Eye Street Entertainment / 6 - 20 -13

16

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, June 20, 2013

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

Index Media rivals band together .................... 18 Lorrie Morgan lives her songs ................ 19 Arts Alive: Welcome back, Emily ............ 20 The Dish: Belly up for brisket! ................ 21 The Lowdown: Country star search ........ 22 Mud Volleyball: Down and dirty .............. 23 This Week’s Obsessions ........................ 26 Calendar .............................................. 28-29

CHAPTER NINE: Another door Never danced …

Many doors and I am not certain what is behind each of them?

I have this sense of longing to open another door, though I may be unsure of whether or not I am awake, does it not matter if I am or not?

Is it night again? I see a full moon. Cannot keep track of time!

I can vaguely hear a muffled tune coming from behind a

door, but it is so faint. Like the hushed footsteps of someone walking alone in a large room, it is almost as though it isn’t there.

I feel this irresistible urge to walk toward another door and find out what is there.

I thought this to myself as I heard the sound of the melody, my life song again.

I will open another door …

17

Thursday, June 20, 2013 The Bakersfield Californian

“I drew the planes and tanks and smoke and all that stuff and I filled the whole thing with a lot of information. It was kind of a collage, though I didn’t know what a collage was at the time.”

— Adel Shafik, who was 11 when he won a national Egyptian art competition whose theme was how children saw the 1967 SIx-Day War.

Born in Egypt, reborn in America Artist didn’t fully begin to thrive until he left his homeland in 1986

BY JENNIFER SELF Californian lifestyles editor jself@bakersfield.com

W

ar has the power to redefine who we are, turning everyday people into conquerers, victims, heroes, martyrs.

The 1967 Six-Day War between Egypt and Israel was no less transformational for Adel Shafik, but he embraced the new identity the conflict gave him: artist.

“It was a bad experience, honestly, and kind of scary as a child.”

But out of the terror came catharsis and inspiration, when Shafik, 11 at the time, entered and won a national art competition whose theme was how children saw the war.

“I drew the planes and tanks and smoke and all that stuff and I filled the whole thing with a lot of information,” said Shafik, a native of Cairo. “It was kind of a collage, though I didn’t know what a collage was at the time.”

The day Shafik accepted the prize from a top official of the Egyptian government still ranks as one of the proudest of his life.

“The prize was 20 pounds, which, at the time, was maybe $5.

I gave the money to my dad. We were all struggling, so you feel like you want to help out.

“Since that time, I had an interest in art.”

Shafik pursued his passion, first at a university in Cairo, and then at Indiana University Bloomington, where he earned his master of fine arts degree in graphic design after immigrating to the United States in 1986.

“At that time, the American Embassy was asking for artists and doctors. I applied and was accepted.”

Though his parents are deceased, Shafik’s siblings still live in Egypt. The father of three and Bakersfield College art professor is cautious in discussing his life in Egypt, except to say that as a minority Christian, “it was very tough.”

Given the instability of the region, he fears for his sisters and brother, with whom he speaks on a weekly basis.

Eye Gallery reception next week!

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 ends next Thursday, when the museum will host a reception for the artists and unveil other exhibitions.

“I feel I’m a stranger when I go there. I feel like I don’t belong there anymore. I changed a lot, even without knowing or trying.”

Shafik, 55, and his wife, Maha, consider themselves thoroughly Americanized, but they do try to impart their shared Egyptian heritage to their children: Shady, 20; Phillip, 12; and Nolan, 14.

The couple speak Arabic in their home and are close with other families at their place of worship, St. Demiana Coptic Orthodox Church in the southwest.

For his part in this year’s Eye Gallery series, which tells an ongoing story week to week, Shafik attempted to “get in the mind of others and make sense of what they have done, continue the flow of the story, add my own thoughts and ideas, and leave room for the next artist to continue on.”

Shafik took time to answer our questions, noting that his latest artistic passion is exploring the ancient art process of encaustic, which uses pigments and hot wax.

Explain your process/technique on this piece: After I read the last artist’s narrative, I came up with a sketch and changed that sketch a few times. I knew the theme overall was about music, but needed to come up with a visual idea to continue the flow of the story. ... I built the piece applying acrylic colors mixed with acrylic gesso with a putty knife. I also carved shapes using a carving tool to reveal the yellow color of the background. I used many layers

ALEX HORVATH / THE CALIFORNIAN

Artist Adel Shafik and his wife, Maha, consider themselves thoroughly Americanized, but they do try to impart their shared Egyptian heritage to their children.

Next week Artist Sebastian Muralles has the privilege — or is it challenge? — of wrapping up our story.

of color to add a texture to the work.

Do you consider yourself more American or Egyptian?

I’m hugely Americanized. I love it, honestly. I love the freedom, the beauty of the land, and I love that you can do anything you want. That’s something I never had where I grew up.

Besides your family, what do you miss most about Egypt?

I really miss the Nile, the buildings, the ancient Egyptian artifacts, the Pyramids, the museums, the temples. It’s a beautiful place, really, as a country. I miss the people too — very nice, generous and kind.

As a college professor, what’s the outlook for art education?

I believe there is a danger of it being cut back. It’s affecting how we teach and how we can serve the students. Still, things are getting just a little bit better. It’s been tight since 2011, but it’s a bit better now.

BC students are getting a firstrate arts education. Most of us (teachers) have worked in the

field for years. Most of us practice art. We notice that when (students) send us emails that they’re continuing their education or continuing in the field.

What are some other nonart passions?

Spending time with Christ, my wife and kids. I play music (the lute and the violin; not very good and cannot read music notes), I love books, enjoy playing soccer and tennis, bike riding, fishing, traveling and fixing things in the house!

I like to build things, collect power tools, paint on papyrus and palm tree parchments, Arabic calligraphy, and take photographs.

18

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, June 20, 2013

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BY JENNIFER SELF Californian lifestyles editor jself@bakersfield.com

W

hen Danny Spanks sings karaoke, he likes to catch his audience off guard. So the go-to choice for the 40-something DJ/program director at KRAB Radio — Bakersfield’s edgy, 18-to-34-skewing alternative station — is “Like a Virgin” by Madonna.

Consider his audience officially off guard.

“I just get a kick out of doing things nobody would expect me to do,” said Spanks during a phone conversation to promote a charity concert by local media professionals Saturday. Spanks has signed on to deliver the boozeunder-the-island-sun classic “Margaritaville” by Jimmy Buffett.

“I wanted to do ‘Like a Virgin,’ but the band didn’t have that in the repertoire. I like offbeat songs, like ‘Candy Man’ from Sammy Davis Jr. I’m pretty limited because I definitely can’t sing any high notes, unless it’s ‘Like a Virgin.’”

Spanks joins nearly two dozen professionals who will hit the stage at Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace to raise money for the Kern County Cancer Fund, which helps local patients pay for their medical treatment. The roster runs all over the talent and experience spectrum from sometime-

Media Music Jam When: 7 p.m. Saturday Where: Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace, 2800 Buck Owens Blvd.

Tickets: $20; available at vallitix.com or 322-5200

karaokers like Spanks to respected musicians like Aaron Pearlman and Tracy Peoples of KBAK-TV, Channel 29; Mike Hart of KERO-TV, Channel 23; Kenn McCloud of 98.5 The Fox; Jeff Lemucchi of KERN Radio; and The Californian’s own Matt Munoz.

Other big names in Bakersfield media offering their time and talents include Jim Scott, Maddie Janssen and Kevin Charette of KGET-TV; Erin Briscoe and Elaina Rusk of KERO-TV; and Jose Gaspar of KBAK-TV. The Media Music Jam is the brainchild of Steve Flores and his band, Thee Majestics, which organized the first event — a benefit for an ailing disc jockey — about 10 years ago. The guys have organized similar concerts sporadically since then, allocating the money among several causes and charities. But none of the concerts has attracted as many media professionals as this one.

“It’s a blatant attempt to use big names in the media to raise money for a good cause,” Flores said. “It energizes the band to see how excited the guest performers are for this event.”

The 30 to 35 musical selections are

drawn from a variety of genres — country, Latin, big band, funk, oldies — and all the performers have been rehearsing with the band for weeks now, both to master the songs and combat stage fright.

“We don’t want anyone to embarrass themselves,” Flores said. “And we also want to make sure they respect the music. This isn’t a throwaway gig.

We’re playing at the holy grail of musical stages in the valley, at the Crystal Palace.”

Spanks isn’t above admitting to his own jitters and may hit up his favorite karaoke spot — the Junction, next door to the Palace — to get in the groove before the show.

“Singing with a live band is different from singing with karaoke,” Spanks said. “Having to remember words without having them on a TV screen in front of you. Rehearsing helped calm my nerves. As long as you don’t take yourself too seriously, anybody can do it.”

Flores echoed that sentiment with the example of KGET news anchor Jim Scott, who, as a longtime Relay for Life announcer, has introduced Thee Majestics each year before the band’s set at the annual American Cancer Society fundraiser.

“Every time we would start ‘Beginnings’ by Chicago, there was Jim Scott running from his trailer and grabbing a mic and singing with us. So now Jim’s going to be singing with us that night. ... He’s a little shy about it, but Please see JAM / 26

19

Thursday, June 20, 2013 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street

Lorrie story: What a tale Country singer on even keel after ups, downs

Lorrie Morgan When: 2 p.m. Sunday Where: Kern County Museum, 3801 Chester Ave. Admission: $15 to $58, plus service charges. Discount tickets for children available for $10 at gate on day of show.

Information: 865-9689, 6349474 or purplepass.com.

BY MATT MUNOZ Californian staff writer mmunoz@bakersfield.com

Love gone wrong, tragedy and redemption: Lorrie Morgan doesn’t just sing country music, she lives it.

In fact, Morgan’s life and career have been full of highs — a string of radio-friendly hits in the ’90s — and lows, including failed high-profile romances with the likes of former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Troy Aikman, actor/senator Fred Thompson and fellow country singer Sammy Kershaw.

And then there was the alcoholrelated death in 1989 of her husband Keith Whitley — just as Morgan was about to break out with her own chart-topping success.

Through it all, Morgan, 53, said she’s always tried to keep life and work in perspective, never giving in to despair. Taking another chance at love, the singer took her sixth walk down the aisle three years go.

“I’m at a place in my life where I feel more confident, more comfortable and more settled. I have more control over the music I want to record and perform, and there’s no urgency.”

But that doesn’t mean the fire has gone out of her stage show, she said.

She means to prove it to Bakersfield

PHOTO COURTESY OF LORRIE MORGAN

Country singer Lorrie Morgan appears at the Kern County Museum on Sunday.

audiences with a pair of engagements over the next few days: first at a concert at the Kern County Museum Sunday and then a more intimate show at Trout’s on Tuesday.

Morgan said she’ll sing a selection of tunes that span her career, including the ones that came at her peak.

“The ’90s were explosive, fastpaced and fun, and the great memories are far too many to mention,” said Morgan during a recent interview. “But I’m kind of enjoying my

career where I am now.”

Morgan’s 1989 major label debut, “Leave the Light On,” featured the singer’s first No. 1 single, “Five Minutes,” which kicked off a string of sassy hits like “Watch Me,” “What Part of No,” “I Didn’t Know My Own Strength,” and “Go Away,” cementing her reputation as a self-empowering industry survivor and playful diva.

Following the example of his mother and father is singer/songwriter Jesse Keith Whitley, 26, who is opening for Morgan on her current tour.

Born two years before his dad’s death, the aspiring singer has country music in his DNA, plus a new CD, “Kentucky Thunder.” Like any proud mother, Morgan is her son’s biggest fan.

“He’s pretty special; he’s an extraordinary talent and I’m excited to see where his music career takes him. I will be right behind him, every step of the way,” she said.

Please see MORGAN / 27

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The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, June 20, 2013

Eye Street Camille Gavin CONTRIBUTING COLUMNIST

That’s our girl: BHS grad returns Now living in NY, singer to appear at Stars

GO & DO Team Improv Intensives When: 8 a.m. to noon Monday through Friday through July 5 Where: The Empty Space, 706 Oak St. Admission: $200 Information: 861-1314

N

ew York-based singersongwriter Emily Nicholas has a strong connection to Bakersfield in terms of friends, family and local theater.

And for me and many other local residents, it’s been a joy to see the Bakersfield High School graduate grow into a standout performer with a unique style.

Nicholas will perform back-toback concerts at Stars on Sunday.

A few words of warning, however: Don’t put off buying tickets. The first show, at 4 p.m., is nearly sold out, and Nicholas said tickets for the 7:30 performance are going fast. Also, though Stars is a dinner theater, no meals will be served at either performance but beverages and appetizers can be purchased separately.

Unlike her appearance last summer at The Empty Space with her band Emily Danger, Nicholas will be backed by a trio at Stars made up of two local musicians and a member of her band.

“Char Gaines and I will be sharing piano duties,” Nicholas wrote in a recent email. “My violinist, Cameron Orr, will be playing as well as local Soulajar favorite Brian Boozer on drums.”

Nicholas has been singing professionally since obtaining her master’s degree from the Manhattan School of Music in 2010.

A versatile performer, she has a wide repertoire, everything from opera and Broadway musicals, to cabaret and rock, as well as her own compositions. Her astounding four-octave range allows her to take surprising vocal leaps within any one song — often while attacking the piano keyboard with furious energy.

The show at Stars is being presented by In Order to be Heard Productions, a partnership of Nicholas; her husband, John Patrick Wells,; and Doug Cheesman. Both Wells and Cheesman formerly lived in Bakersfield and were active in improv and other productions at The Empty Space.

Emily Nicholas concert When: 4 and 7 p.m. Sunday Where: Stars Restaurant Theatre, 1931 Chester Ave. Admission: $25-$50 Information: 325-1600

Magic Reading Carpets PHOTO COURTESY OF EMILY NICHOLAS

Emily Nicholas and the Emily Danger band are seen in a shot from their music video.

Improv training for kids In my book, learning improvisational skills is an excellent way for children to learn how to think on their feet.

For those who aren’t sure exactly what improv is, think of it as a disciplined form of ad lib with no memorization involved.

When kids are young, skills like these are great for building teamwork and overcoming fears of speaking in front of a group. And these are things that will come in handy in their adult years no matter what their career choice turns out to be.

Which brings me to David Lee Rock of Tonicism Productions, whose 10-day Team Improv Intensives starts on Monday at The Empty Space.

Typically, said Tonicism coordinator Guinevere PH Dethlefson, the class begins with a 45-minute warmup that includes word association games, category games, energy/focus games and groupthink games.

“Dave teaches each game and highlights what it is teaching in a fun and engaging way,” Dethlefson said. “He reminds students the many ways in which they can use improv in their day to day life with real world applications.”

After the warmup, the emphasis shifts to a particular theme for the day. This can range from doing mime work to developing characters and emotions or

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

PHOTO COURTESY OF KIMBERLY DINSDALE

Diego Rodriquez, Griffin Hall, Sequoia Whitten, Kenna Dinsdale and Whitney Bacon (under the table) appear in Tonicism Production’s presentation of “The Little Mermaid Jr.” at The Empty Space in May. The group’s 10-day Team Improv Intensives starts on Monday.

speaking gibberish to storytelling, scene building and performance teamwork. The course ends with a stage performance on July 5.

The class is designed for children in fourth through eighth grades. Enrollments will be taken through Wednesday. Parents can register their child by visiting Tonicism.com.

Magic carpet painting Public services librarian Andie Apple is sending out a call for creative youths, ages 8 to 18, for a volunteer project that sounds like a lot of fun to me — decorating carpet samples with an illustration of a favorite children’s picture book.

If I were to do it, I think I’d choose “The Very Hungry Caterpillar,” mainly because I like the title character’s green squiggly shape.

The one-time-only Magic Reading Carpet project takes place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday in the auditorium at Beale Memorial Library.

To participate, any child under 14 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

“Each sample is about 18-by-24 inches and we have 150 pieces,” Apple said.

“The children and teens volunteering will be using paint, markers, fabric and stencils to decorate the carpet squares.”

When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Tuesday Where: Beale Memorial Library, 701 Truxtun Ave. Admission: Free Information: 868-0723

All materials will be supplied, including the carpet samples, which were donated by four local merchants: Abbey Carpet Company, Carpet Cave, Carpet Outlet Plus and Kern Carpets.

Apple noted that although the project is intended to be fun for the kids who participate, it does have a broader purpose.

“I want to make sure that everyone understands the carpet squares aren’t to be taken home,” she said. “They will be used at Beale and in libraries throughout Kern County for story times and other children’s programs for years to come.”

Given the number of samples that will be laid out on tables covered with white paper, adult volunteers are also needed.

“I’m also looking for creative adults willing to share their artistic skills to come join our team,” the librarian said. “They may be needed on Monday as well as Tuesday.”

Duties will include setting up and taking down chairs and tables; handing out supplies; and guiding children and teens with their artwork.

Registration is required to volunteer as an art project aide.

Those interested can contact Apple at 868-0723 or write her via email at andie.apple@kerncountylibrary.org The project is partially funded with federal money from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services that is administered by the state of California.

21

Thursday, June 20, 2013 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street The Dish

The grill deal: Texas joint opens here Brisket the specialty at new northwest restaurant There’s nothing slow and low about the competition for Bakersfield’s best barbecue, which is about to get hot. Make that smokin’ hot. Dallas-based Dickey’s Barbecue is breaking out the brisket, fried okra and sweet tea today for the grand opening of the first Bakersfield franchise, owned by local businessman Rich Aronson.

“I’ve lived here all my life,” said Aronson, 35, whose background is in marketing. “So many people here really love barbecue, but the selection, while it’s a very good selection, it’s a bit limited. All of these different factors rolled up into a go-ahead for us.”

Dickey’s is a quick-serve restaurant — “by far the fastestgrowing segment in the industry,” Aronson said — and dishes up a variety of meats, including pulled pork, Virginia-style ham, chicken, turkey breast, sausages and beef brisket, the unofficial state meat of Texas, which has elicited little more than a shrug from tri-tipcrazed Californians. But don’t prejudge, Aronson advised.

“It’s slow-cooked overnight for 14 hours, along with the pulled pork. When you pull it out and

WWW.DICKEYS.COM

Dickey’s gets folks through the line, with food, in about two minutes.

cut into it, it’s just as tender as you could ever imagine. It just comes out delicious.”

Other highlights of the menu are the fried okra, tanglers (battered and fried shoestring onions) and the giant stuffed baker — basically a baked potato on steroids. Aronson described the layout of the 2,000-square-foot restaurant, just north of Rosedale Highway and Coffee Road, as “kind of a Chipotle feel.”

“You order the meat you want and the sides you want, so by the time you get to the register, you’re ready to go.”

Menu items range from about $4 to $12 for a three-meat plate, and the restaurant offers other

services like catering, family packs and gluten-free foods.

Restaurant hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. seven days a week.

The three-day grand-opening party begins today with cheap eats and a number of giveaways, starting with the first 50 customers, who will receive a $50 Dickey’s gift card. The next 100 customers will receive a free meal plate voucher with the purchase of a drink.

Each day customers may enter to win a $500 Dickey’s gift card, and Friday’s giveaways include a free big yellow cup of Miss Ollie’s tea for the first 100 customers. On Saturday, join KUZZ-FM, 107.9, for $2 pulled pork sandwiches from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Among

KIDS & CRITTERS DAY CAMP

other prizes, a drawing will be held for free barbecue for an entire year.

Aronson, who runs a pair of clothing boutiques with his wife, Crystal, has hired 16 employees for Dickey’s, his first venture in food service, an infamously fickle and merciless industry.

“You’re looking at a 75 percent to 80 percent failure rate in the first two years for most new restaurants,” he said. “But with Dickey’s, it’s less than a 5 percent failure rate. The success rate of the Dickey’s brand is unbelievable.”

Travis Dickey founded Dickey’s Barbecue more than 71 years ago with the goal of offering authentic slow-smoked barbecue. The franchise has expanded to 300-plus locations in 40 states. For more information, visit dickeys.com or call 589-4227.

— Californian Lifestyles Editor Jennifer Self

Mill Creek Deli back Eight months after enduring the death of her husband, George, Brenda Sharp is reopening Mill Creek Deli (700 18th St., 328-9999) today, with plans to add dinner service within the next four weeks.

“I had to do something — I’m a workaholic,” she said in a phone interview Monday as she was

preparing to interview employees. “I worked at Maison Jaussaud’s for years; I like to stay busy. And I really missed my customers.”

The deli has changed the menu to include more salads, she noted, a reflection of customer requests. In addition, the soda machine will no longer be behind the counter, so customers can get their own refills. And the dinner menu (served 5 to 8 p.m.) will feature prime rib, steaks, salmon, pastas and Alaskan cod, with barbecue ribs a possibility.

“We want to offer a lot of chicken options, as more people are eating more of that lately,” she said. “There will also be nightly chef’s specials.”

Mill Creek will also offer happyhour specials from 3 to 6 p.m.

Monday through Friday.

— Contributing columnist Pete Tittl

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Cost: $180.00 for week Registration now open and available at www.bakersfieldspca.org or call 323-8353 ext. 2

Pete Tittl is on the trail of the happiest happy hours in town, but he needs your help.

Please drop Pete a note with the name of your favorite spot and why that particular happy hour is the best there is. Email him at pftittl@yahoo.com.

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Happy hour!

Please join Stars Theatre Restaurant for this fun-filled fundraising event and help us keep the performing arts alive in Kern County!

Live & Silent Auc on Gourmet Prime Rib Dinner Comedy Sketch Wri en by: Dan Marble Featuring: Ben S nson, Jim Fillbrandt, Teri Bjorn, Dwayne Keathley, S. William Bruce, Richard Chapman III, Joe Drew, Signee Swartley and Pat Collins.

Cost: $100 per person $700 for table of eight

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22

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, June 20, 2013

Eye Street The Lowdown with Matt Munoz

Country showdown includes Bakersfield Radio station using it to promote new format

A

ttention aspiring Bakersfield country singers and musicians: start tweaking your twang.

After flipping formats from classic rock to country last month, local station 92.1 KIX Country is now calling for music submissions to be entered in the Texaco Country Showdown, which will include Bakersfield for the first time in its 32 years.

“We were excited to be contacted by the organizers,” said Kris Winston, program director for 92.1 KIX Country. “They heard about us, that we were a brandnew station and thought we’d be a great fit. It’s going to be great.

There’s going to be quite a mix of performers.”

Previous Showdown contestants include Garth Brooks, Martina McBride, Brad Paisley, Miranda Lambert and others who’ve gone onto have major careers.

According to a news release, the contest is open to vocal and/or instrumental performers, both individual acts and groups with up to seven members.

Acts also must not have performed on a record charted in the top 100 country format of Billboard within 18 months preceding local competition. A $20 entry fee is required of all acts chosen to perform.

“It’s an exciting community event that pro-

PHOTO COURTESY OF CEDRIC BIXLER-ZAVALA

Former Mars Volta vocalist Cedric Bixler-Zavala appears with new band Zavalaz at Elements Venue on Wednesday.

PHOTO COURTESY OF TEXACO COUNTRY SHOWDOWN

Pop and country singer Jewel hosted the 31st annual Texaco Country Showdown finals in 2012 in Nashville.

vides talented local artists an opportunity for state, regional and national exposure while promoting a greater appreciation of country music.”

Contestants can enter by submitting their music through a variety of formats including CD, MP3 or video. Submissions can be sent via email to winston@lotusbakersfield.com, dropped off or mailed to the station’s main office located at 5100 Commerce Drive in Bakersfield (93309). Deadline for submissions is noon on June 28.

There is no limit to the amount of submissions they can accept, and an outside panel of judges will pick the top entries.

“Ideally, we’d like everyone to get a chance to get up and perform. We are completely removing ourselves from the judging. I certainly wouldn’t want to be in that position. The judges will be people that understand music,

the industry. They will pick who moves on.”

After the judges have narrowed it down to the top seven to eight entries, those contestants will move onto the local finals on July 19 at the Bull Shed Bar & Grill to perform in front of other judges who will pick a local winner. The public is welcome to attend the local finals and will have a chance to vote for their favorite. Those results will not have any bearing on the judges’ decision, but, according to Winston, will give the public a chance to let their voice be heard.

“That type of competitive environment is a great experience.

Anytime as a performer you get a chance to push yourself, you’re only going to get better. Bakersfield is a small town and I know some of the performers are going to know the other performers.

You get to see the best of the best getting up there.”

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.

Local winners advance to more than 40 state contests where the prizes include $1,000 cash and the opportunity to compete at one of five regional contests in the fall.

The five regional winners receive an all-expenses-paid trip to the national final to compete for $100,000. For a full list of rules and information, visit countryshowdown.com.

This marks the station’s first big promotional campaign after flipping formats from The New 92.1 Max FM classic rock to 92.1 KIX Country on May 6, where it joins KUZZ as one of two local terrestrial radio stations with a full-time country format.

“It’s been very interesting,” said Winston who moved to Bakersfield three years ago after working in country radio in San Antonio for a decade. “We haven’t had any real promo for the station, no ads or billboards.

Most people are just finding us.

The comments I get from people are mostly, ‘How long have you been around?’ It’s a very uptempo station. We play new country, with good energy and some great people on-air.”

According to Winston, the station’s morning show, hosted live

by Bobby Bones out of Nashville, has received great reviews from listeners so far, followed by radio jocks Mel; veteran radio talent

Anne Kelly, who broadcasts live from her present home in the UK; Winston in the afternoon; followed by “CMT Live with Cody Alan” in the evening.

“Bobby Bones has artists performing live constantly, talking and performing. Of course, we don’t have the flood of artists like Nashville, so it’s interesting for people to hear that.”

Winston added the station plans become more visible in the community as time progresses, with the Texaco Country Showdown being a way to introduce its plans to engage the community.

“Through all my years, I’ve always felt radio has a responsibility to its community. Yes, we are a business, but we have a responsibility to be involved in the community and help where there is a need. Not just for charities, but for these young talents who come in and learn how conduct themselves as artists.”

Zavalaz at Elements Former Mars Volta vocalist Cedric Bixler-Zavala brings his newest project Zavalaz to Elements Venue on Wednesday.

Describing his latest musical foray as being a more natural representation of his spiritual being, the 38-year-old singer-songwriter said while Mars Volta was motivated by chaos, Zavalaz is driven by a Please see LOWDOWN / 27

July 31st 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

23

Thursday, June 20, 2013 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street

CASEY CHRISTIE / THE CALIFORNIAN

Two teams mix it up at the annual Mud Volleyball Tournament in 2011.

This volleyball tourney is spiked with mud Stramler Park plays host to event where people play dirty

BY MIRANDA WHITWORTH Contributing writer

I

t’s time to get down and dirty for a Kern County tradition that’s good clean fun.

The 21st annual Mud Volleyball Tournament to benefit the Epilepsy Society of Kern County takes place Saturday at Stramler Park.

The venue, best known for festivals and concerts, will be transformed as thousands of gallons of water is pumped into the dirt parking lot, creating a swamp of volleyball courts perfect for a wet and wild time.

Epilepsy Society volunteer Doug Valdez, who is helping to coordinate the event, said when the big day comes, participants better be ready to take the plunge.

“Rain for Rent comes out and waters the lot for three days. By the time it’s ready, they look like they are playing in a lake.

And when they go down and you see that splash, it’s like, wow.”

For those who have never participated in the tournament, preparation is required. A pop-up canopy, cooler filled with snacks and portable seating are recommended.

While the tournament starts early, the June heat will begin to creep in, and the wait between games in the double-elimination tournament calls for shade and a comfortable place to rest your legs. One last piece of equipment that’s also a must-have is duct tape, an essential tool for keeping toes intact.

“We sell a lot of duct tape. People use it to tape their shoes, tape their socks, wear it so their feet don’t burn on the asphalt. I just wonder what hurts more: not wearing it or trying to take it off later.”

21st annual Mud Volleyball Tournament When: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday Where: Stramler Park, 3805 Chester Ave. Registration: $375 for a team of six to 10 people; free to spectators Information: 634-9810 or epilepsysocietyofkern.org

The mud oozing under the shallow water is prime for suction and can pull even the most tightly laced shoe from a player’s foot. Many use the tape to strap their athletic shoes or water socks to their feet, while others use the tough adhesive to create a shoe from scratch: Just wear socks, wrap your feet and go.

But tape shoes are not the strangest thing you’ll see participants don on game day. Valdez said all registered team members are given a tournament T-shirt, but many hate to wreck it on the first wear and will come in their own homemade tees.

“You should see how they show up.

Some of the kids on teams will dress up in funny ways and a lot of people get their own matching shirts. Most of the teams have been doing this for 20 years and they have a really good time with it.”

Like the event itself, the participants consider their teams a legacy.

“Basically it’s like a huge family; the majority of the teams are the same every year. There is a lot of competition and some people are back to find the teams they lost to last year. But, everyone loves being out here and supporting what we do.”

24

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, June 20, 2013

Eye Street

Big-bird alert: Ostrich ranch throws a party 2014 NISSAN VERSA S VIN# 814587/Model Code 11124

Owners help to educate visitors, dispel popular myths

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12,891

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

Photo for illustration purposes only.

2013 NISSAN SENTRA S 4DR VIN# 131251/Model Code 12013

30 city/ 40 hwy+

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2013 NISSAN ROGUE S AWD VIN# 624701/Model Code 22213

MSRP.........................$24,040 Dealer Discount........-$1,949 Sale Price..................$22,091 Factory Rebate^........-$1,000 NMAC Cash*................-$500 College Grad**..............-$600

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MSRP.........................$29,695 Dealer Discount........-$3,204 Net Cost Sale Price..................$26,491 $ Factory Rebate^........-$1,000 NMAC Cash*................-$500 ONE AT THIS NET COST

24,991

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All prices plus government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document processing charge, and any electronic filing charge. ^Nissan Factory rebate is in lieu of special APR, restrictions may apply. *$500 NMAC cash available, on approved credit, must finance thru NMAC, not all applicants will qualify. See Dealer for complete details. **$600 College Grad incentive requires proof of graduation within 6 months (or past 2 years) from accredited US 2 or 4 yr university, college, graduate school or nursing school. Available on purchase. Must take delivery from new dealer stock. +2013 EPA Fuel Economy Estimates. Mileage listed for 2013 Altima 2.5 S with CVT 27 city/ 38 hwy, 2013 Sentra FE + S with Xtronic CVT® 30 city, 40 highway, 2013 Frontier S manual transmission 19 city/23 hwy. and 2013 Rogue S, 23 city/ 28 hwy. Ward’s Large Cross/Utility segment. ’13 Pathfinder vs. ‘13 competitors. ’13 Pathfinder 2WD EPA fuel economy estimate 20 city and 26 highway MPG. Actual mileage may vary with driving conditions — use for comparison purposes only. †According to Polk U.S. New Vehicle Registrations for the Entry Level segment CY 2008-2012 (or January 2008 - December 2012). See dealer for details. All Offers end 6/30/2013.

Nissan of Bakersfield

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E

ver heard that tale about ostriches hiding their heads in the sand? That’s likely to ruffle some feathers over at Indian Point Ostrich Ranch.

“Put their heads in the ground? They don’t. It’s a myth,” said David Brust, spokesman for the Tehachapi facility. Celebrating 21 years in business, the popular tourist destination will host a second “thank-you” event on Saturday for the community and guests who have helped it thrive.

Brust has a lot to discuss on the subject of ostriches, the largest living species of bird, with close ties to the dinosaurs, including the aforementioned tall tale.

“Now it’s used more often to talk about politicians than ostriches. They (birds) are known to lay their head flat on the ground when a predator is around so they look like a rock.”

There’s no chance you’ll miss the big birds, which can weigh up to 500 pounds and exceed 9 feet in height — like the ranch’s big bird Bubba — that populate the 60-acre ranch open to tourists.

“People are naturally drawn to them.

They are the star of the show.”

The massive flightless birds made the news earlier this month when the Powerhouse Fire in the Lake Hughes area cut the power to an affiliate ranch, threatening the 50 incubating eggs just days from hatching. Joel Brust, Indian Point owner and David’s uncle, delivered a generator and other supplies to the Quail Run ranch to help them along.

“That would have hurt bad if we lost those eggs,” David Brust said. “Joel has really taken it upon himself to aid the ostrich industry across the board. Help them become a viable business like ours.

We’re franchising our store now with these other ranches.”

Those eggs have hatched, although the hatchlings will remain at Quail Run for a few months before some make the trip to Indian Point. (Brust said to check back in mid-July for the young birds.)

The babies may not be on display, but the ranch offers an egg-cellent distraction with ostrich eggshell painting. Among the free perks for the first 200 children is a kit with paints and a piece of the massive eggshell, which, intact, holds the equivalent of 24 chicken eggs. Overseeing the painting station (which will cost $2 for children after the first 200) will be members of Southern Sierra Council Boy Scout Troop 3, many of whose members are working toward Eagle Scout status.

The Scouts will sell hot dogs and beverages after the free popcorn and soft drinks are distributed. Along with feeding themselves, guests will be able to feed the birds in the ostrich bonding area.

“They’re getting nose to beak. ... The

Indian Point Ostrich Ranch 21st Anniversary When: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday Where: Indian Point Ostrich Ranch, 28101 Giraudo Road, Tehachapi Admission: Free; first 200 kids receive eggshell painting kit, tour and can feed ostriches ($2 to feed, $3 to purchase an egg shell piece, $4 guided tour after) Information: 822-9131

birds have a very small brain, about the size of a pea, most of what they know is instinct. Either they can see it or they can smell it, and they know there is food in the bowls.”

Ostriches aren’t very smart, Brust said, but can be friendly and curious. Only the best-behaved birds are on display for tourists, with more aggressive “rednecks” (Tanzanian reds) like Bubba staying behind the scenes at the farm.

For those with a sense of adventure, the ranch offers the Ostrich Experience, which provides guests with a photo of them riding an ostrich. Brust said much of the process is kept under wraps.

“That is the mystery. It is a mysterious process. It’s a keepsake, especially for tourists.”

Along with a commemorative photo, the ranch promotes its feather dusters, decorative plumes and line of ostrich oil and lotions.

“Our philosophy is to try and use every part of the bird that we can. They have a fat pocket and we render that. It’s been used for thousands of years. Pliny the Elder, the reason he’s famous, he was the first zoologist. The uses of ostrich oil, he called it ‘liquid sunshine.’”

Although Brust could not get into specifics about what the future holds for Indian Point, he said innovation is key.

“Generally we're looking at getting more tourists to our ranch. Exposing them to the wonder of the ostrich. There are a lot of other new products that we can produce from the bird.”

Promotion is part of the second annual event, which drew nearly 1,000 people to the ranch last year, but Brust said that’s not the driving force.

“We really view this as a way to thank our neighbors, visitors, our friends that keep our business going for us. We’re a small little mom-and-pop-owned ranch.

It's important to keep our economy going for keeping us here 21 years.”

25

Thursday, June 20, 2013 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street Cool stuff in the southwest?

Put your prejudice aside

BY PATRICIA ROCHA Californian staff writer

Flea Market Super Weekend Mania

procha@bakersfield.com

When: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday Where: Vintage Rubbish Boutique, 7400 District Blvd., Suite A Admission: Free Information: 379-7556

D

owntown may be home to the Arts District, but it’s not the only place in Bakersfield where shoppers can find unique, artsy merchandise, and Dominique Curl is determined to prove it by presenting to Flea Market Super Weekend Mania.

The “upscale swap meet” will feature several vendors, music, barbecue, snow cones and children’s activities, such as a bounce house and train rides.

Tucked inside the Bead and Yarn Studio in the southwest, Curl’s boutique offers a contrast to the more industrial storage and flooring businesses surrounding it. Inside is a collection of antique vases, secondhand books and vintage furniture, refurbished by Curl herself. The mother of five said she became interested in refurbishing furniture out of necessity.

“I wasn’t able to afford the newest, hippest thing,” she said. “Especially when my daughter turned 13. She grew out of the polka dots and pink.”

She said she found some free pieces, including a dresser and hutch, and customized them. Her daughter was overjoyed with the result.

“She said, ‘Where did you get that from?’ and I said, ‘Girl, I made that for you.’”

With encouragement from family and friends, she continued her hobby until she could afford her current space. The boutique is arranged among several styles, ranging from distressed children’s rocking chairs to a noir-style dresser.

“I do a lot of driving around (with five kids),”she said. “Anytime I’m driving, and I see furniture on the side of the road, I ask, ‘Hey are you getting rid of that? I’ll take it.’

I know I can make something. That’s why it’s called Vintage Rubbish. If it’s old or trash, I made something out of it.”

She hopes the flea market will be a success in bringing awareness to other vendors like her, who will be selling art, clothing, vitamins, health products and jewelry.

She plans to continue the flea market event every third weekend of the month.

ALL ORGAN RECITALS FREE TO PUBLIC Pre-Convention Recital - June 23rd 7pm Post-Convention Recital - June 27th 10am HECTOR OLIVERA

KEN MEDEMA

First Presbyterian Church Sunday June 23rd - 7pm

“The Power of Music” St. John’s Lutheran Church Tuesday June 25th - 3:45pm

CAREY COKER ROBERTSON First Presbyterian Church Monday June 24th - 4pm

CHRISTOPH BULL

HYUNJU HWANG St. John’s Lutheran Church Tuesday June 25th - 8pm

First Presbyterian Church Monday June 24th - 7:30pm

PAUL ROSAS

AGO/QUIMBY REGIONAL COMPETITION FOR YOUNG ORGANISTS

MIDI and the Organ Fist United Methodist Church Wednesday June 26th - 9am

St Paul’s Anglican Church Tuesday June 25th - 9:30am

INTRODUCTION TO THE ORGAN FOR CHILDREN WITH ROBERT AMPT & AMY JOHANSEN St Paul’s Anglican Church Tuesday June 25th - 10:30am

S. WAYNE FOSTER Hymn Festival St. John’s Lutheran Church Tuesday June 25th - 2:30pm

ROBERT AMPT & AMY JOHANSEN GALA RECITAL Olive Drive Church Wednesday June 26th - 8pm

DOROTHY YOUNG RIESS Olive Drive Church Thursday June 27th - 10am

26

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, June 20, 2013

Eye Street JAM: CONTINUED FROM 18

This Week’s Obsessions

This Foo Fighter would do his honky-tonk heroes proud I went to the Crystal Palace last Thursday to see Foo Fighters guitar player Chris Shiflett. It seems Chris and some friends decided to devote a year to proper honky-tonk music.

The tour they’re on is obviously to get comfortable with the material in advance of their album, “All Hat and No Cattle,” which comes out in July.

I’ve only heard a few rough cuts of the songs on the record, but they’re fantastic, and it was great seeing them play live at the Palace. Their set list was a virtual who’s who of country greats, from Hank Williams to Buck and Merle, with some Waylon thrown in for good measure. The

What are your current obsessions?

Excited about a local band, event or concert? Is there a new book, record, band or TV show that you’re obsessed with?

Share with our readers by emailing jself@bakersfield.com.

combination of reverence for the material combined with their very personal spin on the songs is fantastic.

Buck would’ve loved this band. Also cool was seeing Chris chatting with folks after the show, and even better was watching him tearing down and carrying his own gear. I’m guessing that he doesn’t do much of either when touring with the Foo Fighters.

Scott Cox is host of "First Look with Scott Cox," which airs from 7 to 10 a.m. weekdays at bakersfield.com and KERN-AM, 1180.

Helping history I went out to the Aviator Casino in Delano on Saturday night for the big fundraiser to help finish the movie about the Bakersfield Sound and Billy Mize’s contribution to it. It was a great time. I don’t know how much we raised exactly, but organizer Joe Saunders told me that it exceeded his expectations, which is plenty good enough for me. We have to make sure that this little chunk of local history gets made, so go watch the trailer at billymizemovie.com. And, if so inspired, contribute.

And finally, what tribute to our place in music history would be complete without a visit from one of the guys who made it happen? Well, Merle was in town to receive his honorary degree from Cal State. He even made a few social visits around town, including a stop at the Ronald McDonald House. Very cool.

he really is good. In energy, enthusiasm and fun for the song, he’s a 10, without a doubt.”

After some prodding, Flores — who diplomatically noted that all the performers are great — singled out a few, including trumpet player Lemucchi (“he’s really, really good”), and Buckley Radio’s Tony Lee, who knocks it out of the park with his covers of “Your Man” by Josh Turner and “Corazon Espinado” by Santana.

Another standout is KGET sales rep Angela Barton, who will be performing the Amy Winehouse version of “To Know Him Is to Love Him.” “She came in and she just schooled us on how to arrange a song like that. That one was really different for us.”

Flores promised the evening will hold many surprises, mostly for the audience, which rarely has the opportunity to glimpse the playful side of the men and women who bring them news and information every day.

“To see them out of their element, the serious work of the day they do with the news — to see them in this setting is going to be a cool thing to do. To hear them sing or play an instrument — these people are just good.”

But that doesn’t mean they’re immune to butterflies.

Spanks, for one, will fuel up with a little liquid courage, only appropriate for a man singing about the bliss-inducing affects of tequila (and if Spanks — born Daniel Litterall — gets enough liquor in him, have him tell you the story of how he came up with his radio name).

“I’m just looking at it like an opportunity to have a good time,” said the radio pro and father of two teens. “And any people who get a chuckle out of me, I’m sure I’ll get a chuckle out of them, too.”

And though making it to the Crystal Palace stage is a coup for any performer, the show this weekend will not be Spanks’ first performance there.

“It was a Christmas party, and it was karaoke and I did ‘Like a Virgin.’ It was with co-workers and everyone enjoyed it. Maybe next year.”

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27

Thursday, June 20, 2013 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street MORGAN: CONTINUED FROM 19

While Morgan is helping to open the door for her son, she’s also making new fans too young to remember her early hits when they were originally released. She said she couldn’t have done it without the help of the digital age, and the new opportunities to reach music lovers directly, rather than going through the industry suits.

“It has enabled the country genre as a whole to broaden its audience to highlight new trending artists, as well as welcome the return of the traditional sounds, introducing it to a younger audience yearning to hear some of the more rootsy music.

We’ve gained a lot of new fans who have found us on the Internet; it’s so nice to see the college kids in the crowd sing the words to some of my songs!”

Morgan’s upcoming release, “Dos Divas,” set for a July 23 release, is a collaboration with veteran country singer and gal pal Pam Tillis, with whom she has already starting touring.

“I’m enjoying my Grits & Glamour tour dates with Pam, my independent shows are filled with friendly, familiar faces each and every night, and then when I get home, I spend quality time with my husband, my children and my grandbabies.”

Morgan and Tillis, who have known each other since childhood, were born into country music families and spent many evenings together backstage watching their parents in the spotlight.

Morgan is the daughter of the late Grand Ole Opry favorite George Morgan, and Tillis’ dad is singer/songwriter Mel Tillis.

“We are two women who absolutely do

LOWDOWN: CONTINUED FROM 22

renewed sense of awareness and love of family.

“There were moments when I was songwriting with Mars Volta that I was asked to do something a little more straight or give a second or third wind to the band. I don’t know, but I always came up short. I always just hid behind my old bag of tricks.”

Bixler-Zavala was an electrifying performer with Mars Volta, the popular progressive alt-rock group he founded with guitarist Omar Rodriguez-Lopez in 2001 following the breakup of their previous band At The Drive-In. All six of Mars Volta’s best-selling albums were filled with tidal waves of imagery and cryptic messages, which fans studied and critics debated their relevancy.

“There isn’t one person I’ve had a conversation with who hasn’t had some kind of polarizing opinion about what I’ve done in the past. I think it’s very difficult to understand, but a lot of times it was done purposeful, kind of a court jester approach.

I definitely took a lot of cues from Captain Beefheart who had fun with words, and the meaning came second. I’ve also agreed with people who’ve said I written phrases with 25 meanings. I’m OK with that.”

Following the abrupt breakup of the Mars Volta earlier this year, Bixler-Zavala says life was already at a crossroads. Enjoying sobriety, he credits marriage and his sprouting family with inspiring his rebirth.

“I wasn’t preoccupied about trying to steer clear from the responsibility of having a family. I love my wife so much that babies were the next natural progression, and that would also whip my (expletive)

Encore performances Jesse Keith Whitley will be performing at Trout’s Sunday evening at 8 p.m.

Tickets prices are $20 to $50.

Lorrie Morgan will be making an encore appearance at Trout’s at 7 p.m.

Tuesday. Tickets are $100 to $150.

Tickets for both shows available at Trout’s or Emporium Western Store in Bakersfield.

things our own way, but we both bend to give to this unique and special relationship. We both respect each other’s artistry, we respect each other as women, and we help each other if we’re not feeling well.

We share some spunk! It’s part of the tradition that we were brought up in.”

As country fans await the release of “Dos Divas,” Morgan promises her solo show at the Kern County Museum will be a great appetizer.

“We’ll perform some of the fan favorites and some of my personal favorites; Bakersfield can expect a cross between contemporary and traditional country, where ‘Cougar Town’ connects with Broadway!”

Sunday’s concert will be staged at the museum’s log cabin green. Also appearing are Garrison-Kennedy, the Blackboard Playboys, Noah Claunch, Mark Madewell and more. A portion of the show’s proceeds will benefit Make-A-Wish of Central California.

Seating is provided but patrons may bring their own foldout chairs to the venue.

Food, and drink vendors will be selling soft drinks, beer and wine.

into shape, and it really has. Having her point of view artistically, and understanding what a challenge it is to take your art and actually communicate something with it rather than just throw it against the wall and be like, ‘Yeah, that’s what I meant.’ I did that for 10 years.”

Bixler-Zavala described his new material as an homage to his parents’ music collection.

“My parents were probably part of that record-of-the-month club where you pay a penny and get an eight-track tape. So, as a kid, I had Kiss’ ‘Love Gun’ and ‘Destroyer,’ and my parents had (Fleetwood Mac’s) ‘Rumours,’ certain Bee Gees records. I’ve always liked listening to softer material like that. Maybe it’s also growing up in Mexican culture where you have a lot of cholos who live an aggressive lifestyle, but at the end of the day, they listen to slow dance material.

It probably just rubbed off on me.”

Fans expecting a Mars Volta reunion anytime soon shouldn’t hold their breath.

“I think what people should understand is, it’s not a thing of spite. You realize, there’s a certain era to see it, and you learn from your past. Maybe reunions don’t always work. It is what it was, and people had a chance to see it. You should’ve gone when you had the chance. I have to put the same effort that I used to put into being Omar’s friend into my family, because that family is much lucrative for me spiritually and has a lot more positivity and that’s just where I’m at right now.”

Wednesday’s all-ages show, also featuring Dot Hacker, begins at 8 p.m. Tickets are $13. Elements Venue is located at 3401 Chester Ave. For more information, visit timgardeapresents.com.

RAMON AYALA JULY 13

JERRY SEINFELD JULY 26

WWE SMACKDOWN TV LIVE AUGUST 20

ON SALE SATURDAY AT 10 AM

MIKE EPPS

NOVEMBER 1 ON SALE FRIDAY AT 10 AM

AIR SUPPLY JUNE 29

SUMMERLAND TOUR W/ EVERCLEAR, FILTER, LIVE & SPONGE JUNE 30

28

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, June 20, 2013

Eye Street Go & Do Today Concerts by The Fountain, top 40 hits, current and oldies with A.K.A., 7 to 9 p.m., The Marketplace, 9000 Ming Ave. Third Thursday, entertainment, barbecue, arts and crafts, games, contests, farmers market, 5:30 p.m., Central Park at Mill Creek, 21st and R streets. 325-5892.

Bakersfield Blaze vs. High Desert, 7:45 p.m. today through Saturday, 11:30 a.m. Sunday, Sam Lynn Ballpark, 4009 Chester Ave. $7-$12. bakersfieldblaze.com or 716-HITS. Advances in Marriage Equality Discussion, come join us for a casual discussion about this historic time, 6 to 8 p.m., Gay & Lesbian Center, 238 18th St. Free.

Email info@glcenterbak.org or 843-7995.

Friday Luau Family Fun Night, 6 to 9 p.m., McMurtrey Aquatic Center, 1325 Q St. $3 per person; $10 for groups of 4 to 6. 852-7430.

Movies in the Park, presents “Madagascar 3,” begins at dusk, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park, 1000 S. Owens St. Free. 326-3866.

Vito: The Life of Gay Activist Vito Russo, join us for this documentary, 7 to 10 p.m., Gay & Lesbian Center, 238 18th St. Free.

Email info@glcenterbak.org or 843-7995.

The Warriors Cage — Conflict, 8 p.m., Eagle Mountain Casino, 681 S. Tule Reservation Road, Porterville. $25 general; $35 reserved.

Visit eaglemtncasino.com or 559788-6220.

Saturday 21st annual Mud Volleyball Tournament, 8 a.m., Stramler Park, 3805 Chester Ave. Deadline has passed to sign up; free for spectators. 634-9810.

Amateur Radio Field Day, nationwide on the air contest, all local amateur radio operators and the public invited, 11 a.m. Saturday to 2 p.m. Sunday, College Park, 2515 Church Ave. Visit w6lie.org, arrl.org/field-day or 549-8216.

Bakersfield Speedway, Modifieds, Sport Modifieds, Mini Stocks, NMRA, gates open at 4 p.m.; races begin at 6 p.m., Bakersfield Speedway, 5001 N. Chester Ave. $10; $5 ages 6-12; under 5 free. bakersfieldspeedway.com or call 393-3373.

Certified Farmers Market, 8 a.m. to noon, next to Golden State Mall, 3201 F St. Electronic Waste Recycling Event, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., The Strata Center, 10350 Heather Place, California City. Free. Email nlagness@yahoo.com or 873-4011.

Flea Market Super Weekend Mania, vendors, entertainment, bounce house, food, face painting, raffles, prizes, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sat-

urday and Sunday, Vintage Rubbish Boutique, 7400 District Blvd., Suite A. Free. 379-7556.

Flowers & Fruits Floral Class, 10 to 11:30 a.m., Log Cabin Florist, 800 19th St. $50. 327-8646.

Gay Straight Alliance Youth Day in the Park, the Gay & Lesbian Center of Bakersfield teams up with Youth Empowerment Pride Project (YEPP), for a great afternoon of food, friends and fun, 1 to 4 p.m., Jastro Park, 2900 Truxtun Ave. Free. Email info@glcenterbak.org or 843-7995.

Indian Point Ostrich Ranch 21st Anniversary, ostrich egg shell painting, bounce house, popcorn, drink, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Indian Point Ostrich Ranch, 28101 Giraudo Road, Tehachapi. Free to the first 200 kids. After that, it’s $2 to feed an ostrich, $3 to purchase an egg shell piece, $4 guided tour.

822-9131.

Kern Audubon Society Field Trip to Kern River Preserve, meet at 6:30 a.m., at the Albertson’s parking lot on Mount Vernon. Bring water, snacks and binoculars. kernaudubonsociety.org or 322-7470.

Media Music Jam, media personalities from TV, radio and print will perform with Thee Majestics, 7 to 10 p.m., Buck Owens Crystal Palace, 2800 Buck Owens Blvd. $20. Proceeds benefit Kern County Cancer Fund. Tickets can be purchased at vallitix.com or 3225200.

NASCAR, Pro Late Models 100, Legends, Bandoleros, Mini Dwarfs, 6 p.m., Kern County Raceway Park, 13500 Raceway Blvd. $8-$45.

Email sblakesley@kernraceway. com or 835-1264.

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. 7462140.

Pole Barn Movie Nights, watch “Babe,” 6 p.m., Murray Family Farms, 6700 General Beale Road. $8.99 for ages 4 and up; free for ages 3 and under. 330-0100.

Sporting Clay Shoot Fundraiser, hosted by the Bakersfield Renegades; check-in 7:30 a.m., shoot 9 a.m., Kern County Gun Club, 12450 Shotgun Road. Deadline entry has passed. 340-5710 or 201-9103.

Sunday Beale Band Concert, performed by the Bakersfield Municipal Band, pre-concert show at 7 p.m., concert at 8 p.m., Beale Park, 500 Oleander Ave. Free. 326-FUNN. Greater World Gift, with jewelry, baskets, gift items from Third World countries; 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., First Congregational Church, 5 Real Road. 327-1609.

Pre-Convention Recital Con-

cert, featuring Hector Olivera, 7 to 8 p.m., First Presbyterian Church, 1705 17th St. Free. 325-9419.

TMRA Junior Rodeo, 7:30 a.m., Tehachapi Rodeo Grounds, 415 N. Dennison St., Tehachapi. Free for spectators; fees vary for participators. Visit tehachapiprorodeo.com.

THEATER “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.

“Sweet Charity,” 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, The Empty Space, 706 Oak St. $15; $10 students/seniors. 327-PLAY. History of the U.S. Comedy Sketch Fundraiser, live and silent auction, gourmet Prime Rib dinner, 6 p.m. Saturday, Stars Dinner Theatre, 1931 Chester Ave. $100; $700 table of eight. Proceeds benefit Stars Theatre Restaurant and The Bakersfield Music Theatre. 3256100.

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 “Diva’s Dish & Design,” each class will feature a fabulous new project with new techniques and tools you’ll be able to use on your own projects in the studio, 6:30 p.m. today, Color Me Mine at The Marketplace, 9000 Ming Ave. $50. bakersfield.colormemine.com or 664-7366.

“Paint Me A Story,” for toddlers and preschoolers, first we read the story and then you and your child complete a hand-print dinner plate project together, 10 a.m. Saturday, Color Me Mine at The Marketplace, 9000 Ming Ave. $15. bakersfield.colormemine.com or 6647366.

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 Joan MontanoGrant, now on display through June, Bakersfield Art Association Art Center, 1817 Eye St. 869-2320.

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

Color Me Canvas “Blooming Tree,” for ages 8 to 13, step-bystep process of painting a design on a 14 x 11 canvas, 2 p.m. Friday, Color Me Mine at The Market-

place, 9000 Ming Ave. $30. Visit bakersfield.colormemine.com or 664-7366.

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.

Pine Needles, Gourds & Bling Class, with Dian Olmstead and Carol Laird, 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Bakersfield Art Association Art Center, 1817 Eye St. $65 for three classes. Supplies included. 3931579.

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 Alternative Elements Venue, 3401 Chester Ave., 215-9407; Miss May I, 6 p.m. Monday. $16. Visit timgardeapresents.com. All ages.

Blues Pyrenees Cafe, 601 Sumner, 3230053; Glenda Robles and Bobby “O,” 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday.

Classic rock Jacalito Grill, 10606 Hageman Road, 679-7920; Prisoners of Love, 7 to 10 p.m. Tuesday.

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

Sunday.

Chuy’s, 2500 New Stine Road, 833-3469; Elevation 406, 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. Saturday.

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

Saturday.

Que Pasa Mexican Cafe, 2701 Ming Ave., 832-5011; Elevation 406, 8 to 11:30 p.m. Thursday.

The Old River Monte Carlo, 9750 Taft Highway, 837-0250; No Limit, 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Classic soul Cafe Med, 4809 Stockdale Highway, 834-4433; Mr. Trimble and Unique Soul, 6 to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

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

Tuesdays.

On the Rocks, 1517 18th St., 3277625; 7:45 p.m. Thursday. $5.

Visit facebook.com/ontherocksbakersfield.

Country B. Ryder’s Sports Bar & Grill, 7401 White Lane, 397-7304; Truxton Mile, 9 p.m. Sunday. $5. All

ages.

Ethel’s Old Corral, 4310 Alfred Harrell Highway, 873-7613; The Bluetooth Cowboys, 7 to 11 p.m.

Friday; Lil Gritty, 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).

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

Wednesdays.

The Prime Cut, 9500 Brimhall Road, 831-1413; Teddy Spanke and the Tex Pistols, 9 p.m. to midnight Saturday.

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 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.

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.

Pairs and Spares Dance, Tommy Hays, 7 p.m. each Friday, Rasmussen Senior Center, 115 E. Roberts Lane. $7; $9 nonmembers.

399-3575 or 619-3859.

Studio 9 Dance, 4000 Easton Drive, Suite 9, 619-1003; basic West Coast swing, 7 p.m. Wednesdays, ballroom, country, two-step, 7 and 8 p.m. Thursdays.

Trouts & The Blackboard Stages, 805 N. Chester Ave., 399-6700; two-step, West Coast swing, line dance lessons, 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesdays; West Coast swing, 6 p.m. Fridays. $5.

Please see GO & D0 / 29

29

Thursday, June 20, 2013 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street GO & D0: CONTINUED FROM 28

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. 3237111; 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.

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

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

Imbibe Wine & Spirits Merchant, 4140 Truxtun Ave., 633WINE; live music with Paul Perez and Pat O’Connel, 6 to 8:30 p.m.

Thursday; Bunky Spurling, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.; Jay Parson, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.; Paul Cierley and Rick Lincoln, 6 to 8:30 p.m.; Deedra Patrick and Chris Neufeld, 6 to 8:30 p.m.

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

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

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

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

Wine Me Up, 3900 Coffee Rd., Suite 2, 588-8556; Candace Brown, 7 to 9 p.m. Friday. Free.

Karaoke B. Ryder’s Sports Bar & Grill, 7401 White Lane, 397-7304; 8 p.m.

Thursday.

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., 363-7200; 6:15 to 10:15 p.m. Tuesdays.

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

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

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; 3237111, 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 Lounge, 10612 Rosedale Highway, 589-0412; 9 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, 399-7800; 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Tuesday.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rocky’s Pizza & Arcade, 2858 Niles St., 873-1900; Joey Zaza’s Karaoke and Stuff, 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Tuesdays.

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

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

Wednesdays.

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

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

Tuesdays.

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

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

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

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

Tuesdays and Thursdays.

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

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

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

The Pourhouse, 4041 Fruitvale Ave., 589-9300; 9 p.m. every Friday.

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.

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.

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

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

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, 9 p.m. every Wednesday. Free.

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

The Prime Cut, 9500 Brimhall Road, 831-1413; Left Coast Groovies, 7 to 10 p.m. Wednesday.

Rock Element’s Venue, 3401 Chester Ave., 215-9407; Zavalaz, Dot Hacker, 8 p.m. Wednesday. $13. All ages.

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.

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., 3996700; The Blackboard Playboys, 8:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. $5 after 8 p.m.

UPCOMING EVENTS Monday 6/24 Bakersfield Blaze vs. Lancaster Jethawks, 7:45 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, Sam Lynn Ballpark, 4009 Chester Ave. $7$12. bakersfieldblaze.com or 716HITS. Organ Recital Concert, featuring Carey Coker-Robertston, 4 p.m., and Christoph Bull, 7:30 p.m., First Presbyterian Church, 1705 17th St. Free. 325-9419.

Tuesday 6/25 “The Power of Music” Presentation, featuring Ken Medema, 3:45 p.m., St. John’s Lutheran Church, 4500 Buena Vista Road.

Free. Visit bakersfieldago2013.org.

Clogging Classes, beginner 7:15 p.m., intermediate 8:15 p.m., advanced 9:15 p.m., Silvercreek Recreation Center, 7011 Harris Road. First class is free, $20 after.

322-3866.

Focus Groups for Parents & Teachers, for parents, two times: 8:30 to 10 a.m., and 10:30 a.m. to noon; and for teachers, 1 to 2:30 p.m., Bakersfield Museum of Art, 1930 R St. 323-7219.

Hymn Festival, with world-class organist S. Wayne Foster, 2:30 p.m., St. John’s Lutheran Church, 4500 Buena Vista Road. Free.

Lorrie Morgan, 7:30 p.m., Trout's, 805 N. Chester Ave. $100-$150.

Tickets at Emporium Western Store or Trout's. 472-8734 or 3996700.

Kid’s Summer Film Festival, see “The Smurfs,” 10 a.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, Maya Cinemas, 1000 California Ave. $1. 636-0484.

Music Fest 2013, with 1916, 7 to 8:30 p.m., Silver Creek Park, 7011 Harris Road. Free. 326-FUNN. Organ Presentation for Children, with Robert Ampt and Amy Johansen from Australia, 10:30 a.m., St. Paul’s Anglican Parish, 2216 17th St. Free. 325-9419.

Organ Recital, with Hyunju Hwang, 8 p.m., St. John’s Lutheran Church, 4500 Buena Vista Road.

Free. Visit bakersfieldago2013.org.

Organ Recital Concert, featuring the winner of the Regional Young Organists Competition, 9:30 a.m., St. Paul’s Anglican Parish, 2216 17th St. Free. 325-9419.

Reel Kids Summer Movie Series, see “The Neverending Story,” 10 a.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, Reading Cinemas-Valley Plaza 16, 2000 Wible Road. $1.

833-2230.

Sierra Club Conditioning Hikes, three to five miles, 7 p.m., meet at corner of highways 178 and 184.

872-2432 or 873-8107.

Summer Children’s Art Camps, each camp will have a completed project such as paint a T-shirt, build a picture frame, make a journal, watercolor painting, make a clay ornament, 10 a.m. to noon Tuesday through Friday, biweekly through Aug. 9, Schilling Art Studio, 12426 Jomani Drive, Suite B. $90 per week. Supplies included.

587-4400.

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

Wednesday 6/26 Brett Eldredge, 7 p.m., Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace, 2800 Buck Owens Blvd. $12-$18. vallitix.com or 322-5200.

Gala Organ Recital, with Robert Ampt and Amy Johansen featuring four hands and four feet, with a special rendition of “Waltzing Matilda” for four feet, 8 p.m., Olive Drive Church, 5500 Olive Drive.

Free. Visit bakersfieldago2013.org.

Independent Film Festival, see the movie “Love is All You Need,” 7 p.m. Wednesday and 10 a.m. Saturday, Maya Cinemas, 1000 California Ave. $6. 636-0484.

Organ Recital, T. Paul Rosas, 9 a.m., First United Methodist Church 4600 Stockdale Highway.

Free. bakersfieldago2013.org.

Wine Wednesdays, featuring three wines, appetizers and food, music by Therese Muller, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., Chef’s Choice Noodle Bar, 1534 19th St. $25. 325-1234.

Thursday 6/27 2013 Visual Arts Festival, exhibit opening and award presentation, 6 p.m., Bakersfield Museum of Art, 1930 R St. $10; free to members.

323-7219.

Aaron Watson, 7 p.m., Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace, 2800 Buck Owens Blvd. $10. vallitix.com or 322-5200.

Concerts by The Fountain, classic and modern country with The Nightlife band, 7 to 9 p.m., The Marketplace, 9000 Ming Ave. Host Families Informational Meeting, 7 to 9 p.m, Hall Ambulance Community Center, 1031 21st St. Free. bakersfieldsistercity.org.