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The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, November 1, 2012
Eye Street Editor Jennifer Self | Phone 395-7434 | e-mail jself@bakersfield.com
Index Little River Band ...................................... 22 Arts Alive .................................................. 23 First Friday................................................ 24 Bram Stoker’s “Dracula” ........................ 24 Laf-A-Lot Dance Club................................ 25 The Lowdown with Matt Munoz.............. 26 Bakersfield Independent Film Festival .. 27 Calendar .............................................. 32-33
Just don’t call him an outlaw Church does it his way, but rowdy singer hates labels BY MATT MUNOZ Californian staff writer mmunoz@bakersfield.com
H
e rose to fame as a rebel, but it would be hard to find a guy more beloved by the country music establishment than Eric
Church. On the strength of his 2011 CD, “Chief” — which spawned the hits “Drink in My Hand,” “Creepin” and “Springsteen” — Church is headed to Bakersfield on Tuesday with his “Blood, Sweat & Tears” tour and leads the field at tonight’s County Music Association Awards, with five nominations. “It’s surreal, because it’s not something I saw coming,” said Church during a recent phone interview. “I knew ‘Chief’ had been a special record, I knew ‘Springsteen’ was a monster of a song, but I didn’t see being most nominated. Neither did anybody else, so don’t let anyone kid you. I think it’s better that way because there’s no expectations for me. “It’s pretty cool for the industry, because at times I felt like I didn’t know where we belonged. I thought we were too rock for country, I thought we were too country for rock, I didn’t know if we had a home. So, for them to kind of open their arms and say, ‘You’re one of us’ is the biggest thing I took from being nominated.” That affirmation is all the more sweet, Church said, considering that he got his start not as a pretty-boy Nashville creation, but as a honky-tonk hero, grinding it out night after night in one sweaty barroom after another. Church, 35, broke out of a pack of fellow rowdy country rockers like Jamey Johnson, starting talk of a new generation of outlaws, the heirs of Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson. Just don’t call Church an outlaw to his face.
KYNDELL HARKNESS / STAR TRIBUNE
Eric Church performs at the State Fair Grandstand in Falcon Heights, Minn., in August. He will be at Rabobank Theater Tuesday.
“I hate labels. It seems like we could come up with a different word. ‘Outlaw’ is a word that was issued 30, 40 years ago, and I think there’s a different theme now. I mean, yeah, our paths have been somewhat similar as artists from way back. Maybe finding some success outside of the normal parameters where people find success, yeah, I get it. I’m just not big on calling it this or that, and certainly not going
back to a word 30 or 40 years.” Not big on country music’s penchant for hype, the North Carolina native prefers to keep his material and stage show about the purity of a rowdy good time. “A lot of times in my career, especially from where we came from, it wasn’t busy. I’m just taking it in stride. It’s pretty simple for me now. You gotta keep it about the
Eric Church When: 7 p.m. Tuesday Where: Rabobank Theater, 1001 Truxtun Ave. Admission: $36 to $199, plus fee Information: 852-7777 or ticketmaster.com
Please see CHURCH / 31
‘John Williams of England’ debuts work with BSO BY SUSAN SCAFFIDI Contributing writer
M
ulti award-winning composer Christopher Gunning will be on hand to hear the world premiere of his latest work performed by the Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra this weekend, in a program of storytelling music. Titled “Hector’s Return,” Gunning’s nine-minute musical essay is the composer’s description of a hero’s return, first inspired by lis-
tening to the music of Hector Berlioz. “The influence of Berlioz may or may not be evident, but as I was composing I was reminded of other Hectors, notably the Trojan prince of Greek mythology,” Gunning wrote about this piece. Gunning is renowned as a film and TV composer, winning four BAFTAs — the British equivalent of the Academy Award — as well as four Ivor Novello awards for the film “La Vie en Rose,” plus the
themes for “Agatha Christie’s ‘Poirot,’” “Middlemarch” and “Porterhouse Blue.” “He’s really kind of the John Williams of England,” said BSO conductor John Farrer. “It’s really hard to encounter any film in England he hasn’t had a hand in.” Farrer said he became friends with Gunning while making a recording in London. He said he told Gunning he should write an essay-length work for orchestra. Farrer said programming an
effective concert requires balancing long works, such as a fulllength symphony, with shorter works like an essay to provide variety for the audience. While composers are attracted to the challenges of writing the big works, Farrer said conductors want those shorter pieces as well. “There’s a vast audience for this, a need for this,” Farrer said. The orchestra has three other story-telling works on its program Please see SYMPHONY / 29
Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra When: Lecture 7 p.m.; concert 8 p.m. Saturday Where: Rabobank Theater, 1001 Truxtun Ave. Admission: $34-$50. Available at Rabobank Box Office, and ticketmaster.com
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Thursday, November 1, 2012 The Bakersfield Californian
Eye Street “It’s not macabre at all. Mexican people are such endearing people. Many believe that you should never cry on Dia De Los Muertos, because the path back to the living world must not be made slippery by our tears.” — Cruz Reyes Ramos, organizer of the 20th annual Dia De Los Muertos Expo
They’re on leave from heaven community members honoring loved ones who have died. This year, Millis said there may be as many as 35 shrines, which people had to sign up for in advance. The altars will be on display in the museum’s gardens. If you’d like even more to look at, head into the museum for the ongoing exhibit “Paul Strand: Mexican Portfolio,” a collection of photographs taken in Mexico in the early 1930s. Millis said bilingual docents will be on hand for tours and information about the works. With a hearty helping of culture and art for such a good price — $1, free for children 6 and under — Millis said it’s the museum’s opportunity to connect with the community. “This is our big thank you to the community. Let them know that we’re here, and that we’re here for them.”
Departed souls join living loved ones for Muertos THE BAKERSFIELD CALIFORNIAN
M
ake no bones about it: Dia de los Muertos is firmly on the pop culture map. From more costumed skeletons trick-or-treating and at Halloween parties this year to a variety of local activities, the stage is set for celebrating the traditional Mexican holiday. And it is a celebration, despite the prominent calaveras, or skulls, in the imagery. That’s something the Bakersfield Museum of Art is emphasizing at its fourth annual Altares de Familia. “It’s a celebration of life. That’s one thing that people misconstrue,” said Amy Millis, the museum’s director of development and organizer of the event. This year’s event, which spans the museum grounds as well as the adjacent Central Park at Mill Creek, is poised to be the biggest yet. This year “we’re just bigger and better taking up more of the park. Most of Central Park is dedicated to the event. We have a bigger stage and more lights.” Activities at the park include an opening Aztec blessing by Mi Tierra around 5:30 p.m. followed by more folk dancing later in the evening, and performances by Kern County Youth Mariachi Foundation, SoLuna Mexican folk ballet and Escuelas Unidas. Along with dancing and music, the park will host about 25 vendors, a mix of sponsors, crafts and foods. Food vendors, including La Vaca Flaca, Choco’s Tacos, La Rosa, Taquitos Jesus, California Italian Ice and Irene’s, will serve traditional dishes such as chile verde, taquitos, tacos and burritos as well as kid-friendly kettle corn and pizza. After the kids are fed, entertain them with face-painting and the children’s craft area, which Millis said will be huge this year. Children completing each craft receive a stamp on a card, which can be used for trick-or-treating at the end of the line. Claydoh the Clown will make balloon animals to entertain youngsters as they wait.
— Stefani Dias
Dia De Los Muertos Expo
PHOTO COURTESY OF DON WHITE
Costumed dancers wait to perform during last year’s Dia de Los Muertos Expo at Golden State Mall.
Folks can decorate sugar skulls under the guidance of event committee member Eva Patino and her daughter, Felisa, who teamed on two recent workshops for the activity. The younger Patino will bring some of her Liberty High students to help with the project and crafts area, Millis said. Speaking of skulls, plenty will be on display inside the museum for the student competition, which has hundreds of entries this year. Millis said along with mini-altars recognizing a person — famous or loved one — who impacted the student’s life, young artists could opt to design calaveras to compete for cash prizes. “The skulls are fantastic. We wanted to make it fun and mix it up, and it’s such an integral part of the celebration. It goes on with our mission of education and art.” Of course, the big draw for many are the altars created by
At Golden State Mall, the festive sounds of dancing skeletons are what Dia De Los Muertos Expo organizer Cruz Reyes Ramos hopes will be an invitation to all happy spirits to join in the fun. “I was urged by people to start celebrating this event, because of the success we’ve had with Cinco de Mayo,” said Ramos. “In many Mexican and Peruvian cities like Aguas Calientes, they celebrate it in grand fashion. That’s what we strive for. Every year it grows in our community and people look forward to it. I’m very happy with the responses we receive.” Ramos began coordinating the popular cultural event in 1992 at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Lamont under the guidance of parish priest Father John Schmoll. Within a few years, the feast outgrew Lamont, and after a few temporary stops, ended up at the spacious Golden State Mall. “Our mission is to convey to our multi-cultural audiences what we as Mexican-Americans believe. The signature images of calaveras (skeletons,) remind us of our mortality and represent the dead playfully mimicking the living, not a scary symbol. The colors are always so bright and flo-
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE BAKERSFIELD MUSEUM OF ART
A woman arranges items on a table during last year’s Altares de Familia event at the Bakersfield Museum of Art.
20th annual Dia De Los Muertos Expo When: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday Where: Golden State Mall, second floor, 3201 F St. Admission: Free Information: 472-6836 or 345-5842
Altares de Familia PHOTO COURTESY OF THE BAKERSFIELD MUSEUM OF ART
Decorated skulls are prominent at the Altares de Familia event.
ral. We are focusing on respecting life.” More than 80 dancers will exhibit elaborate Mexican folk dances from SoLuna Mexican Folk Ballet, Grupo Folklorico Escuelas Unidas and the St. Augustine Skeleton Dancers, who will depict through special choreography the way celebrants believe God grants permission to the deceased in heaven to come down to the living world and be honored at a special francachela, fandango, or party. “It’s not macabre at all. Mexican people are such endearing people. Many believe that you should never cry on Dia De Los Muertos, because the path back to the living world must not be made slippery by our tears.” In addition to marking the 20th anniversary of her first event, this year’s expo takes on particularly special meaning for Ramos as she will be adding a special display in memory of her brother Isaac J. Reyes, who passed away earlier this month. Ramos will place the tribute to her brother — nicknamed “Purple Haze” for his admiration of rock guitarist Jimi Hendrix — alongside the altar dedicated to her late father, Pascual. “I will be placing 58 purple flowers as a birthday symbol, because I’m sure Isaac would
When: 5 p.m. Friday Where: Bakersfield Museum of Art, 1930 R St., and the adjacent Central Park Admission: $1; free for children under 6 Information: 323-7219 or bmoa.org/altares-de-familia
Dia de Los Muertos When: festivities begin at 5 p.m.; Dub Seeds performs at 9 Where: Muertos Kitchen & Lounge, 1514 Wall St. Alley Admission: $10 reserved seating, $5 general admission for the show Information: 324-2557
understand I couldn’t have 58 candles. We miss him very much. His sense of humor was really something.” According to Ramos, 19 colorfully elaborate family altars and offerings have been confirmed for exhibit with more to be added. Along with muertos crafting, sugar skulls, and art on display, traditional food and beverage vendors will be selling specially themed food items such as spicy tombstone tamales, Mexican panecito exquisito de muertito, or “exquisite sweet bread of the dead” and more. Plus, there will be special recognition of “La Calavera Catrina,” a popular etching by famed Mexican political artist Jose Guadalupe Posada. Please see MUERTOS / 31
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The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, November 1, 2012
Eye Street
Music doubleheader at Sam Lynn BY MATT MUNOZ Californian staff writer mmunoz@bakersfield.com
T
he roar of cheering baseball fans will be traded for the sounds of music when pop rockers the Little River Band and Stray Cats’ bassist Lee Rocker perform a doubleheader at Sam Lynn Ball Park on Sunday. Thomas Rockwell, president of Trout’s Corp., organized the show and is styling it after “Day on the Green”-type outdoor festivals. The afternoon concert is part of an ongoing wish list of entertainment events he’s been planning. “It’s all about getting some of these artists when they’re touring in the area,” said Rockwell. “When you can make it happen in the community like this, there’s no downside.” Rockwell said his choice to have the show outside the first weekend of November is based on a combination of weather research he conducted and securing an ideal location that will allow locals to kick off their shoes one last time before winter hits. “I found that in the last 15 years, this weekend has always had great weather in the 70s or higher. Probably the last great weather weekend of the year.” When he’s not booking live music at Trout’s honkytonk, Rockwell has been busy promoting shows through his production company Rockwell Opry Productions. Already, country singers
Little River Band and Lee Rocker When: Gates open at noon, concert at 1 p.m. Sunday Where: Sam Lynn Ball Park, 4009 Chester Ave. Admission: $25 to $250, plus service charges. Tickets and information: Emporium Western Store, 1031 19th St. 325-8476; Trout’s, 805 N. Chester. 3998600; or online at brownpapertickets.com
Pam Tillis, Mark Wills, Bryan White and the Doo-Wah Riders have appeared, both at Trout’s honkytonk and at the Fox. “These shows were just the beginning. Bakersfield will have more shows to look forward to like this as we progress into next year.” The Little River Band, an Australian group that found most of its success in the States in the mid-’70s, is no stranger to Bakersfield after selling out Fishlips bar twice. Original Little River Band bassist and vocalist Wayne Williams, 62, said the group’s lasting radio hits have always been the lifeblood of the group. Their baby boomer-rich discography of 15 studio albums includes hits like “Lonesome Loser,” “Lady,” “Cool Change,” “The
Night Owls” and “Reminiscing.” “People come usually for two or three songs they’re intent on hearing, and then they get the other six or seven they don’t realize were also part of the band’s history or part of their radio listening back in the day. So, you definitely get people saying, ‘Oh, I didn’t know you guys did that song.’” Still heard regularly on adultcontemporary radio or in commercial and films during flashback sequences, the group feels fortunate to resonate with younger fans as well. “The mix of people at the live shows who reconnect with our songs is incredible. I think a lot of artists take it for granted and literally cast aside their past, because it’s not the new thing or what they’re doing now. That’s not what people come to these shows for. We’re not going to carve new ground or re-invent the wheel. Fans come with their memories intact. There are a couple of new twists to the hits, but what I like to call it is like an ‘interactive scrap book.’” Memories were a factor playing into why Rockwell booked the group for the show along with Stray Cats’ bassist Lee Rocker, who also makes a return visit to Bakersfield to open the show. “Little River Band to me is like having my 1968 GTO back, because that’s the cassette somebody left in the back seat. Then
PHOTO COURTESY OF LITTLE RIVER BAND
The Little River Band appears at Sam Lynn Ball Park on Sunday.
you have Lee Rocker from the Stray Cats in the ’80s. You hear that music that just starts triggering something.” Sunday’s show will be held on a raised stage in the left-field grass area away from the bleachers. Open seating will be split into five sections, starting at general admission and going up to preferred seating from there. The top ticket price, $250, includes admission to the Little River Band’s encore performance the following Tuesday at Trout’s. Lawn chairs and blankets will be allowed in all sections. Once inside a number of food and beverage vendors will be on hand selling concessions. No outside food and beverages are allowed inside the park. In addition, there will be a classic car show in the Sam Lynn parking lot and a pin-up girl con-
test onstage during the concert. Williams said he’s had an affinity for Bakersfield after the group’s previous shows turned into wildly festive occasions. He expects even more dancing out in left field on Sunday. “It never fails that, by the time the night is done, people are saying, ‘What a great party. Thanks for keeping it alive, and bringing all those memories back.’ That’s the kind of day it is.” Following the concert, an after party will be held at Trout’s in Oildale. Tickets for Tuesday’s concert with the Little River Band at Trout’s are available for $100. Tickets can be purchased separately at Trout’s. Classic car owners and models interested in entering the pin-up contest can call 724-OPRY or email therockwellopry@ yahoo.com.
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Thursday, November 1, 2012 The Bakersfield Californian
Eye Street Camille Gavin CONTRIBUTING COLUMNIST
‘Mango Street’ has broad appeal Coming-of-age story one all can understand
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aria Mercado, director of the play “The House on Mango Street,” tells me the stage version follows closely the book by Sandra Cisneros and should have broad appeal. “It’s a coming-of-age story and it will speak to every age and every ethnicity,” Mercado said. “It’s all these little stories and situations that people will recognize in their own lives — that’s the common thread. Like the book, the setting for the play, opening this evening at the Spotlight Theatre, reflects the lives of the people who live on one particular street in Chicago, but it could be a neighborhood in any town or city. “Some scenes are very funny and some are very dark,” she said. “It takes you on a bit of a roller-coaster ride — it’s a circular ride.” “Carla Stanley designed the set and she came up with a cool concept,” Mercado said. “One of the vignettes we’re doing is called ‘Four Skinny Trees’ and four trees of life are set behind the three stoops.” Each tree is decorated with leaves made of papel picado, or cut paper, a traditional décor used by Latinos for festive occasions. Although the book itself is the current One Book/One Bakersfield/One Kern selection, the play is a separate venture and is not being funded by the annual countywide reading project, said Andrea Apple of the Kern County Library. The library is one of the project’s main sponsors. Instead, Thomas G. Robinson, who is active in the local theater and music community, is putting on the show through his company, tgrJamsProductions. “I funded it myself,” Robinson said. “I think it’s important to do the show; there aren’t enough plays tied to the Latin community.” Peggy Darling, president of the Spotlight board, confirmed that Robinson rented the theater for the performances but said the 19th Street venue has “no artistic involvement” in the play.
PHOTO COURTESY OF PETER BECKMAN
Mame Dennis (Sheryl Cleveland) shows the younger generation just how to have fun in “Mame” at Stars.
Wendy Waldman
HENRY A. BARRIOS / THE CALIFORNIAN
From left, Esperanza (Isabella Sosa), Lucy (Jennie Babcock) and Rachel (Juliana Paz) share a bicycle in a scene from “The House on Mango Street,” which opens today at the Spotlight Theatre.
In addition to the eight performances at Spotlight, a preview of the play will be presented on Nov. 8 in the Icardo Center at Cal State Bakersfield. Cisneros is scheduled to speak at the event and will do a book signing. Amy Ludwig’s adaptation of the play was approved by Cisneros. Thomas G. Robinson, producer of the show, negotiated with the adapter and the author to get the rights. Mercado’s eight-member cast includes Isabel Sosa, age 13, who plays the part of Young Esperanza, the book’s narrator — at least in her early years. “Isabel dances and sings but this is her first acting role,” the director said. “She goes to Earl Warren Junior High School.” Vanessa Johnson appears as the older Esperanza, the only other named character. The rest of the cast includes three women and three men who assume different roles as the play progresses. The ensemble includes Jennie Babcock, Kim Navarro, Juliet Paz, Pablo Reyes, Frank Ayala and Robinson.
‘Mame’ comes to town It looks like Stars’ production of “Mame! will be a glitzy sparkler, at least as far as the clothes worn by the lead character are concerned.
Camille Gavin’s “Arts Alive” column appears on Thursday. Write to her via e-mail at gavinarts@aol.com
Adam Cline, director of the musical, which opens Friday, said the costumes have been rented from a company in Southern California. And according to him they are as beautiful as they are numerous. “Mame alone has an entourage of 17 dresses,” he said. “Of course we may not use them all — that’s up to Kathi Lowry, the costume designer. But we do have them.” He’s enthusiastic about doing the show, featuring Sheryl Cleveland as the happily eccentric New York City woman of the 1920s. “It’s a change of pace for Stars because they’ve been doing more modern things lately,” Cline said. “It’s going to be nice because we don’t get to see that style, those outfits, very often.” Stars is known for getting whole families involved with their productions and the Clines prove the point. “I do the directing and Terri (Clines) choreographed it and has a small part,” Adam said. “When it starts, our son, Aidan, plays Mame’s nephew, 9-year-old Patrick. Then in the second act, I become the older Patrick and he (Aidan) becomes my son.” Others in lead or supporting roles are Helen Prine, Pam Riel, Steve Evans, Kenneth Whitchard, Bob Anderson, Kim Whitney and Tim Fromm. “Mame!” continues on weekends through Nov. 17.
Singer, songwriter and record producer Wendy Waldman will give a concert on Saturday at Fiddlers Crossing in Tehachapi. More than 70 artists have recorded her songs, said Deborah Hand, owner of the coffee-house style venue. Among the best known are “Save the Best for Last” and “The Sweetest Days” sung by Vanessa Williams; “Fishin’ in the Dark,” recently released by Garth Brooks; “Home Again in My Heart” by The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band; and “What About You,” by Crystal Gayle. On stage, Waldman sings, plays guitar and piano, and engages her audience in an informal manner. This is the second time she has performed at Fiddlers Crossing. Hand said her 2011 concert sold out in advance.
Grant-writing workshop The success of getting a grant for your nonprofit organization depends a lot on your ability to write the proposal. Help is available in the form of a grant-writing workshop to be presented next Wednesday by Michael Millar, executive director of the Arts Council of Kern. It’s designed for prospective applicants of its 2013 Arts in the Community Grant Program. I suspect, however, the information will be equally helpful for those interested in pursuing other avenues for obtaining grants. Millar plans to outline strategies and techniques for writing proposals for the ACK program. Grant guidelines, reviewing criteria, and ways of interacting with the community will be discussed. Step by step, the workshop will
GO & DO ‘The House on Mango Street’ When: 8 p.m. today through Saturday Where: Spotlight Theatre, 1622 19th St. Admission: $18; $15 children under 12, seniors and military. Information: 665-1643
‘Mame!’ When: 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday Where: Stars Restaurant Theatre, 1931 Chester Ave. Admission: $47-$57; show only $30-$37 Information: 325-6100
Wendy Waldman When: 7 p.m. Saturday Where: Fiddlers Crossing, 206 E. F St., Tehachapi Admission: $20 Information: 823-9994
Grant Writing Workshop When: 5:30 to 7 p.m. Wednesday Where: Reider Building, 2000 K St. Room 202 Admission: Free Information: 324-9000
cover the specific components of grant writing that will build a case for support in the applicant's proposal, according to an ACK news release. Millar will be available for questions and advising after the presentation. The workshop is free, but seating is limited so reservations are recommended.
24
The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, November 1, 2012
Eye Street
Happy moments on display this Friday The Foundry, art center shows depict lighthearted imagery BY STEFANI DIAS Californian assistant lifestyles editor
First Friday “Lively Little Things,” opening reception for Ashleymarie Sey-Lively, 5 to 9 p.m., The Foundry, 1608 19th St. 388-0278.
sdias@bakersfield.com
I
t will be a dead man’s party all over town tonight, but local artists are keeping things a bit less spooky for First Friday downtown. Taking that to heart is Ashleymarie Sey-Lively, a freelance artist/illustrator and stay-at-home mom, whose solo show, “Lively Little Things,” opens at The Foundry. Sey-Lively said her style has evolved since becoming a mother. “Before I was married, I used to draw sexy pin-ups. I used to draw things that were dark. I think every artist goes through a phase like that. After having a child, this stuff isn’t child-appropriate.” For this show, the artist said she took a more whimsical approach. “I wanted to focus more on the lighthearted side of things. To play off life and the happy moments. I also wanted to focus on the daydream aspect. Your mind wanders to happy thoughts.” Her collection of 28 pieces is a mix of fun, brightly colored watercolors and acrylics.
“Chairs & Stools,” opening reception, 6 to 8 p.m., Bakersfield Art Association Art Center, 1817 Eye St. 869-2320. Chris Romanini, opening reception, 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Dagny’s Coffee Co., 1600 20th St. 634-0806. Do Good, fundraiser, art show and silent auction, food, music by Holy Beast, 5 to 9 p.m., Metro Galleries, 1604 19th St. Free. Proceeds benefit CASA. 631-2272. Guild House First Friday, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Guild House, 1905 18th St. $10. 325-5478.
For someone who used to work primarily in acrylic, this show was another artistic departure. “I hated watercolor with a passion. My best friend, Jacqueline Monroe, she always did watercolors and she’d make it look bright and vibrant. “Having a little kid around trying to use acrylic paint, it would dry up and you can't salvage it.”
A “very stubborn person,” Sey-Lively forced herself to give watercolors a try, to great success. “It was a lifesaver. I was able to create art, I could squeeze it in. I don’t have a lot of time to do it.” The Bakersfield native has stayed busy, recently moving back to town with her husband and 1-year-old daughter and completing freelance work in advance of the birth of her second child. She credits her network of family and friends for helping her thrive. “I wouldn’t be the person I am without my husband. And my family always supported me. They supported me throughout my whole (artistic) journey.” Sey-Lively said she is looking forward to the exhibit opening on Friday. “If I can see someone smile or laugh when they see my art, it can make my day.” The opening reception will include a performance by Therese Muller and culinary creations by Shawna Fowler, who runs Window Sill Pie Co. with Marah-Stelle Jackson. (Another colorful collection with a Foundry connection is still on display a few streets over. Gallery co-owner Christina Sweet’s “Hooves and Horns” continues to brighten up Farmacy Cafe in the Padre Hotel.) Please see FRIDAY / 28
IMAGE COURTESY OF THE FOUNDRY
“Baby Sea Unicorns” by Ashleymarie Sey-Lively, one of the works in her solo exhibit, “Lively Little Things,” which opens Friday at The Foundry.
CSUB actors sink teeth into ‘Dracula’ Show takes new twists with classic characters BY STEFANI DIAS Californian assistant lifestyles editor sdias@bakersfield.com
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oday marks the start of the Day of the Dead celebrations, but it’s the undead who are celebrating at Cal State Bakersfield with the opening of Bram Stoker’s “Dracula.” “It’s the Halloween season,” said Mandy Rees, the play’s director. That’s something that’s on people’s minds. The weather is changing, Halloween in the air.” CSUB’s version of the Bram Stoker tale — adapted by William McNulty — opens with a monologue recapping earlier events and setting the scene that these Londoners have come to realize that the Romanian immigrant, played by Miguel Torres, is more than meets the eye. Torres, a fourth-year theater major, said he loves his character’s worldliness. “It’s as if I were the ultimate chess player, able to see every possible move before it was made. I would eventually become bored for no opponent could beat me. Except Dracula doesn't get bored, he enjoys the cornering of his opponent with a degree
Bram Stoker’s ‘Dracula’ When: 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday Where: CSUB, Doré Theatre, 9001 Stockdale Highway Admission: $10, $8 seniors, $5 students with ID Information/tickets: 6543150
of exhilaration.” This “Dracula” also takes some dramatic license with characters, pitting Lucy (Cristina Goyenche), now Harker’s (Tyler Andrews) fiancee, in the final battle against the vampire and his brides. Two new characters also have been added to the mix, further developing the story at the hospital run by Dr. Seward (Oscar Sandoval). His assistant, Sullivan (DeNae’ Brown), maintains a romance with co-worker Briggs (Hudson Sanders) amid the supernatural events. Renfield, played by Jouche Williams, delivers a bit of levity in the otherwise dark tale. “In this version, Renfield is funny. He’s deranged but he kind of breaks the tension.” The slight alterations and additions provide audiences with something they haven’t necessar-
ily seen, Rees said. “It’s a classic story and a lot of people want to have a stab at it.” When it comes to stabbing, this show has some of that, too. Bringing in help from Los Angeles, Rees said the show features staged combat. “There is a little bit of violence. We’re fighting vampires. Violence is appropriate.” Because of the brief combat, Rees doesn’t recommend the show for viewers 10 and under. Along with combat, Rees challenged the student actors with dialects. Dracula is Romanian, Van Helsing is German and the rest test their skills with standard British, Cockney or Irish accents. The actors also had to master the costuming, overseen by Roger Upton, from the women’s corsets ordered from the U.K. to the fangs worn by Dracula and the other vampires, including Tamara Porter, Mariah Johnson and Justine Morgan. “I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been to the Halloween stores and Fantasy Frocks to get fangs and the adhesive,” Rees said. “They see me coming and point me to the fangs.” Torres said he’s been up for the challenge the role poses. “Oh the fangs. I had a journey with those fangs and the dialect.
PHOTO COURTESY OF MANDY REES
Dracula (Miguel Torres) entrances Mina (Mimi Rodriguez) as Van Helsing (Joaquin Calderon) looks on in a scene from Bram Stoker’s “Dracula,” opening today at Cal State Bakersfield.
They’ve definitely been the most difficult part in the process. We tried two different putties and then I learned to speak with them. “I promise you I’ll warm up each night so you can clearly hear what I am saying.” The show, which features original music from CSUB professor Jim Scully, also stars Mimi Rodriguez and Alejandro Garcia. If you have any hesitation about seeing the show, take this recommendation from Dracula
himself. “Theater should be part of everyone’s lives. You should watch at least two shows a year. One should be your ‘work-out’ show, the show that engages you every second. ... The other should be your ‘cheat-day’ show, the show where you can sit back, relax and let the actors take the reins. “‘Dracula’ is the latter, and it comes at a nice time as well: right when you should take a break from your studies and relax.”
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Thursday, November 1, 2012 The Bakersfield Californian
Eye Street
Still dancing — and laughing— a lot BY CAMILLE GAVIN
Laf-a-Lot Dance Club
Contributing writer gavinarts@aol.com
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n 1933, a group of local schoolteachers formed the Laf-A-Lot Dance Club as a subtle protest against parents and administrators who frowned upon their dancing in public. “In those days, teachers weren’t supposed to go out stepping, I guess” said Irving Stockton who, at 79, is the same age as the club. He and his wife, Helene, have been members for 20 years. Fortunately, times have changed and Laf-a-Lot is open to anyone who enjoys ballroom dancing. The current membership of about 40 is especially eager to attract members who are younger, that is those who were born in the 1940s, ’50s and ’60s. If the club can’t increase its membership, it may have to disband. With that in mind, the public is invited to attend their dance on Saturday evening at the Kern City Town Hall. The $10 admission charge for guests is half what members pay. James and Stacey Loubey are among the newcomers, having joined in October. “We want to see it succeed,” said Stacey. “I’m in my early 50s and my husband is in his late 40s — we’d like to see more younger people join and we want to see more ballroom dancing in Bakersfield. It’s great exercise.” Interestingly, the event the
When: 6 p.m. Saturday Where: Kern City Town Hall, 1003 Pebble Beach Drive Admission: $5 members; $10 guests Information: 324-2231
Loubeys attended almost didn’t happen. A few months ago, LafA-Lot was on the verge of disbanding. But on Oct. 6, during what most considered to be the final event for the club, about a dozen ballroom dancers arrived as guests. They were invited by Shari Fortino, a professional dance instructor, and her husband, Michael Smothers, a musician. Both are in their 50s. Their involvement began about 18 months ago when Steve Eisen of the Bakersfield Jazz Workshop asked Fortino to teach lessons before each dance. He also asked Smothers to play with the Bakersfield Swing Time Orchestra, the group that plays for Laf-a-Lot dances. What’s even more interesting, Fortino ended up being elected president of Laf-a-Lot at the October dance. The new board is made up entirely of relatively younger people, with the exception of Ginny Speaks, the former president, who remains as adviser. Speaks, who is past 80 but still a stylish and energetic dancer, is relieved that Fortino and the others have stepped forward.
“I told them (on Oct. 6) I didn’t want to see this club fold but I simply can’t keep doing what it takes to keep it going,” she said. “I said if there’s anyone who can do it, I’ll work with them.” Speaks and other long-time members said the format for the club has changed over the years. Although full dinners brought by a rotating committee of members were a staple in the earlier days, now only appetizers are served. Laughing at the recollection, she said, “I once made biscuits and gravy in one of those electric roasting pans and brought the whole thing to the dance. Can you imagine?” Owen Lisenbee, who served as president three different times, also remembers the dinners as well as picnics the club used to hold Sunday afternoons. About 30 years ago, he and his wife, Mable, became members of Lafa-Lot at one of those outdoor gatherings. “Back then we met in the North of the River gym and around 9 o’clock we had a meal,” he said. “We had an open bar, too, with a bartender who always wore a tuxedo.” Nowadays the club has a bringyour-bottle policy. The Lisenbees are no longer members but were active up until a few years ago. “My wife and I like to do the waltz,” he said. “We’ve been married 67 years and we’ve danced the
PHOTO COURTESY OF LAF-A-LOT DANCE CLUB
Dance club members George Johnston and Ginny Speaks march to the tune of “The Saints Go Marching In.”
‘Anniversary Waltz’ several times.” Stockton, a retired teacher, is still active in the club, although his wife is no longer able to dance due to health problems. But dancing played a part in bringing the couple together. “My wife and I met at church — we both sang in the choir — and then we went dancing at Laf-a-Lot,” he said. “A few months later we were married.” New member Stacey Loubey said a number of people who are unmarried or have lost their spouses attend the dances. “Although it’s not a place to pick up somebody, there are several members who don’t have partners — single women and
single men too,” she said. “One man whose wife doesn’t dance comes and nearly always asks some of the ladies to dance.” Two things that appeal to Stockton about the club is its informality and that you don’t have to be an expert dancer. “None of them care what kind of steps you take or if you’re in time to the music,” he said. “LafA-Lot sounds like a silly name but it’s appropriate. What’s good about it is that it’s not just dancing, it’s social too and people form lasting friendships.” For those who want to learn new dances, Fortino will give a free East Coast Swing dance lesson from 6 to 6:45 p.m. Saturday.
Join Us!
Come celebrate with the Bakersfield Museum of Art as we honor the revered customs of Día de los Muertos with our 4th annual Altares de Familia event.
November 2, 2012 Date & TIME Friday, 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
NEW LOCATION IN SHAFTER NOW OPEN NORTHEAST
NORTHWEST
3615 Mount Vernon Ave.
4750 Coffee Road
(661) 871-3556
(661) 588-4700
CENTRAL
SHAFTER
4130 California Avenue
300 Lerdo Hwy.
(661) 325-4717
(661) 746-9244
voted Best Pizza in Bakersfield!
www.tonyspizzabakersfield.com
& Central Park LOCATION BMOA 1930 R Street 93301 Per Person Admission $1 Children 6 & Under Free ®
Telemundo, Aera Energy LLC, City of Bakersfield Recreation & Parks and Stewards Inc.
For more information please call (661) 323-7219 or go to www.bmoa.org/altares
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The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, November 1, 2012
Eye Street The Lowdown with Matt Munoz
Parris gives ‘Voice’ to last round Eliminated singer dishes on NBC show
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n Tuesday night, Rudy Parris’ run on “The Voice” came to an end after his rendition of Chris Brown’s “Forever” was knocked as an odd choice for the country singer by his own coach Blake Shelton and rival coach Christina Aguilera. Now that he’s out of the running, the 46-year-old singer from Visalia was able to dish about his experience on network TV, which involved more than six months of filming with a few two-week breaks. From who he’s rooting for (pal Terry McDermott) to how much time he spent with Shelton (about an hour), Parris weighed in on as many of our questions as he was allowed to answer. Why did you choose Chris Brown’s “Forever”? They give you a list and ask you to pick songs. I did, and gave them my list, and they didn’t like the songs. They asked me to pick some more, and I gave them another list. Just for the heck of it, my manager and I decided to put that song “Forever,” as the last song on the second list, and they picked the last song on my list. Were you a Chris Brown fan? I’d never even heard that song. You had no background on Chris Brown or the song at all? No. ... His (my manager’s) idea was he was just looking out for me, to show people, “Look, Rudy can take this song, a pop song, and he can still turn it around, recreate it, and make it his own.” See, at this point, we weren’t
PHOTO COURTESY OF NBC
Rudy Parris performs Tuesday on NBC's “The Voice.”
really clear in the competition where we were at or what it was about. I think, looking back, if we had known this was a transitional point that was important, then we would have done something different. This would have been something great for the live rounds. I guess at that point it wasn’t a time to be creative, or artistic. It was just a time to get through. What song would you have chosen? If I’d had a little more clearer vision at the time of my decision making as to what’s really happening at that portion of the show, I would have done things a little bit different. But, I stand by what I did and very proud of my decision. I would have liked to have done what I had originally asked to do, “What’s Goin’ On,” by Marvin Gaye or an Al Green song, something that I excel in. Or even an opportunity to sing a country song, which I never did. I probably would have done Garth Brooks, Randy Travis, probably a country ballad.
Were you aware that Blake Shelton’s wife, Miranda Lambert, had a Twitter feud with Chris Brown during this year’s Grammys over his assault on Rihanna? No, I don’t know anything about that. That’s interesting. I had no clue. I kind of almost wanna contact Blake and tell him I had no idea, I’m sorry if he thought anything weird about that. Do you think that had something to do with not being picked? The bottom line is, what everyone needs to understand and realize is, beyond that and everything else is — this is a reality television show. Period. What did you think of your performance when you saw it broadcast? I was very proud of what I did. I’m glad I didn’t go out singing karaoke. You know, basically taking something and not truing in to something else as an artist. I’m glad I made it my own thing.
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.
I was a bit confused at that point during my involvement of the show as to what was exactly happening, so when I found I was supposed to do a song that I kind of already knew, I was kind of a little bit puzzled. And when I went back to try and change it, it was too late. So, you know, it is what it is, and I strongly believe in whatever’s supposed to happen, happened. What did you think of your opponent, Terry McDermott’s, performance of Paul McCartney’s “Maybe I’m Amazed”? Terry is a very, very, great friend. It’s ironic that they put us together. We were roommates from day one. For six months, we lived together and we became really close as brothers. And if you could see the look on his face when they announced him as the winner, he didn’t, “Yeah,” or jump for joy. He kind of put his head down, and he looked kind of sad. That’s because we love each other so much. And although we both wanted to win, we wanted to go into this together. At one point, I know we would have had to come against each other. But again, this is a reality TV show, and our relationship goes well beyond that. And I know that I’ve made a lifelong friend. What was the living situation like? We were roommates. We worked a lot. There were several hours put into filming. They do a lot of extra. I guess just in case they need it. Who are you rooting to win? My boy Terry. These things typically move fast. Have you gotten any offers for more projects? Oh yeah. Today alone, so many offers came in. My team is working on moving forward and that’s their No. 1 priority right now. To get me where I need to be to be able to capitalize on the exposure that I just received from the show.
What advice do you have for others who may want to try out for “The Voice”? I’m very appreciative of all the support. A lot of people were very encouraging and there were also a lot of people that really need to step back and realize what the situation is. Again, it’s a reality TV show. It’s not the beginning and end-all of people’s lives. It’s a great stepping stone and it’s a great opportunity for artists, but it’s not going to make or break a true artist. And I believe that this is only the beginning of many things to come. Not to put anyone else down, but I’m proud I didn’t go out like a karaoke singer to just go out and sing to a track the way everyone else in the world sings it. I’m glad I did something to it to show what a musician and artist that I am. What’s next for you? I want to put some music out, hit the bus, go out on tour, and go meet all of my new friends and play music for them. The reality of my existence is that I’m here to entertain. Do you have a message for Bakersfield fans? Don’t feel this is the end of the road. This is only the beginning and when God is in control nothing can come against you.
Matt’s pick Break ’Em Off 3 at the Garden, 900 22nd St., 2 p.m. Saturday. $12. Continuing to spin the flag for b-boy and b-girl loyalists committed to hip-hop culture in all of its many colorful forms, the Break ’Em Off series, hosted by Manny Styles of the Soul Movements Crew, returns bigger and deffer. Dance crews can showcase their skills before the battle starts at 6 p.m. The field will be narrowed down to eight crews, which will face off in two-vs.-two battle before the final round for a $2,000 prize.
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Thursday, November 1, 2012 The Bakersfield Californian
Eye Street
Film festival returns to promote local talent Reincarnated event starts today at new venue The Empty Space BY CAMILLE GAVIN Contributing writer gavinarts@aol.com
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fter a four-year hiatus, the Bakersfield Independent Film Festival is back — for the current year, anyway — and this time at a different venue, The Empty Space. “We are starting back from scratch,” said Roger Mathey, who founded the festival in 2006 at Spotlight Theatre. “The whole idea is it to give local filmmakers a place to show their work.” About 20 locally produced films and music videos will be shown in four-hour time blocks over a three-day period starting today at the Oak Street theater. “The Empty Space is perfect for this; it has a good sound system and we’ll rearrange the seats a little so everybody can see the screen,” Mathey said. “And I think some of them (filmmakers) will be there and do a little Q&A afterwards.” Among those helping Mathey revive the festival are Keith Stoller, Rickey T. Bird Jr., and Nick Belardes. First up this evening will be works done by students in Bryce Hatch’s film class at Frontier High School. Among those being shown on Friday will be animated videos by Dean Boedigheimer whose “Annoying Orange” was sold to MTV and can be seen on YouTube; and a sci-fi short done with computer graphics by Justin Zachary and Brendon Bradford. The festival will close with “The Lackey,” a 94-minute feature film produced by Hectic Films of Bakersfield. The film, which was shown at the Fox Theater in August, is now making the rounds on the regional festival circuit and recently won four awards at the SoCal Film Festival, including “Audience Choice Award.” One of Mathey’s goals in doing the festival is developing a network of local filmmakers and producers. His criteria for being termed a local product is a broad one. He defines it as a film produced by people who live here, or who have lived here, or was shot in Kern County, or has a crew that came from here. “The payoff is really about making connections and getting their work seen on a big screen,” he said. “As the BIFF grows, we hope to attract the eyes of producers. I am inviting filmmaker friends of mine to see it and as the festival grows, we hope to
Schedule for the Bakersfield Independent Film Festival Nov. 1-3 6 to 10 p.m. today: Showcase of work by student filmmakers. 6 to 10 p.m. Friday: Short films by a number of local filmmakers 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday: Family friendly projects 2 to 6 p.m. Saturday: Short films, music videos, sketches, and a feature. 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday: “The Lackey" and Q&A session Where: The Empty Space, 706 Oak St. Admission: $5 for each four-hour time block; $15 entire festival Information: 212-0241
get more and more people with influence to come see the works of Kern County filmmakers.” Mathey, formerly the artistic director for the Spotlight Theatre, has been active as a director and actor in Los Angeles and Bakersfield for about 15 years. He has a degree in theater and film from Chapman University. Shortly after resigning his position at Spotlight, Mathey said he planned to go back to college and get his teaching credential along with doing some substitute teaching. “I started and then did some subbing,” he said. “But my dad got very ill and my mom needed help with him at home, so I ended up putting that on hold.” It appears that film is his preference at the moment. “I like film because it is a more enduring media — it’s something to take with you and watch it over and over again,” he said. “With stage, you see it one time and then it’s gone.” For the past year or so, he spent much of his time writing — mostly scripts for screenplays, which he is “shopping around.” Even so, he’s kept in touch with his local contacts. “I moved to LA in the summer of 2012 and had been in talks to revive the BIFF for over a year, “ he said. “And after (his company) seat of your pants productions got their nonprofit status this year, I agreed to try and bring it back.” None of the festival entrants are being charged a fee to have their work shown, Mathey said, adding “I’m paying for it out of my own pocket through SOYP.”
CALIFORNIAN RADIO Join the Eye Street duo of Jennifer Self and Stefani Dias this morning on “Californian Radio,” where they’ll chat with Maria Mercado, director of the play “The House on Mango Street.”
They’ll also be giving away some awesome prizes: Two tickets to Savor Bakersfield on Nov. 13. A 2013 calendar based on the popular “Future Shock” comic.
A compilation of “Dilbert” comic strips called “I Can’t Remember If We’re Cheap or Smart.” Listen to your cue to call: 842-KERN. The show airs from 9 to 10 a.m. on KERN-AM, 1180.
PROFESSIONAL BULL RIDERS TOMORROW AND SATURDAY!
BAKERSFIELD SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA NOVEMBER 3
ERIC CHURCH With Justin Moore NOVEMBER 6 DISNEY ON ICE: 100 YEARS OF MAGIC NOVEMBER 8-11 SAVOR BAKERSFIELD With Dash Around The Table Tour
NOVEMBER 13
JOAN SEBASTIAN NOVEMBER 18
BARRY MANILOW DECEMBER 7
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The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, November 1, 2012
Eye Street
PHOTO COURTESY OF CHRIS ROMANINI
“Hay Bales, Cambria Style” by Chris Romanini is one of the works on display for her show, which opens Friday at Dagny's Coffee Co. FRIDAY: CONTINUED FROM 24
Bakersfield Art Association The Bakersfield Art Association Art Center offers you a front-row seat into the local arts scene Friday with the opening of its “Chairs & Stools” exhibit. Norma Eaton, who handles publicity for the BAA, said the exhibit is a collection of 12 paintings (watercolor, oil and acrylic) and three “chairs.” Cats appear prominently in the show, with four paintings featuring feline friends. The 14 artists featured in the show include Eaton, Dacey Dia Villarreal, Cindy Stiles and Ron Mead. This is one of the group shows that the art center hosts about every four months. The next, “Windows,” will take place in March. Head north to Dagny’s Coffee Co. for other association-related exhibits. A small group collection will be up in the coffeehouse’s new addition (that used to house The Foundry), and Chris Romanini will display her work in the front, Eaton said. Romanini, who describes herself as “a third generation Bakersfield gal,” said she chose a farmscape theme for this show. “I was inspired to work on farm scenes, as my husband is a third-generation farmer in the Buttonwillow area, and we raised our family on the ranch.” Her 12 oil paintings highlight her plein air work, which she has honed working with other local artists. “The group from the Bakersfield Art Association makes arrangements twice monthly to meet at certain spots. After painting, they have a critique, which is helpful for encouragement and growth.”
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE BAKERSFIELD ART ASSOCIATION
An oil work by Cindy Stiles is part of the “Chairs & Stools” exhibit opening Friday at the Bakersfield Art Association’s Art Center.
CASA fundraiser Over at Metro Galleries, the ongoing exhibit by former CBS News correspondent Bill Lagattuta will get some artistic company courtesy of CASA. The Court-Appointed Special Advocates of Kern County is hosting its Do Good fundraiser at Metro. With assistance from New Wine Church, which meets at the 19th Street gallery, the event includes an art show and silent auction, including donated works from Claudia True, Rose Lester and Jonathan Martin. Indie rock band Holy Beast will perform and food will be served.
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE BAKERSFIELD ART ASSOCIATION
A watercolor by Ron Mead is also a part of the “Chairs & Stools” exhibit opening Friday.
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Thursday, November 1, 2012 The Bakersfield Californian
Eye Street
Clear the mantel for holiday decorations Shopping events geared to making home festive BY MIRANDA WHITWORTH Contributing writer
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t might be a stretch to say Christmas is just around the corner, but the shopping that comes with the holiday kicks into gear this weekend with two events that help the community. The American Cancer Society's Discovery Shop will open its doors Sunday for the Magical Holiday Sneak-A-Peek. The shop will be transformed into a winter wonderland filled to the rafters with holiday decor that's been collected through donation over the last 10 months. Volunteer shop chairwoman Devra Caminiti is part of the organizing effort and says when it comes to the items up for sale, no one will walk away empty-handed. “We have everything from yard artwork to decorated Christmas trees, from the kitchen to the bathroom you'll be able to find it in the Discovery Shop.” Caminiti and her team of volunteers are preparing themselves for a whirlwind setup that will take place the day before the event. The Discovery Shop will close its doors Saturday while dozens of volunteers help unload and sort through the wares that fill what's described as a garage-sized storage unit and an office area for overflow. Boxes will be unpacked and decor will be categorized by color and theme while the women fill every corner, nook and cranny of the Discovery Shop with holiday offerings. “It's amazing what these women can do,” Caminiti said. “One of our volunteers does floral design and she's been putting those together for us and the work she does is just breathtaking. When it’s all done, the store looks amazing. It’s just as well-decorated as any professionally done shop.” And it appears the secret is out, since shoppers have been known to line up outside the shop an hour before the sale begins. "It's like herding cattle, but my volunteers have been doing this for so many years they have a process. As soon as they see someone with a load of stuff in their arms, they are taking it back to a numbered bin then bringing it up to the register when the shopper is ready to buy.” But with such a large cache of holiday decor, you don't have to be first in line to get a good selection. “Once something comes off the shelf, there will be a volunteer to put new decorations in its spot. It may not all go out in the morning, but it will go out that afternoon or even the next day.” Keeping the crowds shopping and happy is the aim, so regular registers are set up indoors while a cash-only register line is in place outside of the Discovery Shop. “This is the biggest retail day of the year for us and we have customers who will shop for hours and won't leave because they know we are bringing stuff out all day long.”
Magical Holiday Sneak-A-Peek When: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday Where: The Discovery Shop, 5420 California Ave. Information: 324-1359
Annual Fall Holiday Bazaar When: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday; 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday Where: Bakersfield Community House, 2020 R St. Information: 327-8835
Annual Fall Holiday Bazaar For a more low-key and home-spun holiday shopping experience, head to the Annual Fall Holiday Bazaar at the Bakersfield Community House. The downtown senior activities center is run by members and relies on its few annual fundraising events to keep its social programs up and running. The bazaar runs Friday and Saturday and features donated housewares, hand-made craft items and homemade meals. Fundraising coordinator Jeanne Rice said in addition to holiday decor, household items and gifts will be up for sale. “We have different areas that sell handmade things you'd find from a sewing room like afghans, aprons, hats and place mats. We also have an area called Granny's Attic with better-quality donated items you'd find in some homes like china, crystal and silver pieces.” The items for Granny's Attic have been donated by members of the senior activities center, and Rice takes prides in the quality of the offerings. “This is really a chance to shop for the season. We are very careful about the things we sell. We go through them all and make sure they are in working condition. Everything is in good shape or it wouldn’t be here.” Sandwiches, soft drinks and snack chips will be on hand in the tea room, in addition to baked items straight from the oven. “We have a lot of home-baked goods like cookies and pies. Anything you would find at a bake sale we will have, as well as a lot of coffee. You have to have coffee.” The Bakersfield Community House is a center for seniors who like to stay social. Game groups that include bridge, Bunko and poker take place throughout the week, along with potluck dinners and scattered trips to area casinos. The house is funded entirely by member donations and the annual fundraisers. Rice said the Annual Fall Bazaar is one of their biggest money makers. “We don't get any funding from the state, so we really do this all on our own. Other than small things like ice cream socials, the Fall Bazaar and our rummage sale in the spring is what helps us keep the PG&E going, the water on and our cleaning service. This is a place for our members to come and be with other people so they don't have to be alone. We are open for seniors to come out and be together."
SYMPHONY: CONTINUED FROM 20
— the tone poem “Francesca da Rimini” by Tchaikovsky, “Grand Canyon Suite,” by Ferde Grofe, and the “Dance of the Seven Veils,” from Richard Strauss’ opera “Salome. Tchaikovsky’s “Francesca da Rimini” is based on a real Medieval-era noblewoman whose story is told in Dante’s “Inferno.” The real Francesca was offered in a marriage of state to seal a truce between her father’s realm, Ravenna, and that of the Malatesta family’s in Rimini. Because the man she was to marry, Giovanni, was considered deformed, she was tricked into thinking she was marrying his handsome brother, Paolo. The plan falls apart when Francesca and Paolo fall in love, and when Giovanni discovers their affair, he murders them. Dante’s version depicts the pair caught up in an eternal whirlwind in hell, always seeing each other and never able to touch. Tchaikovsky used the Dante poem as a program for his composition, which begins with wave after wave of turbulent music, followed by a slower, passionate section depicting the couple’s romance. The piece ends with a return to the whirlwind and the lovers’ doom. Like Gunning’s essay, this tone poem is an example of “program music,” a composition that follows a narrative poem or some other literary form. Because it tells a story, it is meant to excite the listener’s imagination much the way a modern film score does. One of the most evocative works in the program music genre is Grofe’s “Grand Canyon Suite,” the composer’s depiction
of a day at the natural wonder, beginning with sunrise, through scenes in the Painted Desert, a mule ride on the trail, sunset and a cloudburst. “The great thing about the ‘Grand Canyon Suite’ is the music is written about something that’s concrete,” Farrer said. Making that point even further, this performance will be accompanied by a synchronized photo essay of the canyon by photographers James Westwater and Nicholas Bardonnay. Grofe first gained fame as an arranger for the Paul Whiteman Orchestra; his most notable achievement was orchestrating George Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue” first for Whiteman’s band, then for full orchestra. “Grand Canyon Suite” premiered in 1931, and is Grofe’s most famous composition. Strauss’ “Dance of the Seven Veils” is arguably the most notorious part of one of the most notorious operas of the early 20th century. Strauss’ version of the story of Salome, daughter of Herodias and step-daughter of King Herod culminates in her dance for the king, during which she removes each of the seven veils covering her body. At the end of the dance, with all the veils removed, she asks the king for the head of John the Baptist. Horrified, the king is forced to keep his promise. The music includes specific themes for Salome and John the Baptist, while depicting her seductive dance. Jerome Kleinsasser will discuss the music at a lecture at 7 p.m. The concert will follow at 8 p.m.
Sun., Nov. 4 10 am - 3 pm The Bakersfield Racquet Club 1660 Pine St., Bakersfield (Corner of Pine St. & Truxtun) All donations will supply Kern County rescues and shelters only.
HOMELESS ANIMAL NEEDS (Recycled or New)
• Blankets • Comforters • Bath-Size Towels • Pet Beds • Pet Toys • Crates & Carriers • Dog Igloos • Pet Treats • Pet Clothes • Leashes, Collars & Harnesses
SHELTERS HAVE NO BUDGET FOR COMFORT ITEMS!
Sponsored by: The Bakersfield Racquet Club RJ’s Grill & Catering at The Racquet Club The Bakersfield Californian Creative Printing
ITEMS ARE NEEDED YEAR-ROUND PLEASE No pillows, clothes, washcloths, or bed sheets
30
The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, November 1, 2012
Eye Street
Local man dances his dream Competitor appears on NBC’s “Today” show BY JENNIFER SELF Californian lifestyles editor jself@bakersfield.com
A
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trophy as tall as his 9-year-old son was the official prize when Ephraim Penn won a dance contest on the “Today” show last week. But the only reward that mattered to the Bakersfield dance instructor came after he plucked his son from the crowd of spectators so that he, too, could do some freestylin’ on national television. “Can you move like your dad?” asked “Today” co-host Savannah Guthrie. “Better,” said young Devin, and with screaming sirens competing with the booming beat, he backed up his bold claim with a series of leaps, flips and splits that proved his old man is as good a teacher as he is a dancer. “He helped me with my audition tape,” Penn said. “He was really heartbroken because he wanted to dance on the show, but I said it was just for one person. But I told him if I won, I’d bring him out with me.”
Hundreds of people from all over the country sent audition tapes for the “Show Us Your Moves” contest. Five dancers, including Penn, were selected to compete Penn live on Friday’s show before three celebrity judges, including actress/dancer Debbie Allen and singer/dancer Ciara. The dance-off included representatives of several styles, including jazz and break-dancing. Penn, who went last, felt good about his 45-second hip-hop freestyle performance, though there was one competitor who unnerved him a bit: the little cutie in the sparkly ballerina outfit. “You have to go all out when dancing against kids,” Penn said. “Everybody is going to look at kids and say, ‘How cute.’ The ballerina was my biggest competitor. She was hitting all her moves.” But when you’re on you’re on, and Penn left it all on the outdoor dance floor that day. “I was nervous because I wasn’t for sure what I was going to do, because it’s freestyle. But I felt good about it. They had a nice little crowd. I kind of
feed off the energy of the crowd. It made me dance even harder.” Penn got to see a little of the city on his whirlwind visit, thanks to an old friend he met on “Soul Train” back in the day. The friend now lives in New Jersey and swung by to show Penn and his son Times Square and Grand Central Station. “Devin had a good time, but while we were walking, some guy snatched a lady’s bag and he ran by us, trying to get away. And then Devin said, ‘Daddy, I don’t like New York.’” That hiccup aside, the trip was a success for Bakersfield’s newly minted celebrities. “As I was about to board the plane to come back home, some lady said, ‘I saw you on the ‘Today’ show.’ I told them, ‘You’re making me feel like a celebrity,’ and they said, ‘You are a celebrity.’” Penn, who has been inundated with congratulatory calls from friends and students at his PennPoint Dance Academy in downtown Bakersfield, is hoping his moment in the national spotlight comes with an encore. “I loved it. I had a really good time, and the success is more than I expected. I just hope something else arises from it.”
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ho is Sun Ra? Bakersfield College Jazz Ensemble students will answer that question at their concert this evening in a program dedicated to the jazz composer’s music. Sun Ra is one of the jazz world’s most unusual characters. A hero of the avant-garde, Sun Ra and his “Arkestra” (his version of “orchestra”), led the way to free jazz, electronic music and his own “space jazz.” His musical experiments were not only influential in the jazz world, but have inspired indie rock bands, hip hop, funk and punk artists. “I’ve had students coming into the program, more and more each year, who maybe don’t have a deep knowledge of jazz history,” wrote BC Jazz Ensemble director Kris Tiner. “But they are certainly aware of Sun Ra.” Born Herman Poole Blount in 1914, the composer abandoned his birth name, adopting Le Sony’r Ra as his legal name. But he was known by many others, most famously as Sun Ra, a nod to the ancient Egyptian sun god. Sun Ra kept his early life a mystery, and eventually insisted he came from another planet, which he identified as Saturn, after having a vision in his college days. His performances
Bakersfield College Jazz Ensemble perform the music of Sun Ra When: 7:30 p.m. today Where: Fireside Room, Bakersfield College Campus Center Admission: At the door. $8 general admission; $5 students and seniors
under this persona were marked not only by musical experiments but also by wild costumes and outlandish stage sets. However unusual Ra’s adopted identity, his musical development is not. Growing up in Birmingham, Alabama during the Swing Era, Ra displayed early musical ability, and saw many musical giants of the time at the beginning of their careers. Refusing to serve in the military during World War II, Ra continued to play even while serving a jail sentence. At the end of the war, he moved to Chicago, where he worked with many musicians, including Fletcher Henderson, whose band and arrangements helped define the Swing Era sound. Eventually, Ra started playing his own music, delving further and further into the musical unknown, a risky venture when you have to attract a paying audience. “(Sun Ra’s) band used to play Fletcher Hender-
son arrangements by memory, as a backup plan when confronted by angry jazz club owners!” Tiner wrote. Tiner said the jazz ensemble will devote the first half of the program to Ra’s earliest music, and then branch out into some of the composer’s later work. The program includes such charts as “Moon Dance,” “Where Pathways Meet,” “The Satellites Are Spinning,” “Watusa,” “Kingdom of Not,” and many others. “I think folks will be surprised at how traditional (his early music) actually is, while still retraining that quirkiness that he was known for,” Tiner wrote. Proceeds for the concert will support the jazz ensemble. Tiner is also hoping to increase support for Friends of BC Jazz, a college foundation account to support the ensemble. Tiner started the account with BC history professor Randy Beeman, with the goal of raising $50,000 for an endowment for scholarships, guest artist fees, recording projects and other activities. Tiner said the program has already received its first big gift, a $10,000 donation from Columbine Vineyards in Delano to buy equipment. Tickets for the concert are $8 general admission; $5 students and seniors. The concert starts at 7:30 p.m., and will be held in the Fireside Room at the campus center at Bakersfield College.
31
Thursday, November 1, 2012 The Bakersfield Californian
Eye Street MUERTOS: CONTINUED FROM 21
The 102-year-old image of “La Calavera Catrina,” or “The Elegant Skull,” is the skeleton of an upper class woman with a large feathered hat and one of the most popular figures seen at Dia De Los Muertos celebrations. “It’s like a family reunion, complete with a banquet. The person of honor will not be forgotten.” — Matt Munoz
Dia de los Muertos at Muertos Honoring loved ones is a cause near and dear to Shawna Haddad-Byers, who will host a Dia celebration at her aptly named Muertos Kitchen and Lounge. The theme behind the restaurant, which opened this summer, honors Haddad-Byers’ grandmother in the menu and atmosphere. “My Sittie was all about simple but very flavorful foods and loved ones around as much as possible. I feel this is what is happening at Muertos, and I feel very blessed
as I know she has guided me through this amazing process. The warmth and support we have received from Bakersfield has been incredible.” Embracing the tradition of face-painting, Bonnie Forston of Atomic Kitten Salon will be on hand offering her makeup skills for looks ranging between $5 to $20. And don’t be afraid if you spot a few stylish skeletal figures downtown, Haddad-Byers said, since Forston’s children Zoe and Zane, along with Haddad-Byers’ son, Hudson, will hand out fliers promoting the makeup work. “Zoe will be featured as the Corpse Bride, and Zane and Hudson will be her handsome escorts.” Also flexing her creativity is artist Lysa Luna, who will be selling her dolls. A big fan of Luna’s work, Haddad-Byers owns two dolls “She hand-crafts these brilliantly romantic, haunting dolls. I have two at Muertos, Ivan and Matilda. Lysa names all her dolls.”
Earning some name recognition of her own is server Sarah Ketchum, who followed her boss to the new restaurant after the December closing of Fishlips, which Haddad-Byers co-owned. Among the new menu and drink items available Friday is her newly created pomegranate margarita. If you want to secure a seat for dinner or the performance by reggae-rockers Dub
Seeds, call for reservations. Reserved seating is $10 and general admission, which starts at 8:30 p.m., is $5. “We are very excited. The band starts about 9 and will play a few sets. The first set is an acoustic set tribute to the Grateful Dead. Then they will play their usual fan favorites.” — Stefani Dias
Presents The 23rd Annual
Holiday Home Tour December 7 & 8, 2012 • 10am to 4pm CHURCH: CONTINUED FROM 20
music, and about the shows you gotta play. Let the rest of the noise be noise.” Speaking of noise, Church was invited to turn it up to eardrum-shattering levels this year when he was tapped to open for Metallica at the group’s Orion Music and More festival in Atlantic City. Though he cut his teeth performing at biker bars, Church — the only country singer handpicked by the metal gods for the show — admitted to some nerves. “I was scared to death because I’ve been to Metallica shows and seen the audience turn their back on the opening acts. (Metallica guitarist) James Hetfield walked out and introduced us, and that certainly helped, but it’s one of those things. Their fan base didn’t really know who we were. It took a little bit to breakdown, ‘Who is this guy?’ I even said, ‘You don’t know me, and I don’t really know you, but I promise we come from the same background, and we listen to the same music. I played my song, ‘Jack Daniels Kicked My (expletive) Again Last Night,’ and it all started to change. By
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the end of the set, it ended up being one of the best crowds we’ve had. And I love it, because it really was on the backs of the music at that point in time. It wasn’t about who was communicating the message or where it came from. It was about the songs, and I think that’s what the festival was about, and certainly one of the highlights of my career.” Like that fateful night with Metallica, Church hopes tonight’s CMA appearance will make a similar impact, as well as his Bakersfield show, which happens to fall on Election Night. “If I win five awards, I’m gonna make the same record and play the same inyour-face show if we win 0 when I go to Bakersfield. In all my years, I’ve never played on Election Night. I’m not big into politics — just a lot of people talkin’ and yellin’ at me.”
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The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, November 1, 2012
Eye Street Go & Do Today Colt Ford, 7 p.m., Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace, 2800 Buck Owens Blvd. $26-$34 plus fee. vallitix.com or 322-5200. Alpha Canine Sanctuary Fundraiser, drawings, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Roadhouse Grill, 8490 Rosedale Highway. alphacanine.org or 391-8212. Jazz Ensemble Fall Concert, 7:30 p.m., Bakersfield College, Fireside Room, 1801 Panorama Drive. $8 adults; $5 students/seniors. 395-4404. Bakersfield Independent Film Festival, 6 to 10 p.m. today through Saturday, The Empty Space, 706 Oak St. $5 for four hours; $15 entire festival. Talladega Frights, 7 p.m. today through Sunday, 11811 Rosedale Highway, between Jewetta Ave. and Old Farm Road. $15 to $25. talladegafrights.com.
Friday “Doctor Who” Fan Film Meeting, for all fans to get involved in upcoming filming project, 7 p.m., Marie Callendar’s, 3801 California Ave. Free. doctorwhofanfilm.com or 371-5333. Altares de Familia, family altars, Mexican cuisine, regional music and more, 5 p.m., Bakersfield Museum of Art, 1930 R St. $1; children under 6 are free. 323-7219. Annual Fall Holiday Bazaar, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday; 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Bakersfield Community House, 2020 R St. 3278835. Dia de Los Muertos, face painting, Dub Seeds, kicks off at 5 p.m., Muertos Kitchen & Lounge, 1514 Wall St. 324-2557. Dia De Los Muertos Celebration, bilingual memorial and candle lighting service, face painting, music, families may place items and pictures on loved one’s graves, 4 p.m., Hillcrest Memorial Park & Mortuary. Free. 366-5766 or hillcrestmemorial.com. Dia de Los Muertos Expo 2012, with live music, folkloric dancers, poetry, art display, display of the altars, 4 p.m., Golden State Mall, 3201 F St. Free. 345-5842. Do Good Fundraiser, art show and silent auction, with food, music by Holy Beast, 5 to 9 p.m., Metro Galleries, 1604 19th St. Free. Proceeds benefit CASA. 631-2272. Dreaming Beyond the Stars, supports the housing and opportunity foundation of Kern; food, drinks, silent auction, 7 to 11 p.m., The Padre Hotel, 1702 18th St. $150. 204-1386 or kernopportunityfoundation.org. Guild House First Friday, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Guild House, 1905 18th St. $10. 325-5478. Holiday Sale, with Granny’s Attic, handmade sewing items, and bake sale, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday; 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Bakersfield Community House, 2020 R St. 327-8835.
Metalachi, with Meditated Assault, 9 p.m., B. Ryder’s Sports Bar & Grill, 7401 White Lane. $10 advance; $12 at the door. 3977304. PBR: Pro Division vs. PBR Professional Bull Riders, 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Rabobank Arena, 1001 Truxtun Ave. $15 to $60 plus fee. ticketmaster.com or 800-745-3000. Wine & Beer Tasting, with appetizers, 5 to 7 p.m., Steak and Grape Restaurant, 4420 Coffee Road, $20. 588-9463.
Saturday 15th annual Walk to Cure Diabetes, registration 8 a.m., walk begins at 9:30 a.m., Yokuts Park, Yokuts Park, 4200 Empire Drive. Free. Visit jdrfla.org or 636-1305. 30th annual Bakersfield Police Memorial Run, 2K, 5K and 10 K races, registration 4 p.m., opening ceremonies at 6 p.m., run at 6:30 p.m., The Park at River Walk, 11200 Stockdale Highway. $30. Visit www.bakersfieldpd.us or 326-3685. Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra, presents “Pleasing Your Eyes & Ears,” 8 p.m., Rabobank Theater, 1001 Truxtun Ave. $34 to $50; fulltime students half price. bakersfieldsymphony.org or 323-7928. “Gold in Kern County,” presentation by geologist Tim Elam, 3 p.m., Buena Vista Museum of Natural History, 2018 Chester Ave. $7 adults; $5 students/seniors; $4 children. 324-6350. “Home Decor” Workshop, 10 to 11 a.m., Beladagio, 9500 Brimhall Road, Suite 705. Free. 829-2288. CSUB Jazz Coffeehouse, 7:30 p.m., CSUB, Music Building, Room 127, 9001 Stockdale Highway. $10; $5 students; CSUB students with ID are free. 654-2511. Fall Bazaar, hosted by American Association of University Women; 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Mercy Conference Center, 1600 D St. Free. If you want to be a vendor, email jac.grammie.6@aol.com. Friends of Seniors Car & Bike Show, live entertainment, barbecue lunch, vendors, door prizes, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Bakersfield Senior Center, 530 Fourth St. Free for spectators; $35 pre-registered car entry fee; $40 at the door. 3251113. Genealogy of Mexican Heritage, 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., Beale Memorial Library, 701 Truxtun Ave. Free. 868-0745. Golden Empire Gleaners annual Harvest Celebration, food, dancing, auctions, 6 to 11 p.m., Golden Empire Gleaners, 1326 30th St. $75. goldenempiregleaners.com or 324-2767. Greg Tollman, with Jeff Garcia, Bruce Jingles, Kevin Millard, 7 p.m., Fox Theater, 2001 H St. $20$30 plus fee. vallitix.com or 3225200. International Games Day, includes board, card and video
games, 1 to 5 p.m., Beale Memorial Library, 701 Truxtun Ave. Free. 868-0770. Just for Kids, 10:30 a.m. to noon, Buena Vista Museum of Natural History, 2018 Chester Ave. $7 adults; $5 students with ID, seniors; $4 for children under 18; 5 and under are free. Members are free. 324-6350. Farmers markets, 8 a.m. to noon, next to Golden State Mall, 3201 F St.; 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Brimhall Square, 9500 Brimhall Road; and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays, and 3 to 6 p.m. Wednesdays, one block west on Hageman Road (Allen and Hageman Roads). Kern Audubon Society Field Trip, visit ponds and observe waterfowl, raptors and shore birds, meet at 8 a.m., Burger King, 620 W. Tehachapi Blvd., Tehachapi. Free. kernaudubonsociety.org Mayor’s Freeway Cleanup, meets prior to 8 a.m., Park & Ride lot on Stockdale Highway, west of Oak Street. Group will travel by bus/van to various cleanup locations. 326-3770. Model Train Display & Open House, view Central California’s largest model railroad display, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., 1534 19th St. (entrance to the clubhouse is to the rear and in the alley of Chef’s Choice Noodle Bar). Free. Email carldw@aol.com or 331-6695. Nebraska vs. Michigan State Football, kick-off at 12:30 p.m., Goose Loonies in the back room, 816 18th St. All fans welcome. One Book One Bakersfield: Your Mexican Heritage, lecture, 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., Beale Memorial Library, 701 Truxtun Ave. Free. 868-0770. Parade of Ponds, a tour of Bakersfield’s best water features with prizes during the tour, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. $50 includes lunch. 8363825. Pole Barn Movie Nights, watch “Raiders of the Lost Ark,” hayride, jumping pillow, duck races, petting zoo, bonfire, four mazes, 6 p.m., Murray Family Farms, 6700 General Beale Road. $8.99 for ages 4 and up; free for ages 3 and under. 330-0100. Second annual American Heroes Car Show, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Calvary Chapel Bakersfield, 6501 Schirra Court. Free to spectators; $35 to enter car show. Proceeds benefit Wounded Heroes Fund of Kern County, Soldier’s Angles, and BHS ROTC program. 760-793-3799. Second annual Sporting Clays Shoot, hosted by California Trucking Association & Optimal Hospice Foundation; registration 8 a.m., shoot 9 a.m., Kern County Gun Club, 12450 Shotgun Road. $85 per person; $425 per 5 person team. Lunch included. Proceeds benefit Optimal Hospice Foundation. Call Randy Raymond Jr. at 323-4015 or 716-8000.
Sierra Club-Buena Vista Group Breakfast Program, with Eva Nipp, world traveler and retired high school teacher, discussing photos of Iceland, 9 a.m., Manuel’s Casa De Mariscos, 700 Truxtun Ave. $11. 589-7796 or 203-2619. Teen Challenge “Harvest of Thanksgiving” Banquet, refreshments 5:30 p.m., dinner 6 p.m., Olive Knolls Church, 6201 Fruitvale Ave. $20 person; $140 table of 8. 399-2273. Work Like A Dog Day, visitors can work, tour, and visit or adopt a dog, free pizza lunch served at noon, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., ALPHA Canine Sanctuary. Visit alphacanine.org or 391-8212.
Sunday “Massenkoff Russian Folk Festival,” presented by Bakersfield Community Concert Association, 3 p.m., Rabobank Theater, 1001 Truxtun Ave. $80 for seven remaining concerts. bakersfieldcca.org or 205-8522 or 589-2478. Rockwell Opry Productions presents Little River Band, The Stray Cats' Lee Rocker, pin-up girl contest, car show, vendors, gates open at noon, Sam Lynn Ballpark, 4009 Chester Ave. $25-$250 depending on preference of seating and package. Tickets at brownpapertickets.com/event/28 6502 or Emporium Western Store or Trout's. Las Vegas Comedy Stage Hypnotist "Tina Marie,” 6:30 p.m., Trout's, 805 N. Chester Ave. $10 or bring your paid admission sub from the Rockwell Opry Productions Little River Band concert to get in for free. 21 & over only. Guild House Affaire Extraordinaire Dinner, 5 p.m., Guild House, 1905 18th St. $100. 3255478. Bakersfield Raider Nation Club, come out and watch the games, 10 a.m., Round Table Pizza, 2060 White Lane. Bakersfield “Black Hole,” come watch the Oakland Raiders vs. Tampa Bay, 1 p.m., Pizza Bob's, 2100 Alta Vista Drive. Free. 7069294. Farmers Market, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Kaiser Permanente, 8800 Ming Ave. 877-524-7373. Magical Holiday Sneak-A-Peek, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Bakersfield Discovery Shop, 5420 California Ave. 324-1359.
THEATER “Mame,” 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday, Stars Dinner Theatre, 1931 Chester Ave. $52-$57, $37 for students; show only: $37, $22 for students; matinee: $47-$52, $37 for show. 3256100. “Once Upon a Midnight Dreary,” 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday, Bakersfield Community Theater, 2400 S. Chester Ave.
$15; $60 for two-seat opera box. 831-8114. “Space Trek,” 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday, Gaslight Melodrama Theatre & Music Hall, 12748 Jomani Drive. $12 to $23. 587-3377. “The House on Mango Street” Play, 8 p.m. today through Saturday, Spotlight Theatre, 1622 19th St. $18; $15 children under 12, seniors and military. 665-1643. Bram Stoker’s “Dracula,” 8 p.m. today through Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday, CSUB, Doré Theatre, 9001 Stockdale Highway. $10, $8 seniors, $5 students with ID. Call the box office, 654-3150. Improv Comedy Show, with Center For Improv Advancement, 8 p.m. Fridays, JC’s Place, 1901 Chester Ave. $5. 322-8209.
ART “Chairs & Stools,” opening reception, 6 to 8 p.m., Bakersfield Art Association Art Center, 1817 Eye St. 869-2320. “Lively Little Things,” opening reception for Ashleymarie SeyLively, 5 to 9 p.m., The Foundry, 1608 19th St. 388-0278. Chris Romanini, opening reception, 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Dagny’s Coffee Co., 1600 20th St. 6340806. Quarterly Paint-Out, come paint with the California Art Club, Kern Chapter, coffee and doughnuts served in the morning, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Kern County Museum, at Pioneer Village, 3801 Chester Ave. $5. Pack a lunch. californiaartclub.org. Exhibits on Display, “Out of Print: Altered Books,” “Christopher Stott: New Realism,” and “Paul Strand: The Mexican Portfolio,” now until Nov. 25, Bakersfield Museum of Art, 1930 R St. bmoa.org or 323-7219. Art Classes, in drawing, watercolor, oils, color theory, for beginners and advanced, Bakersfield Art Association Art Center, 1817 Eye St. 869-2320. Art for Healing program, classes that alleviate stress, resulting from illness, or grief. All classes are free but some suggest a donation and are held at Mercy Hospital, Truxtun Campus, Truxtun and A Street. mercybakersfield.org/art or 632-5357. Family Day, 10 a.m. Saturday, Buena Vista Museum of Natural History, 2018 Chester Ave. Two adults and up to six children, admission only $20. 324-6350. Stained Glass Classes, six-week class, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays; 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Thursdays, Juliana’s Art Studio & Gallery, 501 18th St. 327-7507. The Art Shop Club, a quiet place to paint, 9 a.m. to noon each Thursday, Friday and Saturday, The Art Shop, 1221 20th St. All mediums. 322-0544, 832-8845. Please see GO & DO / 33
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Thursday, November 1, 2012 The Bakersfield Californian
Eye Street GO & DO: CONTINUED FROM 32
MUSIC Blues KRBS Open Blues Jam, The Kern River Saloon, 20 Tobias St., Kernville, 760-376-4786; Kern River Blues Society Open Blues Jam, 2 to 8 p.m. Saturday.
Classic rock Bellvedere Cocktail Lounge, 3090 Brundage Lane, 325-2139; Usual Suspects, 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Comedy Elevation Lounge, 818 Real Road, 325-6864; Improv Tuesday — Live comedy with DJ after party, 9 p.m. Tuesdays.
Country Ethel’s Old Corral Cafe, 4310 Alfred Harrell Highway, 873-7613; Road Dawgs, 7 p.m. Saturday. Sandrini’s, 1918 Eye St., 3228900; Vince Galindo, 9 p.m. Wednesdays.
Cover The Bistro, 5105 California Ave., 323-3905; Brent Brown, 5 to 8 p.m. Friday.
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 Drive, offers ballroom dance, East Coast swing (jitterbug) and Argentine Tango dance classes; $35, $45 for nonmembers. 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. Dancing. Laf-A-Lot 79th Birthday Celebration Dance, live music by Bakersfield Jazz Orchestra featuring Mike Smothers, 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Kern City Town Hall, 1003 Pebble Beach Drive. $5 members; $10 nonmembers. 398-5590. Pairs and Spares Dance, with Western Connection, 7 p.m. Friday, Rasmussen Senior Center, 115 E. Roberts Lane. $7; $9 nonmembers. 399-3575. 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.
DJ 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. The Nile, Jazz Music, 6 p.m. every Sunday. Cost $10 at 1721 19th St. 364-2620.
Karaoke Banacek’s Lounge, 4601 State Road, 387-9224; 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Fridays. 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.
Ellis Island Pizza Co., 3611 Stockdale Highway, 832-0750; karaoke contest, four $25 gift certificates will be given away, 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday. 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 Highway. 589-0412. Magoo’s Pizza, 1129 Olive Drive, 399-7800; 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Tuesday. Magoo’s Pizza, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. every Tuesday at 1129 Olive Drive. 399-7800. 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., 8691451; 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. Tuesdays. Pizzeria, 4200 Gosford Road, 397-1111; 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays. Pour House, 9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays at 4041 Fruitvale Ave. 589-9300. Pyrenees Cafe, 601 Sumner, 323-0053; 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; Joey Zaza’s Karaoke and Stuff, 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Tuesdays. 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, 9 p.m. every Friday at 9500 Brimhall Road. 8311413. The Regent, 2814 Niles St., 8714140; 8:30 p.m. Fridays. 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. Tam O’ Shanter, 2345 Alta Vista., 324-6774, Versatil, 8:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. $5 each night.
poets, comedians, 8 p.m. Wednesdays. Free.
Reggae/ska Sandrini’s, 1918 Eye St. 3228900. Dia de Los Muertos Pachanga!, with Mento Buru, DJ Mikey, 9 p.m. Friday. $5.
Rock Rockstarz Party Bar, 7737 Meany Ave., Suite B5, 589-6749; live bands, 9 p.m. Thursdays. On the Rocks Bar & Grill, 1517 18th St. 327-7625. The Architecture, with The Bird Channel and The Nature, 9 p.m. Friday. $5.
Soft rock Steak and Grape, 4420 Coffee Road, 588-9463; 7 to 10 p.m. Thursday through Saturday. Free.
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. On the Rocks, 1517 18th St., 3277625; 8 to 10 p.m. Monday. Sandrini’s, 1918 Eye St., 3228900; Trivia Night with Dave Rezac, 10 p.m. Tuesdays.
Variety Fiddlers Crossing, 206 E. F St., Tehachapi, 823-9994; Wendy Waldman, 7 p.m. Saturday. $20. Golden State Mall, 3201 F St., 872-2037, Joe Loco Duet, 2 to 5 p.m. Sundays.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Mariachi
Monday 11/05
Camino Real Restaurant, 6 to 9 p.m. every Sunday at 3500 Truxtun Ave. 852-0493.
Christmas Tree Designing, learn to use a variety of materials and holiday decorations, 6:30 p.m., Log Cabin Florist, 800 19th St. Free; reservations required. 327-8646.
Music showcase The Prime Cut, 9500 Brimhall Road, 831-1413; featuring local artists, 7 to 10 p.m. every Wednesday.
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.
Open mic Fiddlers Crossing, 206 E. F St., Tehachapi, 823-9994; 7 p.m. Wednesdays. $5. Juliana’s Art Cafe, listen to local performing artists, guitar and saxophone players, 7 to 9 p.m. Fridays, 501 18th St. 327-7507. Free. Juliana’s Art Studio & Gallery, 501 18th St., 327-7507, 7 to 9 p.m. Fridays. On the Rocks, 1517 18th St., 3277625; musicians, spoken word,
Tuesday 11/06 Kern Audubon Society Meeting, with specialist Karen Pestana discussing “On the Bluebird Recovery Trail,” 7 p.m., Kern County Superintendent of Schools, 1300 17th St. 322-7470. Eric Church, 7 p.m., Rabobank Arena, 1001 Truxtun Ave. $35.50 to $45.50 plus fee. ticketmaster.com or 800-7453000. Little River Band Concert, seating starts 6 p.m., Trout's, 805 N. Chester Ave. $99 advance; $110 day of event. Benefits Make A Wish Foundation. Tickets at Emporium Western Store and Trout's.
Wednesday 11/07 14th Annual Kettle Kickoff Luncheon, with Miles Muzio, silent auction, noon to 1:15 p.m., The Petroleum Club, 5060 California Ave. $25. 836-8487 or salvationarmybakersfield.org. Film Club, discussing horror films, with Cody Meek, 7 p.m., Barnes & Noble, 4001 California Ave. 6312575.