Garza encouraged anyone looking for something fun to do to come out on Saturday night. “One of the benefits of choosing this show is it supports a local cause. All of the people involved in the show love what they do. These are our passions and that is what makes the show great.” Kelly Ardis can be reached at 661-395-7660. Follow her on Twitter at @TBCKellyArdis.

Power,” a Sierra Club film that explores the economic benefits to families and communities of choosing green energy. ■■ Oct. 25: “The Last Mountain,” follows a community in Appalachia that tries to save the last mountain from a controversial coal mining technique called mountaintop removal.

COURTESY OF DLG CO.

Comedian Jessica De La Garza produces the monthly shows.

Eight pieces of wisdom for parents sending a child off to college BY JOANNA NESBIT Special to The Washington Post

After saying goodbye to your college student on move-in day, one of the hardest things to come to grips with at home is the yawning lack of information. You’re excluded from your student’s experience in a new, jarring way, and no one will invite you in except your student — and that’s only if they want to. That doesn’t mean you disappear from their lives; far from it. But it does mean you play a different role. Here’s what I’ve learned, from college experts, campus orientations and my own years of being a college parent, about how to navigate this shift in the relationship. n Give them space. College students need a grace period to meet people, get involved in campus life and focus on their new environment without constant reminders of home. No matter how eager they are for college, it’s not easy to get used to new surroundings and sleeping in a new bed. Give them the space to figure it out. That doesn’t mean you don’t have conversations, but follow their lead. One of my kids texted constantly, while the other didn’t touch base for weeks on end. n Be prepared to listen. Often kids call or text when they’re feeling low, and trust me, you’ll hear about the roommate drama, the rotten exam or the malfunctioning laundry machines. But once kids have unloaded, they move on, leaving you to worry into the night about a problem that likely doesn’t exist for them the next day. Or if it does, it’s their issue to solve. Try not to let their download ruin your day. It’s probably not ruining theirs.

ALEX HORVATH / THE CALIFORNIAN

Incoming Bakersfield College students work on activities during a Bridge to BC session, which allows them to get a first glimpse at college life.

n Offer guidance, not a quick fix. If your child is struggling with a normal issue, such as not finding people they like, hear them out (see above), because a sympathetic ear is helpful. But don’t leap to offer a fix, such as contacting a resident adviser on their behalf. We want our kids to become competent and independent, and they need to develop problem-solving skills. They also won’t learn to get comfortable with discomfort if we handle things for them. At my son’s recent transfer student orientation, the student health center director told parents the staff has noticed that today’s students have a tougher time regulating emotion. But uncomfortable emotions are part of being human, and students need to sit with them and learn how to move through them. Gaining confidence in a new setting takes time. Let them know all their feelings are normal.

n Point them to resources. When your student complains about homework or a dorm challenge, ask them about resources on campus, and nudge them to pursue those avenues. Colleges have staff ready to help students. Resist the urge to micromanage. If students don’t know where to start, suggest they check with their resident adviser. Resources include the tutoring center, academic advising, career services center, student health clinic, financial aid office, multicultural center, first-generation center and more. Engaging with other students and professional staff is the best way to adjust. Keep pointing them back to campus. n Mind the FERPA form. The Federal Educational Rights and Privacy Act protects your student’s information from kindergarten through higher education. Once kids get to college, rights transfer to them, and parents aren’t allowed

access without permission. If your child adds you as an authorized user to their student account, you will see term bills and can set up a payment method, but don’t expect any additional access. Don’t push for their account password to see grades. If you’re concerned about how they’ll handle academics, initiate conversations about what you expect them to tell you. You’re partnering now, not tracking. The transition to college can feel like a leap of faith, and it’s financially scary. I get it. If you’re paying the bill and you want to see their grades at the end of term, prepare them for that idea. Meanwhile, back off and let them manage their progress. They’ll experience hurdles, and they need room to flail a bit. n Don’t freak out about grades. It’s normal for students to experience a dip in grades in college. That doesn’t mean they can’t handle the work. They just

need to find their equilibrium with study habits, time management and the social scene, and it may take a semester. Don’t pester them about grades right after midterms. It’s intimidating enough for them to realize a course grade might hinge on a midterm and a final exam. Your anxiety won’t boost their confidence. Tell them you know they can handle it. Perfectionist students, in particular, don’t need added anxiety. Of course, some students do go off the rails with the party scene or another personal challenge. If you suspect they’re not managing their time or they’re skipping class — you likely won’t know it for a while — suggest they visit an academic adviser. Talking to someone who’s not their parent might illuminate a deeper issue. Keep in mind, advisers prefer to meet with students before they’ve dug themselves into a hole. n Ordering groceries for them? Stop. You’re pay-

ing for a meal plan, after all. And no, your student doesn’t need a laundry service. Campuses provide washing machines. Students need to develop life skills, and now’s the time to start. Their roommates and future partner will appreciate your not making life too easy for them. Try to hold back on all the extras. n Know when to get involved. You know your child best, and no one is paying attention like you are. If you suspect a mental-health condition is sending your student into a tailspin, or if they’re experiencing a recurring illness or unfamiliar allergy that doesn’t sound normal, it’s okay to ask questions and follow up. When a health or safety issue isn’t being addressed in a timely way, a phone call from a parent can make a difference. I called last year on one child’s behalf when a bed bug situation wasn’t resolved properly and my student wasn’t getting helpful responses. You don’t want a mysterious health issue, like exposure to mold, to derail your kid. Harlan Cohen’s books “The Naked Roommate: And 107 Other Issues You Might Run Into in College” and “The Naked Roommate: For Parents Only — A Parent’s Guide to the College Experience,” are great resources for students and their families on navigating all sorts of scenarios. Your student will experience bumps, but most of the time those challenges will be part of the normal growth of a young adult. Have faith. Your kids really can do it. Give them the space to problem-solve, and you’ll be amazed at the growth within the first year. You got them to college. Now, let them sail.

Thursday, August 22, 2019

The Bakersfield Californian

GO & DO TODAY

$12.50. 844-462-7342. fathomevents.com. ■■ Bear Trap Canyon Tour: Enjoy a driving tour through Bear Trap Canyon with a naturalist guide, 2 p.m., Tejon Ranch Conservancy, 1037 Bear Trap Road, Lebec. $20; registration required. 248-2400. rhammad@ tejonconservancy.org. ■■ Kern Wheelmen Cycling Club Sunday Ride: 8 a.m., Bike Trail Parking Lot, across from CSUB on Stockdale Highway and Don Hart Drive. 496-0707.

■■ Tyler Rich: 8 p.m., Buck

Owens’ Crystal Palace, 2800 Buck Owens Blvd. $20. 328-7560. buckowens.com. ■■ Concerts by the Fountain: Featuring Orphan Jon and The Abandoned, 7-9 p.m., The Marketplace, 9000 Ming Ave. Free. 714545-1400. themarketplacebakersfield.com. ■■ “Goldilocks”: Enjoy a puppet show presented by Omnipresent Puppet Theater, 9:30 a.m., Dot x Ott, 930 18th St. Free; seating is first come, first serve. 324-7112. Christine@ dotandott.com. ■■ Kern Farm Bureau Cooking Class: Attendees cook a vegetarian meal paired with wine; benefits the Edible Schoolyard Program’s mobile kitchen, RSVP required, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Buena Vista’s Edible Schoolyard, 6520 Buena Vista Road. $50; $45 KCFB members. 397-9635. ajovena@kerncfb.com or kcfb.rsvpify.com. ■■ Wine Glass Painting Class: With “Black Eyed Susan” design, includes all supplies and wine glass to take home, 6 p.m., The Mark, 1623 18th St. $30; reservations required. 877-389-1386. breanna@ lepaintedgrape.com. ■■ Downtown Empowerment Meeting: Includes program with Director of Public Health services, Matthew Constantine; light breakfast provided, RSVP requested, 7:30-9 a.m., Bakersfield Association of Realtors, 300 Bahamas Drive. 3255892. BakersfieldDBA. com. ■■ Bakersfield Tea Party Meeting: Features presentation on political issues with Inga Barks, former talk show host of KNZR radio and free pizza, 6 p.m., Rusty’s Pizza Parlor, 6675 Ming Ave. Free; all are welcome. 8344528. jllundy@sbcglobal. net. ■■ Kern County Central Valley Amateur Radio Club Meeting: Features drawings for radios and radio components and a Root Beer social, 7 p.m., East Bakersfield Veterans Hall, 2101 Ridge Road. 7472878. safetyfirst1000@ yahoo.com. ■■ Ignite Biz Kern: Small business workshop with CAPK, 5:30 p.m., Shafter Youth Center, 455 E. Euclid Ave., Shafter. Free; registration recommended. 336-5236, Ext. 2234. tcubias@capk.org. ■■ Kaiser Permanente Pediatric Educational Series: Features presentation on early signs for Pediatric Early Warning Score (PEWS), RNs and LVNs receive one CE credit, 5:30 p.m., Kaiser Permanente Administrative Office, 5055 California Ave. Free; all are welcome. 852-3682. kimberley.a.jenkins@kp.org. ■■ Thunder on the Mountain Car Show: 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Downtown Tehachapi. 825-9086. TOTMcarshow.com. ■■ Sunset Photo Hike: Enjoy a nature walk and shoot the sunset with a professional photographer, 5 p.m., Tejon Ranch Conservancy, 1037 Bear Trap Road, Lebec. $25; registration required. 248-2400. rhammad@ tejonconservancy.org. ■■ Thursday Night Cruisin’: Features custom classic vehicles and raffles, 6-8 p.m. Chuy’s, 8660 Rosedale Highway. Free. 431-7688.

THEATER ■■ “A Gentleman’s Guide

COURTESY OF STARS THEATRE RESTAURANT

“A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder” runs through Sept. 7 at Stars Theatre Restaurant.

to Love and Murder”: 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday, Stars Theater Restaurant, 1931 Chester Ave. $30-$70. 325-6100. bmtstars.com. ■■ “Matilda”: 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday, The Ovation Theatre, 4311 19th St. $15-$35; 489-4601. theovationtheatre.com. ■■ “Significant Other”: 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, The Empty Space, 706 Oak St. $10-$60. 327-7529. esonline.org. ■■ “Milligan’s Island”: 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday, Gaslight Melodrama Theatre and Music Hall, 12748 Jomani Drive. $14-$25. 587-3377. themelodrama.com.

special guest Ned Leboux, 8 p.m., Rabobank Arena, 1001 Truxtun Ave. $45$147. 852-7300. axs.com. ■■ BBQ and Brews Chamber Social: Includes barbecue, craft beer, wine and live music, 6-10 p.m., Bakersfield Museum of Art, 1930 R St. $40 in advance; $50 at the door. 327-4421. hhaenes@ bakersfieldchamber.org. ■■ Prohibition Pub Crawl: Dress in 1920’s attire and enjoy drinks at many different crawl locations; features contests, games, prizes and photo opportunities, must be 21 and above, 5:30-10 p.m., ■■ Art for Healing proDowntown Bakersfield. gram: Classes that allevi$12-$36. eventbrite.com ate stress, resulting from or dothecrawl.com. illness, or grief, all classes ■■ “Paris to Pittsburgh” are free but some suggest Film Screening: Features a donation and are held at a documentary about Mercy Art & Spirituality COURTESY OF THE MARKETPLACE BAKERSFIELD global warming; presented Center, 2215 Truxtun Ave. For 23 years, local bands have performed at Concerts by the Fountain, a summer series by the Sierra Club, 7 p.m., 632-5747. dignityhealth. at The Marketplace. Stockdale Event Center, org. 201 New Stine Road, Suite Open Studio: Use pro350. Free. 496-6584. Base, Connie, Money B and $75. 631-2272. kerncasa. ■■ Tie-Dye Class: With Ellen vided materials or joymonty@me.com. Young Hump from Digital org. Harrison; all ages welcome bring your own project, ■■ American Nostalgia Underground, 6-10 p.m., ■■ Tasting Menu Event: (children 10 and under 10 a.m.-4 p.m. WednesRacing Association Stramler Park, 4003 Enjoy a seven course must bring a parent), days and 1-4 p.m. Fridays. Summer Nationals: Chester Ave. $35-$50. menu with Chef Richard; includes all materials and Acrylic Painting: 3-9 p.m. Friday; 7 a.m.ticketfly.com or bit.ly/ seats will be theater style snacks, RSVP requested, 1-3:30 p.m. Fridays. 4:30 p.m. Saturday and GrooveSummer. in the kitchen to enjoy 2-4 p.m., St Andrew’s ■■ Bakersfield Art AssociSunday, Auto Club Famoso ■■ 12th annual Ice Cream the show, reservations Church, 703 5th St., Taft. ation Art Center: 1607 Raceway, 33559 Famoso Zoofari: Includes enrequired, 6:30-9:30 p.m., Free. 205-6575. 19th St. 869-2320. Cash Road, McFarland. $10-$25. trance to the zoo, docents The Kitchen, 1317 20th St. ■■ Bakersfield Photograonly for classes. Register 399-5351. anra.com. strolling the grounds, $65; with an optional $45 phy Class: Small group for classes with instructor ■■ Friday Night Graffiti: games, free rides on the drink pairing. 827-7811. digital camera workshop or at the Art Center. With Common Ground Car Central California ChilInfo@TheKitchenBakersfor beginner or intermeBeginning Drawing, Club and Larry “Lugnut,” dren’s Railroad, ice cream field.com. diate photographers, Painting, Mixed Media 6-10 p.m., Firehouse sundae’s, cones and root ■■ 8 Ball Pool Tourna7:45 a.m., Hart Park, Alfred and Sculpture Art Class: Rosedale Station, 2905 beer floats; benefits the ment: 7 p.m., Long Harrell Highway. $149. For children (all ages) and Calloway Drive. 836-7665. Wildlife Rehabilitation Branch Saloon, 907 North 714-745-4222. kbtooheyadults, 4 to 6 p.m. TuesProgram, 4:30-7:30 p.m., Chester Ave. $10 buy in; photo@gmail.com. days. $30-$34; includes SATURDAY CALM, 10500 Alfred house matches money. ■■ Tule Elk State Natural supplies. Call Casey Hib■■ Inaugural Kern MarHarrell Highway. $8-$15. 399-8494. Reserve Auto Safari: bard at 301-2195. getcagarita Championship: 872-2256. calmzoo.org. ■■ 10th T-Town Rumble Enjoy a caravan style sey@gmail.com. Presented by the Josh ■■ Annual Out Here with Car, Truck and Vinsafari and learn more Beginning Drawing, Farler Foundation, includes Animals Celebration tage Trailer Show: about elk and the reserve; Painting, Mixed Media margarita tastings with Event: Features animal 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Country bring cameras, binoculars, and Sculpture Art Class: food pairings, live art adoptions, activities, petOaks Baptist Church, water, and picnic lunch, For children (all ages) and demonstrations, patient ting zoo, pet treat tastings, 20915 Schout Road, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Tule Elk adults, 4 to 5 p.m. Thursart exhibit, live music and giveaways, Bakersfield Tehachapi. TehachapiCarReserve State Natural Redays. $15-$17; includes best Signature Margarita K-9 unit demonstration, Show.com. serve, 8653 Station Road, art supplies. Call Casey Contest; benefits local Pet Care 101 class and ■■ Yoga Fundraiser: Must Buttonwillow. $8-$100. Hibbard at 301-2195. getcancer patients with food, dog washing stations, be 21 and over; registra764-6881. parks.ca.gov/ casey@gmail.com. transportation and lodging 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Bakerstion required, 9-11:30 a.m., news. Texture for Fur, Feathwhile traveling for treatfield Tractor Supply, 6710 On the Vine, 10711 ■■ Farmers Market: 8 a.m. ers and Fish Scales in ment through the CBCC Colony St. Free; all are welRosedale Highway. $20. to noon, Downtown Watercolor: Intermediate Foundation, AIS Cancer come. 396-9636. Tractor817-3004. allseatedinaBakersfield, 3201 F St. students explore textures Center and Rio Bravo Supply.com/KnowHow. barn.com/eventlist. kernfamily.com/calendar. for animals with Carol Cancer Center, 6:30 p.m., ■■ 32nd annual Rubber ■■ Kids Demo Music Class: ■■ Grimmway Farms anBradshaw; bring your own IBEW Local, 428 Hall, 3921 Ducky Races: PreFor ages 16 months to 12 nual Organic Produce photos or use references Sillect Ave. $65 for general sented by the Kern Valley years old; activities inStand: 8 a.m.-4 p.m., from class, Thursdays admission; must be 21 Exchange Club, includes clude singing, movement, Organic Produce Stand, from 9 a.m. to noon. $150 with valid ID. 323-2979. ten heat races with cash playing with rhythm in23968 Bear Valley Road. for 6 week course or kernmargarita.com. prizes for first, second struments and beginning Cash only. grimmway.com. $25 per class, supply list ■■ Bakersfield Soul Food and third place winners, piano keyboard concepts, provided with registration; SUNDAY Fest: Features live music, vendors, concessions, reservations required, pre registration required. vendor booths, Kid’s zone and games for kids, event 10 a.m., Harmony Road ■■ “My Neighbor Totoro”: Call Carol at 760-376and soul food including begins at 10 a.m.; racing Music School, 5381 Trux12:55 p.m. today, 7 p.m. 6604. bradshawartist@ fried chicken, catfish, begins at 1 p.m., Riverside tun Ave. Free. 665-8228. Monday and Wednesday, earthlink.net. oxtails, ribs, links, blackPark, 10 Kern River Drive, harmonyroadbakersfield. Edwards Bakersfield Staeyed peas, red beans and Kernville. Spectators are com. dium 14, 9000 Ming Ave. Please see GO & DO | C8 rice, greens, yams, mac & free; $25-$75 for duck cheese, cornbread, sweet racers; each race ticket potato pie, peach cobbler includes two BBQ lunches. and pound cake, 3-9 p.m., 760-379-7785. pudlKern County Shrine Club, jumpr47@gmail.com. 700 S P St. $85. 831-4476. ■■ Briggs and Coyle eventbrite.com. Tailgate Cooking with ■■ Groove 99.3 Summer CASA: Proceeds benefit Bash: Featuring live CASA of Kern County; adFRIDAY music with Jody Watley, dress provided upon reg■■ Toby Keith’s “That’s Color Me Badd, Mark istration, 6-9 p.m., Briggs Country, Bro” Tour: With Calderon, The Jets, Rob Residence in Bakersfield.

ART

Ask A Professional We feature local experts to answer your questions. For information call: 661-395-7622

Healthcare

Q: A:

Vanessa asked, “What does it cost to have someone meet with me & my Mom? I think I’ve convinced her to let someone come help her.” Vanessa, there isn’t any cost for us to come meet with you. We would love to meet both of you at a time convenient for you. We look forward to meeting you.

Lic. #120000387

Darlyn Baker, RN

4801 Truxtun Ave. Bakersﬁeld, CA (661) 395-1700 www.interimhealthcare.com/California/home

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T h u r s d ay, S e p t e m b e r 5 , 2 0 1 9

Eye Street

Editor: Stefani Dias • Phone: 661-395-7488 • Email: sdias@bakersfield.com

‘Mariachi Girl’ combines traditional music, modern tale at CSUB BY JENNIFER SELF For The Californian

In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, a Southern California theater company will take the stage at CSUB’s Dore Theatre to perform “Mariachi Girl,” the coming-of-age story of a teen who dreams of performing the joyous music of her heritage over the objections of her father. And while the underlying themes of tradition, biculturalism and generational conflict are serious, the production is vibrant and triumphant, thanks to the “mini-mariachi concert” performed by a troupe of 20 professional musicians, dancers and actors, including 16-year-old star Estefani Lopez, who gives a luminous performance as a dutiful daughter who must defy the traditions of her family in order to celebrate the traditions of her culture. “I hope to share with Bakersfield audiences what Mexican culture is all about,” Lopez said in a recent interview. “I want them to hear more about mariachi music and get the message that it’s good to keep moving forward, not be so traditional and let kids be what they want to be.” The bilingual musical is written by Roxanne Schroeder-Arce, with lyrics and music by Héctor Martinez Morales and produced by ÁNIMO, a nonprofit Ventura County theater and film company that has taken “Mariachi Girl” to several cities throughout California. Miguel Orozco, artistic director and founder of ÁNIMO, said the audience response has been overwhelming. “When you have a professional mariachi group, you have all the pageantry that comes with mariachi music,” Orozco said. “You think about the traditional mariachi suits, costumes; it’s very regal, very colorful, and it definitely has high production values. The music is so good.” “Mariachi Girl” marks the third collaboration between ÁNIMO and Cal State Bakersfield. Please see MARIACHI | C3

Sidekicks, sweet rides and nature’s splendor on display this First Friday BY STEFANI DIAS sdias@bakersfield.com

With a little artistic liberty to a popular saying, let’s say that behind every great superhero, there is a sidekick. (Or a henchman behind a supervillain.) Some of the best pop culture second-in-commands will be on display in the show “Sidekicks & Henchmen” at Bubble Pop Gallery, part of First Friday events downtown this month. Gallery curator Ashleymarie Sey Lively said she was inspired by the theme after the success of the Superhero art show last June. “It was a very popular one,” she wrote in an email. “By the artist response this year, this theme was a great choice.” There are more than 30 works in the show in a variety of mediums including watercolor, coffee, acrylic, oil, ink and mixed media. “It’s exciting to see all the different and unique art styles and interpretations that we receive during the submission process,” Lively wrote of the works. While there are many great subjects for the show — which features Batman’s pal Robin, Rajah from “Aladdin” and GIR, the robot servant on “Invader Zim” — one definitely went into hyperdrive to reach the front of the pack. Han Solo’s wingwookie Chewbacca is highlighted in two standout pieces, Lively said. “My favorite sidekick has to be ‘Chewie’ by Brendan Sullivan and ‘The Galaxy’s Greatest

COURTESY OF NO FUSS COMEDY BUS

Los Angeles-based comedian and writer Taylor Streitz is bringing her No Fuss Comedy Bus to Bakersfield on Sept. 11. Set to stop at Locale Farm to Table Eatery downtown, the bus is a comedy club on wheels.

No Fuss with this bus Comedy club on wheels rolls into town BY KELLY ARDIS kardis@bakersfield.com

hen five comedians roll into town from Los Angeles next week, it will be a short walk from tour bus to stage. The No Fuss Comedy Bus isn’t just transportation, it’s a comedy club on wheels. The brainchild of comedian and TV writer Taylor “Bugs” Streitz, the bus will soon embark on its maiden voyage, kicking off the tour with a stop at Locale Farm to Table Eatery on Sept. 11. “There’s no bathroom, no A/C, but we’re going to do it anyway,” Streitz said. “It’s like comedy: Stand-up is brutal, we bomb so many times to get a joke to land once, and we do it anyway. We’re just going to do it for the sake of making people laugh.” The bus, converted to include sleeping quarters and a green room, is painted with a psychedelic flair but one side features the iconic comedy club backdrop: a brick wall. That’s where the stage will be set up, with canopies and chairs for a one-of-a-kind outdoor comedy show. “At a comedy club, (the comedians) are there all week, it’s a welloiled machine; it’s exactly what you expect it to be,” said Streitz, whose writing credits include “NCIS: New Orleans” and DC’s upcoming “Stargirl.” “Our shows are kind of different because every venue brings its own thing.” Not long after getting into stand-up, Streitz went on an 11city tour by herself, meeting other comedians and hearing their stories along the way. When she later went on a camping trip with friends in a converted bus, she had the idea for a comedy bus that comics could take to cities that might not have a dedicated comedy club. Streitz bought the bus about a year ago and has been working

COURTESY OF NO FUSS COMEDY BUS

The No Fuss Comedy Bus will roll into Bakersfield on Sept. 11 at Locale Farm to Table Eatery downtown. Created by comedian and writer Taylor Streitz, the bus is a comedy club on wheels, going to towns for pop-up comedy shows. Once at each stop, the bus serves as the stage’s backdrop.

NO FUSS COMEDY BUS When: 7 p.m. Sept. 11 Where: Locale Farm to Table Eatery, 1727 18th St. Admission: $20, must be 21 or older Information: nofusscomedybus.com

on it since. Graffiti artist Haste brought Streitz’s concept to life, with landscapes the comedians might see on the tour, plus little creatures like monsters and robots. In the window of the brick wall stage is a heckler monster. Carpenter Patrick Rafferty was responsible for the conversion inside of the bus, and he will join

the tour as videographer. He’s not the only one pulling double duty on tour: Comedian PJ Baio makes a living as a truck driver, so he will drive the bus and perform each night. The lineup also includes comedians Audrey Stewart (recently on NBC’s “Bring the Funny”), Dave Reinitz (owner of Flappers Comedy Club in Burbank) and Ymane Lakhlif (a Morocco-born comic with a fresh voice and a penchant for crowd work). “People are getting really excited about the idea and are super jazzed to be a part of it,” Streitz said. “I was surprised. (I thought) ‘How am I going to get comedians on a bus with no bathroom and no A/C?’ But it’s been a really positive response.” Please see BUS | C2

Please see FRIDAY | C2

THE LOWDOWN

Spooky theatrics aside, Ghost just wants to have fun

wedish horror metal act Tobias Forge is fairly upbeat for Ghost shows are a twisted an artist with such a mysterious medley of everything I love reputation. No scary voice, and about a rock show experience. without a sinister hint of evil Costumed in devilish outfits in its timbre. The group’s latest and masks, the band release, “Prequelle,” delivers music that its highest selling is as progressive and record to date, is still glam as it is heavy. floating on the global The shows embrace rock charts much in the macabre — inpart to the album’s cluding a ghoulish second single, “Danse pope-inspired charMacabre,” a melodic acter named “Papa departure from the Nihil” on saxophone group’s previous — and come across works. MATT MUNOZ as a crazed blend of “When I write a reFOR THE CALIFORNIAN Andrew Lloyd Webber cord, it’s very similar and Alice Cooper. to writing a film,” said Bakersfield will get an up close Forge. “If you’re script writing and and eerily personal opportunity you’ve already done a really good to see the band in all its unholy car chase with a lot of explosions, glory when Ghost kicks off their it might be a little overkill to add Ultimate Tour Named Death at another.” Rabobank Arena on, you guessed Formed in 2006, the group’s it, Friday the 13th. steady rise among the scores of Speaking by phone from the heavy metal acts around the globe band’s latest festival tour stop is not so much an anomaly as it is in the very metal capital city of the result of sheer creative genius. Warsaw, Poland, lead vocalist Backed by band members known

the band’s debut album, the melodic and technically sound “Opus Eponymous,” in 2010. “Good records are written to be one sort of craft,” Forge said. “You add to the record what it needs to be a cohesive story. Dramaturgically, somehow you can’t put too much of one thing in there. The same way that you would construct or compose a seven-course meal. It’s like if you serve a carpaccio with truffles. It’s kind of against the rules to go with more beef and truffles for the main course. You don’t do that.” Much like Forge’s chef-like approach to music, Ghost is PHOTO BY MIKAEL ERIKSSON very much a “fan’s band” always Grammy-winning Swedish metal act Ghost will kick off its national looking to keep things fresh. To tour at Rabobank Theater on Sept. 13. avoid any possibility of boredom, the group has introduced (and anonymously only as “Nameless clothing, mitre (pope hat), and retired) new characters to their Ghouls,” who wear matching cos- skull makeup. Almost sure to ofmusical theatrics: Papa Emeritus tumes and masks to conceal their fend some while entertain others, II and III as well as Forge’s latest identities, Forge also stepped out the group was quickly caught in a incarnation as slick-haired Cardiin the first of his many character bidding war after posting its songs nal Copia. The band also added a creations. First as “Papa Emerito MySpace. A Ghost-ly fanbase tus,” complete with papal-styled quickly grew after the release of Please see LOWDOWN | C2

The Bakersfield Californian

Thursday, September 5, 2019

EYE STREET

BUS

Continued from PAGE C1

Because it’s the bus’s first outing, Streitz decided to call it “The Virgin Tour.” After Bakersfield, it will make its way north to San Francisco, then Medford, Ore., and Portland before heading to Boise, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas and then back to L.A. “The comics are all experienced but this is such a unique experience that hasn’t been done before,” she said. “Taking the club on the road and popping up in cities has never been done before, so we’re definitely going to be working out some kinks.” Streitz wants the events to be about community, so each show will include local comedians and benefit a local cause. Bakersfield comedians Curtis Taylor III, Selah Victor, Jessica De La Garza and Darling Hernan-

COURTESY OF NO FUSS COMEDY BUS

dez will also take the stage

next week.

nity, the audience also feels like they are part of something and contributing to the experience just as much as we are,” Streitz said. Although Bakersfield will be the first stop on the tour, the bus officially made its debut in Los Angeles with a launch party on July 27. “It all came together so much better than I imagined,” she said. “People COURTESY OF NO FUSS COMEDY BUS went crazy for it. They loved The No Fuss Comedy Bus will roll into Bakersfield on it.” Sept. 11 at Locale Farm to Table Eatery downtown. After paying for everyThe show will feature the bus’s creator, comedian and thing herself, it’s a sign for writer Taylor Streitz, as well a mix of Los Angeles and Streitz that the gamble was Bakersfield performers. worth it. She hopes people will support the No Fuss Bakersfield is already to go to Bakersfield,” Streitz Comedy Bus on its first tour, shaping up to be one of the said. “My friend Jesus Marwhich she hopes to expand larger stops on the tour, tell Gonzalez said, ‘You have across the country in the with around 100 to 150 peo- to come to Bakersfield, they future. ple expected to attend. A would love it!’” “Come out because it’s goportion of the proceeds will While food trucks will ing to be fun. These are expego to the Hub of Bakersfield, be at other stops on the rienced comics and they’re which focuses on redefining tour, the Bakersfield stop at going to make you laugh.” and revitalizing the city. Locale means the food can “Before we even knew we come right from the venue. Kelly Ardis can be reached at were going to Portland, we “Because it’s all locally 661-395-7660. Follow her on knew for sure we were going based and about commuTwitter at @TBCKellyArdis.

LOWDOWN Continued from PAGE C1

pair of female keyboardists dubbed the “Ghoulettes.” Despite accusations of sacrilege from religious critics over some of their provocative anti-religious imagery, Forge says the band has been relatively unscathed adding this would not have been the case during the “Satanic Panic” of the ’80s when heavy metal was put on trial with the PMRC (Parents Music Resource Center) to put warning labels on covers of rock and rap albums deemed dangerous to the minds of impressionable youth. “I think that there is something new to being recognized between Ghost and the more historically controversial music acts. Some of them have done very little to ask for it or done nothing to ask for it at

PHOTO COURTESY OF NOTHING MORE

Texas rock quartet Nothing More will open for Ghost at the Swedish band’s Sept. 13 show at Rabobank Arena.

PHOTO BY RYAN CHANG

Ghost live shows feature a number of dark theatrical themes brought to life through the band’s ambitious stage productions.

all. A band like Judas Priest for example. They did very little to evoke those accusations of aiding people’s suicides through their music. Some of Ozzy’s (Osbourne)

antics were maybe not thought through from a PR view, but he also did a lot of those things with no spite intended.” Forge says Ghost’s music

and live show are meant to be enjoyed in an escapist fashion much like the discomfort and joy of a latenight classic B-movie. “I am an entertainer. I’m

here to make the people who want to be entertained and want to be happy come to our show. Look at us, of course we’re provocative, but I’m not interested in taking it any further than that just for the sake of annoying people. I’m way too fond of my career and my audience to do that.” He said he regards Ghost as a “very humanistic band” that aims to get people to feel good about themselves. Forge also added, “I’ve al-

ways been very adamant about not wanting to entice any act of violence.” In other words, relax Bakersfield. It’s only rock ‘n’ roll, Forge said. “I want us to have fun, and anyone who doesn’t like it, can (expletive).” Ghost with Nothing More, 7:30 p.m. Sept. 13, Rabobank Arena, 1001 Truxtun Ave. $26.50 to $66.50 plus service charges; rabobankarena. com or 852-7777.

FRIDAY

Continued from PAGE C1

COURTESY OF BUBBLE POP GALLERY

“Robin the Batcave” by Jonny Riel is part of the “Sidekicks & Henchmen” art show at Bubble Pop Gallery.

Copilot’ by Giki,” she wrote. The beloved characters won’t only be on the walls. James Knowles of Havoc Props will dress as Barf the mawg — the half-man, half-dog (“I’m my own best friend.”) — from the 1987 comedy “Spaceballs” for a meet and greet. Friday’s reception, which

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Darlyn Baker, RN

4801 Truxtun Ave. Bakersﬁeld, CA (661) 395-1700 www.interimhealthcare.com/California/home

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COURTESY OF THE BAKERSFIELD ART ASSOCIATION

This watercolor by Norma Neil is part of “The Splendor of Nature,” her show on display at Dagny’s Coffee Co. for First Friday.

will be held from 5 to 9 p.m. at the gallery, 2007 H St., will also feature live art by Nate Parrish, Caroline McArthur, Cindy Stodola and Lance. Also on Friday, the Bakersfield Art Association will open two new shows. At the BAA Art Center, artist Patti Doolittle will be featured in “Love the Car.” The show consists of some earlier work from Doolittle’s period painting old cars as well as newer pieces inspired by car shows, including one with a convertible owned by Marilyn Monroe. Attending the shows, she took reference photos and met the dedicated owners who care for their vehicles.

COURTESY OF BUBBLE POP GALLERY

“Dwight” by Dustin Myers is part of the “Sidekicks & Henchmen” art show at Bubble Pop Gallery.

COURTESY OF BUBBLE POP GALLERY

“Chewie” by Brendan Sullivan is part of the “Sidekicks & Henchmen” art show at Bubble Pop Gallery.

“It is a love they feel, a family member almost!” she said in the BAA newsletter.

COURTESY OF BUBBLE POP GALLERY

Dane Stephenson’s work “Rajah, shown here in the artist’s work space, was made with coffee as the ink. It is part of the upcoming “Sidekicks & Henchmen” art show at Bubble Pop Gallery.

The reception for the show will be from 6 to 8 p.m. at the BAA center, 1607 19th St. At Dagny’s Coffee Co., Norma Neil will present her landscape work in “The Splendor of Nature,” which highlights her abstract take on the natural world. Most of my work is inspired by the natural world which I feel also has symbolic meaning beyond just the picture,” she said in the BAA newsletter. “I strive to create art that gives a visual statement to a spiritual truth.” Neil focuses working in watercolor as it offers a “never-ending challenge.” She said, “I love the way watercolor requires the artist to engage in the moment with a balance of serendipity and control.” The artist reception will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. at Dagny’s, 1600 20th St. Stefani Dias can be reached at 661-395-7488. Follow her on Twitter at @ realstefanidias.

Thursday, September 19, 2019

The Bakersfield Californian

EYE STREET

THE LOWDOWN

Bakersfield not ready to give up Ghost

etalheads from Bakersfield and beyond did not hold back in showing their devotion to the ghastly gods of rock when Swedish horror metal act Ghost took the stage at Rabobank (now Mechanics Bank Arena, Theater and Convention Center) on Sept. 13. And while the term “heavy metal” may loosely apply to most of the band’s music, it wasn’t all angry headbanging and mosh-pitting. Not even close. Let’s start with the crowds gathered in the arena lobby. Dressed in tour shirts from the band’s various global treks, fans snaked around from each side of the walkway patiently waiting for their turn to buy the latest batch of merch of T-shirts, banners, hoodies, etc. All emblazoned with “Ghost” across the front. “It’s funny how this crowd has been way more polite than any country crowd I’ve seen here,” said Taylor Unruh, guitarist for local country music celebs TruxPHOTO BY ROBERT BEJIL ton Mile, who attended the show his brother, Trent. Popular Swedish metal act Ghost performed at Rabobank Arena on Sept. 13. I agree. A full harvest moon on Friday the 13th? So much for the spared no expense onstage. “freaks come out at night.” Shrouded in the lights and heat, Not to say the crowd was each band member strutted, ran, devoid of its share of spooky danced and shook onstage song characters. Over by the merch after song even as Forge left the tables, a pair of young women stage to change and re-emerge in nun costumes and ghoulish in various costumes as his Carwhite makeup were chitchatting dinal Copia character without and posing for photos, while missing a beat. Musically, this is a teenagers accompanied by their seasoned unit of top players who parents stuck close together combine glam rock shredding as they engaged with dark metal chord in some preshow progressions to enpeople-watching. gage the crowd. The I missed the openbrief appearance by a ing act Nothing More, saxophone-wielding but, according to Papa Nihil at the top Unruh, they were of the stairs brought amazing. I’ll take his extra loud cheers word for it. from the crowd who Before showtime, sang loudly along back-to-back devoMATT MUNOZ with each song. COURTESY OF NICOSHA COLLINS tional tracks helped FOR THE CALIFORNIAN Even as the band set the mood and delved into some of Bakersfield classic reggae soul act The Soul Chance will celebrate call fans to their seats. Following its earlier, darker works, the blend the release of its full-length album with a rare live performance at some final production stage crew of theater and macabre was Temblor Brewing Co. on Friday. scrambling, it was lights out and like being on the set of a classic curtain drop to reveal multilevel European horror film. Closing label, a subsidiary of Going Unalso plan on raising a glass to stage structures, backed with a strong with two of their most me- derground Records that focuses commemorate the 18th anniceiling-high backdrop imagery lodic hits, “Danse Macabre” and more on vintage sounds than its versary of Going Underground resembling stained-glass cathe“Square Hammer,” the band repunk foundations, the album Records in Bakersfield. Congratudral windows. mained onstage for an extended sleeve also features cover art by lations to all. Opening with “Ashes” and thank-you before retreating back local artist El Oms (aka Omar “Rats” from the band’s latest into the darkness. Bravo, Ghost. Juarez). While the album can be album, “Prequelle,” the band’s downloaded and streamed digiEmo Night, one-year anniversary, MATT’S PICKS masked members, known as tally in its entirety at goingunder- 9 p.m. Friday, Jerry’s Pizza, 1817 Nameless Ghouls, accompaThe Soul Chance, 7 p.m. Frigroundrecords.com, get the vinyl Chester Ave. $12. 633-1000. nied by their keyboardists, the day, Temblor Brewing Co., 3200 printing available at the all-ages Ask any millennial what Ghoulettes, and lead vocalist Buck Owens Blvd., Suite 200. $5. show. qualifies a song to be placed Tobias Forge, took fans through 489-4855. At last check, presale was brisk, in the category of “emo” — the a selection of tracks from across Fans of Bakersfield classic with orders coming in from emotionally expressive alt rock their four-album discography reggae soul act The Soul Chance around the globe. No telling how subgenre — and you’re bound to plus two new live debuts (“Mary patiently waiting for a live show many copies from the initial get a hundred different answers. on a Cross,” “Kiss the Go-Goat”) will have their wish granted with pressing will be available before It’s a common debate among from the group’s new “Seven a rare set at Temblor Brewing in or after the show. In addition those who claimed to have lived Inches of Satanic Panic” double celebration of their self-titled full- to special guest selectors Mr. the life of a high school emo kid A-single. length release. Groove, Lil Red and more to be in the ’90s and those still quesAs pure spectacle, Ghost Printed on the Obeah Records announced, attendees should tioning the direction of life as a

Music and awareness bound for downtown with Rally in the Alley BY KELLY ARDIS kardis@bakersfield.com

If you want to raise money for music and arts education in public schools, a concert by local musicians is a natural way to do so. Rally in the Alley, coming Saturday afternoon to Wall Street Alley, will feature live music from Mind Body & Soul and Dub Seeds. It’s the first in a series of concerts planned to help raise money for a cause everybody can get behind. “Rally in the Alley is the first concert in a whole series of concerts that will be presented every seven months, with all styles of music,” said organizer Rhythmm Epkins, also known as Dr. Funk of Mind Body & Soul. Epkins is considering this weekend’s event a preview, so while future Rally in the Alley concerts will take donations, this one is just to see for people to see what it’s like first and raise awareness for the cause. “It’s introducing the premise of it to everybody,” he explained. “This is our presentation of what’s coming next.” Epkins is still in the process of developing a nonprofit that will be able to carry out his goals of getting art and music back in public schools, but he said he would like to be able to get instruments to bring in for after-school programs. “We want to help the

30-something living paycheck to paycheck in 2019. But no matter the age or level of music snobbery, there’s one thing every diehard emo can agree on: the delight of your old MySpace page and the personally curated playlists that accompanied them. Panic at The Disco, Dashboard Confessional, My Chemical Romance, AFI and more on auto-play upon landing only to get stuck due to your computer freezing, leaving you captive until you unplugged to restart. Still, the good memories are plentiful with stories about a handful of MySpace success stories, including original Orange County electro pop party queens the Millionaires, who went from making buzz-worthy indie songs and music videos to being invited by Warped Tour founder Kevin Lyman on the road in 2009. Along the way the group also made regular appearances in Bakersfield at the Rockin’ Roots music fest, The Dome and Jerry’s Pizza, where Millionaires’ co-founding member Melissa Marie Green will be hosting this special all-ages dance night. Expect all the classic singalong emo gems spun by DJ Jwy, plus a live performance by Bakersfield Paramore tribute The Anklebiters, featuring Therese Muller on lead vocals. Don’t forget to rock your favorite black band T-shirt from Hot Topic, skinny jeans, Vans, tease that hair or straighten it according to proper emo code. Contributing columnist Matt Munoz brings you the latest news on Bakersfield’s music scene every other Thursday.

Author touts 5-step process for beating writer’s block BY SUSAN BAKER For The Californian

RALLY IN THE ALLEY When: 3 to 7 p.m. Saturday Where: Wall Street Alley downtown Admission: Free Information: mindbodysoulband.com

kids that are interested in art and music because many parents can’t afford to send them to private schools,” Epkins said. That organization, and a committee to helm it, will be finalized by the next Rally in the Alley, Epkins said. Epkins described his own band as “organic funk” and Dub Seeds as “positive reggae.” Joining Mind Body & Soul on stage will be percussionist Victor Orlando, who played with Gap Band and Chaka Khan. The second event will happen next April, and though Epkins didn’t want to give away the bands performing just yet, he did say it will likely have an ’80s theme. The alley will be closed before and after the event, from 2 to 8 p.m. The Bakersfield Downtown Business Association is helping put on the event. Epkins also sees this as a chance to boost business at restaurants downtown, where guests might choose

PHOTO BY FRANCIS YO

Melissa Marie Green of the Millionaires will host Emo Night at Jerry’s Pizza on Friday.

COURTESY OF MIND BODY & SOUL

The first Rally in the Alley is coming to the Wall Street Alley on Saturday afternoon. It is organized by Rhythmm Epkins, aka Dr. Funk, whose band Mind Body & Soul will perform, along with Dub Seeds.

COURTESY OF DUB SEEDS

Dub Seeds will join Mind Body & Soul for Rally in the Alley on Saturday.

to dine after the concert. “We want to (get) more business for downtown Bakersfield and more community activity,” Epkins said. “The main thing is to focus on the next genera-

tion and how we relate to the community through music and art.” Kelly Ardis can be reached at 661-395-7660. Follow her on Twitter: @TBCKellyArdis.

“Singers run scales before they sing. Painters sketch out studies before they paint. Writers write first drafts. All are meant to be practice, a warming up,” said author Mandy Wallace. Like so many others struggling Wallace to put words to the page, Wallace understands the frustration of writer’s block. This common affliction drains creativity while fueling frustration and discouragement. The good news is that she has figured out how to do it and will share it with the Writers of Kern on Saturday. Wallace will be the featured guest speaker at this month’s Writers of Kern meeting. Her presentation, “Beat Writer’s Block — the 5 Step Process,” promises to restore the curiosity and excitement that naturally drives the writing process, while “neutralizing” many of the barriers that get in the way. Even those who are fortunate enough not to struggle with their writing process (there must be a few out there), will have fun exploring new ways to tap into their creativity. On her popular blog site Write or Die (which

WRITERS OF KERN MEETING With author Mandy Wallace When: Breakfast buffet 8:45 a.m., presentation/workshop 10 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday Where: Hodel’s Country Dining, 917 Knudsen Drive Admission: $15, $10 for members; tickets at writersofkern.com/ meeting-fee

was named one of the “100 Best Websites for Writers” in 2018 by online resource The Write Life), Wallace shares useful tips and her empowering philosophy to help other writers to stop waiting to feel inspired and just get to work writing. She states, “The muse is a fickle bitch. Don’t rely on her ... I believe in skills over talent, tenacity over luck, and habit over willpower.” Wallace has also published a book titled “Landing Your First Publication: The Writing Prompts + Publication Strategy for Writers Who Refuse to Rely on Luck.” Find out more about the writer on her website mandywallace.com or on Twitter (@mandycorine) or Instagram (instagram. com/mandycorine). Susan Baker is a member of the Writers of Kern.

Thursday, October 3, 2019

The Bakersfield Californian

EYE STREET

THE LOWDOWN

Smokin’ Armadillos ready for red-hot return B akersfield country musicians and fans have enjoyed some much needed attention since the release of Ken Burns’ “Country Music” documentary last month. While Bakersfield’s Smokin’ Armadillos may not have reached the legendary status as Red Simpson, Buck Owens and other heroes of the Bakersfield Sound after they walked away from the stage, there was a moment when ‘Dillomania was a real thing in town as well as national country radio and music television. And it’s back this weekend for a two-night engagement at the Fox Theater. The band formed in 1992 during the new country era led by Garth Brooks, George COURTESY OF SMOKIN’ ARMADILLOS Strait and the Dixie Chicks, After last performing in Bakersfield at a farewell concert in 2005, the Smokin’ when the crossover popuArmadillos return for two shows at the Fox Theater this Friday and Saturday. Friday’s larity was so strong it wasn’t show is sold out but tickets are still available for Saturday’s performance. at all strange to find a copy of Snoop Dogg’s “Doggy fans could claim the ‘Dillos at 2 a.m. in awe. Just a few a hot and cold business, Style” next to the latest Trias country’s newest country years earlier, they were play- but the ‘Dillos weren’t out sha Yearwood release in CD stars. In 1996 the Smokin’ ing the same dives with the just yet. The band released collections. Armadillos was at its peak. rest of the locals and now their sophomore album Buck Owens was a few The group had already they were on national televi- “Strike The Match” indeyears away from sold 150,000 sion. The ‘Dillos had hit the pendently, landing a single opening the copies of their big time. on the soundtrack to “Major Crystal Palace independent Their first single wasn’t League 3: Back to the Miand other legdebut EP “Out a big hit by country music nors.” After a farewell show ends were toilof The Burrow” standards reaching No. 53 in 2005, the group parted ing away in the at shows and on the Billboard charts, the ways for solo projects, life, last remaining produced their follow-up single “Thump marriage and parenthood. honky tonks. own music Factor” at No. 68, but Fast forward to 2017, Meanwhile, the video for the competition at the time original members vocalist Smokin’ Armasong “Red was fierce as Curb labelRick Russell, guitarists Josh dillos played lo- MATT MUNOZ Rock.” Now mates Tim McGraw and Graham and Scott Meeks, cal pizza parlors FOR THE CALIFORNIAN with Nashville LeAnn Rimes were vying fiddle/mandolin player (I remember in their corfor equal attention. The Jason Theiste, bassist Aaron Papa Pete’s) to larger growner, success was almost ‘Dillos songs were on par Casida and drummer Darrin ing crowds and, in 1995, guaranteed. with all the country radio Kirkindoll reunited for new the band inked a deal with I can recall watching the hits of the day, but after recordings and a new sinCurb Records in Nashville. video of “Let Your Heart pushing out a third single, gle, “The Other California.” Finally, Bakersfield country Lead Your Mind” on CMT the album slowly faded. It’s The ‘Dillos were about to

PHOTO BY OMAR OSEGUERA

Veteran punk act Infest, shown here at Bakersfield’s Munoz Gym in 2015, will perform Saturday at Jerry’s Pizza.

re-enter the ring as country ambassadors from another era altogether. The single hit a pretty good stride, even making it into regular rotation on KUZZ. Now with two big reunions concerts, one of which quickly sold out, get ready to hoot, holler, stomp and give the Smokin’ Armadillos a proper Bakersfield homecoming. Welcome back, fellas. Smokin’ Armadillos, 8 p.m. Friday (sold out) and Saturday, Fox Theater, 2001 H St. $35 to $70, plus service charge at eventbrite.com or at the Fox Theater box office. 324-1369 or smokinarmadillos.com.

sic power-violence hardcore punk that will bring you back to the sweaty, mosh filled nights at Munoz Gym. The all-ages show is headlined by Valencia vets Infest, who also performed at the final show held at the former east Bakersfield boxing gym in 2015, a year before the gym closed its doors. Countless bands played in the tiny space, many of whom traveled long distances to be part of the venues hallowed punk history. Sadly, the gym’s longtime owner Paul Munoz passed earlier this year. Munoz’s grandson Ron Ramirez, owner of Going Underground Records, continues to throw and co-host shows MATT’S PICK in the same DIY spirit he did Infest, 7 p.m. Saturday, Jer- at the iconic gym. Also apry’s Pizza, 1817 Chester Ave. pearing on the bill is Gulch, $15 and $20. 633-1000. Fuga, Sandxcoffin, Barrette Fall is here, the fair is and Incision. over, and that means local shows can finally get back to Contributing columnist Matt business. What better way Munoz brings you the latest to kick off the Halloween news on Bakersfield’s music season than with some clas- scene every other Thursday.

Do you dare enter ‘Veronica’s Room’? BY STEFANI DIAS

sdias@bakersfield.com

What do you do when the show you’re putting on relies on the audience coming in with no spoilers? With “Veronica’s Room,” opening Friday at The Empty Space, you work twice as hard on wording the promotional material. “It is very difficult!” Michelle Guerrero wrote in an email about promoting the show she co-directed with Alison Irvin. “ ... We have to be careful of the photos we release and how much of the story we reveal. I’ve been pushing the idea of it being a thriller and that it is full of twists and turns, very much like Ira Levin’s other stories.” Levin knows how to surprise his audience, from the novels “Rosemary’s Baby” and “The Stepford Wives” to the Broadway hit “Deathtrap.” “The first time I read it, I had to go back and re-read it, because I had so many

‘VERONICA’S ROOM’ When: 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, continues through Oct. 19 Where: The Empty Space, 706 Oak St. Admission: $10-$20. 327-7529. esonline.org. COURTESY OF BUBBLE POP GALLERY

questions,” she wrote. “It is such an insane story that gaslights the entire audience. It’s pretty amazing.” Giving away too much about this 1973 twisted melodrama would take away the audience’s chance to be surprised. There are four characters — identified as the Woman (Angela Poncetta), the Man (Steve Evans), the Girl (Claire Rock) and the Young Man (Cameron Kovac) — brought together seemingly by chance. The older couple asks a favor of the girl and her performance of the task reveals

“Hitchhiking Ghosts” by Nicole Pecson will be part of the “Ghosts” art show at Bubble Pop Gallery. This is the first time the San Mateo artist will be showing at the gallery and she will be one of the artists on hand at Friday’s reception. COURTESY OF MICHELLE GUERRERO

The Girl (Claire Rock) and the Man (Steve Evans) talk in a scene from “Veronica’s Room” at The Empty Space.

If you’re in the mood for live swing music, Ovation Theatre has the perfect way to satisfy that craving. Saturday’s “In The Mood” is a one-night-only show featuring swing music of the ‘40s, ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s performed by the 20-piece Shafter Big Band. The show starts at 7:30 p.m. The concert is set to feature guests like Jeff Ingle, Joey Boone, Dominic Demay, Jeff Ardray, Jessica Ardray, James Dandy, Tony Rinaldi, Raven Luis Simon, James Russel and Omar Murillo, among others. It will also include a sneak peek at the theater’s upcoming “Million Dollar Christmas” show. Tickets are $25, plus a two-item minimum. Buy them by phone at 489-4601, online at theovationtheatre. com/in-the-mood or at the box office to avoid fees. Ovation Theatre is at 1622 19th St.

a dark secret. Unlike other films and entertainment this time of year, “Room” is based closer to reality, something that Guerrero said adds to the fear factor. “The fact that it could be a real situation

makes it scary. In my opinion the (more) realistic a story is, the scarier it is.” Stefani Dias can be reached at 661-395-7488. Follow her on Twitter at @ realstefanidias.

of Queen. It follows two young rebels, Scaramouche and Galileo, fighting against the bleak conformist world they live in, a globalized future without musical instruments, according to press materials. They join the Bohemians on a quest for “the unlimited power of freedom, love and rock.” Doors open at 6 p.m. and the show starts at 7 p.m. Tickets start at $45. Buy tickets at the box office from 10 a.m. to COURTESY OF “WE WILL ROCK YOU” 5:30 p.m. today and tomor“We Will Rock You,” a jukebox musical inspired by row, by phone at 324-1369 or Queen, will come to the Fox Theater on Sunday. Select at eventbrite.com. For more tickets are available two for the price of one. information, go to thebakersfieldfox.com.

CELTIC WOMAN TO PLAY RABOBANK THEATER

For 15 years, Celtic Woman has brought the sounds of Ireland to people around the world. Next year, the ensemble will bring them directly to Bakersfield. The Grammy-nominated ‘WE WILL ROCK YOU’ 2-FOR-1 four-member ensemble will TICKET DEAL perform at Rabobank TheIt’s not too late to get ater on May 6 at 7 p.m. The tickets for Sunday’s perforstop is part of the “Celebramance of “We Will Rock You” tion — The 15th Anniversary at the Fox Theater. Tour,” which will go to almost Now until the night of the 90 North American cities show, the theater is offering next year. two tickets for the price of Celtic Woman is currently one, for select seats. No code made up of Tara McNeill required. on fiddle and Irish harp and “We Will Rock You” is a singers Mairead Carlin, musical based on the music Eabha McMahon and Megan

Association Art Center, Jim Bates will present “Splash of It’s all treats and no tricks Color.” for this October First FriThe Bakersfield native, day. There is art to see and who has worked in various games to play downtown. mediums, is presenting waBubble Pop Gallery is tercolors reflecting his goal ready for some thrills with of drawing and painting its latest “Ghosts” art show, fairly difficult subjects. which features the work of Of his work he said in the 25 artists from Australia, BAA newsletter, “I enjoy the New Zealand, Illinois, New challenge of seeing if I can York, Los Angeles, Bakersreplicate the image as close field and beyond. as possible.” The reception, highlighting Bates’ reception is from art inspired by ghouls and 6 to 8 p.m. at the BAA Art ghosts ranging from DisnCenter, 1607 19th St. eyland’s Haunted Mansion At Dagny’s Coffee Co., artdwellers Madame Leota and ist Cheri Sperl will present Hitchhiking Ghosts to Slimer her show “Animals in the from “Ghostbusters” and Miss House,” a collection of her Argentina from “Beetlejuice,” animal-themed art. is also a chance for people to Sperl got her start in 2012 learn more about the gallery’s with pet portraits, first with Indiegogo campaign. a painting of her Maine Once a month, Bubble coon, Oliver. Pop pops up at the Fox Since then she has Theater for one night, then painted a variety of subjects moves its shows to Temblor but finds many connect Brewing Co. for the rest with her animal art. of the month. Because it The artist reception will doesn’t have a permanent be held from 6 to 8 p.m. at home, the gallery is missing Dagny’s, 1600 20th St. some needed amenities LET THE GAMES BEGIN to help highlight the work. The campaign is seeking The Apple Core Project is funds for lighting, decor and kicking off a mini series of signage. (Learn more at inevents at The Hen’s Roost diegogo.com/projects/help- starting this Friday with bubble-pop-gallery-grow#) Blanket Bingo Night. “Bubble Pop is great, but There is a $5 buy-in for we need the community’s the game, with proceeds help to make it even better!” going to help fight food gallery founder Ashleymarie insecurity in Kern County. Sey Lively wrote in an email. Players must be 18 or over Also on tap Friday, Tim to participate. Munsey will be doing woodThe downtown vegan work in the gallery, working eatery will also sell snacks, on an original creation to be including $7 Thai fries, $2 given away to an Indiegogo tacos or chimichangas, $3 supporter. Artist and Indecorn dogs, $5 house fries pendence High School art and $4 cinnamon rolls. teacher Caroline McArthur Doors open at 6 p.m. at will sell her hand-drawn The Hen’s Roost is at 1916 G and painted greeting cards St. Games start at 6:30 p.m. and original art. Sweet treats and run until 9. will be sold by local small business The Homegirls. Stefani Dias can be reached at 661-395-7488. FolMORE ART TO EXPLORE low her on Twitter at @ Over at the Bakersfield Art realstefanidias. BY STEFANI DIAS

sdias@bakersfield.com

WORTH NOTING | ENTERTAINMENT THE BAKERSFIELD CALIFORNIAN

Scare up fun this First Friday

PHOTO BY KIP CARROLL

Celtic Woman will perform at Mechanics Bank Theater on May 6 as part of its “Celebration: The 15th Anniversary Tour.” Tickets go on sale Oct. 18. Walsh. They will be joined by two pipers, two drummers, traditional step-dancers and backing vocalists. Tickets go on sale Oct.

18 and will start at $39. For tickets and more information, go to rabobankarena. com/events/detail/celtic-woman-1 or call 852-7777.

Thursday, October 17, 2019

The Bakersfield Californian

EYE STREET

THE LOWDOWN

Bakersfield’s adopted son Paul Chesne returns for show at Ethel’s Old Corral

can still recall the credit. From his years takfirst time I caught Los ing the stage in the famed Angeles blues-rock Kibitz Room at Canter’s country storytelling misfit Deli in Hollywood playing Paul Chesne live at Fishlips alongside a range of local in downtown some years and global fame-level back. artists, to hitting the road It was a late Saturday with a posse of tireless dive night and the club was alive barnstormers, he remains at a cheap $5 admission. one of SoCal music’s most Walking in, I looked over to humble underground figthe stage, the ures — and one band was blazof its best kept ing, as Chesne secrets. laid on his back “The Kibitz on the dance Room was a floor strumcollective place, ming away, where the web grinning ear to was kind of ear. He’d evencreated playtually make ing with Willie his way back MATT MUNOZ Chambers (of to the stage to FOR THE CALIFORNIAN The Chambers keep the show Brothers). going and the shots flowing Doing the tour life and after a few minutes, but not being over 40, sleeping on without some help from couches, driving 200 miles the crowd, some of whom a night, that’s not really that would eventually join him sexy right now. But playing in a similar buzzed-out at Pappy + Harriet’s with dance collision. Elon Musk coming in for a Since that evening, I, few hours is pretty fun.” along with most of the FishAnd with six releases lips mix of regulars and lounder his belt, Chesne’s cal musicians, could always never been short on songs, count on a rowdy good or a sense of humor for that time from Chesne and his matter. band, who came to town “It’s a horror scene that regularly. Bakersfield being goes back and forth.” said a sweet spot for a one-off Chesne of life in L.A. “We weekend or in-transit gig do full-on cover shows in stops, Chesne built a loyal Hollywood, then I’ll do fan base that adopted him somebody’s backyard and like a local son. So much do all originals. We can play so, he even had his own anything from Roger Miller mural on the club’s wall air- to Hank Williams, to 50 to brushed by renowned local 80 songs that we wrote.” artist Craig Fraser. Take a closer look at his This Sunday, Chesne and studio collaborators, you’ll his band will be making a also find he spares no exrare appearance back in pense when it comes to talBakersfield for an afterent. Starting with his longnoon day fade at Ethel’s Old time guitar-slinging partner Corral, just like old times. Eric “Dutch” Suoninen, “Some of my greatest his extensive list of colmemories of those Fishlips laborators is a who’s who shows are the people of of heavies including Dave Bakersfield. I made friends Roe (Johnny Cash, Louvin with people that are still Brothers), Mitch Marine friends to this day,” said (Smash Mouth), Kenny Chesne from his home in Vaughan (Marty Stuart, Venice Beach. “Bakersfield Lana Del Rey, Ray LaMonis close enough in the tagne), Keith Gattis (Kenny wrong direction from our Chesney), Skip Edwards Saturday gig. We’re still (Keith Richards, Norah doing our thing. You know Jones, Lucinda Williams), what to expect.” The Webb Sisters (Leonard While the mere mention Cohen) and Elvis Perkins. of Chesne’s name may reFun fact: Musicians Roe, call mostly random crazy Marine, Gattis and Ednights at Fishlips to the wards all share a common locals who remember, he’s bond with singer Dwight deserving of much more Yoakam, who played to a

COURTESY OF PAUL CHESNE

SoCal country rocker Paul Chesne will make a rare Bakersfield appearance with his band on Sunday at Ethel’s Old Corral.

COURTESY OF EL TRI

Legendary Mexican rock icon “El Tri” Alex Lora will perform Saturday at the Fox Theater.

sold-out crowd at the Fox last week. “Every member of Dwight’s band has shuffled in and out of my band over the years. He’s kind of the Mount Rushmore of the L.A. country scene even though he’s from Kentucky.” Along with guitarist Souinen, joining Chesne on Sunday will be drummer Travis Popichak and bassist Lelah Simon. The band will be selling merch, and don’t forget to drop something

nice in the tip jar. “I haven’t offended them enough that they don’t wanna not play with me anymore.” Paul Chesne, 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Ethel’s Old Corral, 4310 Alfred Harrell Highway. Free. 873-7613 or visit paulchesne.com.

MATT’S PICK El Tri de Alex Lora, Las Victimas del Doctor Cerebro, La Castañeda, 7 p.m. Saturday, Fox Theater, 2001 H St. $65 to $125.

PHOTO BY TAMARA RAMIREZ

Veteran Mexican alternative rock act Victimas del Doctor Cerebro will perform Saturday at the Fox Theater.

324-1369. Whether you are a hardcore or newbie fan of Mexican pop, rock ’n’ roll, ska, punk or all of the above, then this is the show for you. Celebrating 50 years as one Mexico’s most revered musical figures, Alex Lora and his band, El Tri, are an essential part of every rebellious teen’s musical upbringing south of the border. Gravelly voiced at the mic, he whips up his

Allow yourself to fall under the ‘Influence’ of Meridian Voices

Contributing columnist Matt Munoz brings you the latest news on Bakersfield’s music scene every other Thursday.

WRITERS OF KERN

Start a dialogue at next meeting BY SUSAN BAKER

BY SUSAN SCAFFIDI

For The Californian

I hate to use the word “curate” — it’s so overused these days — but it is the right word to use when speaking about Meridian Voices, and the music this choir performs. Meridian Voices, a group of professional-level singers led by CSUB choral music director Angel Vazquez-Ramos, will close its inaugural season Saturday with another program of choral Vazquez-Ramos pieces that have been carefully chosen — curated — according to a particular theme. Titled, “Influence,” Saturday’s performance looks at music inspired by Gregorian chant and the French choral tradition: Maurice Durufle’s “Quatre Motets sur des thèmes grégoriens” (“Four motets on Gregorian themes”), “Six Chansons” (“Six Songs”) by Paul Hindemith and Gabriel Faure’s Requiem Mass. “We love this repertoire!” Vazquez-Ramos wrote. “We like performing (these works) because of its (sic) beauty, elegance and complexity.” Durufle’s “Four Motets” are based on four Roman Catholic Latin chants, which are single lines of melody, that have been woven into choral settings. Faure’s famous Requiem Mass for choir, soloists and orchestra is that composer’s best-

crowds with sing-alongs and chants in every tune pulled from his decades in the business. Also appearing is punk ska locos Victimas del Doctor Cerebro (Victims of Dr. Brain) and La Castañeda. Highly recommended.

PHOTO BY CHRIS MARAGAKIS

Meridian Voices will perform a concert Saturday at United Methodist Church.

known work and one of the most famous of the settings of the Roman Catholic Mass for the dead. It is common to hear the music of Duruflé and Fauré performed on the same program; the surprise in Saturday’s concert is the inclusion of Hindemith’s “Six Chansons,” a musical setting of six short poems that combine images from nature with the inner life of the heart and the soul. Although written in French, both the music and poems are the work of German artists — Hindemith the composer and poet Rainer Maria Rilke, both of whom had an extraordinary gift for language. Hindemith uses

‘INFLUENCE’ What: Presented by Meridian Voices, this concert featuring Ina Woods, Michael Yunk and The Synergy String Quartet is inspired by the French tradition and Gregorian chant When: 5 p.m. Saturday Where: Wesley Methodist Church, 1314 Oswell St. Admission: $15, $10 for students; tickets available at meridianvoices.com and at the door

the centuries-old techniques of word-painting to illustrate the texts in these short songs

— the shortest is 24 seconds — and with this collection set the standard for 20th-century a cappella choral music. Soprano Ina Woods and Cal State Bakersfield baritone Michael Yunk will perform the solos in the Requiem Mass. The Synergy String Quartet, regular collaborators with Meridian Voices, will join the choir on Saturday. Vazquez-Ramos said the choir already is making plans for next year, including a performance of Carol Barnett’s “The World Beloved: A Bluegrass Mass.” Susan Scaffidi is a freelance music journalist. She can be reached at scaffidi@twc.com.

Author and screenwriter Nancy Ellen Dodd has a lot to say. In particular, she has a lot to say about crafting effective dialogue between characters when writing fiction. In her “Writing Dialogue” workshop, coming up Saturday for the Writers of Kern, Dodd will demonstrate how to effectively craft conversations between characters in ways that will greatly enhance any story. Local writers and would-be authors will learn how to write appropriate dialogue that reveals the personality of each character, brings Dodd out each individual “voice,” and differentiates between them. As a result, your fiction will be stronger and much more engaging. Using dialogue submitted by participants, the event promises to be fun and highly interactive! Dodd brings with her a wealth of professional writing experience. In addition to holding a master’s in professional writing and an MFA in playwriting from USC, Nancy is currently earning her Ph.D. in global leadership and change focusing on the impact of storytelling. She teaches advanced screenwriting at Seaver College, Pepperdine. She is the author of more than 130 articles and has recently published her book, “The Writer’s Compass: From Story Map to Finished Draft in 7 Stages” (Writers Digest). To pick up some useful writing tips or to learn more about Dodd, check out her blog at thewriterscompass.com. Susan Baker is a member of Writers of Kern.

WRITERS OF KERN When: Breakfast buffet 8:45 a.m., presentation/workshop 10 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday Where: Hodel’s Country Dining, 5917 Knudsen Drive Admission: $15, $10 for members; tickets available at writersofkern.com/meeting-fee

T h u r s d a y , O cto b e r 3 1 , 2 0 1 9

Editor: Stefani Dias • Phone: 661-395-7488 • Email: sdias@bakersfield.com

Eye Street

Beauty in the beasts CSUB students, faculty shine a light on creepy crawlies BY KELLY ARDIS For The Californian

Some dwell in dark caves. Others walk on eight legs. One in particular may or may not be an ingredient in a witch’s brew. Halloween brings out our interest in creepy crawlies, but those who work with them year-round know there really isn’t anything to fear about spiders and scorpions, bats and newts. It might take a special kind of person to study those creatures that would make most other people run away screaming, but Cal State Bakersfield is lucky to have several of them in its School of Natural Sciences, Mathematics and Engineering. To a number of CSUB biology professors and students, each of these animals represent an entire world of knowledge to gain through dedicated study, innovative research and a fair bit of trial and error. So if the thought of any of these animals makes your skin crawl, let the scientists assuage your fears and show you the beauty of these beasts.

BATS A go-to for Halloween decorations, candy wrappers and seasonal clothing, bats also are ubiquitous around the world. The 1,300-plus species are found on every continent except Antarctica. Graduate student Erika Noel is studying the composition of bat species found along the Kern

Please see BEASTS | C3

COURTESY OF CRUZ RAMOS

Cruz Ramos dressed in a traditional calavera catrina (dapper skeleton) costume for the Dia de los Muertos Expo. The event will take place Saturday at the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe Co-Patroness of the Unborn.

W E E K E N D OF

THE DEAD

Several events set to mark Mexican tradition of Dia de los Muertos

BY STEFANI DIAS

sdias@bakersfield.com

his time of year there is a celebration of the dead that’s sacred rather than spooky. That’s not to say those celebrated for Dia de los Muertos are not embraced with a little humor and love. Kern County is lucky to have a number of celebrations spread out this weekend. Not to be confused with Halloween, although many dress as skeletons at celebrations for both, Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a long-held Mexican tradition in which people pay tribute to deceased loved ones by gathering with family and friends. These celebrations also include ofrendas, also called altares (altars), built with items — food, drinks, photos, mementos, etc. — that lovingly commemorate the honoree. The Day of the Dead is usually recognized across a number of days (Oct. 31 to Nov. 2) and, most importantly, is a time of celebration not mourning. The following events in Kern County are certainly planning to make quite the day or evening of the holiday.

COURTESY OF THE BAKERSFIELD MUSEUM OF ART

Tiki-Ko bartenders Corinna Juarez, left, and Gabrielle Ozzdale pose between pours at last year’s Surrealist Masquerade at the Bakersfield Museum of Art. The downtown tiki bar will again send mixologists to the annual Art After Dark event at the museum tonight.

Keeping it surreal for Museum of Art’s annual masquerade BY STEFANI DIAS sdias@bakersfield.com

PHOTO BY BLOSSOMING LIGHT MEDIA

Last year’s Dia de los Muertos celebration in downtown Wasco. The event returns Friday.

FRIDAY Kicking off a weekend of celebrations is the fourth annual gathering in downtown Wasco. The celebration started in 2016 when the Wasco Downtown Business Association was working on drawing attention to business owners downtown. “We started with hosting Sidewalk Sales for the owners and it gradually evolved to bigger community events that were held in

downtown,” Tania Cordova, president of the Wasco Downtown Business Association, wrote in an email. “We talked about which holiday we could host an event along with and noticed the Dia de los Muertos wasn’t really celebrated here in Wasco and felt the need to liven that holiday being that most of Wasco’s population is of Hispanic origin.” Please see MUERTOS | C2

Just in time for Halloween, one more costumed fete. But leave your sense of reality at the gate and step into the surreal at the Bakersfield Museum of Art tonight. The annual Surrealist Masquerade, in its fourth year, brings an air of mystery, mysticism and mixology to the museum’s Sculpture Garden. For this year’s masquerade, organizers took inspiration from the artists of Mexico City, such as Leonora Carrington, Frida Kahlo, Remedios Varo and Kati Horna, who embraced the fantastical art style. Curator Rachel Magnus said the artistic movement found its second home in Mexico, free from “limiting European traditions” and embracing inclusion, diversity and innovation. “This geographic transition stimulated an awareness of the indigenous cultures in the new

Please see ART AFTER DARK | C3

ART AFTER DARK: SURREALIST MASQUERADE When: 8 to 11 tonight, Bakersfield Museum of Art, 1930 R St. Admission: $5, free for BMoA members and students with ID Information: 323-7219, bmoa.org/artafterdark

THE LOWDOWN

Bakersfield’s music man Andres Aparicio drops album on Halloween

inger-songwriter Andres Aparicio returns with another bag of tricks and treats for his new album, “Once Upon a Time in Bakersfield,” dropping on Halloween. Online anticipation has been high following the release of the album’s first single, “High School,” and its music video in September. Currently prepping for another lengthy tour following today’s headlining show at Chain Reaction in Anaheim, Aparicio and his crew will pack up for 24 promotional stops through the South up through the Eastern Seaboard and back to California. “Hands down, touring is the most important thing when

it comes to growing your fan My initial take on the brightbase. I love doing it and the rered cover art was that Aparicio sults and growth is always very might be paying deep homage evident after a good ol’ month- to the Buck Owens and Buddy long tour around Alan Owens 1972 the country,” said album “Too Old to Aparicio. “Major Cut the Mustard?” cities in Texas, Florbut I was wrong. ida, Philadelphia, In fact, after jumpNYC, Detroit and ing the gun on a Chicago are always couple of things, really good nights including the title, for me.” which also had Aparicio went for nothing to do with another bold look MATT MUNOZ Quentin Tarantino’s for his latest album FOR THE CALIFORNIAN “Once Upon a Time cover, trading in in Hollywood,” his superhero tights seen on Aparicio laughed (thankfully) “Heroes, Villains, and All That to expand on the artwork’s inJazz” for a vintage barbershop spiration, which, as expected, quartet outfit complete with was much cooler. straw hat. “I wanted to wear an in-

teresting outfit on my album cover to continue the theatrical element I have going on. I had recently watched ‘The Music Man’ and thought to myself, ‘I kinda wanna start dressing like these guys.’ I stumbled on the jacket in a thrift store and decided to run with the outfit. The title is more of a theatrical reference. There’s a play called ‘Once Upon a Mattress’ and a movie ‘Once Upon a Time in Mexico.’ It’s just a classical cheeky title that I wanted to borrow for the album.” Opening with the acoustic and melodic “Coldhives and Screwdrivers,” the album heads into the second track, Please see LOWDOWN | C2

PHOTO BY SERGIO NECOECHEA

Cover art, designed by Cameron Green, for “Once Upon a Time in Bakersfield,” the new album by Bakersfield artist Andres.

The Bakersfield Californian

Thursday, October 31, 2019

EYE STREET

MUERTOS

Continued from PAGE C1

Four years later, the event has continued to grow, Cordova said, with residents of Wasco and outer cities all coming together to join the Hispanic community in celebrating all of our loved ones. Attendees can still reserve a space for an ofrenda for which there is no charge. “We welcome everyone to put up altars honoring their loved ones,” Cordova said. “We even give a prize to the best judged ofrenda.” Ofrendas are judged on the arch, base, photos of loved ones, water elements, candle display, flowers, fruit, bread and food that is displayed. Children can decorate sugar skulls as well as other activities in the kids corner. There will also be face painting. Friday’s event also includes an exhibition by artist Leo Alvarez, whom Cordova said is versatile in his craft. Mento Buru will headline the evening, which will also feature performances by Ballet Folklorico Huaztecalli and other dance groups. There will be at least five food and beverage vendors to keep guests satiated. Attendance topped 1,000 last year and organizers expect a few more this year. Cordova said everyone is welcome to the free celebration. “Not only is this something fun and encouraging for our town but it also helps support local businesses and the community, by having one day we all come together and celebrate life through death.” Fourth annual Dia de Los Muertos Festival: 6 p.m. Friday, downtown Wasco. Free. 446-5060.

SATURDAY The Dia de Los Muertos Expo has the distinction of being the longest-running local celebration, with 27 years under its belt, thanks in part to organizer Cruz Ramos. From its start in Lamont at St. Augustine Church where Ramos was the folkloric dance director, the event has been held in a number of local venues, including Maestri Gallery, Nile Theater, Montgomery World mall, community halls, Los Amigos Market and Paradise Palace. Last year, the event moved to the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe Co-Patroness of the Unborn,

LOWDOWN Continued from PAGE C1

“Maybe,” featuring a Latin piano intro that melds into rock-infused pop without abandoning its Latin flavors — something Aparicio had touched on with his previous album showing range in his mix. “I had a lot more fun experimenting. Latin music

PHOTO BY BLOSSOMING LIGHT MEDIA

Faces were painted at last year’s Dia de los Muertos celebration in downtown Wasco. The event returns Friday.

NICK ELLIS / FOR THE CALIFORNIAN / FILE

A large altar was prepared for Robert and Oralia Montoya at last year’s annual Dia de los Muertos Festival at the Kern County Museum. The event returns Sunday.

a church on East Brundage Lane. The event returns to the northeast, opening at 11 a.m., with the showcase concert running from 12:30 until 5 p.m. Performers will include Familia Patino, Los Esqueletos Folklorico Dancers, Aguilas de Mount Vernon Elementary, Azteca, Grupo Folklorico San Agustin, Escuelas Unidas de Bakersfield and Ballet Mi Tierra. As per tradition, there will be altars, for which people must register by Friday (call 401-4141). Children can take part in arts and crafts, and artists will be on hand to apply skeletal makeup for attendees. Ramos said there will be “600 pounds of food” for sale courtesy of vendors and church volunteers. The menu includes tamales, tacos, enchiladas, porridges, tortas, gorditas, pupusas, pan de muerto, desserts, champurrados and beverages as well as American fare. (Vendors being

has always been something I wanted to incorporate more, and this year I really took the time to study it.” While Aparicio’s eclectic and, at times, youthful erratic style has also become a signature stamp of much of his work, signs of maturity shine on the symphonic ballad “Child’s Garden of Verses,” showing Aparicio at his best dropping everything from the

accepted until Friday for a $40 fee; call 345-5842.) Last year’s expo drew about 1,000 attendees throughout the day and Ramos is optimistic about doubling that number this year. Funds raised from the event will aid in building the mausoleum, where remains of miscarried babies can be entombed, which broke ground Sept. 30. Other construction plans include a sanctuary church building and eventually a school and convent. The church serves 15,000 families in northeast Bakersfield, Ramos said. “... We worship in a pavilion where we ‘freeze’ in winter; sometimes when it’s real rainy, the church set up a massive huge white tent adjoined to the main entrance of the pavilion,” Ramos wrote in an email. “I remember when we used to attend Mass in the dirt field in summers back and we’d take our own

Bakersfield Symphony to Jerry’s Pizza and tattoos into the song’s lyrics. “I really didn’t know what I was gonna call the album when it was done but when I listened to all of them front to back I was like, ‘I talk about Bakersfield a lot in these songs.’ I think the vibe I had on my last album was more of an internal dialogue about my behavior and my hopes and dreams, and my mindset with this album was more just storytelling and reflecting on certain emotions that I am missing all tied to stories that took place in Bakersfield.”

umbrellas.” Ramos said she is looking forward to seeing everyone on Saturday to celebrate. “We all help each other welcome the memories of our dearly departed and pachanga for them!” Also on Saturday, Hillcrest Memorial Park and Mortuary will host a special remembrance service and event. All are invited to the free event that will feature space for people to set up altar displays along with crafts and live music. During the evening, guests will also be able to purchase food and drinks. Dia de los Muertos Expo: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, grounds of the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe Co-Patroness of the Unborn, 4600 E. Brundage Lane. cruzn8r@yahoo.com. Dia de los Muertos Special Remembrance Service and Event: 5 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Hillcrest Memorial Park and Mortuary, 9101 Kern Canyon Road. Free. 366-5766. hillcrestmemorial.com.

SUNDAY The Kern County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce returns to the Kern County Museum’s Pioneer Village for its 11th annual Dia de los Muertos celebration on Sunday. Jay Tamsi, chamber president/CEO, said the dance floor and stage space have increased as well as the number of altares, now up to 70, allowing people to honor their loved ones. “We are excited to have the community take pride in their culture and share their stories of their loved ones through their beautiful altares,” Tamsi wrote in an email.

While there’s no immediate plans for a hometown show on this leg of the tour (his last local show was at Temblor Brewing in March), Aparicio says he plans to book Bakersfield just after the new year. “Once Upon a Time in Bakersfield” by Andrés will be at all music streaming outlets Apple Music, Bandcamp and more. Physical CDs can be purchased at shows and at his official website, brownknightrises. com.

HALLOWEEN PLAYLIST Tired of the same goofball novelty tracks every

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OPENING RECEPTION First Friday - November 1, 6:00 - 8:00PM at the Art Center - 1607 19th Street

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at Dagny’s BAA Gallery through November

year? Try adding some of these into your official Allhallows Eve mix to get you started. “Every Dream Home a Heartache,” Roxy Music: David Fincher revived this 1973 underground hit to open season two of Netflix’s “Mindhunter.” The song is the eerie soundtrack to a fragment of the BTK serial killer origin story that meanders through the first two seasons of the ’80s-themed crime drama. “Bloodletting,” Concrete Blonde: The title track from the band’s 1990 release sets the tone for an entire album that’s a little bit classic rock and whole lot of goth. Take this album to a cemetery, drape some Spanish moss and get ready to commune with the spirits. “Season of the Witch,” Lana Del Rey: This updated cover of the 1966 Donovan classic is a dreamy homage to the original. Written as a warning to his fellow bohemians about dark forces flocking to their peaceful counterculture, the song carries a fresh message for 2019 with Del Rey’s vintage vocal and aesthetic stylings. “Street Justice,” Death Valley Girls: Courtesy of one of L.A.’s best live bands to help you break free of the daily stresses of life before you go off the deep end and do something you might (or might not) regret on Halloween. The creepy and cool accompa-

nying music video was also filmed inside a haunted attraction. “Bury a Friend,” Billie Eilish: Eilish’s pop rock may have landed her at the top of the charts with her hit “Bad Guy,” dethroning Lil Nas X’s “Old Town Road” from the No. 1 spot at the top of Billboard charts, but the slower, much creepier “Bury a Friend” is perfect for Halloween. “Monster,” Kanye West, featuring Jay Z, Rick Ross, Nicki Minaj and Bon Iver: While West may be the marquee name, the standout voices on this frightening pre-“Jesus is King” track are a young and aggressive Minaj (who had yet to release her debut) and Justin Vernon of the quiet and contemplative folk indie group Bon Iver. This is the third single from Kanye West’s 2010 album “My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy.” “Jenny Was a Friend of Mine,” The Killers: The first track off their 2004 debut album “Hot Fuss,” the song is about the death of a girl and the boy who stands accused. It’s also the first song in The Killers’ “murder trilogy” followed by “Midnight Show” and “Leave the Bourbon on the Shelf” about the same victim. Contributing columnist Matt Munoz brings you the latest news on Bakersfield’s music scene every other Thursday.

ANNUAL CHRISTMAS BAZAAR

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Stefani Dias can be reached at 661-395-7488. Follow her on Twitter: @realstefanidias.

KERN CITY

Art in every medium by Art for every month, originals on display. - featured art through November

There will also be more food and beverage options, with 15 selling food, six for beverages plus a Jarritos soda tasting booth. Along with a 1,000 sugar skulls for children to decorate, the kids area will feature more coloring and craft activities, all free of charge thanks to sponsor Dignity Health — Mercy and Memorial Hospitals. Aztec dance group Ameyaltzin Yolihuaui Danzante Azteca has also been added to take part in the processional blessing that opens the event. Other entertainment during the day includes Velorio, Mi Tierra, Mariachi San Marcos de Bakersfield, Ballet Folklorico Huaztecalli and La Catrina Divina. For those dressing up in traditional Dia looks, there will be a El Catrin and La Catrina costume contest. More than 7,000 people attended last year’s event and Tamsi said they expect even more this year. “It’s really the most colorful, captivating, and familial event around,” Tamsi said in a news release. “People are just happy everywhere for they are there not to celebrate themselves but to celebrate their loved ones who they will never forget.” 11th annual Dia de los Muertos: 1 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Kern County Museum, Pioneer Village, 3801 Chester Ave. $6 in advance or $25 family pack of five at kchcc.org; $8 at the door, free for children 5 and under. 633-5495.

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Eye Street

Editor: Stefani Dias • Phone: 661-395-7488 • Email: sdias@bakersfield.com

Chipper by the dozen: Bakersfield Comic Con celebrates 12 years BY STEFANI DIAS sdias@bakersfield.com

ALEX HORVATH / CALIFORNIAN FIE

Members of the Chinese Lion Dancers from Choy Lee Fut, Gold Lion Studios of Bakersfield finish performing at last year’s Sister City Gardens Festival. The event celebrating the people and cultures of Bakersfield’s sister cities returns on Saturday.

It’s an international party with

Sister City

Gardens Festival

Yes, Virginia, there is a Bakersfield Comic Con. And although Santa is not expected among the cosplayers, the 12th annual event still aims to impress this weekend with special guests, plenty of vendors, a Fantasy Faire and even a wedding. Since its start in 2008, the annual convention has continued to expand, outgrowing its former homes at the DoubleTree and Marriott until settling in at the Kern County Fairgrounds, taking over buildings 3 and 4 along with the space in between for the Fantasy Faire (more on that later). “I want everyone to be able to show up and be happy and have a good time,” organizer Steve Wyatt said of the event that drew about 6,600 people over two days last year. “Our progression is perfect. With each step you go a little bit bigger.” This year’s growth factored into the lineup of special guests, which is led by actor John Wesley Shipp. Shipp played Barry Allen on the original “The Flash” series on CBS from 1990-91 and played Barry’s father, Henry, as well as Jay Garrick, the Flash of Earth-2, on the current series on The CW. He also reprised the role of his original CBS version of the character for last year’s “Elseworlds” crossover event for The CW, and is Please see COMIC CON | C2

BY STEFANI DIAS

sdias@bakersfield.com

repare your passports for another globe-trotting adventure by way of downtown Bakersfield for Saturday’s Sister City Gardens Festival. In its second year, the family-friendly event returns to Sister City Gardens, the public space adjacent to Mill Creek that honors Bakersfield’s sister cities. Inspired by Ward 2 Councilman Andrae Gonzales, the celebration combines the efforts of the city of Bakersfield and Bakersfield Sister City Project Corp. for a day of culture shared through music, dance, food and art. Bakersfield will pay tribute its newest sister — Saint-Jean-de-Luz, France, which was confirmed this summer — along with five others: Amritsar, India; Bucheon, South Korea; Cixi, China; Santiago de Queretaro, Mexico; and Wakayama, Japan, which started the project back in 1961. (Minsk, Belarus, was named a sister city but the relationship is inactive.) John Hefner, president of Bakersfield Sister City Project Corp., remembers his first fateful trip to Japan in 1965. “Wakayama is dearest to my heart. In 1965, we had a program under Mayor Karlen. I was the first student to represent Bakersfield in

PHOTO BY MICHAEL J. CHADBURN

The CSUB Jazz Collective will perform tonight at the Dore Theatre on campus.

Music lovers have busy week at CSUB BY SUSAN SCAFFIDI For The Californian

Please see SISTER CITY | C3

SECOND ANNUAL SISTER CITY GARDENS FESTIVAL When: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday Where: The Gardens at Mill Creek, 605 18th St. Admission: Free

ALEX HORVATH / CALIFORNIAN FILE

Abigail Pyun is really enjoying her performance with the rest of her team of Korean Nauta drummers performing at last year’s Sister City Gardens Festival where festivalgoers explored the Sister City Gardens and learned more about the people and cultures of Bakersfield’s sister cities.

Fans of big band jazz will enjoy tonight’s concert by the CSUB Jazz Collective, a 19-piece ensemble giving its first concert of the school year in the Dore Theatre. Director Jim Scully said the concert will include big band works by Miles Davis, Charles Mingus, Gordon Goodwin and others. Scully wrote in an email that working with the group this fall semester “has been a blast.” “The group grew from 12 the first week to 19 by the third week,” Scully wrote. “Enabling me to choose more robust tunes for us to work on, and allowing us to explore the sounds of a full big band.” Scully noted that some of the ensemble sections have been fleshed out by community members, but the band is primarily made up of Please see CONCERTS | C2

THE LOWDOWN

Whoa masa! First-ever Tejano and Tamale Festival is really cooking

PHOTO BY ASHLEY WILLIAMS

Bakersfield Latin act Grupo Abigeo will perform Saturday at Stramler Park.

his Saturday’s first annual Tejano and Tamale Festival at Stramler Park has all the makings of a tightly wrapped pre-holiday fiesta. Attendees are in for a spicy afternoon at this combination of a music fest, celebrating the musical traditions of Tejano (Tex-Mex) music, and food festival, honoring the popular Latin American dish enjoyed year-round, but especially at Christmastime. Event promoter Manuel Gutierrez Jr. says he was inspired by his father, Manuel Sr., who owned a small string of local Kern County nightclubs in the 1980s. Working on the weekends alongside his father, it was Sunday music bookings where he says he was introduced to the sounds of Tejano music featuring

COURTESY OF LA 45

Acclaimed San Antonio Tejano and Latin oldies group La 45 headline the first annual Tejano and Tamale Festival at Stramler Park on Saturday.

accordion legend Francisco “Pancho” Zavaleta and others. Zavaleta is widely noted for working with Buck Owens and an icon who played with “alma y corazon” (heart and soul). Zavaleta passed away in 1995, but Gutierrez says those memories are still

fresh in his mind. “I was 15 and Sunday was my night to hang out there. I was always around Norteno and Tejano music.” After the closing of the family’s clubs, Gutierrez built his own independent DJ Please see LOWDOWN | C2

MATT MUNOZ FOR THE CALIFORNIAN

The Bakersfield Californian

Thursday, November 14, 2019

EYE STREET

CONCERTS

12th ANNUAL BAKERSFIELD COMIC CON

Continued from PAGE C1

When: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday Where: Kern County Fairgrounds, Buildings 3 and 4, 1142 S. P St. Admission: $8 for one day, $15 for both days, free for ages 12 and under; $5 parking Information: bakersfieldcomiccon.com

COMIC CON Continued from PAGE C1

expected to return in the “Crisis on Infinite Earths” crossover next month. Those less in the comic book know might recognize Shipp from his roles on “Dawson’s Creek,” as Mitch Leery, the title character’s father; or soap operas including “Guiding Light” and “As the World Turns.” “I called John and said, ‘I think Bakersfield is ready for you.’” Wyatt said he knew he wanted to bring Shipp to the show but wanted to build it to the right level. “Where people fail is they try to start and get too big too quick,” he said “It just took a little time. People are very happy he’s coming.” And Shipp is not the only special guest. Other performers include: ■■ “Happy Days” actors Anson Williams and Donny Most, who played, respectively, Potsie and Ralph on the ABC series that ran from 1974-84. ■■ “Shazam!” stars Michael Gray and John Davey. Gray played teenager Billy Batson who could turn into superhero Captain Marvel, played by Davey, on the 1970s CBS series. ■■ Actress Renae Jacobs, who provided the voice for TV reporter April O’Neil for the original animated series “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” that ran from 1987-96 and Mrs. O’Neil in the 2012-17 animated series. ■■ Academy Award-nominated actor Dennis Christopher, known for roles in “Breaking Away,” “Face to Black” and “Django Unchained.” He also played the adult Eddie in the 1990 TV miniseries “It.” ■■ Actor Fred Williamson, known for his roles in “From Dusk Till Dawn” and “Black Caesar.” The convention will also feature artists including Sergio Aragones (Mad Magazine, “Groo”), Drew Johnson (“Wonder Woman,” “Spider-Man”), Tone Rodriguez (“The Simpsons,” “Conan”), Mark Bode (“TMNT,” “Cobalt 60”), Joe Weems (“X-Men,” “Hulk”), Jason Johnson (“Flash,” “Wetworks”), Ethan Beavers (“Star Wars,” “Teen Titans Go”) and Gus Vazquez (“Big Hero 6,” “Flash”). Back to that wedding, Wyatt said a 20-something couple who met in an autograph line at a convention, then had their first

LOWDOWN Continued from PAGE C1

business working area clubs and private events. In 2011, he opened Elements Venue & Banquet Centre, hosting a variety of events as well as his own concerts, which included stars such as Tejano music legend Michael

ALEX HORVATH / CALIFORNIAN FILE

Sisters Layla and Millie Cedario shop for comic figurines at last year’s Bakersfield Comic Con at the Kern County Fairgrounds this weekend. The event returns this weekend.

COURTESY OF BAKERSFIELD COMIC CON COURTESY OF BAKERSFIELD COMIC CON

COURTESY OF BAKERSFIELD COMIC CON

Actor John Wesley Shipp, who starred in CBS’ “The Flash” from 1990-91, left, and appears on the current series “The Flash” on The CW network, is the headlining guest at this weekend’s Bakersfield Comic Con.

“Shazam!” stars Michael Gray, right, and John Davey, center, aka Billy Batson and Captain Marvel, will be guests at this year’s Bakersfield Comic Con, taking place Saturday and Sunday at the fairgrounds.

Actor Dennis Christopher, right, poses with costar Leonardo DiCaprio on the set of “Django Unchained.” Christopher, who was nominated for an Academy Award for his role in “Breaking Away,” will be a guest at Bakersfield Comic Con.

COURTESY OF BAKERSFIELD COMIC CON

The gang’s back together! “Happy Days” actors Anson Williams, right, and Donny Most, aka Potsie and Ralph, will appear at Bakersfield Comic Con. COURTESY OF BAKERSFIELD COMIC CON

Actor Fred Williamson, known for his roles in films such as “Black Caesar” and “From Dusk Till Dawn,” will be a guest at Bakersfield Comic Con.

date at a later one and got engaged at Bak-Anime, which Wyatt also puts on, are back to tie the knot. He offered to officiate — this is neither his first convention nor his first wedding — for the 4 p.m. ceremony on Saturday. Guests venturing outside the buildings can also check out the Fantasy Faire, which offers a sort of mini-Renaissance fair. The fair will have 22 vendors, horsemen and pirate performing groups as well as “full Renaissance entertainment”: belly dancers, fire eaters, sword swallowers and more. Regardless of your interests, Wyatt hopes you stop by the show. “Come out and have some fun, support the

community. That’s my whole thing — just to get people out here. That’s the hardest part to get the word out.” And Wyatt is ready to spread the word about what’s coming down to the road for this event planning. On Jan. 26, he will bring his Mouse Con to Bakersfield. The event, which he also hosts in Concord in the Bay Area, is focused on Disney. He said he’s planning to bring Karen Dotrice, who played Jane Banks in the original 1964 “Mary Poppins,” and Mary Gibbs, who was the voice of Boo in the 2001 film “Monsters Inc.,” as well as other guests. And next year he will ex-

Salgado, who performed twice to capacity crowds. “My place wasn’t big enough. We had people traveling from not only Bakersfield but out of town. I knew the music had a solid local following and a need for Tejano music.” Tejano music is similar to American country as it combines polka and waltz

elements for two-step dancing. Its roots date back to the late 19th century with Texas proudly claiming the sound as its own with bestselling artists such as Little Joe y La Familia, La Mafia, Freddy Fender, Jay Perez, La Tropa F, Jennifer Pena and late superstar Selena (Quintanilla), the “Queen of Tejano music,”

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ALEX HORVATH / CALIFORNIAN FILE

Artist S Buzz sells an autograph print to a customer at last year’s Bakersfield Comic-Con. Vendors, cosplayers and special guests return this weekend to the fairgrounds for the annual event.

pand the comic convention further, including Building 2, which will allow them to include more vendors (“We had to turn away 40 this year”) and set up the kids zone along with other guests. Wyatt did note that

growth has its (ever-slight) cost: “I will have to raise admission all the way to $10.”

helping expand its reach nationwide. Mostly sung in Spanish, many songs are sung in English and/or “Spanglish.” Check out the songs, “(Hey Baby) Que Paso” or “Guacamole” by the Texas Tornadoes for easy reference. Easier yet, cue up “Streets of Bakersfield,” by Buck Owens and Dwight Yoakam. That’s Tejano, baby. “If you see the way they dance, it’s like country music. They two-step in the same rhythm, and Tejanos (Texans) love country music. It’s cowboy music.” Headlining Saturday’s event will be acclaimed Tejano group La 45 from San Antonio. Popular Bakersfield act Grupo Abigeo, who play a Tex-Mex blend with other Latin styles, will also perform along with Califas from Visalia. “Since the show was announced, I’ve had people from Fresno, San Jose, Indio, Visalia, calling me for hotel recommendations,” said Gutierrez. “In the past if you were a Tejano music fan, you’d head to Northern California. Local fans have been thanking me. They

were tired of traveling so far.” All that dancing is sure to create quite a Texas-sized appetite making tamales the ideal food to keep attendees happy, he added. “There’s something for everybody.” According to Gutierrez, all general admission attendees can enjoy a number of different tamale competition booths. All tamale tastings are included with admission while they last, but if they do run out, additional food vendor booths will be on site selling Latin cuisine of every kind, along with tri-tip, hot wings and desserts. And of course, plenty of cold beer, spicy micheladas and nonalcoholic beverages available for purchase. “It’s that time for the year for all kinds of different tamales and not just pork tamales, there will be chicken, bean, jalapeno cheese and many more types.” Gutierrez added advanced tickets sales have been brisk and is already planning for next year. “Tejano music resonates

Stefani Dias can be reached at 661-395-7488. Follow her on Twitter: @realstefanidias.

student musicians, including nine first- and second-year students at the university. “We hope to keep this growth in the coming years,” Scully wrote. Featured performers include saxophonists Dylan Gonzales and Joseph Stratemeier, trombonist Jordan Feliciano and trumpeter Francisco Estrada Nuño. The concert is at 7:30 p.m. today in the theater on campus, 9001 Stockdale Highway. Tickets are $12, $7 for seniors and free for students will a valid student ID. Supporters of the Bakersfield Youth Symphony Orchestra were disappointed two weekends ago when the student musicians’ concert at the Dore Theatre was abruptly canceled. According to BYSO board member Bea Barmann, flooding in the theater forced CSUB to close the building. Well, the concert is back on this Sunday evening at the Dore and includes some wonderful, challenging music for students and audience alike. The orchestra will perform the second and fourth movements of Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 4 in F minor, one of the Russian composer’s most personal musical statements. Written during a particularly turbulent time in Tchaikovsky’s life, the symphony is one of the composer’s most “Russian” statements, including use of a Russian folk song as primary melodic material in the rousing final movement. The orchestra will then perform “Mars, the Bringer of War” from Gustav Holst’s orchestral suite, “The Planets.” Like the god of war the planet is named for, “Mars, the Bringer of War” is a dramatic, ominous-sounding episode in the suite, surely the inspiration of much of our contemporary film music. Student violinist Ian Kim will finish the concert with a performance of the first movement of the brilliant Violin Concerto in E minor by Felix Mendelssohn. Kim is a winner of the BYSO’s annual concerto competition, which affords student musicians the opportunity to perform a major solo work with the orchestra over the course of the ensemble’s season. This concerto is considered to be among the greatest in the genre, and it is a real testament to Kim’s ability to be performing it this weekend. The performance starts at 7:30 p.m. Sunday at CSUB’s Dore Theatre. Tickets at the door are $10, $5 for students and seniors.

in Bakersfield because of our country roots, but it’s not publicized much. I’m hoping this event will help.” The first Tejano Music and Tamale Festival runs from 2 to 8 p.m. Saturday at Stramler Park, 3805 Chester Ave. Admission is $30 or $50 for VIP, which includes a three-taco plate, access to a private lounge bar, tented area, private restrooms and table seating. (General admission guests are encouraged to bring low-lying chairs or blankets for seating.) Tickets are available, plus service charge, at eventbrite.com. The event is for those 21 and over only. An after-party featuring Manuel y Los Corpenos will follow the festival at Elements Venue at The Ice House, 3401 Chester Ave. Admission is $15 or $10 with festival wristband. For more information, call 301-4681. Contributing columnist Matt Munoz brings you the latest news on Bakersfield’s music scene every other Thursday.

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Eye Street

Editor: Stefani Dias • Phone: 661-395-7488 • Email: sdias@bakersfield.com

HolidayLights at CALM prepares to brighten season for the 17th year BY STEFANI DIAS sdias@bakersfield.com

COURTESY OF STEVE SANDERS

An entirely new layout display will welcome guests at this year’s HolidayLights at CALM. Josh Barnett and his Lightasmic! crew have added and updated some featured for the popular annual event that kicks off Saturday.

You know it’s Christmastime in Bakersfield when we reach the weekend HolidayLights opens at California Living Museum. The popular annual event returns for the 17th year Saturday with all its 3 million-plus lights blazing. “We are thrilled that the community continues to make this an annual tradition,” Steve Sanders, chief of staff at the Kern County

Superintendent of Schools, which runs CALM, wrote in an email. “We love seeing families that have come to HolidayLights for years share the experience with new family members and friends.” More than 67,000 people have attended annually in recent years, drawn to the festive display designed by creative force Josh Barnett and his Lightasmic! crew. Each year, Barnett and his

team update elements of the attraction to keep it fresh for returning guests. Sanders said changes this time around include a completely retooled layout at the entrance, two new pedestrian tunnels, a new North Pole scene in the train area, a new lighthouse in the CALM Cove and new displays in the Winter Wonderland.

Please see LIGHTS | C2

THE LOWDOWN

Music, fellowship make Thanksgiving a special event

COURTESY OF MICHAEL PRINCE

There’s a lot to celebrate in “Santa’s On His Way,” the 15th annual Gaslight Holiday Extravaganza at Gaslight Melodrama. Opening this weekend, the show stars, from left, Phil Beglin, Ali Dougherty, Michael Kubik, Chayce Perlis (hugging Santa’s legs), Victoria Tiger, Adrian Francies and Tessa Ogles.

Yule be glad for holiday offerings from Bakersfield theaters

BY STEFANI DIAS

W sdias@bakersfield.com

hen it comes to local theater, the holidays are big business. Everyone has something special to offer to help audiences ring in the Christmas season. Here’s a look at what Santa is bringing local theatergoers this year.

GASLIGHT HOLIDAY EXTRAVAGANZA At Christmastime, Gaslight artistic director Michael Prince is in his element. So it’s no tough assignment for him to write the Gas-

light Holiday Extravaganza each year for the northwest theater. Opening Friday, this year’s melodrama is “Santa’s On His Way,” about a family fighting to keep their cabin from the clutches of a lady scrooge. Prince wrote in an email, “This one was really inspired by the idea that all of us, at some point or another, have gone through tough times, and Christmas is a time to refresh and recharge and look forward to better and more prosperous times in the new year and beyond.” At the heart of the show is the tightknit Holiday family: Pops

HOLIDAY THEATER THIS WEEK 15th annual Gaslight Holiday Extravaganza: 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday; shows at 7 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays, 1 and 7 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays; continues through Dec. 23, Gaslight Melodrama, 12748 Jomani Drive. $25-$27. 587-3377 or themelodrama.com. “Rock’n Holiday”: 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday; continues through Dec. 22, Ovation Theatre, 1622 19th St. $15-$35. 866-5682846 or theovationtheatre. com.

can’t recall a Thanksgiving that wasn’t filled with some form of holiday chaos. The three most important questions of the day — “What time are you coming over?,” “What should I bring?” and “What time is everybody eating?” — are repeated often and at various decibel levels. Our little family home in McFarland could amazingly hold at times seven different families all under one roof. Siblings, grandkids, great-grandkids, along with the steady stream of family guests — everyone was welcome. Plenty of food, celebratory beverages and, of course, the most eclectic of playlists played randomly from morning till the wee hours. Both of my parents loved the big band sounds of the 1940s and ’50s from Glenn Miller MATT MUNOZ and Frank Sinatra, but FOR THE CALIFORNIAN my mom was also a huge fan of James Brown, The Young Rascals, Tower of Power, Hall & Oates and Latin pop singer Vikki Carr. I can only guess that much of my parents’ musical tastes were shaped from having seven kids and experiencing the evolution of popular music as it blared from the rooms of teenagers. “Time to eat, let’s pray,” my mom could be heard before launching into a familiar dinner blessing that always included an improvisational segment toward the end that would make us crack up a little. Giving thanks is what the day is all about and she made sure to verbalize just that. From dinnertime on, playlists came in groove waves with Motown always at the jump-off, followed by the old school funk station. If you haven’t checked out the Chic station on Pandora, I highly recommend you enjoy with a hearty slice of sweet potato pie. The memories are endless, the laughs and blessings abundant. I look forward to what this year’s holiday season has in store. Hug those around you, always thank the cook, don’t drive

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(Phil Beglin), Sam (Chayce Perlis), Cindy (Victoria Tiger) and Alan (Adrian Francies). “They’ve had some tough times over the last few years, but those tough times have only made their family bond stronger,” Prince said. “And they’re finally getting to celebrate Christmas the way they always used to when they were younger.” Please see THEATER | C2

COURTESY OF CHIC

Seventies disco funk act Chic makes a great addition to holiday gathering playlists.

Lots to celebrate with holiday music lineup BY SUSAN SCAFFIDI For The Californian

Regardless of whether you recognize or celebrate the holidays (or, originally, holy days) of the next few weeks, the holiday season is upon us. That means the movies, dedicated music channels, parades, decorations, commercials and what-have-you are out in full force. There are also a lot of what promise to be wonderful performances, most of them locally produced, that you may want to take in, whatever your thoughts are about the season. So, here’s your music shopping list to help you celebrate the season: Dec. 1: The Bakersfield Deseret Chorale presents “Unclouded Day,” at 7 p.m., 5500 Fruitvale Ave., at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Directed by Dr. Jennifer Garrett. “It’s free,” Garrett wrote in an email. “It includes

such songs as ‘Unclouded Day;’ ‘O, Divine Redeemer;’ ‘In Remembrance’ by Ames. The second half is holiday music such as ‘Do You Hear What I Hear?’ ‘Fum, Fum, Fum;’ ‘See Amid the Winter’s Snow,’ and more.” Dec. 4: The Fox Theater contributes to the festivities with several shows. The first is “A Merry-Achi Christmas” starring Mariachi Sol de Mexico at 8 p.m.; doors open at 7 p.m. at the theater, 2001 H St. Tickets range from $28-$68, and are available at thebakersfieldfox.com. Dec. 5: The venerable Advent Organ Concert series at First Presbyterian Church, 1705 17th St., returns for three Thursdays, including Dec. 12 and 19, to celebrate the Advent season. Starting at 12:15 p.m. and barely an hour long, this is a great way to take a break from the self-imposed crazy. Per-

COURTESY OF PINK MARTINI

The “little orchestra” Pink Martini will perform a holiday show Dec. 6 at the Fox Theater.

formers include T. Paul Rosas, Dr. Kyle Shaw and Meg Wise. Admission is free, but a donation of nonperishable food for the church’s

food pantry is requested. Wise, who serves as organist at First Presbyterian Church, said the final concert will be a big finish to

the series. “I’m including brass and other winds,” Wise said. “It’s going to be a great concert.”

Dec. 6: The Fox Theater presents “Pink Martini: Holiday Show,” featuring China Forbes. The internationally famous “little orchestra” brings a mix of classical, jazz and pop to holiday music. Show is at 8 p.m.; doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets $35-$75, available at thebakersfieldfox.com. ■■ So much to do this night! Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra and Bakersfield College Choirs present “Home for the Holidays,” the BSO’s annual Holiday Pops concert. At Mechanics Bank (formerly Rabobank) Theater at 1001 Truxtun Ave., the concert starts at 7 p.m., but doors open at 6 for a serenade by the Panama-Buena Vista Union School District “Strolling Strings.” Tickets range from $20-$45; students get in for half-price. Dec. 11: Alt 106.1 KRAB Radio presents its annual

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The Bakersfield Californian

Thursday, November 28, 2019

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angry, and in the case of a family argument — kick on some Bob Marley to restore peace, love and unity. It works every time. Happy Thanksgiving!

BLACK FRIDAY In need of some digestion exercise after you’ve gorged yourself on leftovers? Then head over to one of our two locally owned record stores for some Black Friday Record Store Day music shopping. While Record Store Day normally takes place in April, organizers have brilliantly decided to offer an additional RSD event with a number of limited-edition collector’s vinyl releases made officially for the Record Store Day event brand. At Going Underground Records, 1312 19th St., store owner Ron Ramirez anticipates smaller crowds to those that line up

down the block in April, but said he’ll be ready if the response is huge. “We are keeping it fairly simple here. Opening early, selling records, stocking more records, buying records, staying late.” In addition to offering a large number of releases made specifically for the occasion, Ramirez will feature storewide discounts adding that serious collectors should set their alarms. “Arrive early if you’re looking for those special releases and to get a record player before the Christmas rush.” Pick up the new 7-inch vinyl single “Christmas Sweet” by Bakersfield classic reggae group The Soul Chance, available on red vinyl. The group’s debut album, which sold out of its first pressing, will also be freshly restocked for the occasion. Friday’s store hours will be 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. For more information, visit goingundergroundrecords.com or call 633-0111. World Records, 2815 F St., will host sim-

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In addition to new designs, workers also swap out existing bulbs with energy-efficient LED bulbs. After years of these updates, HolidayLights is now 98 percent LED. One thing that has not changed is admission, which has remained the same for more than 10 years to keep this an event families can afford to attend, Sanders said. The cost is $12, $10 for seniors/youth 13-17, $6 for children 3-12 and free for those under 3. Save $2 by buying your tickets from Dec. 2-5 or Dec. 9-12 at any Kern Schools Federal Credit Union branch, at CALM or at the gate during the event. CALM members and military also receive 50 percent off admission. Sanders said all funds raised at HolidayLights are used to support CALM. “HolidayLights helps support our local zoo and native gardens by providing revenue to help us enhance existing exhibits and build new exhibits to educate the public,” he wrote. “Our California Coast Room and the Condor Exhibit are recent examples of how attendance at HolidayLights helps us to grow and thrive.” This year’s goals include expanding the zoo’s veterinary clinic and up-

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COURTESY OF STEVE SANDERS

HOLIDAYLIGHTS When: 5:30-9 p.m. nightly, Saturday through Jan. 4 (closed Dec. 25) Where: California Living Museum, 10500 Alfred Harrell Highway Admission: $12, $10 youth/seniors, $6 for children, free for ages 3 and younger Information: 8722256, calm.zoo.org

grading several existing exhibits, an ongoing project for the 37-year-old facility. HolidayLights runs through Jan. 4 and is only closed on Christmas Day.

UP FOR ANOTHER AWARD In addition to being honored in the Best Of Readers’ Choice Poll by Bakersfield Life Magazine and being named one of the top 10 light shows in the western U.S. by the Los Angeles Times, HolidayLights is aiming higher. The event is in the running for USA Today’s 10BEST Zoo Light Shows. There are 20 events in contention, with people able to vote once a day at 10best.com/awards/ travel/best-zoo-lights/ holiday-lights-at-california-living-museum-bakersfield-calif until the deadline of Monday at 9 a.m. The 10 winning events, based on votes, will be announced on Dec. 13.

Not if Mrs. Donaghy (Ali Dougherty) has anything to say about it. The Forest Service employee and her assistant, Daisy (Tessa Ogles), are at work to snatch the family cabin out from under the Holidays. “Ali Dougherty is absolutely hysterical and also very touching as Mrs. Donaghy,” Prince wrote. “She really knocks it out of the park!” Helping to keep spirits bright are Santa Claus (Michael Kubik) and Mary, the Christmas Angel (Ogles). Expect some classic Christmas songs to help tell the story, Prince said. “From ‘Santa Claus is Coming to Town’ to ‘Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,’ there’s something for everyone. I think my favorites are Tessa Ogles singing ‘Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas’ and Victoria Tiger singing ‘I’ll Be Home for Christmas.’ Those are just two of my absolute favorite Christmas songs and the two of them do such a great job!” Following the melodrama is “Christmas in Arkansas,” the new vaudeville revue by musical director Warren Dobson. In it, the Tubbs family has a half-hour of television time to put on its very own Christmas special live from the family’s living room in Boggy Ditch, Ark. Dobson described it as “Christmas the good ol’ hillbilly way!” Even with shows scheduled almost every day until Dec. 23, there are already some sold-out dates. Prince encouraged guests to check the website themelodrama.com/tickets for ticket availability. Prince said he’s excited to welcome audiences to celebrate Christmas with them. “This Christmas show is our 99th production here at the Melodrama and we’re starting the 2020 season, our 15th year in operation, with our 100th show! “Hard to believe we made it to 100, but we did, and we couldn’t be more excited about continuing the tradition of Melodrama in Bakersfield.”

‘ROCK’N HOLIDAY’ More so than any other community theater, Ovation embraces the idea of going beyond theatrical productions. With concerts and comedy, the 19th Street venue hosts various forms of entertainment. This holiday season is no

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Christmas Show at the Fox Theater, featuring Third Eye Blind’s Stephan Jenkins, Dreamers and Bakersfield’s Western Medicine, starting at 6 p.m. Tickets are $10-$50. Doors open at 5 p.m. Dec. 12-15: Bakersfield Civic Dance Center presents the 42nd annual performance of Tchaikovsky’s “Nutcracker,” featuring the Shafter Symphony Orchestra, at Mechanics Bank Theater. Evening performances are at 7:30 p.m.; matinees at 1 p.m. Tickets are $85-$124 for evening performances, $79-$118 for matinees. Dec. 14: Bakersfield Master Chorale presents “A

Contributing columnist Matt Munoz brings you the latest news on Bakersfield’s music scene every other Thursday.

COURTESY OF THE SOUL CHANCE

Record label imprint for “Christmas Sweet,” the new holiday single by local reggae soul act The Soul Chance. The single on red vinyl is just one of the special releases available for Black Friday Record Store Day at Going Underground Records.

THEATER

Two colorfully lit pedestrian tunnels have been added to the display for HolidayLights at CALM. The popular annual event returns Saturday for its holiday run.

LIGHTS

ilar festivities, opening its doors at 9 a.m. on Friday. According to owner Pat Evans, shoppers can enjoy hot pizza made fresh in house while they peruse the bins until 6 p.m. Evans said, “We’ve been able to order a large portion of titles from the official RSD list, so hopefully shoppers will find their picks.” For more information, visit shopworldrecords.com or call 325-1982. Both stores will also be open for business the next day on Small Business Saturday, a day to recognize and support locally owned businesses. To see a complete list of this year’s Black Friday Record Store Day releases, visit recordstoreday.com. Get out and help support your favorite local mom-and-pop shops.

COURTESY OF “A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS: LIVE ON STAGE”

Prepare to relive the beloved television classic with “A Charlie Brown Christmas: Live on Stage,” coming Dec. 19 to the Fox Theater.

Master Chorale Christmas,” 7 p.m., at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 5500 Buena

Vista Road. It cannot be Christmas without a performance of Handel’s or-

COURTESY OF MICHAEL PRINCE

Mrs. Donaghy (Ali Dougherty), seated, aims to spoils Christmas for the Holiday family including, from left, Alan (Adrian Francies), Sam (Chayce Perlis) and Cindy (Victoria Tiger), in the 15th annual Gaslight Holiday Extravaganza, “Santa’s On His Way,” opening this weekend at Gaslight Melodrama.

exception with “Rock’n Holiday,” opening Friday. Written and conceived by Tim Adamson, this variety show-style production was inspired by “Million Dollar Quartet,” the musical about an impromptu jam session involving Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Johnny Cash. After that show last year, Ovation has put on other musical experiments inspired by the premise and featuring many of the same performers. As this holiday show developed, with nods to television events such as Ed Sullivan’s Christmas specials and Johnny Cash Christmas specials, it became clear it was about “bringing great music and performers to the stage in memorable acts,” said Hal Friedman, Ovation’s artistic director. Friedman wrote in an email, “We took the whole thing one step further, instead of just that cast, we brought in more artists to sing other amazing songs. Therefore the show had evolved beyond the original. ... It’s bigger and even more of a celebration of what rock ’n’ roll is.” The show features Christmas songs galore done in a classic rock ’n’ roll/rockabilly style including “White Christmas,” “Jingle Bells” and “Baby It’s Cold Outside,” done with a twist, Friedman said. “There are a lot of great songs. ‘White Christmas’ is great. ‘Jingle Bells’ will make you want to get up and dance. And ‘Run Run Rudolph’ will have audiences cheering.” Dom Demay, Joey Boone and Jeff Ardray, all of whom performed in “Million Dol-

lar Quartet,” are joined by Jacqueline Salazar, Caley Mayhall, Jacob Chivington, Markelle Taylor and Jordan Fulmer. The performers will be accompanied by a seven-piece band, complete with horn section, featuring Jeff Ingle, John Barker, Drake Morrison, Omar Murrillo, Abigail Wilson and Anthony Stone. In addition to performing, Mayhall served as musical director and Friedman said she’s made everyone sound fantastic. “Sharp harmonies. And just a great rock ’n’ roll sound. Between Tim, Jeff Ingle, who leads the band, and Caley, they have developed a show filled with memorable songs and moments.” “Rock’n Holiday” is a great way for families to spend time together this season, Friedman said. “Come ready to smile, tap your toes, and rock ’n’ roll.”

atorio, “Messiah,” and the Master Chorale has made sure that has happened for 86 years. Soloists include tenor Robert MacNeil, a native of Shafter. Chorale president Jerry Buzzell said to expect a mini-concert from the tenor. “He will be singing three to four numbers himself apart from the rest of the Christmas concert,” Buzzell said. Also on the program is “Gloria,” composed by Kevin Memley, an internationally recognized composer of choral music who serves as music director at Kingsburg Community Church in the Central Valley. Tickets are $20 and $10 in advance; $25 at the door, and are available at bakersfieldmasterchorale.org. ■■ Natalie Grant’s and

Danny Gokey’s “Celebrate Christmas” tour heads to Canyon Hills Assembly of God, 7001 Auburn St. Tickets are $29.95-$45, and are available at eventbrite. com. Concert starts at 6 p.m. ■■ Bakersfield College Chamber Choir presents “A Not-So-Silent Night,” the ensemble’s annual holiday fundraiser. With activities for all ages, this family-friendly event runs from 5 to 8 p.m. at the BC Gym Huddle, 1801 Panorama Drive. Tickets are $20, $12 for children 12 and under. Dec. 15: The CSUB Holiday Concert features Cal State Bakersfield’s Chamber Orchestra performing music from the traditional chamber orchestra repertoire. Expect Bach. The show is at 3 p.m. at the

COMING ATTRACTIONS Holiday film fans will have plenty to enjoy with the remaining three theaters offering shows revisiting some Christmas classics. On Dec. 6, Bakersfield Community Theatre opens “A Miracle on 34th Street,” the tale of a department store Santa who claims he’s the real deal and the skeptical people who find out there’s more to the season. Directed by Ariel Clark, the show runs 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays through Dec. 21 with a 2 p.m. matinee on Dec. 15 at the theater, 2400 S. Chester Ave. Tickets are $14, $10 for seniors, students

and military in advance at squareup.com/store/ bakersfieldcommunitytheatre; $12-$16 at the door. You’ll shoot your eye out, kid! Make some plans that aren’t fra-gee-lay by heading to Stars Theatre Restaurant for “A Christmas Story: the Musical!” Skip the TV marathon for the theatrical take on the 1983 film with Ralphie, the pink bunny suit, the Old Man and his leg lamp. The show is directed by Sheryl Cleveland. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Dec. 6, 7, 11, 12, 13, 14, 18, 19, 20 and 21, and 2 p.m. Dec. 8, 15 and 22 at the theater, 1931 Chester Ave. Admission is $70 (includes choice of holiday meal) or $45 show-only for adults, and $50 or $30 for those 18 and under. Group rates available for parties of 10 or more. Call 325-6100 or visit bmtstars.com for more information. The Empty Space is also embracing a beloved holiday film with “It’s a Wonderful Life,” directed by Bob Kempf and Danielle Rodriguez. Based on the 1946 Frank Capra classic, the show centers on everyman George Bailey, who experiences a fateful visit from his guardian angel, Clarence, to remind him of his worth. Opening Dec. 6, the show runs 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays through Dec. 21 along with a 2 p.m. matinee Dec. 22 at the theater, 706 Oak St. Admission is $10-$60 with tickets available next week at esonline.org. Stefani Dias can be reached at 661-395-7488. Follow her on Twitter: @realstefanidias.

Dore Theatre, 9001 Stockdale Highway. Tickets are $12, $7 for students and seniors. Dec. 19: The Fox Theater presents “A Charlie Brown Christmas: Live on Stage.” Even the most jaded of us have to love this show. A reenactment of one of the most memorable, and historic, Christmas shows ever produced for television, Charles Schulz’s beloved children teach the true meaning of Christmas. Featuring Vince Guaraldi’s music, of course, and a concert of Christmas carols by the cast. Tickets are $35-$95. Show starts at 7:30 p.m.; doors open at 6:30 p.m. Susan Scaffidi is a freelance music journalist. She can be reached at scaffidi@twc. com.

T h u r s d ay, D e c e m b e r 1 2 , 2 0 1 9

Eye Street

Editor: Stefani Dias • Phone: 661-395-7488 • Email: sdias@bakersfield.com

Get into holiday spirit to support BC Choirs BY STEFANI DIAS sdias@bakersfield.com

COURTESY OF BAKERSFIELD SECOND SATURDAY

Dagny’s Coffee Co. will host a pop-up holiday market of local vendors as part of Second Saturday downtown.

Shop and save downtown this Second Saturday

Bakersfield College’s music program would like your holidays to be merry, bright and full of giving. Two seasonal fundraisers this month will help raise money for an upcoming tour and master class. First up is Saturday’s “Not-So-Silent Night,” the annual culinary caroling holiday fundraiser dinner. Entertainment will be provided by the BC Chamber Singers performing as an ensemble as well as in small groups and soloists. BC choral director Jennifer Garrett said the program will include “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” “African Noel,” “We Need a Little Christmas,” “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen,” “Carol of the Bells,” “Go Tell It on the Mountain,” “Caroling, Caroling” and a “crazy version” of “Jingle Bells.” Dinner will be catered by Coconut Joe’s with a menu consisting of chicken and pulled pork, rolls, salad, beans and salsa. “It will be yummy!” Garrett wrote in an

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BY STEFANI DIAS sdias@bakersfield.com

owever close you are to completing your holiday shopping list, it’s worth a stop downtown this Saturday. December’s Second Saturday celebration falls smackdab in prime shopping time and all the elves downtown are ready to help you pick up gifts for you and yours.

MARKET MADNESS Make the most of your shopping time with these pop-up markets featuring multiple vendors. Dagny’s Coffee Co. (1600 20th St.): From noon to 5 p.m., the coffeehouse will host a holiday mini market filled with 10 local vendors including Canvas Design, Tricycle Soap Co., Velvet Vintage, PB Jacks and Apple Core Project. In Your Wildest Dreams Consignment and Antiques (716 19th St.) will again open its parking lot to more than a dozen vendors from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Check out gifts from Jocelyn Shares, My Gypsy Soul, Bruce Metal Worx, Rylee Ann’s Mobile Boutique, Quartz Trading Co., Queen Bee Apothecary, Jaynebe Baby & Childrens Boutique, Frankie Jane Creations, Birch and Leaf Design, Buck Wild Becky’s Place and Mascara & Grit. If you work up an appetite, snack on Big AL’s BBQ or Mama Zeppoles Italian doughnuts. Tlo Wines Tasting Room (1212 18th St.) will also a pop-up event showcasing local food, jewelry and music including “Indy, Oh Indy presents: Bakersfield A to Z” by author Teresa Adamo and illustrator Jennifer Williams-Cordova. Snag a snack from Brazil Hotdogs starting at 5:30 p.m. Junior League of Bakersfield (1928 19th St.): From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., the organization will host its Mini Holidays of Magic, with vendors including jewelry from LYS Light Clay Designs, String Theory Yarn & Thread Co. (crocheted hats, scarves, socks) as well as Doterra,

COURTESY OF CIVIC DANCE CENTER

The girls embrace their gifts during a dress rehearsal for “The Nutcracker.” Civic Dance Center dancers will perform the holiday ballet Friday through Sunday at Mechanics Bank (formerly Rabobank) Theater.

Mix Salon & Touchup Bar will hold drawings and giveaways and offer products from local vendors as part of Second Saturday downtown.

Music to their ears: ‘Nutcracker’ meets goal for live musical accompaniment BY STEFANI DIAS sdias@bakersfield.com

Christmas came early for the Civic Dance Center. On Monday, the local group met its fundraising goal, announcing on Facebook that this weekend’s production of “The Nutcracker” will feature live accompaniment from the Shafter Symphony Orchestra. A 30-piece orchestra, playing a pareddown arrangement, will perform alongside alternating casts of dancers at the shows at Mechanics Bank (formerly Rabobank) Theater Friday through Sunday.

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Pick up some gifts while dining at Better Bowls.

Arbonne, LuLaRoe and other direct marketing businesses. There will also be kids’ crafts, photos with Santa and a performance by the North High jazz choir. Please see SATURDAY | C7

‘THE NUTCRACKER’ Don’t miss the Christmas photo op with your pet at Dog Gone Crazy Pet Salon’s open house as part of Second Saturday downtown.

When: 7:30 p.m. Friday; 1 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday; 1 p.m. Sunday Where: Mechanics Bank (formerly Rabobank) Theater, 1001 Truxtun Ave. Admission: $40, $20 students, $12 children 6 and under $12; ticket link at civicdancecenter.com

THE LOWDOWN

Local rock musicians keep it in the Family

ocal rock quartet Band of Family is “The name comes from the McCay eager to make your acquaintance brothers wanting to be in a band with peoat a stage near you. ple they considered family,” he said. “This Formed last year, the group has is why you’ll often hear us refer to each quickly built a reputation as one of the arother as ‘brother.’” ea’s most promising new acts. Priding itself Currently the band has a pair of recordas being an all-original rock unit, Band of ings for the songs “America” and “Habit” Family has also taken its act on available at its website, bandthe road almost to remind the offamily.com. rest of California that Bakers“Writing is a constant flow field hasn’t softened up. and progression, being a newer “Too hard for rock, too soft band we still have so much for metal,” is how vocalist Paul pouring out of us it can be difMcCay describes the band. ficult to decide what songs to Drummer Ted Williams record,” said Canyon McCay. quickly chimes in, calling the In addition to practicing group’s sound “progressive, twice a week, the band makes dark and heavy.” MATT MUNOZ frequent trips over the Grape“Between Alice in Chains FOR THE CALIFORNIAN vine into Hollywood, mecca and Dream Theater,” adds guifor hungry original rock bands tarist Canyon McCay before bushy-maned who make the trek no matter the wear bassist Andrew “Barns” Barnett settles it and tear or cost to perform on any of the family style with “kick-you-in-the-teeth Sunset Strip’s hallowed stages of rock. hard rock.” The group has already performed at the That type of brotherly interaction is no accident, according to Williams. Please see LOWDOWN | C2

PHOTO BY KYLE CHIDGEY

Band of Family — from left, Canyon McCay, Paul McCay, Andrew “Barney” Barnett and Ted Williams.

The Bakersfield Californian

Thursday, December 12, 2019

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legendary Whisky a Go Go and Rainbow Bar and Grill where the band will perform Dec. 17. Fans of â&#x20AC;&#x2122;90s heavy power rock will find a lot to like within the groupâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s music, which straddles a few rock eras without sounding like a tribute. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no denying the sound of a good rock song and Band of Family deserves kudos for helping add fuel to the fire of local rock. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We just want to bring hard-hitting rock back to Bakersfield,â&#x20AC;? said Barnett. Amen, brothers. You can check out videos, along with a show schedule, and more via their official website along with links to their Twitter, YouTube, and SoundCloud pages. Expect more local shows and new recordings in 2020.

COURTESY OF DALE MAREK, DREAM VIEWS LIVE

Local rock band Adema will play The Well on Saturday.

COURTESY OF AUBREY LOGAN

MATTâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S PICKS Adema, 9â&#x20AC;Żp.m. Saturday, The Well, 7401 White Lane. $15. 735-7909. The latest incarnation of Bakersfield rock quintet Adema has officially reached supergroup status with the addition of vocalist Ryan Shuck. Formerly of fellow â&#x20AC;&#x2122;90s hitmakers Orgy and current electro rock project Julien K, the Taft native took over lead vocals for the band following the departure (again) of original vocalist Mark Chavez earlier this year. Ready to get back to the business of recording and continue touring, founding members Tim

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In its 42nd year, the ballet has become a local tradition. For decades, it was one of the few remaining smaller ballet companies to perform with live accompaniment, mostly provided by the Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra. Cost concerns, and the departure of BSO conductor John Farrer, led to the end of the partnership. Funds subsequently raised through private donors went toward costumes and other necessities and so musical recordings have been used the past two years. Stephen Penner, conductor of the Shafter Symphony and a former student of Farrerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, reached out to Civic Dance Center this year about bringing live music back to the show. A major fundraising effort began, and with help from legacy sponsor Don C. and Diane S. Lake Family Foundation and

Jazzy pop, trombone-slinging vocalist Aubrey Logan brings her â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sassy Christmasâ&#x20AC;? show to the Ford Theater in Shafter on Sunday.

and Sex Art (the early band featuring DeRoo, Shuck and Kornâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Jonathan Davis) should plan on being here with hells bells on. Highly recommended. MSSV, 7â&#x20AC;Żp.m. Saturday, Jerryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Pizza, 1817 Chester Ave. $10. 633-1000. Post-genre power trio MSSV â&#x20AC;&#x201D; with guitarist Mike Baggetta, punk icon bassist Mike Watt (Minutemen, Firehose, The

COURTESY OF MSSV

MSSV â&#x20AC;&#x201D; from left, Stephen Hodges, Mike Baggetta and Mike Watt â&#x20AC;&#x201D; will perform Saturday at Jerryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Pizza.

Fluckey, Dave DeRoo, Mike Ransom and Kris Kohls have rolled with the punches of band life and

many others, the Shafter Symphony will perform for the ballet this year. Any additional funds raised now will go toward securing the orchestra for next year and later productions. People who would still like to contribute can attend Fridayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wine reception before the opening night performance. From 5 to 7â&#x20AC;Żp.m. in the theaterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s reception room, there will be wine and beer and appetizers from Lengthwise Brewing Co., Wikiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Wine Dive & Grill, Flame and Skewers, and Chefâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Choice Noodle Bar. Cost is $50 and tickets are available at shaftersymphonyorchestra.org or by calling fundraising chairwoman Lizette Swanson at 664-6718. Donations can also still be made through the symphonyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website. Performances of â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Nutcrackerâ&#x20AC;? will run 7:30â&#x20AC;Żp.m. Friday, 1 and 7:30â&#x20AC;Żp.m. Saturday and 1â&#x20AC;Żp.m. Sunday. Tickets are available at civicdancecenter.com. Stefani Dias can be reached at 661-395-7488.

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Continued from PAGE C1

email. Those with a sweet tooth can also pick up a dessert. Ranging from $1 to $4, treats will include brownies, cupcakes, peanut butter balls, cake and pie slices and more. A live and silent auction will offer an assortment of gift-worthy items for those on your list (or yourself). Among the goodies up for grabs are tickets (Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra, Wynonna & the Big Noise at the Fox Theater, Six Flags Magic Mountain, Ovation Theatre, Harlem Globetrotters, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Pavarottiâ&#x20AC;? documentary at Fox Theater) as well a caroling gig by the Chamber Singers and themed baskets, including a â&#x20AC;&#x153;Frozen IIâ&#x20AC;? one for Disney fans and others with candles and jewelry. This is the sixth annual dinner for the BC choral department. Garrett said theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re hoping to draw about 200, a slight drop from previous years but necessary given this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s location (BC gym huddle while the campus center is being renovated). The fundraising goal is $5,000. She wrote, â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have made that (amount) and more in the past but we usually do it at the beginning of December when no one has already spent money and donated to other worthy causes!â&#x20AC;? Funds will go toward a planned tour to Vietnam in June 2021. She wrote, â&#x20AC;&#x153;The students each contribute $1,200 to $1,500 so really we are looking at $100,000 that we need to raise to make sure that every Chamber Singer â&#x20AC;&#x201D; regardless of financial situations can attend. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I do not want to leave

COURTESY OF JENNIFER GARRETT

The BC Chamber Singers perform at last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Culinary Caroling Fundraiser Dinner. This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s event is Saturday.

BC FUNDRAISERS â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;NOT-SO-SILENT NIGHTâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; CAROLING DINNER What: Enjoy a meal and performance with BC Chamber Singers When: 5â&#x20AC;Żp.m. Saturday Where: Bakersfield College, Gym Huddle, 1801 Panorama Drive Admission: $20; $12 for children 12 and under Information: 395-4547 or jennifer.garrett@bakersfieldcollege.edu

JACK FROST JUBILEE What: Evening for children ages 4-16, with caroling with BC Choirs, sugar cookie decorating, coloring, photos with Santa, screening of â&#x20AC;&#x153;Rise of the Guardiansâ&#x20AC;? When: 6 to 9â&#x20AC;Żp.m. Dec. 20 Where: BC Performing Arts Center, 1801 Panorama Drive Admission: $8 or $15 for two children Information: 395-4547 or jennifer.garrett@bakersfieldcollege.edu

anyone behind. We are a family and so we need to all go together.â&#x20AC;? The BC Chamber Singers will travel with two other college ensembles, performing in various venues such as a palace, church and riverboat. They will also participate in several exchanges with Vietnam choirs, which Garrett said

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Contributing columnist Matt Munoz brings you the latest news on Bakersfieldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s music scene every other Thursday.

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Stooges) and drummer Stephen Hodges (Mavis Staples, Tom Waits, David Lynch) â&#x20AC;&#x201D; runs the gamut from original electro-freejazz improvisations, driving newrock anthems, covers and more. Featuring live electronic processing by both Baggetta and Hodges, as well as Wattâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s relentlessly driving bass and vocals, this is a rare local booking. Also performing are Ghost Dance and Electric Roach. Sounds delicious. Aubrey Logan, 5:30â&#x20AC;Żp.m. Sunday, Ford Theater, 1101 E. Lerdo Highway, Shafter. $25 to $30. 630-4059. While known for a number of iconic performances over the years, the appearance by trombone-slinging vocalist Aubrey Logan stands as one of the Bakersfield Jazz Festivalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best moments. Widely known for her jazzy interpretations of pop, rap and alternative hits, Loganâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s talents are currently in holiday mode with â&#x20AC;&#x153;A Sassy Christmas.â&#x20AC;? Expect the best in classic and obscure Christmas gems, viral video favorites and more. She sings, plays, moves, jokes and knows how to whip up audiences of all ages. Special guests include vocalist Ryan Quinn from Season 10 of NBCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Voice,â&#x20AC;? Dani Armstrong from Postmodern Jukebox and local performer Bethany Rowlee. Guaranteed to lighten up even the biggest Scrooge. Get more details at aubreylogan.com/tour.

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is one of their favorite parts of touring. With previous visits to Italy in 2015 and Australia in 2018, Garrett said these trips offer a life-changing opportunity for the music students. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I want the members of the BC Chamber Singers to experience a culture different than their own. I know it will open their minds and hearts and change their lives for the better.â&#x20AC;? Also helping to raise funds is the first-ever Jack Frost Jubilee on Dec. 20 at the BC Performing Arts

Center. Running from 6 to 9â&#x20AC;Żp.m., this childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s event will offer busy parents a few child-free hours to run some errands or unwind. Kids age 4 to 16 can decorate sugar cookies, enjoy hot chocolate, color, take photos with Santa and carol with the BC Choirs. After the activities, they can sit down in the indoor theater for a screening of â&#x20AC;&#x153;Rise of the Guardians,â&#x20AC;? a 2012 PG-rated film about the team-up of Santa Claus, the Tooth Fairy, the Easter Bunny, the Sandman and Jack Frost to take on a dark force. Garrett wrote, â&#x20AC;&#x153;For the Jubilee, kids are welcome to come in their pajamas! It will be so much fun and we will do something similar on Valentineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day!â&#x20AC;? Parents and guardians are welcome to hang out and only need to pay ($8) if they stay for the movie, which starts at 7:15â&#x20AC;Żp.m. If parents donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t decide to stay, they can simply sign a waiver when their children check in. Children will also be checked in with a number to make sure thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no confusion with pickup at the end of the night. While some Jubilee funds will go toward the Vietnam trip, the rest will help bring in someone to do a master class this spring for the applied music program, Garrett said. The choral director said she is excited to find fun ways for the community to help support the students. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Bakersfield College Choirs put in an amazing amount of time and effort in regards to the excellence of the program and to creating opportunities such as the tours and guests we bring in. ... I want to create opportunities for them and I know that I cannot do it alone. We must rely on our community and college to help these dreams become a reality.â&#x20AC;? Stefani Dias can be reached at 661-395-7488. Follow her on Twitter: @ realstefanidias.

T h u r s d ay, D e c e m b e r 2 6 , 2 0 1 9

Eye Street

Editor: Stefani Dias • Phone: 661-395-7488 • Email: sdias@bakersfield.com

Ring in 2020 with these parties No word on what tricks magician Mark Paskell has up his sleeve for New Year’s Eve when he will put on two shows at the Petroleum Club of Bakersfield.

BY STEFANI DIAS sdias@bakersfield.com

Whether you’re in for a wild night out or family-friendly fun, Bakersfield has plenty of ways to party all the way into 2020. The Petroleum Club of Bakersfield hopes to bring a little magic to your night with its New Year’s Eve Dinner and Magic Show. This is the second year the club has thrown some legerdemain into the mix. This year, magician Mark Paskell will perform two shows timed with the dinner seatings. Paskell has performed professionally since he was a teen, skilled in magic as well as juggling, mime, clowning and other variety arts. At age 20, he moved

COURTESY OF MARK PASKELL

to Las Vegas, building his act and performing for clients both corporate (ABC, Health Net, Walt Disney

Studios and Shell Oil) and private including Steven Spielberg, John Travolta, Sam Raimi, Jamie Lee Cur-

tis and Sylvester Stallone. He has toured in China, Japan, Mexico, Trinidad and throughout Europe. In addition to performing, Mark consults, supervises and assists on motion pictures and television shows and has advised screenwriters who want accurate depictions of magic and magicians in their screenplays. There are two seatings: one with the reception

at 5:30 p.m., dinner at 6 p.m. and magic show at 7:30 p.m.; and the later one with reception at 8 p.m., dinner at 8:30 p.m. and magic show at 10 p.m. The club is serving a four-course meal. To start, guests will enjoy a tomato tart, with caramelized onion, chevre cheese, olive tapenade and garden greens. Then they can choose between curried butternut squash bisque or roasted beetroot salad, with chevre cheese, water-

cress, rye crisps and pomegranate vinaigrette. Entree options are filet mignon, served with pomme fondant, carrot puree, beet reduction, roasted onion soubise and pinot noir demi-glace; roulade de poulet, a chicken breast stuffed with mushrooms, spinach, roasted garlic and caramelized shallots, with poulet roti jus served with courgettes and butternut

Please see NEW YEAR’S | C2

THE YEAR IN ENTERTAINMENT Highlights include country music, murals and a massive music festival

THE BAKERSFIELD CALIFORNIAN

uch like the name of the festival that put a spotlight on Kern County, we captured a little lightning in a bottle in terms of entertainment and cultural events.

STREETS OF BAKERSFIELD There’s no questioning that country music, specifically the Bakersfield Sound, is part of Kern’s DNA. We enjoyed another moment in the spotlight with the release of Ken Burns’ PBS documentary “Country Music” in September. The documentarian stopped by the Fox Theater in July to show a segment of the film, which, along with Bakersfield, recognized musical hot spots including Nashville, Houston and Austin. Also paying tribute to our rich musical history was journalist Scott B. Bomar’s epic “The Bakersfield Sound: Country Music Capital of the West, 1940-1974,” which came out in October. Bomar selected 299 tracks for the 10-CD boxed set put out by Bear Family Productions. If that’s not enough, he penned a 224-page hardcover book to accompany it, perfect for perusing on a coffee table with its detailed stories and array of photos. Two local events marked the set’s release: Bomar’s talk at Cal State Bakersfield and a CD release party at Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace. And Bakersfield Sound pioneer Fuzzy Owen also contributed to the country celebration this year with the release of his book “Merle

COURTESY OF BUCK OWENS’ CRYSTAL PALACE

Garth Brooks wows the crowd at his Aug. 15 concert at Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace.

Haggard, Bonnie Owens and Me.” The 90-year-old musician collaborated with his pastor, Rev. Phil Neighbors, on the work chronicling his days playing honky-tonks like the Clover Club, the Lucky Spot and the Blackboard and his relationship with Bonnie Owens, who in between marriages to Buck Owens and Merle Haggard.

GAGA FOR GARTH Also part of our local year in country was the hullabaloo surrounding the Aug. 15 Garth Brooks show at the Crystal Palace. ALEX HORVATH / THE CALIFORNIAN

Please see ENTERTAINMENT | C2

Ken Burns, right, seen here with writer Dayton Duncan and producer Julie Dunfey, brought his Country Music Roadshow to Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace on July 26 for a press conference focused on his documentary “Country Music.” A few hours later, Burns and company appeared at the Fox Theater with Californian columnist Robert Price for an event that included live musical performances and a 55-minute clip of excerpts from the series, which premiered on PBS on September.

THE LOWDOWN

Music festival, local creatives make this year one for the books

he sudden relocation by as its new home, you could hear one of the country’s most the jokes from all sides almost eclectic music festivals immediately. “Can you say Fyre may have given Kern County its Festival?” was among the most biggest surprise mocommon (and tirements in sometime, somely repeated) but it was not enough jabs in reference to to overshadow the the fraudulent 2017 achievements from music festival that an overwhelming inspired not one, but number of local two documentaries. creatives. Given the scramble Here’s a look back to relocate the LIB at the year in The festival from Lake Lowdown. MATT MUNOZ Bradley in Northern FOR THE CALIFORNIAN California to Kern THE MVP County, it was easy to Lightning in a Bottle, Buena see how one might see the paralVista Aquatic Recreation Area: lels between the two. When rumors began swirling Thankfully, that was not the that the Lightning in a Bottle case. Not even close. festival had eyed Kern County After facing the scrutiny of

county agencies, the creative power team at Do LaB, the Southern California-based art/ music event company known for its massive Coachella art installations, built a groundswell of support from the community to get the green light and move. Not only was the massive weeklong music, art and wellness event in May an overwhelming success, with thousands mindfully converging in the name of fun and freedom, it also helped inject new life into the aquatic area. Proving critics wrong, Lightning in a

MICHAEL K. CHADBURN / FOR THE CALIFORNIAN

The sun sets as the Lightning stage prepares for its weekend evening acts during the Lightning in a Bottle festival in May.

Bottle returns to Buena Vista May 20 to 25. A boost for the economy and our reputation. Can you say, bravo?

HONORABLE MENTION Garth Brooks, Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace: Billed as a show

for “KUZZ radio contest winners only,” the monthlong hype surrounding Garth Brooks’ “Dive Bar Tour” Aug. 15 stop at the Crystal Palace was inescapable with grandmas and grandkids feverPlease see LOWDOWN | C7

Thursday, December 26, 2019

The Bakersfield Californian

EYE STREET

LOWDOWN Continued from PAGE C1

ishly vying for a chance to win. I admit I tried and didn’t win (boo.) In the final days leading up to the show, Bakersfield felt like the country music mecca it’s always prided itself to be if not for a few hot August weeks.

BEST LOCAL MUSIC “Tsunami Soul I,” Hate Drugs: Released in January, the follow-up to the band’s 2017 album “Tsunami Soul II” is the perfect dream pop project bookend for one of Bakersfield’s best, and hardest-working, indie acts. “Both albums were designed to be listened to as part of a meta cohesive work of art while retaining their autonomy as individual phases of a cycle,” lead singer David C aploe said of the album project. The band toured in support of the album for most of the year even releasing the four-song EP “2014” in November. “The Soul Chance,” The Soul Chance: After singles out on the Obeah/Going Underground Records label imprint teasing the duo’s vintage style reggae soul, which evokes the sounds of 1960s Jamaica, vocalist Nico Collins and guitarist-producer A.J. Brewer, along with backing band, put the finishing touches on their fulllength album in September, with cover art by acclaimed Bakersfield artist El Oms (Omar Juarez). “Once Upon a Time in Bakersfield,” Andres: Shedding his superhero tights for a vintage “The Music Man” look, energetic singer-songwriter Andres Aparicio picked up where last year’s amazing “Heroes, Villains, and All That Jazz,” left off with another collection of personal, self-effacing hometown stories put to song in October. His accompanying video shorts on YouTube are also worth a look. “Crite Year,” Crite: Part rapper, event producer and community-conscious radio personality, Winston Crite Jr. managed to introduce himself to the city through an intense promotional album release campaign that culminated with a big party, “Crite Nite,” in July at Elements Venue. Premium tracks: “Done,” “Slick Talk” featuring Tricey and “Off” featuring J-Rich. Honorable mentions: Western Medicine, The Jay Smith Group, Contranistas, La Marcha and Stoneflys all released new music throughout the year available for listen and download at most music streaming sites.

ROD ABEREGG / YOU BLINKED PHOTOGRAPHY

JoVi Mongold, a freshman at Bakersfield Christian High School, achieved second runner-up in the nation during the recent National American Miss pageant. COURTESY OF SMOKIN’ ARMADILLOS

After last performing in Bakersfield at a farewell concert in 2005, the Smokin’ Armadillos returned for two sold-out shows at the Fox Theater in October.

BY ERICA NASSAR AND BRIANNA BOWYER For The Californian

recorded in 1971 by late Puerto Rican salsa singer Raphy Leavitt, Cruz stars in this telenovela-style short tale of love gone bad that also features SoCal actress Christina Jardine. “California in My Mind,” Truxton Mile (directed by Ernie Vasquez, Smash Cut Films): These country brethren filmed a love letter to the Golden State and our hometown at various locations known for California dreamin’. Keep supporting your local artists and we’ll see you in 2020. Godspeed.

JoVi Mongold, a freshman at Bakersfield Christian High School, achieved second runner-up in the nation during the recent National American Miss pageant. Mongold currently holds the title of Miss California Jr. Teen 2019. She is also a foster care and adoption advocate. She is honored to be able to be a voice for the voiceless and aims to speak to the president and legislative branch at the White House sometime in the future. Her family is exceptionally supportive of her strong drive for pageants, including her mother, Timi Mongold, who said, “She had no idea how far and how many lives she had reached. Fall in love with something, then volunteer in that area and watch that ripple effect create a wave in changing lives. Serve with a pure heart with Christ as your guide and He will do the rest.” JoVi Mongold said, “The National American Miss pageant promotes dreaming big and giving girls that extra confidence.” In preparation, JoVi attended numerous community events, mock interviews, and several trips to Los Angeles for event preparation. At the NAM pageant, JoVi experienced a broad spectrum of memories, friendships and lifelong skills developed over the week. John Buetow, the president of BCHS, said, “I am incredibly proud of how JoVi represented our Lord, her family, our school, our state and herself in this national and intensive competition. We are blessed that she is a BCHS Eagle! Way to go JoVi!” Mongold has participated in four pageants and soon more to come. The NAM pageant left her grateful for the opportunity to represent her belief, family and school. In reality, the majority of people are not aware of pageantry and the hard work it takes. Mongold spoke on this by saying, “There are so many misconceptions about pageantry. NAM girls are so much more than a sash and crown. We’re educated, driven, dedicated, determined, helpful, unique, social, approachable, compassionate, faithful, understanding, loving, hard-working, fun, funny, Christ-loving, young women who happen to be just as beautiful on the inside as we all are on the outside.” Mongold is looking forward to future opportunities and will hopefully get the chance to meet her goals.

Contributing columnist Matt Munoz brings you the latest news on Bakersfield’s music scene every other Thursday.

Erica Nassar is an Eagle Post staff writer and Brianna Bowyer is the Eagle Post editor at Bakersfield Christian High School.

COURTESY OF AMY JANELLE

Bakersfield singer Wilfredo Cruz Jr. and actress Christina Jardine in a scene from the music video for his song “Payaso.”

COURTESY OF THE SOUL CHANCE

BEST LIVE SHOWS Ghost at Rabobank (now Mechanics Bank) Arena: Swedish horror metal rockers Ghost combined the spectacle of a proper rock show with Andrew Lloyd Webber “Phantom of the Opera” flair and debuted the new EP “Seven Inches of Satanic Panic” without a single protest from local evangelicals at the Sept. 13 show. Amen. Los Lobos at World Records: Still touring with all original members, the band sounded right at home in the intimacy of World Records theater with its exceptional acoustics on April 12. The group played a hearty helping of selection from their soundtrack to Mexican-American life in all its beauty, struggle and pachanga. At one point I even found myself dancing in the aisles with my wife. Orale. Smokin’ Armadillos at Fox Theater: Selling out two nights

BCHS student achieves second runner-up in national pageant

ALEX HORVATH / CALIFORNIAN FILE

(Oct. 4 and 5) at the Fox in front of a rabid crowd of longtime fans, the Smokin’ Armadillos reunited for the band’s first live shows since 2005. Not often mentioned in the same breath as Buck Owens and Merle Haggard, the group deserves to be recognized for its contribution to the historical fabric of Bakersfield country music. Honorable mentions: Eugene Moles and Bakersfield Music Hall of Fame, Lewis Black at The Fox, Adema at The Well, El Tri at Fox Theater and Ghostface Killah at La Movida.

LOCAL MUSIC VIDEOS Indie music videos got a boost from local artists bringing back the classic MTV

ABOVE: El Oms, aka Omar Juarez, created the cover art for the full-length album by Bakersfield classic reggae-soul act The Soul Chance released in August. LEFT: Maggie Davis was excited when the gates were unlocked to head inside Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace for the Garth Brooks concert on Aug. 15. Tickets for the show were highly coveted and only available by radio call-in.

short-form style to promote their songs and accompany their creative vision this year. The following is just a sample of some of this year’s batch, all of which can be found at YouTube. “Wicked Game,” Art and The Resistance (directed by Dstructive Filmz): This local cover joins a lengthy list of tributes to the original 1989 Chris Isaak hit. For the video, the band can be found hanging and rockin’ out with friends and family inside the recording chamber at Triple Seven Studios in Bakersfield. “Payaso,” Wilfredo Cruz with Viento (filmed and directed by Amy Janelle): Performing a tune originally

P A I D

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

Scientific Games Corporation to sign contract extension with California State Lottery WORLDCASINONEWS.COM

American lottery and gaming machines innovator, Scientific Games Corporation, has announced the signing of a three-year contract extension that is to see it carry on providing the California State Lottery with instant games and associated services. The Las Vegas-headquartered giant used an official Tuesday press

release to detail that the refreshed arrangement will moreover involve it continuing to supply the lottery with specialist games design, player and product research, retailer account management, portfolio planning and integrated marketing services until November of 2022. Scientific Games Corporation described the California State Lottery as

the planet’s third largest instant games lottery and stated that the ‘major’ contract update also contains a range of provisions that could see the pair’s new relationship further expanded through to the end of 2025. John Schulz, Lottery Instant Products Senior Vice-President for Scientific Games Corporation, used the press release (pdf) to declare that his firm is

‘the fastest growing lottery systems technology provider in the United States’ and is pleased to be continuing to serve as the ‘primary provider’ of instant games to the California State Lottery. “As the California State Lottery’s profits grow responsibly, so does the collective impact our partnership has on public education in the state. We value the trust the

California State Lottery has placed in Scientific Games Corporation and we are proud to continue our focus on innovation and growth that ultimately benefits students in the state of California,” said Schulz. Scientific explained that it has been supplying its instant game innovations to the California State Lottery ever since the service first went live in 1985

and has so far helped it to return approximately $34.2 billion to the western state’s network of public schools. It furthermore pronounced that it has assisted the California lottery to ‘responsibly grow instant game retail sales’ and last year recorded associated purchases of $5.06 billion, which represented a five-year rise of well over 65 percent.