Eye Street Entertainment / 1-3-13

18

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, January 3, 2013

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

Index ‘America’s Top Model’ auditions ............ 20 First Friday ................................................ 21 The Lowdown with Matt Munoz.............. 22 Ultimate Bridal Event .............................. 23 State of the music economy .................. 24 Susan Scaffidi column ............................ 24 Bruno Mars .............................................. 25 Calendar .............................................. 30-31

Pave the valley with bluegrass Weekend jam starts tonight at DoubleTree

BY MATT MUNOZ Californian staff writer mmunoz@bakersfield.com

W

ith the phenomenal success of rootsy bands like Mumford & Sons, bluegrass has never been hotter — and it looks like some of that heat has spilled over to the Bakersfield festival devoted to the music.

In the six years since its inception, The Great 48 Hour Bluegrass Jam has landed a number of respected performers but none as big as Rhonda Vincent, who headlines the show with a concert at the DoubleTree Hotel on Friday.

“Rhonda is the queen of bluegrass and Josh Williams is the best flat picker there is,” said festival organizer Kelvin Gregory.

“That adds a whole new dimension to Rhonda’s show. Whenever you get big-time hitters like those two interested in playing, you gotta go for it.”

The four-day festival — a mix of live performances, workshops and nonstop jamming through the halls of the hotel — is sponsored by the California Bluegrass Association, and most of the events are free, with the exception of tonight’s opening festivities and the Vincent concert.

“If someone has never been exposed to bluegrass, they owe it to themselves to come out and see what the buzz is all about,” said Gregory, who counted 500 attendees over the course of last year’s festival, though he expects to exceed that figure this weekend.

“I’d say the interest in bluegrass is bigger now than it has been in the past.”

Kicking off will be the energetic Showcase Showdown concert fundraiser, featuring groups The Get Down Boys, Grasslands, Red Dog Ash and Grassfire. Proceeds from the concert benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Kern County.

The main event comes Friday night, with Vincent’s appearance in one of the hotel’s ballrooms.

Among the best-selling bluegrass artists of all-time, Vincent is also one of the most heralded and comes from a family of bluegrass performers stretching back five generations. She started her career as a child in her family’s band, The Sally Mountain Show.

“When I started singing at 3,

The Great 48 Hour Bluegrass Jam When: 8 p.m. today through Sunday; Rhonda Vincent concert at 8 p.m. Friday Where: DoubleTree Hotel, 3100 Camino Del Rio Court Admission: Free for most activities; tonight’s Great 48 Showdown is $20; admission to the Rhonda Vincent concert Friday is $20 Information: 589-8249, 4287044 or cbaontheweb.org

then joined the group at age 5, we had a TV and radio show and made recordings,” said Vincent during a recent phone interview.

“It was more a way of life before it was a career. My dad would pick me up from school every day, and my dad, grandpa and I would play until dinner. Then friends would come over and we’d play until bedtime. This was an everyday occurrence. We would travel all over the world and perform. It was wonderful on-the-job training. My mom used to say she took us off the bottle and put us on bluegrass.”

Vincent has built an empire under her own record label, Upper Management, releasing her own CDs and embracing the Internet as a way to find bluegrass aficionados.

“One of the things we did when we started a website was put our tour dates up. That was such an incredible tool. Now you can go on iTunes and check out our music. Things are no longer dictated by what’s on a radio station and their playlist.”

Vincent’s latest release, “Sunday Mornin’ Singin’,” her first allgospel recording, has been years in the making. The singer said the project literally took her back to her hometown church in Greentop, Mo., which has remained frozen in time.

“We showed up with a film and studio crew, but the church still only had two power outlets.”

Beyond some electrical ingenuity and recording equipment powered by her tour bus parked outside the church, Vincent said the project was blessed with some divine intervention. Upon its release, the album has become the highest-selling release of her career.

“I didn’t expect it to be released commercially. If radio chooses not to play you, you can go online

PHOTO COURTESY OF RHONDA VINCENT

Bluegrass great Rhonda Vincent headlines a concert Friday as part of this weekend’s 48-Hour Bluegrass Jam at the DoubleTree Hotel.

and listen for yourself. Bluegrass is a music that has benefitted from that. Normally, a lot of listeners may not think they like bluegrass, but then when they hear it, they like it.”

Vincent recalled one of her early visits to Bakersfield when she was beckoned by Buck Owens to give a solo performance in his office, a regular request made to artists visiting the KUZZ radio station.

“Back in the ’90s, we did this radio tour and we stopped by. I met Buck Owens, which was one of the most nerve-racking experiences I’ve had. It was just Buck and I in his office. I had my mandolin. He says, ‘Sing me a song.’

From that, he called Nashville a little while after I got home and asked, ‘I wanna know what kind of mandolin that is. I want one just like it.’ And he bought one exactly like mine. Several years later when I put my first bluegrass band together, Buck Owens was in the front row of our show in Bakersfield. That was pretty cool.”

Joining her band, the Rage, will be longtime flatpick guitarist Josh Williams, who makes a return to the group after a four-year absence.

Following Vincent’s concert, the music continues with an addition to the schedule of free performances with the Music Caravan Mid-Night Showcase at

midnight on Friday and Saturday and featuring groups The Drifter Sisters, Hello Trouble, The Roustabouts and The Central Valley Boys.

In addition, there will be a number of daytime workshops and the ever-popular open mic and band scramble, in which participating musicians will throw their name into a bucket associated with their instrument before being paired up with another musician to perform together onstage later that evening. All ages are allowed and family participation is strongly encouraged.

“I’d love to invite the community out to see what we’re doing out here,” said Gregory.

19

Thursday, January 3, 2013 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street Camille Gavin CONTRIBUTING COLUMNIST

Setting theater free 10 years later Budget tight, but future bright for The Empty Space

F

ree theater? Who could possibly think such a wild idea had any chance of succeeding? Well, Brian Sivesind did and it worked. On Sunday evening The Empty Space will celebrate its 10th anniversary with a banquet at Stockdale Country Club.

A decade ago, Sivesind and a group of equally idealistic lovers of live theater launched The Empty Space in a retail space at the rear of a building in a lessthan-glamorous strip mall on Oak Street.

No tickets to bother with. All you had to do was walk in and take a seat. Of course, donations were welcome — still are for that matter.

Looking back, Sivesind says he had no specific expectations when The Empty Space first opened, only that he wanted to create a venue where people could create theater and others could see shows without emptying their wallet.

“As far as ‘free’ theater, I have to admit that part of the concept of free theater was an advertising campaign,” he said. “Like our name, the idea comes from Peter Brook’s book ‘The Empty Space.’”

As for statistics, he estimates the theater has mounted more than 100 shows since it opened, with nearly 1,000 actors, technicians and artists lending a hand along the way.

A few years after the theater was up and running, Sivesind left town to pursue his master of fine arts degree at UC Irvine. He left things in the capable hands of others.

Upon returning, he spent a few years at Spotlight Theatre. Then, in August 2011, he came back to The Empty Space as executive director.

On the whole, the venture has been successful, although Sivesind said there were times in the mid-2000s after the organization gained its nonprofit status, that “money was incredibly hard to come by.”

“We discussed many times closing it down, and I offered to come back and be the one to make the decision. Somehow, under the stewardship of Guinevere and James Dethlefson and the artistic leadership of Bob Kempf, they were able to push through. Jeremiah Heitman and Jason Monroe also served as executive directors, keeping the place plugging along. Kristina Saldana has been wonderful at holding the purse strings and making sure we could pay the bills over the last few years.”

Since Sivesind returned as executive director, there have been improvements to the theater interior and there are plans for even more improvements in the next few years.

REFLECTIONS ON THE EMPTY SPACE We asked a few of the folks who have held the reins during Sivesind’s absence, including Jeff Lepine, who now lives and works in New York City, to recount their most memorable moments of The Empty Space. Their responses, lightly edited, follow:

Jeff Lepine I can’t believe it’s been 10 years. Ten years and it’s still running. Bravo to Bakersfield for knowing when it has a good thing going (it does know, right?).

I can truly say that my time with The Empty Space shaped who I am and how I work, even to this day.

In the early days it was a group of friends getting together to make the best art we possibly could. Everyone was so passionate and committed. Everyone pitched in, everyone got dirty. We didn’t gauge our success on what the paper wrote (or didn’t) or how many people were in the seats; It was about the community, building it to the point where someone had to notice that we were there and doing some great work. For us, it was everything. Where you wanted to be, where you wanted to be seen. It was our “Cheers,” our clubhouse.

Most of us had never been a part of the “professional” process; we did what worked for us, we put shows up the only way we knew how. We did a show a month, sometimes two shows. I sure as hell didn’t know how crazy that is or was.

It’s just what we did. It’s where I learned to love the process of building a show. If you had a glimmer of an idea, everyone ran with it and made it something bigger and better than you could have ever imagined.

I consider myself so very fortunate to have been a part of The Empty Space. It pushed me artistically, professionally — and ultimately out of Bakersfield. That may sound odd but without The Empty Space, I wouldn’t have auditioned for graduate schools, worked with the Actors Theater of Louisville, or moved to NYC. Now I find myself working in the arts and able to support my family using the skills that TES gave me.

Bob Kempf On the closing Sunday matinee of “The Diary of Anne Frank,” 10 minutes before show time, the power went out. The theater was packed with patrons, and luckily, in attendance was an actor’s father, who worked for PG&E. We got the inside scoop that it was a major power outage and it would be hours before it was back on. We asked the audience to come back the next night, and every single one of them did “Jesus Fidel and Michelle Guerrero have done a fantastic job with the lobby,” he said, “and will continue that effort from

Camille Gavin’s “Arts Alive” column appears on Thursday.

Write to her via e-mail at gavinarts@aol.com

PHOTO COURTESY OF GUINEVERE PH DETHLEFSON

Former executive directors of The Empty Space, from left: Jeremiah Heitman, Jason Monroe, James Dethlefson, Jeff Lepine (image on screen, held by David Rock), current executive director Brian Sivesind, Guinevere PH Dethlefson and Bob Kempf.

just that. It is probably the only Monday performance we’ve ever had, plus it was sold out.

It’s been interesting staging the plays of Shakespeare, especially those with sword fighting. We’ve had tips of swords break off and fly into the audience. Fortunately, it landed at their feet. In our production of “Macbeth,” Ryan Watts, playing Macduff was accidentally cut by a weapon, and a little of his blood hit the clothing of an audience member, who displayed it with pride after the show.

My favorite memories tend to be of productions that somehow captured the hearts of the Bakersfield community and became overwhelming successes. “The Diary Of Anne Frank,” “Avenue Q,” “The Miracle Worker,” “Hamlet,” “Cabaret,” “Geeks Vs. Zombies,” “The Bullied,” “Bare: A Pop Opera” and “Hair.”

Guinevere PH Dethlefson When we were first starting The Empty Space, a group of us were building the theater, acting in the first shows and directing the first shows. We spent so much time at the theater — I remember falling asleep in a rehearsal once. It was a giddy, delirious time.

All the V-Days we’ve done over the years and hearing women’s stories after they have seen “The Vagina Monologues” are especially powerful memories.

My husband and I started dating right now until Jan. 24 when ‘Spring Awakening’ opens.”

All of this takes money, of course, and Sivesind seems to have a firm grip on the budget and a clear idea of what all the renovations will cost.

“While we are in strong financial shape,

PHOTO COURTESY OF KAYLEIGH PEAKER

The Empty Space’s production of “The Diary of Anne Frank” was among the venue’s many triumphs. It starred, clockwise from top left: Randy Messick and Julia Stansbury as parents Otto and Edith, Mariah Bathe as Anne and Amelia Egland as Margot.

as The Empty Space was opening, so we are celebrating 10 years together as well.

I am so proud to still be involved all these years later. we still have annual expenses of around $75,000 — and none of that goes to the people, who all volunteer their time. We are trying to put about $5,000 into a remodel of the theater space to make it more inviting for patrons.”

Please see ARTS / 26

20

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, January 3, 2013

Eye Street

Local model shares her tips Personality key for ‘Top Model’ hopefuls

BY JENNIFER SELF Californian lifestyles editor jself@bakersfield.com

Sundai Love walked into an “America’s Next Top Model” casting call in Los Angeles four years ago wearing a tank top, shorts and very little makeup, completely unprepared to answer questions like this brainteaser: What’s your name?

“I’m the only one (at the audition) who messed up my own name,” Love recalled in a telephone chat Monday.

A winsome — and winning — strategy as it turned out: The Bakersfield student was selected from thousands of other pretty faces that day for Cycle 13 of the CW series, hosted by Tyra Banks.

Love, 22, agreed to share the benefit of her experience with the aspiring models expected at a casting call in Bakersfield on Saturday.

“I definitely think girls in Bakersfield have the look,” Love said.

“A lot of the girls I’ve seen haven’t considered modeling, but plenty of the girls have potential.”

And for the first time in the show’s history, the upcoming Cycle 20 will expand the competition to men, who will live alongside the women, which means twice the aesthetic appeal and

‘America’s Next Top Model’ auditions Who: Men and women, ages 18 to 27 When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday Where: Valley Plaza mall, 2701 Ming Ave., in the Target wing Information: For a full list of requirements and to download the application, visit cwtv.com.

drama.

“I think it’s absolutely wonderful,” Love said. “I wondered why it’s taken so long to do something so highly requested.”

The requirements Love competed during a season that featured shorter contestants and though she said she’s grown since the episodes aired in 2009, she’s still 3 inches shy of the long-standing height requirement: 5 feet 7 inches for women (guys must be 5-foot-10 or taller).

And though stilettos might add inches and confidence, they won’t get half-pint hotties on to the next round: You will be measured, so fudging is futile.

Aspiring contestants must be 18 to 27 years old at the time of the audition and bring a completed application, proof of identification (passport, driver’s license,

Social Security card or birth certificate) and three photographs, each clearly labeled with name on the back (a full list of requirements and the application can be found at cwtv.com).

Oh, and bring patience (and a working phone charger), said Love. You will wait. And wait. And if things go your way, you’ll wait a little longer. And then you’ll wait some more.

“It’s an extremely long process,” Love said. “It was so long and confusing, I can hardly remember it. They make cuts every five seconds all day long.”

Advice from the pro Though it might be hard for adolescent girls to hear, generations of harping mothers have been right all along, Love said, at least when it comes to toning down the makeup.

“Keep it simple. I went to the audition in L.A., and L.A. is a fashionable city, but everyone was wearing too much makeup.

The girls were so overdone — their hair, crazy clothes, nails — and I thought, I’m not going to get this.

“Keep it clean — light, light makeup. If you have fake hair, try to make it look natural. Wear form-fitting clothes like a cami, tank top and leggings. No fake contacts, even if you think your eyes look better blue.”

And though flubbing essential information like her name didn’t

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Sundai Love, Bakersfield’s only contestant on “America’s Next Top Model” so far, is hoping to graduate in the spring from Cal State Bakersfield, where she is studying political science, business and art. Meanwhile, she commutes to Los Angeles four days a week to act and model.

“I literally just started last month doing more modeling after quitting for a while. I just don’t like an industry where everybody needs to be tall. Even face print jobs are asking for tall models!”

Love’s first movie, an independent comedy called “Chicks Love Gay Guys,” has yet to be released.

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sabotage Love, she recommends that wannabe contestants should anticipate the questions, write them down and give some thought to their answers before the big day.

“They’ll ask why you want to be a Top Model, what’s special about you, who your favorite model or icon is. Think of unique answers to stand out from the other girls.”

But the tongue-tied shouldn’t despair, she said.

“Some girls were chosen who weren’t great speakers at all. They take in your entire persona and look for areas they can work on.”

As a model herself, Love doesn’t do much in the days leading up to a big job, other than get an aloe vera facial — “it clears everything up.”

“If it’s something you can’t get rid of, don’t worry about it. I have stretch marks on my legs. It’s just in my genes.”

In addition to a phone charger, Love advises bringing a “to-go bag” filled with water, something to eat and both heels and flats.

And if you have a quirky trademark like a crazy hat, bring that too. Producers — and Banks — love a big personality, another consideration that worked in Love’s favor.

While the other girls at her audition stood around looking bored, she “ran around like the Energizer Bunny. I looked crazy, but I didn’t care. Be the best yourself you can be.”

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Thursday, January 3, 2013 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street

Artists blooming in winter Nature inspires art for First Friday

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

T

he new year brings a fresh start for many who will make time to form new habits (and hopefully keep them). If supporting local arts is anywhere on your resolutions list, get started downtown with the inaugural First Friday of 2013.

Although we’re in the dead of winter, the atmosphere will be bright and lively at The Foundry for its “It’s Not Easy Being Green” exhibit. Gallery co-owner Christina Sweet said a show down south helped inspire the local exhibit.

“I attended a show in Pomona last summer called ‘Red.’ It was really interesting to study the use of the color by the various artists. Colors evoke different emotions to different people. Having such a broad theme as a color brought some really great entries.

Sweet said Foundry members new and old produced notable works. “(One) that stands out from the rest was submitted by our newest member, Esteban Swear. It is a square canvas blanketed in money and it poses the question, ‘What is it to You?’ “Jesus Fidel's piece is something new! He stepped outside the box on this one. It is of a beautiful peacock in greens and golds with a ton of texture.”

The show is composed of 32 works, including mixed media pieces, digital art, photos and paintings.

Artists in the show, a mix of Foundry members and outside artists, include: Dacey Villarreal, Teri Webb, Alexandra Ortiz, Jessica

PHOTO COURTESY OF STELLA MULLINS

“Tree” by Dacey Villarreal will be featured in “Textures: An Exploration in Paint and Mixed Media,” her exhibit opening Friday at Dagny’s Coffee Co.

McEuen, Ashleymarie Lively, Nina Landgraff, Linda Osburn, Jerome Lazarus, Brittany Koenig, Jason Stewart, Diana Connolly and Billy Reynolds.

Guests on Friday will be able to vote for their favorite piece. The artist whose work garners the most votes will win a $75 cash prize.

The gallery, which held three group shows and some art challenges for members in 2012, has enjoyed a good turnout of work for its exhibits.

“We have had great success in participation for our group shows. The majority of the participating artists are our Foundry members.

We encourage outside artists to join in on the fun!”

Along with upcoming

FIRST FRIDAY WIth live music, specialty shops, art walk, 5 to 9 p.m., downtown arts district.

“It’s Not Easy Being Green,” group art show, 5 to 9 p.m., The Foundry, 1608 19th St. “Textures: An Exploration in Paint and

Mixed Media,” art by Dacey Dia Villarreal, 6 to 8 p.m., Dagny’s Coffee Co., 1600 20th St. “Potpourri,” art by Nancy Merrick, 6 to 8 p.m., Bakersfield Art Association’s Art Center, 1817 Eye St.

art workshops, The Foundry will hold four group shows in 2013,

PHOTO COURTESY OF CHRISTINA SWEET

“Green People” by Dacey Dia Villarreal is part of the group art exhibit “It's Not Easy Being Green,” opening Friday at The Foundry.

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Please see FRIDAY / 29

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The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, January 3, 2013

Eye Street The Lowdown with Matt Munoz

Music scene rockin’ on in 2013 Talented people need a plan to succeed

I

t’s always reassuring that just a few days into a new year my email inbox is already filled with good news.

I’m talking about new introductions, event reminders and a glimpse into what we can expect this year in Bakersfield’s music scene. I have to admit, I’m still reeling by how we managed to end 2012 on such a high note, and when I sat down to write my first column of the year, my lingering New Year’s glow had me stumped on where to begin.

So, the big question is: How in the world do we follow that up?

The answer: Stay busy.

Just because it’s January, doesn’t mean we should be sleeping on the job. Keep rehearsing, write new material, book shows, and make promoting your work beyond your comfort zones a priority. Think about expansion.

One of the things I’ve learned over the years is that the attention span of local music and art enthusiasts tends to be very short. If you’re a veteran, you should already know this. If you’re new to the scene, begin a checklist of short- and long-term monthly goals.

It’s all easier said than done, but trust me, the benefits of having a plan will offer you the balance you need to stay in tune with your creative and business aspirations. You don’t have to drive yourself to the brink of madness either.

Find what works in every area of your daily to weekly operation in small doses

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE BIRD CHANNEL PHOTO COURTESY OF GRANT LANGSTON

Grant Langston and the Supermodels will perform Saturday at Trout’s.

between online social networking (Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, etc.) and the real world (fliers, posters, guerilla promotion and marketing.) The amount of technology today allows even the most impatient novice the chance to become a shining example of marketing.

I have no predictions, only enthusiasm. Let’s have a great year, shall we?

Grant Langston at Trout’s When you’re born and raised in a small town in Alabama, chances are you’re fed on a strict diet of deep-fried turkey and country music.

So what do you do? Embrace it and strap your bulging belly into a tight pair of Wranglers, or do you get the heck out of Dodge to discover your inner vegan and rock ’n’ roll?

Well, alt-country wildman Grant Langston may not have discovered the joys of soy, but he knew he loved a good power chord when he heard one, and headed out West to Los Angeles to make his name. And he did, becoming a driving force in the ever-growing Southern California country music scene.

The Bird Channel appears at B Ryder’s on Friday.

Over the years, Langston has also been a frequent visitor to Bakersfield, traveling to absorb some local mojo with his band, the Supermodels, and make numerous live appearances, plus he also recorded a live CD, titled “Live In Bakersfield,” at Fishlips six years ago.

He makes a return to Bako on Saturday, this time to raise a ruckus across the river at Trout’s for a special concert filming for the local Rockwell Opry TV music show which airs weekly free on Bright House.

Langston’s burning new release, “Working Until I Die,” was produced by sound wizard Paul Q. Kolderie, who’s worked with everyone from Radiohead to the Mighty Mighty Bosstones, and will most likely be musically represented after the first lick kicks in.

If you haven’t seen Langston in action before, don’t cheat yourself any longer.

Saturday’s showtime is 6 p.m.

Also appearing is Dakota Drummond and Trout’s house pickers the Blackboard Playboys, who go on after Langston, playing until close. Trout’s is located at 805 N. Chester Ave. Admission is $10.

For more information, call 3996700.

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

PHOTO COURTESY OF HMBSMS

He’s My Brother She’s My Sister is one of a number of nationally touring acts already confirmed to appear in Bakersfield this year.

The indie quintet will play Elements Venue on Jan. 18.

Upcoming shows This year’s live music schedule is already looking pretty impressive, so be sure to keep these shows on your radar in the coming months: He’s My Brother She’s My Sister and Jenny O at Elements Venue on Jan. 18; Expendables at B Ryder’s on Jan. 20; Kyle Gass Band at Elements Venue on Feb. 2; Fat Tuesday Party at Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace on Feb. 12; Iration at B Ryder’s on Feb. 21; Reckless Kelly at Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace on Feb. 23; Reverend Horton Heat at B Ryder’s on March 9; St. Patty’s Day Shamrock Shindig at On The Rocks on March 17; Murs at B Ryder’s on March 26; and D.R.I at Jerry’s Pizza on March 29.

Matt’s picks Phantom Stranger Showcase at B Ryder’s, 7401 White Lane, 9:30 p.m. Friday. $5. 397-7304.

This meeting of acts from our area’s roots, rock and indie folk scenes offers a great way to get reacquainted with some familiar friends.

Starting off with Bakersfield’s

Crooked Folk who ended last year with a big bang and new CD, plus the return of Mama’s Kitchin from Frazier Park, another fine jam-oriented outfit, whose latest disc “Wide Open” is still available and worthy of attention. Also on the bill is The Bird Channel, who, for most of last year, worked hard at focusing attention on finishing up some new recordings while also establishing a solid live presence at both all-ages venues and nightclubs. You can check out the group’s newly released single, “She’s Got The Keys,” at their website reverbnation.com/thebirdchannel.

Dub Seeds at On The Rocks, 1517 18th St., 9 p.m. Saturday. $5.

327-7625. After taking a month off, Bakersfield reggae rock trio Dub Seeds is ready to get back to business with an irie vengeance.

Still glowing from the welldeserved spotlight as The Californian’s “Standout Band” of 2012, they’ve got an even bigger year ahead. If your New Year’s party hangover has finally worn off, don’t worry, you can start all over at this show.

23

Thursday, January 3, 2013 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street

FELIX ADAMO / THE CALIFORNIAN

Women are treated to cookies and snacks as they crowd around the Living Table featuring centerpiece Nicole Padilla at the Ultimate Bridal Event in 2011.

Bridal event a majestic walk down the aisle More than 70 vendors out to provide for your needs

T

his Sunday, the Ultimate Bridal Event returns to its roots as the popular event heads back to where it started — Bakersfield Marriott Hotel.

“We are thrilled to be at the Marriott, it’s where we originally started,” said event organizer Ann McCright, who moved the event from Rabobank Convention Center.

“It’s like coming home. The Marriott is an elegant hotel, which matches the elegance of the Ultimate Bridal Event.”

The new venue may offer a more intimate setting for brides to meet with more than 70 vendors, including Valdophye Photography, Fairy Godmother, House of Flowers, Jessica Frey Photography and Ladies & Gents Bridal.

There’s no greater gift than celebrating your big day, but attending brides can enjoy a few treats for attending. Under this year’s “white party” theme, women wearing all white will receive a gift.

The first 200 brides attending will be given a complimentary gift bag and glass of champagne.

Every vendor offers a chance to win a

Ultimate Bridal Event When: noon to 4 p.m. Sunday Where: Bakersfield Marriott Hotel, 801 Truxtun Ave. Admission: $8 to $15 Information: 835-1305 or ultimatebridalevent.com

prize at their booth, and one lucky woman will win a $10,000 mystery wedding trunk with an eight-day, seven-night honeymoon to any destination in the world.

(Brides must register for the event and be in attendance when the grand prize is given away.)

Brides opting for the VIP package ($25) enter the event an hour early (along with a guest) and receive a complimentary gift bag, champagne, appetizers, desserts and a meet and greet with vendor social time.

The vendors and runway show will tempt the ladies, but men can look forward to some downtime in the grooms’ lounge, which will feature TVs tuned to Sunday’s football games, ice cold beverages and “man snacks.”

— Ultimate Bridal Event news release

Oscar voting period extended by a day

BY DERRIK J. LANG AP Entertainment Writer

LOS ANGELES — Oscar voters will have an extra day to cast their ballots.

The motion picture academy says it’s extending the deadline for members to vote for the Academy Awards to Jan. 4, following criticism of its new electronic voting system.

The nominations are set to be announced Jan. 10.

Ric Roberton, chief operating officer of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, said the extension will make the transition to online balloting as smooth as possible.

The academy partnered with electronic voting firm Everyone Counts Inc. earli-

er this year to develop the first Oscars online voting system.

Voting in the past has been compiled strictly through paper ballots. The new system allowed members to vote either online or through the mail.

The 85th annual Academy Awards are scheduled for Feb. 24.

24

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, January 3, 2013

Eye Street “It does appear to be an ever-increasing phenomenon that we musicians are asked to play a musical engagement for free or at a reduced charge.”

— Trumpeter Michael Raney, who performs as a soloist and as part of several brass and wind ensembles

Susan Scaffidi CONTRIBUTING COLUMNIST

It’s time for some music appreciation

Y

CALIFORNIAN FILE

Meg Wise is the organist at First Presbyterian Church.

Music going unnoticed Professional musicians can be found at small events

BY SUSAN SCAFFIDI Contributing writer

W

hile there have been many notable performances over the past year, there are nearly as many that have gone virtually unnoticed.

There are wind ensembles and orchestras, brass groups, string quartets, trios, duos and soloists of all sorts. They are made up of mostly professional musicians who nevertheless donate a substantial amount of their time performing classical music for free at various events during the year, often at local churches that donate their space for such performances. During almost any given week over the course of this past year, you could have walked into one of these concerts and been treated to an afternoon or evening of music for a few dollars or even for free.

“It does appear to be an everincreasing phenomenon that we musicians are asked to play a musical engagement for free or at a reduced charge,” said trumpeter Michael Raney, who performs as a soloist and as part of several brass and wind ensembles.

Raney speculates the state of the economy is a contributing factor, but also notes the type of music these musicians play isn’t always

for the masses.

“While we love these types of music that we have studied and practiced for years, unfortunately it simply doesn’t sell as well as other forms of popular music,” Raney said.

First Presbyterian Church organist Meg Wise has been coordinating an annual Advent Recital concert series for nearly 20 years. The concerts, offered Wednesdays during lunch throughout the Advent season, feature organists and other soloists.

For the last few years, Wise said she expanded the church’s concerts to a monthly series.

“When we got the new organ about three years ago, I thought it was important to share that,” said Wise, though she noted the monthly concerts had began to dwindle to only the most die-hard followers.

“I wish they had been better attended,” she said. “I guess we were preaching to the choir.”

Perhaps because of their size, some of the big ensembles do have more support. The all-volunteer Tehachapi Symphony Orchestra raises enough money through donations and fundraisers to pay for its conductor, David Newby, plus the expenses necessary for running an orchestra. But if you look at the donor rosters for many of these ensembles, you will find names of at least some of the performers on the lists.

Despite the lack of financial reward, these musicians continue to put in the time rehearsing and performing, as well as organizing and promoting their concerts.

“For me, it’s to keep playing at a certain level,” pianist Elizabeth Cervantes said. “The chamber music repertoire is enormous — there’s so much to choose from that you haven’t done, or you can re-visit old friends.”

Cervantes, who just started her own group, Ensemble Melodica, said chamber music not only challenges the performers, it offers a chance to get much closer to the audience than when performing in a large ensemble.

“It’s fun to have the intimacy of a small group interacting directly with the audience,” Cervantes said.

“Just because there’s no money in it doesn’t mean the art form should be abandoned.”

Raney cites a recent performance when the seven-member Yuletide Brass, played Christmas carols at Rosewood retirement community.

“Knowing we wouldn’t receive any money, we gladly played,” Raney said. “Just seeing the smiles on the people was payment enough.”

“While it would be nice if our society could find a way to financially reward the work that went into the program, we know that would be difficult at this time,” Raney said.

ou have probably heard the slogan, “Buy Local.”

It’s good advice for music as well.

Long-established musical institutions like the Bakersfield Symphony, Masterworks Chorale, CSUB and Bakersfield College deserve our support as they greatly enhance the quality of life in our community. But there are many other concerts and performing groups that go nearly unnoticed except for the small but loyal audience that keeps showing up.

As adjunct faculty at Bakersfield College, I have taught hundreds of students taking music appreciation courses as part of their general education requirement. With some exceptions, many of these students begin the semester with little or no knowledge of classical music — some have never even seen a person play the violin — and they end the semester having attended at least some live classical music events.

It’s a shame that so many young people don’t have that experience until they become young adults — a shame because it’s so unnecessary, considering how many opportunities are available.

Many of the concerts presented by local groups are free, or may ask for a “free will” donation. But don’t let the cheap price fool you: These concerts are lovely, well-performed, and can offer that bit of solace and peace from everyday life most of us are looking for. They are also a great and certainly affordable way to add to your children’s education by exposing them to classical music without having to travel. Some concerts are only 30 minutes or so, and collectively, they meet every time frame: weekday lunchtime, Sunday afternoons, weeknights, weekend evenings.

Here are just some of the established concert series available to you: St. Paul’s Anglican Church Lenten Organ Recitals: Presented on Thursdays at lunchtime during the season of Lent, these concerts high-

light the organ and also feature other soloists. These concerts are offered in part as a respite from the rush of the oncoming holidays and usually include music from the sacred repertoire. Box lunches are available for a small fee.

Website: stpaulsbakersfield. org.

Fred and Beverly Dukes Memorial Concert Series: Held at First Congregational Church, this is a five-concert series endowed by the Dukes family. The season often includes jazz, Celtic and other styles of music in addition to classical. This concert offers a small honorarium, around $50 for each performer, but admission is free. Website: fccbakersfield-ucc.org/ dukes.html.

Bakersfield Winds: Performing at Olive Drive Church, the Bakersfield Winds are celebrating their 10th season this year. Led by Stockdale High School band director John Biller, the Bakersfield Winds includes members of the Bakersfield Symphony, music teachers and amateur musicians who really, really love to perform the wind ensemble repertoire, everything from traditional marches to newly composed works.

Website: bakersfieldwinds. com.

First Presbyterian Church Advent Recitals: Church organist Meg Wise has been coordinating these concerts for almost 20 years, presenting free, 30-minute noontime concerts on Wednesdays during the Advent season. Performers include organ soloists and small chamber groups, and the repertoire may span hundreds of years, from the Baroque to the modern. For a while, Wise added additional monthly concerts throughout the rest of the year, but that concert series went on hiatus in 2012. She hopes to be able to restore the series. Website: fpbchurch.com.

Tehachapi Symphony Orchestra: This all-volunteer orchestra has been performing for 13 years and offers five free concerts a year, most of them at Country Oaks Baptist Church in Tehachapi. The orchestra also supports the Tehachapi Strings Orchestra, a teaching ensemble for the 200 string students in the area. Website: tehachapi orchestra.com.

25

Thursday, January 3, 2013 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street

Bruno Mars shifts tone on new album

BY MIKAEL WOOD Los Angeles Times

LOS ANGELES — When Bruno Mars made it big a couple of years ago with his debut, “Doo-Wops & Hooligans,” the impeccably attired singer did it with such conclusive style that you never really thought about the effort he put into his image.

In an era of amateur-driven “American”/ “Voice”/ “Factor” pop, here was a guy who seemed to have appeared fully formed one day: a pompadoured crooner in the tradition of Frankie Lymon, yet remade with modern trimmings that appealed to a crowd raised on X-rated hip-hop and post-everything boy bands.

His music felt just as precision-crafted: “Just the Way You Are” and “Grenade” propelled Mars to No. 1 on the singles chart, he sold 1.8 million albums and earned multiple nominations for Grammy Awards. It was a level of renown Mars had been aiming for since he moved to L.A. nearly a decade ago to pursue a solo career. Or at least that’s the way it seemed.

“Becoming famous was never what I wanted to do,” he insists. “There’s a lot of things that come with fame — it’s what people in the limelight have to do. I’m like, ‘Can’t I just write and

NANCY KASZERMAN / ZUMA PRESS

Singer Bruno Mars performs at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show in New York in November.

sing?’”

On a recent visit to his Cape Cod-style home high in the Hollywood Hills, Mars, 27, looked dressed less for success than for hiding from it. Wearing rumpled jeans and an untucked T-shirt, his eyes shielded behind silver aviators, the usually dapper entertainer was due to fly to Sweden the next morning to promote his new sophomore disc. At the moment, though, he hardly seemed in the mood to talk himself up.

“If people are going to have an idea of me,” he said, “I’d just want them to think of a guy who goes in

the studio, works hard and jams out.”

“Unorthodox Jukebox,” which came out Dec. 11, gives a different impression of the man behind the choreographed moves, presenting a dramatic vision of love under siege by fame (“Young Girls”), fortune (“Natalie”), and his own tomfoolery (“When I Was Your Man”).

Even relatively conflictfree tunes such as “Moonshine” and “Gorilla” — in which he invites a “dirty little lover” to bang on his chest like a great ape — exude a gritty desperation.

It’s an unexpected shift in tone from an artist known initially as pop’s goto good guy, an old-fashioned romantic doling out positive affirmations not long after he’d first appeared with ingratiating guest spots on B.o.B.’s “Nothin’ on You” and Travie McCoy’s “Billionaire.”

“I think people will be surprised by it,” said Philip Lawrence, one of Mars’ partners in his L.A.-based production crew, the Smeezingtons. “But it’s not for shock value — it’s telling a story, digging deeper into the feeling of what it means to become a celebrity.”

Speaking in a relaxed manner opposite his frenzied stage presence, Mars described that experience

Jackson Browne

CLINT BLACK

Thursday January 31st

Saturday, February 2nd

as “being thrown to the wolves and having to deal with it” and said he wanted “Unorthodox Jukebox” to reflect where he is, not where he was.

“I love those (older) songs,” he said, sunning himself on a patio as one of his handlers arrived bearing cigarettes and coconut water. “I’ll stand by them and sing them till the day I die. But an artist has to stay excited to keep on doing it.

And the way to stay excited is to keep pushing and to keep experimenting. I feel like I pushed on this record.”

So far he hasn’t seen any push back: Last week the album entered Billboard’s album chart at No. 2, while “Locked Out of Heaven,” the disc’s lead single, just spent its second week atop the Hot 100. Reviews have been strong, too, with high praise from Entertainment Weekly and Rolling Stone, the latter of which said the album “makes the competition sound sad and ideastarved by comparison.”

Indeed, the songs on “Unorthodox Jukebox” burst with detail, each one a meticulously constructed example of its genre. In “Locked Out of Heaven,” Mars and his mates re-create the sharp-angled reggae-rock of the early ’80s Police. “Treasure” is a lush disco-soul jam. And “If I Knew” channels Sam Cooke’s church-born R&B. The infectious sonics soften the effect of edgy themes such as the homage to a stripper named Where Your Stacks At in “Money Make Her Smile.” And they provide a buoyancy that, as in so much great pop, lifts Mars above the sometimesbleak scenes he describes.

(It’s worth remembering that the Smeezingtons were behind the endearingly acidic Cee Lo Green hit known on the radio as “Forget You.”) “One of their great talents is that they have this fun, light vibe in the studio,” said Jeff Bhasker, who along with Mark Ronson joined the Smeezingtons

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for production and songwriting work on “Unorthodox Jukebox.” “That allows you to be free so that you can let that primal emotion come out without being embarrassed. Then they polish afterward.”

Part of that polish, added Ronson, is the charisma Mars has honed since his childhood days as an Elvis impersonator in Hawaii, where he grew up.

“Everything Bruno adds is what takes it into superstardom,” said the producer, who recalled being impressed by Mars’ performance in a tribute to Amy Winehouse at the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards.

(Ronson co-produced Winehouse’s “Back to Black” album.) “If you put any other singer over ‘Billie Jean’ it wouldn’t be one of the most impactful songs of all time, and the same is true with ‘Locked Out of Heaven.’”

Mars said he longs for the pre-digital era when acts like Jackson and Prince retained an air of mystery.

26

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, January 3, 2013

Eye Street

‘Abbey’ finally makes Bonneville a star

BY LUAINE LEE McClatchy-Tribune News Service

BEVERLY HILLS — You could never tell by looking at this dapper Englishman who plays the stalwart Earl of Grantham on “Downton Abbey,” but when he was 7 years old Hugh Bonneville hurled a sledgehammer through the family’s kitchen window.

It was not indicative of things to come, Bonneville insists. “I’m not prone to temper tantrums. I used to be a bad sulker. We’re not a shouty family, and nowadays I can forgive but I don’t forget,” he says. “I’m a Scorpio. If you have a go at a Scorpio they can get you back sometime,” he laughs, easing into a wing-chair in a hotel meeting room here.

The occasion of the sledgehammer was prompted by his older sister’s teasing. “She was annoying me. So I chased her through the garden, and she went back inside, shut the kitchen door and went, ‘Nah, nah’ through the kitchen window. And I saw a sledgehammer and popped it through the window. Cut to my dad chasing me round the garden, and I got a big smacked bottom. That changed my life. That was a big lesson.”

Bonneville has been acting for 26 years, but it took the mysterious alchemy of an absorbing script, astute producers and a dream cast of “Downton Abbey” to elevate him to star status.

“Downton Abbey’ is a hugely popular show and I love it, but it

BBC

After a long and varied career, Hugh Bonneville has found stardom on “Downton Abbey.”

will end at some point and then I need to find work. We’re all waiting for hire,” he says.

He didn’t always want to be an actor. At one point Bonneville desperately longed to be a lawyer.

“For a long time in my late teens I thought I wanted to be a barrister, a lawyer. I even went so far as to shadow a barrister in the courts for a few days and ended up getting so excited about it and thinking, where do I sign up? The best advice I was given by this senior lawyer — he said, ‘Look, you haven’t even gone to university yet, just calm down and come back and see me in four years time, and I’ll bet you won’t want to be a lawyer.’

“I said, ‘No, I will. I WILL.’ He said, ‘Just go and have some fun,

and do your plays.’ That was the best advice because I realized that really what I was enjoying was the theatricality of the court room. I would’ve been a terrible advocate thinking on my feet. I can improvise in a rehearsal situation, but when someone’s liberty is at stake or a point of law. I saved the legal profession from a lot of headaches.”

The phenomenal success of “Downton Abbey” surprised everyone and fans are hotly awaiting the premiere of Season 3 on PBS stations Jan. 6. “I’ve not been in a show that’s had the impact ‘Downton Abbey’ has had around the world,” says Bonneville, 49.

“But the work is the same discipline, and I have the same approach to the work as I do with any other project. For the show to have it hit in a way we all find overwhelming, in a lovely way, is quite humbling, really. Because most of the time it doesn’t happen.”

He says it has changed his life in a peculiar way. “Getting through customs is harder now.

They think, ‘Oh, you think you’re so-and-so,’ so they give me a bit of a hard time. They check far more thoroughly than ever before. Just coming here yesterday at Heathrow they had to empty everything out of my bag.

It’s great because I found a pen I’ve been missing. It’s a privilege to be so thoroughly searched,” he grins.

While he’s no daredevil, Bonneville admits that he loves the challenge of performing a role to which he feels inadequate. “But that’s thrilling when you’re sent a script or invited to audition for a project and you think, ‘I CAN’T do this. It’s outside my range, my compass.’ And when they say, ‘Well, you’re going to play the part,’ you get terribly nervous.

And then you raise your game. If you do manage to do it with any degree of credibility, then you think, ‘Maybe I have gotten better.’

“A couple of projects I thought, ‘No one is going to cast me in this.’ ‘Daniel Deronda,’ Tom Hooper, who directed ‘The King’s Speech,’ directed that and cast me. I loved it because it wasn’t the sort of part I played before.

Similarly in ‘Iris’ with Kate Winslet. I thought it was way out of my league and ability. I didn’t pull it off, but it’s something I’m proud of. So occasionally something comes along where you think, ‘Oh, I can’t do this.’ And they’re received OK and you think, ‘Well, maybe I can.’”

••• When “Project Runway” returns to Lifetime on Jan. 24 it will be minus its best and only credentialed judge, Michael Kors.

Kors will show up as judge on the finale, but in the meantime audiences will have to make do with the annoying Nina Garcia, model and hostess Heidi Klum and new designer Zac Posen. A few guest

judges will be sprinkled through the season including Bette Midler, Susan Sarandon, Joan and Melissa Rivers and — worst of all — the rococo designer Christian Siriano, who was the winning contestant in Season 4.

••• It’s hard to believe but naturalist David Attenborough is celebrating his 60th year of observing and describing the marvelous elements that constitute this Earth. Starting Jan. 23 PBS will be commemorating this milestone with a three-part series on “Nature,” called “Attenborough’s Life Stories,” featuring a retrospective of the marvelous things he’s seen and done. Attenborough sports a unique talent: he can transmit his own enthusiasm for the things around him to his audience — a talent shared by the great teachers of the world. It’s a chance to share, once again, his breathless awe at this world’s curiosities.

••• Ian McKellen, who is back in Gandalf’s robes in “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey,” says the role has changed his life. ‘When I was doing ‘The Lord of the Rings,’ having just done Magneto in ‘X-Men,’ people in this town kept saying, ‘You know, your life’s about to change.’ I said, ‘What?’ They said, ‘You’ll be fixed forever in people’s minds as these characters.’ I said, ‘That depends on whether anyone sees the movies or not.’ Well, they did see the movies.”

ARTS: CONTINUED FROM 19

He hopes to raise that amount within the year. It will be used to upgrade the lighting and sound systems.

“Of course,” he added, “one of the best things we’ve done is improve our air conditioning, thanks to the generous support of Mayor Harvey Hall.”

Many of the changes are due to suggestions from theatergoers. Each patron receives a comment card before every show, and the director says he pays close attention to what they say.

“We want input so we can get better,” he said. “Not everyone will agree, but we do want to know what our patrons think of us.

Most of the input is positive, overwhelmingly so, but the few negative comments we get really challenge us to improve all aspects of the business. It forces us to hold ourselves accountable, and I love that.”

As for the next 10 years, Sivesind anticipates that the theater will continue to do a mix of Shakespeare, musicals, modern and classical plays.

The Empty Space also will continue to have “pitch days,” where members of the theater community and patrons can pitch ideas for shows they want to produce or see produced. He also has plans that will benefit today’s students and the possibility of a change in venue.

“I see us reaching out more to the

10th annual Empty Space Awards Banquet When: 6 p.m. Sunday Where: Stockdale Country Club, 7001 Stockdale Highway Admission: $40 Information: 327-PLAY

schools so we can inspire a new generation of theater artists,” he said. “If the next four years go extremely well, I see us possibly moving to a newer venue, perhaps in the downtown area, that is more accessible for the community. It’s definitely on our radar, but we’ve got four more years on our lease and we want to focus on that for now. In a couple of years, we will start discussing a move.”

Sivesind also sees the importance of keeping the energy and the enthusiasm going, inside as well as outside of the theater.

“There was a buzz those first couple years, and as we lost our newness, it became harder to get people excited about the theater,” he said.

“I’d venture to say that nine out of 10 people in Bakersfield still have no idea we even exist. Luckily, those one in 10s are keeping us alive.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE EMPTY SPACE

From left, Christina Renaga, Ryan Watts, Jarrod Ackerley and Aaron Wheeler appear in a 2007 production of “Hair” at The Empty Space.

27

Thursday, January 3, 2013 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street

Ticket scalping legal but angers public Legislation to ban practice languishing

BY JEFFREY LEE PUCKETT The (Louisville, Ky.) Courier-Journal

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Between fan club pre-sales, credit card company pre-sales, VIP packages and a nationwide network of highly organized ticket brokers — what used to be called scalpers — the average person looking to buy concert tickets faces many more obstacles than in the past.

“The days of waiting in line to get a good ticket are over,” said Dean Budnick, co-author with Josh Baron of “Ticket Masters: The Rise of the Concert Industry and How the Public Got Scalped.”

In September, Ann Meuer and her daughters, Cassidy and Caitlin, were on their computer ready to pounce on tickets to see musician Ed Sheeran. The tickets went on sale at 10 a.m., but by 10:05, the show was sold out.

“Five or 10 minutes later, out of curiosity, I went on, I think it was StubHub, and they already had several tickets for sale, for a lot more money,” said Meuer, 43, of the Highlands, Ky.

Before public sales None of the obstacles are new, but all have become commonplace, and it’s not unusual for an artist to offer fans multiple options for buying tickets before they go on sale to the general public.

There are also dozens of

WHAT ARE THE BEST ROUTES FOR BUYING TICKETS? Join the fan club for the artist in whom you’re most interested, thus becoming eligible for presale offers. Some fan clubs are cheap — Kid Rock is $15 annually, for instance — and some aren’t. Justin Bieber charges $108 and Bon Jovi’s top price is $160, although he also has a $55 package.

Typically, bargain fan club prices entitle you only to the basics, which is primarily access to tickets a few days early, some online features not available to casual fans and possibly a signed photo.

Presales. Some artists don’t have fan clubs, but they will typically offer pre-sale deals through a second party, such as

tech-savvy ticket brokers, who either use automated computer programs or pay people to man laptops or stand in line to buy tickets for hot shows. The subsequent mark-up can be substantial. None of it is illegal, but, as Meuer found, it can be annoying.

“Every show we put on sale for (the KFC Yum! Center in Louisville, Ky.), the first 10 people in line are going to be scalpers, the guys who sleep outside all night long,” said Dennis

American Express. All you have to do is read the fine print about pre-sale options when shows are announced, and then get or borrow the appropriate card.

Be patient, get lucky.

Most artists release tickets the afternoon of the show, and some are very good. They might be seats associated with VIP packages that didn’t sell or unused friends-of-theband tickets.

Pay the scalpers. While sellers on sites such as StubHub prefer to make a profit, prices can drop significantly as showtime approaches. In cities with professional sports, for example, it’s not unusual for fans to score prime $5 seats.

Petrullo, general manager of the Yum! Center. “And he’s not the real scalper.

He’s being paid X amount of dollars by somebody.

“You can go online an hour after a show goes on sale and find hundreds of tickets for sale on StubHub. So how are those people buying all of those seats?”

Simple, Petrullo said.

Scalpers also take advantage of pre-sale offers, either by joining fan clubs or using credit cards that offer the benefit. Companies such as American Express and Citibank frequently offer pre-sale deals to members. And, of course, actual fans often use pre-sales, which are typically available several days before the general public sale date.

Petrullo said the artists dictate how many seats go to their fan clubs. If a credit card company is involved, it dictates how many seats it may need. The artist may also pick 100 or more of the best seats and offer them in expensive VIP packages that often include meetand-greet opportunities, and every artist has a guest list that eats up a few more prime seats.

ets. These sites don’t buy tickets for resale but provide a marketplace for scalpers and take a cut of each sale.

In recent months, artists such as Justin Bieber and Lady Gaga have been criticized for scalping their own tickets, a practice that Budnick said goes back decades and, again, is not illegal.

Ticketmaster also has been called out for its hypocrisy in speaking out against scalpers while running two secondary market websites.

Ticketmaster was recently named in a class-action lawsuit filed on behalf of fans that claims the industry giant withholds tickets to the most popular shows for later resale on TicketsNow. After a 2009 incident in which Bruce Springsteen fans were redirected to TicketsNow when facevalue seats were still avail-

able — an incident that Ticketmaster said was a “computer glitch” — U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell of New Jersey introduced legislation that would, in part, require artists, venues and ticketing companies to reveal whether they’re scalping their own tickets. It also would prohibit the use of automated programs used by scalpers and prohibit scalpers from buying tickets until 48 hours after they go on sale. It has not passed.

A handful of artists are trying to stymie scalpers by using paperless ticketing, which comes with restrictions that also bother some consumers. You gain admittance by showing your ID and the credit card used to purchase your seat. If multiple people are attending together, everyone must arrive at the same time.

Online scalping Scalping is legal in 38 states as long as it’s conducted off-site, which is why online ticket scalpers have flourished.

In addition to StubHub, which is owned by eBay, other major players on the secondary market are TicketsNow and TicketExchange, both owned by Ticketmaster, and Coast to Coast tick-

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28

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, January 3, 2013

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29

Thursday, January 3, 2013 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street FRIDAY: FROM 21

“The next group show, back by popular demand, is ‘Art Imitates Art II,’ which will open First Friday in March. ... ‘Art Imitates Art’ was our most successful show of 2012. For the March show, the pieces will hang together and sell as a set.”

Sweet said the color theme could be due for a revisit as well.

“We will most likely do another show based on color, or maybe absence of color ... Our next color show may just be based on white space.”

‘Textures,’ more at Dagny’s Artist Dacey Dia Villarreal’s “Green” work was used to promote The Foundry’s show, but she will be busy one street over on Friday for the opening reception of her solo show, “Textures: An Exploration in Paint and Mixed Media,” at Dagny’s Coffee Co. Sweet said Villarreal’s work was an easy pick to highlight the “Green” work.

“Dacey’s piece stood out not only because of its mysterious image and size, but she submitted a piece nothing like I've seen of her work before.”

Villarreal, who moved to Bakersfield more than 12 years ago, has shown her work at the Bakersfield Museum of Art, Metro Galleries and group shows at The Foundry. The artist teaches at Independence High School and Taft College.

Villarreal has recently concentrated her art in painting and printmaking, emphasizing texture. On her website, she states she uses “synthetic mediums to simulate natural textures, offering the viewer a unique tactile experience.”

This technique will be on full display in this solo show, Villarreal said.

“My work that will be on display at Dagny’s is centered around nature and its many textures. ... ‘Tree’ is the piece that started it all.

It is a mixed media piece that shows the transforma-

PHOTO COURTESY OF STELLA MULLINS

“Puerto Rican Oxen” by Nancy Merrick, one of the works featured in her “Potpourri” exhibit, which opens Friday at the Bakersfield Art Association’s Art Center.

PHOTO COURTESY OF STELLA MULLINS

“Tubes" by Dacey Dia Villarreal will be featured in her exhibit, “Textures: An Exploration in Paint and Mixed Media,” opening Friday at Dagny’s Coffee Co.

tion from real to the imitation. The composition is inspired by nature and recreated with tissue paper and acrylic paint. The materials help to emphasize the rough dramatic quality of the tree bark.”

With nature in mind, Villarreal said she will donate 10 percent of her sales from the show to the Tree Foundation of Kern County.

Along with Villarreal’s show, other Bakersfield Art Association artists will display their work in the newly added gallery section of the coffeehouse. Focusing on historic or iconic Bakersfield, art from Patti Doolittle, Shirley Rowles, Norma Savage, Margaret Stevens, Cindy Stiles and Charlotte White will be on display through February.

‘Potpourri’ Venture south down Eye

Street for another BAA show at its Art Center with Nancy Merrick’s “Potpourri” exhibit. The exhibit’s title reflects the diversity of the works, Merrick said.

The show is “pretty much a mixed bag of subjects. .. thus ‘Potpourri.’

Basically, I selected paintings that are my favorites.

Space was a major element to consider as several of my works are quite large, and, of course, a balance of subject and color combinations were a factor.”

This month’s BAA-featured artist, who began her painting career on a Caribbean island in 1968, said that she felt supported by the local arts scene as long as she has lived in Bakersfield.

“I moved here from Puerto Rico in 1994 and was instantly welcomed into the art world before the art dis-

‘CALIFORNIAN RADIO’ Join Bakersfield Life Magazine’s editor Olivia Garcia and specialty publications coordinator Hillary Haenes this morning as they discuss January’s “celebrations” issue.

Fairy godmother and event planner Colleen Bauer will stop in. Bakers-

field Life contributing writer Kelly Damian and cyclist Kimberly Keathley will chat about an ongoing series on Keathley, and her “race of a lifetime.” And two of the new Food Dudes — Rick Kreiser and Derek Abbott — will join in, too. The

show airs from 9 to 10 a.m. on KERN Radio 1180 AM. Call in at 842-KERN for a chance to win $100 to Eagle Mountain Casino restaurants.

To listen to archived shows, visit bakersfield.com/ CalifornianRadio.

trict came to be. It cannot be other than an inspiration for those of us to whom art is a way of life.”

As a result, she has focused many of her impressionistic watercolors on restful outdoor scenes she discovered in Kern, Tulare and San Luis Obispo counties.

As an artist in residence

with the Arts Council of Kern, she taught classes for children with the late Barbara Fiser at the Lori Brock Museum and the Bakersfield School of Art. She also has presented workshops for Tulare Art Association, Porterville Art Association and the BAA. As an artist, Merrick has been pleased by the grow-

ing attendance of the monthly art event.

“The whole concept of making art available to the public in the downtown area every First Friday has become a destination for hundreds of art lovers, families, music makers, and diners in numerous eateries.”

Arts columnist Camille Gavin contributed to this report.

30

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, January 3, 2013

Eye Street

YOLO? That’s the case for these over-used words

BY JEFF KAROUB Associated Press

Banned word list

DETROIT — Spoiler alert: This story contains words and phrases that some people want to ban from the English language.

“Spoiler alert” is among them. So are “kick the can down the road,” ”trending” and “bucket list.”

A dirty dozen have landed on the 38th annual List of Words to be Banished from the Queen’s English for Misuse, Overuse and General Uselessness.

The nonbinding, tongue-incheek decree released Monday by northern Michigan’s Lake Superior State University is based on nominations submitted from the United States, Canada and beyond.

“Spoiler alert,” the seemingly thoughtful way to warn readers or viewers about looming references to a key plot point in a film or TV

Lake Superior State University’s 38th annual list of banished words: • fiscal cliff • kick the can down the road • double down • job creators/creation • passion/passionate • YOLO • spoiler alert • bucket list • trending • superfood • boneless wings • guru

show, nevertheless passed its useby date for many, including Joseph Foly, of Fremont. He argued in his submission the

phrase is “used as an obnoxious way to show one has trivial information and is about to use it, no matter what.”

At the risk of further offense, here’s another spoiler alert: The phrase receiving the most nominations this year is “fiscal cliff,” banished because of its overuse by media outlets when describing across-the-board federal tax increases and spending cuts that economists say could harm the economy in the new year without congressional action.

“You can’t turn on the news without hearing this,” said Christopher Loiselle, of Midland, Mich., in his submission. “I’m equally worried about the River of Debt and Mountain of Despair.”

Other terms coming in for a literary lashing are “superfood,” ”guru,” ”job creators” and “dou-

ble down.”

University spokesman Tom Pink said that in nearly four decades, the Sault Ste. Marie school has “banished” around 900 words or phrases, and somehow the whole idea has survived rapidly advancing technology and diminishing attention spans.

Nominations used to come by mail, then fax and via the school’s website, he said.

Now most come through the university’s Facebook page.

That’s fitting, since social media has helped accelerate the life cycle of certain words and phrases, such as this year’s entry “YOLO” — “you only live once.”

“The list surprises me in one way or another every year, and the same way every year: I’m always surprised how people still like it, love it,” he said.

Rounding out the list are “job

creators/creation,” ”boneless wings” and “passion/passionate.” Those who nominated the last one say they are tired of hearing about a company’s “passion” as a substitute for providing a service or product for money.

Andrew Foyle, of Bristol, England, said it’s reached the point where “passion” is the only ingredient that keeps a chef from preparing “seared tuna” that tastes “like dust swept from a station platform.”

“Apparently, it’s insufficient to do it ably, with skill, commitment or finesse,” Foyle said. “Passionate, begone!”

As usual, the etymological exercise — or exorcise — only goes so far.

Past lists haven’t eradicated “viral,” “amazing,” ”LOL” or “man cave” from everyday use.

6992.

Patrick Ball, performing “O’Carolan’s Farewell to Music,” 7 p.m. Saturday, 3 p.m. Sunday, Beekay Theatre, 110 S. Green St., Tehachapi. $25, may be purchased at Mountain Music, The Apple Shed or call Fiddlers Crossing, 823-9994.

Pet adoptions, cats, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Petco, 8220 Rosedale Highway. $65 includes spay/neuter, vaccines and leukemia testing.

327-4706; pets from the Shafter Animal Shelter; 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., PetSmart, 4100 Ming Ave. $75, includes spay/neuter and vaccines. 746-2140.

Sierra Club-Buena Vista Group Breakfast Program, with Joan Jones Holtz, 8 a.m., Hodel’s, 5917 Knudsen Drive. $12. 322-4891.

now through March 10, 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 St. mercybaakersfield.org/art or 632-5357.

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. New members and guests welcome. facebook.com/ pages/art-shop-club or 322-0544, 832-8845.

Jam, 2 to 8 p.m. Saturday.

Go & Do Today Sixth annual “The Great 48Hour Jam,” featuring four of California’s top bluegrass bands, today through Saturday, Doubletree Hotel, 3100 Camino Del Rio Court. 589-8249.

Showcase Showdown, a concert to raise funds for leukemia, four bands performing: The Getdown Boys, Red Dog Ash, Grasslands, Grassfire, 8 p.m. today, Doubletree Hotel, 3100 Camino Del Rio Court. $20. *In conjunction with “The Great 48-Hour Jam.” Bingo, warm ups start at 5 p.m., with early birds at 6 p.m., regular games at 6:30 p.m., Volunteer Center of Kern County, 2801 F St. From $20 buy-in to “the works.”

395-9787.

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

Friday First Friday Downtown, featuring live music, art openings and boutiques, artists will set up their artwork, 5 to 9 p.m., Downtown Arts District. Email info@themetrogalleries.com.

Rhonda Vincent, doors open at 7 p.m., show at 8 p.m., DoubleTree

by Hilton Bakersfield, 3100 Camino Del Rio Court. $20. Tickets can be ordered for “will-call” or picked up at Goin’ Postal, 11000 Brimhall Road. 587-5222.

Wine & Beer Tasting, with appetizers, 5 to 7 p.m., Steak and Grape Restaurant, 4420 Coffee Road. $20. 588-9463.

Saturday Grant Langston and the Supermodels, with Dakota Drummond and Blackboard Playboys, 6 p.m.,

Trout's, 805 N. Chester Ave. $10.

399-6700.

“America’s Next Top Model” Casting Call, women should be 5 feet, 7 inches tall and over, men should be 5 feet, 10 inches tall and over, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Valley Plaza, right by the Target wing, 2701 Ming Ave. Free. 832-2436.

Book signing, with author Heather James of “Unholy Hunger,” 1 to 3 p.m., Russo’s, 9000 Ming Ave. 665-4686.

Family Day, 10 a.m., Buena Vista Museum of Natural History, 2018 Chester Ave. two adults and up to six children, admission only $20.

324-6350.

Garden Project Community Meeting, learn how to plant your own vegetable garden, 10 a.m. to noon, St. Luke Anglican Church, 2730 Mall View Road. 332-3204.

Great 48 Hour Jam band scramble & open mic, an adjunct to the “Great 48 Hour Jam,” a bluegrass band scramble and open mic, 8 p.m., DoubleTree

by Hilton Bakersfield, 3100 Camino Del Rio Court. Free. 589-8249.

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.

Kern Humane Society’s Spay/Neuter Assistance, offers discount coupons to the public on the first Saturday of every month, 325-2589.

Mac computer class, for beginners through intermediate using OS 10.4 to 10.8, 2 to 5 p.m., Hilton Garden Inn Bakersfield, 3625 Marriott Drive. $30. Reservations needed by Friday, call 310-494-

Sunday The Ultimate Bridal Event, with more than 100 vendors, premiere wedding professionals will be on hand to assist you in planning your dream wedding, noon to 4 p.m., Bakersfield Marriott Hotel, 801 Truxtun Ave. $8 to $15. ultimatebridalevent.com or 835-1305.

ART “It’s Not Easy Being Green,” group art show, 5 to 9 p.m., The Foundry, 1608 19th St. “Textures: An Exploration in Paint and Mixed Media,” art by Dacey Dia Villarreal, 6 to 8 p.m., Dagny’s Coffee Co., 1600 20th St. “Potpourri,” art by Nancy Merrick, 6 to 8 p.m., Bakersfield Art Association's Art Center, 1817 Eye St. Exhibits on display, “Embracing Diverse Voices: 80 years of African American Art,” “You, Me, Them,” and “Texture of Place,”

THEATER 10th annual Empty Space Awards & Dinner, 6 p.m. Sunday, Stockdale Country Club, 7001 Stockdale Highway. $40. 327PLAY. Improv Comedy Show, with Center For Improv Advancement, 8 p.m. Fridays, JC’s Place, 1901 Chester Ave. $5. 322-8209.

MUSIC Blues KRBS Open Blues Jam, The Kern River Saloon, 20 Tobias St., Kernville, 760-376-4786; Kern River Blues Society Open Blues

Comedy Elevation Lounge, 818 Real Road, 325-6864; Improv Tuesday, 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.

DoubleTree Hotel, Club Odyssey, 3100 Camino Del Rio Court, 633-1949; learn Salsa, Cumbia, or West Coast Swing, 4 to 7 p.m. Sundays. $5 per person, per lesson.

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.

Please see GO & DO / 31

31

Thursday, January 3, 2013 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street GO & DO: CONTINUED FROM 30

Joaquin Squares, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Thursday, Rasmussen Center, 115 E. Roberts Lane. $5. 324-1390, 325-3086 or 399-3658.

Laf-A-Lot Dance Club, 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Kern City Town Hall, 1003 Pebble Beach Drive. $10 nonmembers. 324-2231.

Whirlaways Square Dance Club, has workshops most 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. 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; featuring local artists and Jazz Connection, 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. Fridays and Saturdays. Free.

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

Wednesdays.

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

The Nile, 6 p.m. Sundays. 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.

Best Western, 2620 Buck Owens Blvd., 327-9651; The Junction with host Mac Clanahan, 8:30 p.m.

Tuesdays through Fridays.

Big Daddy Pizza, 6417 Ming Ave., 396-7499; 7 to 10 p.m. Tuesdays; 8 to 11 p.m. Fridays.

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.

Saturdays.

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.

El Torito Restaurant, 4646 California Ave., 395-3035, Karaoke with Irish Monkey Entertainment, 8 p.m. Saturdays.

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. Wednesdays.

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. Fridays.

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

Lone Oak Inn, 8 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10612 Rosedale Highway. 589-0412.

Long Branch Saloon, 907 N. Chester Ave., 399-8484; 8 p.m. every Wednesday.

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

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

McMurphy’s Irish Pub & Sports Bar, 14 Monterey St., 8691451; 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. Tuesdays.

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. Wednesdays.

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, 4200 Gosford Road, 397-1111; 6 to 9 p.m.

Wednesdays.

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

Sky Bar and Lounge, 4208 Rosedale Highway, 633-1116, Karaoke with Ben Lara, 7 to 11 p.m. Tuesdays.

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. Wednesdays.

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

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

Tuesdays and Thursdays.

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

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

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

The Prime Cut, 9500 Brimhall Road, 831-1413; hosted by Ed Loverr, 9 p.m. to midnight Friday.

The Regent, 2814 Niles St., 8714140; 8:30 p.m. Fridays.

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

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.

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

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

Old school Que Pasa Mexican Cafe, 2701 Ming Ave., 832-5011; Al Garcia & the Rhythm Kings, 8 to 11 p.m.

Thursday.

Open mic Fiddlers Crossing, 206 East F St., Tehachapi, 823-9994; 7 p.m.

Wednesdays. $5.

Juliana’s Art Cafe, 501 18th St. 327-7507; listen to local performing artists, guitar and saxophone players, 7 to 9 p.m. Fridays. Free.

On the Rocks, 1517 18th St., 3277625; musicians, poets, comedians, 8 p.m. Wednesdays.

Reggae

Tuesday 1/8

B. Ryder's Sports Bar & Grill, 7401 White Lane, 397-7304; Amity Flow, 9 p.m. Saturday to 1 a.m.

Sunday. $5.

“Partners in Habitat Restoration” Meeting, with speaker Jacob Byers, 7 p.m. Tuesday, Larry E. Reider Education Center, 2000 K St. Email kernaudubonsociety.org or 3227470.

R&B Senor Pepe, 8450 Granite Falls Dr., 661-588-0385, Rebecca Aguilar and Lost Vinyl, 7 to 10 p.m. Thursday.

Rock Bellvedere Cocktail Lounge, 3090 Brundage Lane, 325-2139; English Revolver, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Saturday.

B. Ryder's Sports Bar & Grill, 7401 White Lane, 397-7304; Crooked Folk, Mamma's Kitchen, Bird Channel, 9 p.m. Friday to 1 a.m. Saturday. $5.

KC Steakhouse, 2515 F St., 3229910; Jimmy Gaines, 6 to 10 p.m.

Tuesday through Thursday; Jimmy Gaines, Bobby O and Mike Hall, 6:30 to 11:30 p.m., featuring Glenda Robles, 8 to 11:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

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

Salsa DoubleTree Hotel, Club Odyssey, Club Odyssey, 3100 Camino Del Rio Court, 6331949; various levels, 3 to 9 p.m.

Sundays. $5 per person, per lesson.

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

Thursday through Saturday.

Free.

Songwriters The Bistro, 5105 California Ave., 323-3905; Brent Brown, 6 to 8 p.m. Fridays.

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. Tuesdays.

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 Golden State Mall, 3201 F St., 872-2037, Joe Loco Duet, 2 to 5 p.m. Sundays.

Wednesday 1/9 CSUB Men’s Basketball, vs. Cal State Fullerton, 7 p.m., CSUB, Icardo Center, 9001 Stockdale Highway. $5-$20. gorunners.com or 654-BLUE. Kern Audubon Society Field Trip, to observe winter waterfowl at Lake Ming, meet at 9 a.m., at the first entrance parking lot to Lake Ming. Bring water, snacks and binoculars. Call Bill at 2019279.

South Oswell Neighborhood Clean Up, meet at 5:45 p.m., at the southeast corner of South Oswell and Zephyr Lane. 5490517.

Tehachapi Car Club, dinner at 5:30 p.m., meeting at 6:30 p.m., Tehachapi Moose Lodge, 123 W. F St., Tehachapi. 822-5092.

Thursday 1/10 Red Cross New Volunteer Orientation, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., American Red Cross, Kern Chapter, 5035 Gilmore Ave. 324-6427.

Friday 1/11 FLICS International Cinema Society, presents “Le Havre,” 7:30 p.m., Bakersfield Fox Theater, 2001 H St. $5. flics.org or call 4280354.

Saturday 1/12 24th annual Victim/Witness Auxiliary 5K/10K, 9 a.m., Lake Ming. $25. Proceeds to benefit crime victims of Kern County.

Email fogrun@yahoo.com.

Central Coast Gun Show & Sale, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Kern County Fairgrounds, 1142 S. P St. $9; children 13 and under are free; $3 parking. 805-481-6726.

Crystal Verde Bully Dog Show, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Kern County Fairgrounds, 1142 S. P St. $10; $3 parking. 319-4277.

Free electronic waste recycling event, 9 a.m. to noon, Centennial High School, 8601 Hagemen Road. 873-4011.

Kern River Blues Society Jam, 2 to 8 p.m., Trout’s, 805 N. Chester Ave. 872-7517.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10859, Rosedale & Ladies Auxiliary, 9:30 a.m., Norris Road Veterans Hall, 400 Norris Road. 5885865.

Monday 1/7

Sunday 1/13

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

Kern Audubon Society Field Trip, to Kern National Wildlife Refuge, meet at 8 a.m., at Kern River Parkway parking lot across from CSUB. Bring water, snacks and binoculars. 833-6705.