Bakersfield Californian Eye Street Entertainment / 10-13-11

24

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, October 13, 2011

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

Index Media Music Jam .................................... 25 Arts Alive .................................................. 26 Safe Halloween ........................................ 27 Dust Bowl Days Festival .......................... 28 Geeks vs. Zombies .................................. 29 The Lowdown with Matt Munoz ............ 30 Sweeney Todd.......................................... 32 Calendar .............................................. 36-37

Symphony looks great at 80 Born in Depression, orchestra resilient in tough times

BY SUSAN SCAFFIDI Contributing writer

O

n the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra — a period of cutbacks and tough concessions for most arts organizations — conductor John Farrer is humbled when he considers that times were even worse when the symphony was formed.

“I’ve often thought about the courage of the people who started an orchestra in the midst of the Depression,” he said.

The Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra was formally organized in 1932, emerging from a community orchestra night class in the Kern County Union High School District. Except for a hiatus during World War II, the orchestra has continued, first performing at the East Bakersfield High School auditorium, then the Harvey Auditorium at Bakersfield High School, then finally, the Civic Auditorium, now known as the Rabobank Theater.

“This orchestra has been around awhile, and it’s a tribute to this community that it has been,” Farrer said.

While looking back on that history, Farrer is also looking forward to the 2011-12 season, which starts Saturday evening.

The main attraction is a performance by pianist Nobuyuki Tsujii, the co-winner of the 2009 Van Cliburn piano competition. The other co-winner, Hoachen Zhang, performed with the BSO last year.

Tsujii created an international sensation, not just because of his unprecedented tie with Zhang for the gold medal, but because he has been blind from birth. Farrer, who attended the 2009 competition, said Tsujii earned his medal.

“Before he performed, he told the judges he wanted no consideration for his blindness,” Farrer said. “The judges told him there would be none.”

Since the Van Cliburn competition, Tsujii has been performing world-wide and recording the major works of the piano repertoire, including the Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 2 in c minor, which he will perform at Saturday’s concert. The 21-year-old

RODGER MALLISON / FORT WORTH STAR-TELEGRAM

Nobuyuki Tsujii performs during the semifinal round of the 2009 Van Cliburn International Piano Competition in Fort Worth, Texas.

Opening Night at the Bakersfield Symphony When: 8 p.m. Saturday Where: the theater at Rabobank Convention Center, 1001 Truxtun Ave. Admission: $34 to $50; fulltime students half price Information: bakersfieldsymphony.org or 323-7928

Tsujii, a native of Japan, made his performance debut at the age of 12 at Tokyo’s Suntory Hall and at the Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall in New York City.

“Nobu is a miracle,” Farrer said. “He plays just exquisitely.”

“We’ve been negotiating for a couple of years to make this happen,” Farrer said. “I’m just delighted about this.”

The orchestra will perform the “Carnival Overture” by Antonin Dvorak, and “Porgy and Bess: A Symphony Picture” by George Gershwin, arranged by Robert Russell Bennett.

This is also the week the Bakersfield Symphony will present its semi-annual Children’s Concerts, one of the few activities outside of the subscription season that has survived budget cuts. A partnership between the BSO and the Kern County Superintendent of Schools, the program introduces grade school students to orchestral music by demonstrating how the instruments work, and performing a variety of music. The fall concert program includes the Overture to Mozart’s opera “Le Nozze di Figaro” (“The Marriage of Figaro”), Leroy Anderson’s “The Waltzing Cat,” a patriotic singalong and John Philip Sousa’s

“Stars and Stripes Forever.”

While the Children’s Concerts have remained on the orchestra’s schedule, Farrer notes the considerably leaner calendar for this year. The cutting of the New Directions, chamber music, Academic Decathlon, Holiday Pops and Patriotic concerts has enabled the BSO to stay in the black. Farrer said that for now, those events will remain off the calendar so the orchestra can be around for decades to come.

“My approach is that we should assume for the purposes of operating our business that the economy will stay pretty much the same,” Farrer said. “And if it improves, that will be a very pleasant surprise.”

Farrer said if and when economic conditions improve, events can be restored.

“The orchestra is a resource of

‘Californian Radio’ Call to win free tickets to the upcoming Billy Idol concert and the Dos Equis Comedy Jam, both at the Fox Theater, and passes to tonight’s Cal State Bakersfield barbecue on today’s “Californian Radio” hour, with host Jennifer Self.

Self and music writer Matt Munoz will welcome Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra conductor John Farrer and Aaron Perlman, weather caster at KBAK-TV, Channel 29.

The show airs from 9 to 10 a.m. on KERN radio 1180 AM. To call in with a question or comment, dial 842-KERN.

highly trained, dedicated people,” Farrer said. “And we should be using them.”

25

Thursday, October 13, 2011 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street

Reporters on the music beat Benefit allows media to take stage and jam

BY JENNIFER SELF Californian lifestyles editor jself@bakersfield.com

B

eing dumped can lead to some pretty elaborate revenge fantasies, but usually all it takes to get us back in the game is a few weeks of moping around and several pints of Ben & Jerry’s (or something a little stronger).

For local television weather caster Aaron Perlman, it wasn’t quite that simple. The girl he intended to marry ran off to Oregon with someone else, and he was going to get even or die trying.

“It was the whole reason I became a weather guy,” recalled Perlman of the 1999 breakup that would change his life.

“I was so depressed, I couldn’t eat or sleep for months. I saw the weather guy (on television) and I thought: Everyone likes the weather person. That’s what I’ll do and then I thought when she sees me, she’ll be upset and jealous. And

Media Music Jam When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday Where: Fishlips, 1517 18th St. Admission: $12 in advance; $15 at the door Information: 324-2557

that’s what happened.”

But the pain opened another door as well; behind it, Perlman rediscovered his lifelong love for music, which provided an outlet for the grief he was experiencing. It was during that dark time that he wrote his first song (“In This World”), and his new sense of purpose brought the once-despondent college student back to his faith.

Though he’s long since forgotten the girl — “the day I got over it, I met my wife” — he still has the weather career.

And the music.

Perlman, who sings and plays guitar in the worship band at his church, will join several local media colleagues on Saturday for a benefit concert at Fishlips.

Please see 35

FELIX ADAMO / THE CALIFORNIAN

Matt Munoz, Mike Hart, Jose Gaspar, Melissa Dignan, Aaron Perlman and Steven Mayer have been rehearsing with backup band Thee Majestics for weeks to prepare for Saturday’s Media Music Jam.

26

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, October 13, 2011

Eye Street Camille Gavin CONTRIBUTING COLUMNIST

Enjoy the medieval magic Bakersfield native’s design turns heads

GO & DO Faire in the Kingdom of Camelot

V

illage Artisans, a longestablished local arts and crafts group, seems to be flourishing as a result of its revival about two years ago and is now back in action sponsoring medieval fairs.

Coordinator Linda Shorr said about 40 vendors have signed up for booths at the Faire in the Kingdom of Camelot, which takes place this weekend in Central Park near the covered bridge that spans Mill Creek.

“We’ve had a very good turnout, even more than last year,” she said. “About one-fourth of the vendors are from out of town.”

Although the event includes food and entertainment, including belly dancers and sword fights by the Society for Creative Anachronism, the emphasis is on handmade items made by individual artisans, each costumed in medieval style.

“There’s a lot of interest in bottle art right now,” Shorr said, adding that these particular items are “green,” or recycled.

For example, Tara Henson melts the bottle down to a nearly flat surface, and, using the neck as a handle, turns it into a cheese server. She even includes a cheese knife.

Another craftsperson, Elizabeth Wishba, turns bottles into vases filled with candle wax. And Lisa Entriken creates holiday pieces by putting tiny Christmas tree lights inside bottles.

Other popular items include handbags, hats, Christmas ornaments, children's tutus, hairband feathers and flowers, body creams, handmade jewelry, tiedye clothing, laser engraved Tshirts, topiary plants and mosaic pieces.

A variety of foods and beverages will be offered for sale, including roasted turkey legs, tritip sandwiches, fresh corn on the cob, coffee drinks, kettle corn, funnel cakes, shaved ice and corn dogs.

A kissing troll will be selling kisses

10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday Central Park at Mill Creek Admission: Free; food and beverages available for purchase Information: 205-2923; www.villageartisans.org

Auditions for January shows 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Sunday The Empty Space, 706 Oak St. Admission: Free Information: 327-PLAY.

‘I Dream of Art’ workshop

PHOTO COURTESY OF LINDA SCHORR

Four sessions: 5 to 8 p.m.

Monday, Wednesday and Oct. 21; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 22 The Empty Space, 706 Oak St. Cost: $150 per student Information: 703-8666 or jfidel@rocketmail.com

Attendees got into the spirit at last year's medieval fair.

Some of this year’s proceeds will be used to promote Village Artisans’ future events. The next one, Christmas around the Corner, takes place Nov. 11-13 at Dante Italian Heritage Hall.

Coke design for Olympics

PHOTO COURTESY OF LAUREL GEDDES

Laurel Geddes is helping Turner Duckworth create new designs for Coca-Cola, one of the company’s clients.

to benefit Village Artisans.

Depending on the net, a portion of the proceeds may be given to a public school’s arts programs.

“Last year we gave $500 to a Foothill High School’s parents’ group,” Shorr said.

“They used it to invest in a sound system for their Shakespeare performances.”

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

An internship with a major graphic design firm has turned out well for Laurel Geddes, a graduate of Centennial High School who’s now attending the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena.

As part of her work for the company, Turner Duckworth, she was assigned to a team that was asked to create new designs for Coca-Cola, one of the company's clients.

Two of her designs were chosen and will be shown during the 2012 Olympics in London.

Unfortunately, that’s all she can say about it right now. She isn’t even allowed to describe her winning designs or say what product they will be on. Coca-Cola is a major sponsor of the Olympics and everything has to be kept under wraps until the Olympics next year.

“All I can say,” she said in a phone conversation, “is that I came up with my own interpretation of the approved elements to

combine Coca-Cola with the idea of London and the Olympics.”

An interesting thing about Geddes, whose mother, Patrice Lambourne, lives in Bakersfield, is that she’s currently working on her second bachelor’s degree.

This one, which she expects to complete in June 2012, will be in graphic design.

Her first degree, in 2005, was from UC Santa Barbara, where she had a double major in Spanish and fine arts.

“I worked for a few years in Santa Barbara as a Spanish translator, at City Council meetings and translating documents,” she said. “But I missed my creative side.”

In her view, there’s not that much difference between the two subjects.

“Spanish and art,” she said.

“It’s all a way of communicating.”

Auditions scheduled On Sunday, The Empty Space will hold auditions for two upcoming shows: “Boy Gets Girl” by Rebecca Gilman, a main stage production, directed by Michael Pawloski, and “Late Night with Christopher Durang, Part II,” directed by Justin Thompson.

Performances for “Boy Gets

Girl,” are scheduled for Jan. 1328; the Durang show is set for Jan. 20-28.

Workshops for young artists Jesus Fidel, director of The Empty Space gallery, says the $150 fee for his young artists workshop covers everything needed for the instruction as well as the creation of the artwork.

“The only thing they need to bring is clothes they can get dirty,” he said. “We provide everything else.”

Fidel, who is aided by several volunteers, offers the four-session workshops every quarter and each one has a specific theme.

“This one will be about fall, a broad range of leaves and trees, but not Halloween,” he said.

“We don’t do holidays, just seasons.”

The instruction is open to ages 5-18. In addition to creating several pieces of art, students will learn how to put together an art exhibit and then sell their artwork at a reception slated for 2-5 p.m. on Nov. 5 and Nov. 26.

Registration in advance is preferred but not necessary. Fidel said he’ll accept students who enroll on Monday, the first day of the workshop.

27

Thursday, October 13, 2011 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street

Museum all decked out for a ghoulish good time

BY ASHLEY FISCHER Contributing writer

G

etting dressed up for Halloween doesn’t end with the perfect costume. Fake cobwebs, jack-o’-lanterns — even a pirate ship — help create the mood for a night spent chasing the promise of a sugar high.

Just ask the folks at the Kern County Museum, which gives the likes of even Clark W. Griswold a run for his elaborate decorating money.

For the 28th year in a row, 36 local businesses and organizations will do their part to transform Bakersfield’s beloved collection of historical buildings into a ghoulish (but not too scary) Halloween town for the museum’s popular Safe Halloween fundraiser.

In spite of the internal changes the museum has undergone this year, Kern County families can look forward to enjoying the same fun, family-friendly tradition they have always experienced at the trick-or-treating extravaganza, plus a few improvements.

“The goal always is, no matter what event it is at the museum, to make each one better than the one before,” said Jeff Nickell, the museum’s interim director. “For the Safe Halloween, we’re looking at it this way: We had X amount of stations last year, so let’s improve that. Even though there has been a transition here, the museum is still going to put these events on and try to make them better each year for the people of Kern County.”

Safe Halloween has become one of the largest fundraising events the museum puts on each year, netting anywhere from $50,000 to $55,000 — a small chunk of the nearly $900,000 annual budget, but a chunk nonetheless.

Which means a lot of costumed kids and a lot of candy.

The museum ordered 4,400 candy bags to distribute to its young candyseeking Jedi knights and princesses this year, and has plenty of back-up bags from previous Halloweens to use if necessary.

Each business sponsoring a trickor-treat station is required to bring a minimum of 4,500 treats, so if you’re in the mood for some morbid mathematics, that comes out to a grand total of 162,000 pieces of candy.

(Don’t worry parents: It’s not all sweets. Grimmway Farms will be handing out fruit, and the Kern County Dental Society will continue its longtime tradition of distributing toothbrushes.)

If you want your kids to take home their share of sugary loot, Nickell advised buying tickets early, because the event typically sells out. Of the two days, the 30th is the most crowd-

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HENRY A. BARRIOS / CALIFORNIAN FILE

Nicole Lowrie was made up as the grim reaper during the Safe Halloween event in 2009 at the Kern County Museum.

Safe Halloween 2011 When: 4 to 8 p.m. Oct. 30 and 31 Where: Kern County Museum, 3801 Chester Ave. Admission: $8 Information: 852-5000

ed, since many people still like to give their children the chance to partake in some traditional trick-or-treating on Halloween.

In addition to the treat stations, there will be a Halloween carnival, a cake walk, a haunted drive-in theater, and of course, the requisite costume contests, one for kids, and one for adults.

But what may be the most soughtafter award at this family fright fest isn’t child’s play at all — it’s deadserious business for the many local organizations that deck the halls with ghosts and zombies in the hopes of being named the best-decorated station.

And when it comes to elaborate decor, no one scares off the competition like the Kern County Pirates Guild.

It turns out these fearsome privateers of the high seas are savvy landbearing set builders when necessary.

According to Nickell, the museum allows the group onto the grounds many days before the event so they have enough time to finish construct-

ing their pirates village.

“Those guys go all out,” Nickell said. “We give them four days and they’re here nonstop for those four days. They’re basically building an entire set. You could shoot a movie off of this thing.”

The word “village” really is no exaggeration — in previous years, their set has included a ship with masts 17 feet tall, a 22-foot-wide “river” (large enough for their skiff to travel through), and a pirate’s “pub,” where they hand out their candy. This year, they plan to add two water features to their set-up, including a waterfall.

Kenny Mount, captain and president of the Pirates Guild, admitted his group’s contribution to the Halloween village has gotten “completely out of control.”

Surprisingly, Mount and his fellow pirates aren’t at all interested in taking home the treasure of the shiny trophy awarded to the top station.

They labor for over a week and a half, constructing this movie quality pirate’s village simply for the good of getting into the spooky spirit of Safe Halloween.

“Last year, we told the museum — don’t even give us any trophies anymore. That’s not what we do it for,” Mount said.

“When people walk through our little village, the only thing we get out of it is seeing the parents and kids smiling the whole time, and that makes it all worth it.”

Named Bakersfield’s Favorite Pizza in The Californian’s 2011 Readers Survey

BROADWAY REVUE! October 29th at 8:00pm October 30th at 2:00pm November 6th at 2:00pm

The Harvey Auditorium 1241 G Street Tickets just $20 per person.

Purchase online or at the ticket box office.

Accommodations will be made for groups.

28

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, October 13, 2011

Eye Street

Those were the days: Festival honors history

BY STEFANI DIAS

Dust Bowl Days Festival

Californian assistant lifestyles editor sdias@bakersfield.com

When: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday Where: Sunset School, 8301 Sunset Blvd., Weedpatch Admission: Free Information: weedpatchcamp.com

F

or those who think history is dead, just watch the dust kick up at the Dust Bowl Days Festival on Saturday.

The past is alive and well at the 21st annual event held at Sunset School, adjacent to Weedpatch Camp, which opened in 1935 to house migrant farmworkers.

This year’s liveliness comes courtesy of a Modesto troupe’s theatrical performance of “Children of the Dust Bowl,” adapted from the book by Jerry Stanley.

The show, with live music by The Dust Bowl Ratz, lasts about an hour with a mix of slides, moving pictures and readings from The Hard Travelin’ Players. One player, Jim Johnson, who takes on the role of school founder and legendary Kern educator Leo Hart, adapted the show at the suggestion of producer Kimberly Ogden.

Ogden encountered the book as a docent at the McHenry Museum & Historical Society in Modesto, and saw the dramatic possibilities of turning it into a benefit for the Stanislaus Literacy Center.

“The conditions are timeless.

The story is relevant today because of the economic situation.”

Thanks to a trio of local and national grants, Ogden, director Dyanne Durr and the rest of the crew will take the show on the road to schools in the valley this fall and spring. Before performing at the Gallo Center for the Arts in Modesto next weekend, the show hits our festival, which thrilled the troupe, Ogden said.

“What’s so exciting is that we’re doing it at the site of the original school. What Leo Hart did was unique and spectacular. Everyone involved with the production, they love the message, they love the story.”

Festival organizers are extending the event’s hours to give them time to attend the 3:30 p.m. performance.

“We’re all excited about it,” event committee member Fay Holbert said of the show. “Normally we start shutting down at 3, but we’re going to 5 because everyone wants to see the play.

The booths will be open until 3 to 3:30 p.m., then we can go down to see the play.”

“I think it will be another something new that people can see to understand all the things that went on.”

If the show returns next year, which Ogden and Holbert were both eager to see happen, Holbert said it might be possible to host it in the original community hall, which has a stage.

“People did plays in the building,” Holbert said.

(This year, “Children” will be performed in the school’s new gym.)

Even without a show at the original buildings — hall, post office and library — are a mustsee, with a school bus shuttling attendees from the school to the camp throughout the day.

Another special event this year will be a tribute to Doris Weddell, the Lamont librarian who passed away in April and was respected as a driving force behind the festival.

“We knew how important she (Weddell) was, but when someone has to pick up where she was, you don’t realize how much she did,” Holbert said of the committee’s efforts for this year’s festival.

“We’re all just stepping in to fill her spot as best as we can.”

The ceremony for Weddell

PHOTO COURTESY OF WES PAGE

The Hard Travelin’ Players — from left: Charlene West, Wes Page, Jim Johnson and Linda Johnson — will perform in “The Children of the Dust Bowl” at the Dust Bowl Days Festival on Saturday.

starts around 10 a.m., with representatives from the offices of state Sen. Michael Rubio, Assemblyman David Valadao and Kern County 5th District Supervisor Karen Goh, according to Holbert.

Along with the tribute, performance and a trip to the camp, guests can also look forward to displays from square dancers, trick roper Gene McLaughlin and Gene Witham’s Old West Showdown.

And it’ll be content ears and full bellies with country music all day and an assortment of food. The Wild Blue Rose Band kicks it off at 8:30 a.m., followed at noon by the Bakersfield Sound All Star Band (Larry Petree, Tommy Hays, Jimmy Phillips, Mel Lawrence, Bill Vibe and Banney Pat Bannister).

For those who arrive early, Sunset students will help in the cafeteria, which is selling cinnamon rolls, biscuits and gravy, juice and coffee. You can take that to go and

Tuesday, November 15, 2011 Shopping Bazaar 3:30 p.m. • Cooking School 6 p.m.

Tickets On Sale Now! General Admission: $15 Includes one-year subscription to Taste of Home Magazine* Tickets available at: • Rabobank Arena Box Office • By phone at 1-800-745-3000 • Ticketmaster.com Sponsored by

* Subscription form must be submitted via mail to receive free one-year subscription

tasteofhome.bakersfield.com

Hosted by: Rock Harbor Church at The DoubleTree Hotel, 3100 Camino Del Rio Saturday, Oct. 22, 9:00 am to Noon.

Reserve your seat today at event.rhc@bak.rr.com or call 829-6743.

walk around or check out the photos and newspaper clippings from the area on display in the cafeteria. Around lunchtime, visit any of the vendors offering an assortment of cookies, desserts and Mexican food or go for the traditional plate, courtesy of the women’s club.

“You get chili beans, cornbread, cobbler and sweet tea or coffee,” Holbert said. “It’s $5 a plate.

Prices are real reasonable.”

It will be coffee for Holbert, who’s not a fan of the sugary Southern beverage.

“I’m an Okie, but I don’t care for sweet tea.”

She’s in the minority, though, saying that people work up quite a thirst for the tea every year.

“You can’t believe how much they go through. It’s made in two 5-gallon containers that they fill at least twice. That’s about 20 to 25 gallons.”

On September 2, 2011, an application was filed with the Federal Communications Commission in Washington, DC seeking consent to transfer control of radio stations licensed to Buckley Broadcasting of California, LLC. The stations are: KNZR(AM), Bakersfield, California; KLLY(FM), Oildale, California; and KSMJ(FM), Shafter, California. The application proposes to transfer control from Richard D. Buckley, Jr., Trustee (deceased) to Constance H. Buckley, Trustee. The officers, directors, and parties holding 10% of Buckley Broadcasting of California, LLC and/or its parent entities are: Constance H. Buckley, Martha B. Fahnoe, Joseph Bilotta, Dana Buckley, Steven Bradford Buckley, Kathy Baker, Jennifer Buckley Fox, and Buckley Broadcasting Corporation. A copy of the transfer of control application and related materials are on file for public inspection during normal business hours at: 3651 Pegasus Drive, Suite 107, Bakersfield, Ca. 93308

29

Thursday, October 13, 2011 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street

Opens Sept 23rd through Nov 12th 12748 Jomani Drive

587-3377

For Reservations & Showtimes

WWW.THEMELODRAMA.COM

PHOTO BY MICHELLE GUERRERO

Four friends — from left, David Rock, James Kopp, Josh Evans and Thor Reese — face the fallout of a zombie apocalypse armed with bats and pop culture knowhow in “Geeks vs. Zombies,” opening Friday at The Empty Space.

Undead and loving it at The Empty Space ‘Geeks vs. Zombies’ a lively good horror tale

‘Geeks vs. Zombies’ When: 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday Where: The Empty Space, 706 Oak St. Admission: suggested donation $7 for opening weekend; $10 for adults and $8 for students/seniors after.

Information: 327-PLAY

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

Z

ombies are on the move — and more in a “28 Days Later” way than “Night of the Living Dead.” We’re just days from the season two premiere of AMC’s “The Walking Dead,” filming’s under way on “World War Z,” based on Max Brooks’ popular novel; heck, you can even go out and shoot zombies in Rosedale (the costumed ones in the cornfield, not the ones stumbling with hangovers).

The undead are having such a moment that they’re taking over The Empty Space again this year for the return of “Geeks vs. Zombies” and the “Art vs. Zombies” exhibit, both of which kick off this weekend.

Zombie survival tale “Geeks” is perfect for this time of year, according to director and co-writer James Kopp.

“Everyone likes a good scare at Halloween. It’s unlike any other show you’re going to see this year. And I think there’s a story that resonates with people.”

That story, which takes place one month in to a zombie apocalypse, is not just about survival and battling

READING C

I

PHOTO COURTESY OF SUSAN ROUSSEL

Zombie sculptures by Gary Wray are part of the Art vs. Zombies exhibit at The Empty Space.

the undead, Kopp said.

“For me, it’s a story about friendship. That’s what me and Dave (David Rock) started with and what we wanted to have.”

The show itself is rooted in camaraderie, with Kopp and Rock as writers and another friend, John Morrison, assisting in directing.

Along with friendship, Kopp said he wanted to address a void in the horror genre: a self-aware zombie story.

“We talked about writing a zombie

play. Four friends that survived because they’ve seen all the zombie films.”

The foursome — played by Kopp, Rock, Thor Reese and Josh Evans — encounter more survivors along the way and are forced to challenge their bond while forging new friendships, all while fending off the undead.

Further developing those other characters is one of the alterations this year, the second production of “Geeks” at The Empty Space.

“We changed a couple of things that we thought fell short. We never wanted to make the new people plot devices. We wanted to make them actual characters with depth.”

Zombie fans will be interested to Please see 32

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30

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, October 13, 2011

Eye Street The Lowdown with Matt Munoz

Keyboardist jazzes it up everywhere Upcoming CD gives listeners surprises

I

f there’s one thing keyboardist Jay Smith can’t stand, it’s a happy jazz record.

Not content with the musically conventional — be it style, sound, or technique, Smith and his keyboard have been heard on every stage and hotel patio in town since his arrival six years ago.

He’s a familiar face at the weekly Bakersfield Jazz Workshop, where he acts as lead instructor, and he’s bounced through a host of local groups, including Kelulu and Bunky Spurling’s band, in addition to backing jazz singers Kama Ruby, Candace Freeman and Lawanda Smith.

After cutting his teeth with those notable talents, Smith is anxious to get his share of the spotlight when he previews tracks from his upcoming CD “Unashamed Portrayal” Friday at The Nile. Though Smith originally planned the set as a standard trio recording with the usual round of A and B sections before opening up for solos, he said listeners are in for a surprise.

“I think it’s kind of an eclectic mix of my past and present,” he said of the CD, still in its final phase of mixing. “If I were to describe it, I would say it’s a continuation of what Miles Davis was doing in the ’70s, along the line of “In a Silent Way,” and “Bitches Brew,” that’s kind of my thought about it — something that’s in the jazz idiom, but also accessible to the average person.”

If three of the CD’s eight tracks available for preview are any indication, Smith’s plan to usher

PHOTO COURTESY OF MICHAEL CHADBURN

Bakersfield jazz keyboardist Jay Smith will be previewing tracks from his upcoming CD Friday night at The Nile.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ROBERT BEJIL

The debut CD by Finnigan featuring Bakersfield singer-songwriter Daniel Peterson is available now.

back in the psychedelic years of the late trumpet innovator are well on their way, give or take a few bumps.

On “Alegna,” the song’s nightmarish abstract intro builds before segueing into an in-thepocket funk romp, courtesy of bassist Jay Hicks and drummer Jonathan Weinmann, who stir up a fury behind the free play of Grammy-nominated guitarist Andre Bush. Saxophonist Chris Nguyen, trombonist Joe Vazquez, and trumpeter Mark Manda follow before Hicks and Weinmann return for the final resolve. Leading the band is Smith on keyboards, pouring on the equally funky layered Stevie Wonder-ish synth groove. It’s raw, loose and at times exhausting at 15 minutes, but, according to Smith, just a facet of his overall vision.

“I tried to leave a lot of space to allow people to bring something to the recording,” said Smith. “I didn’t tell them what to play. I just gave them ideas.”

The sampler’s other two tracks — “The End” and “Static” — offer more of the same, but with some

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.

adventurous arrangements.

The record was engineered and mixed by Bakersfield musicians Jason Grooms and Mike Montano Jr. Smith’s next move is to ship the CD off to Hollywood for mastering at Capitol Records with help from monies raised through a successful fundraising campaign at entertainment website Kickstarter.com.

“I’m already pleased with how it sounds right now and hoping to have it completed by the end of the year.”

For Friday’s show, which also lands on his 28th birthday, most of the CD’s musicians will be in the house, including bassist Fernando Montoya and percussionist Nunzio Urbina. Vocalist Cara Bruce will stop in for a few numbers. On the set list will be “Unashamed Portrayal” in its entirety, plus an extra set of standards and inventive reworkings of Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit,” and Bob Marley’s “I Shot the Sheriff,” two songs Smith defends for not being typical jazz offerings.

“I think jazz is becoming an afterthought, something to enjoy wine or dinner with as opposed to being a show. So many musicians are so conservative in the way that they play now, they lose the audience. If people wanna say I’m wild and energetic, then I guess that’s along the lines of what I wanna keep on doing.”

You go, Jay. Friday's downbeat is 8 p.m.

Admission is $10. The Nile is located at 1721 19th St. For more information call 323-8575 or visit jaysmithgroup.com.

Finnigan releases debut Not as boisterous as Smith, but equally talented is Daniel Peterson of solo indie electro act Finnigan. He just released his brilliant debut, ‘Athletics,’ last week.

The 25-year old singer songwriter has crafted something truly unique, writing and performing all the material himself. An ode to ’80s new wave in the tradition of early Depeche Mode, it’s as time-

Bakotopia Unplugged Open Mic Night With host Matt Munoz When: 8 to 11 p.m. Wednesdays. Signups start at 7:30 p.m.

Where: Fishlips, 1517 18th St. Information: 324-2557 or visit the Facebook page for updates.

ly as anything happening in today’s electronic music scene, most easily comparable to Canada’s Crystal Castles.

“I like a lot of ’80s music,” he said. “I was just having a hard time finding a sound that wouldn’t be so dancey, but still have an alternative rock feel.”

According to Peterson, the concept of “Athletics” is to keep up with the ongoing adventures of Finnigan, a rabbit-headed character he says is loosely based on his own life.

In the CD’s artwork, he’s depicted as a rabbit-headed man, running away from a dark fortress. On each side are two female faces and bats flying through a purple moon. Sound like a twisted fairytale? Peterson says it’s close.

“I tried to paint together this storyline of Finnigan, who’s an athlete. He’s stuck in this place with these women and doesn’t know if they’re real or ghosts.

Maybe in another project, he’ll be something else.”

Without going into the obvious Radiohead and Beck comparisons, there’s a lot to like about “Athletics” — it’s catchy, moody, and the artsy packaging make it a satisfying fall music entry. Currently, Peterson is working on putting together a band to perform live, but until then you can download his music at Cdbaby.com, or keep an eye out when “Athletics” becomes available at iTunes and Amazon.com.

You can also find he and his rabbit-headed alter ego at Facebook.

Bravo, Finnigan!

Thursday, October 13, 2011 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street “The Asian comedy scene is in its beginning stages. First there were white comics, then black comics, then Latino — we’re like the next wave. Before, everyone used to make fun of us. Now, we get the mic and just take the audience on a trip, so to speak. It’s cool, because now we have a voice.”

— Edwin San Juan

Filipino funnyman gets his due at Fox Son of practical jokester family sharpens his craft for stage

BY MATT MUNOZ Bakotopia.com editor mmunoz@bakersfield.com

C

omedian Edwin San Juan remembers growing up in a household of practical jokers.

So much so, there wasn’t a day that went by that a prank wasn’t being pulled on him and his siblings by their fun-loving father.

Accustomed to those daily follies, it would eventually steer him to a career in standup comedy.

Appearing at the Dos Equis Comedy Jam Friday at the Fox, he can rattle off memories as if the events happened yesterday.

“My dad would do things like say, ‘Hey son, you wanna go with me?’ We thought we were going for a ride or something, but he’d head straight to the bathroom and sit on the toilet with a newspaper laughing,” said San Juan during a phone interview with The Californian.

Drawing a good portion of material from his upbringing, the Filipino-American funnyman says being an observational comic comes easy. With material pulled from his family overseas and stateside friendships, it’s always been just a matter of walking in the next room for ideas. But to understand the hilarity, find one of his many routines online. From his hilarious “Old man face,” skit, where he pokes fun at his elderly uncle’s exaggerated facial expressions and curiosity with “Ninja Turtles,” nothing is taboo. Imagine the signature Robert De Niro grimace and squint with an Asian twist and you have politically incorrect humor in the tradition of Eddie Murphy, George Lopez and others who’ve built careers from taking verbal stabs at stereotypes.

“Listen, I went to the Philippines and met my uncle and that’s exactly how he looks,” he said. “Whenever we took pictures I would imitate his face. From that point on, he’s always been part of the show, and the people love it.”

Like the popular Latino comedy circuit that originated on the West Coast, San Juan says he’s waited patiently for Asian comics to get their due after years of being a punch line.

“The Asian comedy scene is in its beginning stages. First there were white comics, then black comics, then Latino — we’re like the next wave. Before, everyone used to make fun of us. Now, we get the mic and just take the audience on a trip, so to speak. It’s cool, because now we have a voice.”

Recalling a visit back to the islands to see

PHOTO COURTESY OF ICON ENTERTAINMENT

Comedian Edwin San Juan will be appearing at the Fox Friday night.

family, he recalls their enthusiastic reaction to his profession. Coaxed into an impromptu performance at popular local nightclub, their elation changed once things became lost in translation.

“I think they thought I was gonna sing, but I started telling jokes and it was horrible. After that my family there was like, ‘Right, whatever.’”

But that cultural exchange would only be minor bump. After hitting every club and open mic that would allow him onstage, his tenacity would pay off in a big way with several television appearances on networks including Comedy Central, ABC and BET. Joining San Juan are comedians Alfred Robles, Dillon Garcia, Martin Moreno and Shaun Latham, with whom he roomed with during his early days.

“I was roommates with Shaun for a year.

He has a lazy eye, so it was a trip living with that dude. We’d keep a joke book on the dining room table and write jokes down all the time, then we’d take turns on who’d get to keep them.”

An avid cook offstage, San Juan also enjoys the food of his Filipino heritage and has a recommendation for a pre-concert meal pairing.

“Chicken adobo is a must, with some garlic fried rice. Gotta have a dill pickle in there too, and I like to drink Dos Equis because they’re sponsoring the tour.”

Dos Equis Comedy Jam When: 8 p.m. Friday Where: Fox Theater, 2001 H St. Tickets: $20 to $27 Information: 324-1369 or vallitix.com

31

32

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, October 13, 2011

Eye Street

A demonically good time Spotlight brings in top cast for ‘Sweeney Todd’

BY CAMILLE GAVIN Contributing columnist

S

potlight Theatre has assembled a top-notch cast for “Sweeney Todd,” which opens Friday.

It stars veteran Spotlight performer Jack Slider as the evil barber and Erika Kern, who dazzled audiences as Roxy in Bakersfield Music Theatre’s “Chicago,” as the equally evil landlady, Mrs. Lovett.

“We worked really hard to get a cast that’s familiar with Stephen Sondheim’s music,” said Jarred Clowes, artistic director. “We haven’t had to dumb it down,” he added, noting that singing the composer’s songs requires a fair amount of ability and training.

In addition to the show’s stars, those in supporting roles are a talented bunch, well-known to local audiences. Take a look at this list and I think you will agree: Jennifer Resolme, Tessa Ogles, Forrest Madewell, Jason McClain, Jennifer Prow, Justin Salinas and Joe Romanini. Plus an ensemble that includes Hudson Sanders, Kayla Frayre and Catt Fox. Hal Friedman directs the musical, which tells the story of Benjamin Barker, alias Sweeney Todd, who returns to London after 15 years’ imprisonment on false charges.

Sweeney vows revenge upon learning his wife poisoned herself after being raped by the judge who wrongly imprisoned him.

Friedman’s staging of the show is a stripped-down version of the original, which involved a large chorus, blood, a trap door and actors playing musical instruments. Instead it was

PHOTOS COURTESY OF SUSAN ROUSSEL

“Scream Four” by Nik Caesar, left, and a work by New York artist Jackie Suffir, right, are part of the Art vs.

Zombies exhibit at The Empty Space.

CONTINUED FROM 29 free seats to the show of

PHOTO COURTESY OF JARRED CLOWES

Jack Slider and Erika Kern play the dynamic deadly duo of Fleet Street in “Sweeney Todd,” which opens Friday at Spotlight Theatre.

‘Sweeney Todd’ 7 p.m. Friday-Saturday Spotlight Theatre, 1622 19th St. Cost: $25, $22 students and seniors Information: 634-0692

inspired by John Doyle’s 2005 Broadway revival and is a much simpler telling of the tale about the “demon barber of Fleet Street.”

“The simplification of the show became the overall conceptual idea I grasped onto,” Friedman said. “This version is also very much inspired by Bertolt Brecht and his theatrical

principles.”

In the Spotlight production, the actors play multiple parts, do not play instruments, mime the props and stay on stage the entire time. The story is told through the eyes of Tobias, a character usually called Toby, who helps Mrs. Lovett bake her pies.

“This version is in Toby's mind and is presented as such,” Friedman said.

“Only the characters he knows (come) in and out of his thoughts, thus making each character integral to the telling of the plot.”

Evening performances continue through Nov. 5. A matinee is scheduled for 2 p.m. on Oct. 30.

SPOTLIGHT’S NEW CHIEF: DON’T FIX WHAT ISN’T BROKEN Jarred Clowes, Spotlight Theatre’s new artistic director, predicts few, if any, changes in the downtown theater under his leadership.

“The primary goal of the Spotlight for the last four years has been to simply get better — to draw the top talent, to provide the best direction,” he said. “I have no intention of moving the theater from this path.”

Clowes, 37, was appointed artistic director following the resignation of Hal Friedman in August. Friedman is still affiliated with Spotlight, however, and is directing the current show, “Sweeney Todd.”

“Taking over the AD position from Hal is quite an honor,” said Clowes, who formerly was an assistant to Friedman and has directed several shows at Spotlight. “He set such a high bar for us and these next few months will be challenging.”

After graduating from Cal State Bakersfield in 1998, where he studied theater arts, Clowes had several

years of professional experience with national touring companies as well as at other colleges and universities. He believes the key element in good theater is to make sure every production is a story well-told.

“Theater is always about telling the audience a story,” he said. “I take this maxim to heart — sometimes to a fault — but if you always put the audience first and your ego last, then you've put yourself in the position to succeed.”

No changes are planned in the current main-stage season, which runs through July 2012. And the Spotlight Series, which features edgier and more contemporary plays, will also continue as planned.

“While musicals are our mainstay, season ticket holders have been very vocal in their appreciation for the alternative programming the series provides,” Clowes said. “On top of which, our artists get to stretch different muscles.”

Alex Neal, who has been active at Spotlight for several years — onstage as well as behind the scenes — has been named chief operating officer. Neal brings “an incredible amount of business acumen to an artist-driven industry,” according to Clowes.

“So many of us forget that without the business there is no art,” he said. “Alex keeps us honest, he helps guide the theater in a direction so that the art remains possible — in other words he squeezes blood from stones and sews sow’s ears into silk purses. When people talk about the magic of theater, they are usually talking about Alex.”

The new management structure includes several individuals who have been named staff members: Megan Gillette, technical director; Terry Dowda, production manager; Marvin Ramey, head choreographer; and Ashten Smith, vocal director.

know that there are more undead wandering the stage, going from 12 last year to 15 in the current production. Another element working in the show’s favor is the theater itself.

“It’s the right theater for the right show. The black box works so well because the show is really crawling onto you. It’s happening to you.

That proximity means the fight scenes may feel like they’re happening to you.

“If you’re going to watch a zombie battle on the stage, you don’t want to see a fake slap. Here you’d see it. We needed to make it a location that is enclosed, pull the audience in that way.”

Another way to involve the audience is through the “Geek-Off.” For the past few weeks, Pack A Day Productions (the company behind “Geeks” and Kopp’s other play “Super Villain”) has sought submissions from self-described geeks on what makes them who they are.

The contest came out of the response from last year’s show, Kopp said.

“It was The Empty Space’s marketing board’s idea. After last year, we met some really interesting folks. (For them) it was really comforting to see a show about geeks, so they wanted to talk to us after.

“So many of us are geeks, closeted or not. Geek is such a vague description, someone who is overly eccentric about something.”

The top geek will be selected during “The Nighttime Show with Michael Armendariz,” which follows “Geeks,” at 11 p.m. Friday.

“There will be a panel of geeks — featuring myself and a couple of geeks” who will select the winner, Kopp said.

Along with the honor, the winner will receive “two

their choosing” and a signed “Geeks” poster.

The contest and opening weekend promotion — tickets are $7 and include a commemorative ticket if purchased though PayPal — are ways of getting people to the show and building an audience.

“The best thing you can get is word of mouth. After thousands of years of theater, it’s still the best way to do it.”

Art Vs. Zombies Word of mouth is true in the arts community as well.

“Art Vs. Zombies” curator Susan Roussel, who organized the show for a second year with David Rock, said that news spread quickly via fliers and Facebook.

“People knew about the show last year, and there’s a buzz about the play itself and the art show in conjunction with it. This year, we have had an awesome response. We have four times the amount of artists as last year.”

As of Tuesday, she said there were 33 people who submitted works, which range from paintings and sculptures to jewelry, pouches and felt animals.

“All of the art is good — and some is exceptional.”

Much of the art will remain on display for the month but some, deemed “cash and carry,” are smaller items that will be sold starting Friday.

Although people can get a sneak peek on “Geeks” opening night, the art takes center stage on Saturday for an opening “ghoul-ah,” which Roussel said would include costume and (pre-carved) pumpkin contests.

“I really hope people dress up. We are completely decked out and ready for a super zombie fest.”

That fest will include a performance by zombie dancers, refreshments and games.

33

Thursday, October 13, 2011 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street

Literary gold mine for sale at library

BY ASHLEY FISCHER Contributing writer

I

n spite of what those Kindle commercials try to tell us, there’s still something to be said for books.

Their scent, the satisfying crunch as you flip over another page, the weight of a smooth, leather-bound spine in your hands, the fun of browsing through hundreds of titles until you find the one book that seems perfectly suited to your mood.

Whatever the reason, for those true bibliophiles out there, the cold efficiency of being able to simply download a book into an 8-ounce electronic device will never quite measure up to a good old-fashioned book.

Fortunately, there are groups like Bakersfield’s own Friends of the Library fighting to preserve those original brick-and-mortar repositories of thousands upon thousands of books, with the Friends of the Library Used Book Sale, which starts today.

This month’s sale, which will be the final sale of 2011 (the next one won’t come around until March of next year) will, as always, feature the eclectic assortment of books that the library receives as donations throughout the year. The muchneeded funds from the sale are then distributed amongst all five of the Kern County libraries and are used to purchase everything from the obvious new books and magazine subscriptions to a new CD cleaner.

“Our wonderful friends group has supported the library in funding for over 50 years,” said Sherry Gomez, deputy director for the Kern library system. “The funds raised through the Friends of the Library book sale is one of the largest donations we get all year. The friends have provided programs for every branch, they provide books, free books for every child who reads 10 or more books during the summer, and they provide equipment that we otherwise don’t have the funding for. Our friends are just invaluable.”

And, really, what better way is there for the library’s bookish supporters to help keep its shelves fully stocked than by expanding their personal library at home?

According to Sherry Kelley, president of the Friends of the Library and one of the volunteers who spends her time sorting through and pricing thousands of books for each sale, it’s truly a book lover’s delight. There’s bound to be a book for each and every one of those Dewey Decimal classes — from Arts all the way to Western Philosophy.

“We have books in every category,” she said. “We have coffee table books, books on art, nature, games, sports. We always have a selection of what we call ‘vintage’ books, which are very popular. We get a tremendous amount of fiction — we have science-fiction, horror, mystery, religious fiction, women’s contemporary fiction. We have new releases, and we even have an area of advanced reading copies.”

The mystery of exploring the more than 200 boxes brimming with the books the friends have organized for this event is all part of the fun; you never know what you’ll

Presented By

CASEY CHRISTIE / THE CALIFORNIAN

Hildie Elges goes over some book titles during the 2009 Friends of the Kern County Libraries Used Book Sale.

find.

And the sale isn’t only about the books.

There will be media in all forms for sale: magazines, video cassettes, DVDs, audio books, CDs, records and more.

Best of all, for those of us suffering from our own miniature budget crisis, everything is very reasonably priced. Most items will be in the 50-cents-to-$1 range, so for the cost of one brand new copy of the latest addition to Oprah’s book club, you can instead go home with a used stack of those 20 other titles you’d been meaning to pick up.

For those serious collectors out there, it really does pay to be a member of this particularly literary chapter of volunteers. The sale opens to the general public today; however, if you pay the $10 Friends of the Library membership fee, you’re allowed in a full day early. Which can mean the difference between nabbing that out-of-print copy of an old Agatha Christie you’ve been searching for, or just picking up a few random fiction novels for some friends.

“When we open the doors, there’s usually a long line of people waiting to get in, and they just swarm in. It’s like Black Friday at Walmart, but they’re more civilized,” joked Kelley. “But a lot of times people come into our book sale on Thursday and they say, ‘Oh, all of your Western Fiction is gone.’ And we say, ‘Yes — that’s because it all sold last night.’ So we really want to encourage people to become a member, so you can come opening night and have the very best selection.”

Friends of the Library Used Book Sale When: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. today, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday (half-price day) Where: Beale Memorial Library, 701 Truxtun Ave. Admission: $10, membership fee for individuals; $15 for families Information: kerncountylibrary.org or 868-0796

On Sale This Saturday!

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34

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, October 13, 2011

Eye Street

CSUB barbecue an Icardo family tradition But thousands more will join in the fun at social gathering today

BY JENNIFER BURGER Contributing writer

I

t’s good to change up annual traditions every now and then. Tonight, there will be two new items on the lineup for CSUB’s fall barbecue: Harris Ranch steaks and an Oktoberfest beer garden.

The 33rd annual CSUB Athletics Fall BBQ, “A Salute to Oktoberfest,” will be held today inside the CSUB Icardo Center.

There will be food, drink, live entertainment, a photo booth and a few surprises to get everyone into the Oktoberfest spirit.

But one thing remains the same about this tradition — having the Icardo family among the army of volunteers it takes to feed more than 2,300 people in one night.

Local farmer Gary Icardo continues the tradition his late father, Jimmie Icardo, started in the 1970s — grilling the steaks.

Local lore includes the senior Icardo’s infamous barbecue fundraisers, which began at Garces High School, where his son Gary was a student-athlete, and carried over to CSUB. The spring barbecue is still going strong after 39 years; six years later the fall

33rd annual CSUB Athletics Fall BBQ When: Dinner served 5:30 to 9 p.m. today Where: CSUB, Icardo Center, 9001 Stockdale Highway Admission: $30 presale; $35 at the door. CSUB students get a discount.

Information and tickets: gorunners.com or 654-3473

barbecue was added.

“I’ve been involved since the beginning,” said Gary Icardo. “I cooked behind my father with the crew, and then I took it over in 1995.”

In 2002, Gary Icardo suggested moving the barbecue from the fairgrounds to the CSUB campus, so people could experience the venue they were supporting, as proceeds go directly to student-athlete scholarships.

“It’s been nothing but fabulous ever since,” Icardo said. “They do such a fantastic job inside the gym. It’s a very festive atmosphere. We consider it the party of the year, spring or fall — it doesn’t make a dif-

ference. People come to have a good time.”

Icardo suggested in the spring upgrading to Harris Ranch steaks. Despite the premium price, he figured the move would give them a leg up on competing barbecue fundraisers around town. The steaks were a hit.

“There is not a better steak,” he said of the 12-ounce cuts.

Icardo willingly shares his grilling secrets. First, he enlists the help of 23 friends and family members, including his son Adam. They season the steaks two hours before grill time with two simple ingredients: garlic salt and cracked pepper.

Working eight circular grills, the cooks spin the grates as they sear the steaks, ensuring even heat distribution.

“The key is the heat,” he said. “You want to make sure all the steaks are receiving the same heat and that the heat sears the meat and holds all the flavor inside, instead of letting the meat sit on the barbecue for a long time.”

In addition to steaks, they also grill chicken provided by Food Maxx. The menu is rounded out by bread sticks, salad, beans and salsa, and pies for desert. Along with the Oktoberfest theme this year, there will be a mini-beer garden featuring Ger-

PHOTO COURTESY OF JENNIFER BURGER

Tom Antongiovanni grills steaks at a CSUB barbecue.

man and seasonal beer.

Live entertainment will be provided by local band Thee Majestics, as well as top hits by DJ Wreck and fellow mixers.

Jennifer Burger is the public affairs coordinator for Cal State Bakersfield.

Visual artists turn art into advocacy with project McDonald and Nancy Putney.

Their first exhibition, “Inhale,” is focused on air quality. It will be unveiled at a reception this evening at the Younger Gallery. Part of the proceeds from sales of paintings will benefit the Panorama Vista Preserve.

Creating Community, a concept developed by

BY CAMILLE GAVIN Contributing columnist gavinarts@aol.com

A

fter finishing a successful pilot project in August, the Arts Council of Kern is continuing its Creating Community program with a new team of five artists: Elihu Borrero, Linda Brown, Julia Heatherwick, Scott

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Nicole Saint-John of the Arts Council, is multifaceted. It involves using visual art as a springboard for exploring an issue important to Kern County residents and to get people talking about solutions.

The artists are asked to partner with a nonprofit organization that is concerned, or is active in finding ways to solve, the issue in question. Meeting the objective requires the artists to step out of their studios — their comfort zones, that is — and interact with individuals or organizations whose principal concerns have little to do with the arts.

With that in mind, we asked Christine McKee, who took part in the pilot project, if she had any advice for the new team.

“My suggestion would be to give it your all,” McKee said.

“The rewards are great and well worth the amount of time spent. Patience and flexibility when dealing with yourself, and other people, are two virtues that I found to be important throughout the year.”

On a personal level, the outcome was positive in terms of her growth as an artist. Instead of focusing

‘Inhale’ When: Opening reception 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. today Where: Younger Gallery, 1430 Truxtun Ave., Suite 105 Admission: Free Information: 3249000

inward — on herself and her art — her emphasis began to shift to the topic itself.

“As I researched each topic, ideas formed on what I wanted the viewer to take away with him or her,” she said. “I found myself searching for new ways to communicate each message, which caused me to deviate from how I would normally paint. The purpose of my paintings was to educate and help other people, possibly making a difference in their lives.”

At this evening’s reception, guests will find out how the artists interpreted their topic. In advance, each prepared a statement to accompany their artwork.

For example, Nancy Putney had this to say about the Panorama Vista Pre-

serve, a riparian area along the Kern River that the organization is attempting to restore to its natural state.

“The passion and efforts of reforestation of the preserve land have inspired my work for this exhibit,” Putney said. “Looking down from the bluffs, one sees stark contrast between the riparian zone along the Kern River and the barren land surrounding it.

Through my work I hope to showcase the beauty and nobility of plants and living creatures, which are being preserved there by the planting of trees.”

One purpose of Creating Community is to encourage the artists’ growth in lifetime skills. Saint-John pointed out that unlike musicians, who often perform with other musicians, creating visual art is usually done on an individual basis.

“It (visual art) is a very alone business,” she said.

“To learn to network with others is an expected outcome of the program.”

In choosing the participants, Saint-John looks for seasoned artists as well as beginners. She mentors the team throughout the year and checks on their

progress in a number of ways.

“I tell them to look at (their topic) from all angles,” she said. “And to ask questions of people who work in the community.”

She also brings experts from related fields, such as Robert Crewdson, a Bakersfield consultant who lectures on the importance of careful research and neutral reporting.

“I will ask him to look at their research and ask, ‘What else needs to be done?’” she said. “It’s all part of their learning experience.”

Another guest lecturer will be David Furman, professor emeritus of Pitzer College in Claremont, who will speak about his experiences “Creating Community” with artists in Peru.

Thanks to a grant from the James Irvine Foundation, this year’s team of artists will receive a stipend of $125 per month, plus reimbursement for materials used.

Four exhibits will be held throughout the year and for each painting sold, 50 percent goes to the artist; 25 percent to the partner organization; and 25 percent to the Arts Council.

35

Thursday, October 13, 2011 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street CONTINUED FROM 25

“I have a 20-minute set. They want me to play solo, but not so low they can’t hear me,” said Perlman, who kindly provided his own ba-da-boom rim shot to accentuate the punchline.

Proceeds from the show will go to the East Bakersfield Sheriff’s Activities League football program. Donating their services to the musicians and non-musicians alike are members of the eight-piece party band Thee Majestics, which formed in 1967 at East Bakersfield High.

“This is a blatant attempt to use their names to raise money for kids on the east side,” said Thee Majestics bass player Steve Flores, who noted the concert will veer from country to classic rock to Latin to Motown. “It’s all about fun, even if you can’t play a single thing. Just come up on the stage and have a good time.”

Along with Perlman, the lineup includes: Kevin Charette of KGET-TV, Channel 17; Mike Hart and Melissa Dignan of KERO-TV, Channel 23; Jose Gaspar of KBAK-TV, Channel 29, and his wife, Norma Gaspar of Telemundo, 17.3; Steven Mayer and Matt Munoz from The Californian; Olivia Garcia of Bakersfield Life magazine; Robert Rodriguez, public information officer for the California Highway Patrol; and sneaking into the mix at the last minute, threatening to give his trusty cowbell a workout, will be KERN radio provocateur Scott Cox. Also on the bill are several behindthe-scenes media professionals, including Scott Meeks of KBAK, who played with popular Bakersfield country act the Smokin Armadillos and now jams all over town with his dad and brother in the band Shades of Gray.

Though some of the media types are seasoned musicians (Hart, Munoz and Mayer among them), others freely

admit they can’t carry a tune in a bucket.

“When I was originally approached, I told them I’m not musically inclined,” said Dignan, who handles weather duties at KERO and has agreed to be master of ceremonies at the show. “I don’t even sing karaoke. I’m not going to put people through that.”

Gaspar, too, confessed to being more a good sport than Bakersfield’s answer to Eric Clapton.

“I’m pretty good at making a fool of myself,” said the television news reporter, noting that his wife, who will be singing a medley of songs from the film “Selena,” has all the musical talent in the family. “I told (Thee Majestics) to pick an instrumental and I’ll shake a tambourine or play the maracas.”

Pulling double duty Saturday evening will be a guy who has made a side career of showcasing his golden pipes: news anchor Mike Hart, kicking off yet another season as public address announcer for the Bakersfield Condors.

“I’m doing ‘I Feel Good’ (by James Brown). It’ll be interesting to see if I hit the high notes after being at the Condors for three hours,” said Hart, who also plans to sing Chuck Berry’s “Johnny B. Goode” when he dashes over after the game, probably around 10:15.

“Everyone else will have been there for a while, but I’m coming stone-cold sober. You’re going to be either really good or really bad.”

But it’s the spirit of the occasion, and not the musical chops, that counts, said Flores.

“Last night, we had a rehearsal full of media celebrities,” he said. “Robert Rodriguez was there, then we had Spanish TV and English print and TV. Everyone was just so excited about doing this. If we don’t get the song completely right, who cares?”

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GO & DO Today 33rd annual CSUB Athletics Fall BBQ, (details on Page 34) Bingo, warm ups start at 5 p.m., with early birds at 6 p.m., regular games at 6:30 p.m., Volunteer Center of Kern County, 2801 F St. From $20 buy-in to “the works.” 395-9787.

Friends of the Kern County Library Used Book Sale, (details on Page 33) Horse Show, Auction & Sale, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. today through Sunday, Kern County Fairgrounds, Jimmy Rogers Arena/Grandstand, 1142 S. P St. Free. 393-8471.

Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Experience, 8 p.m., Bakersfield Fox Theater, 2001 H St. $25 to $130. vallitix.com or 322-5200.

Murray Family Farms’ OctoberFest 2011, 12:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday; 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, now until Oct. 31, Murray Family Farms, 6700 General Beale Road. Monday through Friday: $6.99 all ages; Saturday and Sunday: $10.99.

Children 3 years and under free. murrayfamilyfarms.com or 330-0100.

Robert Levine Lecture, 2 p.m., CSUB, Albertson Room, 9001 Stockdale Highway. Free.

654-2238.

Spirit Girls’ Night Out, health screenings, seminars, demonstrations, interactive displays, vendors, food, 6 to 9 p.m., The Petroleum Club, 5060 California Ave., 12th

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floor. Free. 324-7070.

Talladega Frights Haunted Attraction, 7 p.m. today through Sunday, 11811 Rosedale Highway, between Jewetta Avenue and Old Farm Road. $15 to $25. talladegafrights.com, facebook.com/TalladegaFrights or 699-8633.

The Chamber Haunted House, 7 p.m. today through Monday, Sam Lynn Ballpark, 4009 Chester Ave. $10 The Chamber; $5 3D Invasion; $14 combo ticket. chamberhaunt.com.

Friday CoNA Golf Tournament, four-person scramble, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., Naval Air Weapons Station, 1 Administrative Circle, China Lake. $65 includes green fees, cart, breakfast, awards and lunch. 760-939-2602.

Dos Equis Comedy Jam, 8 p.m., Bakersfield Fox Theater, 2001 H St. $20-$27. vallitix.com or 322-5200.

Fall Luncheon, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., St. George Greek Orthodox, 401 Truxtun Ave. $10.

325-8694.

History Forum, Sheila Lloyd on society’s attraction to the exceptional few while holding low expectations for the majority, 4:30 p.m., CSUB, Dore Theatre, 9001 Stockdale Highway. Free. $5 parking.

654-2166.

Kids’ Night Out “Animal House!,” Kids’ Night Out “Animal House!” ages 7-plus, paint and design a dinner plate, pizza, and games, 6:30 to 9 p.m., Color Me Mine at The

Marketplace, 9000 Ming Ave. $25; $19 for additional siblings. bakersfield.colormemine.com or 664-7366.

Night at the Museum, a haunted museum night, creep through the halls on a flashlight guided tour, 7 to 9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Buena Vista Museum of Natural History, 2018 Chester Ave. $7 adults; $5 students. 3246350.

Preschool Storytime/Parent Workshop, guest reader and early childhood expert Wendy Wayne discussing “That’s How the Story Starts,” 10:30 a.m., Beale Memorial Library, 701 Truxtun Ave. 8680745.

Saturday “Earthquakes in Kern County,” with geologist Tim Elam, 3 to 4 p.m., Buena Vista Museum of Natural History, 2018 Chester Ave. $7. 3246350.

Annual Dust Bowl Festival, (details on Page 28) Aspiranet “Murder at the Four Deuces” Fundraiser; dress in your best and solve the mystery. Drinks, food and dancing, 6 p.m., 1001 Tower Way. $35, $60 per couple. Proceeds benefit children in foster care with Aspiranet. aspiranet.org/murdermystery or 323-1233.

Bakersfield Green Thumb Garden Club, meeting with Jack Katchadourian discussing “Growing Orchids,” 9 a.m., Church of the Brethren, in the social hall, 327 A St. 393-3657.

Please see 36

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36

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, October 13, 2011

Eye Street CONTINUED FROM 35

BC Football vs. Allan Hancock, 7 p.m., Bakersfield College, 1801 Panorama Drive. $3-$12. 3954326.

Book signing, with B.J. Binning and special guest author Gavin Binning of "I Wish I Were....," 1 p.m., Russo's, 9000 Ming Ave. 665-4686.

China Lake Navy Open House, aircraft displays, military exhibits, kids zone, food booths, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Naval Air Weapons Station, 1 Administrative Circle, China Lake.

Free. 760-382-3560.

Condors vs. Colorado Eagles, 7 p.m., Rabobank Arena, 1001 Truxtun Ave. $11 to $25. bakersfieldcondors.com or 324-7825.

Dancing with the Heroes, benefit for Meals on Wheels for Seniors in Kern County, 6 to 9 p.m., Glenwood Gardens, building A, 350 Calloway Drive. $5 advanced; $6 at the door. 323-0001.

Eighth annual Gay Pride Festival, live entertainment, DJ, vendors, Kidzone and food, 3 to 9 p.m., Stramler Park, 3805 Chester Ave. $7 advance; $10 at the gate.

302-4266.

Electronic Waste Recycling Day, bring unwanted electronic items, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at 1101 Pebble Beach Drive. 369-9861.

Fall Fashion Forecast Workshop, 10 a.m. to noon, Beladagio, 9500 Brimhall Road, Suite 705.

Free. 829-2288.

Fall Pumpkin Bouquet Class, 10 a.m., Log Cabin Florist, 800 19th St. $50. 327-8646.

Kernville Stampede Rodeo, open team roping, bull riding, hide race, sheep riding, open barrel race, Jr. girls barrel race, food and more, 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, John E. McNally Arena, Kernville. kernvillechamber.org or 760-376-2629.

Kustoms for a Cure Car Show, gates open at 7 a.m., show from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Golden State Mall, 3201 F St. $30 entry fee. Free for spectators. Proceeds go to Cancer Research Institute. 3453726.

Lantern Light Ghost Tour, 8:30 p.m., Silver City Ghost Town, 3829 Lake Isabella Blvd., Bodfish. $12, all ages. 760-379-5146.

Media Music Jam, (details on Page 25).

Medieval Fair in the Kingdom of Camelot, (details on Page 26).

Oildale Leadership Alliance Breakfast, guest speaker Supervisor Mike Maggard, 8 to 9 a.m., Hodel’s Country Dining, 5917 Knudsen Drive. $11.25. 323-8002.

Opening night at the Bakersfield Symphony, (details on Page 24).

Panel Discussion, expert community leaders discussing “Winning Our Future,” by addressing societal issues that affect our lives in Kern County, 4 p.m., Bakersfield Senior Center, 530 Fourth St. 3251113.

Party on the Plaza, with games, food, give-aways and live music by

Rockwell and The Blackboard Playboys, 4 to 6:30 p.m., Rabobank Arena, on the plaza, 1001 Truxtun Ave. 325-5892.

Scrapbooking 101, 1 to 3 p.m., Beale Memorial Library, Tejon Room, 701 Truxtun Ave. Free. 8680770.

Tree Foundation of Kern Class Series, on “Citizen Forester,” 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., also, Nov. 19, Dec. 17 and Jan. 21. Free. Visit treeinfo@urbanforest.org or 325-6650.

Sunday Carnales Unidos Car Club Show, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Kern County Fairgrounds, Carnival Lot, 1142 S. P St. $10 admission; children under 12 are free with paid adult. 340-0004 or 340-1207.

Memory Lane Pancake Breakfast, 7 to 10 a.m., VFW Ship 4084, 117 N. Alvord St., Ridgecrest. $5 advance; $7 at the door. Visit chinalakecelebration.com or 760-3754084.

Pumpkin Patch, noon to 9 p.m.

Sunday through Friday; 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturdays, Wesley United Methodist Church, 1314 Oswell St. 699-6625.

THEATER “Geeks Vs. Zombies,” (details on Page 29).

“Sweeney Todd,” (details on Page 35) “The Night Time Show with Michael Armendariz,” 11 p.m.

Friday, The Empty Space, 706 Oak St. $5. 327-PLAY. “The Phantom of the Melodrama,” followed by the vaudeville revue “Merry Olde England” 7 p.m.

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

Auditions for “Boy Gets Girl,” and “Late Night with Christopher Durang Part Deux,” 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, The Empty Space, 706 Oak St. 327-PLAY. Improv Comedy Show, with Center For Improv Advancement, 8 to 9:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, Ice House, 3401 Chester Ave., Suite M. Adults: $5, children under 12 are $1. ciacomedy.com.

Major League Improv, improvisational comedy show, appropriate for families, 6 p.m. Saturdays, The Empty Space, 706 Oak St. Free but donations are accepted. 327-PLAY.

ART “Art vs. Zombies” (details on Page 29).

“Disorder” Exhibition, now on display through Nov. 5, CSUB, Todd Madigan Gallery, 9001 Stockdale Highway. Gallery hours are 1 to 6 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays and 1 to 5 p.m. Saturdays. 6542238.

“Tehachapi 100-year-old Bird Art Prints” exhibition, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday; 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, now until Oct. 16, UNeek Findz, 450 W. F St., Tehachapi. 822-7311.

Art for Healing program, classes that alleviate stress. Free but some classes suggest a donation.

Mercy Hospital, Truxtun and A Street. mercybakersfield.org/art or to register, 632-5357.

Juliana’s Art Studio & Gallery, offers youth art, clay sculpture, stained glass, and silver jewelry, Juliana’s Art Studio & Gallery, 501 18th St. For times and dates call 327-7507.

Opening Reception, for “Inhale: Land Stewardship for Cleaner Air,” (details on Page 34) Patti Doolittle, featured artist for October, Dagny’s Coffee Co., 1600 20th St. 634-0806.

The Art Shop Club, 9 a.m. to noon each Thursday, Friday and Saturday, The Art Shop, 1221 20th St. All mediums. 322-0544, 5897463 or 496-5153.

MUSIC Blues Kern River Blues Society Jam, 2 to 8 p.m. every third Saturday, Trout’s, 805 N. Chester Ave. 8727517.

Celtic Lengthwise Brewery, Lengthwise Brewery, 6720 Schirra Court, 836-2537; Whiskey Galore, 8 p.m.

Saturday.

Classic Rock Buck Owens Crystal Palace, 2800 Buck Owens Blvd., 3287560; Token Okies, 7:30 to 9:45 p.m. Thursday.

Pyrenees Cafe, 601 Sumner, 3230053; Left Coast Groovies, 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday.

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

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

Country Buck Owens Crystal Palace, 2800 Buck Owens Blvd., 3287560; Monty Byrom & the Buckaroos, 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. $5.

Ethel’s Old Corral, 4310 Alfred Harrell Highway, 873-7613; Nightlife, 7 to 11 p.m. Friday; Diver Down, 3 to 7 p.m. Sunday.

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

Wednesdays.

Cover Sandrini’s, 1918 Eye St., 3228900; Chrisanova, 9 p.m. Friday.

DJ Banacek’s Lounge, 4601 State Road, 387-9224; with DJ Casey Overstreet, 9 p.m. Fridays.

Le Corusse Rouge, 4647 White Lane, 834-1611; with DJ Chill in the Mixx, 5 p.m. every Friday until 2 a.m. Saturday.

Rockstarz Party Bar, 7737 Meany Ave., Suite B5, 589-6749; DJ James, 9 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays. Free.

Tam O’Shanter, 2345 Alta Vista, 324-6774; DJ Frankie, DJs Blowskee and Roule, 8:30 p.m. Friday, $5; Marcy’s Playground Ten, DJs Frankie PrtyBoy, Alex G, SoFly, Phat-E, Myth and Lady Marcy, 8:30 p.m. Saturday. $5 The Bull Shed Bar & Grill, at Hotel Rosedale, 2400 Camino Del Rio Court, 327-0681; with Meg, 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.

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

Imbibe Wine & Spirits Merchant, 4140 Truxtun Ave., 633WINE; live music & wine bar with featuring local artists, along with 24 wines, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Friday; featuring Jazz Connection, along with 24 wines, 7 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday and 6 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays.

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

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

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

Thursdays and Tuesdays.

Banacek’s Lounge, 9 p.m. every Friday and Saturday at 4601 State Road. 387-9224.

Bellvedere Cocktail Lounge, 3090 Brundage Lane, 325-2139; 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Thursdays and Sundays.

Big Daddy Pizza, 6417 Ming Ave., 396-7499; 7 to 10 p.m. every Tuesday; 8 to 11 p.m. every Friday.

Cactus Valley Mexican Restaurant, 4215 Rosedale Highway, 633-1948; 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Thursday; beer pong and happy hour all day Sunday.

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

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

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

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

Corona’s Cantina, 9817 S. Union Ave., 345-8463; 7 to 10 p.m. Fridays.

Del Rio Cocktail Lounge, 5840 State Road, 393-0262; 8 p.m. every Saturday.

Diana’s Pit Stop, 10807 Rosedale Highway, 587-8888; 8 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays.

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

DoubleTree Hotel, Club Odyssey, 3100 Camino Del Rio Court; 8 p.m. to midnight Tuesdays.

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

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, 8 p.m. every Tuesday and Thursday at 4647 White Lane. 834-1611.

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

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

Magoo’s Pizza, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. every Tuesday at 1129 Olive Drive.

399-7800.

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

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

Pizzeria, 4200 Gosford Road, 3971111; 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays.

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

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

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

Rockstarz Party Bar, 7737 Meany Ave., Suite B5, 589-6749; 8 p.m. Mondays through Wednesdays.

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

Rocky’s Pizza & Arcade, 2858 Niles St., 873-1900; 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Wednesday.

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

Round Table Pizza, 2620 Buck Owens Blvd., 327-9651; The Junction with host Mac Clanahan, 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays.

Round Table Pizza, 4200 Gosford Road, 397-1111; 6:30 p.m.

Wednesdays.

Round Table Pizza, 6:30 p.m. every Wednesday at 4200 Gosford Road. 397-1111.

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

Sports & Spirits, 9 p.m. every Thursday and Saturday at 6633 Ming Ave. 398-7077.

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

Sports & Spirits, 9 p.m. every Thursday and Saturday at 6633 Ming Ave. 398-7077.

T-Bones Steakhouse, 8020 District Blvd., 398-1300; with Irish Monkey Entertainment, 6:30 to 11 p.m. Thursdays.

Please see 37

37

Thursday, October 13, 2011 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street CONTINUED FROM 36

The Bull Shed Bar & Grill, at Hotel Rosedale, 2400 Camino Del Rio Court, 3270681; 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 Old River Monte Carlo, 9750 Taft Highway, 837-0250; 8:30 p.m. every Thursday.

The Playhouse, 2915 Taft Highway; 3973599; 7 to 10 p.m. Sundays.

The Playhouse Lounge, 7 to 10 p.m. every Sunday at 2915 Taft Highway. 397-3599.

The Prime Cut, 9500 Brimhall Road, 8311413; hosted by Ed Loverr, 9 p.m. to midnight Friday.

The Prime Cut, 9 p.m. every Friday at 9500 Brimhall Road. 831-1413.

The Regent, 2814 Niles St., 871-4140; 8:30 p.m. every other Friday.

The Wrecking Yard, 9817 S. Union Ave., 827-9192; 7 to 10 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.

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

Tomi’s Cowgirl Cafe, 7 to 10 p.m. every Tuesday and Thursday at 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.

Tejon Club, 6 to 10 p.m. every Saturday at 117 El Tejon Ave. 392-1747.

Latin/Salsa DoubleTree Hotel, Club Odyssey, Club Odyssey, 3100 Camino Del Rio Court, 6331949; various levels, 3 to 9 p.m. every Sunday. $5 per person, per lesson.

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

Oldies KC Steakhouse, 2515 F St., 322-9910; Jimmy Gaines, Bobby O and Mike Halls, 6:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday.

Old school Jacalito Grill, 900 Truxtun Ave., Suite 110, 325-2535; Prisoners of Love, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Thursday.

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

Open Mic Poetry Open Mic, featuring Camille Gavin, others who are welcome to bring prose and poetry, sign-ups begin at 6:45 p.m., readings begin at 7 p.m. Thursday, Russo’s, 9000 Ming Ave. 665-4686.

Sandrini’s, 1918 Eye St., 322-8900; 9 p.m.

Wednesdays.

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

Rock B. Ryder’s Sports Bar & Grill, 7401 White Lane, 397-7304; 40 oz. To Freedom, tribute to Sublime, 7 to 10 p.m. Thursday. $10.

Rockstarz Party Bar, 7737 Meany Ave.,

Suite B5, 589-6749; live bands, 9 p.m. every Thursday.

Sandrini’s, 1918 Eye St., 322-8900; Black Sails Western Shores, 9 p.m. Saturday.

Top 40 DoubleTree Hotel, Club Odyssey, 3100 Camino Del Rio Court. 323-7111; 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. every Friday.

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.

Sandrini’s, 1918 Eye St., 322-8900; Trivia Night with Dave Rezac, 10 p.m. Tuesdays.

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Variety T-Bones Steakhouse, 8020 District Blvd., 398-1300; Elevation 406, 7:30 to 11:30 p.m.

Friday.

UPCOMING

Thur., 10/20 at 10 a.m.

Kern River Veteran’s Building 6405 Lake Isabella Blvd.

Lake Isabella

Monday 10/17 American Red Cross “Tee for Charity,” American Red Cross Kern Chapter Annual “Tee for Charity” Golf Tournament, 10 a.m. registration, opens with a light lunch, shotgun at 11:30 a.m., dinner, awards ceremony and raffles to follow, Seven Oaks Country Club, 2000 Grand Lakes Ave. 324-6427.

Bakersfield Condors 14th annual Charity Golf, four-person scramble, shotgun begins at noon, River Lakes Golf Course, 5201 Riverlakes Drive. $125 per person; $20 dinner only. 396-2362 or 396-2358.

Weill Child Guidance Foundation Golf Classic, four-person scramble, shotgun begins at noon, Stockdale Country Club, 7001 Stockdale Highway. $150 per person; $600 per team. 395-7467.

Tuesday 10/18 Family Dance Night: Wii Dance, 4 to 8 p.m., Beale Memorial Library, Auditorium, 701 Truxtun Ave. Free. 868-0770.

Meet & Dave Snyder, director of the California Bicycle Coalition, come hear the importance of active transportation planning in Bakersfield and the state of the bicycling movement today, hors d’ouvres, no host bar, 7 to 9 p.m., Padre Hotel, 1702 18th St. $20. 321-9247.

Panel Discussion, “Life Choices Panel,” local youth and law enforcement agencies will share stories of success, failure and redemption, 7 p.m., Bakersfield College, Fireside Room, 1801 Panorama Drive. 326-3803.

Wed., 10/26 at 10 a.m. & 1 p.m.

Clarion Hotel 3540 Rosedale Hwy. Bakersfield

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Wednesday 10/19 Billy Idol, 8 p.m., Bakersfield Fox Theater, 2001 H St. $42.50 to $80. vallitix.com or 322-5200.

Children’s Art Event, develop art techniques through word and collage art, 3:30 p.m., Beale Memorial Library, 701 Truxtun Ave. Supplies provided. 868-0745.

Thursday 10/20 Amanda Ross-Ho Lecture, 2 p.m., CSUB, Albertson Room, 9001 Stockdale Highway.

Free. 654-2238.

Disney on Ice: Pixar’s Toy Story 3, 7 p.m.

Thursday and Friday; 11 a.m., 3 and 7 p.m.

Saturday; 1 and 5 p.m. Sunday, Rabobank Arena, 1001 Truxtun Ave. $10-$45 plus fee (Thursday only); $16-$45 plus fee (Friday through Sunday). ticketmaster.com or 800745-3000.

*Medically necessary services to plan approved locations.

Health Net. A Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare contract. The benefit information provided herein is a brief summary, not a comprehensive description of benefits.

For more information contact the plan. Benefits, formulary, pharmacy network, premium and/or copayments/coinsurance may change on January 1, 2013. A sales person will be present with information and applications. For accommodation of persons with special needs at sales meetings, call 1-877-827-6888 (TTY/TDD 1-800-929-9955), 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., 7 days a week.

Free gift provided without obligation to enroll, while supplies last. CA84730 (10/11) SC6888 Health Net of California, Inc. is a subsidiary of Health Net, Inc. Health Net is a registered service mark of Health Net, Inc. All rights reserved.

Material ID # H0562_2012_0311 File & Use 09142011