Bakersfield Californian 'Eye St.' / 8-19-10 by Matt Munoz

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, August 19, 2010

What is Eye Gallery?

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

“Bakersfield Jazz” by Christine McKee, one of 14 artists featured in The Californian's annual Eye Gallery art series. The acrylic, which measures 20 inches by 24 inches, will hang at the Bakersfield Museum of Art starting Sept. 9. McKee says of her painting: “Most of my work is abstract figurative with an ethereal quality to it. For this painting, however, I used bold shapes with vivid colors to represent the vibrant quality and excitement of jazz melodies.”

FELIX ADAMO / THE CALIFORNIAN

Eye Gallery is The Californian’s annual celebration of local visual artists. Along with The Bakersfield Museum of Art, our partner, we asked 14 artists to interpret the theme “Close to Home.” We will publish their work, and short biographies of each, on Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays through Sept. 9, when the museum will host a reception in their honor.

Thursday, August 19, 2010 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Gallery

‘Emergence’ begins with a single class BY JENNIFER SELF Californian lifestyles editor jself@bakersfield.com

hough she’s painted, drawn and taken art classes most of her life — a kind of creative counterbalance to her background in science — by pointing to a particular painting, Christine McKee can isolate that specific moment when she realized, finally, she was an artist. And she can point to that life-changing piece quite literally. It’s hanging in her dining room. The name of the “bold and colorful” painting? “Emergence.” “As I was raising my family in Bakersfield, I felt the need to take an art class,” said the New York native, who came to Bakersfield about 20 years ago when her husband’s career relocated the family from Denver. “I enrolled in what I thought would be a single figure drawing class at Bakersfield College. Seven years and approximately 20 art courses later, I decided I needed an art studio to hold my multitude of drawings and paintings. Thus began my career as an artist.” Those courses at Bakersfield College “laid a solid base for me to build on,” said McKee, who credits retired BC teachers Chalita Robinson and Al Davis for her own emergence as an artist. And, in turn, McKee, 58, was thrilled to pass on what she’s learned to artists with development disabilities through a mentoring program sponsored by the Arts Council of Kern. “It was one of the most rewarding experiences I have had as an artist,” McKee said. “I hope to continue this in the coming year.” McKee has exhibited her work at many galleries in town and in Los Angeles and Portland, Ore. Several pieces are on display now at TL Maxwell’s restaurant downtown. We e-mailed McKee to ask about “Bakersfield Jazz,” the title of her Eye Gallery painting, and other art-related topics. Why did you choose this as your subject? The subject of my painting is local jazz performances. One thing I have always liked about Bakersfield is its music scene. There is such a great amount of musical talent in this town and exceptional music can be enjoyed at various venues throughout Bakersfield during any given week. I am partial to jazz and never miss the yearly Jazz Festival at CSUB, showcasing local musicians as well as big-name bands. Who are your favorite artists, overall and locally? I would like to single out Nicole SaintJohn, who besides being a talented artist, is heading some innovative projects as director of visual arts programs for the Arts

FELIX ADAMO / THE CALIFORNIAN

Christine McKee with “Departure,” a sample of her work.

Christine McKee’s studio The artist shares a space at the corner of 19th and Eye streets downtown with two other artists. For more information, go to mmpartstudio.com.

Council of Kern. One artist I greatly admire is Henri Matisse. I love his use of color and composition. What do people not know, but should know, about art? When a person looks at a painting, a decision may be made about whether he/she likes it or not. Sometimes that is all you need to know. You are drawn to it for some reason, or it “speaks to you” in some way. I believe that the more knowledge you have about art the more open you are to enjoying different styles. The viewer may not be aware of the techniques that the artist is using in designing the painting. More of a background in that area can grant a greater appreciation for what the artist is attempting to achieve. Some contemporary and modern pieces are difficult to understand, I am also learning as I go along, but the more exposure and knowledge you have can make a big difference in the type of art you appreciate.

There aren’t a lot of do-overs in life. But if you start a painting and hate it, is it common to cast it aside and try again? I usually start a painting with certain thought in mind. I have found through trial and error, however, that once the painting gets under way, I need to let the painting dictate its direction. Otherwise it’s similar to swimming against a current — you never get anywhere and expend a lot of needless energy. If, in the end I still don’t like the painting, many times I will start a totally new painting on top of it. I actually prefer painting over an existing work as opposed to starting a new canvas. The former colors and textures peeking through add another interesting dimension. Is art talent inherent or can you learn to be a great artist? A lot of people when they find out I’m an artist will say “You are so lucky — I have no talent, I could never draw anything!” A person might have more of a talent to start out with, but what they fail to realize is that art is like everything else. It takes practice, perseverance, and dedication to improve. I have seen students at the end of the semester of an art class doing things they would not have thought possible in the beginning.

EYE GALLERY SATURDAY: MEL PALEO’S PAINTING WILL MOVE YOU EYE GALLERY SUNDAY: NORMA SAVAGE VISITS A (SORT-OF) SECRET GARDEN

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, August 19, 2010

Eye Street

Maya Bakersfield 16 Cinemas

Matinee $6.00, Children/Seniors $6.00, General Admission $9.00, Text Movies to 21321 for 3D presentation add $3.00 to normal ticket price.

Returning to 3D Digital & IMAX Theatres for a limited time only;

James Cameron’s

Avatar

Stand-ups bringing funny business to Fox

Opening at Maya Bakersfield 8/27/10

PRESENTED IN DOLBY DIGITAL Step Up 3-D – PG-13 4:15 7:00 9:50 Despicable Me in 3-D – PG 10:50 1:35

Eat, Pray, Love – PG-13 10:00 11:00 12:00 1:00 2:05 3:05 4:10 5:10 6:15 7:10 8:35 9:30 10:15 Salt – PG-13 10:05 12:25 2:40 5:05 7:20 9:40 10:25

Scott Pilgrim VS The World – PG-13 9:45 12:30 3:15 5:45 8:20 10:50 The Expendables – R 9:50 10:30 12:15 12:50 2:50 3:20 5:20 5:50 7:45 8:15 10:15 10:45 Cats & Dogs The Revenge Of Kitty Galore – G 10:25 12:45 3:05 5:30 8:00

BY MATT MUNOZ Bakotopia.com editor mmunoz@bakersfield.com

Step Up - PG-13 10:10 12:35 3:10 5:40 8:05 10:30

Inception – PG-13 11:45 2:45 6:00 8:45 9:20

Vampires Suck - PG-13 9:55 12:00 2:00 4:10 6:20 8:30 10:40

Despicable Me – PG 10:20 1:05 3:40 6:30

The Other Guys– PG-13 10:00 11:20 12:20 1:50 3:00 4:20 5:35 7:05 8:10 9:45 10:40

Dinner For Scmucks – PG-13 11:50 2:35 5:15 7:50 10:35

1000 California Ave. • 661-636-0484 • mayacinemas.com

C C

I I

N N

E E

M M

A A

S S

FFOORRM E AT AT R RE ES S MEER RLY LY PA PAC CIIF FII C C T TH HE

VALLEY VALLEY PLAZA PLAZA MALL, MALL, WIBLE WIBLE ROAD ROAD AT AT HI-WAY HI-WAY 99 99 ADVANCE TICKETS AT READINGCINEMASUS.COM 1-800-FANDANGO #2703

VAMPIRES

SUCK

(PG-13)

SENIORS (55+) AND KIDS ONLY

3D $11.00

3D $8.00

850 $550 $550 EVERY THURSDAY

$ I

EAT PRAY LOVE

(11:40AM, 12:40, 1:40, 2:40, 3:40, 4:40, 5:40), 6:40, 7:40, 8:40, 9:40, 10:40 I

MATINEES BEFORE 6PM ONLY

BEST MKERSFIELD’S OVIE V ALUE I

GENERAL ADMISSION ONLY

(PG-13)

VALUE FREE SIZE POPCORN ANYONE 55 OR OLDER I

THE

EXPENDABLES (11:00AM, 12:00, 1:20, 2:30, 3:40, 5:00), 6:00, 7:20, 8:20, 9:45, 10:40

(11:15AM, 1:15, 2:15, 4:15, 5:15), 7:15, 8:20, 10:15

SCOTT PILGRIM VS. THE WORLD (PG-13)

SALT (PG-13)

THE OTHER GUYS (PG-13)

RAMONA AND BEEZUS (G)

(12:10PM, 2:40, 5:10), 7:40, 10:10

(11:45AM, 1:00, 2:15, 3:25, 4:45, 5:50), 7:15, 8:15, 9:40, 10:40 STEP UP 3D (PG-13)

(12:30PM, 3:00, 5:30), 8:00, 10:30 STEP UP 3 (PG-13) (4:30PM), 7:00, 9:30

(3:00PM), 7:45

(12:00PM, 2:35)

TOY STORY 3 (G)

(11:15AM, 2:00)

INCEPTION (PG-13)

(11:00AM, 2:05, 5:10), 8:15, 10:15

CATS & DOGS: THE REVENGE OF KITTY GALORE (PG)

THE SORCERER’S APPRENTICE (PG-13)

DINNER FOR SCHMUCKS (PG-13)

DESPICABLE ME (PG)

(11:05AM, 1:20, 3:35, 5:50), 8:05 (12:20PM, 5:15), 10:10

(R)

(5:10PM), 7:40, 10:10

(12:15PM, 2:30, 4:45), 7:00, 9:10

VISIT READINGCINEMASUS.COM FOR ADVANCE TICKETS AND SHOWTIMES. Bargain Shows in ( )

I Pass/Discount Restrictions Apply

Showtimes Valid Only 8/19/10

Showtimes for August 20-26 RAMONA AND BEEZUS A 11:30, 1:50, 4:20, 6:50, 9:20 THE SORCERER’S APPRENTICE B 11:40, 2:10, 4:40, 7:10, 9:40 PREDATORS E 12:00, 2:30, 5:00, 7:30, 10:00 THE LAST AIRBENDER B 11:50, 2:20, 4:50, 7:20, 9:50 KNIGHT AND DAY C 7:00, 9:30 THE A-TEAM C 1:15, 4:10, 7:40, 10:10 THE KARATE KID B 12:45, 4:00, 7:00, 10:05 MARMADUKE B 11:45, 2:00, 4:30 SHREK FOREVER AFTER B 12:10, 2:40, 5:10, 7:25, 9:45 IRON MAN 2 C 12:30, 3:45, 7:15, 10:05

he Bud Light Comedy Jam is back in Bakersfield this weekend with Joey Medina and Darren Carter leading the pack of traveling comics for the Fox Theater show. Carter, a Fresno native, made the jump from opener to national headliner as a regular on the L.A. comedy club circuit before making the jump to TV. Appearing on Comedy Central, BET’s “Comic View” and “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” the self-proclaimed “Ginger of Comedy” spared no time praising his Bakersfield fans. “Bakersfield is one of my favorite towns to perform in, and the city has been very good to me.” Currently promoting his latest CD, “That Ginger’s Crazy” — titled in tribute to one of his comedy idols, Richard Pryor — Carter’s conversational style has found success with mixed audiences. Could it be his redhead charm that makes him so appealing? “There’s not a lot of redheaded headlining comedians,” Carter laughs. “Plus, I can relate to just about anyone. I feed off the crowd. I just like giving people their jollies.” It doesn’t hurt that he’s well-versed in hip-hop music either. A fan of rapper Snoop Dogg, one of his popular bits features Carter impersonating the rapper, dancing and telling the news the “Snoop way.” “I got my own set of rapping skills as Darren Carter-Party Starter, plus who wouldn’t like to see and hear Snoop report the news?” Co-headliner Joey Medina, who along with Carter has performed on just about every type of stage imaginable, keeps his roots close during his stand-up. Pulling material from his Bronx/Puerto Rican upbringing, he’s experienced similar success with multi-ethnic fans. Inspired by the Latin comedy legend Freddie Prinze, Medina’s jokes have been embraced from Bakersfield to Bosnia and Australia. “People wanna laugh. It’s as simple as that,” Medina explains. “So much has changed in the Latin comedy scene and a lot aren’t labeled just Latin

PHOTO COURTESY OF DARREN CARTER

Fresno native Darren Carter has appeared on Comedy Central, BET’s “Comic View” and “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.”

Bud Light Comedy Jam When: 8 p.m. Saturday Where: Fox Theater, 2001 H St. Admission: $20 to $30 Information: 324-1369

comics anymore. This show is one of those bills where everyone is a headliner.” Although the “Latin” label may follow comedians with Spanish surnames, Medina recalls a recent trip to Australia where he also performed. “I just came back from Australia and they weren’t having a ‘Cinco de Mayo’ party because I was there. Nowadays there are Latinos touring all over the place.” Also appearing are comedians Steve Simeone, Lance Patrick, Shaun Latham and DJ Cooch, a personal favorite of Medina’s. “DJ Cooch just starred in something, a DVD I produced and directed called ‘Cholo Comedy Slam’ and I predict he’s going to be a big star.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF JOEY MEDINA

Inspired by the Latin comedy legend Freddie Prinze, Joey Medina’s jokes have been embraced from Bakersfield to Bosnia and Australia.

CASH FOR GOLD Adv. Tix on Sale PIRANHA Adv. Tix on Sale LOTTERY TICKET VAMPIRES SUCK (PG-13) (140 440) 740 1040 SCOTT PILGRIM VS. THE WORLD (PG-13) (1145 230 515) 800 1050 EAT, PRAY, LOVE (PG-13) # (1245 400) 715 1030 THE EXPENDABLES (R) - ID REQ'D (1130 215 500) 745 1015 THE OTHER GUYS (PG-13) # (120 145 420) 720 750 950 1020 STEP UP IN REAL D 3D - EVENT PRICING (PG-13) # (130 430) 730 1010 CHARLIE ST. CLOUD (PG-13) (115 415) 705 930 CATS AND DOGS: REVENGE IN REALD 3D - EVENT PRICING (PG) # (1240 330) 600 845 DINNER FOR SCHMUCKS (PG-13) (1230 345) 630 915 SALT (PG-13) # (100 400) 700 1025 INCEPTION (PG-13) (1115 300) 645 1000 DESPICABLE ME (PG) (1215 315) 615 900 GROWN UPS (PG-13) (505 PM) PIRANHA 3D - MIDNITE (R) - ID REQ'D # 1201 AM LOTTERY TICKET - MIDNITE (PG-13) 1201 AM 800 PM RIFFTRAX LIVE: REEFER MADNESS (NR) © 2010 Times For 8/19/10

fabriejewelers.com

LOCALLY OWNED FULL SERVICE GIA CERTIFIED DIAMONDS LARGE SELECTION GREAT PRICES

FABRIE JEWELERS 4560 COFFEE RD. HAGEMAN & COFFEE 588-7503

Thursday, August 19, 2010 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street

Tehachapi gets festive Wheels, wind and wine mark annual celebration

Please join us for an Informational Coffee And Tour

Assistance League

BY SUSAN SCAFFIDI Contributing writer

1924 Q St. (Corner of 20th & Q St.)

Chapter Room Entrance on R St.

Monday, Aug. 23 at 10 a.m. Please contact Barbara Scott at 323-0838 for reservations

You Asked for It! We’re bringing it back HENRY A. BARRIOS / THE CALIFORNIAN

Issa Mardeni and his 7-year-old son, Issa Jr., walk through the cars and trucks displayed at the 2009 Thunder on the Mountain Car & Truck Show.

Tehachapi Loop Railroad Club Summer Model Train Show When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday Where: West Park, Recreation & Parks District, 491 W. D St., Tehachapi Admission: Free Information: 300-0932

13th annual Thunder on the Mountain Car & Truck Show When: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday Where: Downtown Tehachapi Cost to enter: $35 Information: thunderonthemountain.net

HEY, LOCAL COOKS, WANT TO WIN A $1,000 URNER’S GIFT CARD? Calling all local cooks: Do you think you could out-fire Bobby Flay? Give Gordon Ramsey a run for his money? Now would you be willing to put your mixing bowl where your mouth is for a chance at a $1,000 Urner’s gift card and bragging rights as a top local cook? Well, then The Bakersfield Californian’s Eye Cook competition is for you! So how do you enter? Now through Sept. 3, send in a recipe in one of three categories: main dish, appetizer/side dish or dessert. Past winners, include two main dishes and a dessert, but the real indicator of a champion is confi-

dence, so enter whatever you believe in — as long as it’s original. Once we’ve got all the entries, we’ll select 30 to compete in the semifinals on Sept. 25. Finalists will then compete at the Eye Cook finals at Urner’s on Oct. 30. An overall winner selected by a panel of celebrity judges will win a $1,000 Urner’s gift card. Top runners-up will win a $500 gift card to Urner’s, and third-place winners will receive $200 gift cards from Olcotts. (Even for those not competing, DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen will be offering $600 in door prizes for those

attending the Oct. 30 finals, so mark your calendar!) How to enter: Send us your original recipe (preferably typed) in one of three categories: main dish, appetizer/side dish or dessert. E-mail recipes to eyecook@bakersfield.com or mail them to Eye Cook 2010 attn: Stefani Dias, P.O. Bin 440, Bakersfield CA 93302. When: Recipes being accepted now through Sept. 3. Dates to remember: You must be available for the semifinals on Sept. 25 and the finals on Oct. 30 to qualify.

SFIELD CALIF OR

2010

O R S’ C H O I C E P

T H E AT R E & M U S I C H A L L

Showtimes: Friday and Saturdays at 7:00PM, Sunday at 2PM 12748 Jomani Dr. Call for reservations 587-3377 www.themelodrama.com

Visit tehachapimountainfestival.com for a full schedule of events.

47th annual Tehachapi Mountain Festival

Aug 20th thru Sept 25th

Allen Rd.

GO & DO

AN NI

many people.” Perkins said the festival slogan is picked from community members who suggest names, similarly to the way the Kern County Fair picks its slogan. Perkins noted the Tehachapi area has become wellknown for its wind energy industry, and is also gaining a reputation for wine, with two full-service wineries, Souza Family Vineyard and Triassic Legacy Vineyards. “They both have wine tasting now, so we thought it was a good time to promote them,” Perkins said. “I guess our community felt the same way — we got a lot of entries that mentioned windmills and wine.” Other events scheduled for the Mountain Festival include a pet parade this evening and the festival parade on Saturday morning, a gem and mineral show, a pancake breakfast and a dinner-dance, the annual PRCA Rodeo, an arts and crafts fair and a carnival, a fun run and live entertainment. As big a boon as the festival can be to local businesses, Perkins said the festival is really about celebrating the Tehachapi community, which perseveres even in troubled times, such as during the West fire that burned near Tehachapi at the end of July. “I think everybody feels maybe we need to have a little fun and celebrate,” Perkins said. “Because (the fires) could have been a lot worse.”

he motto of the 47th annual Tehachapi Mountain Festival is “Windmills, Wine and Oaks Divine.” Someone should have found a way to include “Wheels.” Vintage cars and trucks and model trains will be on exhibit during the festival in two separate shows. The annual “Thunder on the Mountain” car and truck show will exhibit up to 300 vehicles in 35 categories, including stock cars, modified vehicles, street rods, foreign cars, motorcycles, muscle cars, competitive vehicles, and other categories from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday in downtown Tehachapi between Green and F streets. The Tehachapi Model Train Club will exhibit several different scale layouts in West Park on Saturday and Sunday starting at 10 a.m. both days. “I know people are fascinated with trains,” said train club president John Bell. “Back in the older days, if you wanted to go somewhere you got on a train.” “I think in my last lifetime I might have been an engineer,” Bell said. Some of last year’s top car show winners included a 1937 Oldsmobile convertible, a 1971 Dodge Polara CHP Cruiser, a 1937 Ford Slantback and a 1955 Chevrolet Truck, which won Best of Show. Beetles, Barracudas, El Caminos, PT Cruisers, Ramblers and Model T’s all have a place in the show, which donates proceeds to local charities and scholarships. Tehachapi Chamber of Commerce president Ida Perkins said the Mountain Festival is the most important event in the community’s year. “People schedule their class reunions at the same time, family reunions,” Perkins said. “It’s just a big party in the Tehachapi area.” Perkins said the festival is the major fundraiser for the chamber, but it also is a huge money-maker for Tehachapi hotels, restaurants and stores. Perkins said local businesses report record sales during the festival each year. “When you’ve got in excess of 30,000 people visiting, it’s kind of like a weekend economic stimulus,” Perkins said. “You almost can’t move in town, there are so

LOOKING FOR MEMBERS COMMITTED TO MAKING A DIFFERENCE!

Jomani Dr.

E S

Rosedale Hwy.

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, August 19, 2010

Eye Street Camille Gavin CONTRIBUTING COLUMNIST

The revel is in the details Precision is key in artist’s collages

t’s interesting to see how skills learned in one profession can be transferred to another. Take Bakersfield native Michael Shell, for example. He learned artistic skills during his school days. Later, he served as a Navy medic. Now that he’s doing collages, the precision skills he learned as a medic are aiding him in cutting out the images from magazines with an X-acto knife. Other tools he uses in his artwork are Sharpie Pens and WiteOut, said gallery owner Nicole Browning. Shell’s intricate designs are carefully pieced together over a period of several months. His first solo show opens with a midday reception on Saturday at Micro Gallery. After the opening, the artwork will be on display through Oct. 3 and can be seen by appointment only.

Two children’s shows Almost back-to-back productions of two different shows will be presented this weekend at The Empty Space. Each is performed by kids, for kids. The first, “A Day in the Park,” is a variety show set in Chicago’s Lincoln Park, said Guinevere PH Dethlefson, director of the Tonicism Productions’ summer workshop held at the theater on Oak Street. It features songs as well as skits written by the students themselves. Starring in the show are

GO & DO ‘Artistic Chaos’ When: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday Where: Micro Gallery, 6300 Coffee Road Admission: Free Information: 301-3283

Children’s shows at The Empty Space What: “A Day in the Park” and “Disney’s Jungle Book Kids!” When: Noon (“A Day”) and 2 p.m. (“Jungle Book”) Saturday and Sunday Where: The Empty Space, 706 Oak St. Admission: $10, adults; $5, children; free for children under 3 Information: 327-PLAY

‘The Killing Ghost’ When: 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday Where: The Empty Space, 706 Oak St. Information: 327-PLAY

‘Ebb and Flow: Kern’s Vanishing Water’ When: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. today Where: J.P. Jennings, 1701 Chester Ave. Admission: Free Information: 324-9000

Faith Hall, Griffin Hall, Isabel Mejias, Nick Lee, Ana Rios, Dorien Roberts, Skye Trevino, Elizabeth Vaughan and Jacquelynne Vaughan. “Disney’s Jungle Book Kids!” is the second show. Adapted from the film, it’s a musical with a cast

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

of 25 portraying familiar Disney characters. To mention just a few, Lucas Shearson portrays Mowgli; Andrea Ruiz, Baloo; Anusha Gogulapati, Bagheera; and Elina Malsbary as Shere Kahn. Two more performances of each musical will be presented on Aug. 28 and 29.

Mystery with a comic twist “The Killing Ghost,” which opens Friday at The Empty Space, may seem familiar to some theatergoers. Written originally by James Kopp and presented more than 10 years ago, he then revised it for a second performance in 2000. Now it’s been revised a second time by Matt Christensen. “I scrapped almost all of the third act and rewrote it to give it something new for those who remember either of the other two versions,” Christensen said, adding, “James did give final approval on it.” One major change is the expanded role of the narrator who in this version is played by Kopp. The play takes place at the home of a billionaire named Thomas Pierce, a man who is determined to kill himself. “Yes he literally is trying to hang himself; it’s part of the plot,” said Christensen. “It’s also is part of a series of jokes at the beginning of the play.” Others in lead roles are Thor Reese; Norman Colwell, who portrays a female character; and Jennie Babcock. Directors are Christensen and Kristina Saldana. The play is intended for mature audiences. Performances continue on weekends through Sept. 4.

Water works Water affects the lives of everyone in our community. So if art reflects life — and I believe it does — then it makes perfect sense that five local artists have chosen to express their feelings about this valuable resource in a way they know best. On canvas.

PHOTO COURTESY OF NICOLE BROWNING

Michael Shell’s collage “Kryptonite” is part of the current exhibit at Micro Gallery on Coffee Road.

Their exhibit, “Ebb and Flow: Kern’s Vanishing Water,” introduces a new Arts Council project that opens this evening at J. P. Jennings. The artwork is meant to reflect the beauty and the impact of the Kern River. For some, the river and its water may be a political hot potato. But Christine McKee, one of the participating artists, says she’s neutral. “We’ve done a lot of research and we’re trying to be nonpartisan,” she said. “We’re supposed to be informative, to (emphasize) that water is precious and we all must protect it.” Incidentally, “Aqueous Obsession,” the first piece McKee painted for the exhibit, arose from her thoughts about the tranquility of water. Creating Community is the name of the yearlong project. Nicole Saint-John, the coordinator, said its overall purpose is to

bring awareness of pertinent topics to the community. Other subject matter will be chosen by the artists for subsequent exhibits. “We don’t want to divide, we want to create,” said Saint-John. “We started this program to encourage artists to create community by cooperating with other nonprofit organizations.” Barbara Reid, who’s also involved in the project, came up with the idea of doing the first exhibit as a fundraiser for the Kern River Parkway Foundation — 25 percent of the amount each painting sells for benefits the organization. Also participating are Stacy Holland, Becky Osterdock and Claire Putney. The exhibit is sponsored by Chevron. It will be up through Oct. 3 and can be seen Tuesday through Friday at J.P. Jennings during the shop’s regular business hours.

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, August 19, 2010

Eye Street The Lowdown with Matt Munoz

Cool sounds beat the heat Hit the road for shows this weekend

think we can all agree that sometimes you just gotta get away. Pack up your mates, and head south to celebrate the tailend of a hot summer with some cool shows this weekend. Boston ska-rock legends The Mighty Mighty Bosstones perform tonight at the Hollywood House of Blues, 8430 W. Sunset Boulevard at 8 p.m. Touring nonstop since 1983, the band went from indie to top-40 radio with their 1997 song “The Impression That I Get.” Since going on hiatus in 2005, lead vocalist Dicky Barrett has been staying busy as show announcer for ABC’s “Jimmy Kimmel Show.” Back for a short tour and ska-riffic new CD, “Pin Points and Gin Joints,” Barrett describes his new work ethic as a maturing music idol, tagged with a personal invite. “It’s all very light juggling. I do the ‘Kimmel Show’ about an hour of my day. The Bosstones used to tour 300 shows a year and now as we enter our 40s, we’ve slowed down and lightened that load. I don’t know, I guess when it comes to my chosen profession, which is entertaining, I’m a little lackadaisical and an underachiever. “Come to the show, I can’t imagine there’s anything better going on in Bakersfield.” Tickets for tonight’s all-ages show are $25. For more info, visit: houseofblues.com.

Rockin’ The Bells Rap music’s heaviest hitters are about to get rocked at this Saturday’s Rock The Bells music

Bakotopia Radio 9 to 10 p.m. Sundays on 106.1 FM. KRAB Radio Hosts: Matt Munoz and Miranda Whitworth This Sunday: In-studio performance by Bakersfield’s Fatt Katt and Therese Muller Local arts and music discussion In-studio performance by local band, That That

festival at San Bernardino’s NOS Center beginning at noon. The annual cavalcade of all things hiphop and beyond features sets by Snoop Dogg, Wu-Tang Clan and others. Also on the bill is Street Sweeper Social Club, featuring Rage Against The Machine guitarist Tom Morello and rapper Boots Riley of The Coup. During a recent phone interview, Morello recalled one of Rage’s earliest tours that included a show in Bakersfield. Opening for controversial rap group Public Enemy at CSUB’s outdoor amphitheater in 1992, it was one of many riddled with preshow hysteria that year. “That whole West Coast tour, the local authorities were so wound up saying, ‘Public Enemy was going to be busing in Crips (gang members) for the show …’ The audience was like 97 percent white, college sophomores. There were more police dogs than there were people at the show. It was really pretty crazy and we had a lot of laughs about that show.” While fans await new music from Rage, Morello is promoting Street Sweeper’s new “Ghetto Blaster EP,” a collection of originals and reworked covers by M.I.A. and LL Cool J. “The one thing that Street Sweeper has is a real sense of humor. Boots is a great lyricist.

There’s serious content to what the band is doing, but it’s also funny as hell and I think it reflects the good time we have both onstage and off.” Tickets for the all-day event range from $84 to $419. For info visit: rockthebells.net.

Silver Lake’s Sunset Junction anniversary The Silver Lake area of Los Angeles is home to some of the hippest locales in California, including Club Spaceland and Silversun Liquors where area hitmakers Silversun Pickups stole their name. But this weekend all shoegazing will be put aside to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Sunset Junction, beginning at 11 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Both a street fair and music festival, this year’s lineup is one of the more eclectic in years. Headliners range from punk vets (Bad Brains, Fishbone) to electro-noisemakers (Shiny Toy Guns, Hyphy Crunk) old school rappers (Big Daddy Kane) as well as jazz and local bands on five stages. While many blossoming music festivals get overrun with corporate sponsorships and lame acts, Sunset Junction has managed to retain its indie spirit showcasing loads of undiscovered talent. Texas alt-rock trio Girl In A Coma, who perform on the festival’s “Bates Stage” at 5 p.m. Sunday, not only have bragging rights for working with the legendary Joan Jett, but also being signed to her label. After last year’s brilliant “Trio B.C.,” out on Jett’s Blackheart Records, sisters Nina (guitar and vocals) and Phanie Diaz (drums) and bassist Jenn Alva are one of the weekend’s highlights. Releasing three back-to-back cover EPs, “Adventures In Coverland Vol. 1 3,” earlier this year, Alva admits it was a nice break, plus a way to show their roots.

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

PHOTO COURTESY OF FRED GREISSING

The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, Dicky Barrett, center, will perform at House of Blues in Hollywood tonight.

we’ve never played in the Silverlake area.” Tickets for the 2010 Sunset Junction are $15 advance and $20 at the gate. For more info, visit: sunsetjunction.org.

Matt’s picks

PHOTO COURTESY OF RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE

Guitarist Tom Morello of Rage Against The Machine and Street Sweeper Social Club will perform Saturday in San Bernardino.

“We’re starting to work on the third album, but Blackheart had mentioned if we wanted to do a cover album for fun. So it’s just one of those things you don’t turn down. We were excited. We love to show what makes us who we are. It’s a mix of everything from The Beatles, Selena, Joy Division. Maybe some bands our young fans don’t know.” Named after a song by another of their musical influences, The Smiths, this will be a rare opportunity to catch Girl In A Coma live. “We’re very excited,” added Alva. “We haven’t been in L.A. this year, so it’s finally happening and

The Rocky Horror Picture Show at The Empty Space, 706 Oak St., 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, $10, 327-PLAY. I remember seeing Rocky Horror at the old Nile Theater back in high school with some friends. Not knowing we were about to set ourselves up for a massive fail, we brought bologna instead of franks. To spare you any newbie embarrassment, the good people at The Empty Space will be selling prop bags filled with the right ingredients for an affordable $3. Bless their hearts. Velorio and Versa at Fishlips, 1517 18th St., 9 p.m. Saturday, $5, 324-2557. Forget Zumba, try Velorio! Their hot cumbia-cardio show never fails to result in a rare sight — couples dancing. You don’t have to be versed in Latin dancing either, just grab your gal or guy and shake it up. Openers’ Versa, formerly Out of Frame, are a band to keep up with during this local new music drought.

Thursday, August 19, 2010 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street “Slowly, areas that we would be hiking in are getting toasted.” — Kern River Valley Hiking Club president Glenn Gregory on damage caused by wildfires, including the recent Bull fire.

Beauty and camaraderie Hiking club treks through state’s natural wonders

BY SUSAN SCAFFIDI Contributing writer

re you looking for something different to do? Why not spend the weekend with some of the oldest living things on the planet? The Kern River Valley Hiking Club heads to Schulman Grove to begin a two-day adventure through the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest and White Mountain that will eventually take hikers more than 14,000 feet up. Bristlecone pine trees are among the oldest living trees — a little less than 5,000 years old. “You have very wonderful views of Death Valley and the Mojave Desert,” said Tom Brown, who will be leading the hike. “I think the bristlecone pines are an attraction unto themselves.” Brown said interested hikers will be leaving at 6 a.m. Saturday from the Starbucks on Weedpatch Highway for a four-hour drive that will get them to Schulman Grove in the Inyo Forest above Bishop. Brown said there are three trails among the pines, including the famous “Methuselah” trail, a four-mile hike that travels near the very oldest trees. Brown said the plan is to set up camp at the end of the day for the next day’s adventure — an eight-hour, 14-mile hike up White Mountain somewhere along the 14,000-foot level. The pine forest stands at about 10,000 feet. “The first day will prepare the group for the higher elevations the next day,” Brown said. The Kern River Valley Hiking Club was founded in 1987 by Bill and Ruby Jenkins as a way of honoring their late son, Jim, who had published two books on hiking the area, “Exploring the Southern Sierra,” and “Self-Propelled in the Southern Sierra,” that are still widely available and are considered essential to successful hiking in the area. Ruby Jenkins passed away in 2007, and Bill Jenkins no longer resides in the area, so leadership of the club has passed to Glenn Gregory, who said the club likes to

All welcome ... but come prepared

SEAN WORK / THE CALIFORNIAN

Kern River Valley Hiking Club members Juanita Iturrira, Nicole Cheshire, Rebecca Litteral and Glenn Gregory head toward the summit of Mt. Pinos together during the group’s July outing.

hike all over the state. “Since (Ruby’s) time, when we put the club on the Web, we decided to spread our areas of interest,” Gregory said. Gregory said the club schedules hikes every two weeks throughout the year. He listed several “signature” hikes, including Red Rock Canyon on New Year’s Day, semi-annual hikes on the Tejon Ranch, hikes along the foothills during wildflower season, and hikes in the coastal areas. Recent hikes included Needles Lookout, Peppermint Falls and Sherman Peak. Independence Day was celebrated with a hike to Siretta Peak and Lake Isabella to watch the fireworks show. “Our agenda is camaraderie and fun and having a good time,” Gregory said. Gregory said some hikes aren’t as fun anymore, as the areas have been damaged by wildfires. “Slowly, areas that we would be hiking in are getting toasted,” Gregory said. Gregory said the damage done to hundreds of thousands of acres burned in the Manter fire of 2000, the McNally fire in 2003 and this summer’s Bull fire is still visible. “You know in your lifetime it won’t ever come back to the way it was,” Gregory said.

f you want to join the members of the Kern River Valley Hiking Club on their two-day trek to the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest and White Mountain, there are some things you should know. First of all, club leader Glenn Gregory said the HRV club isn’t really a club. “There are no dues, no officers,” Gregory said. “We really don’t have an agenda.” “All we really want to do is hike,” he added. Gregory said the semi-monthly hikes attract about 30 people, sometimes as many as 50, and members are kept informed through Californian calendar listings and a Yahoo group. Gregory said the group contains men and women, ranging in age from early 20s to early 60s. Gregory said hikes allow for different levels of strength and experience. Most hikers can handle the bristlecone forest hike, but the 14,000-plus altitude and eight hours of the White Mountain hike puts that trip in the “strenuous” category. “One of the chief problems at that altitude is some people lose their appetite,” said Tom Brown, who will lead the hike. “It’s a symptom of altitude sickness.” Brown said it is important to bring highenergy snack foods, such as nuts, trail mix and beef jerky. He also recommended bringing aspirin, as a mild headache is another symptom of altitude sickness. Camping equipment is required for the overnight stay, and Brown noted the campsite is a “dry camp” — there is no water available, and no campfires are allowed. Brown recommended food that can be cooked on a gas stove, plus ready-made items, and, most important, lots of water. “I would say three liters for the hike and at least two gallons per person into White Mountain,” Brown said. Brown advised being prepared for sudden changes in the weather and also recommended sturdy shoes and hiking poles. The two-day hike will begin at 6 a.m. Saturday with a four-hour drive into the mountains beginning at the Starbucks on Weedpatch Highway. Hikers have the option of only completing the first day of the hike, Gregory said. “You’re supposed to enjoy yourself,” Gregory said. “You’re not supposed to be killing yourself.” For more information on the group, visit http://groups.yahoo.com/group/kernriver valleyhikingclub or call Tom Brown at 760608-0442.

Kern River Valley Hiking Club

Dennis Johns and Marcia Henry hike through Los Padres National Forest during a combined outing of the Sierra Club and the Kern River Valley Hiking Club on July 24.

What: Two-day trip to Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest and White Mountain When: Departs at 6 a.m. Saturday, from Starbucks Coffee, at the junction of Highways 58 and 184 (Weedpatch Highway). How to prepare: Bring food, camping equipment and plenty of water. Dress appropriately. For directions: lakeisabella.net/hiking or 747-5065 or 778-3453

Thursday, August 19, 2010 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street

Hit the green, help out Country club hosting 2 fundraising events BY MIRANDA WHITWORTH Contributing writer

he Bakersfield Country Club is opening its gates and giving the public an opportunity to hit the green for a couple of good causes in September. First up is Tee it up for the Troops on Sept. 10. The country club is helping celebrate the National Day of Golf with a fundraiser to benefit veterans and their families. General Manager Jack Zimmerman said the chance to help the troops made this a mustsponsor event for the club. “This is the first time we have done this,” Zimmerman said. “ We do a lot of work for Rotary, Kiwanis, Make a Wish and other charities, but we chose to do this because of the troops, their families and the difficult time many of them are having.” The event is a two-person scramble with a $200 per player fee, $175 per player with a military ID. The cost includes greens fees, golf cart, range balls, prizes, lunch and dinner. Zimmerman says tournaments similar to this will take place nationwide on Sept. 10. “In 2005, the closest Friday to September 11 has been recognized as The National Day of Golf and people play for the troops all over the country,” he said. “ We will have American

Tee it up for the Troops What: Two-man scramble When: Sept. 10; 1 p.m. shotgun start Where: Bakersfield Country Club, 4200 Country Club Drive Cost: $200 per player or $175 with military ID Information or to register: 8714121 or teeitupforthetroops.com

31st annual Arthritis Association Charity Golf Tournament What: Four-person modified scramble and Calloway handicap When: Sept. 13; 11 a.m. complimentary range, barbecue lunch at noon and 1 p.m. shotgun start Where: Bakersfield Country Club Cost: $150 per player Information or to register: 3229411

flags lined up Country Club Drive and around the clubhouse it will be a great event for the troops and our community.” This isn’t the only time of year that the Bakersfield Country Club opens its doors to the public in the name of charity. Just a few days after the Tee it up for the Troops — on Sept. 13 — the Arthritis Association will be hosting its

31st annual Charity Golf Tournament, which benefits its Adaptive Aquatics Center. Kristen Hoffman, executive assistant and volunteer coordinator for the center, said they are definitely in need of the public’s support. “We need a new roof. We were told by all of our roofing contractors that have come out to bid that our roof will not last another rainy season,” Hoffman said. “We are focusing all of our fundraising efforts on that, so the tournament is really going to help with our day-to-day operating costs.” The Adaptive Aquatics Center is a branch of the Arthritis Association that provides warm water and land exercise classes for those not only with arthritis, but who may be recovering from surgery or taking part in physical rehabilitation. The tournament is a four-person modified scramble and Calloway handicap. The entry fee is $150 per person and includes greens fees, golf cart, range balls, tee prizes, sponsor gifts, on-the-course beverages, contests, lunch and awards dinner immediately following. The dinner features an auction and no-host bar. Zimmerman is happy to help open the club up to the public. “We do between 15 and 16 different charity events a year,” he said. “We like to help a number of Bakersfield’s organizations raise money for their causes. Everyone from the community comes out and it’s great to see people lending support.”

Enjoy the blues with annual revue at Trout’s BY SUSAN SCAFFIDI Contributing writer

ou can cry the blues because summer is almost over, or you can sing them instead with a lot of veteran blues musicians Aug. 28 at Trout’s. Trout’s will be a fitting place for Bill “Fish” Pierce to present his annual Summertime Blues Revue, featuring Pierce and a lot of his longtime friends. The revue includes Sonny California, Bruce Ferrell, Larry Galindo, Artie Niesen, the Mike Montano Band, the Left Coast Groovies, the Harp Heads, the Blues Women of Bakersfield and several other established musicians for the event, which will also support the Asthma and COPD Education Center (ACEC) of Bakersfield. “This is just something in my heart to do, to help educate people about COPD,” Pierce said. COPD stands for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and is a chronic, progressive disease most commonly caused by cigarette smoking. Symptoms include large amounts of mucus, wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness and other symptoms. Emphysema and chronic bronchitis are two forms of COPD.

Fish Pierce Summertime Blues Revue When: 3 to 10:30 p.m. Aug. 28 Where: Trout's Nightclub, 805 N. Chester Ave. Admission: $15 in advance, $20 at the door. Available at Front Porch Music, 1711 19th St., and the Asthma and COPD Education Center, 5601 Truxtun Ave., Suite 220. 319-2098.

“You can walk across the room and just be exhausted,” said Pierce, who suffers from COPD. ACEC provides free education and referrals to individuals, especially those suffering from asthma and COPD. It is located at 5601 Truxtun Ave., Suite 220. Pierce has been a part of the local music scene for the better part of five decades, beginning in his early teen years when he earned his nickname, “Fish.” “I used to be a member of a gang, the Beale Park Bums,” Pierce said. “They threw me in the fish pond, and they dubbed me ‘the fish.’” “Many of the guys in that band were in that gang,” Pierce said. “Music got me out of all that.”

Drummer Artie Niesen, an original band member and owner of Front Porch Music, noted that while “blues” is a genre, there are really many different types of music that can be called “blues.” “There’s Texas blues, Chicago blues, Delta blues,” Niesen said. “It’s based on the area; it’s kind of like a dialect.” “There’s a lot of people that like the blues in Bakersfield,” Niesen said. “There’s not a lot of blues shows.” Pierce said he started his first band, The Blue, along with Ferrell, Niesen and others, while at Bakersfield High School in the 1960s, crediting the band as being one of the first white blues bands in California at that time. After going through several iterations of the band, and some time spent in the Bay Area, Pierce started producing shows, including a landmark concert starring Ray Charles in the 1980s that helped kick off the restoration of the Fox Theater. “I knew there was a market for blues,” Pierce said. “The love for blues is phenomenal in this city.” Pierce admits he’s been gone from the music scene for a while, in part due to his medical condition. Now, he says, he’s back, is playing again, and hopes the reconstituted band can start recording some songs.

End of summer Specials

STEAK HOUSE Must show this coupon before ordering. Up to total of four lunch entrees. Save up to $10. Not valid with any other offer. Dine in only. Expires 8/31/10

$5 Off Lunch For Two

End of summer Specials

STEAK HOUSE Must show this coupon before ordering. Up to total of four dinner entrees. Save up to $20. Not valid with any other offer. Dine in only. Expires 8/31/10.

$10 Off Dinner For Two

Mon-Fri 11-2 HOURS Lunch: Dinner: Mon-Thurs 5-10, Fri & Sat 5-10:30

2515 F Street • 322-9910

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, August 19, 2010

Eye Street

Back-To-School

Specials

Rev up for Ride for Life Exam, x-rays and professional cleaning* for students at $$

• We accept most insurance plans. • We offer many payment options including 0% interest monthly payments to qualified persons. • We have flexible hours including evenings and weekends by appointment.

125 9/30/10 (*additional procedures may be necessary). Teeth Whitening for $75 Offer expires 9/30/10

Invisalign Special: $$

1000 1 0 0 0 off of f for the first 20 patients

2000 20TH ST. BAKERSFIELD, CA 93301 661.323.7337 • WWW.JAREDSIMPSONDDS.COM

Bakersfield Harley-Davidson promises fun for whole family BY MIRANDA WHITWORTH Contributing writer

ev your engines with Bakersfield Harley-Davidson as it celebrates 25 years of giving back on Saturday. by opening its showroom for The Rockin’ Ride for Life. And this event, which aids the fight against muscular dystrophy in Kern County, will be fun for the whole family. Business owner Debbie Irvin said that, after 25 years of hosting the event, it was time to make it a party for young and old. “This is not just a ride, it’s a family affair,” Irvin said. “We’ll have bounce houses, face painters, gifts for the kids, food, music and dancing. This is a full day for everyone!” Registration for the poker run starts at 8 a.m. with Dizzle DJ manning the turntables, blasting music while riders get ready to hit the road. The two-hour run begins at 10 a.m., and riders will follow a route featuring three stops where they can refresh and draw playing cards to complete their five-card stud hand. Prizes will be awarded for the highest and lowest hands. If you’re not ready to hit the open road but still want to take part in the poker run, Irvin said you can take part in the poker walk around the dealership. “We will have different stations where people can pick up their cards

The Rockin’ Ride for Life Where: Bakersfield HarleyDavidson, 35089 Merle Haggard Drive When: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday; registration at 8 a.m., ride starts at 10 Cost: $25 per motorcycle, $40 for two riders (includes poker hand, lunch and a 2010 MDA pin) Information: 325-3644 or e-mail Debbie@bakersfieldhd.com

and still play along. It also gives folks a chance to see what we have, including all of the 2011 Harley models,” Irvin said. The motorcycle run ends back at the dealership at noon where a luau — an addition to this year’s event — will be waiting. Teriyaki barbecue, macadamia rice, fruit and more will be available for the hungry participants. Local band Triple Threat is scheduled to perform from noon to 4 p.m. with a break for a traditional Polynesian dance display. Attendees will also have a chance to win a Harley-Davidson motorcycle or $300 gift certificate to Bakersfield Harley-Davidson. “All of the proceeds from the event will benefit Muscular Dystrophy Association of Kern County and most of that money stays right here in Bakersfield to help families of children with MDA,” said Irvin.

CASEY CHRISTIE / THE CALIFORNIAN

The annual Rockin’ Ride for Life is a benefit for Muscular Dystrophy.

She and her husband, Steve, have now spent a quarter of a century working with the organization and couldn’t dream of ever stopping the tradition. “Sometimes when I feel that the event is too much for me or if I am too overwhelmed and maybe want to hold off for a year, all I have to do is see the kids living with muscular dystrophy. It’s our faith and love for them that keeps us going.”

Truce, Mento Buru close out concert series BY HILLARY HAENES Californian staff writer hhaenes@bakersfield.com

mooth sounds of funk and old school tonight from Truce, then eclectic rhythms of funk, jazz, Latin, reggae and ska from Mento Buru next week will make you get

out of your seat and move your feet. These are the last two summer shows in the Concerts by the Fountain series left to attend. More than 17 years ago, The Marketplace started hosting free Concerts by the Fountain concerts by using local talent. Who: Truce performs today, Mento Buru on Aug. 26 “We make it very high on our priority When: 7 to 9 p.m. today and list to really have a Aug. 26 good mix of all types Where: The Marketplace of music to expose to fountain, 9000 Ming Ave. the community,” said Cost: Free Audrey Yokota, director of marketing at Donahue Schriber. Most of the shops stay open until 9 p.m. and some that close earlier stay open for these concerts since it draws many community members together. On average, about 200 to 500 people crowd The Marketplace to hear good live music and have a safe but fun time. Year after year, families will bring lawn chairs and blankets and sit to listen to the familiar melodies. According to Yokota, families and friends will meet up at The Marketplace, get dinner or ice cream and stroll past the stores jamming to the live bands. Everyone from little kids to adults can’t help but dance. “I think people are looking for a free family event that you can come out and enjoy,” Yokota said. Truce has been playing the free community gig for a few years now and keeps the audience coming back for more. Mento Buru has been around for almost 20 years and has closed this annual event the past several years. “Repeat bands that come back like Mento Buru gets the crowd rockin’ and rollin’,” Yokota said.

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, August 19, 2010

Eye Street GO&DO Today Concerts by The Fountain, old school and funk with Truce, 7 to 9 p.m., The Marketplace, 9000 Ming Ave. $1 Skate Night, 6 to 8 p.m., Rollerama West, 7850 Brimhall Road. $1 per skater; $1 rental. 589-7555. Hooters â&#x20AC;&#x153;Summer Car Nights,â&#x20AC;? open to all car and truck enthusiasts, 6 to 8 p.m., Hooters, 4208 Rosedale Highway. 327-9711 ext. 242. Meet, Greet & Eat, Charbay vodka, with Jenni Karakasevic, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Imbibe Wine & Spirits Merchant, 4140 Truxtun Ave. $25 includes tasting and appetizers. 633WINE. Smithâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bakeries supports Prop. 23, and wants to save jobs by demonstrating how supporting the proposition can help, not hurt California businesses, the first 50 people to show up between 9:30 to 10 a.m. will receive a complimentary box of 23 quality baked cookies. A press conference open to the public will take place at 10 a.m., Smithâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bakeries, 2808 Union Ave.

Friday

Âł, VWDUWHG P\ MRXUQH\ WR D KHDOWKLHU OLIH RQ QDWLRQDO WHOHYLVLRQ RQ Âľ/RVLQJ ,W :LWK -LOOLDQÂś DQG /267 SRXQGV , ZLOO FRQWLQXH WKDW MRXUQH\ ZLWK 7(55,2 :LOO \RX MRLQ PH LQ WKH 7RQ &KDOOHQJH"Â´ 5XWK 0D\

Monty Byrom & the Buckaroos, 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Buck Owens Crystal Palace, 2800 Buck Owens Blvd. $5. buckowens.com or call 328-7560. Second annual Center of the World Festival, three-day festival with an amateur playwriting competition, music, Chumash storytelling, readerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s theater performance of 10 selected plays, community jam fest and more, opening ceremony begins at 6 p.m. Friday; events begin 2 p.m. Saturday; and closing ceremony begins at 1 p.m. Sunday, Pine Mountain Club, in the commercial center gazebo, 1626 Askin Trail, Pine Mountain Club. cowfestival.org or centeroftheworldfestival.org. Bakersfield Friends of Wine, with dinner and wine from Imbibe Wine & Spirits, 7 p.m., Petroleum Club, 5060 California Ave. $75. Reservations, call Bakersfield Friends of Wine, 871-6463. Wine Bar Flight, featuring the great 2004 vintage of California cabernet, Cloud View, Karl Lawrence, Detert, Bressler and more, 4 p.m., Imbibe Wine & Spirits Merchant, 4140 Truxtun Ave. Tastes, $6 to $25. 633-WINE.

Saturday

Â&#x2039; ;LU >LLRZ Â&#x2039; 4L[HIVSPJ ;LZ[PUN Â&#x2039; /LHS[O :JYLLUPUNZ Â&#x2039; 6USPUL 5\[YP[PVU Â&#x2039; -P[ULZZ ;YHPUPUN Â&#x2039; *HZO 7YPaLZ 9LNPZ[LY UV^ ILMVYL [OL *OHSSLUNL ILNPUZ :LW[LTILY H[ ^^^ T`7(55,2 JVT VY JHSS

7(55,2 7KHUDS\ )LWQHVV 6WUHQJWK

6SHHG

(QGXUDQFH

Bud Light Comedy Jam with Darren Carter & Joe Medina, 8 p.m., Fox Theater, 2001 H St. $20-$30 plus fee. vallitix.com or 322-5200. Ice Cream â&#x20AC;&#x153;Zoofari,â&#x20AC;? with celebrityâ&#x20AC;? scoopers, wildlife presentation, free rides on the railroad, 5 to 8 p.m., CALM, 10500 Alfred Harrell Highway. $10 adult members, $8 children; $15 nonmembers, $12 children. calmzoo.org or 872-2256. KV Bike Park Grand Opening, race signups begin at 4 p.m. but a double point grand opening race begins at 5:30 p.m., barbecue 6 p.m., KV Bike Park, Kernville. kvbikepark.com or 760-223-6165. Lazrtag Tour featuring Far East Movement, and Hyper Crush, 8 p.m., Nile Theater, 1721 19th St. $20 plus fee; 21 and over only. vallitix.com or 322-5200. Raider Jam 2010, with HazMat Boys, Greg Townsend, Synergy, DJâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, Gorilla Rilla, Raider Legends and Raiderettes, food, vendors, refreshments, entertainment for kids, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Noble Park, 700 South P St.

bakersfieldraidernationclub.com or 3304335, 340-7167. Tehachapi Loop Railroad Club Summer Model Train Show, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, West Park, Recreation & Parks District, 491 West D St., Tehachapi. Free. 300-0932. 25th annual â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Rockinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Ride for Lifeâ&#x20AC;? Poker Run, benefitting Muscular Dystrophy in Kern County; with music, food, prizes, bounce house, face painting, bike show, 50/50 raffle, registration begins at 8 a.m., ride leaves at 10 a.m., event until 4 p.m., Bakersfield Harley Davidson, 35089 Merle Haggard Drive. $25 per motorcycle; $40 with two riders. 325-3644 or e-mail debbie@bakersfieldhd.com. The Sacred Work Sabbath, in honor of San Joaquin Hospitalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 100-year anniversary, with worship, testimonies, fellowship, speakers, video presentations, musical guests, 10:30 a.m., the theater at Rabobank Convention Center, 1001 Truxtun Ave. sjch.us or 869-6560. ANRA Summer Nationals, Saturday and Sunday, Famoso Raceway, 33559 Famoso Road, McFarland. 667-0030 or autoclubfamosoraceway.com. Bakersfield Blaze vs. Inland Empire 66â&#x20AC;&#x2122;ers, 7:15 p.m. Saturday through Monday, Sam Lynn Ball Park, 4009 Chester Ave. $5$9. bakersfieldblaze.com or 716-HITS. Bakersfield Green Thumb Club, meeting with Trudy Albrecht and Margaret Burrowes sharing their cacti and succulents, 9:30 a.m., Church of the Brethren, in the social hall, 327 A St. 393-3657. Bakersfield Speedway, Late Models, American Stocks, NMRA Midgets, CDCRA, Lawnmowers, gates open at 4:30 p.m.; races begin at 6 p.m., Bakersfield Speedway, 5001 N. Chester Ave. $15; $5 ages 6-12; under 5 free. bakersfieldspeedway.com or call 393-3373. Kids Discover Music, classically trained musician performs, reads a story and lets the kids learn up close and personally about the music and the instrument, 11 a.m. to noon, Russoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, 9000 Ming Ave. 665-4686. Family Skate Night, 7 to 10 p.m. every Saturday, Rollerama West, 7850 Brimhall Road. $30 includes admission for four (two adults/two children), skate rental, one pizza and pitcher of soda. 589-7555. Free How-to-Work Workshops, Saturday classes: 10 to 11 a.m. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Decorative Painting Solutions,â&#x20AC;?; 11 a.m. to noon â&#x20AC;&#x153;Do It Yourself Flooring Made Easy,â&#x20AC;?; 1 to 2 p.m. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Small Bath Updates,â&#x20AC;?; and Sunday class: 1 to 2 p.m. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Storage & Closet Organization Solutions,â&#x20AC;? Home Depot. homedepot.com or call 800-430-3376. Kern Audubon Society, field trip to Owens Lake to see migrating shorebirds and waterfowl. 587-6323. Kern County European Travel Club, will have a sign-up meeting at 10 a.m., for the Tulip Time River Cruise in Holland and Belgium to take place on April 16, 2011, call Jim Engel at 399-6507. Kern River Valley Hiking Club, trip to Ancient Bristlecones & White Mountain Peak, leave at 6 a.m., from Starbucks Coffee, East: Junction of Highways 58 and 184 (Weedpatch Highway). Bring lunch and 2 quarts of water. Dress appropriately. For directions, visit lakeisabella.net/hiking or 747-5065 or 778-3453. Psychic Faire, with Tarot, astrology, rune and palm readings, belly dancing, henna tattoos, workshops, art exhibit and ghosthunting presentation, 4 to 9:30 p.m., Jackieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Magical Treasures, 616 Jackson St. Free. 328-0661.

Thursday, August 19, 2010 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street “It’s changed the type of plays I do. I used to do fluffy, silly kind of stuff; now I’m more into dark comedy. And I want to do plays that make people think, that educate people.” — Michael Pawloski, artistic director of the Late Night Show at The Empty Space

Social worker by day, theater artistic director by night

L BA

SEBA

Saturday August 21st @ 7:15PM

vs. Inland Empire

Brighthouse Youth Sports Saturday All kids 12 and under wearing their team uniform receive $2 off tickets – kids 12 and under run the bases after the game

Firestone Ale Beer Tasting Picnic

The first 500 fans through the gates will receive a 2010 Blaze Card Set while supplies last

For $30 Fans can enjoy an allyou-can-eat buffet and taste samples of various Firestone brews. Includes game ticket

Sunday August 22nd @ 7:15PM

2010 Blaze Card Set Give-A-Way

Limit one set per person, per paid ticket

vs. Inland Empire

The Californian Family Sunday The Californian Family Sunday Fans enjoy $1 hot dogs, popcorn, chips and fountain drinks

BY CAMILLE GAVIN Contributing columnist

ichael Pawloski is a social worker by day, a theater director by night. Sometimes that’s a good thing, sometimes not. “As a director, you want to fix things — that’s what we’re supposed to do,” he said. “In social work you don’t do that; you don't fix things, you’re supposed to help clients figure out for themselves what to do about their problems.” Even so, Pawloski, 26, enjoys both his vocation and his avocation. Currently he’s serving as artistic director of the Late Night Show at The Empty Space. “I have to keep busy because when you’re hearing people’s problems every day it can be draining Pawloski — no, it is draining,” he said. “Theater is therapy for yourself.” As it happens, he didn’t set out to be either an actor or a director. “I was this shy, quiet kid in high school,” he said. “Then in college, I got my first part — it just fell into my lap when somebody dropped out — and that kind of opened me up.” It was a one-act student-written play at Cal State Bakersfield. Somewhat ironically it was titled “Limbo.” Pawloski recalled how he was affected by the experience. “There’s a rush about being on stage; it’s a feeling I can’t explain,” he said. “You’re a different person when you’re a character in a play.” Since then he’s appeared in other productions at CSUB, most recently in May when he was a last-minute fill-in for a minor character in Shakespeare’s “The Merry Wives of Windsor.” He’s also done shows at Bakersfield Community Theatre and appeared as an Egyptian pharaoh in “The Greatest Story Never Told” at the Empty. Yet his preference is to direct, which is why he volunteered for the artistic director position. As for his day job, Pawloski was hired as a social worker by the county in 2008 shortly after he graduated from CSUB with a double major in communications and theater. Now he’s working on his master’s degree in social work at the university and hopes to complete it in 2011. His graduate studies, as well as his work with the county’s Department of Human Services, have had an influence on what

PROF

ONA ESSI

This weekend at Sam Lynn Ball Park www.bakersfieldblaze.com TICKETS-661-716-HITS

Monday August 23rd @ 7:15PM

vs. Inland Empire George Culver Retirement Night

Shock Top Micro Monday Fans enjoy $2 premium drafts Tuesday August 24th @ 7:15PM PHOTO COURTESY OF MICHAEL PAWLOSKI

Michael Pawloski appears as Flea from "Antigone" in New York.

he’s chosen to present during Late Night shows. “It’s changed the type of plays I do,” he said. “I used to do fluffy, silly kind of stuff; now I’m more into dark comedy. And I want to do plays that make people think, that educate people.” As examples, he pointed out two recent productions: “Mr. Marmalade,” which focuses on domestic violence, and “Dear Harvey,” a biography of gay rights activist Harvey Milk. “I’m proud that we made $500 from ‘Dear Harvey’ to give to LBGT,” said Pawloski, referring to a gay-rights advocacy group. “That’s what the playwright wanted.” Most of all, the Bakersfield native would like to give local audiences a taste of theater that hasn’t been done here before. Or as he puts it, “more experimental theater — the kind you see in L.A.” Some theater buffs grumble that the city has too many theater venues, but Pawloski isn’t one of them. “People like to have choices,” he said. “I’m glad there are so many theaters in town — people can go to Stars or the Spotlight for musicals and if they like edgier shows, there’s The Empty Space.”

Do you Facebook? Join our growing online community. Facebook.com/BakersfieldCalifornian

Come out and support the Dodger pitching coach as he coaches his last professional baseball game

vs. Rancho Cucamonga

Kraft Tuesday Night Tickets

Fans can redeem one Kraft Singles wrapper for “Buy-One-Get-One-FREE” ticket offer

Wednesday August 25th @ 7:15PM

vs. Rancho Cucamonga

KIDS EAT FREE WEDNESDAY! Kids 12 and under receive a voucher for a hot dog, chips and fountain drink in our Wells Fargo kids’ zone

Thursday August 26th @ 7:15PM

vs. Rancho Cucamonga

Miller Lite/Coors Pepsi Thursday

Fans enjoy $1 domestic beer and fountain drinks through the 5th inning

TICKETS-661-716-HITS

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, August 19, 2010

Eye Street Veterans Ceremony & Benefits Seminar, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Columbus Estates, 3201 Columbus St. 872-5855. Farmers markets: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Caffeine Supreme, on the lawn, corner ofF and 20th streets. caffeinesupreme.com; 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 2 p.m., “Nuui Cunni” Native American Cultural Center, 2600 Highway 155, Lake Isabella. 760-549-0800.

Sunday 13th annual Thunder on the Mountain annual Car & Truck Show, trophies, raffles, 50/50 drawing, event parking begins at 7 a.m., show 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Downtown Tehachapi. $35 entry fee. Proceeds go to local charities and community organizations. thunderonthemountain.net. American Red Cross/Salvation Army Fundraiser, with The Token Okies, Lil’ Mike and the Blues Hammers, John Hollins and Chuck Seaton and friends, Blonde Faith, Big Dawg, begins at noon, Vinny’s Bar & Grill, 2700 S. Union Ave. All proceeds benefit local fire victims in Kern County. myspace.com/vinnysbarand grill. “Give Back to the Kids” Car Show ‘N’ Concert, with food, vendors, beer, refreshments, Rydez will judge the Hop, roll in time, 6 to 10 a.m., begins at 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Stramler Park, 3805 Chester Ave. $15 adults; ages 712 are free w/school supplies; children 6 and under are free; $3 parking. 2124483.

ART Opening Reception, for “Ebb and Flow Kern’s Vanishing Water,” with hors d’oeuvres, no host bar, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. today, JP Jennings Gallery, 1700 Chester Ave. 323-1622. Opening Reception, of “Artistic Chaos” art exhibit by Michael Shell, with champagne and light hors d’oeuvres, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, The Micro Gallery, 6300 Coffee Road. Free. 301-3283. Exhibit on Display, “The Masterworks of Western Paintings,” “Best of the West: Bakersfield Collects,” and paintings by Aron Wiesenfeld, now on display until Sunday, Bakersfield Museum of Art, 1930 R St. bmoa.org or 323-7219. “On the Road Again,” group art show on display through August, Bakersfield Mazda, 3201 Cattle Drive. 328-8000. Shirley Rowles, featured artist for August, Russo’s, 9000 Ming Ave. russosbooks.com or 665-4686. All Media Class, by instructor Phyllis Oliver, all media welcome, with color theory stressed. For more information or to register, e-mail pegolivert@ix.netcom.com or call 348-4717. Art classes, beginning watercolor, beginning drawing, advanced drawing and watercolor painters’ group, taught by Carol Bradshaw. Call or e-mail for details and enrollment. bradshawartist@earthlink.net or 760376-6604.

Basic Beading & Wire Wrapping Workshop, with Susi Klassen, private instruction or by appointment, The Bead Hut, 610 18th St. To schedule an appt., call 324-0975 or 706-6490. Beginning Oil Painting, with instructor Glen Jelletich, classes held 1 to 3 p.m. Mondays. Call 399-3707 for more information or to register. Beginning, Intermediate and Advanced Drawing, by instructor Nina Landgraff, series of five twohour classes. Call for more information or to register. 304-7002. Framing Clinic, with Toni Lott, for artists who want to frame their work, began April 7, running noon to 4 p.m. Wednesdays. Call 205-3488 for more information or to register. Native American Arts Association, meets to learn basketry, beadwork and more, 9 a.m. to noon each Thursday, The Stockdale Moose Lodge, 905 Stine Road. 8525050. The Art Center, 1817 Eye St., 8692320; offers a variety of painting and drawing classes. Call for details. The Art Shop Club, 9 a.m. to noon each Thursday, Friday and Saturday, The Art Shop, 1221 20th St. All mediums. 322-0544, 589-7463 or 496-5153. Free art classes, for home-school parents, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays. Call to reserve your spot. Moore’s Art Studio, 10205 Hurlingham Drive. 5887769. “Spontaneous Expression with Paint,” an Art for Healing program of Mercy Hospitals of Bakersfield; 9:30 to noon Saturday, Mercy Hospital, Truxtun Campus, Truxtun and A streets. Free. mercybakersfield.org/art or to register, 324-7070.

THEATER “Harvest Moon,” 7 p.m. today; 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Spotlight Theatre, 1622 19th St. 634-0692 or thespotlighttheatre.com. “My Big Fat Oildale Wedding,” followed by the Vaudeville Revue, “Everything and the Kitchen Sink — The Greatest 38 Shows of All Time,” 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. matinee Sunday, Gaslight Melodrama Theatre & Music Hall, 12748 Jomani Drive. $9 to $20. 587-3377. “Once Upon a Mattress,” doors open at 6:30 p.m., show at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday; doors open at 12:30 p.m., show at 2 p.m. Sunday, Stars Dinner Theatre, 1931 Chester Ave. $50 to $55; show-only tickets $30. 325-6100. “Rocky Horror Picture Show,” doors open at 11 p.m., games at 11:30 p.m., lips sing at midnight Friday and Saturday, The Empty Space, 706 Oak St. $10. 327-PLAY. Major League Improv, improvisational comedy show, appropriate for families, 6 p.m. Saturdays, The Empty Space, 706 Oak St. Free but donations are accepted. 327-PLAY. “The Magic of Frank Thurston,” 11 a.m. Saturday, Gaslight Melodrama Theatre & Music Hall, 12748 Jomani Drive. $6. 587-3377.

MUSIC Alternative Fishlips Bar & Grill, 1517 18th St., 324-2557; Joey Romley & Friends, 9 p.m. Tuesdays.

Blues Kern River Blues Society Jam, 2 to 8 p.m. every third Saturday, Trout’s, 805 N. Chester Ave. 872-7517. Pyrenees Cafe, 601 Sumner, 3230053; Lil Mikey & the Blues Hammers, 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday. Vinny’s Bar & Grill, 2700 S. Union Ave., jam session, 2 p.m. Sundays. 21 and over. myspace.com/vinnysbarand grill.

Classic rock Sandrini’s, 1918 Eye St., 322-8900; The People’s Band, 9 p.m. Thursday and next Wednesday; Wax On with DJ Mustache, 9:30 p.m. Friday. Bellvedere Cocktail Lounge, 3090 Brundage Lane, 325-2139; Sunday Snake Oil, 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Buck Owens Crystal Palace, 2800 Buck Owens Blvd., 328-7560; Token Okies, 9 p.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday. Doo Wop Diner, 1534 19th St., 3274360; The Tony Ernst Band, 7 to 9:30 p.m. Friday. T-Bones Steakhouse, 8020 District Blvd., 398-1300; The Tony Ernst Band, 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. Friday.

Country Trouts & the Blackboard Stages, 805 N. Chester Ave., 399-6700:, offers karaoke, line dancing, West Coast Swing among other various activities. Call for times and days. Ethel’s Old Corral Cafe, 4310 Alfred Harrell Highway, 873-7613; Crossroads, 7 to 11 p.m. Friday; Road Dawgs, 3 to 7 p.m. Sunday. Iron Horse Saloon, 1821 S. Chester Ave., 831-1315; Two Timers Band, 2 to 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. to midnight Saturday. Tejon Club, 117 El Tejon Ave., 3921747; Crossroads, 6 to 10 p.m. Sunday.

Dancing Joaquin Squares, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Thursday, Rasmussen Center, 115 E. Roberts Lane. $5. 324-1390, 325-3086 or 399-3658. Folklorico Classes, advance dancers/performing group 6 to 8 p.m. Fridays; and beginners, all ages, 10:30 a.m. to noon Saturdays, FruitvaleNorris Park, 6221 Norris Road. $22 per month for beginners; $25 per month for advance dancers. 833-8790. Pairs and Spares Dance, 7:30 p.m. each Friday, Rasmussen Senior Center, 115 E. Roberts Lane. $5; $7 nonmembers. 399-3575 or 332-1537. Country Dance, with music provided Jerri Arnold & Stars & Guitars, jam session, all artists welcome, 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Le Corusse Rouge, 4647 White Lane. Dance classes, beginning west coast swing, intermediate/advanced west coast swing with instructor Mimi Johanson, at 8214 Mossrock Drive. Call 330-9616 for details.

TICKETS FOR UPCOMING EVENTS B. Ryder's Sports Bar & Grill

Buck Owens Crystal Palace

7401 White Lane $20 includes service charge and can be purchased at World Records, Mainland, Impact Streetwear, Fatal Impact, Styles, Wavelengths. timgardeapresents.com. Sept. 12: Ryan Bingham & the Dead Horses, doors open at 7 p.m.

2800 Buck Owens Blvd. vallitix.com or 322-5200. Oct. 6: David Allan Coe, 7 p.m., $25.50 to $35.50 plus fee.

Kern County Fairgrounds

1142 P St. Aug. 15: 16th annual Kern County Hispanic Chamber Fox Theater of Commerce Consumer Trade Show, with exhibit 2001 H St. booths, food vendors, kid's vallitix.com or 322-5200. camp, entertainment, 11 Aug. 21: Bud Light a.m. to 5 p.m., 633-5495. Comedy Jam with Darren Sept. 4-5: Central Coast Carter & Joe Medina, 8 Gun Show & Sale, 9 a.m. to p.m., $20-$30 plus fee. 5 p.m. Saturday; 9 a.m. to Sept. 2: Asia, 8 p.m., $15 4 p.m. Sunday, $9; children to $45 plus fee. 13 and under are free; $3 parking. 805-481-6726. Sept. 19: Blue October, with special guest, 8 p.m., Sept. 12: Viva Mexico $20 to $35 plus fee. Festival, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Kern County Fairgrounds, Sept. 23: Ralphie May, Budweiser Pavilion, 1142 P from NBC's “Last Comic St. Free. 327-9711. Standing,” 7:30 p.m., $29.50 plus fee. Sept. 22-Oct. 3: 2010 Kern Oct. 7: Keith Sweat, doors County Fair, “Best in the West,” featuring carnival open at 7 p.m., show at 8 rides, entertainment, p.m., $35 to $55. concerts, food, exhibits and Nov. 6: Ron Saylor, “An more, Sept. 22 to Oct. 3, Evening of Magic & Kern County Fairgrounds, Illusion,” 7:30 p.m., $26.50. 1142 P St. 833-4900.

Rabobank Convention Center 1001 Truxtun Ave. $15-$60. ticketmaster.com or call 800-745-3000. Aug. 17: WWE Smackdown Live, with The Undertaker, Rey Mysterio, Jack Swagger, Matt Hardy, Kofi Kingston and more, 6:45 p.m., $15-$60 plus fee. Sept. 21: Je'Caryous Johnson's Cheaper to Keep Her, 8 p.m., $31-$36 plus fee. (Theater) AND Rockstar Energy Drink presents UPROAR Fest, with Disturbed and Avenged Sevenfold, 6:30 p.m., $27.75-$47.75 plus fee. (Arena) Sept. 29: Carrie Underwood “Play On Tour,” with Billy Currington and Sons of Sylvia, 7:30 p.m., $34-$54 plus fee. Oct. 15: World Vision Presents “Make A Difference Tour 2010,” 7 p.m., $24.50-$49.50 plus fee. Oct. 21-24: “Disney on Ice” Let's Celebrate, 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday; 11 a.m., 3 p.m., and 7 p.m. Saturday; 1 and 5 p.m. Sunday, The theater at Rabobank Convention Center, 1001 Truxtun Ave. $16-$45. ticketmaster.com or 800-745-3000.

Jerry’s Pizza 1817 Chester Ave. Tickets online at tgptix.com or World Records, Outer Limits, Impact Streetwear. 7426306. Aug. 18: Bleeding Through, with The Ghost Inside, Terror, Suffokate, doors open at 8 p.m., $18.

Taft Oct. 15-24: Taft Oildorado Days 100th Year Anniversary Party, with exhibits, oilfield tours, parades, hot air balloon festival, 5 and 10K run, food booths, demonstrations, car show, entertainment and more, at various locations throughout Taft. OiloradoDays.com.

Kern County Museum 3801 Chester Ave. bakersfieldvillagefest.com or vallitix.com or 3225200. Sept. 11: Village Fest Party of the Year!, featuring 17 bands, 60 breweries, 25 Central Coast wineries and food from local restaurants, 6 to 10 p.m., $60; $68 day of show at the gate. 21 and over only. Benefitting CARE. Includes 15 drink samples and unlimited food samples.

Thursday, August 19, 2010 The Bakersfield Californian

• Automotive Products • Batteries (Auto & Home) • Cleaning Products • Expired Medications • Fluorescent Bulbs • Home Generated Sharps • Paint & Paint Products • Pesticides & Weed Killers • Pool Chemicals

Thursday, August 19, 2010 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street Scottish Country Dancing, with the Kern County Scottish Society, beginners welcome, 7 to 9 p.m. Mondays, Norris Road Veterans Hall, upstairs, 400 W. Norris Road. 822-3998. Whirlaways Square Dance Club, with caller Rick Hampton, 7 to 9:30 p.m. every Monday, Veteran’s Hall, 400 W. Norris Road. whirlaways.org or 398-3394. Dance Drill Classes, beginning belly dancing, 8 p.m. every Tuesday; advanced belly dancing, 7 to 9 p.m. every Thursday, Centre Stage Studio, 1710 Chester Ave. $5 drop in fee for beginning belly dancing; $15 for advanced belly dancing. Bring knee pads and yoga mat to advanced class. 323-5215.

DJ B. Ryder’s Sports Bar & Grill, 7401 White Lane, 397-7304; 8 p.m. today and Saturday. Iron Horse Saloon, 1821 S. Chester Ave., 831-1315; 7 p.m. Thursdays. Le Corusse Rouge, 4647 White Lane, 834-1611; with DJ Chill in the Mixx, 5 p.m. every Friday until 2 a.m. Saturday. Rockstarz Party Bar, 7737 Meany Ave., Suite B5, 589-6749; 9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Free. Tam O’Shanter, 2345 Alta Vista, 324-6774: with DJ Escandalosa in the Mixx, 8:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Vinny’s Bar & Grill, 2700 S. Union Ave., 9 p.m. Friday. 21 and over. myspace.com/vinnysbarand grill.

Jazz B. Ryder’s Sports Bar & Grill, 7401 White Lane, 397-7304; Jazz, R&B, Funk with Groove Factor, 8 to 11 p.m. Thursday Cafe Med, 4809 Stockdale Highway., 834-4433; Richie Perez, 7:30 to 11 p.m. Thursdays. Live Jazz & Wine Bar, featuring Jazz Connection with Bob Beadling and Lawanda Smith, along with 24 wines, 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Imbibe Wine & Spirits Merchant, 4140 Truxtun Ave. 633WINE. Wine & Cheese Cellar, 695 Tucker Road., Suite C, Tehachapi, 822-6300; Richie Perez, 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday. Le Corusse Rouge, 4647 White Lane, 834-1611; Bakersfield Jazz Workshop, 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. every Wednesday.

Karaoke Bellvedere Cocktail Lounge, 3090 Brundage Lane, 325-2139; 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Thursdays and Sundays. Cactus Valley Mexican Restaurant, 4215 Rosedale Highway, 633-1948; 6 to 10 p.m. Thursday; beer pong and happy hour all day with karaoke 3 to 6 p.m. Sunday. Crossroads Pizzeria, 4200 New Stine Road, 397-5000; 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. today.

Don Perico Restaurant, 2660 Oswell St., Suite 133, 871-2001; 7 to 11 p.m. Thursdays. Pour House, 4041 Fruitvale Ave., 589-9300; 9 p.m. Thursday through Saturday. Que Pasa Mexican Cafe, 9000 Ming Ave., 664-1400; 9:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. Thursdays. The Old River Monte Carlo, 9750 Taft Highway, 837-0250; 8 p.m. Thursdays. The Wright Place, 2695-G Mount Vernon Ave., 872-8831, 8 p.m. Thursdays. Tomi’s Cowgirl Cafe, 1440 Weedpatch Highway, 633-1949; Karaoke King Show, all ages, 7 to 10 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays. Vinny’s Bar & Grill, 2700 S. Union Ave., 7 p.m. Thursdays. 21 and over. myspace.com/vinnysbar andgrill. Banacek’s Lounge, 4601 State Road, 387-9224; 9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Casa Lopez, 8001 Panama Road, Lamont, 845-1000; 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. Friday (country) and Saturday (Spanish). Julie’s The Branding Iron Saloon, 1807 N. Chester Ave., 6 to 10 p.m. Fridays. Maria Bonita Mexican Restaurant, 10701 Highway 178, 366-3261, 7 to 11 p.m. Fridays. All ages. The Prime Cut, 9500 Brimhall Road, 831-1413; hosted by Ed Loverr, 9 p.m. to midnight Friday. The Regent, 2814 Niles St., 8714140; with DJ Joey Zaza, 9 p.m. to midnight Friday. Del Rio Cocktail Lounge, 5840 State Road, 393-0262; every other Saturday. Pyrenees Cafe, 601 Sumner, 3230053; 8 p.m. to midnight Saturdays. Rocket Shop Cafe, 2000 S. Union Ave., 832-4800; 8:30 p.m. to midnight Saturday. Sports & Spirits, 6633 Ming Ave., 398-7077; 9 p.m. Thursdays and Saturdays. Tejon Club, 117 El Tejon Ave., 3921747; 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday. Camino Real Restaurant, 3500 Truxtun Ave., 852-0493; 9:30 p.m. Sundays. The Playhouse, 2915 Taft Highway; 397-3599; 7 to 10 p.m. Sundays. Schweitzer’s Pit Stop, 10807 Rosedale Highway, 587-8888; 8 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays. The Wrecking Yard, 9817 S. Union Ave., 827-9192; 7 to 10 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. B. Ryder’s Sports Bar & Grill, 7401 White Lane, 397-7304; 8 p.m. Tuesday. Buck Owens Crystal Palace, 2800 Buck Owens Blvd., 3287560; 7:30 to 10 p.m. Tuesdays. Cataldo’s Pizzeria, 6111 Niles St., 363-7200; 6:15 to 10:15 p.m. Tuesdays. Le Corusse Rouge, 4647 White Lane, 834-1611; Wild West Entertainment, 8 p.m. to midnight Tuesdays.

Lone Oak Inn, 10612 Rosedale Highway, 589-0412; 8 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday. Magoo’s Pizza, 1129 Olive Drive, 399-7800; 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Tuesday. McMurphy’s Irish Pub & Sports Bar, 14 Monterey St., 869-1451; 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. Tuesdays. Round Table Pizza, 2060 White Lane, 836-2700; 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday. The Prime Cut, 9500 Brimhall Road, 831-1413; karaoke with host Ben Lara, 8 p.m. Tuesdays. Trouts & The Blackboard Stages, 805 N. Chester Ave., 3996700; 7 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays, 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Ethel’s Old Corral, 4310 Alfred Harrell Highway, 873-7613; 6 to 9 p.m. every Wednesday. Rockstarz Party Bar, 7737 Meany Ave., Suite B5, 589-6749; 9 p.m. every Wednesday.

Elevation Lounge, 818 Real Road, 325-6864; Elevation 406, 9 p.m. Friday. Rockstarz Party Bar, 7737 Meany Ave., Suite B5, 589-6749; Tribute to Ozzy Osbourne featuring Mr. Cowley, 9 p.m. Saturday. $4 cover. Sandrini’s, 1918 Eye St., 3228900; The Councilmen & Radio Head Tribute with Chrisanova, 9:30 p.m. Sunday. Vinny’s Bar & Grill, 2700 S. Union Ave., Driving Spirit, BB Gun Johnny, 9 p.m. Saturday. $5; 21 and over. myspace.com/vinnysbarandgrill.

Latin/Salsa

Trivia night

Latin Salsa Dancing, 8 p.m. Thursdays, DoubleTree Hotel, Club Odyssey, 3100 Camino Del Rio Court. 323-7111. Que Pasa Mexican Cafe, 2701 Ming Ave., 832-5011; Al Garcia & the Rhythm Kings, 8:30 to 11:30 p.m. every Thursday. Camino Real Restaurant, 3500 Truxtun Ave., 852-0493; Son Tropical, 7 to 10 p.m. Fridays. Tam O’Shanter, 2345 Alta Vista, 324-6774: Salsa dancing, 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Maria Bonita Mexican Restaurant, 10701 Highway 178, 366-3261; Limited Edition, 8 p.m. to midnight Saturday. $5. Chencho’s Bar & Grill, 2201 V St., 327-0190; Salsa Sundays, with a DJ, 3 to 10 p.m., salsa lessons are offered at 6 p.m. Sundays. $5 after 6 p.m.

Sandrini’s, 1918 Eye St., 3228900; Trivia Night with Dave Rezac, 10 p.m. Tuesdays.

Rock remixes “Rock It Fridays,” 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. every Friday, DoubleTree Hotel, Club Odyssey, 3100 Camino Del Rio Court. 323-7111.

Rock & Roll Iron Horse Saloon, 1821 S. Chester Ave., 831-1315; Twang Bangers, 9 p.m. Friday.

Variety Marriott Hotel at the Convention Center, 801 Truxtun Ave., 323-1900: In the Mixx with DJ Noe G., mixing all your feelgood music every Friday. 21 & over only. Golden State Mall, 3201 F St., Dance to Joe Loco, duet every Sunday, 2 to 5 p.m.

UPCOMING EVENTS Monday 8/23 Senior Discovery Days, each Monday for seniors 60 and older receive 50 percent off admission, 10 percent discount in the gift store, CALM, 10500 Alfred Harrell Highway. 872-2256.

Mariachi

Tuesday 8/24

Camino Real Restaurant, 3500 Truxtun Ave., 852-0493; Mariachi Imperial, 6 to 9 p.m. Sundays.

Bakersfield Blaze vs. Rancho Cucamonga Quakes, 7:15 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, Sam Lynn Ballpark, 4009 Chester Ave. $5-$9. bakersfieldblaze.com or 716-HITS. Bakersfield Keynotes, women’s chorus, begins rehearsals, 6:30 p.m., St. Luke Anglican Church, 2730 Mt. Vernon Ave. 871-9593 or 871-4221. Bobby Durham Day, with Mayor Harvey Hall declaring this day “Bobby Durham Day” in Bakersfield, Casey Adams will emcee, 7:30 to 10 p.m., Buck Owens Crystal Palace, 2800 Buck Owens Blvd. buckowens.com or call 328-7560. Open Casting Call, for “A Wedding in the Park,” Christian play. Actors, singers and musicians are needed. Come to the hall at Southside Seventh-day Adventist Church, 1330 Third St., from 7 to 9 p.m. Beginners welcome. Bring a picture and brief bio. Email oohfactor@yahoo.com or 3685362.

Oldies KC Steakhouse, 2515 F St., 3229910; Jimmy Gaines, Bobby O and Mike Halls, 6:30 p.m. today through Saturday.

Old School Tam O’Shanter, 2345 Alta Vista, 324-6774; The Press featuring Benny and the Bunch, 8:30 p.m. Friday; The Press featuring Larry V., 8:30 p.m. Saturday. The Bistro After Dark, 5105 California Ave., 323-3905; Old School Saturdays with Noe G, 10 p.m. every Saturday. Ladies free/$10 cover.

Rock Rockstarz Party Bar, 7737 Meany Ave., Suite B5, 589-6749; live bands, 9 p.m. every Thursday. B. Ryder’s Sports Bar & Grill, 7401 White Lane, 397-7304; Lucky Stiff, 9 p.m. Friday.

Wednesday 8/25 Gift & Home Decor Bazaar, with vendors, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., The Springs, 8101 Camino Media. 8713340 or 619-4153. Songwriters’ Showcase, hosted by Chuck Seaton and Billy Russell, 7 p.m., The Prime Cut, 9500 Brimhall Road. 831-1413.

Thursday 8/26 Concerts by The Fountain, ska, rock and funk with Mento Buru, 7 to 9 p.m., The Marketplace, 9000 Ming Ave. Grand Opening Celebration, and presentation of "Two Faces of Plastic Surgery" by Dr. Lawrence M. Birnbaum, who relocated to Essentiels Spa, 6:30 p.m., Essentiels Spa Et Beauté, 9000 Ming Ave., Suite K7. Celebration continues through Saturday. For appointments or a complimentary consultation, call 322-2025.

Friday 8/27 11th annual Boy Scouts of America Sporting Clays Tournament, 7:15 to 7:45 a.m., check-in/registration, 7:30 a.m. warm up trap shooting, 8 a.m. tournament begins, 11:45 a.m. lunch, noon awards/raffle, Five Dogs Shooting Range, 20238 Woody Road. $150 per shooter. 325-9036. Late Night Skate, 7 p.m. to midnight, Rollerama West, 7850 Brimhall Road. $10, rental included. 589-7555. Local music showcase, with Right Cross, 8 p.m., Bright House Networks Amphitheatre, Stockdale Highway and Buena Vista Road. Free. bakersfieldamphitheatre.us or or 852-7300.

Saturday 8/28 Bakersfield Speedway, Modifieds, Hobby Stocks, Mini Stocks, Mini Dwarfs, gates open at 4:30 p.m.; races begin at 6 p.m., Bakersfield Speedway, 5001 N. Chester Ave. $10; $5 ages 6-12; under 5 free. bakersfieldspeedway.com or call 393-3373. Ceramic Group Project Workshop, for items that will be entered into the Kern County Fair; 10 a.m., The Ceramic Shop, 2550 E. Belle Terrace, Suite 300. Free but registration required. 8341000. Drag Racing, gates open at 3 p.m., Buttonwillow Raceway, 24551 Lerdo Highway, Buttonwillow. 7645333. Fish Pierce Summertime Blue Revue, presented by Fish Entertainment and the Asthma and COPD Education Center; featuring Fish Pierce and friends, 12 blues bands with special guests, 3 to 10:30 p.m., Trout’s & The Blackboard Stages, 805 N. Chester Ave. $15 advance, $20 at the door and can be purchased at Front Porch Music. 325-7161. Kids Free Day, last Saturday of every month, CALM, 10500 Alfred Harrell Highway. 872-2256.