18
The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, August 25, 2011
Eye Street Editor Jennifer Self | Phone 395-7434 | e-mail jself@bakersfield.com
Index BHS Water Balloon Fight .......................... 19 League of Women Voters tea .................. 20 BCSD music and entertainment .............. 21 Arts Alive .................................................. 22 Isaiah Morfin ............................................ 23 The Lowdown with Matt Munoz ............ 24 Vegas Night ............................................ 25 Calendar .............................................. 28-31
“My personal favorite, however, is a gentleman we call the ‘Human Fuse.’ He lights himself on fire, loads himself into a giant crossbow, and launches himself across the stadium every night.” — Ringmaster Brian Crawford Scott
Still the greatest show? The enthusiastic young ringmaster sure thinks so BY ASHLEY FISCHER Contributing writer
F
or many people, turning 25 may consist of a night on the town with some friends followed by a round of “Happy Birthday” and a slice of cake. For Brian Crawford Scott, ringmaster of “The Greatest Show on Earth,” his 25th birthday ended, very appropriately, with a pie in the face. Pies, clowns, elephants and acrobats are just an everyday fact of life when you’re a part of Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey’s Fully Charged. And Scott, along with the rest of this circus, will all be performing in town today through Sunday at Rabobank Arena. Playing off the high-powered exchange of energy and excitement between the audience and the performers, this newest incarnation of the Ringling Brothers circus is full of firepower and will feature plenty of the spectacular performances worthy of only the big top. “We have a couple of new things that people can only see with Fully Charged,” Scott said. “For example, we have our Ukrainian strong men. This pair of strongmen are very unique. They do an act where they swing full-sized telephone poles around their heads, which is definitely something worth seeing. My personal favorite, however, is a gentleman we call the ‘Human Fuse.’ He lights himself on fire, loads himself into a giant crossbow, and launches himself across the stadium every night.” Other acts include the Tianyicheng Troupe, a group from Henan, China, that flips and spins to heights of up to 13 feet in the air as they perform a game of basketball on springy bounce stilts. There’s also equine presenter Luciner Viera de Souza, married to Tabayara Maluenda, the returning Ringling exotic animal trainer, who shares the arena with Bengal tigers and Asian elephants.
PHOTO COURTESY OF AMY GLINES
Brian Crawford Scott commands from the center ring as ringmaster of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey’s Fully Charged.
It helps to be over the top under the big top There to guide you through this … well, circus, is Scott, who at 25 years old, is only the 36th person to ever receive the coveted position of ringmaster in the 141-year history of the Ringling Bros. circus. “My job is to be there pretty much every step of the way, and to introduce the acts and sort of guide the audience along, and to make sure they get the most out of their experience they have with us at Fully Charged.” In addition to narrating the captivating performances happening down in the ring, Scott does his part to ensure that the show lives up to its longstanding claim of being “The Greatest Show on Earth” by providing his
own musical performances — a relatively new addition to the ringmaster’s job description. “I’m also a performer myself, and I get to rub shoulders and perform alongside our other circus performers. Ringling Bros., really, is one of the only circuses that has a singing ringmaster, and I think that it adds a really fun dimension to the show. Now you have the opportunity to hear live songs and music being played alongside all of your favorite traditional and new circus acts.” Not bad for someone who, until being deemed the only ringworthy performer out of hundreds of hopefuls auditioning, had never once seen the circus. While growing up in San Jose, Scott said the opportunity to go to the circus “just never came Please see 18
Tabayara Maluenda, the circus’s exotic-animal trainer, works closely with Bengal tigers and Asian elephants.
19
Thursday, August 25, 2011 The Bakersfield Californian
Eye Street
The wetter, the better Group takes another shot at world record BY ASHLEY FISCHER Contributing writer
W
ater balloons are no longer just the primary component of any good prankster’s arsenal — now they’re a way for the Bakersfield High School Drillers Band to beat the school budget crisis blues, and potentially help Bakersfield make history. For the upcoming second annual “World’s Largest Water Balloon Fight,” the BHS band is determined to break the current Guinness World Record of 3,927 people, a goal they fell just short of last year. “I think the official number we had last year was about 2,975 people, so we were about a thousand people short,” said event coordinator Marisa Wood, who also serves as the vice president of the Drillers Band Boosters. “I know we’ll most assuredly top that number this year.” In hopes of ensuring that this year’s event ends on a recordbreaking high note, Wood and other event planners have taken more than a few extra measures. In order for everyone attending this full day of fundraising festivities to count toward the total number of water balloon participants, Guinness stipulates that the entire event area must be fenced in. Last year, the Drillers Band solved that problem by constructing a temporary fenced area in Yokuts Park, where many water balloon-wary spectators stood outside and watched the fun. But, unfortunately, they did not add to the total number of
Second annual ‘World’s Largest Water Balloon Fight’ When: Noon Saturday; balloons fly at 6:30 p.m. Where: Kern County Fairgrounds, carnival area Admission: $5, includes commemorative T-shirt, as well as two water balloons. ($1 to reload with two additional balloons) Information: 324-9841, drillerband.com/water-balloon-fight
water balloon-fighting participants. This year, the band opted to simply change the site for the water-based warfare to the Kern County Fairgrounds, which already comes with its own fencing. Now, anyone who wants to come out and be a part of this potential bit of history can do so, without actually having to get drenched while doing it. “The fairgrounds are such a vast area, but right down the middle, we’ll have ‘the soak zone’ if you want to get in there and throw a water balloon yourself, you can get into that soak zone,” Wood said. “For the rest of it, if you just want to be a part of this record-breaking group but don’t want to get soaked, you can just stand on the perimeter and watch.” Even though the water-balloon flinging begins at 6:30 that evening, the Driller Band has planned a full day’s worth of activities, so Wood encouraged everyone to bring a lawn chair and prepare for an entire after-
CALIFORNIAN FILE
Members of the Bakersfield High School band give a cheer while standing around one of the water balloon reloading stations before the “World’s Largest Water Balloon Fight” in 2010.
noon of fun. There will be performances by local bands, bounce houses, a dunk tank, as well as local vendors selling their wares. You’ll also have the chance to snack on some fair food favorites, including pizza, kettle corn, corn dogs and funnel cakes. And even though this balloon battle for the ages is most certainly all in fun, Wood is hoping it will raise some serious funds for not only the Drillers’ music program, but for all local high school bands. “Another wonderful thing that we’ve added this year is that all high school music programs will
CONTINUED FROM 18
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Divas perform with the elephants at Fully Charged, which opens tonight.
PHOTO COURTESY OF AMY GLINES
up.” But while working in New York City as a waiter with hopes of one day making it big in musical theater, a friend emailed Scott and encouraged him to audition for the role of ringmaster. “You could almost call it fate,” he said. Now, nearly 230 performances into his role of a lifetime, Scott is sailing through each show with the greatest of ease, but that’s not to say that there isn’t still a good deal of hard work involved. For this big-singing and bigtalking performer, keeping his voice strong and healthy is one of the most important parts of his job. Because for the ringmaster, there is no understudy. So, between shows, Scott gives the whole world the silent treatment. “It’s good that you’re talking to me now,” he laughed. “Because come Sat-
share in a portion of the proceeds for this event. If a student or a group of students from another school attends, all they have to do is show their student ID and a portion of the $5 entrance fee will be sent back to their school’s music program. This has become truly a total community event.” As a junior high language arts teacher and a proud parent to two Drillers musicians, Wood understands the full value of supporting high school music programs, and in a time of shrinking school budgets, this event has become a vital part of the band’s fundraising efforts.
urday and Sunday I wouldn’t be talking at all outside of the shows. We do perform sometimes up to three times per day, and on those days when we have three shows, I don’t talk outside of the performance. I wake up, I warm up my voice, and then I’m silent unless I’m on the arena floor.” But Fully Charged is anything but silent. It’s loud, it’s bombastic and full of real people from all over the world, performing spectacular stunts you wouldn’t expect to see anywhere else. And in a time when many people are viewing CGI worlds through digital 3-D glasses, Scott feels it’s the tangible, albeit fantastical, “realness” of the circus that has kept drawing crowds for hundreds of years. “What we offer is reality, in a sense. We give this live entertainment, where these people are doing everything that they’re doing right out in front of you.
“It’s expensive to run a band program, but music is essential,” Wood said. “As a teacher, I know that a happy student is a learning student, and not everyone is a math or language arts student, and a lot of people come to school for band and for these extra programs.” So if you’re in the mood to help put Bakersfield in the record books for something other than our air quality, while supporting a great cause, bring a few friends — even a few enemies — and head out to the fairgrounds for the World’s Largest Water Balloon Fight.
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey’s Fully Charged When: 7:30 p.m. today and Friday; 11:30 a.m., 3:30 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday Where: Rabobank Arena, 1001 Truxtun Ave. Admission: $10 to $70 Information: 322-2525 or ringling.com
When you wrap your mind around the idea that that guy is really on a high wire, risking his life, or that guy is really on fire right now, that’s what keeps people coming back. The truth that the circus is real, and that it really is a once in a lifetime experience.”
20
The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, August 25, 2011
Eye Street
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It’s not a huge surprise that California, a state known for (and often reviled for) being progressive would beat the nation in granting women the right to vote. But who’d have thought that it was Kern County and the rest of the state’s midsection — not our free-thinking coastal neighbors up north — that would make the difference? Yet that’s exactly what happened, according to a headline in the Oct. 12, 1911, edition of The Californian: “Interior California Turns Defeat for Women into Victory; Belated Returns Wipe Out Results in San Francisco” (And if there was any question that the time had come for women’s equality, a headline next to the voting story removes all doubt: “You Can’t Punish Your Wife Even if She Deserves It”) To celebrate the 100th anniversary of that watershed day for women, the local chapter of the League of Women Voters is inviting the public to a forum Sunday, where state Sen. Jean Fuller, Kern County Supervisor Karen Goh, former county Supervisor Barbara Patrick and Shafter City Councilwoman Cathy Prout will address various topics and take questions from the audience. “The questions we’re going to be asking include how women have
League of Women Voters of Kern County Centennial Tea When: 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Sunday Where: Seven Oaks Country Club, 2000 Grand Lakes Ave. Reservations: 634-3773; must be made by today
changed the political climate in California, what issues are particularly important to women in general and them in particular,” said Lynne Rosenstein, vice president of programs for the league. “For example, Sen. Fuller is very interested in education. Often education is more important to women than to men.” Though the topics were devised with women in mind, by no means does the league exclude men, who have been allowed to join since the national group changed its charter to broaden membership in 1973. “It’s people who identify with the purpose of the league,” said Rosenstein, who joined about 11 years ago when she moved to Bakersfield from Seal Beach. “It’s a good way to get involved, not only in your community, but in state issues, and I think that’s what draws men, too. But people have to have good feelings about themselves to join the league if they’re not women,” she said with a laugh. Rosenstein described the mission of the league as being political but not partisan and noted that the 70 to 75 local members represent a diverse group in age, background and party
affiliation. When the members confer their advocacy to a cause, it’s only after careful research and deliberation, Rosenstein said. “Some years back, someone came to our meeting and said, ‘We want the league to sign on to the ballot initiative on Kern County’s half-cent sales tax.’ We studied it for two years. Those of us on that committee probably found out more about roads and transportation than we probably thought there was to know. We ultimately supported it,” said Rosenstein of the 2006 measure that was defeated at the ballot box. The league meets every third Wednesday at the Petroleum Club. Dues are $75 a month, or $100 per household. A central focus of members, beyond taking positions on issues, is to increase Kern’s voting population. “This last year, we registered 500 high school kids,” Rosenstein said. “We went to lots and lots of high schools in Kern County and spoke to classes about he importance of voting and registered them.” The importance of voting wasn’t lost on California women a hundred years ago. In fact, after several defeats, it was their determination and that of their male allies that secured the narrow victory — a full nine years before the passage of the 19th Amendment, which gave all American women the right to vote. “I think most people don’t know that the state gave women the right before our country did,” Rosenstein said. “Californians were ahead of their time.”
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Thursday, August 25, 2011 The Bakersfield Californian
Eye Street
Sig gn Up Todayy fo or
Cooking Classes by our New Guest Chef,
Tour drums up interest in music BCSD traveling ‘road show’ designed to entice students BY CAMILLE GAVIN Contributing writer gavinarts@aol.com
G
iven the enthusiasm expressed by Michael Stone, coordinator of the visual and performing arts department, I was tempted to start off by saying the Bakersfield City School District is tooting its horn for music this week and next. Instead, I’ll simply voice my admiration for Stone and his traveling troupe of music teachers for their energy and dedication in carrying out a rigorous schedule that began on Tuesday at Owens Intermediate and ends on Sept. 2 at Franklin Elementary. Talk about fast-paced. Over the nine-day period, the 12-member group will visit the district’s 31 elementary schools — at the rate of four each day — and present a brief but lively program at each one. The focus is on students in grades four through six; third-graders may attend if space permits. “We call it ‘Music in our Schools Week,’” Stone said. “The students are introduced to the instruments of the orchestra and we try to get them pumped up about being in music classes.” Apparently the teachers’ efforts have been successful. Stone said student participation has gone up 34 percent since 2004. He refers to it as “our road show” and it’s been going on in one form or another for at least 35 years. “We’re very passionate about our program,” the coordinator said. “With budget cuts, it has been tough but due to the district’s strong fiscal position, we have been able to maintain, and even to grow, the music program.” An indicator of the strength of the program is the Honor Music Festival that is held at the end of the school year at the Rabobank Convention Center. Last June, Stone said 1,000 BCSD student musicians and singers performed in the program. For “Music in Our Schools Week,” the music teachers develop a theme for the program they present at the schools. Usually it’s based on a recent movie. Last year it was “Toy Story,” and the musicians dressed like the characters in the film. This year they’re using a Disney theme. “At each program we involve children in performing either with hand-clapping or singing,” he said. “The teachers and I model the instruments and talk about each family of instruments.” Of course students who decide they would like to take the twice-a-week instruction must first have their parents’ permission. Some buy or rent their instruments and others may be able to borrow one from the district, although there is a waiting list for instruments. “We provide the larger instruments like the tuba, bass and cello,” Stone said. “They are too expensive for parents to buy.”
Graduate of
COURTESY OF STEVE GABBITAS
Elementary traveling instrumental music teachers Crystal Lee, Daniel Hernandez, Steve Engel and Sheri Tipton were dressed as characters in the movie “Toy Story” for last year's Music in Our Schools Week.
As a result of receiving a $2.1 million grant for art, music and physical education in 2004, the district has bought about 24 tubas and approximately 80 cellos. Stone said the bill for the tubas alone was more than $100,000. Stone, who plays the trombone and euphonium, usually demonstrates the brass instruments at the programs. In addition to his position with BCSD, and as a way to keep up his skills, he also performs with the Bakersfield Winds and with Brass a la Carte, a quartet that includes Sal Panelli, Mike Raney and Ron Christian. Stan Holcombe, who formerly was supervisor of music at BCSD and now works out of the district office an academic coach to classroom teachers, is an active member of the troupe of traveling music teachers. He plays the viola, is a member of the Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra, and is considered the strings expert in the music week entourage. “We try to show (students) how much fun music can be,” Holcombe said. “We might invite three or four students up to play some rhythm instruments or have them sing the opening notes of Beethoven’s Fifth (Symphony).” To hear Holcombe tell it, the teachers often create their own fun by trying to trip one another up during the performances. “We’re all practical jokers,” he said. “We do different things — somebody might suddenly change the key or sing different words.” During the third week of school the music teachers meet with parents of students who want to participate in music classes. On occasion, a parent might ask which instrument is the loudest. “They (parents) don’t want anything that’s too noisy,” Holcombe said. “They want to protect their hearing, I guess.” Another common question is: How often should my child practice? “I tell them 30 minutes a day, five days a week,” he said. “If they do that they’ll be in the symphony some day and they’ll be sitting right by me.”
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The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, August 25, 2011
Eye Street Camille Gavin CONTRIBUTING COLUMNIST
Dove back home from D.C. tour Festival explored musical traditions
GO & DO Rodolfo Rivademar: Painting Demonstration
N
at Dove is home again after spending the earlier part of summer on a 10day gig in Washington, D.C., where he participated in the Smithsonian Institution’s 45th annual Folklife Festival, held on the National Mall in front of the Capitol from June 30 to July 11. Considering what must have been high temperatures and humidity, I asked the 71-year-old musician, composer and lecturer what it was like performing in the outdoor setting. “I played every day from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and we had 250,000 people on the Fourth of July,” he told me. “It was grueling, but I was proud to do it because it reminded me of my time at the Apollo in New York.” Dove was referring to a job he had at the famed theater in Harlem where, in 1967, he performed with blues guitarist TBone Walker and other wellknown musicians of the time. “At the Apollo, we played for 20 minutes at a time, five times a day, five days a week,” he said. Then chuckling at the recollection, he added, “We used to call it the workhouse because when we got through, we were so tired we weren’t good for anything.” The festival in Washington, which was co-sponsored by the National Museum of African American History and Culture, explored many musical traditions. Dove’s portion of the program was devoted to the history and development of rhythm and blues. Also appearing in the segment were the Funk Brothers, who were the studio band for Motown Records, and Shirley Jones of The Jones Girls, a trio that once served as backup singers for Lou Rawls, Teddy Pendergrass and Aretha Franklin, among others. “I represented the blues genre,” Dove said. “And I was on a panel discussion on the history of blues, all the way back to Louisiana and Texas.” Yet it appears the Texas native doesn’t dwell on the past —
3 to 5 p.m. Sunday Bakersfield Museum of Art, 1930 R St. Admission: $5; free to members Information: 323-7219
‘Disney's Camp Rock: The Musical’ 7 p.m. Friday, 2 p.m. Saturday The Empty Space, 706 Oak St. Admission: $10 adults; $5 children under 18 Information: 304-2440
Auditions for ‘The Giver’ 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday and 6 to 8 p.m. Monday Bakersfield Community Theatre, 2400 S. Chester Ave. Admission: Free Information: 831-8114
PHOTO COURTESY OF NAT DOVE
Nat Dove is shown at his performance in Washington, D.C.
at the festival he also performed “Has the World Gone Mad?,” a song he wrote only recently. “It’s about ecological issues,” he said, “and asks the question ‘If we kill everything around us what’s going to happen to us?’” As for future events, Dove has arranged for friend Jayne Cortez, a New York jazz poet, to appear as a guest speaker at the Norman Levan Center for the Humanities at Bakersfield College. Jack Hernandez, director of the center, said Dove will introduce Cortez, who will be on the BC campus on Sept. 29. Her presentation is called “Find Your Own Voice: a Poetic Excursion through Language and Music with Jayne Cortez.”
Painting demonstration A special Sunday afternoon program at the Bakersfield Museum of Art will give guests an opportunity to interact with an award-winning artist in an informal setting. Rodolfo Rivademar, a native of Argentina and a member of the Pasadena-based California Art Club, will present a painting
Camille Gavin’s “Arts Alive” column appears on Thursday. Write to her via e-mail at gavinarts@aol.com
demonstration in the museum’s spacious banquet room. Along with discussing his background and education, the artist will demonstrate his painting process, said Jason Gutierrez, a spokesman for the museum. Guests can “drop in and out,” during the two-hour program, he added, and seating will be provided. Visitors also can take a look at Rivademar’s impressive 24-by-36inch oil painting, a landscape that shows a field of spring wildflowers spilling across a verdant hillside at Tejon Ranch. Titled “Near Lake Quail,” the painting hangs in the Cunningham Gallery. It is part of a juried exhibit of artwork by California Art Club members who were given access to the
ranch’s back country in 2009 and 2010. The event on Sunday also marks the closing of the exhibit, which has been displayed at the museum since June 16.
Disney teen musical A 36-member cast of young people will give two performances of “Camp Rock: The Musical” at The Empty Space this weekend . The show is adapted from a 2008 movie originally shown on the Disney Channel. The story revolves around a group of teens attending a summer camp who use their musical talents to ensure the existence of Camp Rock whose survival is being threatened by a more glamorous camp situated across the
lake. Guinevere PH Dethlefson of Tonicism Productions, the producer, said a dozen or more songs are featured in the musical, including “This Is Me,” “Can’t Back Down,” “It’s On” and “We Rock.”
Open auditions at BCT Eric Tolley, director of “The Giver,” the second play in this year’s Youth Series at Bakersfield Community Theatre, will hold auditions on Saturday afternoon and again on Monday evening at the playhouse. The play, about a 12-year-old in a futuristic world, was adapted by Eric Coble from the Newbery Award-winning book by Lois Lowry, a well-known author of children’s books. Those who come for the tryouts are asked to prepare a monologue of their own choice. Performances are scheduled for Nov. 4 to 13.
CORRECTION An Aug. 11 feature on Nelson Varon, owner/operator of Kern Piano Mall, contained several inaccuracies, which we regret. Varon married his wife in 1955 and owned eight piano stores in the 1970s. Incorrect dates were reported. In addition, one of Varon’s books on music, "The Joy of Organ Music," was published in 1969 and is still in print. HENRY A. BARRIOS / THE CALIFORNIAN The name of the piano maker Kawai was Nelson Varon has had a significant career in music misspelled as well. and now sells Steinway & Sons pianos in Bakersfield.
23
Thursday, August 25, 2011 The Bakersfield Californian
Eye Street
No lie: ‘Honestly’ worth a listen BY MATT MUNOZ
‘Honestly Speaking’ CD Release Concert
Bakotopia.com editor mmunoz@bakersfield.com
After two years of intense musical study, local jazz saxophonist Isaiah Morfin is ready for a progress report. Holed up inside Bakersfield Music & Recording Studios, where he’s been putting finishing touches on his debut solo CD, “Honestly Speaking,” the gifted musician will celebrate the fruits of his labor Friday night with a release party and concert at Metro Galleries. It’s also another last hurrah before the 21-year-old jumps on a plane back to Boston to continue his studies at the prestigious Berklee College of Music. “I’m really excited about this project,” said Morfin, who arrived smiling and fashionably late to Monday’s final recording session, where he and other musicians awaited the first take of the day. “I’ve been waiting to say something musically for some time, but wanted it to be the right time.” Rising as a hot shot in the musical community during his teens at the Bakersfield Jazz Festival and at impromptu street festival concerts, Morfin’s dedication to his
When: 7 p.m. Friday Where: Metro Galleries, 1604 19th St. Admission: $10 Information: 634-9598 or Isaiahmorfin.com
craft and the concepts of jazz music are mature beyond his years. Able to improvise like a seasoned pro, he says his experience at Berklee so far has helped him grow artistically as well as get him accustomed to big city life. “It’s still hard to find a balance between working on either music or just gigging in Boston. I’ve gotten pretty good at it, and did a lot of gigs last semester. I’ve also been more into composition and how building songs work.”
CD captures Morfin’s evolution Those newfound skills can be heard throughout the eight instrumental tracks featured on “Honestly Speaking.” All composed by Morfin — with the exception of the gospel hymn
“His Eye Is on the Sparrow”— the disc shows off his talents with some traditional and modern twists in the jazz vein. From the funky shuffle of “Gratefullness,” to the steady groove of “New Life,” before soulfully mellowing out on “One Day at a Time,” the collection is a testament to Morfin’s evolution as an artist and composer. Well-versed in some tasty bebop-inflected solo runs, one of his noticeable strengths is that while he does possess the skills to burn through the changes, he’s not overbearing. It’s an approach Morfin has taken to heart when it comes to the genre. “A lot of jazz today is show tunes and standards. This music is what I feel is honest to me and relevant to what’s going on today. Jazz needs to keep progressing.” Like late sax legend John Coltrane — whose “A Love Supreme” was inspired by his spiritual beliefs — Morfin, a devout Christian, said his CD follows a similar path. “Art reflects something greater that we can’t express in words. I’ve been through a lot the last couple of years, and there have been some obstacles along the
PHOTO COURTESY OF ISAIAH MORFIN
Saxophonist Isaiah Morfin appears at Metro Galleries Friday night.
way. The whole idea behind this music is to show that even when the life looks bleak and hopeless, there’s always a reason to find joy in life.” Joining Morfin on Friday will be some of the artists on the CD, including drummer Canaan Duffie, keyboardist Ezekial Victor, and other special guests.
Morfin says as he continues his pursuit of higher music learning in Berklee, listeners should anticipate many more releases and surprises in the future. “This is just the beginning of my journey.” Copies of “Honestly Speaking,” will be sold for $15 at Friday’s show.
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4915 Stockdale Highway • 661-834-3068 Monday - Friday: 10-6 • Saturday: 10-5
Details online at bmtstars.com Call the Theatre Box Office to purchase tickets.
(661) 325-6100
24
The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, August 25, 2011
Eye Street The Lowdown with Matt Munoz
More than able on the turntable Mothership DJs hope to ‘grab people’s ears’
T
he introduction of the Serato Scratch Live audio manipulation computer program in 2004 kicked off a bitter battle between vinyl DJ purists and a new wave of tech-savvy spin-meisters that continues today. On one side, crate-carrying loyalists sworn to the art of live record mixing hold fast to the original art form bred in the concrete jungles of New York City nearly four decades ago. On the other, an army of new-school cats embrace the wonders of MP3 audio weightlessness, courtesy of laptop portability. In the middle of it all, The Mothership’s resident DJ, Sabrina “Sabretooth” Ramirez, along with musical comrades Christopher “Qwiz” Anfoso, Daniel “Chito” Rodriguez and Omar “Oms” Juarez, keep the peace in one harmonious groove. Returning this Saturday to Sandrini’s downtown, the only thing concerning these super friends isn’t any preference, but rather the level of dedication to what matters most — the music. “We’ve created a platform for DJs to do what they do best,” said Ramirez. “I call it ‘ADD Night’ for music heads. We definitely hope to grab people’s ears while they’re here.” If you’ve never attended, The Mothership can best be described as an old-school house party, sans your parents’ couch and family photos. This is 100 percent downtown culture, where urban street vibes mix with hipster chic
Bakotopia Unplugged Open Mic Night With host Matt Munoz When: 8 to 11 p.m. Wednesdays. Signups start at 7:30 p.m. Where: Fishlips, 1517 18th St. Information: 324-2557 or visit the Facebook page for updates.
and the sounds of rare funk, jazz, hip-hop and reggae act as your soundtrack for the evening. It’s an inviting combination, where even squares are invited to cut up the floor. And although they do prefer crate-to-the-table vinyl over MP3s, modern technology is allowed — in moderation, of course. “It’s not exclusive to any particular scene; everybody’s welcome,” Ramirez said. Evolving out of an early gathering of rappers, DJs and breakdancers at the now closed Downtown Records storefront in 2003, it was also a place for connecting with like-minded artist types. “Every DJ wanted to be different,” recalled Anfoso of the wordof-mouth events, where he also met Ramirez for the first time after hearing her vintage punk and soul mixes. “It was just cool to be there and everybody was into it. It only lasted a few months.” Ramirez’s cousin Omar, who had also become known for throwing massive under-21 parties at his parents’ house, would prove to be the perfect family alliance for a plan she’d had in the works. With the right organization and venue, the spirit of those early days could live on. But first, it was going to take some convincing, given the reputation DJ club nights have at some venues, many of which shun even the idea out
of fear the music would attract an undesirable crowd. Ramirez recalls meeting with Sandrini’s management when she first pitched the idea for The Mothership. “I had to tell them it was underground soul and hip-hop music that would attract some older people that don’t go out much. The name to me describes it perfectly — all in one,” she said using hand gestures. The group got the green light to host the official debut at Sandrini’s four years after the closing of Downtown Records, and the event’s popularity has grown ever since, with some of the most eclectic crowds you’ll ever see in Bakersfield. “You never know who’s going to show up,” said Juarez, who specializes in mixing Latin rock and cumbias with Afro funk styles in his sets. “I met these people who were visiting from Mexico who just happened to walk in. They loved it.” The core quartet has also grown with more local DJs becoming part of The Mothership’s extended family. They’ve also attracted out-of-town talent and artists displaying their wares. Pointing out that unlike L.A. and San Francisco, where these types of events happen almost nightly, Rodriguez said there’s no big-city attitude required. “Those crowds are pretty jaded,” said Rodriguez, who, while attending college in San Jose, became immersed in the DJ music scene of the Bay Area. “When I came back home to Bakersfield, I couldn’t believe how cool everyone was.” When asked about qualifications to be on a future lineup, Ramirez said not just anyone can get a set of launch keys for this ’ship. “I’ve been getting a little territorial about who I let onstage. I
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 BY MICHAEL CHADBURN
The Mothership’s resident DJs, clockwise from top left: Daniel Rodriguez, Omar Juarez, Sabrina Ramirez, Christopher Anfoso.
made the mistake of booking someone who kept begging me. Now, I have to have a sense of trust like I do with my crew. I expect a real DJ to show up sometime, check out the event, then talk to me. This is no bandwagon to jump on.” The setup is simple: two turntables, a mixer, booming house speakers and stacks of mixed records. Once the Sandrini’s dinner crowd leaves, tables are moved and the music starts. From then on, it’s up to each DJ to keep the party going nonstop. From Talking Heads to Roy Ayers, James Brown to Desmond Dekker and beyond, Anfoso says the sight on the dance floor is nothing short of electric. “Sometimes people just lose themselves dancing, drenched in sweat,” said Anfoso. “We have the best crowds.” The Mothership DJ night is held
the third Saturday of every month. Admission is free. Sandrini’s is located at 1918 Eye St. For more information, call 322-8900 or join their Facebook group at facebook.com/groups/mothershippers.
Merle Haggard at the Padre After reports surfaced about Merle Haggard cutting short his recent tour over health concerns, it was nice to catch a glimpse of the country icon hanging out with friends inside the Padre Hotel’s Brimstone bar last Sunday. I spotted him myself during a late-night bike ride through downtown. I even made another pass around the hotel to confirm it was the Hag. Sure enough, the country icon was hanging out with his close friend and Bakersfield resident Ray McDonald. Haggard’s next show is scheduled for Sept. 23 in Portland, Ore.
25
Thursday, August 25, 2011 The Bakersfield Californian
Eye Street
Vegas, by way of Chester Avenue Rat Pack-inspired singers take to the stage Saturday BY STEFANI DIAS Californian assistant lifestyles editor sdias@bakersfield.com
Las Vegas is about 282 miles from Bakersfield, but you can shorten the trip in time for the lounge act downtown at Stars Dinner Theatre this weekend. On Saturday, the theater will host its Las Vegas Night Club Night, an evening that will take you back in time to the Rat Pack era. In place of Frank, Sammy and Dino, Stars regulars Sheryl Cleveland, Amber O’Reilly, Jennifer Resolme, Bethany Rowlee and Frank Sierra will perform, accompanied by Brock Christian on the piano. Also hitting the stage will be Bakersfield Music Theatre’s artistic director Bruce Saathoff, who said that there will be two sets, one starting at 7:30 p.m. and the other around 8:15. “The music is from the Sinatra era. Songs wil include ‘My Funny Valentine,’ ‘Dancing in the Dark,’ ‘Night and Day’ and
Las Vegas Night Club Night
Sat., Sept. 10th
When: Doors open at 7 p.m., show at 7:30 p.m. Saturday Where: Stars Dinner Theatre, 1931 Chester Ave. Admission: $20 Information: 325-6100
‘Me and My Shadow.’� Scheduled between runs of musicals, Stars’ performance nights may appeal to those looking for something different, Saathoff said. “I think it’s a nice change. People can be turned off by musicals, when the story is interrupted by songs. “With this, they can just listen, enjoy an evening of music.� Along with the crooning, there will be cuisine — a smaller menu of sandwiches and appetizers — and cocktails, all available for purchase. For those who want to live it up Vegasstyle, Saathoff recommends ordering a Manhattan or an old-fashioned. “It fits the era.�
6:00pm - 10:00pm at the Kern County Museum Tickets available online at or call 322-5200
Tickets: $63
$68 DAY OF EVENT ValliTix Oulets: Russo’s Books, Fox Theatre and The Emporium Western Store
unlimited food samples!
! " #
$
# %
! & % ' '
%
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!
Ticket price includes 15 drink samples and unlimited food samples. Must be at least 21 years of age. Proof required.
Benefitting:
and the Kern County Museum
www.BakersfieldVillageFest.com
SHARE YOUR WES MOORE STORIES The late Wes Moore, aka “The Colonel,� led the Driller marching band at Bakersfield High School through four decades, positively influencing countless youth. As Kern County collectively picks up the book “The Other Wes Moore� as the 11th annual One Book, One Moore Bakersfield, One Kern community read this fall, many who knew him will recall Bakersfield’s own Wes Moore. The book, about two Wes Moores growing up in similar neighbor-
hoods, is about how life choices and mentoring can make a difference in a young person’s future. As part of this community read, the One Book committee is collecting memories of our own Wes Moore to publish in The Bakersfield Californian and online at onebookonebakersfieldonekern.com. Please submit your stories in 300 words or less to Jennifer Burger at jburger1@csub.edu by Wednesday, Aug. 31. The community read kicks off Sept. 20 and ends with a visit from the author to Cal State Bakersfield on Nov. 8. For more information, please call Jennifer Burger at 661-654-2138.
COMING IN EYE Friday: “Our Idiot Brother,� starring Paul Rudd and Elizabeth Banks, is dangerously close to being one of two movies: the raunchy, R-rated comedy that it appears to be in the trailer or another sweet and wry movie showcasing Rudd, who is becoming the comedian-with-a-soul of his generation. So which is it? Check out our review. Saturday: Cacti and succulents are great choices for our climate, writes Californian gardening columnist Richard Schiell. Their advantages as container plants are tremendous compared to, say, something that dies without water for three days in the heat. But do you really know all there is to know about these beautiful plants? Learn more in Schiell’s
column. Sunday: Lengthwise, the brew/pub that has become something of a Bakersfield institution, has great news for residents of the northwest: You can now order your fish and chips and Centennial ale a little closer to home. Californian restaurant critic Pete Tittl checks out the new spot, and coowner Jeff Williams gives readers an outlook on what’s next for Lengthwise.
A
S
UDITION For the
2011/2012
Concert Season All Voices Needed. Auditions begin...
Tuesday, August 30, 2011 Call Dave Waterman for Information and Audition Appointment
(661) 392-0619 email: chorale@bakersfieldmasterworks.org
26
The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, August 25, 2011
Eye Street
Looking for love in 8 minutes Speed dating puts romance in high gear BY JENNIFER SELF Californian lifestyles editor jself@bakersfield.com
T
here’s plenty of stuff you can do in eight minutes. But fall in love? That might be a little ambitious, even for the most romance-addicted among us. But then that’s not really the aim of speed dating anyway, said the coordinator of a singles event scheduled for Tuesday at Fishlips. The goal of the quick-fire quest for companionship is to provide an opportunity for single people to get together, have a little conversation, maybe a few laughs and see where it goes. Who knows? That first encounter could lead to a second, maybe a lingering look or two, an accidental brushing of fingers, a kiss ... you get the point. But despite Bakersfield’s reputation as a tough town for singles, as of Monday, only seven people had stepped forward to roll the
Speed dating When: 7:30 to 9 p.m. Tuesday Where: Fishlips, 1517 18th St. Admission: $17, which includes appetizers Registration: centralvalleyspeeddate.com; Flores prefers preregistration but she won’t turn anyone away at the door, she said. Information: 559-429-1310
dice on love. Still, Erika Flores, who started the speed-dating business in July, isn’t ready to sink into a pint of Ben & Jerry’s in despair just yet. “There’s a large number of singles in Bakersfield. It’s just how to find them and where to find them,” said the divorced mother of an 8-year-old daughter, expressing an age-old lament. Flores wants to be ground zero for eligible singles (at least the straight ones, ages 21 to 36 — she’ll hit other demographics later, if this one is a success). She’s stepping up her marketing
efforts to get the word out and is confident that once people learn more about speed dating, they’ll fall in love with it. “Depending on the venue, you may be nervous, but as soon as you walk in, you see other people who are usually really friendly, talkative, social people,” Flores said. “Even if you’re not talkative at first, just being there and sitting down with somebody, it gets you going.” The process is pretty straightforward. The ladies have a seat as the men make their rounds from table to table — kind of like a real-life bar situation, come to think of it. Each conversation lasts eight minutes and when the bell rings, off you go with a wink, mid-sentence or not. At the end of the evening, participants turn in “match sheets,” which identify the people they’d like to get to know better. If there are any mutual signs of interest, Flores makes the match via email. “It’s kind of foolproof against rejection or that creepy feeling.” As a veteran of the dating bat-
“There’s a large number of singles in Bakersfield. It’s just how to find them and where to find them.” — Erika Flores, a divorced mother of an 8-year-old daughter, who started the speed-dating business in July
tlefield for several years now, Flores knows a little something about both rejection and “that creepy feeling,” which is why she was up for a two-hour drive to the big city to try speed dating for herself. “I went to L.A., but the problem is that the people live in L.A., so it’s kind of far. I realized there was nothing available between Fresno and L.A., so I thought it would be a good thing to bring here. “I like the way it flowed. Women sit down in seats, everyone gets a number. It’s kind of a quiet event.” Flores, who works for a social
services nonprofit by day, held her first event a few weeks ago in her hometown of Porterville. “It was actually pretty fun,” said Flores, 32, who was forced to improvise when few participants showed up for the actual event. “It was a mock one, because all these guys came in and they said, ‘OK, we’ll try it.’ They had a good time. Some of the guys were married, even. They just happened to come in there and wanted to try it just to try it. They had a good time, and so did the girls.” So can the slightly uptight single actually prepare for something like this? “Be yourself and you’ll be comfortable once you’re in your chair. You’ll have butterflies in your stomach, but you’ll have a great time by the end of the night,” Flores said. “You might not find someone attractive, but you might think their conversation is so interesting that you could make a friend.” For more of what to expect and to register, go to centralvalleyspeeddate.com.
27
Thursday, August 25, 2011 The Bakersfield Californian
8 CONCERTS FOR $60.00 Monday, September 26, 2011
Michael Kaesahammer He has been called Canada’s triple-threat combo of piano virtuosity, vocal ability and charisma. This potent combination has earned Michael international acclaim. His sextet is pure delight and its energy knows no bounds.
2011-2012 SEASON MEMBERSHIP Evenings 7:30 PM Doors Open at 6:30 PM Matinees 3:00 PM Doors Open 2:00 Pm For Information Call: (661) 205-8522 • (661) 589-2478 • www.bakersfieldcca.org Make Checks payable to: B.C.C.A., P.O. Box 11929 Bakersfield, Ca 93389 Name _________________________________________________ Street _________________________________________________
Type Number Adult ________________________ Full-Time College Student _______________ Students (through High School) ___________
Price $60.00
Subtotal $_______
$30.00
$_______
$20.00
$_______
City _______________ Zip_________Phone __________________
❏ Visa ❏
Total
MasterCard
Credit Card Number __________
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Expiration date: Month _______________ Year ________________
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28
The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, August 25, 2011
Eye Street GO&DO
GO & DO
Today
Named Bakersfield’s Favorite Pizza in The Californian’s 2011 Readers Survey
Terry & ’s Charlotte
September Special
Buy 1 Dinner & Get 1
FREE FREE Mon-Fri, 11-2 HOURS Lunch: Dinner: Mon-Thurs, 5-10;
STEAK HOUSE 2515 F Street • 322-9910 www.kcsteakhouse.net
Fri & Sat, 5-10:30
Dine In Only Expires 9-30-11 Maximum value of $10.95 only. One coupon per table or party. Not valid with any other offers or Holidays.
Terry & ’s Charlotte
STEAK HOUSE 2515 F Street • 322-9910 www.kcsteakhouse.net
September Special
Buy 1 Lunch & Get 1
FREE FREE
Mon-Fri, 11-2 HOURS Lunch: Dinner: Mon-Thurs, 5-10; Fri & Sat, 5-10:30
Dine In Only Expires 9-30-11 Maximum value of $6.95 only. One coupon per table or party. Not valid with any other offers or Holidays.
Chef Martin Yan will be presenting his signature recipes and products for kitchen staff, associates, guests, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Kern Medical Center, cafe, 1700 Mt. Vernon Ave. 3265598. Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus: Fully Charged, animal open house, an hour and a half before show starts; show 7:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday; 11:30 a.m., 3:30 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Rabobank Arena, 1001 Truxtun Ave. $10-$70. ticketmaster.com or call 800-745-3000. Ray Price, 7 p.m., Buck Owens Crystal Palace, 2800 Buck Owens Blvd. $28.50-$40.50. vallitix.com or 3225200. Concerts by The Fountain, with Mento Buru, 7 to 9 p.m., The Marketplace, 9000 Ming Ave. Read the Classics, for young readers ages 8 to 12, 4 p.m., Barnes & Noble, children’s department, 4001 California Ave. 631-2575.
Friday Kids’ Night Out “You Are a Star Today,” for ages 6 and up, paint and design a dinner plate, pizza, and games, 6:30 to 9 p.m., Color Me Mine at The Marketplace, 9000 Ming Ave. $25; $19 for additional siblings. bakersfield.colormemine.com or 6647366. Fantastic Friday Storytime, with Miss Olivia, 10 a.m., Barnes & Noble, 4001 California Ave. 631-2575. Wine Tasting, over 20 wines with gourmet appetizers, 5:30 to 8 p.m., Cafe Med, 4809 Stockdale Highway. $25. 834-4433.
Saturday
CASH FOR GOLD Highest Prices Paid!
Chains – Bracelets Dental Gold – Rings Our Scales Are Licensed Through Kern County Weights & Measures For Accuracy In our 50th Year Serving Kern County
Janes Jewelers Where Bakersfield Gets Engaged 9530 Hageman & Calloway (661) 587-6242 Find Us On Facebook Open Tuesday thru Friday 10am to 6pm Saturday 10am 3pm Closed Sunday Mondays
Second annual World’s Largest Water Balloon Fight, Drillers vs. all, hosted by Bakersfield High School Band Boosters; with food, raffle prizes, dunk tank, carnival is from noon to 6 p.m., balloon begin flying at 6:30 p.m., Kern County Fairgrounds, carnival area, 1142 S. P St. $5. 324-9841. Central Coast Gun Show & Sale, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Kern County Fairgrounds, 1142 S. P St. $9; children 13 and under are free; $3 parking. 805481-6726. Las Vegas Night Club Night, featuring Sheryl Cleveland, Brock Christian, Jennifer Resolme and others, doors open at 7 p.m., show at 7:30 p.m., Stars Dinner Theatre, 1931 Chester Ave. $20. 325-6100. “The Endless Summer” Cinema Saturday, begins at sundown, Valentien Restaurant & Wine Bar, 1310 Truxtun Ave., Suite 160. 864-0397. Barks & Books, for children who can build reading skills by sharing stories with a Therapy Dog, 11 a.m. to noon, Beale Memorial Library, 701 Truxtun Ave. 868-0750. Book signing, with authors Janet Fiore Horger and Linda Fiore Sanders of “Turn a Deaf Ear,” 1 to 3 p.m.,
Ray Price, 7 p.m. today, Buck Owens Crystal Palace, 2800 Buck Owens Blvd. $28.50-$40.50. vallitix.com or 322-5200. Russo’s, 9000 Ming Ave. 665-4686. Certified Farmers Market, 8 a.m. to noon, next to Golden State Mall, 3201 F St. Farmers Market, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Brimhall Square, 9500 Brimhall Road. Kids Free Day, CALM, 10500 Alfred Harrell Highway. 872-2256. Scrapbooking Class 101, 1 to 3 p.m., Beale Memorial Library, Tejon Room, 701 Truxtun Ave. Free. 8680750. Street Teams, opportunity to reach the hurting and needy parts of our community with food, love and prayer, 10:30 a.m., Jesus Shack, 1326 30th St. jesusshack.com or call 3240638. Sunflower Design Class, 10 a.m. Saturday, Log Cabin Florist, 800 19th St. $50. 327-8646. Twilight at CALM, with a wildlife presentation, scavenger hunt, 5:30 to 8 p.m., CALM, 10500 Alfred Harrell Highway. Regular admission prices apply; CALM members are free. calmzoo.org or 872-2256.
Sunday League of Women Voters of Kern County Centennial Tea, panelists include Senator Jean Fuller, Supervisor Karen Goh, former supervisor Barbara Patrick, Shafter Councilwoman Kathy Prout, 2:30 to 4:30 p.m., Seven Oaks Country Club, 2000 Grand Lakes Ave. 634-3773. Rotary KRV Fundraising Luau, music, costume contest, dinner, silent auction, door prizes, 6 p.m., Lakeshore Lodge Pavilion, 7466 Wofford Blvd., Wofford Heights. $25. Email laneyforge03@yahoo.com or 909-964-1395.
THEATER “I Dream of Art” Gallery Reception, live music, hors d’oeuvres, refreshments, 5 to 7 p.m. today, The Empty Space, 706 Oak St. Free. 327PLAY. “Seussical Jr. the Musical,” 7 p.m. today through Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday, Bakersfield Community Theater, 2400 S. Chester Ave. Pre-sale $10; $15 adults; $12 children. 831-8114.
“Beirut,” 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, The Empty Space, 706 Oak St. $5. 327-PLAY. “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels: The Musical,” 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Spotlight Theatre, 1622 19th St. $25; $22 students/seniors. 634-0692 or thespotlighttheatre.com. Improv Comedy Show, with Center For Improv Advancement, 8 to 9:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, Ice House, 3401 Chester Ave., Suite M. Adults: $5 on Friday and Saturdays, children under 12 are $1 every day. ciacomedy.com. Comedy. “The Show Must Go On,” followed by the vaudeville revue “Hot Summer Nights” 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday, Gaslight Melodrama Theatre & Music Hall, 12748 Jomani Drive. $12 to $23. 587-3377. 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. “Saved in The Nick (Tickle) of Time,” 7 p.m. Friday; 2 p.m. Saturday, The Empty Space, 706 Oak St. Visit tonicism.com.
ART 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 email for details and enrollment. bradshawartist@earthlink.net or 760-3766604. Art for Healing program, of Mercy Hospitals of Bakersfield has many unique classes that may help alleviate stress and anxiety resulting in illness, loss, grief or caring for another. All classes are free but some suggest a donation and are held at Mercy Hospital, Truxtun Campus, Truxtun and A St. Visit mercybakersfield.org/art or to register, 632-5747. Basic Beading & Wire Wrapping Workshop, with Susi Klassen, private instruction or by appointment, The Bead Hut, 610 18th St. To schedule an appointment, 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. “Connections,” an exhibition of works by artists participating in the visual arts festival, on display until Aug. 28, The Bakersfield Museum of Art, 1930 R St. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday-Friday; noon to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Closed Mondays. 323-7219. Free art classes, for home-school children, 11 a.m. Thursdays, Moore’s Art School, 837-1037. Please see 29
29
Thursday, August 25, 2011 The Bakersfield Californian
Eye Street
JOHNNY
CONTINUED FROM 28
Juliana’s Art Studio & Gallery, offers youth art, clay sculpture, stained glass, silver jewelry, voice lessons, Juliana’s Art Studio & Gallery, 501 18th St. For times and dates call 327-7507. 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. 852-5050. The Art Center, 1817 Eye St., 869-2320; 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. 3220544, 589-7463 or 496-5153. California Art Club presents Rodolfo Rivademar, painting demonstration, 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Bakersfield Museum of Art, 1930 R St. $5 adults, $3 seniors, $2 students. Free to members. bmoa.org or 3237219.
MUSIC Acoustic Kern River Brewing Company, 13415 Sierra Highway, Kernville, 760-376-2337; Mike Fleming, Ray Sadolsky, 8 p.m. Friday.
Blues Trouts & The Blackboard Stages, 805 N. Chester Ave., 399-6700; Fish Pierce Summertime Blues Revue, 3 to 10:30 p.m. Saturday. $15 advance. Tickets can be purchased at Front Porch Music, Asthma/COPD Education Center. $20 at the door. 319-2098.
Classic Rock Banacek’s Lounge, 4601 State Road, 387-9224; Ruby Street, 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Bellvedere Cocktail Lounge, 3090 Brundage Lane, 325-2139; Usual Suspects, 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Diana’s Pit Stop, 10807 Rosedale Highway, 587-8888; No Limit, 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Lone Oak Lounge, 10612 Rosedale Highway, 589-0412; Really Big Midgets, 9 p.m. Friday. Pyrenees Cafe, 601 Sumner, 323-0053; Controlled Chaos, 1 p.m. Saturday.
Comedy Elevation Lounge, 818 Real Road, 3256864; Improv Tuesday - Live comedy with DJ after party, 9 p.m. Tuesdays.
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; Honky Tonk Truckers, 7 p.m. Friday; Twang Bangers, 3 to 7 p.m. Sunday. Lone Oak Lounge, 10612 Rosedale Highway, 589-0412; Night Life, 9 p.m. Saturday. Ethel’s Old Corral Cafe, 4310 Alfred Harrell Highway, 873-7613; Nightlife with Pairs and Spares, 7 p.m. every Sunday. $5 members; $7 nonmembers. Tejon Club, 117 El Tejon Ave., 392-1747; Crossroads, 6 to 10 p.m. Sunday.
GO & DO
MATHIS “The Endless Summer” Cinema Saturday, begins at sundown, Valentien Restaurant & Wine Bar, 1310 Truxtun Ave., Suite 160. 864-0397.
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, Fruitvale-Norris Park, 6221 Norris Road. $22 per month for beginners; $25 per month for advance dancers. 833-8790. Mavericks Singles, ballroom and country dancing with music by Crossroads, 7 to 10 p.m. Friday, Kern City Town Hall, 1003 Pebble Beach Drive. $6 member; $8 guest. 831-9241. Pairs and Spares Dance, with Steve Woods, 7 p.m. Friday, Rasmussen Senior Center, 115 E. Roberts Lane. $5; $7 nonmembers. 399-3575. Dance classes, beginning West Coast swing, intermediate/ advanced West Coast swing with instructor Mimi Johanson, at 8214 Mossrock Drive. Call 9277001 for details. Whirlaways Square Dance Club, has workshops every first, third, fourth and fifth Mondays, Park Stockdale Civic Association Community Center, 205 Rio Bravo Drive. whirlaways.org or 213-3105. African Dance for Fitness, taught by national touring artists, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays and 1 to 2 p.m. Saturdays, Su Studio Dance Academy, 1515 21st St. $5$7 per class. africandanceclasses.com or 760-917-3685. Beginner Belly Dance Lessons, 8 p.m. every Tuesday, Centre Stage Studio, 1710 Chester Ave. 323-5215.
DJ Rockstarz Party Bar, 7737 Meany Ave., Suite B5, 589-6749; DJ James, 9 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays. Free. Banacek’s Lounge, 4601 State Road, 387-9224; with DJ Casey Overstreet, 9 p.m. Fridays. Le Corusse Rouge, 4647 White Lane, 834-1611; with DJ Chill in the Mixx, 5 p.m. every Friday until 2 a.m. Saturday. Please see 30
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THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 22, 2011 7:30PM .COM
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The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, August 25, 2011
Eye Street CONTINUED FROM 29
Tam O’Shanter, 2345 Alta Vista, 324-6774: DJ Frankie Perez, 8:30 p.m. Friday. The Bull Shed Bar & Grill, at Hotel Rosedale, 2400 Camino Del Rio Court, 327-0681; with Meg, 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Sandrini’s, 1918 Eye St., 3228900; The Mothership, 9:30 p.m. Saturday.
Jazz Cafe Med, 4809 Stockdale Highway, 834-4433; Richie Perez, 7:30 to 11 p.m. Thursdays. Imbibe Wine & Spirits Merchant, 4140 Truxtun Ave., 633WINE; live music & wine bar with featuring local artists, along with 24 wines, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Friday; featuring Jazz Connection, along with 24 wines, 7 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday. Jazz at the Nile, open to all jazz artists, bring your instrument, 6 p.m. every Sunday, The Nile Theater, 1721 19th St. $10. Imbibe Wine & Spirits Merchant, 4140 Truxtun Ave., 633WINE; live music & wine bar with featuring Jazz Connection, along with 24 wines, 6 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays. Intimate Theatre & Music Hall, 2030 19th St., 323-1976; Ron Christian and his Big Band, 5:30 p.m. Tuesdays. Padre Hotel, Prairie Fire, Roof Top, 1702 18th St., 427-4900; Jazz & Martinis, 6 to 10 p.m. Tuesday. Le Corusse Rouge, 4647 White Lane, 834-1611; Bakersfield Jazz Workshop, 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. every Wednesday.
Karaoke B. Ryder’s Sports Bar & Grill, 7401 White Lane, 397-7304; 8 p.m. Thursdays and Tuesdays. Bellvedere Cocktail Lounge, 3090 Brundage Lane, 325-2139; Bellvedere Idol Karaoke Contest, prizes for winners, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Thursdays and Sundays. Cactus Valley Mexican Restaurant, 4215 Rosedale Highway, 633-1948; 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Thursday; beer pong and happy hour all day Sunday. Cataldo’s Pizza, 4200 New Stine Road, 397-5000; 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Thursday. Corona’s Cantina, 9817 S. Union Ave., 345-8463; 7 to 10 p.m. Fridays. 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. T-Bones Steakhouse, 8020 District Blvd., 398-1300; with Irish Monkey Entertainment, 6:30 to 11 p.m. Thursdays. The Old River Monte Carlo, 9750 Taft Highway, 837-0250; 8:30 p.m. every Thursday. The Wright Place, 2695-G
BEST SERVER IN TOWN Eating out remains one of our favorite pastimes, even in this challenging economy. But the food is only part of the reason we make tracks to our favorite local restaurants. It’s the waiters and waitresses who have the ability to turn a meal into a memorable experience. Who are the most charming/capable/ friendly/caring/funny servers in town? Mount Vernon Ave., 872-8831, 8 p.m. every Thursday. Tomi’s Cowgirl Cafe, 1440 Weedpatch Highway, 633-1949; Karaoke King Show, all ages, 7 to 10 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays. Julie’s The Branding Iron Saloon, 1807 N. Chester Ave., 6 to 10 p.m. every Friday. Maria Bonita Mexican Restaurant, 10701 Highway 178, 3663261, 7 to 11 p.m. Fridays. All ages. The Pourhouse, 4041 Fruitvale Ave., 589-9300; 9 p.m. every Friday. The Prime Cut, 9500 Brimhall Road, 831-1413; hosted by Ed Loverr, 9 p.m. to midnight Friday. The Regent, 2814 Niles St., 8714140; 8:30 p.m. every other Friday. Chateau Lounge, 2100 S. Chester Ave., 835-1550; 9 p.m. every Saturday. Del Rio Cocktail Lounge, 5840 State Road, 393-0262; 8 p.m. every Saturday. Pyrenees Cafe, 601 Sumner, 323-0053; 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., 392-1747; 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday. The Playhouse, 2915 Taft Highway; 397-3599; 7 to 10 p.m. Sundays. Diana’s Pit Stop, 10807 Rosedale Highway, 587-8888; 8 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays. Rockstarz Party Bar, 7737 Meany Ave., Suite B5, 589-6749; 8 p.m. Mondays through Wednesdays. The Wrecking Yard, 9817 S. Union Ave., 827-9192; 7 to 10 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. Best Western, 2620 Buck Owens Blvd., 327-9651; The Junction with host Mac Clanahan, 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays. Cataldo’s Pizzeria, 6111 Niles St., 363-7200; 6:15 to 10:15 p.m. Tuesdays. City Slickers, 1001 W. Tehachapi Blvd., 822-4939; 7
Send us your nominee and include your name and phone number, the server’s name, the restaurant’s name and why this server is so great (250 words, max). The top server has the chance to win a $50 gift card to Goose Loonies and a four-pack of tickets to the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Email Lifestyles Editor Jennifer Self at jself@bakersfield.com. p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. DoubleTree Hotel, Club Odyssey, 3100 Camino Del Rio Court; 8 p.m. to midnight Tuesdays. Le Corusse Rouge, 4647 White Lane, 834-1611; A to Z Karaoke, 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 Bull Shed Bar & Grill, at Hotel Rosedale, 2400 Camino Del Rio Court, 327-0681; 7 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Trouts & The Blackboard Stages, 805 N. Chester Ave., 399-6700; 7 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays, 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Ethel's Old Corral, 4310 Alfred Harrell Highway, 873-7613; 6 to 9 p.m. every Wednesday.
Latin/Salsa Latin Salsa Dancing, 8 p.m. Thursdays, DoubleTree Hotel, Club Odyssey, 3100 Camino Del Rio Court. 323-7111. Tam O’Shanter, 2345 Alta Vista, 324-6774: Salsa dancing, 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. DoubleTree Hotel, Club Odyssey, 3100 Camino Del Rio Court, 633-1949; various levels, 3 to 9 p.m. every Sunday. $5 per person, per lesson.
Mariachi Camino Real Restaurant, 3500 Truxtun Ave., 852-0493; Mariachi Imperial, 6 to 9 p.m. Sundays.
Oldies KC Steakhouse, 2515 F St., 3229910; Jimmy Gaines, Bobby O and Mike Halls, 6:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday.
Old School Que Pasa Mexican Cafe, 2701 Ming Ave., 832-5011; Al Garcia & the Rhythm Kings, 8 to 11 p.m.
every Thursday. Tam O’Shanter, 2345 Alta Vista, 324-6774: The Press, 8:30 p.m. Saturday.
Open Mic Fishlips, 1517 18th St., 324-2557; Bakotopia Unplugged Open-Mic Night, 8 p.m., sign-up sheet begins at 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays.
Rock Rockstarz Party Bar, 7737 Meany Ave., Suite B5, 589-6749; live bands, 9 p.m. every Thursday. Sandrini’s, 1918 Eye St., 3228900; Rhythmm Epkins, 9:30 p.m. Thursday. B. Ryder's Sports Bar & Grill, 7401 White Lane, 397-7304; Jesus Bicycle, The Indians, 9 p.m. Thursday; Powerman 5000, 7 p.m.; Travis Byler Project, 9 p.m. Friday; UFC Rio-134, 6 p.m., Rear View Mirror immediately following Saturday. $10 includes dinner (Saturday).
Top 40 DoubleTree Hotel, Club Odyssey, 3100 Camino Del Rio Court. 323-7111; 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. every Friday.
Trivia night Bellvedere Cocktail Lounge, 3090 Brundage Lane, 325-2139; 7 p.m. Tuesdays. Chuy’s, 2500 New Stine Road, 833-3469; 7 p.m. every Tuesday. Sandrini’s, 1918 Eye St., 3228900; Trivia Night with Dave Rezac, 10 p.m. Tuesdays.
Variety Cafe Med, 4809 Stockdale Highway., 834-4433; Shades of Grey, 9 p.m. Friday. Crest Bar & Grill, inside Bakersfield RV Resort, 5025 Wible Road, 833-9998; Steve Woods, 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday. Golden State Mall, 3201 F St., Dance to Joe Loco, 2 to 5 p.m. Sundays.
UPCOMING EVENTS Monday 8/29 Cardio Kickboxing Classes, with heavy Muay Tai bags, 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 7 a.m. Saturday, Kickboxing Bakersfield, 9601 S. H St. 374-5728. Jasmine Nyree Educational Center Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting, 10 a.m. to noon, Jasmine Nyree Educational Center, 6800 District Blvd. 3961800. Recreational Swim Team, for ages 5 to 18, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. or 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, Bakersfield College, 1801 Panorama Drive. Open enrollment. 395-4663. Roller Hockey Beginners Clinic, 6 to 6:45 p.m., Rollerama, 1004 34th St. $5. 327-7589.
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.
Tuesday 8/30 Bakersfield Blaze vs. San Jose Giants, 7:30 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, Sam Lynn Ball Park, 4009 Chester Ave. $8$12.50. bakersfieldblaze.com or 716-HITS. Crocheting at the library, 5 to 6 p.m., Beale Memorial Library, Tejon Room, 701 Truxtun Ave. Free. 868-0770. Domestic Violence Crisis Training Certification, 6 to 10 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday, Alliance Outreach Office, conference room, 1921 19th St. $75 for five-week class. Includes materials and snacks. Register, 3220931. Free Childhood Immunization Clinic, no appointment necessary, immunization cards required, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 to 2:30 p.m., Save Mart, parking lot, 2325 State Highway, Wasco. 869-6740. Sierra Club Conditioning Hikes, three to five miles, 7 p.m., meet at corner of highways 178 and 184. 872-2432 or 873-8107. Speed Dating, meet as many as 15 single people in one night, includes appetizers, 7:30 to 9 p.m., Fishlips Bar & Grill, 1517 18th St. $17. Pre-registration required online at centralvalleyspeeddate.com or 559-4291310.
Thursday 9/1 Bakersfield Club of the Deaf Social Meeting, games, door prizes, 5:30 to 10 p.m., East Bakersfield Veterans Hall, 2101 Ridge Road. $5; $2 members. Email BCODeaf@gmail.com. Bookseller’s Book Group, 7 p.m., Barnes & Noble, in the cafe, 4001 California Ave. 631-2575. Read the Classics, for young readers ages 8 to 12, 4 p.m., Barnes & Noble, children’s department, 4001 California Ave. 631-2575. “Seussical Jr. the Musical,” 7 p.m. Thursday through Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday, Bakersfield Community Theater, 2400 S. Chester Ave. Pre-sale $10; $15 adults; $12 children. 831-8114. “The Show Must Go On,” followed by the vaudeville revue “Hot Summer Nights” 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday, Gaslight Melodrama Theatre & Music Hall, 12748 Jomani Drive. $12 to $23. 587-3377.
Friday 9/2 Bakersfield Blaze vs. High Desert Mavericks, 7:30 p.m. Friday through Monday, Sam Lynn Ball Park, 4009 Chester Ave. $8-$12.50 (Monday $1). bakersfieldblaze.com or 716-HITS. Please see 31
Thursday, August 25, 2011 The Bakersfield Californian
Eye Street GO & DO
PHOTO COURTESY OF GASLIGHT MELODRAMA
Jill Burdick and Cody Huckabee appear in Gaslight Melodrama’s production of "The Show Must Go On." “The Show Must Go On,” followed by the vaudeville revue “Hot Summer Nights” 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday, Gaslight Melodrama Theatre & Music Hall, 12748 Jomani Drive. $12 to $23. 587-3377. CONTINUED FROM 30
CD Release Party, by The Architecture, 9 p.m., Sandrini’s, 1918 Eye St. 21 & over only. 303-3945. Fantastic Friday Storytime, with Miss Olivia, 10 a.m., Barnes & Noble, 4001 California Ave. 631-2575. First Friday Downtown, featuring live music, art openings, specialty shops, galleries and boutiques, artists will set up their artwork, 5 to 9 p.m., Downtown Arts District. 634-9598. Lantern Light Tour & Ghost Hunt, 9 to 10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Silver City Ghost Town, 3829 Lake Isabella Blvd., Bodfish. $12 per person of all ages. 760379-5146. My Only Vice: Vice Ganda, doors open at 7 p.m., show at 8 p.m., Bakersfield Fox Theater, 2001 H St. $32 to $82. vallitix.com or 322-5200. Pajamarama Storytime, with Miss Olivia, 7 p.m., Barnes & Noble, 4001 California Ave. 631-2575.
Saturday 9/3 Advanced Flintknapping Workshop, with Gary Pickett, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tehachapi Museum, 310 S. Green St. Workshop limited to 10 people. Bring gloves, safety glasses and wear long pants. Reservations needed, email rsvpmuseum@gmail.com or 822-8152. Certified Farmers Market, 8 a.m. to noon, next to Golden State Mall, 3201 F St. Dangerous Boys Club, 2 p.m., Barnes & Noble, children’s area, 4001 California
Ave. Free. 631-2575. Farmers Market, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Brimhall Square, 9500 Brimhall Road. Fifth annual End of Summer Family Fun Day, food, music, puppet show, guest speakers, door prizes, car and bike show, water slide, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Stramler Park, 3805 Chester Ave. Free. 332-9297. Garden Project Community Meeting, learn how to plant your own vegetable garden, 10 to noon a.m., St. Luke Anglican Church, 2730 Mall View Road. 332-3204. Sierra Club-Buena Vista Group Program & Brunch, discussing “Growing Produce at Home,” 10 a.m., Camino Real Restaurant, 3500 Truxtun Ave. 323-5569. Teen Gaming, Wii Kinect, 3 to 5 p.m., Beale Memorial Library, auditorium, 701 Truxtun Ave. Free. 868-0770. Wild West Show, with The Tombstone Law Dawgs old west re-enactment gunfighter group, 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Silver City Ghost Town, 3829 Lake Isabella Blvd., Bodfish. $5.50 adults; $4.50 for children 12 and under, children 5 and under are free. 760-379-5146.
Sunday 9/4 Fair Trade Store, with jewelry, baskets, gift items from Third World countries; 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sundays; and 3 to 6 p.m. Wednesdays, First Congregational Church, 5 Real Road. 327-1609. Viva Mexico Festival, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Kern County Fairgrounds, Budweiser Pavilion, 1142 S. P St. Free. 327-9711.
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