Eye Street Entertainment / 5 - 2 - 13

20

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, May 2, 2013

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

Index Stunning change at symphony................ 22 Miranda Lambert...................................... 23 Arts Alive .................................................. 24 First Friday................................................ 25 The Lowdown with Matt Munoz.............. 26 Broadway in Bakersfield .......................... 27 This Week’s Obsessions.......................... 31 Calendar .............................................. 32-33

CHAPTER TWO: Musical longing Somewhere between dreaming and reality, I started to question, “Where was I?” I knew the melody that had awoken me. I was even familiar with the pain it brought. I just wasn’t too sure who

the man was standing in the courtyard — or his reason for being there. I did know that I didn’t want to relive that longing again. I couldn’t. Not if I was to make it through another night like this.

21

Thursday, May 2, 2013 The Bakersfield Californian

“I get art galleries who tell me they love my work and then turn around and ask me, ‘What else can you do?’ — as if drawing was not an art form.”

— David Vanderpool, artist

Drawing his way around obstacles Vision, hearing difficulties have not stopped artistic quest

BY MATT MUNOZ Californian staff writer mmunoz@bakersfield.com

A

rtist David J. Vanderpool works in precision. A study of any of his finely detailed, highly realistic drawings — including his piece at left — reveals perceptive eyes and a steady hand.

Actually, make that one perceptive eye.

“The only challenge was making sure the drawing was clear and sharp due to dealing with a cataract,” said Vanderpool, 52, who by day works as a graphic artist at The Californian.

“I had to stop every so often and ask my wife if I was getting this right. As for the drawing itself, I wasn't too sure if I could pull this off in the short time given to complete the project. A drawing this size has always taken me a month to complete, with just a few hours a night and weekends to draw.”

Vanderpool was referring to the twist thrown at Eye Gallery artists this year: Each was asked to contribute a “chapter” to a larger narrative, which will unfold every Thursday over several weeks. The artists were given reproductions of all the work that had come before and 96 hours to finish the job.

And if the compressed timeframe and cataract weren’t enough, Vanderpool has been dealing with limited hearing for years, making it difficult there for a while for the artist to fully appreciate music — the loose theme of this year’s project.

“As an artist that was limited to what I was able to hear for so long and only in the last few years able to hear without having to wear a hearing aid, you guys selected an artist that perhaps appreciates sound more than most people in general. I have a whole new interest and appreciation for music. In fact to hear most any sound after the surgery a few years back was a blessing, even the sound of a train in the middle of the night.”

But any physical challenges the artist has dealt with have worked to heighten his sensitivity, fully expressed on paper with the help of a graphite drawing pencil.

“It is relaxing, requires little to no thinking and since I was a child, it was my escape. I draw with all lines. I never use traditional blending tools to smear the graphite. I use lighter pencils to blend the darker pencils, keeping the pencils sharp and the lines close to each other as each drawing slowly comes to life on the paper.”

For his Eye Gallery subject, Vanderpool chose a black-and-white performance photo taken by photographer Jeremy Gonzalez featuring Bakersfield guitarist Pablo Alaniz and a vintage 1950 Fender Telecaster guitar.

“Being a portrait artist, I like drawing people I am attracted to, which means

About Eye Gallery The annual art series is a partnership between The Californian and the Bakersfield Museum of Art whose purpose is to put the work of local artists in the spotlight. This year we asked 10 artists to collaborate on a story, in words and pictures. Each was given 96 hours, a canvas and all the work that had been produced to that point. The story will unfold in Eye Street every Thursday through June 27, when the museum will host a reception for the artists and unveil other exhibitions.

character, charm and who can offer me a challenge, to avoid ‘mug shots’ when it comes to a drawing, and turn everyday people into a treasure for the generations to follow.”

Given the state of your hearing and sight, how did you feel about Eye Gallery revolving around music?

As for my sight, anyone that has dealt with cataract understands how it is a gradual change through time and most chalk it up as old age and get new glasses; however, being an artist I knew it was something more than that when my eyes were hurting. ... I can say I have had cataract surgery in my right eye since this drawing was completed, and so I look forward to seeing what everyone else sees once it’s on display.

Explain your process/technique: I draw from photos, whether they are a local person interested in a drawing or a model from another country. This allows the model to pose once and I can draw at the oddest hours. However I use the photo as a reference and add my style to the drawing that meets the needs to the client’s interest. The trick is to focus on one section at a time. Skin tones, eyes, fabric, etc., rather than the overall subject.

That way the project doesn’t become overwhelming. A grid, mirror or light table can only offer an outline. The skill is taking it to the next level, and that part can’t be cheated. You either have it or you don't.

What kind of art speaks to you: I favor realistic and works from the old masters and Renaissance period. If you have to think too hard, question if the painting was hung upside down, or you left confused looking at what is in front of you, that's not my thing.

When I knew art would be my passion: When I was told I had to stop drawing as a child, that boys played baseball and football and didn't paint or draw, I took that as a challenge and to prove them wrong and drew everything that sat in front of me. Yes, my way of rebelling!

Work you’re proudest of?

“Courting” was last year's Best in Show at the Kern County Fair, and one of my

ALEX HORVATH / THE CALIFORNIAN

Artist David Vanderpool works by day as a graphic artist at The Californian.

Next week Photographer Kristopher Stallworth is drawn to the music that seems to be coming from the mysterious figure, in Chapter Three of our story.

wife's favorite drawings so far. It's not so much being proud of it or it being better than any of my other drawings, but because I did not give up when I was told I had to stop drawing.

Do you get many commissions?

Yes. There are times when I have to turn down commissioned assignments because I have too many to get done, and there are times I turn down assignment because I was not comfortable with the subject matter. I draw portraits and figure drawing, but I have a limit to what I will put my name onto — even commissioned drawings that the world may never get the chance to see.

And yes, there are times when there are no drawing assignments for what seems like ages.

How hard is it to find a place to show your work publicly?

Very hard. I get art galleries who tell me

they love my work and then turn around and ask me, ‘What else can you do?’ — as if drawing was not an art form. And then there are galleries who will tell me my work is too contemporary while another will say it's not contemporary enough; however I finally had an art gallery in London explain it best. He said that an art gallery cannot profit off a drawing like they can with a painting, because of the time variant between the two.

Memory of the first time you sold a piece of work: High school. Guys would pay me $20 to draw girls they liked on pin-up bodies.

Who’s been your most supportive mentor?

Art teacher from junior high that I also kept in touch with through my high school. He said to create what you have passion for and there will be others who will come to you one day. Never create to meet the public needs, since most have no idea what art is. Create what you desire and introduce yourself to the world through your work.

How to learn more about my work: paper2pencil.com

22

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, May 2, 2013

Eye Street

New movement for symphony Farrer, the face of BSO, to relinquish baton

BY SUSAN SCAFFIDI Contributing writer

John Farrer, who has served the Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra as conductor for nearly half the life of the venerable arts organization, will leave the podium after the 2013-14 season. “I am not retiring,� Farrer stressed in an interview with The Californian. “I will continue my professional life full bore.�

Farrer — who has received a financial package whose terms were not disclosed — was careful in discussing his departure. “You can say I’m stepping down.�

It’s unclear who ultimately made the decision about Farrer’s future, but BSO board president Jim Bell said the issue of the conductor’s departure wasn’t a “new discussion,� adding that the BSO board of directors had been negotiating with Farrer since June of last year.

But the scope of Farrer’s job had already changed this season: In early March, Bryan Burrow

“First Look� this morning Join Californian contributor Susan Scaffidi for an interview with Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra conductor John Farrer today at 9 a.m. and stick around throughout the hour for your complete rundown of entertainment/ arts events, brought to you by the Eye Street team. Go to bakersfield.com to watch the live stream.

assumed the title and duties of CEO and executive director, which had been part of Farrer’s role for much of his 38-year tenure. Bell said Farrer’s departure has nothing to do with performance issues or the state of the BSO organization, whose budget this year was in the neighborhood of $800,000, down from the organization’s high of $1.2 million in 2006-07. “It was about this time last year at an executive board meeting that one of the past presidents of the board — I think it was Jon Stuebbe — made a comment and said, ‘You know, when I was presi-

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dent of the board, John said he had about another five years left or so,’� said Bell, who estimated that Farrer made that statement in 2008 or 2009.

The statement galvanized the board, according to Bell, who said the directors didn’t want to be caught unprepared when Farrer decided to leave. Bell said negotiations with Farrer on the subject of his departure began in June and continued until September before an agreement was reached. The board left the timing of the announcement up to Farrer, who ultimately decided to make his departure date public in late April or early May. “The first meeting was clearly different from the eighth and the ninth and the 10th meeting we had,� Bell said. “We were that patient and that willing to make sure John was comfortable and we had it right.� “We just called it an employment agreement and it goes until 2017. So even though he won’t be conducting after 2014-15, (Farrer) will still be conductor laureate.�

Farrer also will hold the title of music director emeritus with the symphony and continue to hold

Learn

CALIFORNIAN FILE

John Farrer leads the Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra in a concert at Bright House Networks Ampitheatre in 2012.

doing music. He’s always been involved in every aspect of the symphony, in all the fundraising activities.�

Inside A tough act to follow — so who will? Page 31

The search is on his posts as conductor of the Santa Maria and Roswell symphonies while working to expand his conducting workshops in various cities around the world.

Board member Joe Drew praised Farrer during an interview Tuesday, saying the Bakersfield conductor enjoyed an international reputation. “He’s been the champion of keeping the symphony alive, and it’s not been easy to have a business model that allows for a relaxed approach to him just

A search committee of 10 people, including board members, orchestra musicians and “atlarge� community members, will sift through an anticipated 200 to 300 applications in their search for a new conductor, which has had only five in its 80-year history, Bell said. “We are going to narrow it down to three people,� he added.

The finalists will each conduct one concert in the first half of the 2014-15 season, with no decision Please see FARRER / 31

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Thursday, May 2, 2013 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street

Lambert a pistol — with Annies or not Reigning queen of country music headlines stellar show

BY MATT MUNOZ Californian staff writer mmunoz@bakersfield.com

M

iranda Lambert didn’t get to be the reigning first lady of country music by sitting still.

“Touring, touring, touring,” said the chart-topping singer when asked about the secret of her success.

“I love performing live and of course writing songs.”

Lambert will prove her point at Rabobank Arena on May 9 when she headlines an impressive bill of country music that includes Dierks Bentley and her fiery side project, Pistol Annies. Tickets were still available earlier this week, said Ed Dorsey, the arena’s assistant general manager, though he advised against waiting until the last minute.

“The show’s initial on sale was one of the strongest we have had in a long time in the arena.”

Lambert, 29, recently collected an armful of hardware at the Academy of Country Music Awards, including the prize for female vocalist of the year (a matching bookend to her husband Blake Shelton’s corresponding award for male vocalist).

“It never gets old,” Lambert said. “I love being part of this wonderful country music community and to get to participate by making records, performing for the fans, and sometimes my peers nominate me for my work. Winning is the icing on the cake; as each song I perform is special to me, so are the nominations and awards.”

It’s been two years since the release of Lambert’s best-selling CD, “Four the Record,” leaving Lambert time to channel creative energy into the Annies, also appearing on the tour. The group will showcase new material from the upcoming new CD, “Annie Up,” which will be released Tuesday.

“When we first started writing together, all these words that most women want to say but never do just started spilling out,” Lambert said. “We knew the songs didn’t quite fit with any of our solo projects, but we also felt they were too good to not record, so we created Pistol Annies.”

Lambert said the Locked & ReLoaded tour set list consists of her current hits and a collection of favorite reworked covers.

“I include songs from all four of my records, and my current single, ‘Mama’s Broken Heart.’”

Lambert’s knack for picking material prefectly suited to her tough-but-sensitive persona resonates with women, making the singer something of a latter-day feminist. Tackling topics like domestic abuse, as she did in the song “Gunpowder & Lead,” echoes the honest material recorded by traditional country music songwriters she’s always admired.

“Two of my favorite songwriters are Merle Haggard and Loretta Lynn. They have a no-holds-barred approach to tell

ZUMA PRESS

Miranda Lambert performs in Virginia Beach in June.

real-life storytelling in their music, and their songs are timeless because of that authenticity.

“The songs that I pick from other writers to record on my albums are ones that I wish I had written because I only want to sing songs that feel real to me personally.

‘The House That Built Me’ is probably the best example of that. Even though I didn’t have a hand in writing it, I feel like it draws on my past perfectly.”

The Miranda Lambert brand soon will be seen walking across the nation — literally — when the singer debuts her new line of women’s footwear next year. The venture marks Lambert’s first foray into the world of fashion, but not business. Last year she opened her first clothing store, the Pink Pistol, in Shelton’s hometown of Tishomingo, Okla.

Lambert has also become actively involved with animal rights activism through her MuttNation Foundation.

Founded four years ago, the foundation raises funds for the care and shelter of abandoned and abused animals.

“I love helping animals because they are amazing companions. I have six rescue dogs; two of them (Delta and Cher) travel with me on the road, and the others are too big to be on the bus with me full time, so it’s a cause that’s very dear to my heart.

Remember to love a shelter pet.”

In addition to Lambert, Pistol Annies and Bentley, performers Randy Houser and Joanna Smith will appear at the concert.

Miranda Lambert When: 7:30 p.m. May 9 Where: Rabobank Arena, 1001 Truxtun Ave. Admission: $63.55, plus service charges Information: 852-7777 or ticketmaster.com

24

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, May 2, 2013

Eye Street Camille Gavin CONTRIBUTING COLUMNIST

Younger takes gallery back Arts Council loses control of BofA space

F

rom the time it opened nearly 10 years ago, the Younger Gallery has been operated on a rent-free basis by the Arts Council of Kern.

Yet in the last few years exhibits have been shown on a sporadic basis and potential visitors have complained it’s often not open.

Now sculptor Betty Younger, owner of the downtown gallery that bears her name, has taken back the reins and appointed contemporary painter Mike Barker as director and curator.

In a series of conversations over the past several days, both artists filled me in on the details and also gave me a preview of “Begin a New Day,” their first venture, which opens Friday.

Younger explained that she hopes to make the gallery a source of pride for Bakersfield residents and a destination point for out-of-town visitors.

“I want to go back to the core values of what I wanted the gallery to be,” she said. “The real goal is to promote artists — local and from out of town — and to encourage cooperation with businesses in our community.”

Accordingly, the new show is being sponsored by locally owned Uniglobe Golden Empire Travel with the idea of demonstrating that fine art and culture can be enjoyed at home and abroad.

Even though the Arts Council is no longer setting the policy for the gallery, both the owner and the curator affirmed their support for the organization.

“This is not a break-away from the Arts Council,” Barker said.

“We’re giving them 25 percent of the sales from this show.”

Younger said she’s been concerned about the council’s financial difficulties over the past nine months as well as its leadership.

“I’m still on the board and I really want it to succeed,” she said. “But with only two people (on staff) they don’t have the personnel to run the gallery. They only had four shows last year and I want it to be open yearround.”

Starting next week,

PHOTO COURTESY OF LINDA BROWN

“Air Born” by Linda Brown is part of her exhibit, “Spring — A Breath of Fresh Air,” which opens Friday at Dagny’s Coffee Co.

GO & DO ‘Begin a New Story’ PHOTO COURTESY OF SARA RESHAW

Bill Ryan’s “Road to Breckinridge” series can be seen at the Younger Gallery.

the gallery will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Friday in its ground-floor suite at the Bank of America building, owned by Betty and Milt Younger.

Artwork being shown in the current exhibition includes several of Younger’s small sculptures and an array — about 30 pieces — of new paintings by three artists who are closely linked to the owner and to one another: Veteran teacher, painter and occasional actor Bill Ryan; his son, Dan Ryan, a professional actor who claims he literally ate his father’s paints as a 2-year-old; and Barker, a retired welder and established painter who started taking art lessons from the elder Ryan in 1967 as a freshman at North High School.

The younger Ryan, 61, and Barker, 60, consider the exhibit a way of recognizing Younger and Bill Ryan for their lifelong contributions to the growth and appreciation of all areas of the arts in the community.

“I want to celebrate my dad and Betty one last time,” Dan Ryan said, noting that both of his mentors are in their 80s. “Dad’s playing in overtime and I’m in the fourth quarter.”

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

Even so, one really can’t say the elder Ryan is slowing down.

Among the pieces in the show is a series of narrative oil paintings done with deep, rich color. Each represents his recent journey from the blazing red-orange valley floor to the cool dark green of Breckenridge Mountain.

In keeping with the theme of the show, Dan Ryan, who cohosts a weekly radio program with his wife, Uniglobe travel consultant Sara Reshaw, said a short video courtesy of Crystal Cruises will be shown.

Refreshments will be served at the opening and free parking is available in the Bank of America garage on 17th Street, adjacent to the gallery.

Linda Brown at Dagny’s Artist Linda Brown’s new exhibit at Dagny’s, “Spring — A Breath of Fresh Air,” is an expansion of what she did for a 2011 project on “cleaner air” sponsored by the Arts Council and exhibited at the Younger Gallery.

“In this new body of work,” she said, “I have revisited this theme but with a new eye and a concentration on trees in bloom.”

Each of the 10 mixed-media pieces in her current exhibit reflects the cycle of tree respiration, a molecular process in which a tree takes in carbon dioxide and transforms it into oxygen.

A portion of the profits from

When: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Friday Where: Younger Gallery, 1430 Truxtun Ave., Suite 105 Admission: Free Information: 247-3968

‘Spring — A Breath of Fresh Air’ When: 5 to 8 p.m. Friday Where: Dagny’s Coffee Co., 1610 20th St. Admission: Free Information: 706-5214

the show will be donated to the Tree Foundation of Kern, a local nonprofit whose purpose is to advance a sustainable urban and community forestry plan in Kern County.

Theater’s new season Artistic director Bob Kempf sent me The Empty Space’s choices for the second half of the 2013 season.

“The majority of these plays have a strong theme of looking at our past to understand our world now,” he said. “I find that very inspiring as The Empty Space enters its 11th year.”

Here’s the list, with Kempf’s slightly edited program notes.

July 12-20: “The Role I Was(n’t) Born to Play,” conceived and directed by Kristina Saldana. A fresh twist on some of Broadway’s most popular tunes.

Aug. 2-10: “Charm,” by Kathleen Cahill; Kevin Lohmann, director. Based on the life of Mar-

garet Fuller, the first female American book critic and war correspondent.

Sept. 6-28: “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” by William Shakespeare; Bob Kempf, director. The play, set in a California mining town in 1850, features four mismatched lovers.

Oct. 11-26: “Cannibal! The Musical,” by Trey Parker; Michelle Guerrero and Taylor Lozano, co-directors. The true story of Alfred Packer, a trail guide who cannibalizes his fellow travelers on the way to Colorado.

Nov. 8-23: “Our Town,” by Thornton Wilder; Brian Sivesind, director. Widely considered the great American play, “Our Town” is celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2013.

Dec. 6-22: “The 12 Plays of Christmas,” by Ron Warren, Matthew Borton, Kayleigh Peaker, Matt Christensen and Kristina Saldana, who also direct.

The theater also seeks new members to join its board of directors starting in July. Those interested should email executive director Brian Sivesind at brianjsivesind@gmail.com. A letter of interest and a professional resume are due by Monday.

This ‘Mermaid’ see-worthy More than two dozen young thespians are hoping to make a splash this weekend with Disney’s “The Little Mermaid Jr.,” presented by Tonicism, a theater workshop for children.

The show runs for three performances, at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 2 p.m. Sunday at The Empty Space, 706 Oak St. Admission is $10; $5 for children under 18.

25

Thursday, May 2, 2013 The Bakersfield Californian

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D

ozens walk the streets of Bakersfield each First Friday without giving the urban landscape a thought, but the sights of downtown Bakersfield have had a much more profound impact on artist David Cook, whose work will be displayed at The Foundry this week.

Cook looked to the city and the Kern River Valley, where he lives, for “Beyond Perception,” his first public show.

“As an artist you will see things in your life that just grab your attention.

When they do, you’re thinking, Could that be a painting?

“I was downtown one day, and the area just kind of grabbed me. Once it grabbed my attention, walking around, absorbing things, taking it in.

I became aware of how beautiful downtown Bakersfield is.”

From that experience, Cook began painting, creating 15 pieces that evoke the feelings he has about Bakersfield, where he grew up.

“In summer, it just has that bright light, it’s very warm, and you think of running barefoot and jumping in pools and going to a dark theater to cool off. Then being blinded by the light bouncing off the walls and the cars (when you walk out).

“Bakersfield still has that nostalgic hometown American feel to it, especially when you’re downtown, because the buildings are older and the way things are set up. I was trying to capture that feeling and those moments in time. Line and shape and form, that’s what I tried to emphasize.”

The exhibit of 30 works also explores the look of the Kern River Valley.

“The other half is the Sierra Nevada, particularly in the Kern River Valley. It’s not your normal landscape scene. I would look at things here and see what I saw, the lines, the shapes and develop an abstract from that.

Abstract drawings of objects outside — trees, bushes, water, sky — up in this area.”

Cook also credits his grandfather for sparking his passion for art.

“My grandfather wasn’t a professional artist but he learned to draw.

During the Depression, they had these work camps. He learned to draw then. When I was 5 years old, he sat me on his lap and he drew a horse. I thought it was the neatest thing in the world. I needed to learn how to do that.

“The rest of my life I’ve been trying to achieve that. It’s been a lifelong endeavor.”

Cook continued to pursue his art while raising a family and working as an educator for 20-plus years in the

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PHOTO COURTESY OF THE FOUNDRY

“That’s Italian” by David Cook is part of his exhibit, “Beyond Perception,” which opens Friday at The Foundry.

First Friday “Beyond Perception,” the art of David Cook, 5 to 9 p.m., The Foundry, 1608 19th St. Carol Bradshaw, reception 6 to 8 p.m., Bakersfield Art Association's Art Center, 1817 Eye St. “Real and Imagined — A Collection of (Mostly) Animal Paintings,” ongoing exhibit by Karine Swenson, 5 to 9 p.m., Metro Galleries, 1604 19th St. More events, see Page 20.

Fruitvale School District. Although one might think work and family would hinder artistic development, Cook feels the opposite.

“I never separated my life into segments like that. I just felt that everything I was doing was a form of art.

Teaching is an art in itself. There is an art to being a parent. All your experiences in life, they benefit a painting or a drawing or a work of art.”

BAA Art Center Along with a show by Linda Brown opening at Dagny’s Coffee Co. (more on Page 20), the Bakersfield Art Association is hosting a show by Carol Bradshaw at its Art Center on Eye Street.

A freelance art instructor for more than 40 years, Bradshaw works in watercolor, graphite, colored pencil

PHOTO COURTESY OF STELLA MULLINS

This work by Carol Bradshaw is part of her exhibit opening Friday at the Bakersfield Art Association Art Center.

and pen and ink, according to the BAA newsletter. For this show, she will exhibit a series of botanical watercolors, labor-intensive detailed works of flowers, vegetables and fruit.

After a botanical drawing class hooked the artist, she pursued more classes in drawing and watercolor as well as botanical workshops at the Huntington and the Arboretum in Los Angeles County.

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26

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, May 2, 2013

Eye Street The Lowdown with Matt Munoz

Hip-hop artist paying his dues Artist’s raspy flow is natural and sincere

over only. Ink Bar is located at 1919 K St. facebook.com/sunnysunatra.

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Even though Cinco de Mayo lands on a Sunday, there are still a few options available for celebrating the Mexican holiday, with some parties falling on the more convenient tres or quatro earlier in the weekend. It’s Bakersfield’s favorite excuse to party, second only to St. Patrick’s Day, so get your party posse together and practice your best tequila dance.

KCHCC 11th Annual Spring Social and Cinco de Mayo Celebration at Golden West Casino with live music by Thee Majestics, Mariachi Toro de Mexico, plus deejays El Pollo, Sonido Banana. 6 p.m., Friday. Tickets are $30. Golden West Casino is located at 1001 S. Union Ave. 633-5495 or kchcc.org.

Hot 94.1 presents “Cinco de Mayo Bomb” at Rabobank Arena with artists Wiz Khalifa, Miguel, Baby Bash, DJ Pauly D, Jonn Hart, T Mills, RaVaughn.

7:30 p.m., Saturday. Tickets are $20 to $75 plus service charges.

Rabobank Arena is located at 1001 Truxtun Ave. 852-7777 or Ticketmaster.com.

Cinco de Mayo Party at Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace with Mento Buru, Velorio, Mariachi San Marcos. 4 p.m., Sunday. Admission is $10, all ages. Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace is located at 2800 Buck Owens’ Blvd. 328-7560.

Cinco de Mayo Bash at B Ryder’s with the Aviators, the Stray Dogs, DJ Mikey. 4 p.m., Sunday. Admission is $10. B Ryder’s is located at 7401 White Lane. 3977304.

ocal rapper Salvador Rosette, aka Sunny Rose, considers himself a blessed man.

Counting the days until the official release party for his second CD, “SOA2,” at Ink Bar Friday night, the 29-year-old lyricist and emcee is about to enter the next phase of his career with a list of goals. Rosette kicks off the interview adamant about clarifying a few things with regard to respect.

“First impression is everything in this business. I think the game is so multimedia heavy now a lot of artists don’t respect the history of the art form. There are a lot of rappers that start picking up the craft quickly, posting videos on YouTube and at Twitter of themselves, not paying dues the way they did before.”

Rosette is no stranger in area hip-hop circles. A regular voice at underground open-mic nights and freestyle battles, his confident swagger is without any sign of annoying braggadocio as he references the struggles of his past in Shafter along with the triumphs of the present.

“I remember heading to Downtown Records and Jerry’s Pizza downtown back in the day when they used to have the freestyle rap battles and you had to have a name just to get on the stage.

When I used to come to Bakersfield from Shafter, I had to be extra nice to get on the mic.”

He doesn’t have to play the role of Mr. Nice Guy anymore, but rather than flip the switch on his personality, he prefers letting his music speak.

“I

Cinco de Mayo weekend

PHOTO BY SAL CARILLO

Bakersfield rapper Sunny Rose will celebrate the release of his new CD at Ink Bar on Friday.

want to be part of positivity. I want people to listen to the music. I think a lot of people see us out here as, ‘Oh, that’s just Kern County,’ but we’re planning on doing a lot more shows, a lot of things. I am going to be everywhere meeting people. I don’t want people to just be fans. I want them to be part of the music.”

Beginning with the opening track of “SOA2,” featuring an interview snippet of Marvin Gaye, titled “Marvin’s Words,” Rosette described the evolution of the project from note pad to studio as if he were walking in the late singer’s footsteps.

“He was questioning what it was about the music that kept him going and whether he was going to keep going or not. His career was on the way down at that time. I was at that point in my life before the record.”

Rosette worked for a solid year putting together “SOA2,” the follow-up to “SOA1,” released three years earlier. With help from studio owner Jaime Sanchez, the duo set out to make a record that represented not just the Central Valley, but the essence of Rosette’s being. Filled with signature mid-tempo, head-bobbing beats, Rosette’s raspy flow comes

off natural and sincere.

“I’m a hybrid. I’m influenced by so many different types of music, including country music, which I’m a big fan of. My style of rapping is definitely East Coast influenced, but my favorite rapper is Scarface from the South.”

Stand-out tracks on “SOA2” include: “Game Changer,” “1994,” “The Replay” with guest vocals by Mike Bannister, and “Teardrops (Bee’s Song).”

“I wanted to put something together I can be proud of, from the packaging and photography.

Something I can show my kids 30 years from now. It’s more than just music to me. There are people who do some great things around here, but it’s just so hard to find, like a diamond in the rough.”

Rosette has already made a few appearances, including a recent show opening for Wu-Tang Clan member Raekwon the Chef in Pasadena last weekend. Following Friday’s release party, he plans to keep the momentum going.

“I want to have a classic hip-hop night, celebrating with all the people who’ve supported me and our plan to keep chasing the dream.”

Friday’s downbeat is 9 p.m.

Admission is $10 and includes a copy of Sunny Rose’s CD. 21 and

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.

Band-a-palooza The world’s largest Relay For Life event and Bakersfield’s biggest fundraiser and overnight party is back this Friday and Saturday. To keep participants and supporters in step, a host of local bands are scheduled to entertain the 10,000-plus expected attendees. From rock, reggae, Latin, to

’80s retro pop, it’s quite the amazing spectacle and probably the biggest crowd these bands will ever perform for.

Friday’s main stage live music steps off at 6 p.m. with the Red River Blues Project. On Saturday, the music continues all day, beginning at 11:30 a.m. on two stages with bands Vanity Avenue, Arizonity, the Aviators, Truxton Mile, Western Medicine, Thee Majestics, Vowed to One, Dr. DeVito, Members Only, plus emcees: KUZZ radio personality Brent Michaels and Clear Channel radio’s Kenn McCloud.

Relay For Life takes place Friday beginning at 10 a.m. through Saturday at Wingspoint, at the corner of Merle Haggard and Airport drives. Parking is limited. For more information visit relayforlife.org/bakersfieldca.

Matt’s picks Mark Yeary Benefit at Julie’s Branding Iron, 1807 N. Chester Ave., noon Sunday, 21 and over, $5, 477-3622.

A long list of musical friends are expected at this all-day fundraising jam deep in the heart of Oildale for longtime Merle Haggard keyboardist Mark Yeary. After recovering from open-heart surgery and a stroke in December, Yeary recently suffered another stroke, leaving him unable to get back to work. Scheduled to perform throughout the day are musician Monty Byrom and many more. There will be a potluck and raffles with all funds going to help Yeary with living expenses.

Face to Face at Narducci’s Cafe, 622 E. 21st St., 7 p.m.

Wednesday, $20, all ages, 3242961. Straight outta Victorville, punk rock legends Face to Face are promoting their new CD, “Three Chords and a Half Truth.”

The album is a little toned down compared to their ’90s classics, but after all these years, they don’t need critics; they just need fans to sing, mosh and sweat along as they have for years. Also Appearing: Teenage Bottlerocket, Blacklist Royals.

TICKETS AVAILABLE AT THE FOX THEATER BOX OFFICE, RUSSO’S BOOKS AT THE MARKETPLACE, EMPORIUM WESTERN STORE – 661-322-5200 – 888-825-5484 – Vallitix.com

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Thursday, May 2, 2013 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street

CINCO DE MAYO BOMB FEAT WIZ KHALIFA THIS SATURDAY!

MIRANDA LAMBERT W/ DIERKS BENTLEY MAY 9

JIM WEBER / THE COMMERCIAL APPEAL

Cody Slaughter as Elvis Presley, center, and fellow cast members from “Million Dollar Quartet” perform in Memphis, Tenn., in February 2012.

Best Broadway in Bako season ever?

With Green Day musical, it’s certainly the most edgy The Bakersfield Californian

The Beatles, Johnny Cash and Green Day add a decidedly rock ’n’ roll vibe to the 2013-14 Broadway in Bakersfield season, announced Wednesday.

Joining stage classics like “Hello Dolly!”

— starring Sally Struthers of “All in the Family” and “Gilmore Girls” — are “American Idiot,” based on the punk rock opera of the same name by Green Day, and “Million Dollar Quartet,” inspired by the true story of the famed recording session in which legendary producer Sam Phillips brought together Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash and Jerry Lee Lewis. Rounding out the list are “The Addams Family,” “Hair” and “Experience the Beatles with Rain.”

Subscriptions — ranging in price from $140 to $275 — are available by calling 852-7308 or visiting rabobankarena.com.

Prices for each show were not included in a media release sent Wednesday.

The season:

‘Million Dollar Quartet’ 7:30 p.m Nov. 14 Relive a historical night in early rock history when four legends came together for one unforgettable jam session in this Tony Award-winning Broadway musical.

‘The Addams Family’ 7:30 p.m. Dec. 2 A musical comedy that brings the darkly delirious world of Gomez, Morticia, Uncle Fester, Grandma, Wednesday, Pugsley and Lurch to spooky and spectacular life.

‘Hello, Dolly! Starring Sally Struthers’ 7:30 p.m. Feb. 27

Winner of 10 Tony Awards, including best musical, “Hello Dolly!” is an enduring Broadway classic. Emmy-award winning Sally Struthers stars as the strong-willed matchmaker Dolly, as she travels to Yonkers, N.Y. to find a match for the ornery “well-known unmarried half-a-millionaire” Horace Vandergelder.

‘Hair’ 7:30 p.m. March 27 The exuberant musical about a group of young Americans searching for peace and love in a turbulent time has struck a chord with audiences young and old since its 1967 debut. The unforgettable songs include “Aquarius” and “Let the Sun Shine In.” For mature audiences. While many find this show suitable for young adults (13 and older), parental discretion is advised.

‘Experience the Beatles With Rain’ 7 p.m. April 27 “Rain” performs the full range of the Beatles' discography live onstage, including the most complex and challenging songs the band recorded in the studio but never performed for an audience. From the early hits to later classics (“I Want to Hold Your Hand,” “Hard Day’s Night,” “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band,” “Hey Jude”), this tribute will take you back to a time when all you needed was love.

‘American Idiot’ 7:30 p.m. May 20 Based on Green Day’s groundbreaking rock opera of the same name, this daring new musical tells the story of three lifelong friends forced to choose between their dreams and the safety of suburbia and features the smash hits “Boulevard of Broken Dreams,” “Holiday” and “21 Guns.”

“American Idiot” contains adult content and strong language.

— Adapted from a Jam Theatricals media release

BAKERSFIELD SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA MAY 11

JUANES MAY 17

THERESA CAPUTO JUNE 7

PAT BENATAR AND NEIL GIRALDO W/ CHEAP TRICK JUNE 14 BOZ SCAGGS W/ MICHAEL MCDONALD JUNE 19

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The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, May 2, 2013

Eye Street

We have a nut poster!

Bakersfield artist Kelly Wonderly is the winner of the first Kern County Nut Festival Commemorative poster contest. Wonderly’s work depicts the nut industry in Kern County and features gloved hands, bees, flowers, an aqueduct, fruit, trees and harvested almonds, pistachios and walnuts. The images are set against a background of furrowed earth and unused land. Wonderly will receive a $1,000 prize provided by Milt and Betty Younger. Her artwork will be printed as a commemorative poster and sold at the Kern County Nut Festival on June 15 at the Kern County Museum.

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PHOTO COURTESY OF KERN COUNTY NUT FESTIVAL

Lots of horsing around at family-friendly rodeo Annual event draws ‘good pool of cowboys and cowgirls’

BY MIRANDA WHITWORTH Contributing writer

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owboys and cowgirls looking for fame are setting their sights on Bakersfield for two days of roping, riding and big money payouts. The 2013 Stampede Days Rodeo takes place at the Kern County Fairgrounds this weekend and promises to draw big talent.

The rodeo is the biggest fundraiser of the year for the Kern County Sheriff's Reserve Association, said president Kip Williamson.

“We have about 85 sworn officers in the reserves and last year alone we were able to put over $50,000 into the department,” he said. “That's money we were able to raise that our deputies would have had to otherwise pay themselves.”

Williamson anticipates as big a turnout, if the 100 riders registered for barrel racing is any indication.

“For California, we have quite a good pool of cowboys and cowgirls,” Williamson said. “This year may be the biggest yet for contestants. That's why they call us the biggest little rodeo in California.”

With thousands of dollars in prize money on the line, hundreds of contestants are expected to ride Friday and Saturday night. That means stiff competition in the ring and a great show for attendees.

Williamson’s favorite part of the event isn't what happens when the riders hit the sad-

2013 Stampede Days Rodeo When: 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday Where: Kern County Fairground, 1142 S. P St. Admission: $16 in advance; at $18 at the gate; $10 for children 6 to 12; free for children 5 and under; $22 for box seats.

Information: 391-7463 or stampededaysrodeo.com

dles, but when the crowd takes their seats.

“There aren't that many events out there where the full family can attend. You see so many people bringing their kids, and grandma is there too. That's really the best part for me."

For Williamson and the rest of the reserve officers, the volunteer work they do is a labor of love and it’s not easy. Expensive training is required for each reservist to maintain their status. While the Kern County Sheriff's Department is able to provide much of the training for free, there is travel required to achieve certification and much of that funding comes from Stampede Days proceeds. Once the bills are paid, that's when the reservists go into action, according to Williamson.

"We help with metro patrol, north patrol, the rural crimes division, bike patrols, Easter Sunday and we have our bike units out at the fair to help with the gang unit. We'll be out there working the rodeo too."

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Thursday, May 2, 2013 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street

A ‘thank you’ to comic book fans Unique titles, giveaways and costumes put crowds in stores

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

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hether you’re a Wednesday regular or haven’t picked up a comic book since you were a kid, local comic book retailers have a treat for you Saturday: giveaways, contests and more.

Started in 2002, Free Comic Book Day was created to draw new readers and reward existing ones. Russo’s Books and Leeters, who, along with Dark Side Comics, are taking part in the annual event, have noticed an increase in foot traffic.

“We (Leeters) had several hundred people come through our doors last year looking for free comic books, with a considerable amount of those people being at our doors before we opened,” said Ryan Greenberg in an email.

“Last year’s FCBD was our biggest yet and we are expecting it to be bigger this year,” said Russo’s employee Phyllis Rodriguez via email. “This year we ordered over 1,200 comics in preparation for more people.”

With 52 titles created for FCBD (full list at freecomicbookday.com), there are plenty to please kids — SpongeBob, Sesame Street, Smurfs — and adults —“The Walking Dead,” “Grimm” and Louis L’Amour.

Chuck Cupani, owner of Dark Side, said that although people love a giveaway, the offerings might not be for everyone.

“Comic books are more soap opera-ish.

Free Comic Book Day Leeters: giveaways, raffle, art and costume contests; appearance by Angus Oblong, creator of the animated show “The Oblongs”; Kaijudo demos; starts at 10 a.m. Saturday. At East Hills Mall, 3000 Mall View Road. 877-9987674.

Russo’s Books: giveaways, costume contest, comic and graphic novel sale, signing by Matt Adams, author of “Kord and Harley”; starts at 9 a.m. Saturday. 9000 Ming Ave., Suite I4. 6654686.

Dark Side Comics, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Saturday, 5610 District Blvd., #108.

833-2773.

You can’t just watch one and then walk away. ... If I was watching ‘The Young and the Restless’ every day, I wouldn’t be interested in the blooper reel.”

After sporadic participation for FCBD in the past, Cupani decided to give the event another shot to acknowledge loyal subscribers, who consistently buy books each month.

“There are better ways to get people into the comic shop. (But) our customers have asked if we take part. It’s a ‘thank you’ to our customers.”

Greenberg, who has run the comic book section of Leeters at East Hills Mall for two years, said he’s noticed an increase in subscribers after the free event.

“For many people, this is the first time they may have walked into a comic book

shop. Some people don't realize that many classic comics are still in print, and when they see them on the shelves they are interested in picking up a subscription, so FCBD is a great way for any small comic shop to build a subscriber base.”

To further encourage business, Leeters will be raffling off six-month subscriptions as well as offering those as prizes for its art and costume contests. (For the art contest, submissions are due by noon Saturday.)

The costume contest should provide a show; contestants are interviewed Miss America-style before a panel of judges.

Russo’s holds adult and children’s costume contests, with prizes for the top adult and each child. Rodriguez said it is the variety of activities that keeps people coming back each year.

“One of the main reasons why we draw such a big crowd is because we don’t just provide free comics. There are toys, candy, cupcakes and I have people dress up. My husband dresses like Batman and interacts with the kids.”

Additional draws include creator appearances. Russo’s invites back local artist Matt Adams, creator of “Kord and Harley” while Leeters will hold a Q&A with Angus Oblong, artist and creator of the animated show “The Oblongs.”

Games are also on tap with a Kaijudo card game demonstration and giveaway at Leeters and a Yu-Gi-Oh! tournament in the afternoon at Russo’s.

The fun runs most of the day, but all the retailers warned that the free comic books go fast. If there’s one title you have your heart set on, get in line early.

PHOTO COURTESY OF PHYLLIS RODRIGUEZ

Sean Robles, left, and Kristie Metz won last year’s adult costume contest at Free Comic Book Day at Russo’s Books. This year’s event is on Saturday.

Greenberg said the Superman Special Edition and similar books will be hot this year.

“Superhero titles are definitely popular at FCBD, so those usually go first since caped crusaders are what come to mind when you think about comics.”

White, milk, semisweet, bitter, or dark ...

If chocolate makes you melt, this event is for you

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

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any things are celebrated at church — faith, fellowship, music — that it’s not such a leap to add one more to the list. And this one’s a doozy.

St. John Lutheran Church invites the community out to Celebrate Chocolate on Saturday.

With a higher cause — supporting the St. John Celebration Choir — the event celebrates the earthly pleasure of the sweet treat. When brainstorming fundraising ideas, choir board second vice president Pam Schallock said the choice was simple.

“It’s a fun nod to our choir director, Paul Tepker. He collects M&M dispensers. The choir considers chocolate another food group.

“Also, during Lent, a lot of people give up chocolate, so people

Celebrate Chocolate When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday; contestants should bring items starting at 8 a.m.

Where: Gym at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 4500 Buena Vista Road Cost: $5; $1 raffle drawing tickets. Proceeds benefit St. John’s Celebration Choir Information: 396-1015

may have been missing it for a while.”

Those folks will be in luck with a baking contest and sweet samples. Schallock said there will be chocolate from Trader Joe’s, cupcakes from Frosting Ink, assorted dark chocolates and a “consumer comparison” of brownie mixes.

Those comparing skills will come in handy during the contest in which judges and the audience will sample dishes in three categories: best chocolate chip cookie, best brownie and “anything that has chocolate in it,” which

Schallock said can be a savory or sweet item.

The audience will pick its favorite and that selection will be counted along with the judges’ votes to name winners. In the event of a tie, both top selections will win. As for prizes, Schallock said Monday that was still being worked out.

“We’re not sure just yet. Saturday is coming; we’ll figure it out by then.”

People may enter the contest through Saturday morning but are asked to bring items in around 8 a.m. to help organizers keep track of entries.

Even if you’re no wiz in the kitchen, you still have a shot at a sweet reward with a selection of opportunity baskets. Tickets are $1 each, going toward the basket of your choosing.

So far, baskets have been donated from Cost Plus World Market, Bobbi’s Hallmark, Williams Sonoma and the choir.

“Choir members have been gathering items for baskets. One

“The choir considers chocolate another food group.”

— Pam Schallock of the St. John Celebration Choir

is port wine, chocolates and nut mixture. Another has a jigsaw puzzle showing different types of chocolate, (plus) chocolate soda and chocolate-covered pretzels.

And one is all honey — ‘sweet in a different way.’”

The drawing for the baskets will take place around 1:30 p.m., but Schallock said you don’t have to be present to win.

Along with the contest and drawing, vendors will be on hand, including Pampered Chef, Scentsy, a books table with sweets and dessert cookbooks and an audio-visual display about chocolate, featuring a “Macarena”-like song — “it gets stuck in your head” — pulled from YouTube.

Schallock said past choir fundraisers have included elec-

tronic waste recycling (“we were just a little bit ahead of the wave there”) and a treasure sale (aka garage sale).

Proceeds will benefit the church and 30-member choir in a number of ways. Along with being choir director, Tepker is the organist for the church’s impressive Bosch pipe organ and a member of the American Guild of Organists, which will hold a regional convention in Bakersfield in late June. Some funds will help cover AGO events being hosted by St. John’s.

Scholarships for a choir retreat will be assisted by the event as will various mission opportunities, including a Lutheran church in Ohlstadt, Germany, and a family headed to Scotland.

Smaller goals are also on the list, Schallock said.

“We may get to the point where we need new choir robes. And we may need to get the Mission a new keyboard. We sing there maybe twice a year. Last time we did it was a little iffy.”

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The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, May 2, 2013

Eye Street

The real Colonel Baker: Writers sift fact from fiction Descendant shares little-known facts

BY CAMILLE GAVIN Contributing writer

“Colonel Baker’s Field: An American Pioneer Story,” a new book on the life of our city’s namesake, is interesting in terms of its content, its structure and its genesis.

Primarily, it’s a biography of Thomas Baker, tracing his life from his birth in Ohio in 1810 to his death in Bakersfield in 1872 — and the man’s Baker achievements as well as the obstacles he faced during the 62 years of his life.

Lead author Judy Salamacha has written the text in a style often referred to as “creative nonfiction” or “interpretative history.” Such a technique helps to make the story more readable than an ordinary textbook and gives life to its principal subjects.

In this case, it also makes it easier to present two stories — one that took place in the 19th century, the other in the 20th century and beyond.

What readers will find is imaginary conversations based on personal diaries, newspapers and other documents as well as family lore and present-day interviews with Baker’s great-greatgrandson, Chris Brewer.

It also corrects errors in previous treatments documenting the elder Baker’s life, Brewer said, like the fact that Baker

‘Colonel Baker’s Field’ $23.95, available locally at Russo’s Books Chris Brewer, a descendant of Bakersfield founder Col. Thomas Baker, will be guest speaker for the CSUB 60 Plus Club at 2 p.m. today in the Icardo Room at Cal State Bakersfield. The meeting is free and open to the public. For information, call 654-3211.

was a true colonel in the Iowa Territorial Militia. Some historians have suggested the title was merely honorary.

“In those days (the 1840s), the United States didn’t have an army,” Brewer said in a recent telephone conversation about the book. “Each state was responsible for protecting its borders with its own army or militia.”

Also, as pointed out in “Colonel Baker’s Field,” before moving westward Bakersfield’s founder served in several elective offices in Iowa, including today’s equivalent of lieutenant governor. In 1841 the self-taught lawyer became the first U.S. district attorney of Polk County in Iowa Territory.

The book’s prologue begins with a rather formal dialogue between Baker at age 18 and his father, Nathan Baker. It takes place in Zanesville, Ohio, in 1828, and emphasizes the young man’s adventurous spirit and his love of books and reading.

In Chapter One, the time frame shifts to 1976 and a conversation between Brewer and Frank Capezio, a friend and fellow musician. It takes place backstage at Caesar’s Palace in

Las Vegas.

During their talk, which is filled with lighthearted humor, Brewer tells Capezio he’s ready to give up his successful career as a trombonist with Paul Anka’s band and become a historian, devoting himself to researching his family’s role in the development of Bakersfield.

It continues with the introduction of Chris’ father, the late Harold Baker Brewer, who thinks that everything about their ancestor is already known and there’s no need to do any further research.

Chris proves him wrong with a document verifying Thomas Baker’s standing in the Iowa armed forces during a border battle between Missouri and Iowa.

The book goes on to recount Baker’s experiences in California and the San Joaquin Valley, including being arrested for treason in Visalia — a charge that turned out to be false — and the fact he had been married three times and had nine children.

It concludes with the Baker family’s move to Kern Island, as our city was then known. It got the name because although most of the area was swampland, fed by the meandering Kern River, the only inhabitable place was a lowlevel knoll in the area of present-day 19th and M streets.

The book is enhanced by colorful artwork done by the author’s daughter, Jody Salamacha-Hollier.

In an explanatory note, the artist said: “I used black and white historical photos as a base image, retouched and added color to the images, and then used Photoshop brushes

to create a painted look.”

It also contains a timeline of the colonel’s life as well as an extensive bibBrewer liography that includes websites as well as written sources.

However, the book has no footnotes or endnotes to acknowledge sources and it lacks an index, which would have been helpful.

Salamacha gives full credit to Sandy Mittlesteadt, president of a company that connects businesses to education, for coming up with the idea for the book and for guidance as it was being written.

The two women first met when they worked together on projects in Bakersfield. At the time, Salamacha held public relations and marketing positions with KGET-TV, Channel 17 and Castle & Cooke. She now lives in Morro Bay and writes a weekly column for the San Luis Obispo Tribune. She also is the director of the Central Coast Writers’ Conference at Cuesta College.

Obviously, much of the information in the book came from interviews with Brewer or from sources he made available to Salamacha and her collaborators.

But according to him, there’s even more digging to do and more stories to tell.

“Although we worked pretty hard on the book, there is a ton of material that hasn't been published,” he said. “The joy of this one is going to be the next book, with all the material in it that I've been gathering for years.”

Barks returns to Bakersfield airwaves THE BAKERSFIELD CALIFORNIAN

After two years of radio silence — at least in Bakersfield — fiery conservative Inga Barks has returned to the local airwaves, on KNZR-AM, 1560.

Neither station management nor Barks returned calls for comment, but a Tuesday posting on KNZR’S Facebook page reads: “We are happy to welcome Inga Barks to the KNZR Family! Inga will take the 3pm to 5pm slot, and we couldn't be more excited! Inga Barks is back in Bakersfield and she's on 1560 AM and 97.7 FM KNZR!” Barks’ last job in Bakersfield radio was at

KERN-AM, 1180, where she worked for 15 years.

She left the airwaves in April 2010, the same year she filed a sexual-harassment lawsuit against the company that owns the station and KERN radio Barks host Scott Cox. A settlement was reached a year ago, and the terms were not disclosed.

Barks replaces radio personality Ralph Bailey, who left KNZR in February for KERN, where he hosts a show from 3 to 6

p.m. weekdays. The two conservatives are now direct competitors for a portion of that time slot.

In addition to her duties at KNZR, Barks writes occasional columns for The Californian and was listed as an on-air personality on the website of KMJ-AM 580 in Fresno, where she has worked for years.

KMJ recently suspended Barks after her February arrest in Bakersfield on suspicion of drunk and disorderly conduct.

Barks was charged with a misdemeanor and is scheduled to be arraigned Friday in Kern County Superior Court.

Fairgrounds’ most exciting two minutes

BY ASHLEY FISCHER Contributing writer

Since not everyone can throw on a frilly hat, grab a mint julep and head on over to Churchill Downs, Kentucky Derby viewing parties are the next-best (and far more affordable) thing.

That’s where satellite wagering comes in: The Sports Pavilion at the Kern County Fairgrounds brings the action, and betting, right here to Bakersfield during the race Saturday.

“This is the 139th year of the Kentucky Derby,” said simulcast facilities supervisor Dian Tootle. “Unfortunately, we don’t have any horses here, but the signal we get is live directly from the track, and you can bet on the horses as if you were there in Kentucky — your money is part of the same pool.”

More than 800 people attended last year’s Derby day, the busiest event of the year for the satellite wagering crew. Tootle orders plenty of roses and other fresh-cut flowers to make sure everything is good and “festive,” but the true eye-catchers are the 60 television screens, all broadcasting the action directly from the derby’s “Old Kentucky Home.”

“Just about anywhere you look, you’re going to see a TV,” said Tootle. “When the main race starts around 2:30 or 3, I turn all the TVs to that race, and once the horses take off from the gates, everyone in here is screaming and cheering, and carrying on.

It’s really exciting.”

The exact time that the main race of the day begins varies (it depends on how long it takes to get everyone mounted up and the horses into their respective gates), so Tootle suggests that guests show up around noon to ensure there is plenty of time to place bets and order food and drinks. Bets start at around $2, and there will be eight tellers taking wagers.

“Everyone’s excited as they stand in line and place their bets — and we have hostesses to help the newcomers,” said Tootle, who noted the event is open to adults 18 and over.

“One time we had someone win $100,000. You really have a chance to win big.”

The Derby is just the first leg of the Triple Crown, which includes the Preakness and Belmont stakes. But Tootle said that even in that company, the derby — “the most exciting two minutes in sports” — is special.

“Even if they know nothing about horse racing, everybody has heard of the Kentucky Derby; it’s iconic. There are so many legends, like Secretariat; it’s a part of our history.”

Kentucky Derby satellite wagering When: Doors open at 9 a.m.; the big race begins around 2:30 or 3 p.m. Saturday Where: Sports Pavilion, Kern County Fairgrounds, 1142 S. P St. Cost: $5 entry fee Information: 833-4929

31

Thursday, May 2, 2013 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street This Week’s Obsessions

No Show Jones showed ’em all I

had quite a few things lined up for the column this week, but their inherent coolness was overwhelmed by the news of the passing of a giant: George Jones. So this week's “Obsessions” is for, and about, one of the greatest singers country music will ever know.

George Jones was one of those rare artists who bridged the worlds of rock and country. Not in musical style, of course; even when he recorded a song with Keith Richards, it was a country song. No, Mr. Jones brought rock ’n’ roll-style debauchery to the world of country music. Country artists to this day can still drink

and drug on par with their rock counterparts; they just lie about it in the press and eventually record gospel albums. But George Jones was the real deal, living life at full speed and in broad daylight. This is a guy who got drunk and crashed a tractor — yes, a tractor — on his own property. Today's fake country pop stars are more likely to take a Xanax and sideswipe the pool guy's pickup in their Bentley.

The way I see it, if you live 80 years and really leave your mark on this world, that's a pretty good deal. And George Jones got 81, which, considering his lifestyle, seems like a lot. And during that lifespan, he was called “the greatest country singer in the world”

by Hank Williams. He was respected by everyone from Johnny Cash to Willie Nelson, to Merle

Scott Cox, who hosts a daily talk show on KERN-AM, 1180, is a regular contributor to the Eye Street section.

and Buck, and to a generation of George Jones wannabes. (By the way, if you're a country singer and you're not a George Jones wannabe, leave the business immediately.)

You needed serious talent back in George Jones’ recording heyday, and he was loaded for bear.

The sad thing is, my parents were big George Jones fans when I was a kid — his records were always around — but I didn't grasp the guy's genius until I was well into adulthood. Simple message there: Your parents really do know best.

The real tragedy of the Possum's passing is that he was one of a handful of artists who still had the recipe for country music.

I have to wonder if Merle called up Willie Nelson this week and told him that they were all that's left: a kind of Pancho and Lefty, if you will. We've let Nashville destroy the legacies of George and Merle and Buck and Johnny.

There are still some holdouts out there, guys like Dwight Yoakam

Will new conductor live here? To be determined

BY SUSAN SCAFFIDI Californian contributor

Judging by the Bakersfield Symphony’s last experience in hiring a conductor, finding John Farrer’s replacement will not be an easy task. According to retired CSUB music professor Jerome Kleinsasser, who has catalogued the history of the orchestra, the Bakersfield Symphony has had four long-term conductors: founding conductor Harold Burt (1932-1942); Edouard Hurlimann (1947-1969); Alberto Bolet (1971-1975) and Farrer.

During the “audition year” of 1970, several guest conductors, including Bolet, composer and arranger Johnny Green, “The Music Man” composer Meredith Wilson and Farrer led the orchestra for single concerts, said Kleinsasser, who had just joined the music faculty at Cal State Bakersfield and was asked to be one of three people to search for Bolet’s replacement.

“It was really a time of transition,” Kleinsasser said. “Because we were going from Alberto Bolet, who had many virtues, but he was living in Long Beach (where he served as conductor of the Long Beach Symphony) and he didn’t really have a feel for the community.”

The field of candidates was exceptionally strong, Kleinsasser said.

“The search committee was really charmed by Carmen Dragon.”

But Dragon, who became conductor of the Pasadena Symphony and was wellknown for his arrangements of “pops”

Coming Sunday Conductor John Farrer looks back at his legacy.

music, turned out not to be a good fit.

“He was going to commute from down south and he indicated that his arrangements would be fair game,” Kleinsasser said.

That meant the orchestra likely would shift away from performing masterworks to becoming a pops orchestra. “Which was not a direction we wanted to go,” Kleinsasser said.

There were many things that “sold” the committee on Farrer — his education and training, his experience to that point, and most of all, some personal characteristics.

“I thought he was a person with potential for growth, and by God, he did grow into this,” Kleinsasser said. “And the guy knows how to read a balance sheet, and that’s not to be taken for granted.”

Kleinsasser also said unlike the previous conductor and some of the candidates, Farrer had no desire to commute. “He worked his way into this community and raised his family here.”

Kleinsasser doesn’t know if living in Bakersfield will be a job requirement, but noted that fundraising and community outreach require a constant presence and local relationships to be successful.

Farrer, who will not be part of the search

and Jamey Johnson, and they're fighting the good fight. But they're losing ground to frauds like Blake Shelton and Gloriana.

Shame on Nashville for killing country music. And shame on country radio for rolling over and letting them do it. But mostly shame on us for not demanding better.

As for me, I’m going over to my parents’ house to steal a few George Jones records on vinyl, “Oceans 11”-style. I have them all on the iPod, but at times like this, those pops and clicks are downright soothing. Rookies looking to explore Jones’ music should consider starting with “The Essential George Jones.” It's got 20 songs, ranging from “I'm Ragged But I'm Right” through “He Stopped Loving Her Today.” I hope you pick up one of his live albums too.

That guy put on a hell of a show, when he showed up. And when Merle or Willie come back to town, I hope that the ovation at the end lasts just a little longer, in

“I thought he was a person with potential for growth, and by God, he did grow into this. And the guy knows how to read a balance sheet, and that’s not to be taken for granted.”

— Jerome Kleinsasser, who participated in the 1970 search that landed John Farrer as BSO conductor

process, had a different thought.

“My feeling is you should get the best person you possibly can,” Farrer said. “And if you can live here, that’s great.”

BSO board president Jim Bell hopes to identify three finalists from an expected deluge of up to 300 applicants. This time, the search committee will consist of 10 people, and they are going to be looking at a number of qualities.

“The musicians on the committee will have had the experience of working with each of the conductors,” Kleinsasser said.

“Their views on this are critical.

“We’re certainly looking for someone with a good blend of orchestral experience.

We also want someone who shows the kind of promise that John showed back then, and being willing to serve as an ambassador to the county and the town.”

Farrer expects his successor will find an orchestra that is ready and able to adapt to new leadership, and hopes the new conductor will not attempt to start from scratch by trying to replace musicians.

“That’s easy,” Farrer said.

“It was a good orchestra then and it was always a good orchestra. But you have to work with an orchestra slowly to develop the habits that lead to good performances.

It did not require replacing players.”

ZUMA PRESS

George Jones performed at the Stagecoach California's Country Music Festival at the Empire Polo Field in 2008.

appreciation not only of their music but of the fact that the world is quickly running out of real country geniuses.

Geniuses like the late George Jones.

FARRER: CONTINUED FROM 22

yet as to what will happen during the rest of that season. Farrer said he will not have a role in the hiring process. What will this mean for the orchestra musicians?

Farrer and Bell both acknowledged that after nearly 40 years, Farrer has left his imprint on the BSO. It is not uncommon for a new conductor to want to clean house and recruit new musicians with whom to build his or her own ensemble.

“One of the major concerns with the current members of the symphony is the propensity of some conductors to go outside the community and bring people in they’ve worked with in the past, to hire people outside the community,” Bell said.

“We really don’t want to go there any more than we have to.”

Operations manager and principal clarinetist Mary Moore, who has been with the symphony more than 50 years, said there are 134 musicians on the roster, though only 75 are active. Of those, 54 live in the Bakersfield area and many of the others who reside elsewhere are former residents.

“John always uses local players first,” Moore said. “And we fill in with out-oftown players for instruments we don’t have or to fill in a section.”

A key requirement of the new conductor, Burrow said, is to generate enthusiasm for orchestral music and the BSO while expanding the orchestra’s audience and reaching out to a younger demographic, including school-aged children.

Could that mean there will be a requirement for the next music director to alter the orchestra’s repertoire to meet those growth goals?

“That’s hard to tell at this point,” Bell said. “My guess is it could, based on that person’s background and the skill sets he or she brings to the table.”

32

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, May 2, 2013

Eye Street Go & Do Today “Winescapes,” auction, wine tasting, gourmet food, 6 p.m., Bakersfield Museum of Art, 1930 R St. $40; $75 per couple, $500 for table of eight. bmoa.org or call 323-7219.

12th annual CAPK Humanitarian Awards Banquet; keynote speaker Brent McClanahan, former Minnesota Viking, 6 to 9 p.m., The Petroleum Club, 5060 California Avenue. $60; $430 table of eight.

Tickets online capkdevelopment.capk.org/banquet or 336-5236, ext. 1160.

62nd annual National Day of Prayer; noon to 12:50 p.m., Liberty Bell, 1415 Truxtun Ave. 8341928.

Our Lady of Perpetual Help annual Spring Barbecue, Harris Ranch New York steak or teriyaki chicken dinner, 5:30 to 8 p.m., Our Lady of Perpetual Help, 124 Columbus St. $25. Take-out available.

323-3108 or 327-7741.

Disaster Training, for seniors and their caregivers, 3 to 4:30 p.m., Independent Living Center, 5251 Office Park Drive, Suite 200.

Free. 325-1063 or 369-8966.

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.

Friday 2013 Stampede Days Rodeo (More on Page 28).

Craft Day at Carriage House Estates, 10 a.m., Carriage House Estates, 8200 Westwold Drive.

Free. 663-8393.

First Friday Downtown, (More on Page 25).

FLICS International Cinema Society, presents “The Skin I Live In,” 7:30 p.m., Bakersfield Fox Theater, 2001 H St. $5. flics.org or call 428-0354.

Guild House First Friday, music

by Ken Fahsbender and Dan Maguire, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Guild House, 1905 18th St. $10, includes light appetizers, dessert, one glass of wine. 325-5478.

History Forum: “Rethinking Traditional Marriage,” professor Patricia Cline Cohen of UC Santa Barbara will discuss 19th century challenges to marriage laws and customs, 3:30 p.m., CSUB, Walter Stiern Library, Dezember Reading Room, 9001 Stockdale Highway.

Free. 654-3079.

Salvation Army ninth annual Tri-Tip Fundraiser, sponsored by Mossman’s Dinner and Catering Company, drive-thru lunch pickup from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., First Presbyterian Church, 1705 17th St. $10.

Saturday “Life on the Edge: California & San Andreas Fault,” with geologist Tim Elam, 3 p.m., Buena Vista Museum of Natural History, 2018 Chester Ave. $7 adults; $5 seniors

and students 18 and older; members free. 324-6350.

2013 Relay for Life, (More on Page 5).

Buena Vista Group, Kern Kaweah Chapter Program, “Pot in the National Forests” with Brian Adams, special agent of the Sequoia National Forest, 8 a.m., Hodel’s, 5917 Knudsen Drive. $12.

Reservations, 589-7796.

Celebrate Chocolate, (More on Page 29).

Cinco de Mayo Bomb, 7:30 p.m., Rabobank Arena, 1001 Truxtun Avenue. $35 to $50. ticketmaster.com or 800-7453000.

Free Comic Book Day, (More on Page 28).

Friends R.E.A.C.T. To Cancer is Helping a Friend, benefit concert for Cassaundra Boston, who has cancer, 7 to 9 p.m., Southside Seventh-day Adventist Church, 1330 Third St. A freewill offering will be taken. To donate, visit gofundme.com/2mh8qc. 3194664.

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.

Jazz Night, 6:30 p.m., Carriage House Estates, 8200 Westwold Drive. Free. 663-8393.

Just for Kids, learn how to draw dinosaurs with dino expert Travis Bibee, 10:30 to noon, Buena Vista Museum of Natural History, 2018 Chester Ave. $7 adults; $5 seniors and students 18 and older. Members are free. 324-6350.

Kentucky Derby, (More on Page 30).

Pet adoptions, cats from The Cat People, 10 a.m. to 3 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.

Second annual Bunco de Mayo, cocktails, taco bar, bunco, drawings, silent auction, prizes, 5 p.m., at private residence. $70. Visit love-water.org or 204-7799.

Second annual Chillin’ Blood Drive, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Outdoor Galore, 6801 White Lane. Free. 831-8662.

Shafter’s Cinco de Mayo Menudo Cook-Off Contest, menudo must be cooked onsite, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., Mannel Park, Shafter. $45. shafter.com; 2920537 or 910-4876.

Sunset Mural Painting, come join in the painting of the “No Bully Zone” mural, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sunset Middle School, 8301 Sunset Boulevard, Weedpatch. Free.

Visit 972-2828.

The Derby Party, music, dinner, dancing, live auction, 2:30 p.m., Gardiner Ranch, 24747 Sullivan Road. $125. Proceeds benefit CASA of Kern. Visit kerncasa.org or 631-

2272.

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 “Side Street Strutters,” 3 p.m., Rabobank Theater, 1001 Truxtun Ave. $80 for nine concerts. bakersfieldcca.org or 205-8522 or 5892478.

Benefit Fundraiser for Mark Yeary, (More on Page 26).

Cinco de Mayo, (More on Page 26).

Third annual Cinco de Mayo Celebration, mariachi, beer tasting, bounce houses, vendors, food, noon to 5 p.m., 5th St. Plaza, Taft.

Free. Visit www.taftchamber.com or 765-2165.

THEATER “Hooray for Hollywood,” 7 p.m.

Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday, Gaslight Melodrama Theatre & Music Hall, 12748 Jomani Drive. $12 to $23. 587-3377.

“Mother Knows Best,” adultthemed comedy show, 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, The Empty Space, 706 Oak St. $5. 327-PLAY. “The Little Mermaid,” 7 p.m.

Friday and Saturday, The Empty Space, 706 Oak St. $10; $5 students/seniors. 327-PLAY. “The Princess and the Pea,” 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m.

Sunday, Beekay Theatre, 110 S. Green St., Tehachapi. $10. Tickets online at tctonstage.com or 8224037.

“The Three Little Pigs,” presented by the Omnipresent Puppet Theater; 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday, Gaslight Melodrama Theatre & Music Hall, 12748 Jomani Drive. $6. 587-3377.

Improv Comedy Show, with Center For Improv Advancement, 8 p.m. Fridays, JC’s Place, 1901 Chester Ave. $5. 322-8209.

Major League Improv, improvisational comedy show, appropriate for families, 6 p.m. Saturdays, The Empty Space, 706 Oak St. $10.

327-PLAY.

ART 2013 Art Student Exhibition, a BC art student exhibition, on display now until May 8, Bakersfield College, Wylie and Louise May Jones Gallery, 1801 Panorama Drive. Gallery hours: 1 to 4 p.m.

Mondays through Thursdays. 3954616.

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

Art Exhibit, by Carol Bradshaw, (More on Page 25).

Art Exhibit “Spring - A Breath of Fresh Air,” by Linda Brown

(More on Page 24).

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

Exhibits on Display, “Architectural Models, Drawings & Images

by Randall Stout,” “Vacancy: Paintings by Matt Condron,” “the Whey (way) n: to center: Drawings by Amie T. Rangel,” and “Harry Wilson: The Museum Set,” now through June 9, Bakersfield Museum of Art, 1930 R St. bmoa.org or 323-7219.

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.

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. 322-0544 or 832-8845.

MUSIC Blues Wine Me Up, 3900 Coffee Road, 588-8556; Stella and the Steel Cats, 6 p.m. Friday.

Celtic Fiddlers Crossing, 206 E. F St., Tehachapi, 823-9994; Brian Finnegan and William Coulter, 7 p.m. Friday. $20.

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

Bellvedere Cocktail Lounge, 3090 Brundage Lane, 325-2139; John Hollins, 9 p.m. Friday to 1 a.m.

Saturday; Diver Down, 9 p.m. Saturday to 1 a.m. Sunday.

Classic soul The Mark Restaurant, 1623 19th St., 322-7655; Mr. Trimble and Unique Soul, 7:30 to 10:30 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 Buck Owens Crystal Palace, 2800 Buck Owens Blvd., 3287560; Buddy Alan Owens and the Buckaroos, 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. $5.

Ethel’s Old Corral Cafe, 4310 Alfred Harrell Highway, 873-7613; Road Dawgs, 7 p.m. Saturday.

Rasmussen Senior Center, 115 E. Roberts Lane, 392-2030; The Pals Band, 10:30 a.m. to noon every Thursday (except the third

Thursday).

Greenacres Community Center, 2014 Calloway Drive, 392-2010; The Pals Band, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. every Wednesday (except the third Wednesday).

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

Wednesdays.

Trout’s & The Blackboard Stages, 805 N. Chester Ave., 399-6700; Red Simpson, 7 p.m.

Monday; Steve Woods, 7 to 10 p.m. Tuesdays. Free.

Dancing African Heritage Dance, celebrating African History month by experiencing African songs, dances and drums with Ayo, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Studio 9, 4000 Easton Drive., Suite 9. $5.

Email sharpemouzon@yahoo.com or 760-917-3685.

DoubleTree Hotel, Club Odyssey, 3100 Camino Del Rio Court, 323-7111; learn Salsa, Cumbia or West Coast Swing, 4 to 7 p.m. every Sunday. $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 advanced dancers. 833-8790.

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.

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.

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

Studio 9 Dance, 4000 Easton Drive, Suite 9, 333-3178; basic West Coast swing, 7 p.m. Wednesday.

Trouts & The Blackboard Stages, 805 N. Chester Ave., 3996700; two-step, west coast swing, line dance lessons, 7 to 9 p.m.

Tuesdays; west coast swing, 6 p.m. Fridays. $5.

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.

Pairs and Spares Dance, with Jerry Arnold, 7 p.m. Friday, Rasmussen Senior Center, 115 E. Roberts Lane. $7; $9 nonmembers. 399-3575.

33

Thursday, May 2, 2013 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street DJ DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, 3100 Camino Del Rio Court. 3237111; live in the mix: old school, ’80s, & ‘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.

On the Rocks, 1517 18th St., 3277625; DJ Chuck One, 9 p.m. Friday to 1 a.m. Saturday. Free.

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.

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

Jam Trouts & The Blackboard Stages, 805 N. Chester Ave., 399-6700; open jam session, 4 p.m. Sundays.

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

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

Imbibe Wine & Spirits Merchant, 4140 Truxtun Ave., 633WINE; featuring Chuck Degan, 6 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday; David and Olivia, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Friday; Mike Fleming, Ray Sadolsky, Tracy Peoples, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday; Mauro Vizcarra, 6 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday; Becky Aguilar, 6 to 8:30 p.m. 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.

Wine Me Up, 3900 Coffee Road, 588-8556; Candace Freeman, 6 p.m. Wednesday.

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

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.

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

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

Don Perico Restaurant, 2660 Oswell St., Suite 133, 871-2001; 7 to 11 p.m. Thursdays.

El Torito Restaurant, 4646 California Ave., 395-3035, Karaoke

with Irish Monkey Entertainment, 8 p.m. Saturdays.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Playhouse Lounge, 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. every Thursday.

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

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. every Tuesday; 8 to 11 p.m. every Friday.

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

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

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, 3100 Camino Del Rio Court; 3237111, 8 p.m. to midnight Tuesdays.

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

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

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

Wednesdays and Thursdays.

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

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.

McMurphy’s Irish Pub & Sports Bar, 14 Monterey St., 869-1451; 7

p.m. to 1 a.m. Tuesdays.

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

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, 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.

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

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.

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.

Rock

Mariachi

Variety

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

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

Trouts & The Blackboard Stages, 805 N. Chester Ave., 399-6700; The Blackboard Playboys, 8:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. $5 after 8 p.m.

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

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 E. F St., Tehachapi, 823-9994; 7 p.m.

Wednesdays. $5.

On the Rocks, 1517 18th St., 3277625; musicians, spoken word, poets, comedians, 8 p.m. every Wednesday. Free.

Reggae Sandrini’s, 1918 Eye St., 3228900; Mento Buru, Amity Flow, DJ Mikey, 9 p.m. Friday. $5.

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

Thursday.

The Prime Cut, 9500 Brimhall Road, 831-1413; Rebecca Aguilar, Lost Vinyl, 5 to 9 p.m. Sunday.

Lone Oak Lounge, 10612 Rosedale Highway, 589-0412; Mystic Red, 9 p.m. Friday to 1 a.m.

Saturday.

B. Ryder’s Sports Bar & Grill, 7401 White Lane, 397-7304; Thicker than Thieves, Amity Flow, 9 p.m.

Saturday to 1 a.m. Sunday. $5. 21 & over only.

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

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.

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. 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.

UPCOMING EVENTS Monday 5/6 Children’s Art Class: Birds, with artist Charlotte White, for ages 4 to 5, includes drawing, sculpture, collage, crafts, color theory, blending, value scale, perspective, printing and painting with acrylics, 2:30 to 3:30 p.m., Bakersfield Art Association Art Center, 1817 Eye St. $10 per class, includes snack and art supplies.

869-2320 or 330-2676.

Tuesday 5/7 An Evening with Stephen Neal, 5:30 p.m., Stockdale Country Club, 7001 Stockdale Highway. $75, benefiting CSUB Wrestling.

587-8157 or 654-2343.

Bakersfield Blaze vs. San Jose Giants, 7:30 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, Sam Lynn Ballpark, 4009 Chester Ave. $7-$12. bakersfieldblaze.com or 716HITS. Bakersfield City Council Ward One Candidate Forum, hosted

by League of Women Voters of Kern County; 7 p.m., Kern County Superintendent of Schools, Room B-1, 1300 17th St. Free. Visit bak-

ersfield.ca.lwvnet.org.

Children’s Art Class: Birds, with artist Charlotte White, seventh through ninth grades, includes drawing, sculpture, collage, crafts, color theory, blending, value scale, perspective, printing and painting with acrylics, 4 to 6 p.m., Bakersfield Art Association Art Center, 1817 Eye St. $20 per class, includes snack and art supplies. 869-2320 or 330-2676.

Kern Audubon Society, “National Monuments: The Antiquities Act and the Preservation of America’s Heritage,” speaker Dr. Doug Dodd, 7 p.m., Kern County Superintendent of Schools, 1300 17th St. Visit kernaudubonsociety.org or 3227470.

Project Linus Community Blanket Day, we provide blankets for local children who are ill or traumatized, 9 a.m. to noon, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 316 A St. Visit projectlinusbakersfield.com or 589-1854.

Veteran Memoir Writing Workshop, designed to help military veterans tell their stories through written and oral history, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Beale Memorial Library, 701 Truxtun Ave. Free.

Email maria.rutledge@kerncountylibrary.org or 868-0770.

Wednesday 5/8 7th annual Ethics Awards, for Marketplace Excellence with keynote speakers Dr. Chuck Wall and Jeff Lemucchi, noon to 1:30 p.m., The Petroleum Club, 5060 California Ave. $55. cencal.bbb.org/awardguidelines.

Face to Face, Teenage Bottle Rocket, Blacklist Royal, 6 p.m., Narducci’s Cafe, 622 E. 21st St. $20 advance; $21 day of event.

All ages. Tickets available at World Records, Wavelengths SBI, Hoggz, Impact Streetwear and Rockabilly Swag. Visit tgptix.com.

Junior Brown, 7 p.m., Buck Owens Crystal Palace, 2800 Buck Owens Blvd. $14.50-$20.50. vallitix.com or 322-5200.

Thursday 5/9 CSUB Athletics Spring BBQ, 5:30 to 10 p.m., CSUB, Icardo Center, 9001 Stockdale Highway. $30 presale; $35 at the door. gorunners.com or 654-3473.

Miranda Lambert: Locked & ReLoaded Tour, featuring Dierks Bentlely, Randy Houser, Joanna Smith, 8 p.m., Rabobank Arena, 1001 Truxtun Ave. $27 to $51. ticketmaster.com or 800-7453000.

Stuff the Tent Cash for Camp, fundraiser for disabled children to attend Camp Blue Jay program, drive in to stuff the tent with monetary donations, 7 a.m. to noon, Keller Williams Realty, 5351 Olive Drive or 1100 Tehachapi Blvd., Tehachapi; 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Society for Disabled Children, 1819 Brundage Lane. 322-5595.