Eye Street 7 - 26 - 12

16

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, July 26, 2012

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

Index Padre Hotel honored ................................ 18 Tehachapi Food & Wine Fest .................... 19 Arts Alive.................................................. 20 Death and the Maiden.............................. 21 The Lowdown with Matt Munoz.............. 22 Philippine Weekend Festival.................... 23 Levan Institute of Lifelong Learning...... 24 Calendar .............................................. 27-29

Need a groove? She’s got it In-demand bass player defies gender stereotypes

BY MATT MUNOZ Californian staff writer mmunoz@bakersfield.com

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obin Bramlett remembers the joyful noise permeating the Sunday air, so spirited and full of praise it could be heard in the parking lot outside St. John’s Baptist Church on East Brundage.

Those soul-stirring gospel grooves not only opened Bramlett’s heart to her spirituality but to music as well. She thinks back to her earliest inspiration almost every day, when she reaches for her shiny bass guitar stationed prominently in the front room of her home. Flipping the power switch, it’s only a matter of seconds before that comforting low hum begins to resonate, transporting her back in time.

“For as long as I can remember, I’ve always just gravitated to the low frequency of the bass,” said Bramlett, 38, who by day works as a social worker. “I’ve always had that in me. I can’t really describe it.”

Bramlett’s reputation in the Bakersfield scene is as solid as the grooves she’s more than capable of laying down. She’s a familiar face at local festivals, nightclubs and as a mentor to young musicians.

“I go into every gig with the idea that I’d like to be called back. So I’m gonna rip it up when it’s time to play.”

Though there’s no way of getting around the fact that the bass usually is played by men, keep your judgments at the door.

Bramlett actually welcomes the chance to challenge any preconceptions her audience might have.

“I used to get some attitude and had some stuff happen to me onstage, along with the looks like, Oh, you play bass? Even at church. Then they hear me, and things change.”

Bramlett took time this week to speak with The Californian, after a daylong rehearsal in Los Angeles with one of her latest projects, Jazz in Pink, an all-female band of California jazz and R&B heavies.

“I approach everything with feel. That’s what I’ve always found to work and something that works for me as a self-taught player with some knowledge of theory.”

The youngest of 11 siblings, Bramlett said her parents, William and Lillie, presented her with a guitar, drums, keyboard and bass when she was 8. Music was encouraged as long as it was used in service to her parents’ strict religious beliefs.

She began to anticipate Sunday services, where the band would back the booming lead vocals of choir member Herbert Clay.

“His voice just pierced the room when he sang,” Bramlett recalled. “I wanted to sound just like that.”

Galvanized by Clay and the other musicians at church, the young player intensified her daily practice regimen.

PHOTO COURTESY OF MICHAEL LOPEZ

Bakersfield bassist Robin Bramlett has been active in the jazz and gospel community for years.

“I go into every gig with the idea that I’d like to be called back.

So I’m gonna rip it up when it’s time to play.”

— Robin Bramlett, a social worker by day who plays bass at night

“I never used a guitar pick and I used to play until the strings broke. I noticed they never broke on the bass. I sat here for hours trying different things, playing along to music we had in the house, mostly gospel.”

Bramlett’s interest in secular music eventually made its way into her play-aalong sessions, through a radio/cassette player she kept in her room. Unaware of the tendency to categorize music by genre, she found herself absorbing everything from R&B, rock, to country music.

“Con Funk Shun, Lakeside, Shalamar, the bassist from Slave, I loved all those bands. The first R&B song I learned to play was ‘Let’s Celebrate’ by Skyy. I even remember listening to Kenny Rogers on the radio. I didn’t know genres, I only knew music.”

At 18, Bramlett was given an opportunity to join the worship band at St. John’s Baptist church. Guided in the ways of gospel bass-playing techniques and styles from congregation mentors Donald Factory and Don Hicks, she also studied music at Bakersfield College. Her forays into jazz and funk would open new doors outside gospel music, carrying her to the present.

Former Bakersfield music promoter and keyboardist Rose Carbajal, who now runs Southern California-based artist relations company DB Group, recalled hiring Bramlett for a new band to back up percussionist Louie Cruz Beltran in early 2000.

“He (Beltran) was very impressed with her,” Carbajal said. “She was funky and knew how to play. Her work ethic was very serious. She and I played together as Nu Brazil a few years later; that’s when I really got to see her chops. Robin presents the music from the perspective of the bass, very tastefully.”

Beltran agreed, saying he’s seen few bassists that can compare in any line-up.

“Her knowledge to adapting to different style is very unique and second to none.

She’s very much a team player, good at her craft and versatility. You see a woman who’s leading a path to breaking the mold and she definitely has proven that it’s not a gender, it’s the talent.”

Saphonist Darren Gholston, a longtime collaborator, probably knows more than anyone about Bramlett’s playing, having known her since they both were in their teens. Bramlett’s graceful licks have been among some of the highlights during Gholston’s live shows at the Bakersfield Jazz Festival and the Nile Club. Plus, he says she’s been known to tear up a few church gigs from time to time.

“We used to pick her up for church when she didn’t have a car and now she’s got instrument endorsements and people calling to hire her. It’s just a beautiful thing to see,” he said. “There’s something about Robin. She’s like a sponge. Even from a young age, she was into every kind of music she could get her hands on. It served her well, because it taught her how to play in the pocket. She’s never stopped learning.”

This weekend Bramlett will be backing up legendary soul singer Miki Howard for a two-night stint at the prestigious Catalina Bar & Grill jazz club in Hollywood. Plus, she has a series of shows lined up for another side project, Hit Like a Girl, leading up to her long-awaited solo CD, “This Is My Life,” scheduled for an October release.

“No matter where I’m playing, I just wanna be happy where I’m at,” she said.

17

Thursday, July 26, 2012 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street

Tumbleweeds optional Event named for brush going down anyway

BY ANNA BURLESON Californian staff writer aburleson@bakersfield.com

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small cafe painted bright red sits alone and forlorn on dusty Highway 33 like a ruby waiting to be plucked from the dirt. Come Saturday, hundreds of families prospecting for a good time in the desert will discover the polished gem at the Tumbleweed Festival in Derby Acres.

The event was dreamed up four years ago by Orchel Krier, who owns the Tumbleweed Cafe, ground zero of the aptly named festival. Krier, who also sits on the Taft City Council and holds a seat on the board of directors for the Taft Chamber of Commerce, started the festival as a way to keep young people occupied while school was out of session, but it has grown to serve a larger purpose.

“It’s uplifting and brings community pride,” he said.

And judging from the number of people the event attracts, it’s not just the community of Derby Acres that comes out in support; 700 showed up last year, more than double the town’s population.

There used to be a tumbleweed decorating contest, but after interest waned — just like the tumbleweeds themselves — the idea blew away with the wind.

Not to worry: There’s still plenty to do.

This year’s festival, starting bright and early at 8 a.m., will feature bouncy castles and water slides for the kids, a mechanical bull and dunk tank for the younger crowd and a fully stocked bar for the older folks.

There will be live music, exhibition boxing and a juried car and motorcycle show, among other events.

Vendors also set up every year to sell jewelery and knickknacks, which waitress Summer Tremain said is popular among attendees.

One attraction Tremain said she would avoid at all costs was the dunk tank, despite an encouraging nudge from a coworker to give it a shot. And the rest of the community is preparing as well.

Brett Maddox lives in the area and met his wife at the cafe about 15 years ago. He was there Tuesday afternoon hoping to get rid of some of his old neon barroom signs that he thought would contribute to the atmosphere of the festival.

“I work out of town a lot so this used to be kind of like my hangout when I was in town,” Maddox said. “I'll see a lot of people I haven't seen in years, and it's really nice."

Actually, the cafe has been a gathering place for about a century. It went through many different uses, including an ice cream parlor and a coffee shop, before being bought by Krier in 2005. The cafe is now a favorite among oilfield workers in the area.

“There’s history here,” Krier said. “A lot of huge oil deals are made here.”

The bar in the back has been remodeled since Krier bought the establishment, and a patio has been added. The new bar was built and decorated by locals using a burn-

CASEY CHRISTIE / THE CALIFORNIAN

Orchel Krier, owner of the Tumbleweed Cafe, is gearing up for the fourth annual Tumbleweed Festival.

4th annual Tumbleweed Festival When: 8 a.m. to midnight Saturday Where: Tumbleweed Cafe, 24870 Highway 33, Fellows (Derby Acres).

Admission: Free Information: 768-4655

ing technique that seared blackened images of horseshoes and cowboys onto its wooden surface with a blow torch before being shalaqued over. The walls were given the same treatment, adding to the bar’s rustic flair.

Krier said his patrons pitched in because they take pride in their home away from home.

“They take a personal interest in the bar,” he said. “It’s like their place."

Lorrie Motley has been a cook at the cafe for seven years, giving her a front-row seat for the transformation.

“They were all my friends, so it was fun,” she said. “We all partied afterward."

Members of the community are looking forward to the party this Saturday, but if the people of Derby Acres want to have a proper festival, they’ve got some work to do — the tumbleweeds that the cafe and festival are named after are nowhere in sight.

The lunchtime clientele at the Tumbleweed Cafe consists mostly of oilfield workers, who appreciate the cool beverages being served up by Summer Tremain, right, to combat the West Kern heat. The establishment is ground zero for the fourth annual Tumbleweed Festival on Saturday in Derby Acres.

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The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, July 26, 2012

Eye Street Patrons enjoy a summer sunset at Prairie Fire on the secondfloor rooftop deck of the Padre Hotel.

Sunset magazine called the Padre a “swank hotel.” It also praised the establishment’s “formal dining room, Vegasstyle nightclub, and rooftop deck.”

READING C

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FELIX ADAMO / THE CALIFORNIAN

EVERY THURSDAY

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SAVAGES (R) (10:50AM, 1:35, 4:30), 7:20, 10:15 KATY PERRY (PG) 8:05PM, 10:20 MAGIC MIKE (R) (12:00PM, 2:40, 5:10), 7:40, 10:10 MADEA’S WITNESS PROTECTION (PG-13) (11:15AM, 2:00, 4:35), 7:20, 9:50 TED (R) (12:20PM, 2:50, 5:10), 7:15, 8:10, 9:40, 10:30 BRAVE (PG) (12:25PM, 2:45, 5:00), 7:35, 9:55

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Between Washington and Mt. Vernon M-Th 10:30am-8:30pm Fri-Sat 10:30am-9:00pm Sun 8:30am-2:00pm

Padre among best in West Downtown hotel praised by pair of travel magazines

BY JENNIFER SELF Californian lifestyles editor jself@bakersfield.com

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he Padre Hotel has become the recipient in recent weeks of the best kind of publicity: positive and free.

Two glossy national magazines that cater to the well-heeled traveler — Sunset and Travel + Leisure — have recommended that readers make tracks to the downtown Bakersfield landmark, both for its inventive California cuisine and the kitschy yet refined decor of the circa-1928 tower.

“Every time we get press, it just blows us away,” said Brett Miller, coowner of the hotel. “We continue to put out a great product and when we’re recognized for it, especially when it’s unsolicited, we like it even more.”

Sunset included the Padre on its list of the 17 most unique hotels in the West, placing it in some prestigious — and interesting — company. Other accommodations selected for recognition: a tree house in Washington, a cave in New Mexico, a fire lookout in Oregon and a compound of cottages in West Hollywood where film legend Charlie Chaplin once lived.

The entry on the Padre reads: “Downtown is on the upswing, thanks partly to the swank Padre Hotel. Its cowboy motif gives a nod to the city’s ag and oil history, with giant murals of farm animals on the ceiling in the Farmacy Cafe and wallpaper featuring oil derricks and mustaches.

There’s also a bar and grill, formal dining room, Vegas-style nightclub, and rooftop deck. Stay overnight, or just pull off I-5 for a bite.”

The Padre, out of commission for years while undergoing changes in ownership and a multimillion-dollar

Sunset magazine’s 17 most unique hotels in the West Hotel Endémico, Baja, Mexico Free Spirit Spheres, Vancouver Island, B.C. La Casa del Camino, Laguna Beach Rolling Huts, Methow Valley, Wash.

Sanitarium Bed & Breakfast, San Luis Obispo The Saguaro, Palm Springs Verana, Yelapa, Mexico Shady Dell, Bisbee, Ariz.

TreeHouse Point, Snoqualmie Valley, Wash.

Padre Hotel, Bakersfield Kokopelli’s Cave Bed & Breakfast, Farmington, N.M. Clear Lake Butte fire lookout, Mt. Hood National Forest, Ore. Post Ranch Inn, Big Sur Figueroa Hotel, Los Angeles The Charlie, West Hollywood Venice Beach Eco Cottages, Venice The Saguaro, Scottsdale, Ariz.

renovation, is the sole entry from the Central Valley. That doesn’t surprise Miller, a Visalia native, who reopened Version 2.0 of the Padre in March 2009.

“We built something that maybe only we could see at that point in time. We fell in love with the Padre building and fell in love with Bakersfield.”

And the praise just keeps rolling in: Travel + Leisure included the hotel in a centerfold spread in its current issue under the headline “Driving California’s Heartland.” The piece includes a map of can’t-miss restaurants and wineries, starting in Sacra-

mento with the Magpie Cafe and winding south to several destinations, including Houa Khong Restaurant in Merced and Grandmarie’s Chicken Pie Shop in Fresno. The trail ends in Bakersfield with the Padre and Noriega hotels. (The Basque mainstay, reputed to be the oldest restaurant in the city, was singled out for its “hearty oxtail stew, tender marinated beef tongue, and sharp blue cheese.”)

And if you think a guy who co-owns a major hotel would be too blasé to get excited about such praise, think again.

“Whenever I’m depressed and need a pick-me-up, I reread our reviews on TripAdvisor,” said Miller, who noted the hotel has enjoyed an occupancy rate of 80 percent to 85 percent in recent months.

Meanwhile, Miller announced a couple of improvements and enhancements he hopes will be completed by the fall. The sidewalk outside the H Street facade of the hotel is undergoing construction, funded by the city, to improve its valet parking service as well as address drainage issues. And plans to add outdoor seating at two locations — along 18 Street and on H — are moving forward, he said.

“We want to continue to refine the product. We’ve learned that Bakersfield is a destination for the valley and whether you’re traveling through Bakersfield or living in Bakersfield, you want to have a fun place to go and more than a place to sleep in. We know if we continue to make people happy, we’ll continue to grow our business.”

For more Sunset.com Travel + Leisure, on newsstands now

19

Thursday, July 26, 2012 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street

PHOTO COURTESY OF ANTHONY MCDEMAS

City Folks Ranch offers a selection of nuts to sample and purchase at the annual Tehachapi Food & Wine Festival.

Head to the hills for Tehachapi treats Food & Wine Festival celebrates the good life

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

S

ince its start as a one-day event drawing around 250 people in 2007, the Tehachapi Food & Wine Festival has chugged along like the trains headed through the town’s famed loop. From those humble beginnings, the annual event, scheduled for Aug. 4, now serves as the centerpiece of a Discover Tehachapi weekend, promising to highlight the community’s best.

The festival, like the town’s profile, has grown dramatically, to the joy of organizer Anthony McDemas.

“We’re growing it steadily. We want to make it a better quality experience each year,” McDemas said of the event, expected to draw 10 times the original attendance figure this year.

Because it is a wine festival, the event

Sixth annual Tehachapi Food & Wine Festival When: 6 to 10 p.m. (VIP gates open at 5:30 p.m.) Aug. 4 Where: E and Green streets, downtown Tehachapi Admission: $40 advance; $50 at the door; $100 VIP. Purchase online at tehachapifoodandwine.com or in town at Urner’s, Sandrini’s and The Garden Spot.

Information: tehachapifoodand wine.com or 374-0395

will be restricted to visitors 21 and over for the first time, a decision McDemas said stemmed from the event’s increasing popularity among adults.

“I’d rather stay ahead of that curve. We want to encourage people to come up and go home safely. That’s important to us.

We’ve doubled the number of security guards. They’ll be moving near the gates Please see FEST / 26

SAMPLING OF TREATS Along with tastings from an assortment of wineries, like Tehachapi’s Souza Family and Triassic Legacy vineyards, a selection of food will be available including the following: Pacino’s Spaghetti Factory: bruschetta, stuffed mushrooms and mini cannoli The Apple Shed: pulled pork and a surprise dessert Kelcy’s Cafe: apple, cherry, lemon and coconut tarts with coffee Ben & Jerry’s: Coffee Coffee Buzz Buzz Buzz and strawberry cheesecake ice creams The Garden Spot: baby-blue salad and red walnut muffins

Mike’s Farmhouse Cafe: cucumber slices with chive cream cheese, topped with shredded carrots; and mini fruitfilled puff pastries Sandrini’s Basque & Italian Restaurant: Italian sausage bread and several types of pasta Don Juan’s Latin Fusion Cuisine: shrimp shooters; grilled shrimp cocktail with Espolón tequila; and pork Panama with sweet sauteed golden-brown plantains, topped with pineapple sauce; also hosting a mojito and sangria bar City Folks Ranch: gourmet pecans, almonds and peanuts Source: tehachapifoodandwine.com

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The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, July 26, 2012

Eye Street Camille Gavin CONTRIBUTING COLUMNIST

Clean fun with ‘Housewives’ New cast members join Gaslight show

GO & DO ‘The Real Wives of Oildale’

A

udiences will be greeted by several new faces in “The Real Housewives of Oildale,” now playing at Gaslight Melodrama and Music Hall.

“Jessica and Chris Burzlaff are making their Melodrama debut with this show,” said Michael Prince, artistic director. “All of our new people have been an absolute blast to work with.”

In addition, Jennifer Resolme, who has performed in two of Warren Dobson’s vaudeville revues, as well as at other venues in town, is making her first main stage appearance at the melodrama.

Prince, the writer and director, said the present production is Gaslight’s version of what might happen in a budding TV reality show. He provided this synopsis, which has been slightly edited for length.

Rich and famous Hollywood television producer Ryan Seachest, played by Shawn Rader, is sick and tired of making horrible reality shows about Hollywood.

While pondering his next move, he stumbles upon Oildale and makes it the setting of his next hit show.

The producer recruits a bewildered group of friends and their families, and sets out to give them everything they ever wanted: fame, fortune and the pursuit of being fabulous.

But fame, said Prince, is an ugly monster that turns even the nicest people into the nastiest creatures the world has ever seen.

With ratings skyrocketing, he’ll stop at nothing to see his new stars stay at the top, or die trying.

It’s up to the local hair stylist and the husbands of Oildale to band together to stop this evil producer and get these housewives back to the “real” reality.

Other members of the cast are Jennifer Prince, Elisa Robinson, Matt Thompson and Jay Stodder.

Dobson’s revue, “Remember the Gaslight,” follows the play. A fantasy, it takes the audience 40 years into the future to see what has become of the melo-

7 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday Gaslight Melodrama Theatre and Music Hall, 12748 Jomani Drive Admission: $23, $21 seniors, $12 students and children 12 and under Information: 587-3377

‘Two Faced’ Opening: 5 to 9 p.m. Friday The Foundry, 1602 20th St. Admission: Free Information: 340-4771

‘Wonderfully Western’

PHOTO COURTESY OF MICHAEL PRINCE

From left, Jessica Burzlaff, Elisa Robinson, Jennifer Prince and Jennifer Resolme appear in a scene from the Gaslight Melodrama’s production of “The Real Housewives of Oildale.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF JEN RAVEN PHOTO COURTESY OF JEN RAVEN

This piece, part of the “Two Faced” show at The Foundry, is by artist Jessica McEuen.

drama.

‘Two Faced’ exhibit One of the mysteries of creativity is the vastly different ways artists interpret a given theme.

Such is the case with Jessica McEuen and Jason Stewart, whose exhibit, “Two Faced,” opens Friday at The Foundry.

“We wanted to do portraits that make people look,” said Stewart.

And in that respect he and his colleague have succeeded. Yet each has a distinctly individual

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

Jason Stewart’s painting is part of the “Two Faced” show at The Foundry.

style.

Stewart’s squiggly pen and ink images — with a few touches of red acrylic paint — on watercolor paper become more fascinating as you examine them more closely.

For example, one he calls “Muertos” appears clown-like at first glance.

But a closer examination reveals the deadly scythe the figure is carrying over her shoulder.

Another unusual aspect of this particular painting is the brownish-yellow speckles on part of the paper.

“I spilled some tea and I just grabbed a piece of paper to blot it up,” Stewart said. “It gave it that cool, crinkly pattern, so I just

went with it.”

McEuen’s pop art portraits are notable for their boldness and dense color. Hers are much less subtle than Stewart’s, with a literal foot extending from the mouth of one subject and the substitution of teeth for eyelashes in another.

The two artists became acquainted this spring when both were members of the Art Club at Bakersfield College. Except for brainstorming the theme with Foundry director Christina Sweet, however, they worked independently. Each artist submitted 15 paintings for the show, which can be seen by appointment after Friday’s opening.

CrossRoads to close For me, and I’m sure others as well, it’s disappointing to learn a business is closing, especially when it’s related to the arts. This time it’s a gallery in Tehachapi that opened in November 2005.

“CrossRoads Gallery will be closing its doors at the end of August, which means that First Friday on Aug. 3 will be a huge last-blast and farewell for the gallery,” said Marilda “Mel” White, the owner, a freelance writer and photographer.

“I’ve been losing money for too long and can’t afford to keep it open any longer,” she said in an email message. “Most of the CrossRoads artists paid rent for their wall space and traded work days for rent, which is the only

5 to 8 p.m. Aug. 3 CrossRoads Gallery, 101 E. Tehachapi Boulevard, Tehachapi Admission: Free Information: 822-5242

reason I could keep it open as long as I did.”

Although the artists enjoyed having a place to show their work, sales were disappointing.

“The support from the consuming public just wasn’t there,” White said. “It’s been a struggle for all of us, while at the same time it was definitely a labor of love.”

Even so, the closing doesn’t mean the end of her involvement in the mountain community. As the saying goes, “When one door closes, another door opens.”

White and three of the artists from CrossRoads are forming a partnership and plan to open a store in September in the town at a location where White previously operated another business.

“We will have a bigger place and a great showroom for gifts and art, and more space for classes and community events,” she said. “Right now we just have to say farewell to CrossRoads, which is sad, yes, but it’s time to let it go and do something that has a better chance of being a business that at the very least covers basic expenses for itself or even — gasp — makes a profit.”

Meanwhile, White’s getting ready for CrossRoads final First Friday event, which will have a western theme and feature music

by Perfect Loneliness, artwork by Dorine Lunceford, Mary Ann Moore, Ardean Rudolph and Sandi Thoman, along with champagne, wine and cheese.

21

Thursday, July 26, 2012 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street

About pain, yes, but mostly about healing ‘Maiden’ getting good word of mouth

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

V

iolence and loss are all-too familiar in recent headlines, with the future bringing tales of healing. Coming to terms with events beyond our control is at the heart of “Death and the Maiden,” playing now at The Empty Space.

The drama, by playwright and author Ariel Dorfman, takes place in a fictional Latin American country, although it is said to be inspired by Chile’s painful struggle for democracy.

Paulina Escobar, played

by Mendy McMasters, remains haunted by her political imprisonment and rape by an unseen captor.

When her husband, portrayed by Miguel Torres, brings home a stranded motorist (David Lollar), she is sure the stranger is the sadistic doctor who tortured her years before.

The show remains ambiguous about the facts, but the characters’ pain is at the heart of “Maiden,” as is the attempt to move past it, said director Maria-Tania Becerra.

“The play is indeed about healing,” Becerra wrote in an email. “The playwright, Dorfman, introduces us to three different characters — each of them trying to heal from this ordeal. How each person heals is varied — as it is in our lives.

“We may not be able to relate to coming out of a political and emotional situation like these characters, but we try to heal from trauma in our own lives all the time. So we can in fact relate to these people try-

Coming Saturday

07.28.12 Inside The Californian

PHOTO COURTESY OF MICHELLE GUERRERO

Roberto (David Lollar), center, is desperate to convince Paulina and Gerardo Escobar (Mendy McMasters and Miguel Torres) that he is not the man Paulina thinks he is in “Death and the Maiden,” now playing at The Empty Space.

ing to navigate though an emotional disarray.”

Although this is not a Cal State Bakersfield event, Becerra, an assistant professor who teaches theater history, script analysis and dramatic literature, used some theater connections.

McMasters also teaches acting at CSUB and Torres is a student.

The show, which opened last weekend, has received good word of mouth and “medium” attendance, said Becerra, who’s aiming for packed houses for the remaining two weekends.

“I am so very proud of this play. I wish we had sold-out houses because

‘Death and the Maiden’ When: 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and Aug. 3 and 4 Where: The Empty Space, 706 Oak St. Admission: Suggested donation $15; $10 students/seniors Information: 327-PLAY or esonline.org

this really is a great story. It sucks you in right away — the play is beautifully written — Dorfman is very poetic, and it will be a shame to miss it.”

‘CALIFORNIAN RADIO’ Join the Eye Street crew this morning as we discuss all the things worth doing and seeing this week, including the Tumbleweed Festival in Derby Acres.

We’ll also give away copies of two books: “Covenant of Liberty: The Ideo-

logical Origins of the Tea Party Movement” and “Eat Your Way to Sexy: Start Losing Weight in Just 7 Days.”

Listen for your cue to call and then dial 842-KERN. The show airs from 9 to 10 a.m. on KERN-AM, 1180.

Bakersfield’s premier city magazine is delivered on the last Saturday of every month.

Inside this issue: Dining Divas Although it isn’t exactly in Kern County, it’s pretty darn close! The Divas took a limo ride to the fabulous Eagle Mountain Casino near Porterville, enjoying dinner at The River Steakhouse and a Kellie Pickler concert.

what this modern eatery and bar offers.

Kern Life A to Z From country music stars to the fine crops our county produces, there’s a lot for locals to celebrate. Here are Bakersfield Life’s 26 reasons to love Kern County.

Food Dudes

Education partnership

Our Dudes were pleased with the food and atmosphere at downtown Bakersfield’s new nightspot On the Rocks Bar & Grill. Get a glimpse of

A joint doctoral program between Fresno State and Cal State Bakersfield provides a new opportunity for local educators.

22

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, July 26, 2012

Eye Street The Lowdown with Matt Munoz

Laughing all the way to Bako On the Rocks picks up comedy acts

T

he last time we checked in with local funnyman Joe Alaniz he was pretty confident Bakersfield was ready for a stand-up comedy takeover.

That prediction, made in 2011, may have come to pass, but not in the way Alaniz might have expected: The abrupt closure of Fishlips late last year was a big blow to the local stand-up comedy scene. There are other venues, but there’s nothing like heading downtown for a live comedy show. Fishlips was the closest thing many comedians had to a fully operational stage.

Which is why the return of comedy to the 18th Street building (now housing On the Rocks) has already been welcomed back with open arms.

Held every other Thursday, including tonight, Comedy at On the Rocks will feature comedians Rob Silva, Tyson Paul, Reggie Gaines, Aaron Stewart and headliner Aurelio Miguel Bocanegra.

“With Fishlips, we had Open Mic and the venue was always open to comedians any night of the week,” said Alaniz, 26. “We’re really thankful the new venue has picked up where we left off and was open to hosting shows. It’s not always an easy sell.”

Tonight is the third edition in the new series, produced by Alaniz and a host of other local comics who’ve banded together.

“I spent a lot of time on the road since last year,” Alaniz said. “One thing I’ve found out is that 80 percent of comedians from smaller com-

PHOTO COURTESY OF AURELIO MIGUEL BOCANEGRA

Southern California comedian Aurelio Miguel Bocanegra headlines tonight’s Comedy at On The Rocks show.

munities like Bakersfield are more skilled than most of the people in Los Angeles. Down there, there’s such a time constriction you don’t have a chance to grow as a performer with five minutes every week. We may not have as many comedians, but we stack up against those in bigger cities.”

Along the way, Alaniz said he has made connections throughout California.

“I’ve heard so many people show up to Bakersfield (and) give us so many compliments that we are able to do shows like this. It’s cool to be able to share what we do with anyone with skills who’s eager to get on the mic after having to wait their turn so long.

Here, you can stretch out a little more than usual.”

Los Angeles-based comedian Bocanegra is accustomed to trekking long distances to lighten the mood. A U.S. Air Force veteran, the 36-year-old shiny-domed prankster said that while he never anticipated a career in stand-up,

PHOTO BY ADAM ELMAKIAS

We Came as Romans appears tonight at The Dome.

PHOTO BY ENTROPIC STUDIO

Tickets are on sale for an Aug. 25 show featuring the Salvador Santana band.

he’s a product of his surroundings.

“The first time I joined I was always cracking jokes, passing time and making people laugh.

The second time I went in, I started getting a lot of big reactions. I used to have sergeants drive to my post and ask me to me bag on the guys on the base just for laughs. This went on and on.”

After being honorably dis-

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.

charged, Bocanegra had an epiphany while watching the concert DVD “The Original Latin Kings of Comedy,” featuring Paul Rodriguez, George Lopez, Joey Medina and Alex Reymundo.”

“Watching them in action, I saw myself right there. From that point on, I knew I had to be a comedian.”

Following his debut in 2002, Bocanegra made quick strides, sharing the stage with Rodriguez and most of his idols. A selfdescribed “gentleman” of comedy, Bocanegra said his material can be previewed on YouTube.

“I don’t talk about religion or politics. I’ve got my views, but once you start talking about it, you’re always expected to, and then you get invited on shows to comment. I don’t wanna be Bill Maher. I blame my mother for this talent. She’s the life of every party. We go to a wedding and by the end of the night, everyone is around her instead of the bride and groom. She raised me all alone, so I guess it always helped to have a sense of humor. I don’t know. I would say some of the

things she says in person that will make you cry, but she made me promise I wouldn’t talk about her. She’s crazy and awesome.”

Tonight’s showtime is 8:30.

Admission is $5. On the Rocks is located at 1517 18th St. For more information, call 327-7625.

Salvador Santana at B Ryder’s Tickets are on sale for an Aug. 25 show featuring the Salvador Santana band at B Ryder’s. The son of guitar legend Carlos Santana, the younger Santana’s artistic similarities aren’t as close to his father’s as you’d think.

He’s already released two fulllength keyboard-heavy records and is currently touring to drum up some hype for an upcoming EP. The first single, “Into the Light,” is getting radio play and has a Black Eyed Peas vibe, featuring Fergie-licious-style vocals from singer Alex Nester. It’s an uplifting hip-hop soul track showcasing Santana’s talents Please see LOWDOWN / 27

23

Thursday, July 26, 2012 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street

All about Philippine culture this weekend Delano celebrates with food, dance, music

BY GENE GARAYGORDOBIL Contributing writer

DELANO housands of people are expected to attend Delano’s 38th annual Philippine Weekend festival, which offers many cultural, culinary and sporting events.

Delilah Mascarinas, event coordinator for two years, said she’s been watching the weather during the past few days, hoping for temperatures in the mid-90s.

“We are usually in the 100s that weekend,” said Mascarinas, “but the news has been saying it will be a lot nicer, so we are hoping for a great turnout this year.”

She said crowds fluctuate between 3,000 and 8,000 for the annual event, just based on a few degrees of temperature.

Many attendees will be “out-oftowners,” including many native Delanoans, who have moved to Bakersfield or other close-by communities.

Many of them with Filipino heritage, “make it a point to come back for it,” she said. “A lot of those attending have been to a festival, and they return to soak up some culture, and get some great food.”

Yet, she always comes across people who have never heard of the event, Mascarinas said.

“Even people from as close as Bakersfield, who weren’t aware of the festival,” she said.

The 38th annual grand parade, with roughly 30 entries, will help kick things off at 10 a.m. Saturday. It begins at Main Street and travels to Cecil Avenue Park, where most of the festivities will happen.

The two-day event includes the Barrio Fiesta, a basketball and tennis tournament, dance and singing competition. Other events, whose winners will be recognized this weekend include: Tiny Tots pageant, Mr. and Miss Philippine Weekend and the Santa Cruzan Presentation Ball.

The first gathering began as a basketball tournament in 1975, and grew into the Philippine Weekend celebration. Now Filipinos and friends of all cultures from across California come to watch basketball games and sample the Filipino culture.

It is the Philippine Weekend committee hope to provide each year growth and enrichment, through various displays of history, culture, sportsmanship and good cheer.

Filipinos make up nearly 20 percent of Delano’s population of just

T

CASEY CHRISTIE / THE CALIFORNIAN

The “One Shot” dancers from San Diego perform during the annual Philippine Weekend activities in 2011.

Philippine Weekend Festival A sampling of events; all activities take place at Cecil Avenue Park unless otherwise noted: Pork adobo cookoff: 5 p.m. Friday Grand Parade: 9:30 a.m. Saturday; starts at 8th and Main streets Barrio Fiesta: All day Saturday and Sunday Filipino Activities League Basketball Tournament: Saturday and Sunday at Delano High School and Cesar Chavez High School gymnasiums

over 53,000 people, and the event serves as a way for Filipino elders to pass along their heritage through cultural events and activities.

“For me, it started with my kids dancing, then you see someone else you know who is part of it, and then you get involved from there,” Mascarinas said. “It’s a lot of work, and it’s volunteer. You tell yourself you can’t do another year, but then you are hooked.

“You want to see a successful event, so you stay on from year to year,” Mascarinas said.

Delano’s festival is one of the largest Filipino festivals in the U.S., she said. “We used to be the biggest, but now events in bigger cities like San Francisco and Irvine attract quite a following.”

The opening ceremony will be at

noon Saturday, with cultural dances and entertainers following. Things will start to slow down about 8 p.m., she said. Sunday’s schedule will likely mirror that, but things will likely end around 7 p.m.

Many people also come for the Filipino food, and there will be 10 booths serving up lumpias, pork adobo, pancit, chicken teriyaki and drinks like Halo, Halo.

Because the event is held at a public park, Philippine Weekend doesn’t collect gate fees.

“Other festivals have that advantage, but we really rely on our sponsors, donations and money made on the booths,” Mascarinas said. “It’s OK; we draw people into the park, and somehow, some way, they will buy something, whether it is food or something from the vendors.”

Mascarinas, who was born and raised in Delano, says the survival of Philippine Weekend is in good hands, a core group of about 30 volunteers and committee members who keep it going year after year.

“We have others who pop in and out, but for the most part, it’s those people that keep it alive,” she said. “It is amazing that these kids come out and give their time.”

For many, including herself, involvement starts and stays with the family.

“My daughter, Crystal, was a cultural dancer and former queen,” she said. “Now her daughter, Nevaeh, who is 4, will likely be in soon. It helps keep the culture in the family. And it’s very special to say that.”

24

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, July 26, 2012

Eye Street

Did you ever want to learn about ...

Chances are, Levan has a class on it

BY CAMILLE GAVIN Contributing writer gavinarts@aol.com

L

ocal interest in classes designed for those in the 55and-over age group continues to grow, said Robert Allison, director of the Levan Institute of Lifelong Learning based at Bakersfield College.

“Our program has grown a lot from last fall,” Allison said. “The Levan Institute will present its largest lineup of classes yet — 55 classes.”

Among the new entries on the schedule are two that feature different kinds of creativity: One is Introduction to Website Creation, which employs modern technical devices; the other is Classical Cuisine, a shorthand version of the traditional art of cooking.

David Barnett, website designer for the Kern Community College District, said his course is designed with the individual in mind but includes a discussion of concepts that could benefit organizations as well.

“My Levan Institute class is meant for people who want the shortest and easiest path to a website where they can share their ideas with the world,” Barnett said. “We’ll be using free and

Levan Institute of Lifelong Learning Fall 2012 schedule: Various times and dates, Aug. 28-Nov. 13 Bakersfield College, 1801 Panorama Drive Cost: $25-$135 Information: 395-4431

low-cost online tools and services to help us build a website.”

Advanced knowledge of computers is not a requirement for taking the class.

“If you're comfortable turning your computer on and registering for this course online,” he said, “you've got enough computer experience to succeed in this class.”

The class will have four meetings, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesdays from Sept. 18 through Oct. 9, at BC. Fee is $25.

Robert Alimirzaie, executive chef and operations manager at the Petroleum Club, is the instructor for Classical Cuisine.

One of the few daytime classes offered by the institute, it will be held on Saturday mornings at Urner’s, from Sept. 22 through Oct. 27.

“What I will do is pretty much simplify things like making sauces so you can do it in your own kitchen,” said the chef, a

native of Germany who came to the United States in 1999. “With sauces you can elaborate your dish a lot, you can please a broader number of tastes.”

His class is limited to 16 students. The $135 fee includes all materials.

Beginning Video Photography is another new class this year. It will be taught by Michael Fagans, The Californian’s assistant photo editor.

“Just about any camera you buy these days has video capability,” Allison said. “In Mike’s class you’ll learn to do higher-quality stuff.”

Although all classes are aimed at the boomer generation and beyond, they are open to all adults over age 18. Some, however, are not as suitable for everyone. Consider, for instance, martial arts instructor David Woods’ comment on who will benefit from his No-Nonsense SelfDefense course. It starts on Oct. 23; fee is $25.

“The class is designed for people over 55, the Levan Institute standard,” he said. “I will gladly accept any age but that's the general target. A person does need to be physically active. There is a lot of physical movement involved that requires strength and balance.”

All the same, he added, you don’t have to be an athlete to participate. The methods of self-

defense include anything and everything that works with the goal of escaping the aggressor.

“In other words, (the students) aren't going to beat some bad guys up, they're simply going to disable someone enough to get away,” he said. “I want to help seniors have some basic ideas of self-defense so they can hopefully avoid any confrontations, but if they do, they will be able to safely escape using simple but effective techniques.”

Prospective students need to be aware that some classes are open to a limited number of students.

And some, such as Al Naso’s comprehensive lectures on the ancient Peruvian site of Machu Picchu on Oct. 8 and Oct. 22 are one-day-only events. The same is true of the pre-Halloween Downtown Bakersfield Ghost Tour on Oct. 30, led by Michael Prince and Dianne Hardisty.

Without pinpointing any classes that are filling up faster than others, Allison said registration has been brisk since the institute first published its list of fall courses a few weeks ago in The Californian.

“We’ve already had 195 enrollments,” Allison said, in a phone conversation on July 17. “That’s compared to only 200 we had for the whole first semester of enrollment (in 2007).”

Part of the increase may be due

to the greater number and variety of courses offered. Some speculate it also could be related to Cal State Bakersfield’s announcement in February that it would end its affiliation with the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, better known as OLLI. “Our enrollment did jump a little in the spring semester but I don’t know if OLLI was the reason,” Allison said. “It will probably affect enrollment but I have no way of knowing.”

Obviously, his main interest is seeing that the Levan Institute continues to thrive.

“When Bill Andrews, who was then (BC) president asked me to do it, I said I would do it for one year,” Allison recalled, adding, with laughter in his voice, “That was five years ago.”

At the time he was hired for the position of director, Allison had recently retired as vice president for instruction at the college, where he also had taught chemistry and computer science.

Many of the subject areas that have been popular in the past, such as John Harte’s photography classes and Fundamentals of Baking Desserts and Pastries, taught

by Ray Ingram, pastry chef at the Petroleum Club, are still being offered.

And Allison said he’s pleased that Jacque Servadio, the pro at Kern River Golf Course, has Please see LEVAN / 25

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Thursday, July 26, 2012 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street

Composer’s work stands above the rest Music inspired by history of Bakersfield

BY SUSAN SCAFFIDI Contributing writer

H

oward Quilling’s composition “From Quiet Beginnings” is the standout work on Navona Records’ new release “Fire and Time.”

“From Quiet Beginnings” was written on commission from the Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra as part of Bakersfield’s centennial celebration in 1998. Two years later, Quilling was offered the opportunity to have the work recorded in 2000 by the Warsaw Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Gil Rose for the MMC Recordings, founded

by American composer William Thomas McKinley. Although Quilling paid for the recording session, he was not given the opportunity to consult with the conductor about the recording. Nevertheless, Quilling said he had no reservations about the performance.

“I was satisfied with it in that it was a good reading, the material was handled well and the orchestra was very precise,” Quilling said.

“It was done well, with integrity.”

Navona Records bought out MMC Recordings’ catalog, along with the recording of “From Quiet Beginnings,” and included it in “Fire and Time,” a compilation record of contemporary American classical music that the producers say “asks us to not only reflect on our collective past but our communal future as well.”

That directive is certainly appropriate for Quilling’s work, which was inspired by Bakersfield’s history from the perspective of the city’s centennial.

“I was talking to a friend, and he suggested that since this is about the 100 years of Bakersfield’s existence, to give a sort of musical chronology,” Quilling said.

“There’s no precise episode that I’m trying to picture but it’s what you might see if you were looking at a 10-minute video of the town.”

As its title suggests, “From Quiet Beginnings” starts quietly, with a horn playing a simple theme accompanied by an oscillating string accompaniment. The theme and the accompaniment pattern are taken up by various instrument groups over the

LEVAN: CONTINUED FROM 24

added new classes to her institute schedule.

“Jacque is one of the best golf instructors I’ve ever seen,” Allison said. “She wanted to teach more classes — it was her idea.”

This semester Servadio will offer five different classes designed for a range of experiences, from those who are in the beginning stages of learning to play golf to those at the intermediate level. There’s also one called The Striking Zone. The latter, according to the course description, is for golfers who want to become more proficient from 100 yards in.

course of the work, which are then eventually answered by a second, more active theme. The number of instruments alternately grows and contracts to create contrasting periods of vigorous activity Quilling and repose, something Quilling said is a good reflection of Bakersfield’s development.

“Everything that grows, grows in spurts and it plateaus, and grows again,” Quilling said.

Quilling’s piece is a dramatic standout from the rest of the works on the album, some of which have some interesting elements, such as Karen Tarlow’s “Kavanah” (“Remembrance”), featuring Jewish folk music and even a quote from the “Dies Irae” of the Roman Catholic Requiem Mass. Quilling’s piece is notable for its varied dynamic levels, its use and development of musical themes and its connection to 20th century composers, especially Bela Bartok, through the use of modal melodies and open harmonies, instrumental color, and the opposition of instrument choirs in an antiphonal manner. The listener is challenged at the very end when the orchestra sounds a low “A”, as if establishing a key note one hadn’t been expecting. The surprise ending requires repeated listening to connect it with the rest of the piece.

Regarding the entire album, one could wish Quilling’s piece was placed in the middle of the collection instead of at the end, which would have provided some balance to the album when listened to in its entirety. The album does have some excellent enhanced features, including online copies of the scores for study.

Quilling said the production staff enhanced the now 12-year-old recording, bringing out the individual instrument groups and musical lines to clarify the structure of the piece.

“Fire and Time” is the first of three albums including Quilling’s music that Navona is releasing this year. A second album, “Paradigms,” which contains Quilling’s work “Diversions,” is scheduled for release this summer.

The third, the title of which is not yet available, will include Quilling’s Alto Saxophone Suite, and is scheduled for release by the end of 2012.

But the sprinkling of classes you’ve read about here is a mere sample. To get the complete schedule, visit the institute’s website at www.bakersfieldcollege.edu/levaninstitute, where you also may register for courses.

Just click on the blue box in the upper right portion of the home page and it will take you to the correct page.

Although most classes meet on the Bakersfield College campus, 1801 Panorama Drive, several are held in other locations in the metropolitan area. The specific location for each class is listed on both the printed and the online schedule.

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The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, July 26, 2012

Eye Street

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around 9” to inquire if people need taxis or other assistance, McDemas said.

But even as the festival adapts, some things stay the same.

“We’re keeping our prices at $40 (for general admission). We want the clerk at Albertsons to enjoy an elegant evening and feel like they’re wealthy.”

Guests should expect a treat, with the promise of eight food tastings and eight 1-ounce wine pours, provided by more than 20 wineries, and 20plus restaurants and businesses.

Most participating businesses come from Tehachapi, including Pacino’s Spaghetti Factory, the Apple Shed, Kelcy’s Cafe, Mike’s Farmhouse Cafe, Don Juan’s Latin Fusion Cuisine, City Folks Ranch, The Fez Cafe, Tehachapi Culinary Studio, Taco Samich, The Wine & Cheese Cellar and TK’s Pizza and Pasta.

Nearby cities also take part, including Bakersfield, with booths for Sandrini’s, Ben & Jerry’s, The Garden Spot, the Bistro Bakersfield, Cafe Crepes, Mom-n-Dems, Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Markets and newcomer Padre Hotel; and Lancaster, with The Whole Wheatery, Bex Grill and Rae’s Cup + Cake Bakeshop.

Food demonstrations Three area farms will take part in a unique way, via the returning Food to Fork demonstration with Yannick Marchand. McDemas said the chef will incorporate products from Weiser, Moessner and Murray Family farms for his live cooking event.

In the same area, another chef will heat up the evening with a food and beer pairing. Rich Mead, who owns Sage in Newport Beach, will bring a Spanish favorite to the festival.

“He’s roasting padron peppers,” McDemas said. “It’s done in a basket in open flame, a big wheel with a screen around it, sort of like they use for bingo. He puts them in a cone like ice cream, served with a little sea salt.

Not hot, they’re very mild, but one out of 10 can be hot. It’s Spanish roulette. You never know which is the spicy one.”

In case your luck doesn’t hold, the peppers will be served with beer from El Segundo Brewery, which will feature its White Dog IPA and Blue House citra pale.

Beer lovers at the festival can also enjoy a Belgian trio from Advanced Beverage Co. and offerings from Kinetic Brewing Co. out of Lancaster.

The breweries are part of the “man cave” the festival offers.

“About 70 percent of our ticket buyers are women, but they bring men,” McDemas said. As a result, the event hosts a cigar and port lounge, blackjack and televised sporting events.

Entertainment Adding to the energy are live performances through the night. Eagles Heart, an American Indian drum circle and dance group, has expanded and refined its performance.

Musically, Foster Campbell and Friends will headline, with performances by show opener and “Tehachapi Idol” winner Paisley Bishop, Frank Sinatra impersonator

PHOTO COURTESY OF ANTHONY MCDEMAS

Chef Rich Mead from Newport Beach will be on hand roasting padron peppers at the sixth annual Tehachapi Food & Wine Festival.

Vaughn Suponatime and Highline, a Tom Petty tribute band.

“Singer Dave Bouldin is the spitting image of Tom Petty,” McDemas said.

“He wears a hat, has the haircut — he really embodies Tom Petty. They’ve been playing two or three years.

They’re phenomenal.”

Music is great, but it wouldn’t be the food and wine festival without the vino. Tehachapi’s Souza Family and Triassic Legacy vineyards lead the pack, which includes Imbibe Wine and Spirit Merchant, Croad Vineyards and Drunken Goat Winery (showing its wine press machinery).

Don Juan’s, a Tehachapi Latin fusion restaurant, will offer a mojito and sangria bar along with a selection of Chilean and Argentinian wines.

Some of that will be part of the VIP lounge, which is not open to everyone.

VIP passes, which cost $100 and were still available as of Tuesday, offer a private and early entrance (5:30 p.m.), larger wine pours and the services of a private pasta chef in the lounge area.

Discover Tehachapi For those who really want to roll in style, they can book any number of hotel packages, offered through tehachapitours.com, providing accommodations for the weekend.

Events kick off Aug. 3 with a First Friday art walk and the start of the Poker Run, which goes all weekend, allow-

ing players to collect cards from area businesses to play their best poker hand.

Booking a room in town may be just the thing if you want to hit the after-party at Pacino’s Spaghetti Factory. The event, which will feature live music with a $5 cover, will run from when the festival ends (10 p.m.) until 2 a.m.

Don’t make it too late a night if you have one of the coveted tickets to an ostrich egg brunch at The Wine & Cheese Cellar on Aug. 5. Eggs from Tehachapi’s Indian Point Ostrich Ranch will be scrambled and served with rosemary potatoes, bacon, fruit salad, crepe-wrapped asparagus and more. Seating is capped at 50, so act quickly if you want to add that to the itinerary. The cost is $24.95; call 3740395 or purchase tickets online at tehachapifoodandwine.com.

The ranch, which celebrated its 20th anniversary this year, will host tours for the package deals as well as the general public on Sunday.

There’s still time to get in on all the fun that Tehachapi promises for next weekend — but don’t delay buying those tickets.

“Ticket presale is off the charts. I’ve never had one like this,” McDemas said. “So many people have come and keep coming back.

“I want it to be a midsummer night’s dream. That’s why I have (people dressed as) fairies giving out Mardi Gras beads.”

27

Thursday, July 26, 2012 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street LOWDOWN: CONTINUED FROM 22

away from his father’s shadow.

You can check out the video online at salvadorsantana.com. Tickets for the Aug. 25 show are $10 and can be purchased at B Ryder’s Bar, 7401 White Lane.

The show is restricted to patrons 18 and over. For more information, call 3977304.

Matt’s picks We Came as Romans at The Dome, 2201 V. St., $13, 5 p.m., all ages, today, 327-0190. We Came as Romans, a posthardcore Michigan sextet, are back for a makeup show after abruptly canceling a March concert at Golden State Mall.

To sweeten the deal this time around, there will be indoor/outdoor staging featuring a batch of local and touring bands, including Fading Out Silence, Woe Is Me, Far from Forever, Designed to Entrap, Your Hero Is a Villain, and more.

There will also be a dunk tank and vendors to keep you cool in the middle of this summer swelter.

The Mothership DJ Night at Sandrini’s, 1918 Eye St., 10 p.m. Saturday, 3228900.

This popular monthly gathering of vinyl junkies and Serato heads returns to the underground intimacy of Sandrini’s downtown. House DJ reps Sabretooth (one of the few local lady DJs), Chito, OMS, Qwiz and others spin everything from underground rap to rare groove and beyond. We recommend you arrive early to find your spot on the dance floor for this special summer session.

Go & Do Today “In God We Trust” Eighth Anniversary, celebrating the 56th year of our national motto, keynote speaker Kenneth Copeland, VIP 6 to 6:45 p.m., dinner and program 7 to 9 p.m., Marriott Hotel, 801 Truxtun Ave. $56 dinner only; $125 dinner and program.

Reservations, 325-7601.

56th Annual Distinguished Young Women State Finals, 33 of the state’s top high school seniors will be competing for college scholarships, 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, Harvey Auditorium, 1241 G St. Tickets at the door, $10 Thursday and Friday; $15 Saturday. Girl scouts and troop leaders are free. Visit distinguishedyw.org/ca.

Concerts by the Fountain, the blues with 3 Guys Playin’ the Blues, 7 to 9 p.m., The Marketplace, 9000 Ming Ave. Farmer’s Market, 4 to 7 p.m., Tehachapi Blvd. and Robinson St., in downtown Tehachapi. 822-6519.

Guitar Class, taught by Mark Albert, for individuals or a group, Juliana’s Art Studio & Gallery, 501 18th St. $25. call 578-4570 or 327-7507 for class details.

Taft Certified Farmers Market, 5 to 8 p.m., 5th St. Plaza, Taft. 765-2165.

Voice Lessons, learn to improve your vocal range and breathing, one hour lessons for six weeks, Juliana’s Art Studio & Gallery, 501 18th St. $150. 889-5625.

Bingo, warm ups start at 5 p.m., with early birds at 6 p.m., regular games at 6:30 p.m. every Thursday, Volunteer Center of Kern

County, 2801 F St. From $20 buy-in to “the works.” 395-9787.

Friday 2012 Philippine Weekend, dance and singing contests, grand parade, cook-off, basketball tournament, entertainment, Bingo, Friday through Sunday, Cecil Park, 17th Ave., Delano. Free. Visit philippineweekend.org or 375-7177.

59th anniversary of Armistice that ends Korean War, with dinner, 6 p.m., Jastro Park, 2900 Truxtun Ave. Free. 589-2525.

Bakersfield Blaze vs. Stockton Ports, 7:30 p.m. Friday through Sunday, Sam Lynn Ball Park, 4009 Chester Ave. $7-$12. bakersfieldblaze.com or 716-HITS. Friday Night Street Legals, test and tune, gates 7 p.m., run 8 p.m. to midnight, Famoso Raceway, 33559 Famoso Road, McFarland. $15; kids 12 and under are free.

399-5351 or 399-2210.

Movies in the Park, presents “Kung Fu Panda 2,” begins at dusk, Beale Park, 500 Oleander Ave. Free. 326-3866.

Sugar with Mord Mustang, with Paul Ahi, 6 p.m., The Dome, 2201 V St. $15 online advance; $25 at the door; $25-$45 VIP. Tickets can be purchased at Wavelengths. Visit facebook.com/Sugarevents.

Saturday Fourth annual Tumbleweed Festival, horseshoe tournament, dunk tank, boxing, musical entertainment, vendors, food, mechanical bull, comedian Fredrick Reed, raffles, prizes and more, 8 a.m. to midnight,

Tumbleweed Cafe, 24870 Highway 33, Fellows (Derby Acres). Free. 768-4655.

“E.T. The Extra Terrestrial” Summer Movie Series, presented by PG&E, doors open at 10:30 a.m., movie 11:30 a.m., Bakersfield Fox Theater, 2001 H St. $1. 3241369.

“Yojimbo” Cinema Saturday, begins at sundown, Valentien Restaurant & Wine Bar, 1310 Truxtun Ave., Suite 160. 864-0397.

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

Electronic Waste Recycling Event, bring unwanted electronic items, 5 to 9 p.m., Sam Lynn Ballpark, 4009 Chester Ave. Free.

Email nlagness@yahoo.com or 873-4011.

Farmers Market, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Brimhall Square, 9500 Brimhall Road, and 8 a.m. to noon, next to Golden State Mall, 3201 F St. Gurdas Maan, 7 p.m., Rabobank Arena, 1001 Truxtun Ave. $25-$150 plus fee. ticketmaster.com or 800-745-3000.

Kids Free Day, CALM, 10500 Alfred Harrell Highway. 872-2256.

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

The Bakersfield Black Hole, vendors, jump house, food, raffle, local car clubs, music by Hazmat Boyz, Crisy Cruz, 4-Dub, DJ Epic One, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., El Atoron Billiards, 254 White Lane. Free. 706-9294 or 717-9250.

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The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, July 26, 2012

Eye Street GO & DO: CONTINUED FROM 27

Twilight at CALM, bring a picnic dinner and dine with the animals, 5:30 to 8 p.m., CALM, 10500 Alfred Harrell Highway. $9 adults; $7 seniors; children under 3 are free; CALM members are free. calmzoo.org or 872-2256.

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

THEATER “Death & the Maiden,” 8 p.m.

Friday and Saturday, The Empty Space, 706 Oak St. $15 general; $10 students/seniors. 327-PLAY. “The Real Housewives of Oildale,” 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday, Gaslight Melodrama Theatre & Music Hall, 12748 Jomani Drive. $12 to $23. 5873377.

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, children under 12 are $1. ciacomedy.com.

ART Exhibits on Display, Visual Arts Small Works Festival,” “Paintings

by Dennis Ziemienski,” “L.A. te: Photographs of Los Angeles after Dark,” “Eye Gallery: A Day in the Life,” now through Aug. 26, Bakersfield Museum of Art, 1930 R St. $5 adults; $4 seniors (65+); $2 students; children under 6 are free. 323-7219.

Art Classes, in drawing, watercolor, oils, color theory, for beginners and advanced, Bakersfield Art Association Art Center, 1817 Eye St. 869-2320.

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

Beading, bracelets, necklaces, and a variety of other possible creations will be taught in this pressure free environment, 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Mercy Art & Spirituality Center, 2215 Truxtun Ave. Free. Limited to 8 people. Register online mercybakersfield.org/art or 632-5747.

Stained Glass Classes, six-week class, 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesdays, Juliana’s Art Studio & Gallery, 501 18th St. $150. 327-7507.

The Art Shop Club, 9 a.m. to noon each Thursday, Friday and Saturday, The Art Shop, 1221 20th St. All mediums. 322-0544, 5897463 or 496-5153.

MUSIC ’80s dance party B. Ryder’s Sports Bar & Grill, 7401 White Lane, 397-7304; Members Only, 9 p.m. Saturday. $5.

Road to the Fair Karaoke Contest qualifying rounds through Aug. 12 Mondays: 8 p.m. Trout’s and The Blackboard Stages, 805 N. Chester Ave., 399-6700.

Tuesdays: 7 p.m. Big Daddy Pizza, 6417 Ming Ave., 3967499.

Wednesdays: 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Round Table, 4200 Gosford Road, #101, 397-1111; 9 p.m. Rockstarz Party Bar, 7737 Meany Ave., 589-6749.

Thursdays: 9 p.m. The Old River Monte Carlo, 9750 Taft Highway, 837-0250; 6 p.m.

Padre Hotel, 1702 18th St., 427-4900; 8 p.m. Bull Shed Bar & Grill, 2300 Camino Del Rio, 327-0681.

Fridays: 9 p.m. Prime Cut Restaurant, 9500 Brimhall Road, #100, 831-1413; 7 to 10 p.m. Tomi’s Cowgirl Cafe, 1440 Weedpatch Highway, 363-5102.

Saturdays: 8 p.m. Lucky’s Tavern, 1914 N. Chester Ave., 333-4331; 8 p.m. Rocket Shop Cafe, 2000 S. Union Ave., 832-4800.

Sundays: 9 p.m. Bellvedere Cocktail Lounge, 3090 Brundage Lane, 325-2139.

Acoustic King Tut, 10606 Hageman Road; Ernie Lewis, 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday.

Free.

Classic Rock Bellvedere Cocktail Lounge, 3090 Brundage Lane, 325-2139; Mike Montano, 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Lone Oak Lounge, 10612 Rosedale Highway, 589-0412; Rockaholics, 9 p.m. Saturday to 1 a.m. Sunday.

T-Bones Steakhouse, 8020 District Blvd., 398-1300; Usual Suspects, 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. Friday.

Comedy Elevation Lounge, 818 Real Road, 325-6864; Improv Tuesday - Live comedy with DJ after party, 9 p.m.

Tuesdays.

On the Rocks, 1517 18th St., 3277625; featuring Aurelio Miguel Bocanegra and friends, doors open at 8 p.m., begins at 8:30 p.m.

Thursday. $5.

Country Sandrini’s, 1918 Eye St., 3228900; Vince Galindo, 9 p.m.

Wednesdays.

T-Bones Steakhouse, 8020 District Blvd., 398-1300; Tex Pistols, 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. Saturday.

Dancing Beginner Belly Dance Lessons, 5:45 to 6:45 p.m. Mondays, Centre Stage Studio, 1710 Chester Ave. 323-5215. $45 regular session; $65 combo session. bakersfieldbellydance.biz.

Folklorico Classes, advance

dancers/performing group 6 to 8 p.m. Fridays; and beginners, all ages, 10:30 a.m. to noon Saturdays, Fruitvale-Norris Park, 6221 Norris Road. $22 per month for beginners; $25 per month for advance dancers. 833-8790.

Greenacres Community Center, 2014 Calloway Dr., offers ballroom dance, East Coast swing (jitterbug) and Argentine Tango dance classes; $35, $45 for non-members. 322-5765 or 201-2105.

Joaquin Squares, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Thursday, Rasmussen Center, 115 E. Roberts Lane. $5. 324-1390, 325-3086 or 399-3658. Mavericks Singles, ballroom and country dancing with music by Country George, 7 to 10 p.m. Friday, Kern City Town Hall, 1003 Pebble Beach Drive. $7 member; $9 guest. 8319241.

Pairs and Spares Dance, with Roger Martin “The Lounge Guy,” 7 p.m. Friday, Rasmussen Senior Center, 115 E. Roberts Lane. $7; $9 nonmembers. 399-3575.

DJ Banacek’s Lounge, 4601 State Road, 387-9224; with DJ Casey Overstreet, 9 p.m. Fridays.

Bellvedere Cocktail Lounge, 3090 Brundage Lane, 325-2139; DJ Brian, 7 to 11 p.m. Tuesday.

DoubleTree Hotel, Club Odyssey, 3100 Camino Del Rio Court. 323-7111; live in the mix: old school, ’80s and ’90s music, 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. every Saturday.

Le Corusse Rouge, 4647 White Lane, 834-1611; with DJ Chill in the Mixx, 5 p.m. every Friday until 2 a.m. Saturday.

Rockstarz Party Bar, 7737 Meany Ave., Suite B5, 589-6749; DJ James, 9 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays. Free.

The Bull Shed Bar & Grill, at Hotel Rosedale, 2400 Camino Del Rio Court, 327-0681; with Meg, 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.

Jazz Cafe Med, 4809 Stockdale Highway, 834-4433; Richie Perez, 7:30 to 11 p.m. Thursdays.

Imbibe Wine & Spirits Merchant, 4140 Truxtun Ave., 633WINE; live music & wine bar with featuring local artist and Jazz Connection, along with 24 wines, 6 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday; 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

King Tut, 10606 Hageman Road; live instrumental and vocal Jazz, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. each Friday and Saturday. Free.

Le Corusse Rouge, 4647 White Lane, 834-1611; Bakersfield Jazz Workshop, 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. every Wednesday.

Que Pasa Mexican Cafe, 2701 Ming Ave., 832-5011; Jazz Invasion, 9 to 10 p.m. every Saturday.

Steak and Grape, 4420 Coffee Road, 588-9463; 7 to 10 p.m.

Thursday through Saturday. Free.

The Nile, Jazz Music, 6 p.m. every Sunday. Cost $10 at 1721 19th St. 364-2620.

Karaoke Banacek’s Lounge, 9 p.m. every Friday and Saturday at 4601 State Road. 387-9224.

Bellvedere Cocktail Lounge, 3090 Brundage Lane, 325-2139; 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Thursdays and Sundays.

Big Daddy Pizza, 6417 Ming Ave., 396-7499; 7 to 10 p.m. every Tuesday; 8 to 11 p.m. every Friday.

Cataldo’s Pizzeria, 4200 New Stine Road, 397-5000; 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Thursday.

Cataldo’s Pizzeria, 6111 Niles St., 363-7200; 6:15 to 10:15 p.m. Tuesdays.

Chateau Lounge, 2100 S. Chester Ave., 835-1550; 9 p.m. every Saturday.

City Slickers, 1001 W. Tehachapi Blvd., 822-4939; 7 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays.

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.

DoubleTree Hotel, Club Odyssey, 3100 Camino Del Rio Court; 8 p.m. to midnight Tuesdays.

Elevation Lounge, 818 Real Road, 325-6864; 9 p.m. Wednesday.

Ethel’s Old Corral, 4310 Alfred Harrell Highway, 873-7613; 6 to 9 p.m. every Wednesday.

Iron Horse Saloon, 1821 S. Chester Ave., 831-1315; 7 to 11 p.m.

Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Julie’s The Branding Iron Saloon, 1807 N. Chester Ave., 6 to 10 p.m. every Friday.

Le Corusse Rouge, 4647 White Lane, 834-1611; A to Z Karaoke, 8 p.m. to midnight Tuesdays.

Lone Oak Inn, 8 p.m. every Tuesday and Thursday at 10612 Rosedale Hwy. 589-0412.

Magoo’s Pizza, 1129 Olive Drive, 399-7800; 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Tuesday.

Maria Bonita Mexican Restaurant, 10701 Highway 178, 3663261, 7 to 11 p.m. Fridays. All ages.

McMurphy’s Irish Pub & Sports Bar, 14 Monterey St., 869-1451; 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. Tuesdays.

Pizzeria, 4200 Gosford Road, 3971111; 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays.

Pour House, 9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays at 4041 Fruitvale Ave. 589-9300.

Pyrenees Cafe, 601 Sumner, 3230053; 8 p.m. to midnight Saturdays.

Replay Sports Lounge & Grill, 4500 Buck Owens Blvd., 3243300; 8 p.m. every Wednesday.

Rocket Shop Cafe, 2000 S. Union Ave., 832-4800; 8:30 p.m. to midnight Saturday.

Rockstarz Party Bar, 7737 Meany Ave., Suite B5, 589-6749; 8 p.m. Mondays through Wednesdays.

Rocky’s Pizza & Arcade, 2858 Niles St., 873-1900; 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Wednesday.

Round Table Pizza, 2060 White Lane, 836-2700; 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday.

Round Table Pizza, 2620 Buck Owens Blvd., 327-9651; The Junction with host Mac Clanahan, 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays.

Round Table Pizza, 4200 Gosford Road, 397-1111; 6:30 p.m.

Wednesdays.

Rusty’s Pizza, 5430 Olive Drive, 392-1482; 6:30 to 9 p.m. every Wednesday.

Sports & Spirits, 6633 Ming Ave., 398-7077; 9 p.m. Thursdays and Saturdays.

Syndicate Lounge, 1818 Eye St., 327-0070; with Alisa Spencer, 9 p.m. every Wednesday.

T-Bones Steakhouse, 8020 District Blvd., 398-1300; 7:30 to 11 p.m. Thursdays.

Tejon Club, 6 to 10 p.m. every Saturday at 117 El Tejon Ave. 3921747.

The Bull Shed Bar & Grill, at Hotel Rosedale, 2400 Camino Del Rio Court, 327-0681; 7 p.m.

Tuesdays and Thursdays.

The Junction Lounge, 2620 Buck Owens Blvd., 327-9651; 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays.

The Old River Monte Carlo, 9750 Taft Highway, 837-0250; 8:30 p.m. every Thursday.

The Playhouse, 2915 Taft Highway; 397-3599; 7 to 10 p.m. Sundays.

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.

The Wrecking Yard, 9817 S. Union Ave., 827-9192; 7 to 10 p.m.

Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.

The Wright Place, 2695-G Mount Vernon Ave., 872-8831, 8 p.m. every Thursday.

Tomi’s Cowgirl Cafe, 7 to 10 p.m. Friday, 1440 Weedpatch Highway. 363-5102.

Trouts & The Blackboard Stages, 805 N. Chester Ave., 3996700; 7 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays, 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Vinny’s Bar & Grill, 2700 S. Union Ave., 496-2502, 7 p.m.

Thursdays. 21 and over.

Latin/Salsa DoubleTree Hotel, Club Odyssey, 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, 6 to 9 p.m. every Sunday at 3500 Truxtun Ave. 852-0493.

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

Please see GO & DO / 29

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Thursday, July 26, 2012 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street GO & DO: CONTINUED FROM 28

Oldies KC Steakhouse, 2515 F St., 322-9910; 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. Friday and Saturday. $5 per night.

Open Mic Fiddlers Crossing, 206 East F St., Tehachapi, 823-9994; 7 p.m. Wednesdays. $5.

On the Rocks, 1517 18th St., 327-7625; musicians, spoken word, poets, comedians, 8 p.m. every Wednesday, On the Rocks, 1517 18th St. Free.

Rock B. Ryder’s Sports Bar & Grill, 7401 White Lane, 397-7304; Meditated Assault, Slow Forward, 9 p.m. Friday. $5.

On the Rocks, 1517 18th St., 327-7625; Pacific Dub, Katastro, 7 to 11 p.m. Friday. $10. timegardeapresents.com.

Rockstarz Party Bar, 7737 Meany Ave., Suite B5, 589-6749; live bands, 9 p.m. every Thursday.

The Dome, 2201 V St., 327-0190; We Came as Romans, Fading Out Silence, Witness Before Them, Our Last Decade, Designed to Entrap, 5 to 11 p.m. Thursday. $13. timgardeapresents.com.

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., 322-8900; Trivia Night with Dave Rezac, 10 p.m. Tuesdays.

Variety The Empty Space, 706 Oak St., 327-PLAY; Emily Danger featuring David Blair, 8 p.m.

Wednesday and Thursday. $20 general; $15 students.

UPCOMING EVENTS Monday 7/30 Horse Happy Horse Camp, for ages 8 to 17, learn about horses, grooming, horse care, riding lessons, begins every Monday, now to Aug. 24. $200 per child, per week, at Sioux City Ranch, 15101 Sunnybank Ave. 9004880.

Optimal Hospice Foundation 19th annual Kids Camp, for ages 8-18 who have suffered the loss of an immediate family member, Sunday through Friday, Gergen Ranch, 10658 Round Mountain Road. Free. 7168000.

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 7/31 Dustin Lynch, 7 p.m., Buck Owens Crystal Palace, 2800 Buck Owens Blvd. Free. 3287560.

Farmer’s Market, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at James St. and Central Ave., Shafter.

Oildale Farmers Market, 3 to 6 p.m., now through August, northeast corner of N. Chester Ave. and Norris Road, Oildale.

The next wave of Italians has arrived..

Sierra Club Conditioning Hikes, three to five miles, 7 p.m., meet at corner of Highways 178 and 184. 872-2432 or 873-8107.

Summer Movie Express, see “Arthur Christmas” Tuesday; and “Smurfs” Wednesday, starts at 10 a.m. both days, Edwards Cinema, 9000 Ming Ave. $1. 663-3042.

Wednesday 8/1 CASA Volunteer Orientation, learn how to make a difference in the life of an abused, abandoned or neglected child, noon to 1 p.m. and 5 to 6 p.m., CASA, 2000 24th St. kerncasa.org or 631-2272.

Film Club, with Cody Meek, 7 p.m., Barnes and Noble, 4001 California Ave. 631-2575.

First Wednesday, special events and refreshments, 9:30 to 11 a.m., Bakersfield Museum of Art, 1930 R St. $4 non members.

323-7219.

Heidi Newfield, 7 p.m., Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace, 2800 Buck Owens Blvd. $18-$26 plus fee. vallitix.com or 322-5200.

Thursday 8/2 Bookseller’s Book Group, 7 p.m., Barnes and Noble, in the cafe, 4001 California Ave. 631-2575.

Concerts by The Fountain, great blues with Fat Daddy Blues Band, 7 to 9 p.m., The Marketplace, 9000 Ming Ave. Farmer’s Market, 4 to 7 p.m., Tehachapi Blvd. and Robinson St., in downtown Tehachapi. 822-6519.

Guitar Class, taught by Mark Albert, for individuals or a group, Juliana’s Art Studio & Gallery, 501 18th St. $25. call 578-4570 or 327-7507 for class details.

Taft Certified Farmers Market, 5 to 8 p.m., 5th St. Plaza, Taft. 765-2165.

Voice Lessons, learn to improve your vocal range and breathing, one hour lessons for six weeks, Juliana’s Art Studio & Gallery, 501 18th St. $150. 889-5625.

$0 Down $0 Drive Off **

* STOCK #129/VIN #303959

**$199.00 per month, plus tax and license for 42 months. Buyer is responsible for tax, license, & title. MSRP $16,200. $0 Security deposit. $0 due at signing. 10,000 annual miles and $0.20 over. Must finance through Ally Financial S or A tiers only, on approval of credit. Not all applicants will qualify. See dealer for details. Offer ends 07/31/12.

Friday 8/3 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. Email don@themetrogalleries.com or info@themetrogalleries.com.

Movies in the Park, presents “African Cats,” begins at dusk, Lowell Park, 800 4th St. Free. 326-3866.

The Lackey Film Premier, 8 p.m., Fox Theater, 2001 H St. $8 plus fee. vallitix.com or 322-5200.

Wine & Beer Tasting, enjoy wine and beer tasting along with appetizers, 5 to 7 p.m., Steak and Grape Restaurant, 4420 Coffee Rd., $20. 588-9463.

Saturday 8/4 “Fistful of Dollars” Cinema Saturday, begins at sundown, Valentien Restaurant & Wine Bar, 1310 Truxtun Ave., Suite 160. 8640397.

Free Electronic Waste Recycling Event, bring all unwanted electronic waste, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Hina’s Home Care Pharmacy, parking lot, 9805 Stockdale Highway, Suite 130.

Free. 873-4011.

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.

Historic Cemetery Tour, meet in front of the cemetery at 8:45 a.m., tour from 9 to 10 a.m., Historic Union Cemetery, 730 Potomac Ave. Email info@uc1872.com or visit unioncemetery1872.com

Every year The Bakersfield Californian publishes an article in the October issue of Bakersfield Life Magazine in honor of breast cancer awareness. Included in the article will be Links for Life......Wall of Hope.

If you are a breast cancer survivor and would like to participate in this project, please call the Links for Life office at 322-5601.

Survivor photos, donated by Jadwins Photography, will be taken Aug. 1st - 15th.