Bakersfield Californian Eye Street / 10-25-12

20

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, October 25, 2012

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

Index Bakersfield Comic-Con ............................ 22 Dia de los Muertos bike run .................... 23 Arts Alive .................................................. 24 Medieval Faire .......................................... 25 The Lowdown with Matt Munoz.............. 26 Local dancer on ‘Today’ .......................... 27 Scott Cox.................................................. 28 Calendar .............................................. 32-33

Rockin’ Halloween on tap Clubs, bars decked out for grown-up celebrations

BY MATT MUNOZ Californian staff writer mmunoz@bakersfield.com

W

ith so many awesome Halloween events around town, picking the best place to don your scary/silly/sexy/bizarre costume creation can be tough to narrow down.

From family fun at the Kern County Museum to live rockabilly and gothic deejays in Old Town Kern, we’ve rounded up the best Halloween events from across the city, so you don’t have to worry about a thing, except finding the perfect costume.

As always, make sure you keep an eye out for young trick-or-treaters, have a designated driver and party responsibly.

Club Nile: ‘Biggest night of year’ Preparations for the annual Club Nile Halloween show commence months in advance, and all the planning shows: Crowds are monstrously huge in the 500capacity nightclub. Nile promotion manager Frank Kruz hopes to see the historic former movie theater filled up once again on Friday and Saturday.

“It’s the biggest nightclub in town, so it’s the one place you can be seen by everyone.

Doing the decorations, we all get together the week before and transform the Nile into a haunted theater. I really look forward to that. Definitely our biggest night of the year.”

The Nile has become a priority stop for those into the competitive side of Halloween. Walking across the stage throughout the night as resident deejays spin, you’re guaranteed to see some of the more elaborate costumes both eerily jaw-dropping and scantily creative.

“It’s intense. People must spend weeks making their costumes. Everything from giant robots to very sexy vampires, because ladies love to do the sexy, so there are plenty of that. Scary, gross, and some well-engineered tech costumes have been big the last couple of years. There was once a dead zombie baby hanging out of someone’s stomach. That was pretty awesome.”

Those hoping to get in on the costume contest for cash prizes should plan their arrival early due to large crowds after doors open at 9 p.m. According to Kruz, costume contest signups are closed at 11:45 p.m.

Judging begins at midnight.

Glam Cobra at On the Rocks On the louder side of Halloween, Bakersfield ’80s rock tribute band Glam Cobra are promising a fist-pumping, head-banging wild night at On the Rocks on Saturday.

Lead vocalist Nate “Zack Magnum” Antoine said it’s a show audiences can really sink their paws into.

“I’m dressing up as a kitty cat because money is tight this year, but we always

PHOTO COURTESY OF FRANK KRUZ

The annual Club Nile Halloween bashes are a big draw for Bakersfield revelers who like to dress up for the occasion.

plan a lot of surprises for the Halloween show, beginning with the fact that we have to dress up as our alter-ego, dressing up as a character.”

Forming in 2007 as The Afterparty before resurfacing as Glam Cobra following some personnel changes, the band has become a major draw in Bakersfield and along the coast. Performing in over-the-top spandex outfits and wigs straight out of a 1980s Motley Crue or Poison MTV video, Glam Cobra offers an outrageous live show that isn’t just a tribute to one band, but a wild romp through an entire era. Whitesnake, Journey, Bon Jovi, you name it, they know it. Audience members are encouraged to dress in their favorite costumes, and don’t forget to tease your hair to scary heights.

“We want all the girls to be as sexy as they can, because when you have a club full of sexy Little Bo Peeps on Halloween, there’s going to be madness.”

The show includes a costume contest for cash and a 42-inch HD flat-screen TV.

Rockabilly at B Ryder’s What’s so Halloween about the pinPlease see HALLOWEEN / 29

PHOTO COURTESY OF GLAM COBRA

Glam Cobra, Bakersfield ’80s heavy metal tribute band, appears Saturday at On the Rocks.

21

Thursday, October 25, 2012 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street

Theater giving classic Poe a go ‘Spooky season’ perfect timing for darker material

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

A

lthough the Raven paid its visit in “bleak December,” a play paying tribute to the “nevermore”-crying bird and Edgar Allan Poe’s other creations takes the stage at Bakersfield Community Theatre the weekend before Halloween.

October is a fitting time for “Once Upon a Midnight Dreary,” said playwright Michelle Guerrero, who also directed the show with husband Eric Tolley.

“I think they enjoy it more because of the spooky season and the fact that people like scary movies; people enjoy being scared at live shows as well, maybe more so because the action is close enough for them to touch.”

That’s literally the case of special opera box seating for the show. The two-person boxes — five offered per show — cost $60, but include the audience in the action.

“Essentially anyone who sits in the box becomes a part of the production. I recommend the boxes because they offer a very unique perspective on the show, swag bags with lots of goodies and an exclusive game for those who sit in them.”

Those boxes offer a front-row seat into the tale of young Poe fan Guinevere, played by Victoria Lusk, whose play within a dream brings many of the author’s creations to life.

The cast of 20 includes Tolley as The Narrator, Johnny Monroe as The Raven and demons played by Alison Martin. Jessica Jans Aleman, Stephanie Guzman and Gabriel Tolley.

Guerrero said she enjoys the “larger than life” aspects of the show, which employs theater tricks such as thunder sheets for stormy sound effects and crash boxes and fabric to mimic the ocean, as well as an open-minded team.

‘Once Upon a Midnight Dreary’ When: Masquerade party at 7 p.m. Friday, show 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Where: Bakersfield Community Theatre, 2400 S. Chester Ave. Admission: Friday masquerade $25; $100 for two-seat opera box; show $15; $60 for opera box Information: 831-8114

“I am really happy that I have had a cast and crew that is so open to all of the crazy ideas I have about their characters, their costumes, their makeup and the set. When I went to Jay Ignacio, Ed French and Eric Tolley with what I wanted, even though it sounded crazy in my head, they just said, ‘Sure we can build that!’”

Although Guerrero said she knew she needed to oversee the show, she was happy to again share directing duties with her husband, with whom she co-directed “Marat/Sade” at The Empty Space.

“While it is sometimes difficult to work with Eric — because we have different views and we are very stubborn when it comes to changing our mind on what should happen on stage — I am also very happy to have his perspective when directing. Even though we may have to battle it out to see what the other is trying to propose, it makes the shows we produce and direct that much better because of our two very different views.”

Those with an adventurous spirit are encouraged to attend opening night festivities, which kick off an hour before showtime with a masquerade party. Costumed guests can take part in a contest or embellish their look with face-painting done on site.

Those in opera box seating can take part in a special treasure hunt, while all have a chance to win raffle for a basket of show souvenirs, scary movies and Poe paraphernalia. Desserts and wine will be served, and Guerrero said she is attempting to line

PHOTO BY MICHELLE A. GUERRERO

Morgan Von Sydow as The Murderer, Ryan Toland as The Murdered Man and Alison Martin as a Demon appear in “The Tell Tale Heart” scene from “Once Upon a Midnight Dreary.”

up a band to perform before the show.

Admission to Friday’s party is $25 or $100 for the opera box.

For those who can’t make opening night and are hoping to save a few bucks, advance tickets ($12) are on sale until Friday at Snead’s for Men, in the Town & Country shopping center on Stockdale Highway; and Russo’s Books in The Marketplace. Those tickets are good for general

seating for any show after Friday.

The show runs through Nov. 17, but don’t expect a special Halloween performance. With plenty of parents and kids, including the directors’ boys Gabriel and Connor, in the cast, there’s no way they can pass up the scares off the stage.

“I know my boys would be very angry at me if I made them perform instead of trick or treat.”

Hair-raising heights to rappel City’s tallest building site of fundraiser

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

A

s any guest of the Petroleum Club knows, Stockdale Tower affords the best view in town. For those looking to add some thrills to that view, there’s still time to go Over the Edge with the Boy Scouts Southern Sierra Council.

Rappelling 12 stories down Bakersfield’s tallest building may not sound like your average fundraiser, but that’s the point.

Over the Edge What: People will rappel down Stockdale Tower as a fundraiser for the Boy Scouts.

When: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Saturday To join: Participants must raise $1,000 and register

by Friday to take part. 3259036 or www.sscbsa.org/edge.

“This is an exclusive event,” said Charles Moe, former council president and current board member. “Bakersfield is so giving overall, but we’ve gotten to a point that we have so

many golf tournaments, so many bake sales.”

So when organizers were looking for a new way to raise funds, they turned to the board.

“One of our board members saw another Scout council on the East Coast host an event,” said Danny Tucker, Scout CEO. “Over the Edge provides an exclusive right to Scouting for the use of this fundraiser.”

That arrangement allows the council to be the only local organization to team with the certified professional rappelling group. In Los Angeles, Tucker said a Scouting group rappels the Westin BonavenPlease see RAPPELL / 31

HENRY A. BARRIOS / THE CALIFORNIAN

Stockdale Tower will be the site for a unique fundraiser for the Boy Scouts when people rappel from the building on Saturday.

22

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, October 25, 2012

Eye Street

Comic-Con brings the fun home

BY STEFANI DIAS

Fifth annual Bakersfield Comic-Con

Californian assistant lifestyles editor sdias@bakersfield.com

M

ost local comic-book lovers have to hit the road or book a flight to attend a convention, but once a year they can save some money and head out to Bakersfield Comic-Con. Now in its fifth year, the annual comic-book event, taking place Sunday at the DoubleTree Hotel, is gearing up for another day of comic books, costumes, cartoons and a bit of charitable work.

That charity comes from the raffle, which covers a number of what organizer Steve Wyatt calls “batches” of good stuff, from original art, card games, comics and collectibles.

Items are pulled from Wyatt’s own collection, which he has amassed over 40 years, along with donations from special guests, vendors and more. Twelve to 15 groupings exceeding $5,000 in value will be raffled off, with tickets going for $1 each.

Over four years, the raffles have raised more than $3,000, which Wyatt donated to Vons to benefit the Bakersfield Food Bank.

This year Wyatt hopes to raise between $1,200 to $1,500.

Helping selling tickets is one raffle batch comprised of $1,000 worth of DC and Marvel hardcovers from the last few years, procured by Wyatt’s son, who works

Halloween ComicFest

When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday Where: DoubleTree Hotel, 3100 Camino Del Rio Court Admission: $7; $3 off admission if you come in costume.

Information: 829-2962 or bakersfieldcomiccon.com

for John Dolmayan, System of a Down drummer and comic-book dealer based in Las Vegas.

Also among the raffle items will be the original art of the four prints available for attendees. The artists are Mike Hampton, writer and artist of “Hot Zombie Chicks”; Wyatt, who has been involved in the creative as well as commercial side of comics; artist/writer Tone Rodriguez, known for his design work for Bongo Comics and on the show “Dexter”; and Nate Watson, a designer who worked on the upcoming “Star Wars Detours” animated series. Watson’s print, of Marcelene and the Scream Queens from “Adventure Time,” is 11-by-17 inches, while the others are 8-by-10. Special guests include Rodriguez, Hampton, Watson and “The Simpsons” comic artist/writer Scott Shaw, who’s bringing his Oddball Comics slideshow.

“The funniest 90 minutes you’ll

PHOTO COURTESY OF STEVE WYATT

This print designed by artist Tone Rodriguez is one of four that will be available at the fifth annual Bakersfield Comic-Con Sunday.

ever see. From ’40s to modern comics, he finds all these strange really oddball covers, just does a little joking. There are some really deranged covers out there.”

Attendees can get into the Halloween spirit and knock $3 off the $7 admission if they come in costume. They can also mingle with a costumed Zatanna (well-known cosplayer Ivy Doomkitty), Batman and more.

Vendors include comic and collectible retailers and local gaming stores like Otto’s Video Games and More, Leeters Comics and

Games and Paladins Game Castle.

Paladins will also hold a Magic: The Gathering tournament and demos of other games for people looking to learn.

Attendance has grown steadily with 750 showing up last year.

Wyatt, who’s hoping for 900 this year, said attendance has increased at all the comic-book conventions he works during the year, a fact he credits to the popularity of TV shows “Big Bang Theory” and “The Walking Dead” and the increase in coverage by big media outlets.

Local comic-book lovers have another opportunity for some fun next week on Halloween. Three local vendors will be taking part in Halloween ComicFest, an event through which Marvel, DC, Dark Horse and other publishers are offering a selection of free comics and mini-comics.

Paladins Game Castle (6300 White Lane, Suite B; 836-8304) will have a comic book giveaway from noon to 8 p.m. Over at the East Hills Mall, Leeters Comics and Games (3000 Mall View Road, Suite 1065; 877-6615338) will also have a comic giveaway along with a costume contest and “The Walking Dead” party, starting at 6 p.m. (Attendees are encouraged to arrive a halfhour early.) And at The Marketplace, Russo’s Books (9000 Ming Ave., Suite I4; 665-4686) will have comic and other giveaways, costume contests for children (13 and under) and adults, trick or treat candy and a signing with local author Matt Adams, creator of the graphic novel “Kord and Harley.” Events at Russo’s kick off starting at 3 p.m.

Wednesday.

ALL JEANS

1.00

$

ONLY OCT 25, 26, 27 ONLY!!

Salvation Army Thrift Stores 120 19th Street & 4130 Ming Avenue

Some restrictions apply

THURSDAY, OCT. 25th,6-9pm ONLY! EVERYTHING IN STORES* Jimmy Gaines, formally Gaines Peay & Johnson Mike Hall formally Stepping In & The Great Bobby O 2515 F Street

|

661-322-9910

www.kcsteakhouse.net

50% OFF BOTH LOCATIONS

*excluding jeans & mattresses

120 19th St. 4130 Ming Ave.

Mon - Fri 10am - 6pm • Sat 10am - 5pm • Closed Sundays

23

Thursday, October 25, 2012 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street

Celebrate a ‘dia’ for the ‘muertos’ Tradition not full of frights like Halloween

BY ASHLEY FISCHER Contributing writer

F

or Bakersfield lawyer Richard Marquez, there’s nothing morbid about honoring the dead. In fact, the centuriesold tradition of Dia de los Muertos is a time of celebration, one he hopes to share with the rest of Kern County with his take on the holiday: a bike run and fundraiser.

“Me and a bunch of guys I ride with started this because we wanted to let people know what Dia de los Muertos is all about,” Marquez said.

“We wanted to let people know that it’s not like Halloween, where you have undertones of ghouls and goblins and spooks. Dia de los Muertos is different; it’s a celebration of people’s lives.”

When it began four years ago, the Dia de los Muertos bike run set out to raise money for a local family that had lost their home.

Now, Marquez has joined forces with Ron Newton and the rest of the Kern County Shrine Club to gen-

Dia de los Muertos bike run When: Chile verde cookoff begins at 7 a.m.; rider registration at 8 a.m.; riders depart Noble Park at 9 a.m.

Sunday Where: Noble Park, 700 S. P St. Cost: $20 per rider (includes lunch), $10 per additional passenger, $10 walk-in fee; chile verde registration deadline is Friday; $40 entry fee for a team of two cooks.

Information: 831-4476

erate funds to help sick and disabled children.

Last year, nearly $8,000 was raised for the organization’s hospitals, so Newton was more than happy to welcome Marquez and the 100 motorcyclists who participated back to Noble Park for a second year.

“This event is great,” Newton said. “Fundraising is a big part of our income down there at the club, and this Dia de los Muertos ride is a nice shot in the arm for us. We were surprised with how big it was last year,

the $20 registration fee), and to rejoin friends, family, and the crowds of people lured in by the irresistible smell of 20 simmering pans of chile verde.

For those more comfortable with cookin’ pork than ridin’ hogs, the chile verde cook-off is back this year, and competitors will begin cooking as early as 7 a.m.

Tasting begins at noon, and the winner (selected by the crowds of hungry riders and other attendees), will receive $150 and, perhaps even more importantly, a trophy.

For those staying behind to cook or simply coming out to enjoy a family day at the park, there will be live music throughout the morning and the afternoon, along with a raffle, margarita booth, vendors and other activities to keep up the celebratory, festive spirit of Dia de los Muertos.

“For the individuals who

and we’re happy to help out again.”

No matter what set of wheels you roll in on (Marquez emphasized the event isn’t specifically for motorcycle enthusiasts; anyone and everyone is welcome), signups begin at 8 a.m., with all participants departing from Noble Park at 9 a.m.

The three-and-a-half hour route will take participants to four cemeteries throughout Kern County: Union, Greenlawn, Hillcrest Memorial Park and Bakersfield National in Arvin. At each stop, riders will have the opportunity to pause and celebrate the lives of any loved ones and family members they may have buried there.

“Traditionally, families have a picnic in the cemetery for Dia de los Muertos,” Marquez said. “Since we’re trying to visit so many cemeteries, we don’t really have that much time to spend per cemetery. But riders will have some time to visit their departed, and have a little sip in their honor; nothing too extravagent.”

Around 12:30 p.m., riders will return to the park for lunch (which is included in

Do you Facebook?

stay behind at the park, it’s definitely a festive atmosphere,” said Marquez. “And really, those people hanging out, that’s the bulk of

the people who come. It’s a day to listen to music, eat, drink, celebrate and help raise money for those people who need it.”

Burger

Burger

New Restaurant

Lunch

Valid Monday - Thursday Anytime!

Please present coupon before ordering. Valid at Juicy Burger Bakersfield. Offer not valid with any other offer. Offer valid on single patty burger only. Limit of one coupon per guest per visit. No cash value. May not be combined with any other offer or any combo deal. Taxes extra. Coupon expires Sunday, Oct. 31, 2012. Instore only. Not available with online order. Offer valid at downtown location only

Join our growing online community.

• • • •

Community Conversations Valuable News & Information Contests And More.

Facebook.com/BakersfieldCalifornian

JuicyBurger.com (661) 325-8429 1201 24th Street

READING C

I

N

E

M

A

S

F O R M E R LY PA C I F I C T H E AT R E S

VALLEY PLAZA MALL, WIBLE ROAD AT HI-WAY 99

ADVANCE TICKETS AT READINGCINEMASUS.COM 1-800-FANDANGO #2703 “LIKE” READING CINEMAS VALLEY PLAZA 16 ON FACEBOOK FOR SPECIAL PROMOTIONS!

GENERAL MATINEES ADMISSION BEFORE ONLY 6PM ONLY

BAK

BEST M FIELD’S OVIE VA LUE I

ERS

8 5 5

$ 50 $ 50 $ 50 3D $11.00

3D $8.00

3D $8.00

EVERY THURSDAY

5

$

VALUE FREE SIZE POPCORN

ANYONE 55 OR OLDER

PARANORMAL ACTIVITY 4 ALEX CROSS (11:25AM, 12:00, 12:50, 1:30, 2:05, 2:55, 3:35, 4:10, 5:05, 5:40), 6:15, 7:10, 7:45, 8:25, 9:15, 9:55

ARGO (R) (11:25AM, 2:00, 4:35), 7:10, 9:45 I SINISTER (R) (1:00PM, 2:15, 3:30, 4:45), 6:00, 7:15, 8:30, 9:45 I SEVEN PSYCHOPATHS (R) 7:40PM, 10:00 I THE PERKS OF BEING A WALLFLOWER (PG-13) (12:15PM, 2:40, 5:00), 7:30, 9:55 I HERE COMES THE BOOM (PG) (12:00PM, 2:20, 4:55), 7:25, 9:50 Bargain Shows in ( )

(R)

(11:55AM, 1:10, 2:10, 3:25, 4:30, 5:45), (PG-13) 7:00, 8:00, 9:30

I

I

SENIORS (55+) AND KIDS ONLY

TAKEN 2 (PG-13) (11:45AM, 1:00, 2:00, 3:05, 4:15, 5:10), 7:15, 9:20 PITCH PERFECT (PG-13) (11:30AM, 2:00, 4:45), 7:30, 10:00 FRANKENWEENIE (PG) (12:45PM, 2:45, 4:50), 7:00, 9:10 HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA (PG) (11:50AM, 12:35, 3:00, 5:10), 7:20, 9:25 END OF WATCH (R) (12:20PM, 2:45, 5:10), 7:35, 10:00

I Pass/Discount Restrictions Apply

Showtimes Valid Only 10/25/12

NEW LOCATION IN SHAFTER NOW OPEN NORTHEAST

NORTHWEST

3615 Mount Vernon Ave.

4750 Coffee Road

(661) 871-3556

(661) 588-4700

CENTRAL

SHAFTER

4130 California Avenue

300 Lerdo Hwy.

(661) 325-4717

(661) 746-9244

voted Best Pizza in Bakersfield!

www.tonyspizzabakersfield.com

24

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, October 25, 2012

Eye Street Camille Gavin CONTRIBUTING COLUMNIST

Only theme for this show: Talent BC faculty exhibitions always offer nice mix

GO & DO Art Faculty Exhibit When: 5:30 to 7 p.m. today Where: Bakersfield College Jones Gallery, 1801 Panorama Drive.

Admission: Free Information: 395-4616

O

ne thing I can always count on seeing in a Bakersfield College art faculty show is an interesting range of styles and a variety of media. A preview of the exhibit that’s opening this evening at BC’s Jones Gallery fulfills my expectations.

One piece that brought a smile to my face — and probably yours — is David Koeth’s poster-like graphic. Done in a contemporary style, it incorporates a hodgepodge of different fonts with humorous comments that may echo the laments of many of today’s teachers.

To give you an idea of the content, here’s the headline and subtitle Koeth put at the top of the piece: “Problem Child: An awkward typeface that never reads the textbook before class, and sends text messages during critiques.”

Adel Shafik on the other hand, used a method that dates back to ancient times in creating his brilliantly colored encaustic painting that appears to depict a searing white sun nestled in the trough of a tumultuous sea and framed by a sky of shimmering gold.

“Greek artists practiced encaustic painting as far back as the 5th century B.C.,” Shafik said. “I was challenged by its process of heating and cooling which captures the dynamic of chaos and demands control unlike that of any other painting medium.”

Encaustic, he explained, is a beeswax-based paint that is combined with pigments and other elements. It is applied in a molten state and then reheated in order to fuse the paint onto the surface and create an enamel-like finish.

More in the present is Kristopher Stallworth’s sensitive photograph of a dry river bed strewn with pebbles, a scene that, unfortunately, can be found just about anywhere in Kern County these days.

Then there’s Emily Maddigan’s fearsome sculpture of an angry man with masses of curly

Mango Street Monologues When: 8 p.m. today Where: The Empty Space, 706 Oak St. Admission: $10 Information: 327-PLAY

Art in Touch Opening reception: 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Friday Where: Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired, 1124 Baker St. Admission: Free Information: 324-9000

The Unexpected Man When: 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday Where: The Empty Space, 706 Oak St. Admission: $5 Information: 327-PLAY

Living Composer Concert PHOTO COURTESY OF BAKERSFIELD COLLEGE

This encaustic painting by Adel Shafik will be among the works on display at the Art Faculty Exhibit tonight at the Bakersfield College Jones Gallery.

hair and with a horribly disfigured face. It is timeless.

Other faculty members whose work is being shown are Deborah Rodenhauser, Laura Borneman, Claire Putney, Cameron Brian and Armando Rubio.

Margaret Nowling, curator, said the exhibit can be seen through Nov. 15 during the gallery’s usual hours, 1-4 p.m., Monday through Thursday.

Mango Street Monologues This evening at The Empty Space, local writers and performers will speak about incidents in their own lives in relation to the themes of “The House on Mango Street,” this year’s One Book/One Bakersfield selection.

The book, by Sandra Cisneros, is made up of short vignettes — some are fewer than 200 words.

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

Likewise, Kevin Shah, coordinator of the event, has asked participants to limit readings of their own work to three minutes. Recommended for mature audiences, the program will include visual art, live music and refreshments.

return to perform their concert a second time at 11 a.m. on Nov. 10.

Both are mainly self-taught and have given performances at children’s hospitals in Central and Southern California. They appear in period costume for their program, the “Living Composer Concert,” which features the music of Mozart.

Late-night drama A one-act play with only two actors occupies the late-night slot this weekend at The Empty Space. “The Unexpected Man,”

by French writer Yasmina Reza, is the story of two strangers who are traveling on a train.

It is told through interior monologues spoken by the man, a successful author who worries that he’s past his prime, and a woman who adores his work but is afraid to tell him so.

Kamel Haddad, who also directs, portrays the man; Jaclyn Taylor, the woman.

Mozart music at Beale Mercedes Barcella, a local pianist who has been called a

When: 11 a.m. Saturday Where: Beale Memorial Library, 701 Truxtun Ave. Admission: Free Information: 868-0745

Art you can touch

“Problem Child” by David Koeth is also part of the Art Faculty Exhibit.

child prodigy by some, and her sister Celeste Barcella, a violinist, will present a free concert on Saturday in the Beale Memorial Library auditorium. They will

Unlike most paintings and sculptures, it’s OK to run your fingers over the 13 pieces in the Arts Council of Kern’s new traveling exhibit.

“Art in Touch,” as it is called, opens Friday with a reception at the Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired.

The artwork is enhanced by audio recordings of the artists’ statements narrated by Jeff Please see ARTS / 25

25

Thursday, October 25, 2012 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street

Traveling back in time never gets old Medieval Fair delivers magical weekend

BY CAMILLE GAVIN Contributing writer

C

olorful and imaginative costumes seem to be the norm at autumn fairs with a historic theme, even more so with Halloween close at hand.

And that holds true for most of the vendors and entertainers at this weekend’s Medieval Faire in the Kingdom of Camelot in Central Park.

There are exceptions, however.

Since a group of 17 young Shakespearean actors from Foothill High School will be performing, you would think they, too, would dress like ladies in waiting, court jesters or knights of the realm.

Not so, says Patrick Power, the students’ drama teacher, and their coach for last Friday’s 43rd annual Shakespeare Festival at their school.

“We’ll be doing a scene from ‘Two Gentlemen of Verona,’” he said. “But we’re doing it like ‘The Great Gatsby,’ so it will be the ‘Roaring ’20s’ with gangsters and that kind of thing.”

In addition to their performance, the students will operate a face-painting booth, with prices ranging from $1 to $5. Proceeds will be used to buy a new air brush for use in putting on stage makeup.

“You can get a simple tattoo or

Medieval Faire in the Kingdom of Camelot When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday Where: Central Park at Mill Creek, 19th and R streets Admission: Free Information: 871-4903

something exotic,” Power said. “A couple of my girls do cats — leopards with spots, tigers, all kinds of cats — they’re really good.”

Also performing at various times throughout the two-day event will be Al’wadi, a troupe of belly dancers accompanied by a band.

Linda Schorr of Village Artisans, the organization that puts on the fair, said the band is made up of various instruments, including drums, guitar, didgeridoo, bones, and a single-stringed bow called a berimbau.

As usual, and in keeping with the fair’s theme, there will be a series of staged combat using replicas of medieval weaponry.

Most of the entertainment will be performed on a stage erected on the eastern side of the park in a bricked area approaching the Mill Creek bridge.

About 30 crafts people and vendors are expected to have booths. And a few of those, including Betty Shelton, who makes and sells body butter,

arrive early to help enhance the theme of the fair by placing pumpkins, flags and hand-painted banners throughout the park.

“We could really use more volunteers to come out and help set up the booths and stage the park,” said Schorr, who heads a five-member committee that revived the fair three years ago after a long hiatus.

Although the event has been popular — an estimated 2,000 attended last year — Schorr indicated Village Artisans may not be able repeat the event in 2013 unless they can increase their membership and secure financial support from local businesses.

“It takes a whole year to plan it,” she said. “We could really use some sponsorships, and we need a grant writer, too.”

Booths must be rented in advance, and Schorr said all but two spaces have been taken.

Those are designated for individuals selling handmade goods, but none remain for those selling food.

Fee for a hand-crafter to rent a booth for the weekend is $125, while a commercial space is $140.

Village Artisans pays the necessary city permits and other costs associated with promoting and setting up the fair.

Part of the enjoyment of attending the outdoor event is watching artisans demonstrate their handiwork along with selling their wares. Among the items being offered are bead weaving,

ARTS: CONTINUED FROM 24

PHOTO COURTESY OF ART IN TOUCH

“Edges,” a welded steel sculpture by Justin Jennings, will be on display at the Art in Touch show at the Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired.

Lemucchi, news director and morning anchor at radio station KERN. Criteria for the work selected for the show emphasized that it should be tactile and interactive, said Nicole Saint-John of the Arts Council.

With that in mind, one of the artists, Justin Jennings, created “Edges,” an angular 24-by-36 inch sculpture made from heavily oxidized welded steel.

One of his goals was to produce a piece that would give people with limited vision a sense of space.

“You don't just examine this piece from the outside, you enter it,” Jennings said. “The exploration of its surface is rough and smooth and plated; giving way to voids that invite you back inside.”

Enemerio “Emmy” Galvan said what he was thinking of

CALIFORNIAN FILE

Members of the Shire of Wintermist perform in a drum circle at the Faire in the Kingdom of Camelot in 2011.

wood crafting, sewing and other fiber arts, glass and bottle art, steam-punk items, holiday décor, cosmetics and skin care, medieval art and décor, fairy costumes, clothing for babies, hair ornaments, handbags and hand-

making his clay sculpture, “Dichotomy,” was an organic form, an object that could be discovered in nature. To bring about the piece’s distinctive texture, he applied his “special recipe” of liquid, non-toxic minerals to the form when the clay was firm but still damp.

Saint-John said a call for artists was published earlier this year on the California Arts Council website. Two of the artists whose work was chosen for the exhibit are from out of town. The other 11 are residents of Kern County. The selection committee included two local curators, Margaret Nowling of the Bakersfield College Jones Gallery and Vikki Cruz, Bakersfield Museum of Art. Throughout 2013, the exhibit will be displayed at three other venues: Taft College Art Gallery, Maturango Museum in Ridge-

crest and the Independent Living Center of Kern County. It is funded by a grant from the Black Rock Arts Foundation.

The Empty’s new season Two of the five main stage shows The Empty Space will do for the first half of 2013 are musicals. Thinking about the small space available at the Oak Street theater caused me to wonder if those particular productions will have live music.

The response I got from Bob Kempf, the artistic director, could be characterized as “Maybe — but then again, maybe not.”

“Over the years, it's been fairly tricky fitting even a small band into The Empty Space, so it doesn't seem likely that we will have live music,” he said.

“But you never know; we have some innovative directors on board.”

made jewelry.

A variety of food will be available for purchase. Choices include barbecued tri-tip, roasted turkey legs, hot dogs, Asian food, kettle corn, funnel cakes, brownies and shaved ice.

By the way, Kempf said each director (or team of directors) pitched the particular show they are doing at the theater’s Pitch Day, held twice a year.

First up are Kristina Saldana and Brian Sivesind, who will direct the January production of “Spring Awakening,” a Tony Award-winning musical by Duncan Sheik and Steven Sater.

Next on the list — opening in March and April respectively — are two Pulitzer winners: Beth Henley’s “Crimes of the Heart,” with Kempf at the helm, and Margaret Edson’s drama, “Wit,” directed by Porter Jamison.

In May, Cody Ganger and Kevin Ganger will share the director’s chair for “The Nerd,” a comedy written by Larry Shue. To finish the first half of the 2013 season, Lorenzo Salazar will direct “Sweet Charity,” a still-popular Neil Simon musical comedy.

26

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, October 25, 2012

Eye Street The Lowdown with Matt Munoz

Addiction offers friendship fix Band solid, but scene reunion the real fun

T

he scene at the Jane’s Addiction concert Tuesday could have doubled as a Bakersfield music scene class reunion.

As with most shows of this nature, the pre-show lobby was jammed with musicians and artists from nearly every era. As soon as I got inside, I collided with Burning Image guitarist Moe Adame and then caught up with singer-songwriters Jon Goodell and Scott Tessandori, deejay Josex Citialin, drummer Cesareo Garasa and many more. It was a show all its own — lots of hugs, hand-shaking and accidentally spilled beers. In fact, I was having so much fun the first hour I was there that I missed the evening’s opening act, Thenewno2, featuring Dhani Harrison, son of late Beatle George Harrison.

As we found our seats, I caught local music blogger Jesse “Illpressed” Rivera hanging near the front rows, along with Bakersfield super-fan Noelia Citialin, who I assumed was plotting her chance to jump onstage as she did at the Morrissey show at Rabobank five years ago.

This was only my second Jane’s Addiction show, after catching them in Los Angeles during the 1997 “Relapse Tour,” when Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea was in the line-up. Coincidentally, my old friend Andy Mota, who was with me at that particular show, also happened to be in the front row. Once the house lights dimmed and the stage lights kicked in, it was standing-room only. Entering the stage from both sides, guitarist Dave Navarro, drummer Stephen Perkins, singer Perry Farrell, and touring bassist Chris Chaney appeared relaxed in front of a backdrop of two towering nude female statues. The band was joined by two elevated female dancers, one of whom was identified as Farrell’s wife, Etty Lau Farrell, who kept watchful eyes near center stage.

Opening their set with “Underground,” the first track of the band’s latest CD, “The Great Escape

PHOTO COURTESY OF BONE THUGS-N-HARMONY

Legendary hip-hop quintet Bone Thugs-N-Harmony appears Sunday at The Dome.

PHOTO BY ROBERT BEJIL

Jane’s Addiction vocalist Perry Farrell performs during Tuesday’s show at the Fox Theater. To see more photos, visit Bakotopia.com.

Artist,” the band rolled into vintage territory with “Mountain Song” from “Nothing’s Shocking,” before jumping forward to “Just Because,” taken from “Strays,” then back to “Been Caught Stealing,” from “Ritual de Lo Habitual.” Some unusual track placing from across their discography, but Jane’s Addiction has never struck me as a hit-oriented band playing to crowd tastes.

Musically the band was sound, as Navarro, who still looks the part of a young rock god, led each song with little effort. The cohesion of the rhythm section of Perkins and Chaney anchored the show, helping to cover a few of Farrell’s noticeable early missteps and incoherent vocal flubs.

Midway through their set, the group switched stage formats for a pair of acoustic performances featuring “Jane Says” and “Chip Away.” Sadly omitted was “Classic Girl,” Farrell’s song for his former flame and muse Casey Niccoli, who hails from Bakersfield.

Once the band returned to electric, crowd control was useless. Launching into “Up the Beach” and “Ted, Just Admit It…,” Farrell’s mood was festive and augmented by the steady stream of red wine bottles floating across the stage and into the empty beer cups of orchestra pit fans. At age 53, Farrell still has plenty of voodoo to share with his audience, as does Jane’s Addiction.

This was the band people came to see, unpredictable and engaging. The group closed out the evening with their break-out hit, “Stop.” No encore, other than the predicted appearance of pintsized fan Noelia Citialin, who eluded security for an onstage hug from Farrell, who politely obliged.

Bone Thugs-n-Harmony at the Dome When rap quintet Bone Thugsn-Harmony, came onto the scene in the mid-’90s, hip-hop music was in one of its many transitional periods. Gangster rap was still the ruling force among fans, filled with lyrics reflecting ghetto life as seen through the eyes of young lyricists.

One of that era’s most successful groups, Bone Thugs-n-Harmony, took the scene by surprise, after relocating from Cleveland to Los Angeles with an independently released CD under their belt. After grabbing the attention of rapper/producer Eric “Eazy-E” Wright who helped nurture their introduction into the majors, they immediately hit with a series of singles and albums that helped further gangster rap’s acceptance in the mainstream. They rapped and harmonized to platinum receipts, and subsequently parted ways to pursue solo careers.

Today, after 20 years in the business, they’ve reunited, ready to

Matt Munoz is editor of Bakotopia.com, a sister website of The Californian that devotes itself to promoting Bakersfield’s art scene. Matt’s column appears every Thursday in Eye Street.

hit the road for a nationwide anniversary tour that stops by the Dome on Sunday.

Rapper Bryon Anthony “Bizzy Bone” McCane, said that given the current state of hip-hop, it made sense to give fans a history lesson. And what better teachers than he and his original rap mates: Steven “Layzie Bone” Howze, Stanley “Flesh-n-Bone” Howze, Anthony “Krayzie Bone” Henderson, and Charles “Wish Bone” Scruggs.

“We all didn’t come from the suburbs and whatnot; we came out here with a dream and a record, no money. Nowadays, groups have mix tapes circulated beforehand to build up interest.

You would get with a local guy and put out a record with them, and that was your marketing to go wherever you wanted to go in order to make something of yourself. We took a chance down in Los Angeles for a broader look into the industry. We were young, nothing to lose, and we said, ‘Let’s do it.’”

After sealing an alliance with Eric “Eazy-E” Wright, who released their EP, “Creepin on ah Come Up” and the single, “Thuggish Ruggish Bone” in 1994, the group began seeing their sacrifices pay off, until the sudden death of Wright the following year from complications from AIDS. McCane recalled the chaos that ensued just as the rap industry began to embrace them.

“We always lived on the edge with Eazy-E. You know, getting put out of hotels, we were too wild, didn’t know how to treat certain things, but we had that kind of relationship. When he passed away it was such a mystery of how he had died.”

Caught in the middle of numerous lawsuits surrounding

Wright’s estate, the group retreated to finish recording “E. 1999 Eternal,” their first full-length major label release and biggest seller to date. The album, dedicated to the memory of their late mentor, contained the single “Tha Crossroads,” a touching tribute to fallen friends not typically heard in gangster rap.

“It was fighting music, up until ‘Tha Crossroads.’ Our record was doing well and the money was funny, but then there was a fight over his estate, still three years after he had passed. Our money was frozen for a long time, but we were able to be grounded and stick to the grassroots of what we believed in. We got two or three really nice records out, even in the midst of the turmoil with Eazy.”

The group’s double-disc follow up, “The Art of War,” continued to establish their presence alongside acts such as Wu-Tang Clan. The members of Bone Thugs soon began a string of successful solo treks while retaining a working relationship that brings them to the present with a rich catalog of fan favorites.

“Everybody’s gonna have a good time and enjoy themselves at the show. After 20 years, we still got our legs with us, still in shape and things of that nature to show people how we used to do it. I’m really doing this, so the mothers and the cousins and the big brothers can show their little brothers and their kids what we look like and what we did back in the day. I got the five- to 10-year plan, so I’ll see you at the quartercentury mark.”

Doors open at 7 p.m. Sunday.

Showtime is 8 p.m. Tickets are $30 or $75 VIP. The Dome is located at 2201 V St. Call 322-5200 or visit vallitix.com.

27

Thursday, October 25, 2012 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street

Dancer hits national stage Bakersfield instructor to compete on ‘Today’ show

BY JENNIFER SELF Californian lifestyles editor jself@bakersfield.com

A

Bakersfield dance instructor is stepping up his game in a big way with an appearance Friday on the “Today” show as one of five finalists in a dance contest.

Ephraim Penn, who owns PennPoint Dance Academy downtown, learned Monday that a video he slapped together and emailed on a whim had made the final cut in the morning program’s “Show Us Your Penn Moves” contest.

“I had heard from the woman (from the show) the Thursday before saying that she would call back, but it was already Monday,” Penn said in a phone interview Wednesday.

“I was about to teach a class and I was in the middle of stretching them

Bakersfield dancer on ‘Today’ show When: Show airs from 7 to 11 a.m., though the local dancer predicts he’ll be on between 7:30 and 8:30 a.m.

Where: KGET-TV, Channel 17

out. Then my phone started ringing and I saw it was from New York, and I said to the kids, ‘Hold on — I gotta take this call.’”

For his audition tape, Penn performed a hip-hop dance to “Let Me C It” by Get Cool, from the “Step Up 3D” soundtrack.

“Whenever I do auditions, I just freestyle,” said Penn, who goes by the stage name E-Baby. “That’s what I plan on doing Friday — whatever comes to my mind.

Penn, 35, said he heard he’ll be competing against dancers performing ballet, jazz and break-dance routines, which require a little more planning than his style.

“The negative about freestyling is you might forget to include moves

you wanted to include, but the positive is that sometimes you do things you didn’t know you could do.”

Penn said a panel of celebrity judges, whose identities have yet to be revealed, will select the winner.

As far as he knows, the prize is the trip to New York and national exposure.

“I hope to network and possibly some other opportunities can open up. Maybe I can appear on some different shows, maybe get an agent.

The fact I’m going to dance on national TV in front of everybody is a big enough prize for me.”

Penn leaves for New York today with his 7-year-old son, Devin, who was featured in his audition tape.

If you want to catch Penn’s performance, he advises tuning in between 7:30 and 8:30 a.m. The instructor, who has been dancing since age 5, will have just 45 seconds to wow the judges and America.

“I’m really excited and nervous,” Penn said. “I’ve never been to New York before and just because of the fact that it’s new to me. I’m dancing on national TV. I’m just amped.”

Come celebrate our oil heritage

BY ASHLEY FISCHER Contributing writer

W

hen you’re busy cursing the pump over $4-plus gas prices, it can be easy to forget the otherwise cozy history much of Kern County has shared — and still shares — with the oil industry.

But the folks out at Taft’s West Kern Oil Museum are more than happy to refresh your memory, and feed you and your family some great barbecue while they’re at it.

“Taft is an oil town, everybody knows that,” said Shannon Jones, event coordinator for the Taft Chamber of Commerce. “And we’re really fortunate to have a museum dedicated to focusing on that specific part of Taft’s history.”

Boomtown Days is one of two fundraisers the museum hosts each year. All of the money raised goes directly back to help the eight-acre museum pay for general costs and upkeep, as well as provide funding for the museum’s current historical projects: restoring a 1946 drilling rig to erect on their grounds, and preserving the Wells Fargo freight train depot.

“Our main goal is to raise money to keep the doors open,” said Don Maxwell, the director of volunteers for the museum. “It’s important that we preserve the past and the history of the area so we can show it to future generations.”

And at Boomtown Days, there will certainly be plenty of fun and educational sights for those future generations to see.

In addition to the museum’s regular roster of exhibits, which include a recently updated Yokut artifact display as well as a full saber tooth cat skeleton, there will be model trains, live blacksmithing demonstrations and an antique gas-powered engine

display.

“Going to the museum is like traveling back in time,” said Jones. “It’s a learning experience, and it’s something you can bring your kids to. Kids today are so enthralled with TV and videogames, it’s fun to see them get excited about a blacksmith, or anything that existed before we had electricity.”

Given that the museum doesn’t charge admission and is run on an entirely volunteer basis, fundraisers like Boomtown Days are an essential part of keeping the museum operational — so be sure to bring your appetite with you. One of the event’s primary sources of income is the barbecue luncheon, which runs from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Lunch includes tri-tip, chicken, beans, rolls and a salad, and costs $10 for adults, and $5 for kids 10 and under.

“If you’re looking for a good meal, and a great family event, you’ll find it here,” Jones said. “Boomtown Days is a fun way to come out and support the community, while also learning about the history of Taft as well as oil, and its importance in our lives.”

Museum, about his plans for what he calls “the crown jewel of this town.”

We’ll be giving away two tickets to Savor Bakersfield, a mecca for foodies and shoppers that takes place at

Rabobank Arena Nov. 13, among other prizes.

The show airs from 9 to 10 a.m. on KERN-AM, 1180. Comments or questions?

Just call 842-KERN.

Boomtown Days When: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (lunch served from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.)

Saturday Where: West Kern Oil Museum, 1168 Wood St., Taft Admission: Free; lunch is $10; $5 for kids 10 and under Information: 765-6664

‘CALIFORNIAN RADIO’ Join Eye Street Editor Jennifer Self and entertainment reporter Matt Munoz this morning on “Californian Radio.”

We’ll be chatting with Roger Perez, the new director of the Kern County

28

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, October 25, 2012

Eye Street Scott Cox CONTRIBUTING COLUMNIST

I’m stuck in the ’90s — at last True music fans go for old-style hi-fi

I

have successfully built myself a time machine.

And it didn’t require a

DeLorean, or gyroscopes or coiled tubing. All I needed was a few bucks and a couple of lucky breaks.

I’m a music fan. The oldschool kind. And, like all real music fans, I like it to

sound good. It’s also important to note that I spend a lot of time in my garage. There’s always something that needs fixing or tinkering with, and I do a lot of it. The garage is also a great place to hide out from the family for a while. So it just makes sense that it’s a great place to listen to music.

I had a kind of low-fi shelf system out there for the last 10 years or so, and the CD player finally stopped working. Everything else on it still worked fine, but I destroyed it trying to fix the CD player (I didn’t say I was good at fixing stuff, I said that I enjoy it). It was at this point that the idea for the time machine was born. My destination, though I didn’t know it at the time: the 1990s, when everything was bigger, including one’s sound system.

I started off with manageable ambitions. I decided that I’d salvage the speakers and just get an amplifier to hook up to them. Then I could plug my iPod into it and produce perfectly acceptable audio for my work area. So I called my dad, who is about one or two pieces of stereo gear away from being on an episode of

“Hoarders.” I like to make fun of his habit, but it sure comes in handy when you need a digital coax cable at 10 o’clock at night and you live 10 miles from an electronics store. Besides, he has a better selection than Best Buy or Radio Shack, and very friendly credit police.

So I called him up and asked him if he’s got a plain old two-channel amplifier that I can “borrow.” He said he’d see, which means that he’d rummage through the amp section of his storage shed.

He called back and said he had just the thing. (Keep in mind that the system I had before was worth about $50, and produced all of about 5 watts per channel.

Literally. So a slightly-lessterrible 10 watt Chinese receiver would have been a nice upgrade.)

But I was operating in Dadworld now. I walked into the kitchen, and he handed me an Adcom GFA545: 200 watts of extreme hi-fi awesomeness. I tried to explain to the old man that this was the biggest case of overkill in history, but then I remembered who I was talking to, got my stuff and split.

Here’s where the time machine part kicks in. You could go to most electronic stores these days and ask for a two-channel amp, and they’ll just stare at you.

Because they don’t have it.

They can sell you a receiver with 5.1 channel Dolby Digital audio, because they know what that is. But real hi-fi is long gone, at least here in Bakersfield. Once upon a time, you could go to your choice of several really good stereo shops in town, but they’ve all been big-boxed out of existence.

Plus, people don’t care about quality sound anymore. Everyone is happy to listen to their overly-digitized music through their home theater sound systems.

And that’s too bad. We have truly traded quality for convenience, like we almost always do. Well, not me. And not my dad. We’re members of the hi-fi resistance movement.

I ran home with my fantastic Adcom amp, which,

like all proper audio gear, weighs 32,000 pounds. I plugged it in, hooked up the cheapo speakers from the old system, and dialed up some Creedence on the iPod. Good enough for garage audio, but only just.

I figured that the problem must be the lack of tone control that comes from plugging the source directly into the amp. IPods aren’t designed for that. So I hopped on the old eBay, and looked for the solution: a pre-amp. And I immediately lucked out. The natural partner of the Adcom GFA-545 is the GTP-400.

You don’t need matching gear for stuff like this, but when I dreamed of owning gear like this back in the ’90s, I always wanted the proper set. I got the preamp for $70. Seeing these two beautifully designed pieces of American-made audio technology was fantastic. I felt like I was a rich person, but in 1995. Time travel achieved.

I connected the whole rig up with cables I nicked from my dad, and fired it up. Better sound, and lots more knobs to adjust.

Sweet. I listened to Dire Straits while I washed my wife’s car. By the time I got finished, I knew there was a problem. I had an amazing amp setup playing through terrible speakers. It’s just the garage, so I should just accept it and move on, right?

Within a week I was obsessed.

Here were these gorgeous pieces of equipment, handcrafted by master technicians in New Brunswick, N.J., and I was allowing their pristine signal to be voiced by a $10 pair of Chinese speakers.

Lucky for me, my infallible memory for gear kicked in and I remembered a pair of Paradigm Mini Monitor speakers I spotted 10 years ago when I was helping a buddy move to Oregon. They would be perfect. Turns out, he still had them and they could be mine for a little horsetrading.

I knew that he

wouldn’t want cash, and he knew that I didn’t have any.

As it turns out, there was a piece of gear I had that he thought he couldn’t do without, an old guitar effects pedal that I’m pretty sure I got for free. I felt like a master deal-maker, a hairless, rural Donald Trump.

When the UPS lady showed up with my speakers, it felt like Christmas.

And here’s where the whole plan came together: This thing sounds incredible! How can audio technology from nearly 20 years ago sound so much better than modern stuff that is so much more complicated and expensive? I think maybe that in the mad scramble to make better equipment to play movies on, real music gear fell through the cracks. All I know is, I have a stereo rig in my garage that sound as good or better than my home theater setup, and it cost me a total of $81, including freight.

I thought back to the ’90s, when this stuff was all the gear of my dreams, and remembered the CD player I couldn’t afford at the time.

It was an NAD, and back when CDs were relevant, it was state of the art. I Googled it, and found one in the “vintage audio” section at a Goodwill store in Seattle (yes, you can shop Goodwill online, and I highly recommend it.) I got my dream CD player for $11.

I am just amazed at how great it is to sit and listen to great music through vintage gear. Stevie Ray Vaughan never sounded so good.

Most of all, it’s time travel anyone can afford.

And this doesn’t apply to just music. I recommend that you find something that you really wanted back when you couldn’t afford it and quest for it. Find it and buy it on the cheap, and see if it doesn’t bring you just as much satisfaction as it would’ve back then.

Or more. And if it’s electronics, new or old, and you need cables to hook it up, call me — my dad has everything.

29

Thursday, October 25, 2012 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street HALLOWEEN EVENTS For adults Oct. 26 The Darkside Halloween Bash, with the Goddamn Gallows, DJ Josex, Dead Ashling, Cher impersonator, tarot card reader, costume contest, ghoulish drink specials, cash prizes, 7 p.m., Narducci’s Cafe, 622 E. 21 St. $10 advance; $12 at the door.

Visit tgptix.com.

Bakersfield “Black Hole” Halloween Party, with The Hazmat Boyz, Latin Breeze, DJ Jerome, food, raffles, 7 p.m. Friday to 1 a.m. Saturday, Iron Horse Saloon, 1821 S. Chester Ave. $5. Proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society kids club. 706-9294.

Club Nile Halloween Bash Night 1, deejay dancing, costume contests, drink specials, 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Club Nile, 1721 19th St. Friday Before Halloween Bash, with Good Question, The Lebecs, costume contest, 42” LCD flat screen TV giveaway, 8:30 p.m. Friday to 1 a.m. Saturday, On The Rocks, 1517 18th St., $5. 327-7625.

Rumbaween 2012 Latin Halloween Party with deejays Andy and Regulator, costume contest, giveaways, 10 p.m. Friday to 2 a.m. Saturday, Anita’s Mexican Bar & Grill, 4240 California Ave. 371-9458.

Illrotica Body Art Ball, with deejays Eriq Avalon, NS5 and host Tino Cochino, 9 p.m. Friday to 1 a.m. Saturday, Replay Lounge & Grill, 4500 Buck Owens Blvd. 364-6968.

Nightmare on V St., with Vlad Arthur, Down Finger and special guests, 7 p.m., The Dome, 2201 V St., $6, all ages. 327-0190.

Harvest Fest, with Dub Seeds, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., Happy Hydro, 1708 N. Chester Ave., $10. 393-9493.

Oct. 27 Rockin’ for Relay Halloween Party, live music, raffles, door prizes, costume contests, 6 p.m. Saturday to 1 a.m. Sunday, Lone Oak Lounge, 10612 Rosedale Highway, 589-0412.

Halloween Spooktacular!, music by Members Only, drink specials, costume contest, 9 p.m., Narducci’s Cafe, 622 E. 21 St. $10; 21 and over only. 324-2961.

Halloween Costume Party, with live entertainment by Versatil, 8 p.m., Tam O’Shanter, 2345 Alta Vista. $5. 324-6774.

Halloween Bash, music by Alone & Forsaken, Stockz & Blondz, 8 p.m. Saturday to 1 a.m. Sunday, Cactus Valley Restaurant, $5, 21 and over only. 633-1948.

2012 Halloween Ball, with Big Sandy and His Fly Right Boys, Karling & the Kats, Lone Troubador, costume contest, 8 p.m., B Ryder’s Sports Bar & Grill, 7401 White Lane. $10 advance; $12 at the door. 21 & over only.

397-7304.

Halloween Bash, music by Arvizu Brothers, drink specials, costume contest, 8 p.m. to midnight, Ethel’s Old Corral, 4310 Alfred Harrell Highway. Overnight camping available. Free. 873-7613.

Halloween Bash, costume contest, music by Really Big Midgetz, prizes, 9 p.m., Bellvedere Cocktail Lounge, 3090 Brundage Lane. Free.

325-2139.

Dusk Til’ Dawn Halloween Event, deejay dancing, costume contest, drinks specials, 9 p.m. Saturday to 1 a.m. Sunday, Replay Lounge & Grill, 4500 Buck Owens Blvd., 363-3709.

Iron Horse Halloween Party, DJ, drink specials, costume contest, 8 p.m. Saturday to 1 a.m. Sunday, Iron Horse Saloon, 1821 S. Chester Ave. Free. 831-1315.

Scary for Charity Halloween Bash, hors d’oeuvres, DJ, costume contest, silent auction, raffle, 7 p.m. to midnight, Marriott Hotel, 801 Truxtun Ave. $50. 21 and over only. Visit scaryforcharity.com.

The Mothership DJ Night “Halloween Edition,” guests deejays, costume contest, 10 p.m., Sandrini’s Bar, 1918 Eye St. $5. 322-8900.

Rockin’ for Relay 2012 Fundraiser Halloween Party, music, raffles, costume contest, 6 p.m. Saturday to 1 a.m. Sunday, Lone Oak Inn, 10612 Rosedale Highway. $5.

On The Rock Halloween Bash, with Glam Cobra, costume contest, two 46” HD flat screen giveaways, 9:30 p.m., On The Rocks, 1517 18th St., $5. 327-7625.

Club Nile Halloween Bash Night 2, deejay dancing, costume contests, drink specials, 9 p.m., Club Nile, 1721 19th St., Halloween Bash, music by Alone & Forsaken, Stockz & Blondz, 8 p.m. Saturday to 1 a.m. Sunday, Cactus Valley Restaurant, $5, 21 & over only. 633-1948.

Oct. 31 Halloween Comic Fest, free comics, giveaways, candy, costume contests, book signing by local comic artist Matt Adams, 3 to 6 p.m., Russo’s, 9000 Ming Ave. Free. Visit halloweencomicsfest.com or 665-4686.

Halloween Bash, DJ, costume contest, drink specials, prizes, 9 p.m., Bellvedere Cocktail Lounge, 3090 Brundage Lane. Free. 3252139.

vendors, car show, pinup contest, safe Halloween, live bands, food, beer, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Rockabilly Swag, 1312 19th St. Free. 322-8783 or 323-7653.

MS Walk 2012, live enterFamily-oriented tainment, drawing, costume October Fun Fest, activities contest, 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., for children, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Yokuts Park, 4200 Empire Saturday and Sunday, 12:30 Drive. Free. walkMSsocal.org to 6 p.m. Monday through or 321-9512.

Friday, now through Oct. 31, Halloween is “Going To The Murray Family Farms, 6700 Dogs,” hosted by Valley General Beale Road. $6.99 all Farmers Market and in conages; Saturday and Sunday, junction with the farmers $10.99. Children 3 years & market; dog agility demonunder free. 330-0100. strations, doggy costume Talladega Frights Scream contests, barbecue, music, 8 Park, 7 p.m. Thursday a.m. to noon, Golden State through Sunday, now through Mall, 3201 F St. Free.

Nov. 4; and 7 p.m. Oct. 31, Oct. 28 11811 Rosedale Highway, between Jewetta Avenue and Fourth Annual Howl-OWeen Pet Festival, pet cosOld Farm Road. $15 to $25. talladegafrights.com or face- tume contest, pet adoptions and kid’s activities 1 to 5 book.com/TalladegaFrights.

Banducci’s Family Pumpkin p.m., Self-Serve Pet Spa, 7401 White Lane, Suite 2. Free.

Patch, cornfield maze, corn381-7699. stalks, field trips, pumpkins, Oct. 29 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday “Scary” Concert, hosted by through Saturday, 10 a.m. to American Guild of Organists; 6 p.m. Sunday, now through Oct. 31 (closes at 4 p.m. Oct. 7 p.m., St. John’s Lutheran 31), Banducci’s Family Pump- Church, 4500 Buena Vista Road. Free. 872-4733. kin Patch, 10747 Taft Highway, Bakersfield. Free. 832For kiddies 2332.

Oct. 25 Oct. 26 October Classic Series, see Kids Night Out “Monsters the movie “Night of the LivInc.,” for ages 7 and up, ing Dead,” 7 p.m., Maya Cine- paint a monster pencil holder, mas, 1000 California Ave. $6. games, pizza, dessert, movie, 636-0484.

6:30 to 9 p.m., Color Me Mine at The Marketplace, Oct. 26-27, 31 Lantern Light Tour & Ghost 9000 Ming Ave. $25; $19 for Hunt, 8 to 10 p.m., Silver City additional siblings. Prepaid reservations required. bakersGhost Town, 3829 Lake field.colormemine.com or Isabella Blvd., Bodfish. $12 664-7366. per person of all ages. 760379-5146.

Oct. 27 Oct. 26 Paint by Candlelight “Spooky Edition,” we’re Spookyville: A Penny Carnival, games, costume contest, turning down the lights and raffle, prizes, obstacle course, turning up the spooky-fun! pumpkin decorating contest, The “trick” is painting by candlelight and we’ll provide the 6 to 8:30 p.m., Boys & Girls “treats!” Wear your costume Club, 801 Niles St. A penny per game, so bring your pen- (or pajamas) for free studio fee. Choose the early seating nies. 325-3730. for families or later for adults Oct. 27 only, 6 p.m., Color Me Mine Healthy Halloween Carniat The Marketplace, 9000 val, carnival games, food, Ming Ave. $12 (price depends costume contest (kids on pottery painted). bakersonly), skateboarding demon- field.colormemine.com or stration, photo booth, bounce 664-7366. house, music, health screenOct. 30-31 ing (for adults), musical chairs and hula hoop contest, Safe Halloween 2012, with 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Kohl’s, 5385 trick or treat stations, cosGosford Road. Free. tume contest, haunted house, food and beverages for sale, Trunk or Treat Halloween Celebration, music, interac- 5 to 9 p.m., Kern County tive games, costume contest, Museum, 3801 Chester Ave. $6; $8 for children ages 3 to bounce house, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., located along the North 12 that are trick-or-treating. vallitix.com or 868-8410.

Chester frontage road north of Norris Road, Oildale. Free.

Oct. 31 Street Fair Fundraiser, ben- In-Store Trick-or-Treating, 5 efitting the California Veterto 7 p.m., Barnes & Noble, 4001 ans Assistance Foundation; California Ave. Free. 631-2575.

PHOTO COURTESY OF DAVID HARRISON

Robert Williams, aka Big Sandy, co-headlines Saturday’s 2012 Monster Ball at B Ryder’s.

HALLOWEEN: CONTINUED FROM 20

up/hot rod culture of rockabilly? Who knows, but Orange County roots rock legend Robert Williams, who co-headlines the 2012 Monster Ball at B Ryder’s on Saturday, has a thing for horror, as do his fans. Better known under his stage name, Big Sandy, Williams said Halloween is one of his favorite days of the year.

“I grew up being a fan of all things horror,” said Williams. “Magazines like Famous Monsters of Filmland, all the Universal monster movies, and monster records by guys like John Zacherle (‘Dinner With Drac’) Bobby ‘Boris’ Pickett (‘Monster Mash’), even Buck Owens (‘It’s A Monster’s Holiday’). It’s a lot of fun to be surrounded by the creepiness I enjoyed as a kid.”

Also appearing with Big Sandy and his Fly Right Boys is UK rockabilly chanteuse Karling Abbeygate, who enjoys performing this time of year.

“Halloween is seriously my favorite time of the year,” she said. “I wish every day was Halloween.

I’m going to be dressed as a Zombie Queen of Hearts. I have a huge wig, a short dress and a bunch of white makeup. It’s a great opportunity to role-play and just be weird and have fun.”

Both groups have tailored shows to suit the evening, which includes a costume contest and guaranteed shenanigans.

“Saturday is gonna be a blast,” Williams said.

“Our show will be our usual rockin’ and honkytonkin’ sort of thing, but with a few Halloween twists. We’ll have a couple of monster tunes thrown in the mix and we will be in costume, which will have to remain a surprise.”

Abbeygate said fans might want to bring a fire extinguisher for her set.

“Our guitar player is going to light himself on fire. Actually, he’s going to light his guitar on fire, but I’m guessing it’s all gonna go wrong as usual.”

Also appearing are local bands Fatt Katt and the Von Zippers and Loner Troubadour.

What about the kids?

Grown-ups may be excited about Halloween parties, but the kids will have their say when it comes to trick-or-treating. This year, there are scores of events to choose from.

The ever-popular Safe Halloween at the Kern County Museum on Tuesday and Wednesday is a convenient way to get the kids an equal opportunity to fill their treat bags. Throughout the museum grounds, a number of trick-or-treat stations are set up to accommodate the throngs of children and families that attend every year.

Those interested in more healthy fare can pack up the family for Saturday’s Healthy Halloween at the Kohl’s parking lot on Gosford Road, with skateboarding demonstrations, photo booths, a bounce house and more.

If the sight of ghouls and witches is too intense for your little ones, a number of local churches hold harvest-themed carnivals to celebrate the evening. Plus, area farms have set up pumpkin patches, cornfield mazes and games to enjoy together for good, clean fun.

30

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, October 25, 2012

Eye Street

Sister act revives Mozarts Self-taught musicians honor pair of childhood prodigies

BY SUSAN SCAFFIDI Contributing writer

Y

one round of

BUY Mini Golf and get one

FREE Coupon expires November 25, 2012

oung musician Mercedes Barcella has made quite a name for herself in the past several months, both for teaching herself to play the piano and sharing her talent with the community in several public performances, including at children’s hospitals.

Now, Mercedes’ sister, 10-year-old Celeste, is joining the act, performing on the violin. The two sisters, both self-taught, will perform in two concerts at Beale Memorial Library, on Saturday and Nov. 10.

“We want to share (music) with our own children here,” said Mercedes, 13.

The Barcella sisters will perform the music of Wolfgang Mozart, dressed as the young Wolfgang and his sister, Maria Anna, nicknamed “Nannerl.” As children, Wolfgang and Nannerl, hailed as prodigies, performed for the royalty and nobility of Europe.

“I feel very excited,” Celeste said.

“To entertain the people there and also show who Nannerl Mozart is.

And Mozart.”

The sisters have gained considerable notice playing short programs at children’s hospitals. Mercedes said the library concerts will be longer, and include some multimedia presentations about Mozart’s life and times. Titled “The Living Composer,” the concert program

‘The Living Composer’ When: 11 a.m. Saturday and Nov. 10 Where: Kern County Library Auditorium, 701 Truxtun Ave. Admission: Free

will include Mozart’s Minuet in G Major, Minuet in F Major, Minuet in C Major, the Sonata in C Major, Sonata in A Major and some of Mercedes’ original compositions.

The two girls live in Oildale with their parents, Ernesto and Liliana.

Both are home-schooled. Liliana expressed the same amazement at her younger daughter’s abilities as she had previously done at Mercedes’ accomplishments. “(Celeste) started just the same as Mercedes,” Liliana said. “She just started teaching herself violin and piano.

“We have no musicians in my family or my husband’s.”

Liliana said the girls watch videos of performers to learn about playing technique and other details. Liliana’s role is to support her daughters in what they are trying to accomplish.

“I’m making the costumes, whatever the girls need,” said Liliana, who noted that the girls direct everything.

“Just two girls and mom working together,” Liliana said.

“I think we are a good team,” Celeste said. “We practice all day long; we’re all the time talking about how we should do performance.

“It’s like a game, playing music.”

COME EXPERIENCE

INVASION SHATTERI NG YOUR SENSE OF SECURITY.

A walk-through drama October 26-28, 2012 Grace Baptist Church 2550 Jewetta Ave, Bakersfield (corner of Rosedale and Jewetta)

HENRY A. BARRIOS / THE CALIFORNIAN

Mercedes Barcella and her sister will perform at Beale Memorial Library on Saturday and Nov. 10.

Mercedes said she and her sister want to expand their concerts to more hospitals.

“What many artists do is just (perform at) the galas,” Mercedes said.

“That brings money to the hospitals, but many artists forget about the children.”

Although the family states neither girl has taken any lessons, Mercedes said she is ready to work with a teacher.

“I would like to get some guidance from a professional teacher,” Mercedes said. “I need to find a specialist for my level.

“What I’ve seen, I’ve probably passed the levels of some teachers here.”

Both sisters would both like to become professional concert artists and hope to study at the famed Mozarteum academy in Salzburg, Austria.

“Life is long,” Mercedes said. “We still have a lot of work to do.”

“ACHIEVE SIGNIFICANT WEIGHT LOSS” Lose an average of 27 pounds in 12 weeks* • Non-surgical weight loss • One-on-one with a physician • 99% keep weight off after a year** •

Cynthia

877.915.2253

Reservations at gbcbak.org/jh or call 340.0176

Tours start at 6 PM nightly

***

Lost over 70 pounds

cmwl.com

INITIAL CONSULTATION FROM $19

Yadvinder Narang, MD - 3940 San Dimas, Bakersfield, CA *Based on a studyy in tthe 6/12 American Journal of Medicine of 375 ppatients on a medi medicall callyy ppres presscribed diet. **Based on a stratifi tified sample p of 349 patients p over a six-year y pperiod. Patientss must have have rem mainedd on the pprogram g for a minimum im of 28 days y and be monnitored with at least two physici p y ia ia visits ian vis ts with wit iin firs first 31 days y to be included in the th study. y A varietyy of nutritional meal replacements p were ree use u d. 99% 99% of of the ppatients that followed the CMW MWL pprogram, g includingg a low calorie diet and individua individual al counselin counsel cou nseling ing ngg with CMWL pphysicians, y from one mo month n up to a year, weighed i h d less at their last weigh-in than their eir starting weight. ***Results not typical.

Thursday, October 25, 2012 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street RAPPELL: CONTINUED FROM 21

ture Hotel.

Although Stockdale Tower is less than half the height of the famed downtown Los Angeles hotel, 126 feet may still be intimidating for the 31 people who have signed up so far.

“This is an exciting, thrilling, extreme event,” Tucker said. “Looking down 12 stories will raise every hair on your head.

Tucker said the council hopes to raise at least $50,000 to help support the character education and leadership development programs of Scouting. Those include outreach into the Hispanic community and funding workshops using new Boy Scouts of America STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) materials.

As a former Scout and Scout father, Moe said he’s gearing up for the cause rather than the thrills.

“The closest I’ve come to thrill-seeking was NASCAR drives at Mesa Marin,” Moe said. “It will be an adrenaline rush like that, but I don’t go looking for trouble.

“Everybody will have butterflies in their stomach, but life’s too short so you’ve got to take the shot.”

Moe’s climbing experience consists of some small-scale outings — 30-foot drops — with Scouts. But that’s fine since “Edgers” aren’t required to have any climbing experience. They will have a training course an hour before the drop Saturday to prepare them physically and mentally.

“This event is very much like Scouting where we educate young people to face their fears, enjoy the adventure and celebrate the victory,” Tucker said. “Each Edger is given special instruction during the

training time that calms their fears and gives them encouragement to complete the rappel. Very few participants have ever ‘chickened out.’”

There may not be chickens but at least one famed Condor is set to take the plunge on media day Friday.

“It could be a little hairy for Colonel Claw,” Moe said of the mascot, who plans to go down in full costume.

Even if Moe is the first to drop Saturday, he’s glad he’ll have been able to watch the others, such as radio personality Scott Cox and KGET-TV’s Kevin Charette, try their luck on Friday.

People taking part Saturday include some competitors fresh off this month’s Volkslauf as well as firefighters, members of law enforcements and, of course, Scouts.

Along with a personal host helping guide the Edger, cheering squads are encouraged to show support for participants.

If you can raise $1,000 or more by Saturday and are ready to rappel, Tucker said there’s plenty of room in the schedule. The only other requirements for Edgers is that they are at least 14 years old and weigh between 110 and 300 pounds. Call 3259036 or visit www.sscbsa.org/edge to sign up by Friday.

“Bakersfield is a last-minute town no matter how good the event is. It’s still a last-minute deal.”

And for those on the fence, he warned there may be some regrets later this weekend.

“They’ll see the paper on Sunday morning and think, ‘Dang, I would have loved to have done it.’”

LAST DAY TOMORROW - Friday, October 26

30% to 50% Off • Roberto Coin • Marco Bicego • Breitling • Charles Krypell

• Rhonda Faber Green • Leslie Greene • Alexis Bittar • Estate Jewelry

MONDAY-FRIDAY 10-5:45 3200 21ST STREET SUITE 500 | BAKERSFIELD | 661.325.5023

31

32

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, October 25, 2012

Eye Street Go & Do Today “Tonight Is For You” Soiree, hosted by African American Network of Kern County, 5:30 to 8 p.m., American Sound Recording Studios, 2231 R St. $35; $40 at the door. 817-4183 or vallitix.com.

Art in the Afternoon: Draw your Home, learn various art techniques, expand your creativity, 4 p.m., Beale Memorial Library, 701 Truxtun Ave. Free. 868-0745.

Bakersfield Homeowner Workshop, learn how a home energy upgrade can help lower utility bills, protect the environment, improve home comfort, 7 to 8:30 p.m., Garces High School, 2800 Loma Linda Drive. Free. Register at eucbakersfield.eventbrite.com.

Bingo, warmups start at 5 p.m., with early birds at 6 p.m., regular games at 6:30 p.m., Volunteer Center of Kern County, 2801 F St. From $20 buy-in to “the works.”

395-9787.

Culinary Arts Program Gourmet Meals, dinner 5:30 to 7 p.m.

Tuesdays and Thursdays, lunch 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesdays, now until Nov. 29, Bakersfield College, Renegade Room, 1801 Panorama Drive. Dinners $12.95, lunches start at $8; take-out meals available. 395-4441.

Death Penalty Event, with Jerry Givens, Ron McAndrew, who are touring on behalf of the Prop. 34 campaign, 3 to 5 p.m., CSUB, Science III, Room 104, 9001 Stockdale Highway. Free. Email tvivian@csub.edu.

Guitar Class, taught by John Gomez, individuals or a group, Juliana’s Art Studio & Gallery, 501 18th St. Call 327-7507 for class details.

Guitar Masters at The Bell Tower, with Laurence Juber, doors open at 6:30 p.m., show at 7:30 p.m., The Bell Tower, 1200 Truxtun Ave., Suite 100. $30, includes appetizers. No-host bar. Email rkreiser@carneys.com or 204-7685.

Interfaith Candlelight Vigil, 7 to 8:15 p.m., Liberty Bell, 1415 Truxtun Ave. Free. Email smfsccdf@hotmail.com or 6644563.

Mango Street Monologues: Local Lives, featuring art, music, refreshments, 8 p.m., The Empty Space, 706 Oak St. For mature audiences only. $10. 832-8112.

Friday Condors vs. Las Vegas Wranglers, everyone will receive a 2012-2013 team poster, 7 p.m.

Rabobank Arena, 1001 Truxtun Ave. $9-$27. Tickets: Rabobank box office, bakersfieldcondors.com or 324-7825.

FLICS International Cinema Society, presents “Headhunters,” 7:30 p.m., Fox Theater, 2001 H St. $5. flics.org or call 428-0354.

Golf Tournament, hosted by Kern County Probation Department’s Family Relief Fund, 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Riverlakes Golf Course, 5201

Riverlakes Drive. $100 per player includes cart, practice range balls, lunch and dinner. All proceeds benefit department employees and their families in times of tragedy and crisis. 868-7478 or 345-0482.

Personal Stories, local writers present scenes from their own lives in poetry and prose, 6 p.m., Beale Memorial Library, 701 Truxtun Ave. Free. 868-0745.

Smooth Jazz and Poetic Expressions, 8 p.m., Four Points Hotel by Sheraton, 5101 California Ave. $25. 398-9161. Benefitting Stepping Stones Youth Development Program.

Vocal Recital: An Evening of Art, Song & Aria, 7:30 p.m., Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 1900 Baker St. $10 general; $5 seniors/students; CSUB students are free with ID. 654-2168.

Saturday Bakersfield Friends of Wine J. Lohr Winery Dinner, enjoy seven wines, 6 p.m., The Petroleum Club, 5060 California Ave. $85 per person. 871-6463 or 871-6830.

BC Football vs. Cerritos College, 4 p.m., Bakersfield College, Memorial Stadium, 1801 Panorama Drive. $3-$15 depending on area of seating. 395-4326.

Boomtown Days Barbecue, gas engine show, blacksmith demonstration, plant sale, quilting display, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., barbecue from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., West Kern Oil Museum, 1168 Wood St., Taft. Free admission but barbecue is $10 adults; $5 children 10 & under. 765-6664.

Cat Adoptions, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., or by appointments, Petco, 8220 Rosedale Highway. $65 includes spay/neuter, vaccines and leukemia testing. 327-4706.

Certified Farmers Market, 8 a.m. to noon, next to Golden State Mall, 3201 F St.; 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Brimhall Square, 9500 Brimhall Road; 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays, and 3 to 6 p.m. Wednesdays, one block west on Hageman Road (Allen and Hageman roads).

Condors vs. Stockton Thunder, first 2,000 youth fans 12 and under will receive a Condors youth jersey, 7 p.m., Rabobank Arena, 1001 Truxtun Ave. $9-$27. Tickets: Rabobank box office, bakersfieldcondors.com or 324-7825.

Creative Writing, inspired by “The House on Mango Street,” read selected vignettes, write your own poetry, prose, brief vignettes, workshop led by Kern County writer and teacher Kevin Shah, 11 a.m., Beale Library, 701 Truxtun Ave. Free. 868-0745.

Electronic Waste Recycling Fundraiser, bring unwanted electronic waste like TVs, monitors, computers, car and rechargeable batteries, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Valley Achievement Center, 1300 Stine Road. 873-4011.

Kaiser Permanente Second annual Get Fit 5K Fun Run, Health Expo and Kid Zone, rock

wall, clown, activities for children, run begins at Medical Office Building, 8800 Ming Ave., and goes through CSUB campus, registration 7:30 a.m., run begins 9 a.m.; activities end at noon. $25; free for 1K. 334-2088.

Living Composer Concert, with pianist Mercedes Barcella, and her sister Celeste, a violinist, 11 a.m. to noon, Beale Memorial Library, auditorium, 701 Truxtun Ave. Free.

868-0770.

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer 5K Walk, registration 7:30 a.m., walk 8 a.m., Quest Imaging, 9602 Stockdale Highway. makingstrideswalk.org/bakersfield.

Manny Ford’s Comedy Explosion, 8 p.m., Fox Theater, 2001 H St. $35.50 to $45.50. vallitix.com or 322-5200.

Medieval Faire in the Kingdom of Camelot, weaponry combat exhibitions, drama performances, belly dancers, food, arts and crafts, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Central Park at Mill Creek, 21st and R streets. Free. 852-8259.

Monster Truck Night of Fire & Thrills 2012, two shows: 3 and 7:30 p.m., Kern County Fairgrounds, 1142 S. P St. $17 adults; $10 children 12 and under. Visit outlawmonstertrucks.com. Tickets can be purchased at all Big O Tires stores.

NFLCC Region 10 Vintage Tackle Show & Auction, hosted by National Fishing Lure Collectors Cub; wide display of vintage collections of lures, rods, reels and more, also bring your vintage fishing tackle for free appraisals or auction, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Hotel Rosedale, 2400 Camino Del Rio Court. $5. Visit nflcc.org.

October Fun Fest, activities for children, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, 12:30 to 6 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, Murray Family Farms, 6700 General Beale Road. $6.99 all ages; Saturday and Sunday, $10.99. Children 3 years & under free. 330-0100.

Pink Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser, 8 a.m. to noon, Fraternal Hall, 410 E. California Ave. $10.

348-4155.

Ridgeview Wolf Pack Fall Marching Classic, featuring 20 marching bands from greater Kern County performing in junior high parade review and high school field show competition, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Ridgeview High School, 8501 Stine Road. $8; $5 seniors 55+, students with ID, and children 12 and under. 398-3100.

Star Party with Kern Astronomical Society, 8 to 10 p.m., The Marketplace, 9000 Ming Ave. 487-2519.

Toast & Taste the Holidays 2012, wine and dining by the BC culinary arts department, live music, door prizes, 6 to 10 p.m., Urner’s, 4110 Wible Road. $50 advance; $60 at the door. 3968400.

Sunday “Dia De Los Muertos” Bike Ride, benefits Kern County Shriner Club activities; registration 8 a.m., ride leaves 9 a.m., Shriners Noble Park, 700 S. P St., to go to different cemeteries, $20 per person, includes a meal ticket, and a chili verde cookoff. 319-7844 or 8314476.

Bakersfield Raider Nation Club, come out and watch the games, 10 a.m., Round Table Pizza, 2060 White Lane.

Farmers Market, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Kaiser Permanente, 8800 Ming Ave. 877-524-7373.

Fifth annual Bakersfield Comic-Con, meet comic creators, charity raffle, panels, gaming, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., DoubleTree Hotel, 3100 Camino Del Rio Court. $7. $3 off admission if you come in costume. Free Halloween art print to the first 250 fans. Visit bakersfieldcomiccon.com.

Rock the Bells Tour: Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, 7 p.m., The Dome, 2201 V St. $38.50. All ages.

Tickets available at Los Hermanos Mexican Restaurant. Visit facebook.com/Party661 or 347-8471.

Tehachapi Symphony Orchestra, cellist David Garrett of the Los Angeles Philharmonic will be performing Dvorak’s Cello Concerto in B minor, Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5, Mozart’s Overture, 4 p.m., Country Oaks Baptist Church, 20915 Schout Road, Tehachapi.

Free. 821-7511.

THEATER “The Night I Died At the Palace Theater,” 7 p.m. Thursday and Saturday, Shafter High School, Performing Arts Center, 526 Mannel Ave., Shafter. $6 general; $5 seniors/students; $4 children under 10. 746-4961.

“Gorey Stories,” 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, The Empty Space, 706 Oak St. $15 general; $10 students/seniors. 327-PLAY. “Once Upon a Midnight Dreary,” inspired by the works of Edgar Allan Poe, masquerade party 7 p.m. (followed by show at 8) Friday, show 8 p.m. Saturday, Bakersfield Community Theatre, 2400 S. Chester Ave. Friday $25; $100 for two-seat opera box; Saturday: $15; $60 for opera box. 831-8114.

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

587-3377.

“The Unexpected Man,” 11 p.m.

Friday and Saturday, The Empty Space, 706 Oak St. $5. 327-PLAY. Improv Comedy Show, with Center For Improv Advancement, 8 p.m. Fridays, JC’s Place, 1901 Chester Ave. $5. 322-8209.

Omnipresent Puppet Theater’s “Hansel and Gretel,” 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday, Gaslight Melodrama Theatre & Music Hall, 12748 Jomani Drive. $6. 587-3377.

ART “Out of the Ashes” Art Gallery event, live music, entertainment, art booths, poetry, noon to 4 p.m.

Sunday, The Empty Space, 706 Oak St. $5. 327-PLAY. Art Classes, in drawing, watercolor, oils, color theory, for beginners and advanced, Bakersfield Art Association Art Center, 1817 Eye St. 869-2320.

Art for Healing program, classes that alleviate stress, resulting from illness, or grief. All classes are free but some suggest a donation and are held at Mercy Hospital, Truxtun Campus, Truxtun and A Street. Visit mercybakersfield. org/art or to register, 632-5357.

Children’s Harvest Art Adventure, for ages 5 through sixth grade and their parents or guardians, participants will work on several arts projects through this series, which goes through December, 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Bakersfield Art Association Art Center, 1817 Eye St. $10 per child. 869-2320.

Exhibits on Display, “Out of Print: Altered Books,” “Christopher Stott: New Realism,” and “Paul Strand: The Mexican Portfolio,” now until Nov. 25, Bakersfield Museum of Art, 1930 R St. bmoa.org or 323-7219.

Parent & Pee Wee Art Adventure — Art Center, “Harvest Art Adventure,” the first in a series of art educational opportunities for children, 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Bakersfield Art Association Art Center, 1817 Eye St. $10. 869-2320.

Stained Glass Classes, six-week class, 1 to 3 p.m. Saturdays, Juliana’s Art Studio & Gallery, 501 18th St. 327-7507.

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

Yuriko Tomita, featured artist for October, Dagny’s Coffee Co., 1600 20th St. 634-0806.

MUSIC Blues The Bistro, 5105 California Ave., 323-3905; A Black Sunday, 4 to 7 p.m. Friday.

The Dog House, 777 W. Tehachapi Blvd., 822-4200, Tehachapi; Open Blues Jam, 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday. Free.

Celtic Lengthwise Brewery, 6720 Schirra Court, 836-2537; Whiskey Galore, 8 p.m. Saturday. $5.

Classic rock Bellvedere Cocktail Lounge, 3090 Brundage Lane, 325-2139; Lost Vinyl, 9 p.m. Friday to 1 a.m.

Saturday.