Eye Street Entertainment / 5 - 16 - 13 by Matt Munoz

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, May 16, 2013

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

Index Cheech & Chong ...................................... 24 Biggest Baddest BBQ .............................. 25 Early Haggard footage found .................. 26 Up-and-comer coming your way ............ 27 Arts Alive .................................................. 28 The Lowdown with Matt Munoz ............ 30 Yellow Brick Road art exhibit.................. 31 Calendar .............................................. 32-35

CHAPTER FOUR: Sound waves I want to follow him but I’m afraid if I move the music will stop. It’s nagging me; I can’t quite place the melody and yet it is so familiar. I allow myself to drift off and the music envelopes

me … sounding more and more familiar. Soon it is crashing over me like an ocean wave, building to a crescendo before drifting away. I’m not even sure if I’m awake or not and I can still sense the figure’s presence.

Thursday, May 16, 2013 The Bakersfield Californian

“I was hoping to convey that the power of music can physically manifest with memories, literally like a wave.” — Al Mendez

New way of telling a story Artist not accustomed to using words for message BY STEFANI DIAS Californian assistant lifestyles editor sdias@bakersfield.com

hen invited to contribute as both a storyteller and artist to Eye Gallery 2013, Al Mendez immediately knew what he would find most challenging. “The hardest thing I had to do with this piece was the writing itself. ... I’m a voracious reader, but I’m not a writer. I tell my stories differently.” And he was no help when discussing the story with Sebastian Muralles, his friend and the last artist in the series. “Sebastian, he called me and said, ‘Hey, what’s the story?’ and I said, ‘By the time it gets to you it could be about catching dogs.’” Mendez and Muralles have a close artistic relationship, having collaborated on a guitar mural at Front Porch Music, which Mendez, 54, considers his best work. “I’m proudest of the Front Porch Music (mural) project because of the positive impact it’s had on the community. “We did really good detail on the guitars because we knew there would be some guitar aficionados looking at it. I said we can get abstract with the background but with the guitars ‘do it right.’ I’ve been contacted by a few of them, saying, ‘You captured that really well.’” Mendez works close to his most recent mural as the manager of Icehouse Framing & Gallery, which recently relocated from Chester Avenue to 19th Street. Of course, Mendez isn’t far from his art anywhere in town, having work up at Harris Elementary, Bessie Owens Primary, Jefferson Middle School, the electrical boxes along 21st Street as well as Carnitas Uruapan in Lamont. Seasonally, the artist, who works primarily with airbrushes, displays his work at BARC’s Magic Forest and The Chamber Haunted Attraction, which is set to return to town this fall. Mendez brought his colorful style to his Eye Gallery contribution: a bold ocean wave. “I was hoping to convey that the power of music can physically manifest with memories, literally like a wave.” His departure from the more abstract look of the first three works was intentional. “My work is generally pretty literal because that is my background in art, product illustration. Ninety-nine-pointnine percent of my art is that literal. That’s what I do. I’m not comfortable in abstract.” Mendez had a strong vision but still revised his work during the 96 hours allot-

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.

ted to him. “In my original concept, I was going to form musical notes in the wave. I sketched it out and it looked kind of hokey. Too forced. In the previous piece (a photo by Kristopher Stallworth), nothing was forced on you. The musical notes in the wave would have done that, and I didn’t want to do that. I painted the wave and left it.” How long have you been an artist: I’ve been drawing since I was a kid. I was a professional illustrator right out of school. I worked in the advertising department at Brocks Department Store. I didn’t know I wanted to pursue art as a career until I got up to BC when I started taking classes that were geared more toward careers in art. Technical drawing illustration, that’s the direction I want to go. Opposed to high school when you take art just to take art. I actually got an F in high school. I said, ‘This is stupid,’ (but) it was me being stupid looking back. Memory of the first time you sold a piece of work: My earliest memory of getting paid for my art was junior high and a local merchant paid me to design his restaurant menu. It (the restaurant) no longer exists. It was on Brundage and Union, El Papa Gallo. Fighting roosters at the top, their tails came down and intertwined around the menu. He paid me $25 and I was in heaven. Favorite artist: Norman Rockwell and N.C. Wyeth. Explain your process: I usually start with a sketch then using some photo references, I start building up layer by layer, then I’ll start detailing and fine-tuning ’til I’m happy with it. There was some airbrushing in the shadows (on the Eye Gallery piece). Were you worried that artists after you might have a difficult time picking up the narrative? I never really thought they would. It was pretty obvious in the first few pieces that everyone was doing their thing. Since you often work on large-scale projects, is it tougher to create smaller

HENRY A. BARRIOS / THE CALIFORNIAN

Art Mendez is the manager of Icehouse Framing & Gallery, which recently relocated from Chester Avenue to 19th Street.

Next week Painter Christina Sweet ponders the recurring puzzle in Chapter Five of our story. works like this one? It is for me because with the smaller pieces I feel like I have to do more detail — I will really try to go out of my way to add detail. A person is really going to come up and look at it. Whereas with the larger pieces, they’ll glance at a distance. Do you get many commissions? I get a lot of commissions all year long. ... It’s actually 50-50 (from businesses and individuals). I’m working with the Bakersfield City School District. I just got contact-

ed by a church. And an individual wants me to paint a table for him. Skateboard graphic on the top of it, flames and skulls on the bottom of it. Then I might be painting some skateboards for him. It goes back to the airbrushing, which is my strong suit. What are some other non-art passions? Reading history, movies and the Dallas Cowboys. I love reading U.S. history. It goes back to high school. I had this teacher; he had this way of making history come alive that I appreciate. Even now I have a library that would be comparable (to any history buff). My favorite author is Stephen Ambrose. How to learn more about my work: I always post my latest work on Facebook (facebook.com/airbrushnaj).

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, May 16, 2013

Eye Street

Pot shots at Taft? Not from Chong Time in W. Kern custody rejuvenated comedian

Up in Smoke Tour When: 8 p.m. Friday & Saturday. Sold out. Where: Eagle Mountain Casino, 681 S. Tule Road in Porterville Information: 559-788-6220 or eaglemtncasino.com

BY MATT MUNOZ Californian staff writer mmunoz@bakersfield.com

ou don’t often think of the Taft desert as a prime destination for spiritual rebirth. But for Tommy Chong, one half of the legendary comedy duo Cheech & Chong, the solitude of west Kern’s sprawling desert offered a chance to “blaze” a new path in life. Chong served a nine-month prison stint in 2003 at the Taft Correctional Institution for the manufacture and sale of his Chong’s Bongs and other smoking paraphernalia. “It was probably the most memorable nine months I’ve ever spent of my life,” said Chong, 74, during a phone interview. “It actually turned out to be a religious retreat for me because I wasn’t able to practice doing what I was doing on the outside.” Chong reteams with his longtime partner Richard “Cheech”

Marin, 66, for a pair of shows at Eagle Mountain Casino this weekend to kick-off the duo’s “Up in Smoke” tour. (Buzz kill: If, in Cheech & Chong style, you procrastinated buying tickets, both shows are sold out.) “And you know that desert area is so special,” he recalled. “I used to walk around in the yard and I couldn’t keep myself off the ground because there were so many treasures from the desert, all the different rocks and stuff. Where we were located was where the tarantulas migrated. And we had rabbits that would come to the yard. There were hundreds of them that would come in the evening. They were

like wild dogs that had been abandoned.” Following his release, Chong became an even more vocal advocate in the pro-pot movement, releasing a documentary, “a/k/a Tommy Chong,” that chronicled his arrest. “Everyone is embarrassed. Law enforcement are kind of disowning the whole thing. They’re all blaming George Bush.” But nowadays Chong is focusing on his comedy and the partner he met one fateful night in 1971 in Vancouver, British Columbia. The counterculture duo gained mainstream popularity in the States after releasing a series of best-selling albums and films, all featuring offbeat marijuana-laced themes and characters. The two abruptly parted ways in 1985 for solo careers, but their popularity as one of comedy’s most revered partnerships never faded. “Before we got together, we weren’t actors. I was a musician on the road with some band and Cheech was a singer in a band.

MATT SAYLES / AP

Comedians Tommy Chong, left, and Cheech Marin, bring their “Up in Smoke Tour” show to Eagle Mountain Casino this weekend.

Not a very good one, but our inabilities brought us together to make history.” Chong and Marin reunited four years ago, embarking on a successful tour that, according to Chong, should continue to their final puff. “I never really got over the breakup and I don’t think Cheech, he ever really got over it either. We’re deeper than brothers. So when we got back together again, neither one of our egos wanted it, but inside it was about time. We’d been apart long enough. “The great thing about our breakup was that we did it in such a way that we could get back together. “Too many groups break up and then it’s over, like the Beatles.

But Cheech & Chong, we quit early enough so that people never saw the end of the road. That’s why we’re back together, to fulfill our destiny.” Fans lucky enough to have snapped up tickets already will have the distinction of being something of a test audience for the tour, which features the bands Tower of Power and War. “We’re actually creating the new show in Porterville this weekend. This will be the first time we’re working with bands. It’s going to be more like a play than an act. There’s going to be a story, but I can’t say anything about it. I don’t want you to know before Cheech, because I can just see Cheech reading this and saying, ‘Hey, I didn’t even know that we were doing that.’”

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Thursday, May 16, 2013 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street

The best Q you can chew all year long this weekend Barbecue competition getting bigger and juicier every year BY STEFANI DIAS Californian assistant lifestyles editor sdias@bakersfield.com

f you’re ready for ribs and all the Q sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbecue Society, then head on out to the Kern County Fairgrounds for Bakersfield’s Biggest Baddest BBQ. This year you’ll certainly have a lot of savory meat to choose from with more than 60 teams contending for the grand champion title in a record turnout of competitors for the fifth annual event. “This by far will be the biggest draw and the biggest team count ever. It’s in groups of six (based on judging). We’ll stop at 66 teams,” said event organizer Mike George, who has registered teams from Arizona, Nevada, Utah, Oregon and Oklahoma. The field includes some KCBS 2012 event title holders such as Big Poppa Smokers (Kansas City Royal), Left Coast Q (California champion), Ridge Route Boys BBQ (Smokin’ in Mesquite) and Burnin’ and Lootin’ BBQ (California rookie of the year).

Fifth annual Bakersfield’s Biggest Baddest BBQ When: 5 to 9 p.m. Friday; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday Where: Kern County Fairgrounds, 1142 S. P St. Cost: Free admission on Friday; $10, free for children 12 and under on Saturday, which includes barbecue tasting ticket (additional tasting tickets $2). Information: bakobbq.com or 3313900

So what accounts for the influx of new and returning teams? “Everybody likes to come to Bakersfield. They tell me it’s the people and the location. We put them on grass. A lot of the events are held on asphalt and dirt parking lots. We put them on grass; it’s so much cooler. They love the Kern County Fairgrounds.” Along with returning teams, George lauded the cadre of KCBS-certified judges who are the foundation of the event. “Without the judges, we wouldn’t be Please see BBQ / 29

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The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, May 16, 2013

Eye Street

The holy grail of Haggard lore? What appears to be icon’s first TV appearance found BY JENNIFER SELF Californian lifestyles editor jself@bakersfield.com

oe Saunders thought he was through with production on his ambitious, years-in-themaking Bakersfield Sound documentary. But the documentary, it appears, was not through with him. For tucked away and long forgotten under a pile of memorabilia in the crowded garage of his pack-rat grandfather — seminal Bakersfield Sound performer Billy Mize — was an artifact of tremendous significance, not only to the music subgenre spawned in local barrooms decades ago but to the history of country music itself: A rusted can containing a 16millimeter film of what is believed to be the first television appearance by Merle Haggard. “The can was rusted shut,” said Saunders, 34, of Los Angeles. “I had to get a screwdriver to get it open. It was very exciting to find, but I had to step back into production. Very unexpected.” The black-and-white footage, from an early 1960s episode of a music show hosted by Mize, features a “young, nervous” Haggard

How to contribute Joe Saunders’ documentary on the Bakersfield Sound is being financed in a variety of ways, including: a Kickstarter campaign that raised $17,000, a grant of $500 from the Arts Council of Kern and his own money. The Kern County Sheriff’s Mounted Posse is hosting a poker tournament June 15 at the Aviator Casino in Delano to raise money toward completion of the film. For more on the film, or to make a direct donation, visit billymizemovie.com.

and established country stars Joe and Rose Lee Maphis, as well as Al Brumley. Saunders believes the appearance was Haggard’s first on television because of a reference Mize makes to that effect on the show. “(Merle) looks like a hunk,” Saunders said. “He looks great and sounds great. The beginning and end of it are a little weathered. It was not the best-kept film.” The documentary — which features interviews with Haggard, Willie Nelson, Red Simpson and writer Gerald Haslam, among

Red, white and yahoo! Fireworks return to BC Festival, entertainment add to patriotic event THE BAKERSFIELD CALIFORNIAN

or the last three summers, the sound and fury of the annual Memorial Stadium fireworks show — a tradition for thousands of Kern County families — was replaced by the sound of ... crickets. But it’s time to light up the sky once again, thanks to Canyon Hills Assembly of God Church and a nonprofit whose mission is to promote patriotism. And the fireworks display, though the main draw, is just one component amid a day of music, dramatic readings, military honors, friendly competitions — even skydivers. Oh, and 150 choir members from local churches will form to create a singing flag. “It’s a big, powerful display of patriotic music,” said Rick Moore, a former member of Canyon Hills who now is based in Tennessee

and runs the nonprofit organizing the event. “It’s going to tug on your patriotic strings for sure.” The big news, of course, is the return of the fireworks show. The Bakersfield Firefighter’s Relief Association put on a similar display for more than 50 years but discontinued the tradition in 2010, citing dwindling ticket sales. “I can tell you this,” Moore said. “We have a range; the bottom of our range is equal to what the firemen did, so it will be at least that, if not more.” The evening entertainment, starting at 7:30 p.m., requires a ticket, which range from $12 to $15 for adults and $5 to $7 for children. However, there are steep discounts for early purchases, Moore said. Users who “like” the event on its Facebook page — I Love America Bakersfield — will receive discounts as well. Preceding the show is a Liberty Festival from 2 to 7 p.m. at Bakersfield College, north of the stadium.

others — is being edited now, and the filmmaker hopes it will be completed by the end of June. The working title of the film is “Billy Mize and the Bakersfield Sound,” and footage like the early Haggard performance should assure a broad audience among music lovers. But it is the Billy Mize part of the title that accounts for Saunders’ commitment to the film, largely selffinanced and made between his producing/directing jobs on feature films and commercials. Though Saunders grew up knowing his grandfather sang and played guitar, he had no idea how influential and successful Mize was. “It seems so strange not having known that now. I kind of blame my mother,” he joked. But beyond its capacity for acquainting the filmmaker with his grandfather’s legacy, the project has given a purpose and spark to Mize, who suffered a stroke years ago and has struggled to communicate since. In fact, Mize’s quest to learn to sing again is chronicled in the film. “I show him every cut,” Saunders said. “He may be sick of watching it. I didn’t anticipate what it would be like to watch it with him the first time. It wasn’t all roses for him in his life.

PHOTO COURTESY OF JOE SAUNDERS

A screen shot of what is believed to be the first television appearance by Merle Haggard, center. Performer/host Billy Mize is at left.

“It was very emotional watching it with him. He said, ‘It’s good. It’s sad but it’s good.’” As for when Bakersfield audiences can expect to see the film, Saunders said it’s tough to pin down a timeline for small, independent films like his. He intends to submit it to festivals and is hoping a distributor takes an interest. It is his wish that the film will have its premiere in Bakersfield, ideally at the Fox Theater, so that the surviving architects of the

I Love America Liberty Festival & Freedom Celebration When: July 4; daytime celebration from 2 to 7 p.m.; fireworks and other entertainment at 7:30 p.m. Where: Memorial Stadium at Bakersfield College, Mount Vernon and University Admission: Daytime festival is free. Fireworks tickets are $12 to $15 for adults; $5 to $7 for children. Discounts for early ticket purchases. Available at Canyon Hills Assembly of God Church, Emporium Western Store, Henley’s Photo and the event’s Facebook page, I Love America Bakersfield. Sponsorships: Contact Rick Moore at rickamoore1@yahoo.com.

Admission is free. Moore noted that since the event is being co-sponsored by a number of churches, there will be some religious references throughout the day. “It’s not completely secular. It’s not completely sacred. It’s completely patriotic.”

Bakersfield Sound can be celebrated, red-carpet style, as the VIPs they still are. “One of the reasons I convinced myself I could do this is because I didn’t grow up listening to country music or knowing this information about my grandfather,” Saunders said. “But it allows me to come to this music with an outsider’s perspective. I hope that perspective allows people from outside of country music to enjoy this documentary.”

Party at Bakersfield’s own animal house BY CAMILLE GAVIN Contributing writer gavinarts@aol.com

baby lamb, the newest addition to CALM’s collection of California wildlife, will make her debut Saturday at the zoo’s 30th birthday party. But don’t expect to see a cuddly white animal like the ones in a children’s picture book. This particular lamb is a female desert bighorn that entered the world on April 22 and weighed 12 pounds at birth. The yet-tobe-named lamb is gray in color, has a white rump and long slender legs. Soon she’ll grow a pair of thick curved horns that give these particular animals their name. Zoo manager Lana Fain said that for the present, visitors can see the baby lamb only one hour a day, from 10 to 11 a.m., due to her young age.

PHOTO COURTESY OF CALM

CALM’s first desert bighorn lamb was born April 22 — Earth Day. The female weighed 12 pounds at birth Please see CALM / 29 and is healthy and beautiful.

Thursday, May 16, 2013 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street

Do we have the next Nashville ‘it’ girl? BY MATT MUNOZ Californian staff writer mmunoz@bakersfield.com

he road to Nashville is paved with the dreams of countless starry-eyed artists, many of whom work years to find fame with little to no success. Bakersfield country singer Whitney Wattenbarger knows it will be a bumpy ride, but with the backing of a local talent consultant with industry connections and new CD, she’s all in. “I listen to all genres of music but love country the most,” said the Centennial High grad, 20, who will perform Saturday night at the Spotlight Theatre to promote her debut CD, the aptly titled, “Just Getting Started.” “I know where I want to go. I just didn’t know the steps on how to get there.” Enter Bob Bender, who produced Wattenbarger’s album and, as an industry veteran of 30 years, is helping her plot her next move. Bender returned to Bakersfield in 2010 after working in artist development at Curb Records in Nashville for years. “As a performer, Whitney has that switch that lights up when she walks on stage and starts singing,” said Bender, 56, at his downtown Bakersfield office, filled with plaques that attest to his past successes working with

“Just Getting Started” CD Release Party When: 7 p.m. Saturday Where: Spotlight Theatre, 1622 19th St. Admission: Free Information: 326-1140

LeAnn Rimes, Ringo Starr and others. “I take on one or two projects a year at the most,” Bender said. “Most come from reference. I don’t necessarily go look for business. In a situation where an artist wants to be developed, such as Whitney or any artist, the timeline varies. On a project of this level and caliber, it takes about a year from inception to completion.” Following Bender’s strategy has already paid off for Wattenbarger if the list of high-profile appearances she’s had in the past year is any indication: She performed alongside country veterans Bryan White, Mark Wills and Pam Tillis, landed a guest spot at the upcoming CMA Music Festival and — in perhaps her biggest score yet — the singer recently opened for Darius Rucker before a sold-out crowd at the Fox. “It’s been amazing,” she said. “The experience has really helped me find myself. Everyone says

I’ve changed from the shy person I was in high school.” Ever-present by her daughter’s side is Jayme Wattenbarger. Asked during the interview to give her thoughts on the experience so far, she smiles. “It’s what she wanted to do and we want to support her.” Before her recent career surge, Wattenbarger’s public performances were limited to singing the national anthem at high school sporting events or taking up the mic for karaoke. But Bender said certain factors make up for her short resume. “They have to have that ‘it’ factor,” he said. “There are a lot of people that can get onstage and perform, but not a lot of people who can also entertain. Are they doing it by rote or are they expressing themselves and showing some passion when they perform? “In Whitney’s case, when I heard her sing, the very first thing I asked her was, ‘Who are your inspirations’ and ‘Who are the people that you listen to and help motivate you to be singer?’” Using Shania Twain and Rimes as inspiration, Bender and Wattenbarger settled on a direction and determined what kind of songs would suit the young performer, who has no original material of her own. “She’s definitely got a very pop,

PHOTO BY C&B PHOTOGRAPHY

Bakersfield country singer Whitney Wattenbarger will celebrate the release of her new CD Saturday at Spotlight Theatre.

young country feel about her, but she’s very traditional in her singing style,” Bender said. “It’s very Appalachian mountain, that type of inflection in her voice.” Wattenbarger’s work on the album in Nashville began last year after a series of creative meetings with Bender, who’d been sent 70 original song submissions to her for recording con-

sideration. After whittling the list to 10, Bender next sent a team of session musicians to record the music before adding Wattenbarger’s vocals to the mix in Nashville. “We sat down and picked the songs that would suit a 19- to 20year-old,” said Bender. The album was recorded over two three-day sessions in Please see WHITNEY / 31

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uirky characters are a key element in a successful comedy and that seems to be central to Kevin Ganger’s motivation for directing “The Nerd.” Ganger describes the play that opens Friday at The Empty Space as “a straight-up laugh-out-loud comedy.” “I love an interesting character, and ‘The Nerd’ is chock full of extreme characters with unusual personalities and habits,” he said. “Even just reading the script makes you laugh, so it’s been fun and hilarious translating that to the stage.” This is the first time Ganger has directed a full-length play, although he assisted with The Empty Space’s production of “Faust” in 2011. He also has directed several one-act festivals, including the Third-Eye at UC Davis. Set in 1979, “The Nerd” concerns an easygoing young architect named Willum (Josh Evans) who has always idolized a man named Rick (Chris Burzlaff), the man who saved his life in Vietnam. Written by Larry Shue, the plot revolves around what happens when the two men meet for the first time. Apparently, Willum was unconscious when Rick dragged him to safety during combat. When Rick turns up unexpectedly it isn’t long before Willum realizes his so-called hero is actually a rude, insensitive nerd. Unfortunately, Willum has already invited him to be his houseguest and is trying to figure out how to get rid of him. Others in the cast are Cody Ganger as Tansy, who is leaving to take a job as a meteorologist with a Washington, D.C., television station; Jessica Burzlaff as her friend; and Tim Fromm, portraying a wealthy businessman whom Willum is trying to snag as a client. Performances continue weekends through June 1.

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Annette Mercado General Contractor, C.K.D. License # 865925

PHOTO COURTESY OF KEVIN GANGER

From left: Chris Burzlaff, Josh Evans, Tim Fromm, Tim Anthony, Cody Ganger and Jessica Burzlaff appear in The Empty Space production of “The Nerd.”

Beale Memorial Library. Maria Rutledge, supervising librarian, said the exhibit is being presented by the Arts Council of Kern and is displayed in the lobby area near the entrance to the Beale auditorium. All of the artwork has a texture or form that invites touching. The exhibit, which was first shown last October at the Younger Gallery, was developed as a means of giving people who are blind or visually impaired an opportunity to enjoy art by touching it with the palms of their hands or their fingers. It also can be appreciated by individuals who do have sight. “For the complete ‘touch without seeing’ experience, eye masks can be borrowed from the library’s Information Desk,” Rutledge said in an email. “To obtain a mask, patrons must leave a photo ID which will be returned when they are through looking at the exhibit.” Artists whose work is being shown include Eileen Ettinger, Iva Fendrick, Enemerio Galvan, Justin Jennings, David Leitch, Marcy Holbrook, Bill Malis, Brian Stanton, Dan Slayton, Marlene Tatsuno and Hank Washington. Anyone interested in purchasing one or more pieces may contact the Arts Council at 324-9000.

BCT awards ceremony If enthusiasm and a positive attitude can ignite interest in the Bakers-

Michele Waugh

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

field Community Theatre, then artistic director Kenneth Whitchard should have it made. “I want everyone to know that rumors of BCT closing down are not true; we’re here and we’re not moving anywhere,” said Whitchard. “We’re stepping up the game and I want the community to come back and be involved in our 86th season.” For starters, he’d like to see a good turnout at BCT’s 2012-13 awards ceremony on Saturday evening. For the first 30 minutes, finger foods and beverages will be served in the patio that fronts the theater. The party will then move inside for the awards presentation and light entertainment. In a recent phone conversation, he also mentioned some of the improvements that are being made to the South Chester Avenue facility, particularly the separate structure that serves as a lobby for the playhouse. “We’re redoing the box office lounge and updating the restrooms,” he said. “And we’re going to have a plaque engraved with the names of all our donors — we need to do it in a big way.” In past years, BCT has ended its season in early June with the Festival of One Acts. Whitchard has shifted the festival to August, however, and it will open the 2013-14 season. Pat Kerley is directing “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” a youth theater production that opens June 7. Whitchard, who teaches vocal music at McKinley Elementary School, will play the part of Willy Wonka. Please see ARTS / 29

Thursday, May 16, 2013 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street CALM: CONTINUED FROM 24

“This is CALM’s first lamb born in the Bighorn Sheep Breeding Program,” she said. “It was her mother’s (Esther) seventh.” CALM received the small herd — two ewes and one ram — in October as part of a first-of-its-kind collaboration for the local zoo, which is partnering with counterparts in Los Angeles and San Diego for the program. The adult bighorns are three of only 47 such sheep on display throughout the country. In the wild, their numbers are even fewer; in the past century, of 80 herds in the California wilds, 30 have become extinct. Although close contact with the newborn is off limits right now, visitors are allowed to feed the two older females. “You can touch the ewes because they were raised around (humans) and have never lived in the wild,” Fain said. “They are very tame — they lay right up against the fence.” Not so with the one ram on the premises. “You can only see the male through viewing windows,” she said. “He is very big and powerful — his horns are enormous and his head is massive.” Meanwhile, there will be plenty of

CALM’s 30th Birthday Bash When: 9 a.m to 4 p.m. Saturday Where: CALM, 10500 Alfred Harrell Highway Admission: $9; $7 seniors; free for children up to age 12 Information: 872-2256

other activities for families to enjoy at the celebration, according to Fain. Among them are demonstrations by the Bakersfield Police Department’s K-9 Corps; Mineral Mites, whose members polish stones; and a video presented by the Friends of the California Condors. Another plus: Children up to age 12 get in free when accompanied by a paying adult. Tickets for the bounce house or a train ride are $1. Throughout the day, CALM’s animal keepers will provide wildlife presentations, docents will stroll the grounds with “ambassador animals” and Smokey Bear will pay a visit. A variety of nature-related and civic organizations will be on hand to give out information; food and beverages will be available for purchase.

CALM BY THE NUMBERS CALM (California Living Museum) has grown considerably in the 30 years since schoolteacher Michael Hopkins started it with significant help from veterinarian Tom Banks,architect Frank Ghezzi and many members of the community. It now is administered as a department of the Kern County Superintendent of Schools. We asked Lana Fain, zoo manager, to look back — and ahead. How many animals does CALM have now compared to the beginning? In 1983 — 100 animals; 2013 — 280. Both of these figures include animals on and off exhibit. What is the budget now vs. then? In 1983, it was $60,000 annually. Currently, it is $1 million. Number of employees?

(Originally) they had four paid employees. Currently, we have 22 paid employees, which includes full-time, substitutes and part-time employees. How has your involvement with the care and treatment of wildlife changed? In 1983, we did not have a wildlife rehabilitation center. We are now permitted by the state of California to rehabilitate native wildlife. Last year, we received more than 600 birds, mammals and reptiles that we released, gave to another facility or kept at CALM because they were non-releasable. What additions or improvements to programs and facilities have been made? In 2012 we established CALM’s first cooperative breeding program in partnership with the San Diego and Los Angeles zoos, expanding our significance in the zoo

industry. And we have the new KaBOOM! playground, which was built in a day by the community and a train (Central California Children’s Railroad) that runs on weekends in the spring, summer and during Holiday Lights. Number of visitors? The first year, there were 40,000. Last fiscal year, (JulyJune 2012) we had 125,459 visitors, which includes Holiday Lights guests. How does the future look? Through a grant from The Bakersfield Californian Foundation, interactive signage will soon be in place. We now have our conditional-use permit, which will allow us to expand on an additional 50 acres. We are exploring plans for a challenge course and zip line at CALM. Things like this are very popular in the corporate world right now.

BBQ: CONTINUED FROM 25

GO & DO ‘The Nerd’

BCT’s Night at the Oscars

When: 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday Where: The Empty Space, 706 Oak St. Admission: Suggestion donation $15 Information: 327-PLAY

Art in Touch When: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. today, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday through June 10. Where: Beale Memorial Library, 701 Truxtun Ave. Admission: Free Information: 868-0701 ARTS: CONTINUED FROM 28

Treehugger update Though Bakersfield artist Nicole SaintJohn failed to reach her initial fundraising goal to create a Treehugger installation here, she hasn’t given up on the public art project. “Altogther, we received $1,450 in pledge money,” she said in an email. “The GoFundMe campaign ended on May 8 and even though we did not reach the goal of $6,000 I am encouraged by the community response and we will continue to find funding for this project over the next two years.” Saint-John, who started an arts consulting business called KernCAP in January, said she is exploring other ways to get money for the project, which, if it comes to fruition, will be done by internationally known sculptor Wiktor Szostalo. “I am optimistic that the people who pledged will support this project when we have found the additional funding,” she said. “I am in conversations with a few organ-

When: 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday Where: Bakersfield Community Theatre, 2400 S. Chester Ave. Admission: $10 or $64 for a table of eight Information: 348-3195

Art Sherwyn’s Art Retreat When: 9 a.m. to noon and 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. July 9, 10 and 11 Where: Central coast near Cambria Cost: $195 Information: 203-5001

izations and plan to write a grant for the project.”

Summer art retreat Local artist and veteran teacher Art Sherwyn is accepting deposits now for a threeday retreat on — or near — Moonstone Beach and other picturesque places on the central coast near Cambria. “It truly is a magical place to have a retreat due to the scenic and diverse beauty of the area,” he said. “I started doing retreats in Cambria in the ’90s and have had many since.” It is open to all levels from beginners who have had little experience or instruction to advanced artists. Cost is $195 or $65 per day and participants must arrange for their own lodging. “Even though the subject matter is landscape,” he said, “many of the lessons can be transferred to other genres and mediums as well.” For more information on the retreat and background on the instructor go to www.artsherwyn.com.

able to do the event because we wouldn’t have fair judging. They (teams) know they’ll be judged fairly. ... When the teams exceeded our expectations, we had to escalate that to 15 more judges from (last week’s) Long Beach KCBS championship on the Queen Mary.” The competition starts heating up on Friday when attendees get their first look at these barbecue masters with a free preview. Some teams will compete in the optional tri-tip contest, with meat supplied by Wood-Dale Market, and a $500 prize on the line. As the event continues to grow, George said the public may be able to get in on the action. “We’re thinking about doing a backyard competition next year,” where amateur barbecue cooks can face off against registered teams. “Come in and show us what they’ve got.” Until then, guests can enjoy tri-tip as well as hot dogs, chicken, sandwiches and full dinners at the food court. Vendors will sell shaved ice, kettle corn, doughnuts and coffee. Mento Buru will set the sound for competition on Friday while Foster Campbell and Friends and Mystic Red will perform Saturday. Other entertainment on tap is the bigger-than-ever children’s play area with a rock-climbing wall. “The kids zone has grown every year. It’s a bigger space, more to do. We were going to have a complete carnival, but we had to pare it back a bit. We always do cupcake decorating and face painting. The bounce houses area is off the hook.” The kids can also pick up a spatula and get cooking at the Kids Q, which will accept up to 25 contestants serving up the best burger they can make. But the barbecue big guns are on full display Saturday, with teams putting the

CASEY CHRISTIE / THE CALIFORNIAN

Thom Emery works a barbecue sauce booth at the annual Bakersfield’s Biggest Baddest BBQ in 2012.

finishing touches on pork ribs, chicken, brisket and pork. Meat starts going before the judges at noon and guests can judge for themselves with two 2 oz. samples (covered by $10 admission). Additional samples are $2. After the scores are tallied and the judges are stuffed, awards will be given out at a ceremony at 4 p.m. A total of $10,500 will be awarded to grand and reserve champions and the top 10 contenders in each category (an increase from the top five awarded in the past). Along with providing a good time, the event benefits local charities. Last year’s event raised more than $10,000 for Mendiburu Magic Foundation, Children’s Miracle Network and Bakersfield Ronald McDonald House. This year beneficiaries are Mendiburu Magic and JJ’s Legacy, which supplied members for the event’s governing board, helping it expand with more vendors and sponsors. That commitment to giving back is what keeps George motivated. “We’re doing it for the love of barbecue, but remember that it’s all for local charity. ... One hundred percent of net proceeds stays in Bakersfield.”

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, May 16, 2013

Eye Street The Lowdown with Matt Munoz

Primus coming right at you someone like Slash endorsing us, it’s like a pat on the back. You are doing the right thing.” If the sound of the band’s brilliant full-length debut, “King of Conflict,” is any indication of their live show, you’d be foolish to miss it. “We view a debut as very important. We look at an album like “Appetite for Destruction” by Guns N’ Roses or “Definitely Maybe” by Oasis; both are amazing debuts that pushed those groups. We give it onstage with a lot of passion, energy, and grit.” Friday’s showtime is 6 p.m. Free tickets are given away through KRAB radio. Stramler Park is located at 3805 Chester Ave. Visit krab.com or call 3229929.

Trailblazers add 3D whiz-bangery to show

izarre, amazing, twisted and funky are just a few of the terms fans have used to describe the musical madness of Primus. Known for pushing the basic three-piece rock sound into regions bordering on the wacky, the veteran trio’s technical proficiency and knack for formulating grooves remain a secret all their own. As if being a band of misfits weren’t enough, Primus is ready to attack your senses in a live concert experience, Primus 3D, coming Wednesday to the Fox. “I don’t know if there’s ever been a musical concept to Primus, other than playing music we’d also enjoy listening to ourselves,” said Primus bassist Les Claypool, 49, during a phone interview. “Never a vision as much as there was an antivision.” Claypool humbly dismisses the group’s reputation as highly influential despite evidence to the contrary: guitarist Larry LaLonde’s picking and Zappaesque finesse; Claypool’s tapping, slapping, bass-bending playing; and drummer Jay Lane’s tighterthan-thou backbeat. “Well, I have yet to really see any Claypool clones. I mean there are guys who have had influence on other people, Flea (Red Hot Chili Peppers) being one of those folk. We were kinda the first guys to take the thumpin’ and the pluckin’ into the rock world, whereas my influences were guys like Larry Graham (Sly Stone) and Louis Johnson (Brothers Johnson). In people’s minds, it was as if we had invented it. We really hadn’t. Now that I mention it, I think we’re the only band who played with every incarnation of the Red Hot Chili Peppers.” The group’s latest record, “Green Naugahyde,” is the theme of the 3D multimedia show that is enjoyed by using special glasses presented at the theater. “I had old office space in the old Industrial Light and Magic

Juanes

PHOTO COURTESY OF PRIMUS

Primus appears at the Fox on Wednesday.

KRAB Free 4 All

PHOTO BY TAYLOR FOILES

Ballyhoo will perform Friday at the KRAB Free 4 All at Stramler Park.

building that used to belong to George Lucas, and a buddy working on ‘Transformers’ was also working on this 3D project, developing hardware for televisions. I would go in and see these 3D elements. I was like ... I should use this for one of my shows. So I used it at the San Francisco Opera House for New Year’s Eve, and it was amazing.” Those prone to motion sickness need not be concerned with

the 3D viewing for the concert. Reminders will be posted around the theater, and glasses are optional. “There was talk early into this about handing out vomit bags, but so far we haven’t had to deal with that. If you start getting woozy, take your glasses off.” Wednesday’s showtime is 8 p.m. Tickets are $34.50 to $52.50. The Fox is at 2001 H St. 322-5200 or vallitix.com.

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.

KRAB radio’s annual Free 4 All concert Friday at Stramler Park is feeling the heat of hipsterdom. Headlined by California altrock quintet The Neighbourhood, the lineup features a collection of acts from the station’s current college-rock rotation, including Shiny Toy Guns, Family of the Year, The Virginmarys, and reggae punkers Ballyhoo. “We started doing reggae rock before it was even a term in Baltimore, after I first heard Sublime and Goldfinger back in ’96,” said Ballyhoo vocalist Howi Spangler during a phone interview. “We used to play in cities like St. Louis and they had no idea about the sound. Then about four years ago, we went back and they had a lot of reggae rock bands opening for us. It’s crazy how it’s blown up since then.” On the harder edge of things, British buzz band The Virginmarys have been enjoying widespread praise from critics and musicians such as Guns N’ Roses guitarist Slash, who publicly showered the band with accolades. “It makes us feel that we’re doing something that’s not happening today,” said Ally Dickaty. “We’re making timeless music, and not just some flash in the pan. It’s amazing that when you believe in it so much, and have

The latest major act to use Bakersfield as a place to get warmed up for a big tour is best-selling Latin rock singer Juanes, who arrived in town several days before his show Friday at Rabobank Theater. The singer and Juanes a full band will embark from Bakersfield on their latest tour in support of the Grammy-winning release, “MTV Unplugged.” According to Juanes’ publicist, the singer will be holding a private rehearsal performance for members of the United Farm Workers Union today. Tickets for Friday’s show are still available. Friday’s showtime is 8 p.m. Tickets are $27.50 to $73, plus service charge. Ticketmaster.com or 852-7777.

Matt’s pick Heralds of the Sword at The Gate, Saturday, 7 p.m., $5. Fantasy power metal fans should pay close attention. Bakersfield band Heralds of the Sword are about to unleash their new CD, “Chronicles of Tyrinthia: Sword Sworn,” at an all-ages headbanging extravaganza sure to rattle the bones of the ancient ones. With onstage character names like Warlord Khadgar of Valineth and Vincenzo of Castle Durnhaus, their costumes make this group of mad metallers a band to watch. Also appearing: Nerve Shocker and Spirit Descending. Check out the band at heraldsofthesword.com.

Thursday, May 16, 2013 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street Follow ‘Yellow Brick Road’ to enchanting art show BY STEFANI DIAS Californian assistant lifestyles editor sdias@bakersfield.com

n the land of Oz, the yellow brick road led to the Emerald City. But Bakersfield’s “Yellow Brick Road” leads to The Empty Space for a reception celebrating its latest art exhibit Saturday. Although gallery curator Jesus Fidel put a group show on the books for this month, he delayed choosing a theme — “I don’t plan it too far ahead to keep it fresh.” Inspiration struck at the movies when he was out with a friend and fellow artist. “Christina Sweet and I had a movie date with her daughters to see ‘Oz the Great and Powerful.’ We had been wanting to curate a show together for a while, so after the movie, we had a fun idea and discussed, what if we did a tribute to ‘The Wizard of Oz’?’” Their combined curating experience — his at The Empty Space, hers at The Foundry — resulted in an embarrassment of artistic choices. “Because of limited space, we had to boil it down by drawing names out of a hat.” The show features the work of Fidel, Sweet and 13 other artists who, once selected, were assigned characters or objects from Oz. Each artist was allowed to choose a medium, with the show displaying a range from stained glass, ceramic, watercolor and acrylic to colored pencil and added decoupage. Both curators noted some standouts in the show. “Kent Porterfield and the ruby slippers (‘Road to Oz’) were a really good pair,” Fidel said. “We chose him to do the slippers because his choice of medium is illuminated stained glass. Because the ruby slippers are the most sparkling, dazzling

PHOTO COURTESY OF JESUS FIDEL

“I’m Just a Dandy Lion" by Christopher O’Brien and Shelley Juhl-O’Brien is part of The Empty Space Gallery’s exhibit “Yellow Brick Road,” which has a reception Saturday.

WHITNEY: CONTINUED FROM 27

Nashville in June and September. “It’s been a long process, but it was just a really good feeling,” Wattenbarger said. “I wasn’t nervous. I loved being in Nashville. It felt like a job I had to get done right.” All 10 tracks on “Just Getting Started” showcase Wattenbarger’s youthful confidence and energy, balanced with a mature vocal finesse polished to a Nashville shine. “We listened to a lot of other CDs to avoid sounding like someone else’s work,” Wattenbarger siad. “I’d like listeners to hear that it’s more traditional country. Pay attention to the lyrics. Most of all, I want them to listen over and over again and recommend it to their friends.” The album opens with “Boyfriend Stealer,” a playful romp female fans will love, and segues into “Just Go,” an uptempo shuffle featuring some traditional honky-tonk piano, organ and steel guitar. Both songs prove Wattenbarger has some edge, but it’s on the ballads that her true identity shines through. “Hearts Point of View” is tender from beginning to end, as is “Honey.” Other standout tracks are “Lost in Me,” “Lovers Lane,” with vocalist Aaron Hoffman, and the title track, cowritten by Rimes, her idol. “What you hear is what you get,” said Bender, noting that only minimal studio enhancement was used in production. “‘Honey’ was done on a second take. No studio tricks.” Bender has a full promotional schedule

See Whitney Wattenbarger this morning! Tune in to “First Look with Scott Cox” at 9 a.m. this morning to listen to Whitney Wattenbarger sing a song or two from her debut album. Stick around for a rundown of all the interesting things happening around town this weekend, provided by the Eye Street crew. “First Look” streams live at bakersfield.com or listen at KERNAM, 1180.

planned following the release of the CD. Wattenbarger will hire a full-time publicist before heading back to Nashville in June for the CMA Music Festival, a radio station tour and select live shows. The year winds down in December in Las Vegas at the International Association of Fairs and Expositions, where the singer will meet with fair circuit talent buyers. “My goal is to be driving down the road and hear her song on the radio,” Bender said. “As a producer, you don’t just stop working when the CD is done. Anything I can do to help, I wanna be a part of.” For Saturday’s show, Wattenbarger will be backed by piano and guitar accompaniment. Copies of “Just Getting Started” can be purchased at La Coquette Boutique, 1910 19th St. (where Wattenbarger works) or for digital download at iTunes. For more information, visit whitneywattenbarger.com.

thing in the story, we thought he would be able to come up with something pretty amazing.” The piece features the heroes in the distance nearer the Emerald City as the Wicked Witch of the West lies on the road, decked out in Lady Gaga-esque ruby slippers in a bold red that matches the work’s frame. The witch is the subject of Samantha Please see ROAD / 35

Van Halen Masterworks Birthday Celebration June 1, 2013 5:30 pm Liberty Hall at Hodelʼs Come join us as we celebrate our 80th Birthday with festive music under the direction of Robert Provencio. Special guest appearances by former directors Phillip E. Witmer, Jerome Kleinsasser and Phillip Dodson. Tickets $50. Call 391-8465 Deadline for reservations: May 21 No tickets will be sold at the door.

July 24th On Sale Tomorrow

July 26th On Sale Tomorrow

Amy Grant With Brandon Heath

July 24th On Sale Saturday

July 31st On Sale Tomorrow

Benefactors: Phillip & Jean Dodson, Jim & Anne Marino, Marvin & Nadene Steinert & San Joaquin Community Hospital

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

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, May 16, 2013

Eye Street Go & Do Today SPCA Book Sale, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays; noon to 6 p.m. Sundays, through May 25, 3501 Mall View Road, Suite 113-114. bakersfieldspca.org or 323-8353. Third Thursday, entertainment, barbecue, games, farmers market, 5:30 p.m., Central Park at Mill Creek, 21st and R streets. 325-5892. Free Admission Day, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Buena Vista Museum of Natural History, 2018 Chester Ave. 324-6350. League of Women Voters, candidate forum for the 16th State Senate District, 6:30 p.m., Temple Beth El, 2906 Loma Linda. Free. bakersfield.ca.lwvnet. org. Bingo, warm-ups at 5 p.m., early birds at 6 p.m., games at 6:30 p.m., Volunteer Center of Kern County, 2801 F St. Starts at $20 buy-in. 395-9787.

Friday Fifth annual Bakersfield’s Biggest Baddest BBQ, (more on Page 23).

Goldenaires Choir Spring Concert, 7 p.m., Bethany Lutheran Church, 900 Day Ave. Free; refreshments following concert. Lutheransonline.com/bethlutherbfl or 871-0927. Juanes, 8 p.m., Rabobank Theater, 1001 Truxtun Ave. $27.50 to $73, plus fee. ticketmaster.com or 800-7453000. Kern Audubon Society Field Trip, to Breckenridge Mountain; meet at 7:30 p.m., at Chevron Station, corner of Union Avenue and Brundage Lane, off Highway 58. Bring binoculars, water, snacks. Kernaudubonsociety.org or 805-0232. No Limit Hold’em Tournament, 6 to 9 p.m., Aviator Casino, 1225 Airport Drive, Delano. $50, includes buffet and drink specials; $20 rebuys and add-ons. Benefits Delano Tigers Football Team. Details, call Mario at 2014459.

Saturday Independent Film Festival, see “Emperor,” 10 a.m., Maya Cinemas, 1000 California Ave. $6. 636-0484.

present

INSIDE THE

STUDIOS

Bakersfield Speedway, gates open at 4 p.m.; races at 6 p.m., Bakersfield Speedway, 5001 N. Chester Ave. $10; $5 ages 6-12; under 5 free. bakersfieldspeedway.com or 393-3373. CALM’s 30th Birthday Bash, (more on Page 24) Bakersfield Zombie Walk, park and meet between 6 to 6:30 p.m., near In-N-Out Burger and Chipotle on Stockdale Highway; walk at 6:45 p.m. Free. Book Signing, with author Shirley Castro of “Delly and the Beach Town Healthy Alphabet Challenge,” 3:30 to 5:30 p.m., Russo’s, 9000 Ming Ave. Brains of Bakersfield, trivia contest, cocktails 6 p.m., quiz 6:30 p.m., CSUB, Icardo Center, 9001 Stockdale Highway. $360 per team (maximum 10 players), dinner included. 654-2428. Electronic waste recycling event, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Chamber of Commerce, 1725 Eye St. Whitney Wattenbarger Album Release Party (more on Page 25).

START YOUR ENGINES!

Tehachapi Symphony, young artist competition winner Anna McCoy playing Saint-Saens, along with Brahms’ Symphony No. 2, and the Tehachapi Symphonic Chorus in Verdi’s Va Pensiero from Nabucco and Gloria, all’Egitto from Aida, and Wagner’s Pilgrim’s Chorus from Tannhauser, 4 p.m., Country Oaks Baptist Church, 20915 Schout Road, Tehachapi. Free. 821-7511.

THEATER CASEY CHRISTIE / THE CALIFORNIAN

Racers line up to take their turn for practice laps at the Kern County Raceway Park. NASCAR Grand Opening, Nascar Pro Late Models, Citgo Limited Late Models, Legends, Bandoleros, Mini Dwarfs, 6 p.m., Kern County Raceway Park, 13500 Raceway Blvd. $10-$45. Email sblakesley@kernraceway.com or 835-1264. Impossible Brains & How to Deal with Them Workshop, 3 to 5 p.m. Saturday and 7 to 9 p.m. Monday, Pacific Health Education Center, 5300 California Ave, Suite 200. $25. Registration required, email info@pacifichealth.org or 633-5300. Meet Your Neighbors Howdy Parade, for people with disabilities, registration 9 a.m., parade begins 10:30 a.m., with a greeting given by Mayor Harvey Hall, the parade will march from JC Penney to Center Court, Valley Plaza Mall, 2701 Ming Ave. Free. mynkern.org or 832-2436. NASCAR Grand Opening, Nascar Pro Late Models, Citgo Limited Late Models, Legends, Bandoleros, Mini Dwarfs, 6 p.m., Kern County Raceway Park, 13500 Raceway Boulevard. $10-$45. Email sblakesley@kernraceway.com or 835-1264. Spoken Word & Fashion Show, share your poetry with the community, African dances, drums, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Chat ‘N Chew, 5141 Ming Ave. Free. 827-1010. St. Jude Dream Home, open to the public 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays; noon to 5 p.m. Sundays, 14604 Henderson Ave. stjudedreamhome.org. We Connect Health Care Enrollment & Resource Fair, receive health-care application assistance, dental screenings, health screenings, bike repair, healthy food giveaway, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Kern County Fairgrounds, 1142 S. P St. Free. Weconnect.net.

Sunday An Evening with Steve Miller, 7:30 p.m., Fox The-

ater, 2001 H St. $48-$88. vallitix.com or 322-5200. Bakersfield Blaze vs. High Desert, 1:30 p.m. Sunday, 7:30 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, Sam Lynn Ballpark, 4009 Chester Ave. $7-$12. bakersfieldblaze.com. Second annual Rider's Ride Motorcycle Run, registration 8 a.m., kick stands up 9:30 a.m., HEARTS Connection, 3101 N. Sillect Ave.; ends at Fruitvale Norris Park. $25; $35 additional rider. 201-6649, 832-2620 or 4726051. Circle of Life Remembrance Service, memorial service in honor of dialysis patients and their families who passed away from renal failure, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., The Park at River Walk, 11200 Stockdale Highway. Free. Reservations, 3254741, ext. 173. Greater World Gift, with jewelry, baskets, gift items from Third World countries; 3 to 6 p.m. Wednesdays; and 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sundays, First Congregational Church, 5 Real Road. 3271609. Ladies Auxiliary to the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post #10859; Every Girl Needs a Little Bling jewelry party, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., Norris Road Veterans Hall, 400 W. Norris Road. Free. Proceeds benefit local programs of the club. Email marlia@unitedoilequipment.com or 588-5865. Rhapsody Ringers Handbell Choir, 4 p.m., First Congregational Church, 5 Real Road. Free. 327-1609. Spring Fling Bridal Show, noon to 3 p.m., Kern County Museum, 3801 Chester Ave. $10. KernCountyBridalAssociation.com.

“Cruisin’ Chester” The Musical, 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday, Gaslight Melodrama Theatre & Music Hall, 12748 Jomani Drive. $12 to $23. 587-3377. “The Nerd,” (more on Page 28). Artists Reception, for “Yellow Brick Road” (more on Page 27). 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 Handmade Father’s Day Gift, design and make a photo frame for dad, for children ages 5 to 12, 1 to 3 p.m., Bakersfield Museum of Art, 1930 R St. $25 material included. Registration is highly recommended at www.grammyshouse.com. “Diva’s Dish & Design,” each class will feature a project with techniques and tools you’ll be able to use on your projects, 6:30 p.m. today, Color Me Mine at The Marketplace, 9000 Ming Ave. $50. bakersfield.colormemine.com or 664-7366. Art Exhibit, by Carol Bradshaw, now on display through May, Bakersfield Art Association Art Center, 1817 Eye St. 869-2320. Art Exhibit “Spring-A Breath of Fresh Air,” by Linda Brown, now on display through May, Dagny’s Coffee Co., 1600 20th St. 6340806. 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. Please see GO & DO / 33

Thursday, May 16, 2013 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street GO & DO: CONTINUED FROM 32

Art: ABLE Art Education Workshop Series, six classes for people with disabilities, with art mentor and artist Nicole SaintJohn, 4 to 5 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, now until May 30, Independent Living Center, 5151 Office Park Drive, Suite 200. 3251063. 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. Experimental Watercolor and Mixed Media Art Class, with Phyllis Oliver, 9 a.m. to noon Thursday, Bakersfield Art Association Art Center, 1817 Eye St. $25 each class. 348-4717 or pegoliver@ix.netcom.com. 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 Kern River Blues Society Jam, 2 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Trout’s, 805 N. Chester Ave. 8727517.

Classic rock Bellvedere Cocktail Lounge, 3090 Brundage Lane, 325-2139; Mystic Red, 9 p.m. Friday.

Classic soul Cafe Med, 4809 Stockdale Highway, 8344433; Mr. Trimble and Unique Soul, 6 to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Lone Oak Lounge, 10612 Rosedale Highway, 589-0412; Diver Duo, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Friday. Pyrenees Cafe, 601 Sumner, 323-0053; Elevation 406, 2 to 6 p.m. Saturday. The Prime Cut, 9500 Brimhall Road, Suite 100, 831-1413; Odie Crabtree, 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday; Blonde Faith, 9 p.m. Saturday, $5.

Comedy Elevation Lounge, 818 Real Road, 3256864; Improv Tuesday - Live comedy with DJ after party, 9 p.m. Tuesdays.

Country Buck Owens Crystal Palace, 2800 Buck Owens Blvd., 328-7560; Buddy Alan Owens and the Buckaroos, 7:30 p.m. Friday; Buddy Alan Owens and the Buckaroos, Jon Pardi, 7:30 p.m. Saturday. $5. Ethel’s Old Corral Cafe, 4310 Alfred Harrell Highway, 873-7613; Still Kick’n, 7 p.m. Friday; Nightlife, 3 to 7 p.m. Sunday. Greenacres Community Center, 2014 Calloway Drive, 392-2010; The Pals Band, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. every Wednesday (except the third Wednesday). Rasmussen Senior Center, 115 E. Roberts Lane, 392-2030; The Pals Band, 10:30 a.m. to noon every Thursday (except the third Thursday). Please see GO & DO / 34

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The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, May 16, 2013

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GO & DO: CONTINUED FROM 33

Sandrini’s, 1918 Eye St., 322-8900; 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 Pairs and Spares Dance, with Tony Ernst band, 7 p.m. Friday, Rasmussen Senior Center, 115 E. Roberts Lane. $7; $9 nonmembers. 399-3575. Beginner Belly Dance Lessons, 5:45 to 6:45 p.m. Mondays, Centre Stage Studio, 1710 Chester Ave. 323-5215. $45 regular session; $65 combo session. bakersfieldbellydance.biz. DoubleTree Hotel, Club Odyssey, 3100 Camino Del Rio Court, 323-7111; learn Salsa, Cumbia or West Coast Swing, 4 to 7 p.m. every Sunday. $5 per person, per lesson. DoubleTree Hotel, Club Odyssey, 3100 Camino Del Rio Court, 633-1949; Salsa Solution, 7 p.m. Sunday. $10. Folklorico Classes, advance dancers/performing group 6 to 8 p.m. Fridays; and beginners, all ages, 10:30 a.m. to noon Saturdays, Fruitvale-Norris Park, 6221 Norris Road. $22 per month for beginners; $25 per month for advance dancers. 833-8790. Greenacres Community Center, 2014 Calloway Drive, offers ballroom dance, East Coast swing (jitterbug) and Argentine Tango dance classes; $35, $45 for non-members. 322-5765 or 201-2105. Joaquin Squares, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Thursday, Rasmussen Center, 115 E. Roberts Lane. $5. 324-1390, 325-3086 or 399-3658. Studio 9 Dance, 4000 Easton Drive, Suite 9, 333-3178; basic West Coast swing, 7 p.m. Wednesday, dancing. Trouts & The Blackboard Stages, 805 N. Chester Ave., 399-6700; twostep, west coast swing, line dance lessons, 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesdays; west coast swing, 6 p.m. Fridays. $5.

DJ Bellvedere Cocktail Lounge, 3090 Brundage Lane, 325-2139; DJ Brian, 7 to 11 p.m. Tuesday. DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, 3100 Camino Del Rio Court. 323-7111; live in the mix: old school, ’80s and ’90s music, 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. every Saturday. Le Corusse Rouge, 4647 White Lane, 834-1611; with DJ Chill in the Mixx, 5 p.m. every Friday until 2 a.m. Saturday. 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.

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

4140 Truxtun Ave., 633-WINE; live music and wine bar featuring local artist and Jazz Connection, along with 24 wines, 6 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday; 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. King Tut, 10606 Hageman Road; live Instrumental and vocal jazz, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. each Friday and Saturday. Free. Le Corusse Rouge, 4647 White Lane, 834-1611; Bakersfield Jazz Workshop, 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. every Wednesday. Que Pasa Mexican Cafe, 2701 Ming Ave., 832-5011; Jazz Invasion, 9 to 10 p.m. every Saturday. The Nile, Jazz Music, 6 p.m. every Sunday. Cost $10 at 1721 19th St. 3642620.

Karaoke Banacek’s Lounge, 4601 State Road, 387-9224; 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Fridays. Bellvedere Cocktail Lounge, 3090 Brundage Lane, 325-2139; 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Thursdays and Sundays. Best Western, 2620 Buck Owens Blvd., 327-9651; The Junction with host Mac Clanahan, 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays. Big Daddy Pizza, 6417 Ming Ave., 396-7499; 7 to 10 p.m. every Tuesday; 8 to 11 p.m. every Friday. Cataldo’s Pizzeria, 4200 New Stine Road, 397-5000; 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Thursday. Cataldo’s Pizzeria, 6111 Niles St., 3637200; 6:15 to 10:15 p.m. Tuesdays. Chateau Lounge, 2100 S. Chester Ave., 835-1550; 9 p.m. every Saturday. City Slickers, 1001 W. Tehachapi Blvd., 822-4939; 7 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Don Perico Restaurant, 2660 Oswell St., Suite 133, 871-2001; 7 to 11 p.m. Thursdays. DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, 3100 Camino Del Rio Court; 323-7111, 8 p.m. to midnight Tuesdays. El Torito Restaurant, 4646 California Ave., 395-3035, Karaoke with Irish Monkey Entertainment, 8 p.m. Saturdays. Elevation Lounge, 818 Real Road, 325-6864; 9 p.m. Wednesday. Ethel’s Old Corral, 4310 Alfred Harrell Highway, 873-7613; 6 to 9 p.m. every Wednesday. Iron Horse Saloon, 1821 S. Chester Ave., 831-1315; 7 to 11 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays. Julie’s The Branding Iron Saloon, 1807 N. Chester Ave., 6 to 10 p.m. every Friday. Le Corusse Rouge, 4647 White Lane, 834-1611; A to Z Karaoke, 8 p.m. to midnight Tuesdays. Lone Oak Inn, 8 p.m. every Tuesday and Thursday at 10612 Rosedale Highway. 589-0412. Lone Oak Lounge, 10612 Rosedale Highway, 589-0412; 9:30 p.m. Friday to 1 a.m. Saturday. Long Branch Saloon, 907 N. Chester Ave., 399-8484; 8 p.m. every Wednesday. Magoo’s Pizza, 1129 Olive Drive, 3997800; 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Tuesday. Maria Bonita Mexican Restaurant,

Steve Miller in concert An Evening with Steve Miller, 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Fox Theater, 2001 H St. $48-$88. vallitix.com or 322-5200. 10701 Highway 178, 366-3261, 7 to 11 p.m. Fridays. All ages. McMurphy’s Irish Pub & Sports Bar, 14 Monterey St., 869-1451; 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. Tuesdays. Pour House, 9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays at 4041 Fruitvale Ave. 589-9300. Pyrenees Cafe, 601 Sumner, 3230053; 8 p.m. to midnight Saturdays. Replay Sports Lounge & Grill, 4500 Buck Owens Blvd., 324-3300; 8 p.m. every Wednesday. Rocket Shop Cafe, 2000 S. Union Ave., 832-4800; 8:30 p.m. to midnight Saturday. Rockstarz Party Bar, 7737 Meany Ave., Suite B5, 589-6749; 8 p.m. Mondays through Wednesdays. Rocky’s Pizza & Arcade, 2858 Niles St., 873-1900; Joey Zaza’s Karaoke and Stuff, 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Tuesdays. Round Table Pizza, 2060 White Lane, 836-2700; 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday. Round Table Pizza, 4200 Gosford Road, 397-1111; 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays. Rusty’s Pizza, 5430 Olive Drive, 3921482; 6:30 to 9 p.m. every Wednesday. Sky Bar and Lounge, 4208 Rosedale Highway, 633-1116, Karaoke with Ben Lara, 7 to 11 p.m. Tuesdays. Sports & Spirits, 6633 Ming Ave., 398-7077; 9 p.m. Thursdays and Saturdays. Syndicate Lounge, 1818 Eye St., 3270070; with Alisa Spencer, 9 p.m. every Wednesday. Tejon Club, 6 to 10 p.m. every Saturday at 117 El Tejon Ave. 392-1747. The Bull Shed Bar & Grill, at Hotel Rosedale, 2400 Camino Del Rio Court, 327-0681; 7 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. The Junction Lounge, 2620 Buck Owens Blvd., 327-9651; 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays. The Old River Monte Carlo, 9750 Taft Highway, 837-0250; 8:30 p.m. every Thursday. The Playhouse 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., 871-4140; 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. 3635102. Trouts & The Blackboard Stages, 805 N. Chester Ave., 399-6700; open jam session, 4 p.m. Sundays. Trouts & The Blackboard Stages, 805 N. Chester Ave., 399-6700; 7 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays, 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Please see GO & DO / 35

Thursday, May 16, 2013 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street GO & DO: CONTINUED FROM 34

Mariachi Camino Real Restaurant, 6 to 9 p.m. every Sunday at 3500 Truxtun Ave. 8520493.

Music showcase The Prime Cut, 9500 Brimhall Road, 8311413; 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 East F St., Tehachapi, 823-9994; 7 p.m. Wednesdays. $5. On the Rocks, 1517 18th St., 327-7625; musicians, spoken word, poets, comedians, 9 p.m. every Wednesday. Free.

Reggae Bellvedere Cocktail Lounge, 3090 Brundage Lane, 325-2139; Dub Seeds, 9 p.m. Saturday.

Soft rock Steak and Grape, 4420 Coffee Road, 5889463; 7 to 10 p.m. Thursday through Saturday. Free.

Songwriters The Bistro, 5105 California Ave., 3233905; 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., 327-7625; 8 to 10 p.m. Monday. Sandrini’s, 1918 Eye St., 322-8900; Trivia Night with Dave Rezac, 10 p.m. Tuesdays.

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

UPCOMING EVENTS

R&B

Monday 5/20

Señor Pepe, 8450 Granite Falls Drive, 661588-0385, Rebecca Aguilar and Lost Vinyl, 7 to 10 p.m. Thursday. The Prime Cut, 9500 Brimhall Road, 8311413; Left Coast Groovies, 7 to 10 p.m. Wednesday.

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. Program and Dinner, hosted by the Military Officers Association of America; guest author Nonie Darwish of “Now They Call Me Infidel,” door prizes, raffle, 6 p.m., Hodel’s Country Dining, 5917 Knudsen Drive. $25. Reservations required, 834-7653 or 8368605. SPCA Book Sale, daily, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays; noon to 6 p.m. Sundays, now until May 25, near the old Michael’s store near East Hills Mall, 3501 Mall View Road, Suite 113-114. bakersfieldspca.org or 323-8353.

Rock B. Ryder’s Sports Bar & Grill, 7401 White Lane, 397-7304; Truxtun Mile, 9 p.m. Friday to 1 a.m. Saturday, $7. 21 and over only; Pragmatics, The Easy In, 8 p.m. Saturday, $5. KC Steakhouse, 2515 F St., 322-9910; Jimmy Gaines, 6 to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday; Jimmy Gaines, Bobby O and Mike Hall, 6:30 to 11:30 p.m., featuring Glenda Robles, 8 to 11:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Rockstarz Party Bar, 7737 Meany Ave., Suite B5, 589-6749; live bands, 9 p.m. every Thursday.

ROAD: CONTINUED FROM 31

Garrett’s “Witch of the West,” a watercolor depicting the villain as more womanly than caricature with a skeletal simian companion. Fidel said it is his favorite piece in the show. For Sweet, the standout piece is “I’m Just a Dandy Lion,” a collaborative work from husband and wife Christopher O’Brien and Shelley Juhl-O’Brien. “I love that they are a couple able to create such a spot-on rendition together,” Sweet said via email. Having curated the couple’s show in September, Fidel is well-acquainted with their process. “She does the watercolor, the underlay. He uses dipped ink and different ink pens to do the finishing touches. I knew they were going to do this kind of piece, but the detail of all the curls and wrinkles, they will always surprise.” Other artists in the show are Alexandra Ortiz, Susan Roussel, Alison Beitzel, Corky Blaine and Brynia Czubko. At the reception, which will feature a rainbow fruit spread and “upside-down

‘Yellow Brick Road’ When: 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday Where: The Empty Space, 706 Oak St. Admission: Free Information: 327-PLAY

cupcakes with feet sticking out,” there will be an audience vote for best in show, announced at the end of the afternoon. Guests can also encourage the artist in their children by picking up a packet for the theater’s coloring contest. Children up to age 18 are challenged to color a version of The Empty Space logo (drawn by Fidel). Winners will be selected in five age brackets as well as a “too old to color” category for adults who want to enter. Entries are $20 each, part of the theater’s fundraising efforts, which will culminate at the next month’s art exhibit. “Too Many Logos!” will feature board members’ versions of the logo, with each piece being auctioned off for ay least $100.