Eye Street Entertainment / 10-27-11 by Matt Munoz

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, October 27, 2011

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

Index Halloween events .................................... 23 Parade of Ponds ...................................... 24 Arts Alive .................................................. 26 McDonald’s singer .................................. 27 The Lowdown with Matt Munoz.............. 28 Scott Cox .................................................. 29 Bakersfield Celtic Music Festival .......... 33 Calendar .............................................. 35-37

Free up your dance card Local finalist on Fox dance show to perform BY MATT MUNOZ Bakotopia.com editor mmunoz@bakersfield.com

fter reaching the finals of “So You Think You Can Dance?,” Bakersfield dancer Sasha Mallory is eager to say thank you to the local fans who helped get her there in the most expressive way she knows how: through dance. Mallory will join the other top 10 finalists from season eight of the Fox competition at the Rabobank on Tuesday. In a phone conversation before a tour stop in New Orleans, Mallory, despite being exhausted from the relentless dancing, wanted to make sure her local fans knew how appreciative she still is. “The reaction from people was so awesome,” she said during a phone interview before a tour stop in New Orleans. “I just couldn’t believe it. I’m so thankful for all the support.” It’s been a whirlwind of a year for the 23-year-old, who became a show favorite after wowing judges with her athletic grace and charm. Originally joined at the auditions by her sister, Natalia, she continued alone in the competition, rising through the ranks to become the show’s runner-up. Mallory’s popularity was given a boost thanks to a ‘Team Sasha’ campaign led by family and online supporters, some of whom reached all the way to Trinidad, where much of her family resides. Preferring to avoid getting caught up in the hype, the spiky-haired dancer with the bright smile said she intentionally steered clear of the press and Internet in order to stay focused. “I can’t believe how big it got and how many people wanna know more about me. I’m just this goofy person. I just handle myself and go with the flow. I’m not really an online person, so when I saw the ‘Vote For Sasha’ posts, I couldn’t believe it. Apparently people liked the way I dance, which is kinda cool.” On the show, Mallory and the other contestants were paired to perform pieces choreo-

graphed by some of the biggest names in professional dance during the weekly two-hour performance shows. Following each episode, viewers were able to vote for their favorite dancers. Eliminations were announced the following night. The grueling pace continued until the announcement of the final four: Mallory, Marko Germar, Tadd Gadduang and Melanie Moore, who would win the competition. Recalling that final moment, Mallory described herself as more relieved than disappointed over the results. “I was just so thankful. It could have gone either way and I would have had the same feelings because of how much I learned and the friendships and memories I made —so many connections, too.” But despite Mallory’s joy, there was no time to savor the experience. Rehearsals for the 32-date tour began immediately following the August finale. “After I saw myself on a billboard, it just freaked me out,” she said. “I’ve never been the center of attention before. The show that we’re doing right now is full-on dance from beginning to end. There’s one break between the first and second half. People seem to enjoy the show a lot. It’s just fun to see the crowd reactions to what we put together. Our bodies are just dying from all the rehearsing and work, but we’re having a blast.” Following the completion of the tour, Mallory said she plans to move to Los Angeles to work with an agent. “I have a few teaching jobs lined up, and I’m going to be choreographing and teaching on faculties of competitions and convention-type deals — just kind of traveling and doing that. I’d also like to take some acting classes and get into acting.” Mallory added that she’s having a hard time containing her excitement for Tuesday’s show and looks forward to seeing all her family and friends again. “I’m so excited to perform in Bakersfield and I hope everyone can go. Please just cram into the arena. I just wanna dance in front of you. I cannot wait for the show.”

JEFF SINER / CHARLOTTE OBSERVER

Sasha Mallory and Jess LeProtto perform during the “So You Think You Can Dance Tour 2011” at Time Warner Cable Arena in Charlotte, N.C., in September.

‘So You Think You Can Dance Live’ When: 7 p.m. Tuesday Where: Rabobank Arena, 1001 Truxtun Ave.

Tickets: $37 to $57 Information: 852-7777 or ticketmaster.com

Thursday, October 27, 2011 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street GET YOUR HALLOWEEN ON

PHOTO COURTESY TERRY MCCONNELL

The Velvet Darkness performers strut their stuff at a prior screening of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.” For the third consecutive year, the Fox will be screening the 1975 film at midnight.

Time warp to 1975 Fox hosts rousing ‘Rocky Horror’ for Halloween BY ASHLEY FISCHER Contributing writer

all movies got you down, down, down? Feel like you’re caught in a bit of a celluloid jam? Like you’ve got an itch that regular old cinema just can’t seem to scratch? Well, don’t just stand there wondering whatever happened to your Saturday nights, because this weekend the Fox Theater’s got something on the slab certain to relieve anyone’s desire for a rollicking, raucous and raunchy good time: “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.” For the third consecutive year, the Fox will be screening the 1975 film in all its splendor at midnight. But the real action will be provided by the live shadow cast, The Velvet Darkness (kudos if you can guess which song they took their title from), who will mimic the scenes unfolding on screen, and of course, from the audience. “I try to make the show very much an audience experience,” said Jaden Snow, the group’s leader, who can be seen performing as the character Magenta. “Especially for first-timers, we really try to make it a special experience for everyone who’s there.” In case you’re as out of the loop as the movie’s wide-eyed love birds Brad Majors and Janet Weiss, here’s the skinny: At this late-night picture show, it’s all about audience interaction. So no worries if you’re one of

‘The Rocky Horror Picture Show’ Presented by Bud Light When: Doors open at 10 p.m., pre-show 11:15 p.m., show at midnight Saturday Where: Fox Theater, 2001 H St. Admission: $10, can be purchased at the Fox Theater box office, by calling 322-5200 or at vallitix.com Information: 324-1369

those people who have a tendency to pull out a cellphone during a movie — so long as you do it during the right part. (Hint: It’s during the “there’s a light” sequence when Brad and Janet discover the house where Dr. Frank-N-Furter and the rest of the gang are living it up.) In addition to cellphones, the Fox welcomes you to bring a wide variety of items that typically would be considered taboo at any other movie, all for the sake of enhancing your enjoyment of the “Rocky Horror” experience. In fact, the theater’s list of accepted props reads like a standard recipe for a good time: rice, newspapers, toilet paper, confetti, noisemakers, toast, rubber gloves, flashlights, bells and playing cards. Staff at the theater will be checking for contraband in an attempt to limit the amount of mess they have to clean up at the end of the night. Even though Snow admitted, “it is a beautiful, glorious mess.” “Last year,” she added, “the

crowd threw toilet paper at the wrong time, and they had a fiveminute toilet paper fight, where it was just thrown everywhere. It was literally just thigh-deep in the aisles.” If you’re too busy putting together your best Riff Raff costume to pack (and there will be a costume contest during the pre-show), the theater will be selling kits of the accepted items for $4 each. In keeping with the theme of encouraging audience participation, The Velvet Darkness will host a variety of dirty games alongside the Halloween costume contest during the pre-show, which starts at 11:15. Prizes this year will be provided by Déjà Vu. In case you’ve never been to one of these things before, here’s a bit of a warning: Before the performance, cast members will approach people in line and ask a few “Rocky Horror” trivia questions to root out the true “virgins” in the audience. So even seasoned fans of the film might do well with a bit of brushing up, unless you want to wind up with a scarlet “V” drawn on your chest or face in signature “Rocky Horror”lips-red lipstick. But don’t get “strung out” on all this tradition — at the end of the night, it’s all about fun. And Snow encourages everyone to take advantage of this opportunity to let their hair down and leave their inhibitions at the door. “We try and make it fun and crude, and, you know, it’s an interesting experience. It might not be for everyone, but it’s something that people should definitely do at least once in their lifetime.”

Murray Family Farms’ OctoberFest 2011. Featuring Spookley the Square Pumpkin kiddie maze, wasp and spider game corn maze, pig and duck races, giant jumping pillow, pumpkin painting craft, ant farm, petting zoo and more, 12:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. today, Friday and Monday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, 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. 330-0100 or murrayfamilyfarms.com. Talladega Frights Haunted Attraction. 7 p.m. today through Monday, 11811 Rosedale Highway. $15 to $25. talladegafrights.com, facebook.com/TalladegaFrights or 699-8633. Pumpkin Patch. Noon to 9 p.m. today, Friday and Sunday; 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturdays, Wesley United Methodist Church, 1314 Oswell St. 699-6625. 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. Halloween Lantern Light Tour. Ghost hunts and paranormal investigations at 8:30 p.m. Friday through Monday, Silver City Ghost Town, 3829 Lake Isabella Blvd., Bodfish. $12, all ages. Facebook search Silver City Ghost Town. 760-379-5146. Halloween Party. Music by the Rocker Brothers, food, and first prize for best costume, 8 p.m. Friday, Iron Horse Saloon, 1821 S. Chester Ave. 831-1315. Shiny Toy Guns Halloween Disko Party. 7401 White Lane, 397-7304; featuring Cidona, Garage Island, Automatic Redial, 6 p.m. Friday $15. Halloween Costume Party. DJ Redeemed and DJ So Fly, prizes for best costumes, 8 p.m. Friday, Tam O’Shanter, 2345 Alta Vista, 324-6774. $10; $5 with costume. SJVC Halloween Spooktacular. Bounce houses, crafters, food, games for all ages and more, 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, San Joaquin Valley College, parking lot, 201 New Stine Road. Free but game tickets are 50 cents. sjvc.edu. Scary for Charity. Costume contest, live music by DJ Margo Saylor, silent auction, hors d’oeuvres, cocktails, dancing, 7 p.m. to midnight

Saturday, Marriott Hotel, 801 Truxtun Ave. Tickets $50 at scaryforcharity.com or kernpartnership.org. Zombie Costume & Jell-o “Brain” Eating Contest. For teens, 5 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Beale Memorial Library, 701 Truxtun Ave. Free. 8680770. Halloween Bash. Live music, prizes, drink specials, Jello shots, 8 p.m. to midnight Saturday, Ethel’s Old Corral Cafe, 4310 Alfred Harrell Highway. Free. 873-7613. Family Fun Day. Crafts for children and photos in the patch, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday; with pumpkin patch open until 9 p.m., Wesley United Methodist Church, 1314 Oswell St. 699-6625. Bellvedere Halloween Bash. Costume prizes, music by The Fog, drink specials, 9 p.m. Saturday; drink specials, karaoke 9 p.m. Sunday, Bellvedere Cocktail Lounge, 3090 Brundage Lane. 325-2139. Blues & Boos Halloween Monster Mash. The Blackboard Playboys, members of the Kern River Blues Society, costume contest, games, prizes, dancing, 8 p.m. Saturday, Trout’s, 805 N. Chester Ave. Email kernriverbluessociety @gmail.com or 399-6700. Halloween Costume Party. Music by Rock-AMolé with a performance by Joey Zaza, 8 p.m. Saturday, Tam O’Shanter, 2345 Alta Vista. $5. 324-6774. Second annual Pre-Halloween Byte Me ... Again. Presented by Stereo Type; with DJs, go-go dancers, 8 p.m. Saturday, El Patino Hall, 425 30th St. $10 advance’ $15 at the door. Visit groovetickets.com. Day of the Dead Ride. Ride to various cemeteries with chile verde cook-off, raffles and live music. 8 a.m. Sunday, Kern County Shrine Club, 700 S. P St. $20 per rider. Proceeds benefit Kern County Shrine Club Activities and Charities. 319-7844. Third annual Howl-OWeen Pet Festival. Pet costume contest, pet adoptions and kid’s activities 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Self-Serve Pet Spa, 2816 Calloway Drive. 588-7858. Safe Halloween 2011. For ages 3 to 12, with more than 35 trick-or-treat stations, costume contest, schooltype carnival, food and beverages for sale, 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday and Monday, Kern County Museum, 3801 Chester Ave. $8. vallitix.com or 868-8400.

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, October 27, 2011

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FELIX ADAMO / THE CALIFORNIAN

Roy and Donalda Biscar enjoy their koi pond, which has more than 20 of the exotic fish.

Saturday, November 5, 2011 Refreshments - 5:30 pm • Dinner - 6pm Bakersfield Christian High School 12775 Stockdale Highway, Bakersfield, CA 93314 Tickets: $15 each / Reserved Assigned Seating / Adults only please For tickets or information, call 661/399-2273

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Stressed? Take a tour of backyard bliss Homeowners to show off oases in Parade of Ponds BY JENNIFER SELF Californian lifestyles editor jself@bakersfield.com

here’s no chant, daily affirmation, herbal remedy or pharmaceutical on earth quite as Zeninducing as the sound of water tumbling over a cluster of boulders. But with money as tight as those knots in our shoulders, the closest most of us are likely to get to a waterfall is our daily shower. And that’s where Parade of Ponds comes in handy: If you can’t create your own paradise, Saturday’s tour of other people’s backyard oases allows you to lower your blood pressure on someone else’s dime. “Word is getting out that this event is a wonderful thing to be part of,” said Michael Prestridge, sales manager at Buck's Landscape Materials & Pond Shop, which hosts the tour. “It not only gives you ideas for your own pond, but you can admire and ooh and aah over things you can’t afford just yet.” A budget-conscious trend many of Prestridge’s customers have seized on is the pondless waterfall, which starts at about $1,000 for installation. One of the 10 homes on Saturday’s tour

Koi swarm to Roy Biscar's hand as he feeds them.

showcases just such a water feature, which Buck’s built in July for a woman impatient to transform an empty dirt yard into a lush retreat. “She basically said, ‘I’m getting older and I don’t want to wait for these trees to grow up,’ so she put in (mature) trees and it looks beautiful.” With no pond, the water collects in a basin built under a bed of rocks. The homeowner is free to turn the Please see 25

Parade of Ponds When: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday Where: Bus leaves from Buck’s Landscape Materials & Pond Shop, 2600 Taft Highway Admission: $45, which includes lunch, a T-shirt and chances to win prizes Information: 836-3825

Thursday, October 27, 2011 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street 3255 Allen Road

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The 20 or so koi in Roy Biscar's pond have plenty of water and lush vegetation to live in. CONTINUED FROM 24

waterfall on and off with the flip of a switch, which saves on energy costs, and there is no standing water with the lowmaintenance feature, Prestridge said. “But they get the sound and the look they want.” Still, “most people are pond people, believe it or not,” which means koi ponds and similar features will figure heavily into the $45 tour, which includes a T-shirt, lunch and even a bit of humor, courtesy of Prestridge and his partner, AJ Whitaker. (Sample joke: What kind of car does the koi doctor drive? A Koi-vette, of course. Not to worry: Prestridge promises to work on his material before Saturday.) The Taft Highway company, owned by Buck and Peggy Whitaker (“Buck is the mayor of Pumpkin Center,” Prestridge quipped), has offered the tour for five years in the hopes of drumming up a little business for the shop. “The economy has played a big part on people and their purchases of water features,” Prestridge said. “If they are going to invest, they’re going to want something they can enjoy ... and not just, ‘Oh, water sounds good over there, let’s put something in the corner.’ They’re taking a bigger interest in knowing what they want.” One guy who knows exactly what he wants is Roy Biscar, whose 5,500-gallon koi pond will be featured on the tour. Beyond caring for his 25 to 27 fish (“they will literally come out of the water and eat out of your hand”), the mechanic spends a lot of time outside pursuing his “other full-time job” — growing exotic plants. “I have several different varieties of fruit trees, citrus trees, some of the hottest peppers in the world growing in my backyard.” Biscar loves variety, so he blends native specimens with tropical and coastal plants, delicate beauties that aren’t supposed to be able to withstand Bakersfield’s scorching summers and frosty winters. In fact, he just parted ways with a passion vine he started in a pot 12 years ago. The sturdy climber survived two moves and the once-in-a-generation snowfall in 1999, but it finally met its match: Biscar’s

That’s hot Roy Biscar, whose koi pond and waterfall will be featured on the Parade of Ponds, has a nice little side business, an outgrowth of his passion for planting. He pickles his own peppers and also makes spices, which he sprinkles on sunflower seeds, pistachios and other products. “They’re so hot, I didn’t think people would want to eat them as an actual relish because they’re also sweet,” Biscar said. “But there’s people who like them.”

bad back, which can no longer bear the constant work the prolific vine requires. “The biggest mistake I’ve made is not containing the passion vine. I’m still paying for it.” But even with Biscar’s gift for growing on full display, the koi pond and waterfall are the real stars of the backyard. Biscar had a big hand in designing the water feature when he moved into his southwest Bakersfield home five years ago, plus he supplied his own liner and equipment. He paid about $8,000 for labor and rocks. “You want to think long-term. When I did my water feature, I went the added expense of getting the 30-year liner for my pond and paid the extra expense of having a laminate liner underneath. You can get a cheaper liner, but a lot aren’t safe because they have a petroleum coating on it that will kill the fish.” If the koi are lucky enough to avoid chemical-coated liners, hungry herrons and the occasional parasite, they can live to a ripe old age, said Biscar. “I found the oldest living koi on record was 227 years.” One more thing about koi: If you overfeed them, they will multiply, which isn’t a bad thing if you have one variety of the fish. But if you don’t want a bunch of koi mutts swimming around, lay off the food, which encourages the koi to eat their own eggs. “I don’t replace fish very often. I take very good care of my fish.”

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The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, October 27, 2011

Eye Street Camille Gavin CONTRIBUTING COLUMNIST

‘Wrinkles’ will give you laugh lines ‘Old-timers’ give revue all they’ve got

t’s hard for me to accept that Kathleen Grainger Shaffer, who was only in her teens when she first thrilled local audiences with her gorgeous singing voice and natural acting talent, is now a senior citizen. Yet now she’s only a tick or two past 60 and still sparkles as brightly as she did in the early 1970s and for several decades beyond. She’s far from idle, however. Shaffer is at the helm of a musical revue called “Wrinkles,” which features a cast of 42 “old-timers,” ranging in age from 55 to 86. A production of Bakersfield Music Theatre, it opens Saturday at Harvey Auditorium. “We had a casting call in July, and the response was wonderful,” she said. “Each performer chose what they wanted to present — a group of lovely people, giving a ‘gift’ to our community.” As Shaffer points out, some have been local performers, directors and teachers for decades, some have done work in professional theater, and many still appear in current productions and/or sing in church choirs. “Wrinkles” takes place in a retirement home called “The Twilight Home for Aging Thespians.” Incidentally, BMT is using a set built by a Bakersfield High School crew for the school’s November performances of “Arsenic and Old Lace,” directed by Jacquie Thompson-Mercer. “We decided to help each other,” Shaffer said. “We are sharing the beautiful set, the inside of a two-story Victorian mansion.” Written by Shaffer, Patricia Johnson and Char Gaines, and choreographed by Gail Johnson, “Wrinkles” is a revue of Broadway songs and scenes. Shaffer describes it as an ensemble show with solos, duets, quartets, ensemble numbers and full cast numbers. The characters reminisce about the good old days as they drift onto and off the stage as they sing and do various routines. “We have

GO & DO ‘Wrinkles’ When: 8 p.m. Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday Where: Harvey Auditorium, 14th and G streets Admission: $20 Information: 325-6100

‘Convergence’ When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. today and Friday, noon to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday Where: Bakersfield Museum of Art, 1930 R St. Admission: $5; $4, seniors; $2, students; free to members Information: 323-7219

‘Pitch Day’ When: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday Where: The Empty Space, 706 Oak St. Admission: Free Information: 327-PLAY

four narrators,” she said, “and one dotty old Shakespearean actor who introduce the scenes.” She was willing to name the four narrators: Jim Fillbrandt, Hank Webb, Dan Shaffer and Norman Maes. But we’ll have to wait to see the show to learn the identity of the Shakespeare fellow. “I know the dotty guy wants his character to be a surprise,” Kathleen said. “So I’m honoring his wishes.” As for other performers, here’s a partial list: Bill Ryan, Dan Marble, Michael Izquierdo, Virginia Lennemann, Eunice Sears, Randy Jelmini, Michael Hayward, Karen DeWalt, Mickey Farley, Jackie Hicks and Gerry Starr. The cast also includes a barbershop quartet called “FOGS” (Four Old Guys Singing). The third and final performance for “Wrinkles” is at 2 p.m. Nov. 6.

Art faculty exhibit When I visited the Bakersfield Museum of Art a few days ago, two things struck me about “Convergence,” one of the three exhibits now on display. One was the variety of materials used — everything from rusty hinges to cardboard to bangedup minivans.

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

PHOTO BY PETER BECKMAN

Randy Jelmini, president of Bakersfield Music Theatre, blows his horn in “Wrinkles.”

The other was the range of styles represented, which is significant since the collection is made up of work done by art teachers at our two institutions of higher learning — Bakersfield College and Cal State Bakersfield. Both the artwork and the statements written by each faculty member provide insight into their background and often, an explanation of the work itself. Among the pieces that stood out for me were two wall hangings by Joyce Kohl. Each is a separate piece but both are made from found materials, mainly rusted pieces of steel the sculptor has picked up from junk yards in the San Joaquin Valley. She has a fascinating ability to create, out of many disparate parts, fascinating and unified sculptures. Kohl also includes natural elements in her work in the form of adobe. I also enjoyed Nan Gomez Heitzenberg’s “Nuevo Mexico,” a series of female saints made from carefully folded cardboard; Nina Landgraff’s“Ghost of the Past,” a sensitive etching of a figure with a

ghost-like face hovering in the background; and Claire Putney’s two large paintings, “Alone Together,” that depict a child and a grandfatherly figure superimposed over enlarged maps of city streets. The two most unusual contributions — at least to me — were those of Cameron Brian and Jesse Sugarman. For me, both are examples of the way art often is a commentary on the world around us. Brian’s “Cherry Planet,” is a 7by-4 foot piece that resembles a gigantic green lollipop anchored to the floor by a slender black pole. The orb on top is spiked with tiny red alien-like creatures, each one desperately clinging to the “planet.” It is both amusing and thought provoking. Sugarman’s “Silver Anniversary ” is a three-panel digital video series that shows two white minivans and a tow truck, although the truck is represented mainly by the sound of grinding gears and the appearance of two parallel bars that enter the first picture to grasp and then lift one of the

vans. In a lengthy statement accompanying the series, the artist explains what he sees as a connection between the initial popularity of the vans and the optimistic period that came to an end in 1986 with the Challenger Space Shuttle disaster in which schoolteacher Christa McAuliffe died. “This hope was abruptly lost,” says Sugarman, “and the minivans that remained shifted from vessels of optimism to sad souvenirs.” The exhibit occupies the central portion of the art museum and will be up through Nov. 20.

The Empty’s Pitch Day If there’s a comedy, drama or musical that you’re yearning to produce, direct or act in, Saturday is your chance to suggest it as a possibility for The Empty Space’s 2012 season. It’s the theater’s semi-annual Pitch Day. All are welcome but Bob Kempf, artistic director, asks that you make an appointment in advance by writing to him via email at bobk90039@yahoo.com.

Thursday, October 27, 2011 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street

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FELIX ADAMO / THE CALIFORNIAN

McDonald’s employee Maureen Recalde sings at an East Rotary meeting in downtown Bakersfield.

She’s got McStar power Tehachapi McDonald’s worker competing for singing title BY MATT MUNOZ Contributing writer

here’s no doubt she knows a thing or two about flipping burgers, but a Tehachapi fastfood manager has the golden opportunity to show some real McStar power. And you can help. Maureen Recalde took the title of Southern California regional winner in the “Voice of McDonald’s” national singing competition last month. She was chosen from more than 800 singers who submitted music videos in the competition, which is open to all employees of the chain. And though the win was a big one, the 22year-old needs community support to advance further in the contest. Online voting begins Tuesday. Recalde, who’s worked at the Tehachapi location for six years, was raised around the Golden Arches by her mother, store owner Mary Ann Paciullo. Singing since the age of 3, Recalde was a member of several scholastic music groups and studied ethnomusicology at both UC Santa Barbara and the University of Sussex in England. Upon her return, she resumed work at the restaurant and was named general manager a year ago. “I’d heard of the contest over the past four years but never entered it,” she said. “I wasn’t really working when I was in college. Once I started again, I saw the fliers in the break

How to vote To support Tehachapi “Voice of McDonald’s” contestant Maureen Recalde, go to voiceofmcdonald’s.com. Voting is open from Nov. 1-30 and there is no limit. The top 16 contestants will become global semifinalists and eligible to compete in the final rounds. Top prize is $25,000.

room. I had encouragement from my crew after they heard me sing.” Shot at Bakersfield’s ASR studios in August, Recalde’s video — available on YouTube — features a performance of Smokey Robinson’s “Who’s Lovin’ You,” a song famously covered by Michael Jackson. Recorded and filmed without overdubs, the song showcases Recalde’s voice, so soulful and naturally in tune that many viewers have questioned whether any studio manipulation was employed. “A lot of people have asked, but there was none. I wanted to show people what I sound like. I chose the song because I had a personal connection to it and that’s probably why I sound so relaxed,” she said. It was good enough to grab the attention of the judges, who chose Recalde along with 21 other regional hopefuls from across the nation. For the next round, Recalde was sent with the other competitors to record at Jim Henson Studios in Hollywood. Presented a list of song choices, she went with Whitney Houston’s “So Emotional,” another favorite.

“That was the most incredible experience for me. ‘We Are the World’ was recorded there. This time they had seven cameras in the room all around me. I tried not to look around and just concentrated on my voice. They’re in the process of getting all the videos edited right now.” Once the videos are complete, viewers can get a glimpse of each and vote for their favorite at voiceofmcdonalds.com, Nov. 1 through 30. According to official rules, unlimited voting is allowed, but a judging panel also will be weighing in on singing ability, creativity and stage presence. The top 16 contestants will become global semifinalists and eligible to compete in the final rounds at McDonald’s 2012 convention in Orlando. Top prize is $25,000 cash. “The whole thing is 50/50, between voting and the judges,” Recalde said. Right now, they’re just telling us to get people to vote. McDonald’s employees all know, but anyone who has access to the Internet can vote. Winning regionally, it’s pretty exciting, but to represent the whole United States would be amazing.” Regardless of the outcome, Recalde said she remains loyal to the McDonald’s brand of her upbringing. After all, a job at McDonald’s was a stepping stone for some other big talents whose careers she wouldn’t mind emulating: Shania Twain, Jay Leno and actress Rachel McAdams, among others. “Music will always be a passion of mine, but I’d like to own my own McDonald’s franchise someday.”

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

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The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, October 27, 2011

Eye Street The Lowdown with Matt Munoz

Bands are rockin’ on Halloween ‘Rat Rockers’ JBombs coming to Fishlips

wo big Halloween-themed shows are guaranteed to please both the greasy and glam side of the Bako party scene Friday night. Let’s start with Bakersfield “rat rockers” The JBombs, who plan on throwing one hellraisin’ hootenanny in celebration of their new CD, “Booze, Broads, and Bombs,” at Fishlips. Cranking out some raw rockabilly with a lot of punk spirit, the beer-soaked members of this local quintet have been building steam since forming out of the ashes of roots rock cover band Eights and Aces two years ago. Now, with their first collection of all original material, it’s time for them to drop the bomb on fans. “Everybody needs to show up ready to party ’bout it,’” said stand-up bassist Dave Bullock. “That’s what we’re striving for — just havin’ a good time.” Resembling older hooligans pulled from the pages of an S.E. Hinton novel, these rough-andready gents don’t want to change the music world. Paying homage to their influences, Social Distortion, Tiger Army, and others from the pantheon of punkabilly greats, they offer a fun mix of bass slappin’, reverb rage. Not as pure as Gene Vincent or dirty like The Cramps, guitarist Dave Cote calls it, “rat rock.” “We started calling it ‘rat rock’ out of the rat rod car movement — we’re made up of a lot of different musical parts. I’m a no- frills type musician. We’re out to entertain, not win awards.” “It’s

PHOTO BY JENNIFER WILLIAMS

JBombs will be celebrating the release of their CD “Booze, Broads, and Bombs” Friday at Fishlips. Pictured above from left: Ben Lara, Dave Cote, Dave Bullock, Brad Cordova, Joe Terry.

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.

rough and never finished, like the name implies,” added Bullock. Take one listen to “Booze, Broads, and Bombs,” and you’ll catch their drift. The opener, “Wake Up Call,” has all the ingredients found in most hybrid records of the genre. Vocalist Ben Lara conjures up the grit of his hero, Mike Ness, while guitarists Joe Terry and Cote handle the distortion and surfy licks. The rhythm section of Bullock and drummer Brad Cordova keep it thumping along. It’s a crunchy drag racer that sets the mood. “This is the first time I’ve recorded all original material with a band,” said Lara who also fronts classic rock bar band Elevation 406. “The two Daves write all the riffs and tunes, then tell me what they want it to sound like. The

coolest thing is that I got the freedom to change things and put my spin on it.” Recorded and mixed in two local sessions between ASR and AUM studios, the band managed to throw down nine tracks all live in less than nine hours. Lara then returned to record over his scratch tracks a few days later before final mix-down. “We recorded together in the same room. The songs are raw and sound like rough cuts,” said Cordova. “Most songs are first takes, which meant we had to be as tight as possible.” The remainder of the ride has more loose-fitted grooves that continue revving to the end. Stand out tracks include: “KOA,” “Rockabilly Zombie,” and the title number. In the spirit of Halloween, the band plans to roll out costumes and to ensure this dead man’s party stays rollin,’ in addition to special guests Loner Troubadour, Crowbar Massage, and Deadbeat Sinners. “We usually bring it every show, but with this thing it’s gonna all come out. This is our CD. We’re playing about 90 minutes, and I’ll probably be dead after that. Everyone in the crowd is going to have fun,” Cordova said.

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

PHOTO BY CHRIS FITZ

Shiny Toy Guns appear at B Ryder’s on Friday night.

Now that they’ve got a nifty product with art and photography by Jennifer Williams and tattooed hottie cover model Tesa Carrasco on the cover, the band plans on taking things on the road. “We’ll play just about anywhere, but I’m sure there are places we’d get stink eyed,” Bullock laughed. Friday’s show blasts off at 8 p.m. Admission is $5. Fishlips is located at 1517 18th St. Copies of “Booze, Broads, and Bombs,” will be sold at the show and also available for download. 324-2557 or jbombsrock.com.

Shiny Toy Guns reload Across town on the same night, Los Angeles electro glam outfit Shiny Toy Guns will also be causing their own All Hallows Eve hoopla at B Ryder’s. You may remember their song “Le Disko,” one of best singles of 2006, a song that burned up dance floors. They were hot and hip, nominated for a Grammy, and toured extensively. But then, after a few more releases that didn’t quite measure up to the success of that record, the band all but vanished. So, how does a band that has everything going in its favor just drop out? Keyboardist and co-founder Jeremy Dawson blames fatigue. “We were doing 300 shows a

year, sometimes two or three in one day. I’m not talking even the same town. It just began to unravel the existence of our band. After about two years of laying quiet we realized we were just completely exhausted.” It couldn’t have happened at a worse time for a band poised to strike again on the charts. While not completely out of fans’ sight, remaining members continued writing new music. Now, Bakersfield will get a chance to hear that new material, which Dawson describes as a rebirth. “We’re at this flashback stage as absolute free agents with our fanbase. We’re doing small venues and playing places like Bakersfield, putting feelers out. Music is being passed, we’re taking meetings, labels are flying out to our shows. It’s an awesome place to be — that fun courting stage.” Joining Dawson is original vocalist Carah Faye, guitarist Chad Petree, bassist Daniel Johansson and drummer Mikey Martin. Opening will be frighteningly eclectic bands: Cidona, Automatic Redial, The Nature and more. There will also be a costume contest for cash prizes. Tickets for this all ages show are $15. Doors open at 6 p.m. B Ryder’s is located at 7401 White Lane. 397-7304 or visit tgptix.com.

Thursday, October 27, 2011 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street You could make a pretty good movie (and it's been done) just using actors who played bit parts on “Gunsmoke” and “Bonanza.”

Scott Cox CONTRIBUTING COLUMNIST

Bit-part actors are what make films great

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n the days since the passing of my pal Charlie Napier, I’ve been thinking and talking a lot about his career. Charlie was a character actor, one of those guys who never technically starred in a movie or TV show but appeared in a ton of them. In fact, one of the coolest things about going anywhere with Charlie was watching the look on people’s faces as they tried to figure out where they knew him from. Was it “Star Trek” or “The Blues Brothers”? Isn’t that the guy who had his face removed by Hannibal Lecter? Yep. Sure was. I decided it was time, in honor of Charlie, to salute some of the great character actors we all know, despite the fact that they never got top billing. And they’re frequently the guys and gals who make the movies memorable. Remember Gabby Hayes? That guy was in almost 200 movies and TV shows. His face and voice are instantly recognizable, and he was never, ever the star. But he made everything he was in better. Google Dub Taylor sometime. You probably never heard of him, and he was in literally everything. There were tons of those guys from old westerns. You could make a pretty good movie (and it’s been done) just using actors who played bit parts on “Gunsmoke” and “Bonanza.” But the role of the character actor isn’t just part of entertainment history; it’s alive and well today. The current king, in my opinion, is Stephen Root. He’s the voice of Bill Dauterive on “King of the Hill,” he’s the blind guy who runs the recording studio in “O’ Brother, Where Art Thou?,” and station owner Jimmy James in “News Radio.” And the judge in “Idiocracy.” And on and on — 160 roles and counting. Another actor who steals scenes out from under much bigger stars is a guy I’ve had the good fortune to get to know: W. Earl Brown. Earl is instantly recognizable to fans of “Deadwood” for playing Dan Dority, bartender, enforcer, and right-hand man to Ian McShane’s villainous Al Swearengen. I was watching “Justified” last year, because it’s awesome,

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and there was Earl, playing opposite Timothy Olyphant, another “Deadwood” alumnus. I called him up to congratulate him on a job well done. See, guys like Earl still take calls from guys like me. One of Earl’s best friends is Brian Cox (no relation). He’s another guy who could walk around Valley Plaza on a Sunday afternoon and probably not be recognized. But he’d get the look. The Charlie look. The “where have I seen that guy” look. Well, you’ve seen him in “Troy.” And “The Bourne Identity,” And “Braveheart” and “Rushmore.” And he’s always awesome. Another one of my favorites is J.K. Simmons. He came on my radio show once after being talked into it by a mutual friend, and he was just the coolest guy ever. J.K. was Mr. Pancake in “The Ladykillers” with Tom Hanks. And Jonah Jameson in the “Spiderman” films. He was Juno’s dad, and he was fantastic in “Thank You for Smoking.” A subcategory of character actors is the racial stereotype. If you’re making a movie, and you need an actor to play a really tough Mexican guy, you get Danny Trejo, from “Machete” and “Anchorman.” Why? Because anyone else would be ridiculous. Making a

comedy and need a laugh-out-loud, emotionally unstable Asian guy? That’s a job for Ken Jeong, the guy from “Community” and “The Hangover” movies. Need an Italian guy for your mafia flick? You literally can’t get it done without Frank Vincent, who famously told Joe Pesci to go get his shine box in “Goodfellas.” That guy has played a mobster over 80 times! Character actresses? You bet. Jane Lynch is all famous for “Glee,” but I love her as Ricky Bobby’s mom in “Talladega Nights” or the counselor in “Role Models” and all those excellent Christopher Guest movies, like “Best in Show” and “A Mighty Wind.” How about Margo Martindale, aka Dewey Cox’s mom, or the moonshine-making Mags Bennett in “Justified.” Or Camilla in “Dexter.” Everything she does is outstanding. There are literally hundreds more actors like these that I could mention, but I have neither the time nor space to do so. I just wanted people to remember the guys like Charlie, the lunch-bucket actors who don’t get the big Brad Pitt paychecks. Heck, they rarely, if ever, get the girl. They just work really hard, and often, to make every movie and TV show better.

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The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, October 27, 2011

Eye Street

Honor a late loved one — and thank a Shriner BY JENNIFER SELF Californian lifestyles editor jself@bakersfield.com

rganizers of an event dedicated to remembering our late loved ones hope the public will be reminded of a local fraternal organization that’s still alive and kicking, doing great things for the community: the Kern County Shrine Club. “We’re looking at it from the standpoint of a lot of public exposure,” said Gary Jackson, manager of Shriners Noble Park near the fairgrounds, where the 180 local members often meet for cookouts and other events. “It’s no different from us putting on our fezes and going out publicizing who we are. A lot of people don’t know the park is here or the Shriners and our connection to the Shrine hospitals, the burn center and all the other events and charities the Shriners support.” Sunday’s event — events, to be precise — will offer a lot of entry points for attendees, whether they’re curious about the Shriners or not. The centerpiece of the day is a procession of motorcycles and vintage cars to local cemeteries, where participants will decorate the graves of loved. This is the first year the Shriners have coordinated the Dia de los Muertos ride, which was started years ago by a local attorney. Organizers jumped at the chance to broaden the scope of the event, which they hope will draw 200 to 300 people. “They had it at our park and we got to talking about raising money for crippled children, and he said, ‘How about organizing the ride,’” recalled Ron “Hogg” Newton, past president of the Kern County Shrine Club. “So we took it over from him and kicked it up a notch.” Participants will meet at 8 a.m. at Noble Park, 700 S. P St., and leave for Union Cemetery at 9 a.m. From there, they’ll go to a couple of other eastside cemeteries before the last top, at South Kern Cemetery in Arvin. “They take about 15 minutes to say hi to their loved ones and celebrate their lives instead of mourning them,” Newton said. “They usually have a drink, to tell the truth.” Once back at the park, they and other attendees will sample chile verde as part of a cookoff of the Mexican delicacy. If you’re interested in entering, sign-ups are due by Friday and everything must be prepared fresh at the cookoff, which starts at 7 a.m. The entry fee is $40 per two-person team, and the public will judge the entries. The winning team will walk away with $150 and a plaque.

Dia de los Muertos events Sunday Motorcycle/vintage car ride: Meet at 8 a.m.; leave for cemeteries at 9 a.m.; $20 per person, including meal ticket. Chile verde cookoff: Starts at 7 a.m.; $40 per two-person team; judging at 1 p.m.; registration deadline 5 p.m. Friday. Call 319-7844. Cornhole tournament: 10 a.m.; $20 per person or $40 per two-person team; registration deadline 5 p.m. Friday. Call 319-7844 Where: Shriners Noble Park, 700 S. P St. Admission: $10 for spectators, which includes 3-ounce cups of chile verde. Information: 319-7844. To find out more about local Freemasonry, check out libertas-security466.org.

If the spicy stew isn’t your thing, pulled pork sandwiches ($5) are on the menu, as are beverages with a little kick. “We’ll have Budweiser and a margarita bar with real tequila,” Newton said. “We got a liquor license.” If after a shot or two of Patron you find yourself one massage shy of nirvana, you’re in luck: masseuses will work out the kinks in your neck for $5 a pop (though tips are appreciated). Looking for something a little more stimulating? Consider signing up for the cornhole tournament, which, unfortunate name aside, is actually a lively and wholesome game involving a bag stuffed with corn. All the money raised from the events will benefit Shriners charities, said Jackson, who noted that only Freemasons can become Shriners, though it’s fairly easy to join the ancient organization (provided you’re neither a convicted felon nor a woman). “To be one, just ask one.” But what about the air of mystery that shrouds Freemasonry, even to this day? Nonsense, said Jackson, who said the Masons are a pretty open bunch, aside from their secret handshakes — a throwback to a pre-literate society that relied on furtive modes of recognition to identify members. “If we’re a secret organization, we’re pretty much a failure at it. If you have an Internet connection or a library card, you can find out anything you want to know about Masonry.”

WIN FREE TICKETS ON ‘CALIFORNIAN RADIO’ Join Eye Street Editor Jennifer Self this morning, when she chats with Kenny Mount and Robbie Byrne of the band O’Shebeen about Saturday’s Celtic Festival. Plus, we’ll get a preview of the big Parade of Ponds tour this weekend. Tune in to KERN 1180 AM from 9 to 10

a.m. to win tickets to Tuesday’s performance of “So You Think You Can Dance?,” featuring Bakersfield’s Sasha Mallory. Plus, we have tickets to the “Rocky Horror Picture Show” at the Fox on Saturday. Listen for the cue to call and dial 661-842-KERN.

Thursday, October 27, 2011 The Bakersfield Californian

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The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, October 27, 2011

Eye Street

No need to leave city for world-class opera Encore performance showcases Met series BY MARJORIE BELL Contributing writer

onizetti’s “Anna Bolena,” which opened the Metropolitan Opera’s acclaimed “Live in HD” series earlier this month, will be presented again in an encore performance at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at Edwards Bakersfield Stadium 14 in The Marketplace. Starring Russian soprano Anna Netrebko as the vibrant but illfated second wife of England’s notorious Henry VIII, “Anna Bolena” is the first of 11 productions that will be broadcast live by satellite to more than 600 cities throughout the world. In the Donizetti version of history, Anne is the victim of her adulterous husband’s infidelity with her friend, Jane Seymour. The king falsely accuses Anne of having an affair with Lord Percy, her childhood sweetheart, so that he can marry Jane. Towards the end of the opera, Anne is driven

The Met’s ‘Live in HD’ series Where: Edwards Bakersfield Stadium 14, 9000 Ming Ave. Admission: $24; $22 for seniors; $18 for encore productions Information: metopera.org

mad by her faithless husband. “This opera is truly one of the most outstanding productions I’ve ever seen,” said Bee Barmann, who has been an opera buff since seeing her first opera at the age of 8. Barmann, a voice and instrumental music major at Stanford, played oboe in the Bakersfield Symphony for 23 years. She and husband, Bernard, have attended most of the “Live in HD” presentations for the last several years as well as live productions in Europe, New York City and San Francisco. “These are personal and intimate productions,” Barmann said. Her favorite opera stars include Renee Fleming, Bryn Terfel and Deborah Voigt.

Retired German teacher Donna Long has enjoyed the variety of "Live in HD" operas, comedies as well as tragedies. “I really like the way people interview the performers, costume designers and set makers during intermissions. I love going backstage between acts to see what’s going on,” Long said. “High school students, especially those who have studied music or theater, would be happily surprised about how much they would enjoy these operas.” The “Live in HD” season at Edwards includes: Mozart’s “Don Giovanni”: 9:55 a.m. Saturday. With Mariusz Kwiecien in the lead role and Tony-award winning director Michael Granage directing. Wagner’s “Siegfried”: 9 a.m. Nov. 5. Robert Lepage is presenting part three of the Ringer cycle. Gary Lehman sings the title role and Deborah Voigt’s Brunnhild is his prize. Philip Glass’s “Satyagraha”: 9:55 a.m. Nov. 19. Richard Croft plays Gandhi in a production The Washington Post has called “a

BRIGITTE LACOMBE / METROPOLITAN OPERA

Anna Netrebko has the title role of Donizetti’s “Anna Bolena.”

profound and beautiful work of theater.” Handel’s “Rodelinda”: 9:30 a.m. Dec. 3. Renee Fleming appears. Gounod’s “Faust”: 9:55 a.m. Dec. 10. With Jonas Kaufmann in the title role and Rene Pape as the devil. Tony award-winning director Des McAnuff updates the classic story of the Faust legend

‘Riverdance’ taps into Bakersfield on farewell tour

COMING IN EYE

The thunderous celebration of music, song and dance known as “Riverdance” stomps in to Bakersfield, a stop on what’s being billed as the show’s farewell tour. Rabobank Theater plays host to the dance spectacle at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday for one performance. “Riverdance,” now in its 16th year, has played more than 10,000 performances and been seen live by more than 22 million people. “Riverdance” had its world premiere at the Point Theatre in Dublin in February 1995, where it opened to critical acclaim. “Riverdance” draws on Irish traditions, and the combined talents of the performers propel Irish dancing and music to the present day capturing the imagination of audiences across all ages and cultures. This extraordinarily unique show features an international company all performing to the magic of Bill Whelan’s music.

CALIFORNIAN FILE

The artist Christo constructed a field of umbrellas on Tejon Pass in 1991.

— Jam Theatricals media release

“Riverdance” When: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday Where: Rabobank Theater, 1001 Truxtun Ave. Admission: $31.50 Information: 745-3000

to the first half of the 20th century. Other “Live in HD” productions in the season are “The Enchanted Island” (9:55 a.m. Jan. 21), Wagner’s “Gotterdammerung” (9 a.m. Feb. 11), Verdi’s “Ernani” (9:30 a.m. Feb. 25), Massenet’s “Manon” (9 a.m. April 7), and Verdi’s “La Traviata” (9:55 a.m. April 14).

PHOTO COURTESY OF RIVERDANCE

“Riverdance” comes to the Rabobank Theater on Tuesday night.

It didn’t look like rain during that magical time in October 20 years ago. But there were umbrellas everywhere, as far as the eye could see, covering the golden hillsides on a stretch of I-5 through the Grapevine. Whimsical to some, ridiculous to others, the project — conceptualized by artist Christo and his wife, Jeanne-Claude — got our attention, to put it mildly. Pick up Sunday’s Eye Street for our retrospective on the biggest public art project in the county’s history.

Thursday, October 27, 2011 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street

All things Celtic take center stage In third year, event growing like wildfire BY SUSAN SCAFFIDI Contributing writer

nly in its third year, the annual Bakersfield Celtic Music Festival already has gained national atten-

tion. Of the six bands performing at the festival this weekend at the CSUB Amphitheater, three are internationally known groups. The other three local bands have growing statewide and even national reputations. “After our first year we had people calling about coming here, big name bands wanting to play here,” said David Stroud, chieftain of the Kern County Scottish Society, which organizes the festival. “We can’t afford that yet,” Stroud said. “We have to break even before we can do that.” Still, Stroud notes the increasing numbers of ticket holders from the first to second year of the festival, saying the first festival had 400 paying guests, the second 850. “Other festival organizers have told me that’s a lot,” said Stroud, noting the difference between paid admissions and complimentary tickets to sponsors that most music festivals shell out. Stroud said the Scottish Society started the festival in 2009 to promote Celtic music of all kinds and to provide a venue for local bands. Locating the festival in Bakersfield also filled a geographical gap in the Celtic music map.

Third annual Bakersfield Celtic Music Festival When: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday Where: CSUB, Amphitheater, 9001 Stockdale Highway Admission: $15; $10 students/military/seniors; free for children under 10 Information: kernscot.com

“You have to go way down south or up north to find another one,” Stroud said. “There’s not another (festival) that I know of until San Francisco.” Celtic music is by itself a catch-all category, usually from Scotland, Ireland, Wales, Brittany (France) and Galicia (Spain), and performed with traditional instruments such as the bagpipes, penny whistles, fiddle (violin), guitar and related instruments, and various types of drums, including the bodhran, a traditional Irish drum. The category has been expanded by the blending of traditional Celtic music with Latin American, Spanish, Middle Eastern, rock, jazz and other musical traditions. Opening this year’s festival is Molly’s Revenge, a quartet from Santa Cruz known for its traditional songs and featuring David Brewer on highland bagpipes, whistles and bodhran; John Weed on the fiddle; Stuart Mason on guitar and mandola; and Pete Haworth on bouzouki and lead vocals. Skelpin, a Celtic fusion quintet from San Diego, blends traditional Irish music and instruments such as the fiddle, guitar and Uillean pipes with Latin American percussion and electric bass guitar. The group also mixes Flamenco, Middle

Eastern and Latin American musical elements in the original songs. It wouldn’t be a Kern County Celtic music festival without a performance by Bakersfield-based band Banshee in the Kitchen. Although locally based, the traditional trio of Jill Eglund, Brenda Hunter and relative newcomer Kat Edmonson tour statewide and enjoy a much broader reputation. All three women perform several instruments, including hammered dulcimer, fiddle, guitar, whistles, according, bodhran, flute, bouzouki and vocals. Festival favorites the Wicked Tinkers will return with their rowdy tribal Celtic show, featuring pipes and drums, and also the Australian didgeridoo and Bronze Age Irish horn, making their caveman persona complete. The Wicked Tinkers include Aaron Shaw on pipes and vocals; Warren Patrick Casey on bass drum and bodhran; Keith Jones on snare drum and percussion; CJ Henderson on didgeridoo and Irish horn. The Bakersfield-based Whiskey Galore quartet prides itself on being “Americanbred, Celtic fed,” and features founders Mike Bowen, on percussion instruments as well as guitar and whistles, plus Kevin Briley on pipes; guitarist and Irish flutist Jeff Davis and bassist Rich Spencer complete the quartet, which specializes in traditional music and pub songs. Completing the evening is new local band O’Shebeen, founded by veteran piper Robbie Byrne, also known for his work with the band 1916. Byrne and guitarist/drummer Kenny Mount (formerly of the band The Filthies) specialize in traditional Irish music and drinking songs, in keeping with the band’s name, which translates to “illegal drinking pub.”

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Stoud points out that this year’s festival comes three weeks earlier and is three bands smaller than last year’s, a result of experience. “Last year we had eight bands and it was so late people were worn out and freezing cold,” Stroud said. Tickets are available at the Scottish Society’s website, kernscot.com and at World Records. General admission tickets are $15; with ID, students, military and senior tickets are $10 and are available at the gate.

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The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, October 27, 2011

Eye Street

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Lives of late loved ones remembered at events BY STEFANI DIAS Californian assistant lifestyles editor sdias@bakersfield.com

ith skeletons everywhere and lots of talk about the dead, you might think the Dia de los Muertos is an extended Halloween experience, but the Day of the Dead is something else entirely. A loving tribute to the dearly departed, the holiday will be celebrated locally with music, dancing, food and fun at two annual events on Wednesday. This year, Dia de los Muertos Expo at Golden State Mall expands its scope beyond the traditional family altars honored loved ones. The personal shrines will still be the focus, but organizers themed the event as “death and life awareness.” Cruz Ramos, who has organized Dia events for 19 years (five at Golden State Mall), wrote in a release that the event will serve “as a wake-up call to society of lives lost in war, auto accidents, fires, neighborhood violence, drug use” and other tragedies. Guests California Highway Patrol Officer Erik Rivera — “El Protector” — and Reyna Torres Mendivil of the Mexican Consulate in Fresno will be on hand to discuss bigger issues. Despite the somber theme, the event, which Ramos said should draw nearly 1,000 people this year, is a positive tradition. “It’s a celebration that’s fun and loving. Family-friendly, it helps us parents bond with out children. It gets the family together, when they have been caught up in the rat race.” Families will construct the 15 altars Ramos expects at the celebration. She will pay tribute to someone in the global family: Apple co-founder Steve Jobs. “It will be a small one because I don’t know what his favorite foods

Dia de los Muertos events Dia de Los Muertos Expo 2011 When: 5 to 10 p.m. Wednesday, Where: Golden State Mall, 3201 F St. Admission: free Information: 345-5842 or 3047915 Altares de Familia When: 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday Where: Bakersfield Museum of Art, 1930 R St. Admission: $1 Information: 323-7219

were. I cut his photo from the newspaper. I admired the work he had been doing.” Along with the altars, the expo will include a variety of performances both musical and, for the first time, theatrical. Under the guidance of teacher Rob Long, the Highland High School drama class will perform two 10-minute plays by playwright (and former Californian staffer) Louis Medina. Poets Yoshio and Marta will also read some of their works. On the musical side, performers include Julian Picasso, the Marcos Reyes Band and Velorio. With all the music, dancing is a must, so folklorico groups Skeletos, Escuelas Unidas and SoLuna and SoLunita are set to dazzle the crowd. Visual arts get a boost from eight artists, photographers and crafters displaying works and face-painters ready to turn you into a living skeleton. Another standout will be the sugar skull makers, who will host workshops from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday and 4 to 5:30 p.m. Wednesday at the mall, with personalization available.

Altares de Familia Also putting a sweet spin on the cultural celebration is the Bakersfield

Museum of Art, which kicks off its event at 5 p.m. Wednesday. Sweets come from La Estrella, one of the food vendors, serving treats such as skull candy, pan dulce, cookies and hot cocoa as well as asada and chicken tacos. Come hungry to the event, which will also feature tortas from Cal State Bakersfield’s MEChA club; deep pit and tamales from Martin’s Meats; posole and hot cider from Culinary Creations; tea and coffee from Covenant Coffee; and La Rosa fruit bars. The food will be set up in Central Park at Mill Creek adjacent to the museum. “We use the entire museum,” said Jason Gutierrez, marketing director. “The student altars will be in the banquet room, the gardens are open with the family altars and the food vendors, arts and crafts are in the park.” Local artists, including Lisa Little and Alberto Herrera, will be on hand displaying works, and kids can enjoy hands-on fun with the crafts booths. Guests in the park will also be able to watch performances from Kern County Youth Mariachi, Ballet Folklorico Mi Tierra, Sin Fronteras, CSUB’s ballet folklorico and SoLuna. The altars inside the museum are part of a contest for high school artists to pay tribute to a deceased celebrity. The winning student will receive a $100 cash prize. This year’s tributes, which are expected to include 10 from each local high school, run the gamut. “They get pretty creative. The altars are shoe-box-sized, not too big, not too elaborate. We have some for Cesar Chavez, some Apple-inspired (for Jobs). There’s one for Walt Disney, Marilyn Monroe, Tupac and Aaliyah.” For the more elaborate family shrines in the garden, Gutierrez expects to have 15 to 20 displays, which is about average for the event that drew nearly 2,000 people last year.

Consider this your invitation to the ball (Limit one per customer, while supplies last. Purchase total includes merchandise only. Gift Cards and sales tax not included.) *At participating retailers.

BY LINDA CARHART Contributing writer

4915 Stockdale Highway 661-834-3068 h

hi i

Monday - Friday: 10-6 Saturday: 10-5

ou may not see Cinderella, but the Starlight Ball in Tehachapi is always an event that attracts a crowd of handsomely clad men and beautifully dressed women. The masquerade-themed event, taking place Nov. 5, is the largest annual fundraising event for Main Street Tehachapi, an organization dedicated to the revitalization of downtown Tehachapi. The Benz corporate headquarters on Goodrick Drive will be transformed for one evening into an extravagantly decorated, themed ballroom where adults can socialize and enjoy a meal catered by Tehachapi Culinary Studio, followed by dessert from Sassy Girls Cakes.

Starlight Ball When: 6:30 Nov. 5 Where: Benz Corporate Office, 1401 Goodrick Drive in Tehachapi Admission: $75 Information: 822-6519

Kimberly Plunkett, an event planner from Bakersfield, along with Mary and Terry Reed of Mercury Graphics in Tehachapi, create an environment that transports the guests into a time and place completely different from their everyday life. This year’s theme of Masquerade is meant to encourage people to dress and wear tasteful masks, painted and decorated to replicate the luxurious balls of yester-

year. The vast open center of The Benz office transforms from a functional workspace into a lavishly decorated ballroom complete with ceiling decorations, dance floor, stage, colorful table settings, flower arrangements provided by Tehachapi Flower Shop, bar, and features popular Bakersfield band Mento Buru. Among the more than 30 packaged prizes in the live and silent auction are a two-night stay with a restaurant certificate and boat with motor rental at Convict Lake Resort, a year membership to the Cass Hanna Hunting Preserve private ranch, a winery tour, trip to Disneyland, and a round of golf. Linda Carhart is the secretary for the Main Street Tehachapi board of directors.

Thursday, October 27, 2011 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street GO&DO Today 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. Drew Heizler Lecture, 2 p.m., CSUB, Albertson Room, 9001 Stockdale Highway. Free. 654-2238. HIRE Job Fair, for job seekers with disabilities, 8 a.m. to noon, Commonwealth Building, 3300 Truxtun Ave. 395-4659. Paint the Town Pink, ladies-only painting party, 7 to 10 p.m., Color Me Mine at The Marketplace, 9000 Ming Ave. $25 per person. Benefitting Links for Life. bakersfield.colormemine.com or 664-7366. Poetry Slam, part of the “One Book, One Bakersfield” community reading project, “Positive Prose and Poetry: Action through Art,” with local writers and poets gathering for an evening of spoken word, 7 p.m., Bakersfield Community Theatre, 2400 S. Chester Ave. 831-8114.

Friday An Evening of Art Song and Aria, with CSUB students of Peggy Sears, 7:30 p.m., Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 1900 Baker St. $10; $5 students/seniors; free for CSUB students with ID. 654-2168. Breast Cancer Awareness Event, two presentations on breast cancer, hors d’oeuvres, cocktails, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., California Institute Of Cosmetic & Reconstructive Surgery, 2901 Sillect Ave., Suite 201. Free. 3272101.

Saturday 2011 Healthy Harvest Senior Resource Fair, flu shots and other health screenings, 9 a.m. to noon, Kern County Aging and Adult Services, 5357 Truxtun Ave., in the parking lot. Free flu shots for first 100 seniors 60 and older. 868-1000. AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Day, demonstrations, microchip clinic, adoptions, doggie fashion show and more, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Yokuts Park, Empire Drive off Truxtun Avenue. All dogs must be on a leash. 8458955. Bakersfield SPCA Ninth annual Mutt Strutt, 2K and 5K walk, 10K run, run/walk begins at 8 a.m., Yokuts Park, 4200 Empire Drive. 323-8353. Certified Farmers Market, 8 a.m. to noon, next to Golden State Mall, 3201 F St. Condors vs. Las Vegas Wranglers, 7 p.m., Rabobank Arena, 1001 Truxtun Ave. $11 to $25. bakersfieldcondors.com or 324-7825. Craft Fair, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Rosewood Senior Living Community, 1301 New Stine Road. 835-2545. Donkey Town 2011, hosted by Peaceful Valley Donkey Rescue; live entertainment, demonstrations, art show, games, vendors, prizes, hayride ranch tour and more, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Peaceful Valley Donkey Rescue, 23500 Sand Canyon Road, Tehachapi. Free. 822-3953. Farmers Market, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Brimhall Square, 9500 Brimhall Road. Southeast Bakersfield Harvest Festival, with information and services regarding legal assistance, medical screening, child safety and abuse prevention and more, 3 to 6 p.m., Kenya Community Center, 1627 Virginia Ave. 395-2620. Kern Audubon Society, field trip to Paradise Valley Road/Tehachapi Mountain meet at 7 a.m. at the Kmart parking lot, 710 W.

Tehachapi Blvd. Bring water, snacks, binoculars and walking shoes. KAStehachapibird.org or 304-6816. Parade of Ponds, ride around town on a bus to see some of the best-looking ponds, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Buck’s Landscape Materials and Pond Shop, 2600 Taft Highway. $45, includes lunch. 836-3825. Third annual Fight for Life, featuring MMA Fighters Ian McCall and Shane Del Rosario, Switchfoot, Kai Kalama of The Kalama Brothers, ice carving show, 5 p.m., at Golden State Air Charter, 1740 Sunnyside Court, Hangar E-1. $130. 837-0477. Third annual Bakersfield Celtic Music Festival, hosted by the Kern County Scottish Society; featuring O’Shebeen, Molly’s Revenge, Wicked Tinkers, Banshee in the Kitchen, Whiskey Galore, food, prizes, raffles and more, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, CSUB, Amphitheater, 9001 Stockdale Highway. $15 adults; $10 students/military/ seniors; children under 10 are free. kernscot.org.

Sunday Corn-Hole Tournament, benefitting Kern County Shrine Club activities and charities, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., 700 P St. $40, includes meal. 319-7844 or 831-4476. “Dia De Los Muertos” Day of the Dead Ride, begins at 8 a.m., at Shriner’s Noble Park, 700 P St. $20 per person, includes meal ticket. 319-7844 or 831-4476. Kern Audubon Society, field trip to Bittercreek Wildlife Refuge and the Condor Recovery Program, meet at 8 a.m. at the parking lot across from CSUB on Stockdale Highway. Bring water, snacks, binoculars and walking shoes. kernaudubonsociety.org or 322-7470. Tehachapi Symphony, featuring Beethoven’s Choral Fantasy, Orchestral Suite No. 3 by J.S. Bach, and Mozart’s Symphony No. 39, 4 p.m., Country Oaks Baptist Church, 20915 Schout Road, Tehachapi. Free. 8217511.

THEATER “Geeks Vs. Zombies,” doors open at 7:30 p.m. show at 8 p.m. today through Saturday, The Empty Space, 706 Oak St. Suggested donation $15 adults; $10 students/seniors. 327-PLAY. “Love, Sex and the IRS,” doors open at 6 p.m., show at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday, Stars Dinner Theatre, 1931 Chester Ave. $45 to $55; show-only tickets $35; matinee $45 to $50. 325-6100. “Sweeney Todd,” 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Spotlight Theatre, 1622 19th St. $25; $22 students/seniors. 634-0692 or thespotlighttheatre.com. “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. “Wrinkles,” 8 p.m. Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday, Bakersfield High School, in Harvey Auditorium, 1241 G St. $20 adults. 325-6100. 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. 327PLAY. Please see 36

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, October 27, 2011

Eye Street CONTINUED FROM 35

RAT, offensive comedy sketch, 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, The Empty Space, 706 Oak St. $5. 327PLAY.

GO & DO

ART “Arts vs. Zombies” Group Art Show, now on display until Monday, The Empty Space, 706 Oak St. 327-PLAY. “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. 654-2238. Art Classes, in drawing, watercolor, oils, color theory, for beginners and advanced, Bakersfield Art Association Art Center, 1817 Eye St. 869-2320. Art for Healing program, classes that alleviate stress, resulting from illness, or grief. All classes are free but some suggest a donation and are held at Mercy Hospital, Truxtun Campus, Truxtun and A Street. Visit 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. 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. Patti Doolittle, featured artist for October, Dagny’s Coffee Co., 1600 20th St. 634-0806.

MUSIC Acoustic Kern River Brewing Company, 13415 Sierra Highway, Kernville, 760-376-2337; Slideways with Joan and Eric Hershkowitz, 7:30 p.m. Friday.

Classic Rock Bellvedere Cocktail Lounge, 3090 Brundage Lane, 325-2139; Billy Russell Band, 9 p.m. Friday; The Fog, 9 p.m. Saturday. Fishlips, Elevation 406, 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday at 1517 18th St. 324-2557.

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 Band and the Buckeroos, 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. $5. Sandrini’s, 1918 Eye St., 3228900; Vince Galindo, 9 p.m. Wednesdays. Ethel's Old Corral Cafe, 4310 Alfred Harrell Highway, 873-7613; Twang Bangers, 7 p.m. Friday; Still Kickin’, 3 to 7 p.m. Sunday.

PHOTO COURTESY OF MICHAEL PRINCE

Cody Huckabee and Katie Metz appear in a scene from “The Phantom of the Melodrama.” “The Phantom of the Melodrama,” followed by the vaudeville revue “Merry Olde England” 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 2

Dancing African Dance for Fitness, taught by national touring artists, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays and 1 to 2 p.m. Saturdays, Su Studio Dance Academy, 1515 21st St. $5$7 per class. africandanceclasses.com or 760-917-3685. Folklorico Classes, advance dancers/performing group 6 to 8 p.m. Fridays; and beginners, all ages, 10:30 a.m. to noon Saturdays, Fruitvale-Norris Park, 6221 Norris Road. $22 per month for beginners; $25 per month for advance dancers. 833-8790. Greenacres Community Center, 2014 Calloway Drive, offers ballroom dance, East Coast swing (jitterbug) and Argentine Tango dance classes; $35, $45 for nonmembers. 322-5765 or 201-2105. Joaquin Squares, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Thursday, Rasmussen Center, 115 E. Roberts Lane. $5. 324-1390, 325-3086 or 399-3658. Mavericks Singles, ballroom and country dancing with music by Jerry Hobbs, 7 to 10 p.m. Friday, Kern City Town Hall, 1003 Pebble Beach Drive. $6 member; $8 guest. 8319241. Tam O’Shanter, 2345 Alta Vista, 324-6774; 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

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; Deejay Redeemed, Deejay SoFly and more, 8:30 p.m. Friday. $5. The Bull Shed Bar & Grill, at Hotel Rosedale, 2400 Camino Del Rio Court, 327-0681; with

p.m. Sunday, Gaslight Melodrama Theatre & Music Hall, 12748 Jomani Drive. $12 to $23. 5873377. Meg, 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.

’80s B. Ryder’s Sports Bar & Grill, 7401 White Lane, 397-7304; UFC 137, 5 p.m. Saturday, Members Only immediately following. $10 includes dinner.

Fight night Carthage Cafe & Hookah Lounge, 1100 24th St., 864-7560; UFC 137 Hookah Special, 7 p.m. Saturday.

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. jazz. Padre Hotel, 1702 18th St., 4274900; Mauro and Rico Velazquez, 6:30 p.m. Thursday. 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. 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, 6 to 10 p.m. every Thursday at 4215 Rosedale Highway. 633-1948. 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, 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. karaoke. 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. Le Corusse Rouge, 4647 White Lane, 834-1611; A to Z Karaoke, 8 p.m. to midnight Tuesdays. Le Corusse Rouge, 8 p.m. every Tuesday at 4647 White Lane. 3465771. 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. Maria Bonita Mexican Restaurant, 10701 Highway 178, 3663261, 7 to 11 p.m. Fridays. All ages. McMurphy’s Irish Pub & Sports Bar, 14 Monterey St., 8691451; 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. Tuesdays. Pizzeria, 4200 Gosford Road, 397-1111; 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays. Pour House, 9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays at 4041 Fruitvale Ave. 589-9300. Pyrenees Cafe, 601 Sumner, 323-0053; 8 p.m. to midnight Saturdays. Replay Sports Lounge & Grill,

4500 Buck Owens Blvd., 3243300; 8 p.m. every Wednesday. Rocket Shop Cafe, 2000 S. Union Ave., 832-4800; 8:30 p.m. to midnight Saturday. Rockstarz Party Bar, 7737 Meany Ave., Suite B5, 589-6749; 8 p.m. Mondays through Wednesdays. Rocky’s Pizza & Arcade, 2858 Niles St., 873-1900; 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. Rusty’s Pizza, 5430 Olive Drive, 392-1482; 6:30 to 9 p.m. every Wednesday. 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. 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 Old River Monte Carlo, 9750 Taft Highway, 837-0250; 8:30 p.m. every Thursday. The Playhouse, 2915 Taft Highway; 397-3599; 7 to 10 p.m. Sundays. The Playhouse Lounge, 7 to 10 p.m. every Sunday at 2915 Taft Highway. 397-3599. The Prime Cut, 9500 Brimhall Road, 831-1413; hosted by Ed Loverr, 9 p.m. to midnight Friday. The Prime Cut, 9 p.m. every Friday at 9500 Brimhall Road. 8311413. The Regent, 2814 Niles St., 8714140; 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. 3635102. Tomi’s Cowgirl Cafe, 7 to 10 p.m. every Tuesday and Thursday at 1440 Weedpatch Highway. 3635102. Please see 37

Thursday, October 27, 2011 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street CONTINUED FROM 36

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.

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.

Music showcase The Prime Cut, 9500 Brimhall Road, 8311413; featuring local artists, 7 to 10 p.m. every Wednesday.

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

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

Open Mic Fishlips, 1517 18th St., 324-2557; Bakotopia Unplugged Open-Mic Night, 8 p.m., signups begin at 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays. Open Mic. Sandrini’s, 1918 Eye St., 322-8900; 9 p.m. Wednesdays.

Rock B. Ryder’s Sports Bar & Grill, 7401 White Lane, 397-7304; Awolnation, 7 p.m. Wednesday. $15. Rockstarz Party Bar, 7737 Meany Ave., Suite B5, 589-6749; live bands, 9 p.m. every Thursday. The Dome, 2201 V St., 327-0190; Of Mice and Men Tour featuring I See Stars, I Wrestled A Bear Once, For Fallen Dreams, That’s Outrageous, 6 p.m. Saturday. $19. Pyrenees Cafe, 601 Sumner, 323-0053; Twang Bangers, 1 to 5 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.

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

UPCOMING Monday 10/31 Senior Discovery Days, for seniors 60 and older receive 50 percent off admission, 10 percent discount in the gift store, CALM, 10500 Alfred Harrell Highway. 872-2256.

Tuesday 11/1 Fall Forum Luncheon, hosted by Kern County Law Enforcement Foundation, with

guest speaker Laurencio Brito discussing crime affecting both sides of the border, 11:30 a.m. to 1 pm., Stockdale Country Club, 7001 Stockdale Highway. $25; $300 for table of 10. 861-7911. Kern Audubon Society, meeting with Atwell Island project director Steve Laymon, discussing the restoration of Atwell Island in the Tulare Lake Basin, including birds and other wildlife, 7 to 9 p.m., Kern County Superintendent of Schools, 1300 17th St. Visit kernaudubonsociety.org or 322-7470. Riverdance: Farewell Tour-Broadway in Bakersfield, 7:30 p.m., Rabobank Theater, 1001 Truxtun Ave. $30 to $60 plus fee. ticketmaster.com or call 800-745-3000. Sierra Club Conditioning Hikes, three to five miles, 7 p.m., meet at corner of highways 178 and 184. 872-2432 or 873-8107. So You Think You Can Dance, featuring finalists from the TV show: Clarice, Jordan, Mitchell, Sasha and more, 7 p.m., Rabobank Arena, 1001 Truxtun Ave. $37-$57 plus fee. ticketmaster.com or 800-745-3000.

Wednesday 11/2 Altares de Familia, food, dance performances, mariachis and more, 5 to 8 p.m., Bakersfield Museum of Art, 1930 R St. $1. 323-7219. CASA Volunteer Orientation, learn how to make a difference in the life of an abused, abandoned or neglected child, noon to 1 p.m. and 5 to 6 p.m., CASA, 2000 24th St. kerncasa.org or 631-2272. Dia de Los Muertos Expo 2011, with music by Mento Buru, Velorio, Marcos J. Reyes Band, poetry, art display, display of the altars, 5 to 10 p.m., Golden State Mall, 3201 F St. 345-5842 or 304-7915. Film Club, with Cody Meek, 7 p.m., Barnes & Noble, 4001 California Ave. 631-2575. First Wednesday, special events and refreshments, 9:30 to 11 a.m., Bakersfield Museum of Art, 1930 R St. $4 nonmembers. 323-7219.

Health Net wants you from to get your Medicare Advantage plan .

Reserve your seat today for a free seminar and learn more about Health Net’s comprehensive medical and prescription drug plans. Wed., 11/9 at 10 a.m. The Ford 915 N. 10th St. Taft Thur., 11/10 at 10 a.m. & 1 p.m. Clarion Hotel 3540 Rosedale Hwy. Bakersfield Thur., 11/17 at 10 a.m. & 1 p.m. Clarion Hotel 3540 Rosedale Hwy. Bakersfield

Monthly Plan Premiums Deductibles Preventive Care Copays

Ask if you qualify for dental and vision coverage, and a ride to your doctor.*

FREE bag just for meeting with us!

Thursday 11/3 “A Lesson Before Dying,” 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday, CSUB, Dore Theatre, 9001 Stockdale Highway. $10, $8 seniors/faculty/staff, $5 for CSUB students with ID. 654-3150. “Love, Sex and the IRS,” doors open at 6 p.m., show at 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, Stars Dinner Theatre, 1931 Chester Ave. $45 to $55; show-only tickets $35; matinee $45 to $50. 325-6100. Bookseller’s Book Group, 7 p.m., Barnes & Noble, in the cafe, 4001 California Ave. 631-2575. California Art Education State Conference, “Preserving the Arts Through Creativity and Advocacy,” with keynote speakers, 8 a.m. Thursday through Sunday, Marriott Hotel at the Convention Center, 801 Truxtun Ave. 626-264-2791. Extreme Midget Wrestling Federation, 8 p.m., Fishlips, 1517 18th St. $15. vallitix.com or 322-5200.

Friday 11/4 2nd Annual Bakersfield Rescue “Mission Cup,” 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Kern River Golf Course, 13020 Rudal Road. $85 includes entry fee, green fee, golf cart, token and lunch. 325-0863 or 472-5754. First Friday Downtown, featuring live music, art openings, specialty shops, galleries and boutiques, artists will set up their artwork, 5 to 9 p.m., Downtown Arts District. Email don@themetrogalleries.com or 634-9598.

1-877-827-6888 TTY/TDD 1-800-929-9955 7 days a week, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Find more locations at healthnet.com/seminars. HMO products will be discussed. Se habla español.

*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