The Bakersfield Californina 'Eye Street Entertainment' / 12-16-10

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The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, December 16, 2010

Eye Street

Index Magical Forest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 No-limit satellite poker tournament . . . . . . . . . . .23 Arts Alive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 The Core Live . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25 The Lowdown with Matt Munoz . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26 Real Patriotic Housewives calendar . . . . . . . . . . .27 Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32-33

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

Gift guide

A bit of home for the holidays boutique. Ball looks through thousands of pieces a month to ensure she has enough choices for every age, style and budget.

She sells economically priced, high-fashion jewelry from $12 to $40, mid-range jewelry that’s carried at higher-end stores that sells from $50 to $200 as well as gold and diamond pieces that range from $200 on up to $1,000.

A little sparkle for everyone.

Our six-page gift guide offers ideas with a local flair THE BAKERSFIELD CALIFORNIAN

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ou’ve already hit the mall and toy store for those easy Dear Santa-style presents.

Now comes the hard part: figuring out how to impress the folks on your list who demand unique gifts that prove what a thoughtful and imaginative person you are.

Leave the imagination to us.

We’ve come up with several ideas, all of which have some local connection. Our selections were based on pretty loose criteria: things we, the staffers of the Eye Street section, stumbled upon in the last year or so that we thought were cool, or classic items that belong on any legit wish list. Pretty simple.

We want to stress, however, that we’ve only scratched the surface; there are many, many interesting local products and services that would make great gifts — we hope to get to them next year.

But, really, Christmas is just an excuse for our elf-help list. These artisans, books, goodies and organizations are available for you to patronize year-round.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ELIANA MORE

Lauren Perez models “Classic Zebra Dress,” created by Bakersfield designer Nichole Patino for Napi Designs.

Jewelry/fashion Don Lucas, 1730 Oak St.; 3239457; donlucas.com; hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. this Saturday only.

His jewelry is sold at fine boutiques all over the country and has hung from the long neck of at least one movie star (Sarah Michelle Gellar) on the reddest of red carpets — the Academy Awards.

But Don Lucas, the world-class silversmith and artisan whose pieces are once-in-a-lifetime gifts, is a pretty regular guy — so regular, in fact, that he’s feeling the chill of the economy as much as, if not more, than the rest of us.

“For a couple of years, (business) was pretty bad, but it seems like it’s starting to rebound. ... The economy gets funky and people can’t use their house like an ATM machine anymore. But I’m not eating wallpaper.”

That’s a relief to anyone who owns or would like to own (hint,

HENRY A. BARRIOS / THE CALIFORNIAN

Don Lucas learned to make jewelry in Flagstaff, Ariz., in 1972 before moving back to his hometown.

More gifts Museums, food, theater and more, Pages 28-31.

Camille Gavin’s ideas for art lovers, Page 24

HENRY A. BARRIOS / THE CALIFORNIAN

Don Lucas gets his vivid turquoise stones from Arizona.

hint) a piece by Lucas, who said the most popular items he sells are bracelets.

“These days we sell a lot of sparkly stuff — not nationwide, but I do here in Bakersfield,” said Lucas, who added that the

majority of his sales come from outside the area. In fact, he just tricked out his website, a good first stop if you’re unfamiliar with his Southwestern-style jewelry.

“The most popular stone is turquoise,” said Lucas, from the Oak Street shop he’s called home for 23 years. “Red coral from Italy is the most valuable. I love coral.

If I’m broke, I’ll trade anything for coral.”

Prices range from about $60 (“for the cheapest little rings”) up to $3,000 for his most ornate necklaces. Bracelets run from $150 to $1,500; earrings from $80 to $300.

Though Lucas makes some items for men, the only piece he wears is a belt buckle. His wife and daughters, however, need no coaxing when it comes to advertising the family business.

“My wife is good exposure for me. She’ll go to a luncheon and everyone sees it and they’ll come in and ask for it.

“The only problem is, I never see it again.”

But if the Santa in your life is coming up short this year, you might ask him to spring for the cost of a concert ticket instead.

“Carlos Santana used to buy my necklaces in Santa Fe,” Lucas said. “At the end of the concert, he’d throw it out to the crowd.”

Jules at Bella at The Marketplace, 9000 Ming Ave. Local jewelry stylist Julia Ball not only makes her own jewelry but showcases a fabulous collection she hand-selects for the trendy Bella at The Marketplace

Napi Designs clothing, napidesigns.com, 900-2443, nichole@napidesigns.com Flashy and full of color, the custom line of dresses, lingerie and swimwear created by Bakersfield designer Nichole Patino is made with fun in mind. “My designs are for somebody who’s into being really creative and loves standing out in a crowd. I try to keep things classy, modern and girly,” she said. Selling her popular fashions via her online store since 2008, Patino looks for inspiration from the past to the present. “I’m inspired by vintage silhouettes and styles mixed with modern art, colors and patterns.” The designer added that while she does carry a regular stock of original designs, she can handle custom requests to accommodate every taste and size with a turnaround of two days, depending on the request.

Small items start at $17 and go up to $144 for higher-end merchandise.

Please see PAGE 21

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Thursday, December 16, 2010 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street CONTINUED FROM PAGE 20

Bakersfield Community Concert Association, 589-2478 or 205-8522, bakersfieldcca.org We’re midway through the group’s season, but you can get a pass to four remaining concerts (Feb. 24, March 17, April 10 and May 5) for $50. A smaller package allows you to attend the April 10 and May 5 shows for $30. And if it’s all or nothing, hold off until mid-April when next season’s pass will be on sale for $60 for nine concerts, starting with the May 5 show.

PHOTO COURTESY OF KERN CO. MUSEUM

Buck Owens, right, is seen with The Buckaroos — from left, Doyle Holly, Willie Cantu, Tom Brumley and Don Rich —from the cover of 1964’s “I Don’t Care (Just as Long as You Love Me).”

Music “Buck Owens’ Ranch Show,” three DVDs, each $24.99, or all three for the price of two, available at Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace, 2800 Buck Owens Blvd., 328-7560.

Folks who know the late Bakersfield icon’s television work only through “HeeHaw” reruns should check out his precornpone “Ranch” series, shot from 1966 to 1972, at the peak of his artistry. The flashy suits, golden-era Buckaroos, Don Rich’s harmonies, Buck’s (arguably) greatest girl singer Kay Adams — it’s all here. The series may have been shot in Oklahoma City, but this is Bakersfield all the way, baby. While you’re picking up your DVDs at the Palace, check out the other merchandise, which starts at $6.95 for a shot glass and tops out at $1,900-plus for the iconic Buck Owensedition Fender Telecaster in — of course — red, white and blue.

FELIX ADAMO / THE CALIFORNIAN

Cellist Aaron Conner is among the performers for the Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra.

Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra, 323-7928 or bakersfieldsymphony.org In its 79th season, the esteemed symphony is known for hosting a variety of professional and well-known guest musicians. The six-concert series started in October, but you can still purchase a membership for the remaining concerts — Feb. 5, March 12, April 9 and May 14 — for $116 to $173 until Feb. 4. Planning ahead, season tickets are available for the series starting next October for $175 to $260.

“Listen” by Bakersfield singer/songwriter Landen Belardes, available at World Records, 1824 G St., 831-3100, shopworldrecords.com. Also available for download purchase at iTunes.

Belardes was one of the few local artists to produce new music for fans this year. His new CD titled, “Listen,” is a fine representation of this young talent’s evolving abilities as both a lyricist and guitarist. Self-produced by Belardes, this seven-track gem is great for fans of acoustic music ala Coldplay, Wilco, and U2. (For more on Belardes, see Page 26.)

CASEY CHRISTIE / THE CALIFORNIAN

A revealing portrait of the usually private Merle Haggard that appeared in Rolling Stone is among the offerings in “Best Music Writing 2010.”

Books “Best Music Writing 2010,” edited by Ann Powers and Daphne Carr — $16.95.

Not available at any of the three major local bookstores, but they can order it.

This just-released compilation includes a revealing portrait of the usually private Merle Haggard that appeared in Rolling Stone a few months ago. Writer Jason Fine was given unlimited access to the country legend at his home in Northern California.

The result is a rare glimpse of this towering artist in the winter of his years, a vital, nittygritty account of his day-to-day life. The most poignant moments come when the pensive Haggard worries about what will become of his family when he’s gone. Also included, and always fun for fans, are the legend-on-legend ruminations from artists like Bob Dylan, Willie Nelson and Kris Kristofferson. And though we didn’t do a line-by-line comparison, there seems to be more in the book than there was in the article. A must-have for any Haggard fan.

trivia. Other best-sellers at the museum include “Hard Drivin’ Country: The Honky Tonks, Musicians, and Legends of the Bakersfield Sound” by Jeff Nickell and Sarah Woodman; “Basque to Bakersfield”

by Mary Grace Paquette; and “The Chinese of Kern County, 1857-1960” by William Harland Boyd.

“Some California Ranches: Their Stories and Their Brands” — The California Cattlewomen rounded up a history of the state’s ranches for this tome, released this year. “Kern County has the largest compilation in the book — 21,” said Amanda Rankin Barrett, whose forebears established the Rankin Ranch in 1863. Available for $27.95 at Russo’s Books, 9000 Ming Ave. “Pit Stops: Crossing the Country with Loren the Rescue Bully” by Michelle Sathe — A Pine Mountain Club resident and features writer for the Santa Clarita Valley Signal, Sathe chronicled her adventure with Loren, a rescued pit bull, across 29 states in 50 days. Along the way, the pair set out to both improve the breed’s bad rap and have a good time. Part of the proceeds from the book (and limited-edition Loren bookmark also available) go to support animal rescue and advocacy efforts. Available at pitstopsbook.com.

FELIX ADAMO / THE CALIFORNIAN

Calendars featuring historic Kern County scenes are always a popular gift.

Calendars

HENRY A. BARRIOS / THE CALIFORNIAN

Sarah Woodman is the author of “Traditional Tails: Portraits of Kern County Pets and Their People.”

“Traditional Tails: Portraits of Kern County Pets and Their People” by Sarah Woodman — Released by the Kern County Museum this year, the book is a lively and informative chronicle of our love for the pets in our lives (including a pair of domesticated skunks!). Fun for families, this book is jampacked with photos and

Celebrating Kern County, Circa 1900’s — Put out by Bakersfield West Rotary, the nostalgic calendar is a compilation of vintage postcards taken from the collection of the late Curtis Darling. The calendar retails for $12.95 at the Kern County Museum, which also offers a book of similar material, appropriately titled “Curtis Darling’s Postcard Collection.”

“Stuck in the ’50s” calendar — The decade of poodle skirts and pompadours were happy days indeed for artist Jennifer Shrader, whose new calendar celebrates the era. Available for $20 at Russo’s, 9000 Ming Ave., and the Bakersfield Art Association, 1807 Eye St. The Tejon Ranch 2011 calendar, also $20 and available at Russo’s, captures the stunning natural beauty of the Kern County land company’s gazillion acres.

“The Real Patriotic Wives of Bakersfield” — Turn to Page 27 for the full story.

Please see PAGE 28

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The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, December 16, 2010

Eye Street

Have a Magical holiday Decor, Tinker’s Village, train rides: Group goes all out for the season

BY MIRANDA WHITWORTH Contributing writer

F

abulous décor, delicious food, holiday shopping and more awaits as BARC opens its grounds to those looking to boost their Christmas spirit while doing a little good for local nonprofit organizations.

The 25-acre BARC campus is open evenings to the public through Dec. 23 with the 2010 Magical Forest 2010 Magical Forest. BARC Vice President Lisa Plank When: 5 to 9 p.m. said the event is a great way Monday to Friday, 6 to 9 to show the public what her p.m. Saturday and organization is all about.

Sunday, nightly through “A lot of people don’t realDec. 23 ize how big our campus is or Where: BARC Campus, how much industry and how 2240 S. Union Ave. many programs go on at the Admission: $5, adults; campus. So it’s a nice way to $4, seniors 55 and older; showcase what we really do.” $3, kids ages 6-12; free The Magical Forest feafor those 5 and under tures trees with all of the Information: trimmings and themed areas www.barc-inc.org with everything from dinosaurs to pirates, giving attendees a feast for the eyes that they can experience on foot or while riding the Magical Express Train. The Grinchmobile provides transportation for those looking to navigate the area in style. Plank said when it comes to holiday décor the tinsel goes far beyond the forest.

“The campus itself is completely decorated. All of our departments do a great job decorating the outside of their buildings for the Christmas holiday season. So you can take one of our Grinch-mobile rides or the train and actually tour through campus to see everything we offer.”

This time of year can be busy for those with hefty holiday shopping lists. That’s why the Magical Forest is offering the Tinker’s Village with more than a dozen local vendors and

Maya Bakersfield 16 Cinemas

Maya Bakersfield 16 Cinemas

FELIX ADAMO / THE CALIFORNIAN

Linda Hartman, executive director of BARC, sits among some of the props for the center’s Magical Forest Christmas exhibit at the group’s center on South Union. The display will be open to the public through Dec. 23.

crafts Plank said come straight from the campus.

“BARC’s has an Art with a Purpose Program where our clients paint ceramics and wood products that they put together. Those will be for sale there in the village.”

Kids looking to put holiday gifts under the tree without spoiling the surprise also have an option with Santa’s Secret Shop. “We have volunteer elves help the kids go in there.

There are no parents allowed. They shop for family members and we help them wrap the gifts,” said Plank.

Every year several local nonprofits help BARC make the Magical Forest a reality. This year volunteers with Good Will, Optimal Hospice, Houchin Blood Bank, MARE, Greater Bakersfield Chamber of Commerce and Teen Challenge are on site. Portions of the proceeds go to each organization through ticket sales and a special feature, The Giving Tree where donations can be specifically made to BARC or this year’s participating nonprofits.

According to Plank celebrating the holidays while joining forces with many of Bakersfield’s charitable organizations has been a great way to spread the word about BARC. “People most clearly identify with our shredding and recycling services. Those are just two of the industries that take place on the campus to help us offset our operating budget. And that what we really do on a day-in, day-out basis is provide both employment and program services to over 450 developmentally disabled adults in Kern County both on and off the campus.”

Matinee $6.00, Children/Seniors $6.00, General Admission $9.00, for 3D presentation add $3.00 to normal ticket price.

Please join us on Saturday December 18th for face painting and a kids coloring contest to celebrate the release of Yogi Bear!

Text Movies to 21321 PRESENTED IN DLP DIGITAL

Chronicles of Narnia: Voyage of the Dawn Treader 3D*** - PG 12:00 1:45 3:00 4:30 5:50 7:15 8:45 10:00

Tangled 3D – PG 11:50 2:30 5:05 8:00

Faster – R 11:55 2:20 4:50 7:20 9:55

Burlesque*** - PG-13 11:00 1:40 4:15 6:50 9:35

Tangled 2D – PG 11:20 1:45 4:45 7:10 9:40

Love & Other Drugs*** - R 1:25 4:05 6:40 9:25

Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows Part 1 – PG-13 11:05 11:45 2:15 3:00 5:25 6:15 8:50 9:35

Unstoppable*** - PG-13 Chronicles of Narnia: Voyage of the Dawn Treader 2D*** - PG 11:30 1:00 2:15 3:45 5:05 6:30 8:00 9:15 10:35

The Tourist*** - PG13 11:30 12:40 2:00 3:05 4:30 5:30 7:00 7:50 9:30 10:20

11:50 2:10 4:40 7:25 9:45

MegaMind*** - PG 12:55 3:30

Due Date – R

“The Lost Leaves” Clayton Rippey’s works will be on display through December 24th, 2010.

6:05 8:20 10:30

The Warrior’s Way – R 12:20 2:40 5:10 7:45 10:10

Adv. Tix on Sale TRON: LEGACY Adv. Tix on Sale YOGI BEAR Adv. Tix on Sale GULLIVER'S TRAVELS CHRONICLES NARNIA: VOYAGE IN REALD 3D -EVENT PRICE (PG) # (1245 115 345 415) 645 715 945 1015 CHRONICLES OF NARNIA: VOYAGE OF THE DAWN TREADER (PG) # (145 445) 745 1045 THE TOURIST (PG-13) # (130 430) 730 1030 THE WARRIOR'S WAY (R) - ID REQ'D (140 440) 740 1025 TANGLED (PG) (100 400) 640 915 FASTER - DP (R) - ID REQ'D 815 PM 1040 PM LOVE AND OTHER DRUGS (R) - ID REQ'D (120 420) 720 1020 BURLESQUE (PG-13) (1215 300) 615 900 TANGLED IN REALD 3D - EVENT PRICING (PG) # (130 PM 430 PM) 710 PM THE NEXT THREE DAYS (PG-13) (1215 315) 630 930 HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS 1 - DP (PG-13) (1200 340) 700 1010 UNSTOPPABLE (PG-13) (150 450) 750 1050 MEGAMIND IN REALD 3D - EVENT PRICING (PG) # (1230 PM 330 PM) 600 PM DUE DATE (R) - ID REQ'D (215 500) 800 1035 1201 AM TRON IN REALD 3D - EVENT PRICING - MIDNITE (PG) # © 2010 Times For 12/16/10

*** Special engagement

1000 California Ave. • 661-636-0484 • mayacinemas.com

Cezanne Gallery 420 H Street 325-1336

23

Thursday, December 16, 2010 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street

Casino has winning hand Huge tournament features poker pro

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

P

rofessional poker player Humberto Brenes will serve as host at this weekend’s PokerStars Caribbean Adventure Series No Limit Hold ‘Em Satellite Tournament at Golden West Casino.

The three-day event is open to the public and organizers are excited to offer local players an opportunity to rub elbows with some pros, while raising money for a good cause.

“The PCA is expected to be one of the largest and most significant poker events this season,” said Jim Barbo, general manager at Golden West Casino.

“We welcome the community to take part in this event and we are excited to give a portion of the proceeds to benefit the Society for Disabled Children.”

Nicknamed “The Shark” for his winning reputation at the table, Brenes is a Costa Rican native with two World Series of Poker bracelets to his name.

PokerStars Caribbean Adventure Series No Limit Hold ’Em Satellite Tournament Angus Choice Prime Rib or Ham

When: 5 p.m. Friday, brunch at noon Saturday with play at 2:15; 2:15 Sunday Where: Golden West Casino, 1001 S. Union Ave. Admission: Free for spectators. $35 to $175 tournament buy-in Information: 324-6936 or goldenwestcasino.com

creamy horseradish sauce, twice baked potatoes, gratin or salad, cranberry relish, green beans and dinner roll. Please call for more details 834-4433

“Brenes is a true ambassador for the game of poker,” said Barbo. “He is a positive role model for so many in the industry through his fun personality, commitment to family and generosity in the community.”

The tournament will also feature music by local Latin singer Daisy Sanchez, who just wrapped up a concert tour opening for Mexican mariachi legend Vicente Fernandez.

The winner of the tournament will qualify for the PokerStars Caribbean

POKERSTARSBLOG.COM

Humberto Brenes displays a shark that he brings along when he is playing poker.

Adventure at Atlantis Resort and Casino in the Bahamas plus airfare and hotel accommodations. Tournament applications are available at Golden West Casino. Organizers recommend applying early as they are expecting large crowds throughout the weekend.

PATHWAYS HYPNOSIS Vaughn Barnett

SANTA DEADLINE TODAY! Crumpled lists clutched firmly in their sweaty little hands, countless children have dutifully marched up to Santa to rattle off the toys they hope to see under the tree. The experience can be ho-hum, thrilling or, in some cases, so traumatic that the tyke silently swears off red velvet for life.

We want your pictures of the experience, but we need them by noon today. Include the name of the

person/people pictured, where the photo was shot and the year (if you know it) and your name and phone number, which will not be published.

Feel free to include the amusing story behind the photo, but don’t go beyond 100 words. Photos will not be returned.

E-mail: sdias@bakersfield.com or drop off at our downtown offices, 1707 Eye St., Bakersfield, CA 93301.

THE WARRIOR’S WAY E 12:30, 5:20, 10:10 FASTER E 7:45, 9:15 MORNING GLORY C 12:00, 2:30, 5:00, 7:30, 10:05 HEREAFTER C 12:40, 3:45, 6:40, 9:45 PARANORMAL ACTIVITY 2 E 12:50, 3:10, 5:30, 8:00, 10:15 JACKASS 3 IN 2D E 3:00, 7:50 RED C 12:20, 3:30, 7:00, 9:35 LIFE AS WE KNOW IT C 1:00, 4:00, 7:15, 10:00 LEGEND OF THE GUARDIANS: THE OWLS OF GA’HOOLE B 11:35, 2:00, 4:30 DEVIL C 12:10, 2:50, 5:10, 7:40, 9:55 EASY A C 11:45, 2:15, 4:50, 7:20, 9:50 DESPICABLE ME B 11:50, 2:10, 4:40, 7:10, 9:40

• Sleeplessness • Phobias & Fears

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661.322.0077 PathwaysHypnosis.org

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The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, December 16, 2010

Eye Street Camille Gavin CONTRIBUTING COLUMNIST

Put arts on your Christmas list Unique creations make wonderful holiday gifts

W

ith Christmas only nine days away, you’ve probably bought all the big gifts and hidden them from curious eyes.

Now it’s time to think about the smaller items, those lastminute treasures that may be less expensive but bring joy to the recipient because they’re one-of-a-kind creations. Or maybe you’re still seeking a really different present for someone who has everything.

A good place to find a wide selection of unique gifts is the Christmas Boutique at the Bakersfield Art Association’s Art Center. Nothing costs more than $100 and some items, such as hand-painted note cards, are as little as $2.

Ann Sullivan, gallery manager, filled me in on some of the more unusual items, many of which would also make excellent conversation pieces. Here’s a sample: Carved goose eggs by Lon Olmstead. Yes, actual goose eggs — don’t ask me how he does it, much less where he gets the eggs.

Gourds made into lamps by Carol Lair Scenes painted on irregularsized pieces of marble by Phyllis Oliver, who collected the marble during the years she lived in Greece. Sizes vary, from 3-by-9 inches, to 8-by-14 inches.

Wire trees made by Jon Van Metre, ideal for hanging ornaments at Christmas and on other holidays throughout the year.

Turquoise and silver brooches

by Jennifer Shrader.

JOSE TREVINO / SPECIAL TO THE CALIFORNIAN

A carved goose egg by Lon Olmstead.

Other handcrafts include a selection of original stitchery items such as etuis, small cases meant to hold needles and other sewing items; pin cushions; and scissor bobs. Also available are small framed paintings, most measuring 6-by-8 or 4-by-5 inches. Also on display — but not part of the boutique because the price tag is $1,000 — is a 21-inchtall replica of Betty Younger’s metal sculpture, “Golden Bird.” The original piece was presented as a gift to the people of Wakayama, Japan, Bakersfield’s first Sister City.

‘Acting Up’ performance A group of young actors who have spent several weeks as students at Stars School of Performing Arts will present a show loosely based on “The Polar Express” on Saturday at Stars.

Bethany Lahammer, the instructor and director, refers to it as “a final sharing of what they’ve learned” rather than a full-scale production.

“This is a skills-driven class,” she said. “It’s about young people learning about the craft of theater.”

The focus, she said, has been on encouraging the 13 actors, ages 8

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

to 15, to use “The Polar Express” story as a stimulus in improvising and developing their interpretation of individual characters in order to bring them to life on stage.”

Shalaya Davis, who also did some of the choreography, plays the bratty teenager. Faith Earnest is the child who doesn’t believe in anything magical. The setting is a train that is headed for the North Pole. The cast will sing “Believe,” the theme song from the movie, and five other songs. They also will play a piece using hand bells.

“It’s on the big stage and that’s very exciting for the kids,” said Lahammer, who has a master’s degree in arts and education, and a 10-year professional career in theater mainly on the East Coast.

She also has strong ties to Bakersfield and the local theater community.

“Shari Fortino hired me for the (Oildale) melodrama when I was 20,” she recalled. “That was my first job.”

Lahammer moved back a year ago following her marriage and the birth of her baby, now 3 months old, to be nearer her father, Ted Burgess.

Spotlight Junior does ‘Pirates’ It’s Gilbert and Sullivan time for Spotlight Junior with “Pirates of Penzance.” The show’s final performances are on Saturday afternoon.

Set in a pirates’ den on the coast of England, it’s a romantic comedy that features lots of action with many of the actors waving cutlasses as they run back and forth across the stage.

And, like all of the operettas written by this famous team, it’s filled with tongue-twisting rhymes that are as funny today as they were in the 19th century.

The cast is made up of students in Spotlight Theatre’s performing arts school. Students have been preparing for the show in twiceweekly classes for the past two months. Directors are Tena Milburn and Kenneth Whitchard.

GO & DO Nancy Merrick art exhibit When: Opening reception from 6 to 8 p.m. today Where: Bakersfield Mazda, 3201 Cattle Drive Admission: Free Information: 869-2320

Christmas Boutique When: 6 to 9 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday Where: BAA Art Center, 1817 Eye St. Admission: Free Information: 869-2320 PHOTO COURTESY OF NANCY MERRICK

“Two Tough Old Birds,” by Nancy Merrick.

Nancy Merrick exhibit A solo show of work by Nancy Merrick opens this evening at Bakersfield Mazda. Her work tends to be impressionistic and many of her paintings reflect local scenes, done in soft, restful colors.

In some pieces she injects both humor and humanity. One of my favorites in that vein is titled “Two Tough Old Birds,” which depicts a sprightly looking elderly woman who is admiring a parrot as it sits on a perch. Merrick says her interest in art was first aroused when, as a first-grader in Los Angeles, she won first place for her painting of a victory garden. Later, when her family lived in Chino, her seventhgrade art teacher saw Merrick’s potential and urged her take drawing and painting more seriously.

However, the artist recalls that at the time she was more interested in horses than art. But the spark remained and came to life during her adult years. She has studied with master painters in New York City, Florida and Louisiana. Merrick has lived for extended periods of time in Germany and other countries where her husband taught dependents of military personnel. In Ceiba, Puerto Rico, she operated an art gallery and antique shop, which

‘Acting Up’ When: 1 p.m. Saturday Where: Stars Restaurant Theatre, 1930 Chester Ave. Admission: $5 Information: 325-6100

‘Pirates of Penzance’ When: 2 and 4 p.m. Saturday Where: Spotlight Theatre, 1622 19th St. Admission: $10 plus service charge Information: 634-0692

was close to the naval station where she gave classes to military wives and locals, and occasionally taught art to students in the town's elementary schools.

Upon moving to Bakersfield in the mid-1990s she became active in local arts groups, including the Bakersfield Art Association, sponsor of her current exhibit, and Masterworks Chorale. Merrick also is a teacher in residence for Arts Council of Kern.

Anne Frank benefit Bob Kempf of The Empty Space reports that more than $700 in contributions was received for the theater’s benefit performance of “Diary of Anne Frank” on Nov. 21.

The money was given to the Anne Frank Center USA, a nonprofit organization that emphasizes the need for tolerance.

25

Thursday, December 16, 2010 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street

Vision, imagination Core values Web-casters have big plans for multimedia dominance

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

The Core Live is no longer Bakersfield’s best-kept secret.

Broadcasting a multimedia blend of entertainment via their website thecorelive.com, their format-free buzz has been gaining steam since relaunching in June.

“Our mix of reality TV, music and video is perfect for today’s crowd,” said Michael Urioste, who runs marketing and advertising for The Core Live. “I knew it was gonna be cool from the very beginning.”

Started as an underground radio project between friends John Uranday and Phillip Zaragoza in 2000, the two originally stationed themselves in a small office above 19th and Eye Street downtown. Transmitting through now-defunct hosting website pixelradio.com as The Core, they managed to find themselves an audience during a formative time in Web radio.

“If you had a high-speed net connection, you could hear us pretty well, but a lot of people were still running slow 56k modems,” said Uranday. “We built an audience through word of mouth and what I call hand-to-hand combat — talking to people, passing out fliers. We had rap artists like Method Man of Wu-Tang Clan, and Jam Master Jay of Run DMC on the phone calling in. DJs would bring three to four crates of vinyl records and do their show.”

Calling it quits after nine months due to lack of funding, they went their separate ways but remained in close contact.

Zaragoza began working as an electrician, while Uranday pursued another passion: making movies. Attending the prestigious Los Angeles Film School in Hollywood from 2005 to 2007, Uranday also started his own film company, CUTM films, specializing in music videos, TV shows, and independent films aimed at urban audiences. With titles like “The 99 Cent Show,” “Cruisin’,” and “Stereotype,” a 2007 film that reportedly moved more than 25,000 DVD units through a distribution deal with Wal-Mart and Amazon.com, his entrepreneurial spirit helped establish him as up-and-coming independent entertainment producer.

“We did everything ourselves, with no marketing budget or promo. People just gravitated to the bins and bought the movie,” Uranday said.

‘We started building the first day’ Around that time, self-employed marketing guru Michael Urioste of Delano was developing websites for area businesses.

While partnering with Uranday to help promote “Cruisin’” in 2009 through his own social networking site, 66one.com, future projects were always on the table, including reviving The Core.

“I started seeing all these FM radio stations switching to Internet streaming, because of the economy,” said Urioste. “We all started throwing around ideas.”

As the conversation intensified, so did the excitement.

“John and I used to bring up memories of

PHOTO COURTESY OF MATT MUNOZ

The crew of The Core Live’s “Wake N Bake Show,” from left: Joseph Gomez; Kimble Woods, aka “Just Macking”; and Luis Santoyo.

The Core Live 1823 Chester Ave. A complete list of programming is available at thecorelive.com

The Core all the time,” recalled Zaragoza. “It felt like the right time to do it. I knew we had to do something right now.”

Purchasing the Web domain to secure an online destination — Uranday, Urioste and Zaragoza immediately laid out their plans for a new 24-hour live streaming music and video website. Redubbing it, “The Core Live,” they scored office space inside the old Costco complex on Rosedale Highway and went to work.

Accustomed to functioning on shoestring budgets, they pulled as much money together as they could. But thanks to Zaragoza’s electrical skill and Uranday’s media and computer expertise, the studio saw life in a matter of days.

“We started building the first day we moved in,” recalled Uranday.

Debuting this past June through a new hosting site, Flash Web Town, The Core Live’s studio set-up was, by commercial radio standards, pretty rough: One Web camera positioned in front of a graffitiemblazoned wall, one microphone, a DJ, and a set of turntables. Sound quality was “good enough for the Web,” as they say, but nowhere as clean as FM. On-air talent was also a problem. While

many of the regular station DJs were wellknown in the scene, no prior experience was necessary to become a host. That opened the doors for an unusual cast of guests and sloppy production, which plagued them for the first few months. To avoid future problems, they introduced rules and expectations for talent.

“We started checking qualifications, and every DJ had to start submitting a mixtape in order to be considered,” said Uranday. “It just took off so fast, people just started showing up. We finally had to turn people away.”

‘100,000 Web hits our first week’ The party had finally begun for The Core Live, but did anybody care? Looking into their early online streaming numbers, it was apparent someone was watching and listening.

“We were getting 100,000 Web hits our first week, and finding out that on average many visitors were staying logged in four to eight hours at a time,” said Uranday. “I remember hoping for at least 50 visitors.

Now our numbers are even bigger, especially on college campuses and military bases.”

Six months after their launch, The Core Live continues to evolve. Now with three multi-angle, high-definition cameras, upgraded software and familiarity with how to keep things operating smoothly around the clock, visitors to the site can check out music videos taken from Uranday’s library and more. There’s also the popular chat

room where listeners can interact once they start their free online profile.

“We get people from everywhere in the chat rooms. Mainly the hard-core listeners, who have a favorite show,” said Uranday.

Checking out their extensive list of eclectic programming, there are plenty of shows to choose from. From the morning comedic antics of the “Wake N Bake Show” to the weekend woman-to-woman advice show “Juicy Girls,” Uranday sees their success as a result of listeners becoming disenchanted with mainstream hip-hop and urban radio.

“I think commercial radio has reached a stagnant point. They don’t want to take chances anymore. How many times can you hear the same Eminem and Rihanna song? I’d much rather play an unknown artist than Lil’ Wayne.”

Asked about present funding for the station, Urioste says they still work mainly through donations but have attracted a small group of advertisers.

“People have really come together to help us out, and that’s been a really positive thing,” added Uranday. “Everyone donates their time.”

Looking to 2011, the trio also plans on expanding into clothing circles. Remodeling their Chester Avenue location to make way for a hip-hop-themed clothing store inside, shows will soon be projected from storefront window displays.

“We’d like to be the MTV TRL of downtown Bakersfield,” smiled Urioste.

26

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, December 16, 2010

Eye Street The Lowdown with Matt Munoz

Young guns come out blazin’ Singer/songwriter, band break out

Bakotopia Unplugged Open Mic Night With hosts Matt Munoz and Pablo Alaniz 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.

J

ust in time for holiday break, two fun shows featuring some talented Bako youth are making their way to a church and club near you.

This Friday night, local singer/songwriter Landen Belardes will be throwing a special all-ages show in celebration of his new CD, “Listen,” inside The Great Room at Olive Drive Church. Written and recorded by Belardes himself, the 19-year-old has matured musically since his high school days as a member of pop-punk misfits Dirty Spanglish. No longer writing songs about Jones Soda or Harry Potter movie crushes, Belardes says his new material is a reflection of life moving forward.

“After Dirty Spanglish split, I didn’t wanna quit playing music.

Over the last year and half I kept writing, but didn’t feel I had the right material to represent who I am. Several of the songs on the CD have been written over the past couple of years. Some are fairly recent and written while I was recording.”

Recording directly to his laptop computer wherever the mood hit him, Belardes detailed his quest for home acoustic perfection.

“I recorded most of it at home and at my church. I have Pro Tools on my computer so I just dragged it around to wherever I want — going into closets to the kitchen for the right sound. I used everything that I had available to capture the sounds the way I want. I even named my studio Yellow

PHOTO COURTESY OF DEBBIE KATZ

Hello Friday — from left: Alex Katz, Grant Whitson, Shelby Sward and Harrison Katz — will perform Wednesday at B Ryder’s.

“I’ve Flown Back Home” to the closing title track, Belardes’ debut is an impressive introduction to a promising young career.

Friday’s show starts at 7 p.m.

Admission is free, and CDs will be available for purchase for $5. Olive Drive Church is located at 5500 Olive Drive. For more information call 393-8210, or visit Facebook.com/landenbelardesmusic.

Hello Friday’s Holiday Hoopla

PHOTO COURTESY OF NICK BELARDES

Bakersfield singer/songwriter Landen Belardes performs at The Great Room at Olive Drive Church on Friday.

Table Studios after my kitchen table.” Shooting off a lengthy list of musical influences, he narrowed it down to two.

“U2 and Wilco were the biggest inspirations for me. Those were artists I’ve grown up listening to and watching for years.”

Those primary influences are apparent throughout “Listen.”

From the opening immediacy of

On Wednesday night, Bakersfield alterna-pop quartet Hello Friday will be hosting their own all-ages shindig at B Ryder’s with Santa Barbara guests False Puppet.

Not ready to release a CD of their own just yet, band members Alex Katz (guitar), Grant Whitson (drums), Shelby Sward (vocals) and bassist Harrison “Harry” Katz, plan on giving vacationing students a reason to rock around the Christmas tree.

“We love music and just wanna have fun,” proclaimed Sward. “And if you come to the show, we’ll make sure you have a good time, too.”

I’m well aware of the attention

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.

span of most teens, so to make sure eyes don’t wander or roll, here’s the condensed history of Hello Friday for your Thursday…

Formed in April of this year, these four energetic Stockdale High students were originally a three-piece named Flakjacket, performing a few shows with other local bands.

Bored and on the lookout for a new musical direction, Whitson, along with the Katz brothers, scouted for a new vocalist.

Impressed with Sward’s vocal abilities, they offered her the gig.

“I’ve never sang in any bands before, but I was in a musical called ‘All Shook Up,’” said Sward.

“I remember being with my mom at the supermarket when they called me. I went to the audition, and they asked me to sing a Paramore song, which was really intimidating.”

Putting together enough material for a short set, the band made their debut at the annual Rockin’ Roots festival at Stramler Park in June. Set up on a small platform in front of a few thousand eyes and ears, the band took full advantage of an unexpected opportunity.

“We got the stage next to Good Charlotte, so everyone who was waiting to see them had to see us first,” laughed Whitson. “We rocked it, of course.”

The upbeat vibe of the band’s original music is complemented

by Sward’s voice, which bears a striking resemblance to a young Nancy Griffith, especially on “You Never Know,” a song that has become the band’s signature tune.

“That was the first song I ever wrote. It’s about a guy I had a crush on in the eighth grade. I was being a little nostalgic; everyone has their summer romance. I was alone,” said Sward.

Ah, the joy of youth …

Wednesday’s show starts at 7 p.m., admission is free. B Ryder’s is located at, 7401 White Lane. For more information call 397-7304 or visit Myspace.com/hellofridayrocks

Matt’s pick Love Society Rejects at The Prime Cut, 9500 Brimhall Road, 9:30 p.m. Saturday. $5. 831-1413.

Brothers Tim and Rick Fluckey haven’t performed together onstage since their last band, Unborn, went kaput in 1998. After the group’s demise, Tim went on to form platinum-selling hard rock band Adema while Rick kept on rockin’ as an independent artist. Joining forces outside of the moshpit once again, they’ll be doing a special show as their alteregos, Love Society Rejects, performing reworked covers by Radiohead, Weezer, Jane’s Addiction and more. They’ll also be doing some rockin’ blues with help from fellow musicians Rob Lopez on guitar, Nick Kisselburg on drums and Jay Meiselman on blues harp.

27

Thursday, December 16, 2010 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street

Hot ladies, tepid sales Calendar for charity not exactly taking off

BY JENNIFER SELF Californian lifestyles editor jself@bakersfield.com

P

eri Traynor has a problem: She’s got 500 glossy calendars featuring herself and 11 of her hottest friends — but she’s having trouble finding retailers willing to sell them.

“Put my phone number in there — I’ll hand-deliver them,” said the outof-work single mother of two, who raided her retirement savings to the tune of “thousands” of dollars to pay for the “The Real Patriotic Housewives of Bakersfield” 2011 calendar. “People just aren’t in the Christmas spirit I guess.”

She said even Luigi’s won’t stock the calendar, and Miss May is Sandy Valpredo, who belongs to the family that owns the restaurant. The reason she said she was given: The pictures are too risque.

Sex may sell, but this appears to be a case of T&A TNT. To be fair, there’s not that much T or A in the calendar — it’s more girls gone mild than wild. Mostly, the women are wearing white dresses and big smiles. There’s a little cleavage, a bit of leg and a few semiseductive poses. Accessories include a horse, some bling, furs, a designer dog and a gun.

The only one in a bathing suit is Traynor, who was quick to note that she teaches Bible study and stressed several times during the conversation that she and the other ladies are conservative mothers.

“I think it’s a little crazy,” said the “fortysomething” Traynor. “Because even my own father, who is very conservative, is fine with it. I think there’s a lot of haters. Hate comes from ignorance and small mindedness.”

The project was the sole brainchild of Traynor, a photographer/musician/personal trainer/former school counselor, who shot the photos and did all the design work on her Mac. She started the project in midOctober.

I caught up with Traynor, who hasn’t dated since “the 1900s,” and we talked kids, politics and of course the calendars, the proceeds of which will benefit three local charities.

More of our chat: How did you pick the women: I only approached really nicelooking women who were photogenic.

I just thought I know all these women, and they’re all really beautiful. And I thought, my goodness, what can I do to do something about a calendar? I love the “Real Housewives” series. They’re kind of ridiculous, but I’m addicted to them. It wasn’t just their outer beauty, but their inner beauty too.

GIVE TWICE

PHOTO COURTESY OF REAL PATRIOTIC HOUSEWIVES OF BAKERSFIELD

Every picture tells a story in the new “Real Patriotic Housewives of Bakersfield” calendar.

‘The Real Patriotic Housewives of Bakersfield’ $15 Available at Tangerine at The Marketplace, 9000 Ming Ave.; Unique Hair Design & Day Spa, 3011 F St.; Dr. Curt Collins of Blair Chiropractor, 5500 Ming Ave., Suite 170; or by calling 747-6747 Women featured in the calendar Jenne Barrow Collins, Amy Yadon Christiansen, Kim Martin, Lisa Roche, Sandy Valpredo, Linda Johnson Oliver, Robin Napier, Becky Bentley, Gwendolyn Wilcox, Peri Traynor, Tara Kirschenmann and Condi Burdick But inner beauty is hard to capture in a calendar picture, isn’t it?

Every picture tells a story. And you can really see from their smiles and their eyes.

Do you think it’s possible that some might think the calendar is a little sexist?

It’s for a good cause and if anybody thinks it’s too risque, that’s kind of funny. Check yourself. Check your attitude.

How did the “patriotic” part of the calendar’s name come in to play?

I wanted to separate us from Bravo (the network that airs the “Housewives” shows). I could have put “Conservative Housewives” because we’re all conservative in our political views. But I don’t want to exclude conservatives or liberals, because I have a lot of liberal friends. We’re just focused on America and supporting our troops.

You’re the only woman who posed in a bathing suit. Why did you and why didn’t they?

I had asked a lot of the ladies, “Who wants to pose in a bathing suit?” They’re like, “No, no, no — I’m too fat.” And I’m like, “OK.” I didn’t prepare for this. ... I look better in a bathing suit than clothes anyway. It takes attention away from the wrinkles on my face!

Miss February, Amy Yadon Christiansen, posed with a revolver, yet her bio blurb says she teaches anger management. Was the gun a joke or is that how she manages her anger?

That’s funny. I thought since it was conservative, we wanted to kind of support Second Amendment rights, the right to carry a gun. She has a gun collection, so I thought it would be good to have that in there to represent the constitutional right to carry a gun.

The furs in the calendar are real, and they’re mine, but I’m a vegan.

Do you think being a vegan who owns real fur is a little hypocritcal?

I just have a few fur coats. I respect them and I respect the animal that keeps me warm.

You say in the press material that you worked in the White House. When was that?

I was actually on the Democratic National Committee and worked on the Gary Hart presidential campaign. I had a great time and traveled all over the country.

Did Gary Hart ever hit on you?

That’s a story for another day!

So why did you become a conservative?

I just grew wise and grew up and got a clue.

Are you hoping to recover some of the cost you shelled out?

So far I’ve been giving them away.

I gave them to different charities. I’ll be lucky to get enough for a glass of wine, and I’ll need one.

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28

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, December 16, 2010

New Year, New Look

Eye Street

Hair by

Michele Rust at the Look Salon & Spa CONTINUED FROM PAGE 21

For Appointment 661.330.9338 5131 Ming Ave.

business sponsorships are also available. All members enjoy unlimited admission, invitation to openings, a subscription to the newsletter and a discount on gift items, classes and lectures.

Haircuts and style through the holidays. Exclusive use of Aveda products made from pure plant and botanical extracts.

Offer valued at $25.00 and up.

CASEY CHRISTIE / THE CALIFORNIAN

FELIX ADAMO / THE CALIFORNIAN THE ART AND SCIENCE OF PURE FLOWER AND PLANT ESSENCES

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Dine In Only Expires 12-30-10 Maximum value of $10.95 only. One coupon per table or party. Not valid with any other offers or Holidays.

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Mon-Fri, 11-2 HOURS Lunch: Dinner: Mon-Thurs, 5-10; Fri & Sat, 5-10:30

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Let everyone know where you’re from in this colorful T-shirt from the Kern County Museum General Store.

Museums Kern County Museum General Store, 3801 Chester Ave., 852-5026, kcmuseum.org; hours: 10 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.Wednesday through Sunday.

Local history is everywhere you turn at the Kern County Museum — and that includes the gift shop, which sells everything from books on Kern’s heritage and people to refrigerator magnets to prints of historic photos to T-shirts emblazoned with the famous Sun Fun Stay Play logo — a hot new item, according to visitor services assistant Michelle Fox. In addition to the local-themed items, the museum sells a lot of cookbooks with titles like “The Lost Art of Pie Making Made Easy” and “Manners & Morals of Victorian America.”

“We also carry a great line of aprons and tablecloths,” Fox said.

Also popular at this time of year are nostalgic tin and wind-up toys used as stocking stuffers.

Prices start as low as a quarter and top out at about $50.

(Editor’s pick: Support the museum’s neon preservation efforts with the purchase of a T-shirt, mug, apron — even a clock! — that boast images of Kern’s iconic glowing signs in all their glory.

It’s a bright idea, if we do say so ourselves, and nothing’s cooler than neon.)

Memberships range from $65 to $1,000 and include discount or advance tickets to museum events as well as free admission to ASTC Science-Technology Museums and Time Travelers Member Museums throughout the state. Perks include other discounts and a subscription to the newsletter The Courier. Call 852-5021 to join.

Bakersfield Museum of Art, 1930 R St., 323-7219; bmoa.org; hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday to Friday, noon to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday The museum, an architectural piece of art itself, features four galleries showcasing national, international and local work at exhibits throughout the year. The museum also rents out its gardens for events and hosts classes and lectures.

Memberships start at $20 (for seniors and full-time students) and range up to $250 per couple for the preview circle, which allows members access to exclusive preview events with exhibiting artists, collectors or curators. Higher-level and

Brittnie Smith, a repository assistant docent at the Buena Vista Museum of Natural History, tells Members of Girl Scout Troop #394 about the sea lion fossilized skeleton in the glass case.

Buena Vista Museum of Natural History, 2018 Chester Ave., 324-6350; sharktoothhill.org; hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through Saturday.

Closed Dec. 24, 25, 31 and Jan. 1.

It doesn’t take much for kids to unearth fun at this science museum that aims to preserve and display examples of local natural history. To that end, officials recently reclaimed several important fossils that had been taken from the museum by their former owner. The facility offers educational activities and geology field trips, like those at Shark Tooth Hill in October. It’s also home to the Oh! Zone: A Science and Discovery Center that encourages children to learn via hands-on interaction. Memberships range from $15 to $75 for families (up to six members). Members enjoy unlimited admission, discounts on gift items and special events as well as free admission to CALM (during regular hours).

the Still Life collection: actual leaves made into night lights ($32 to $35) or leaf ornaments ($18). For ladies, she suggests Wild Bryde earrings, with pelican, skunk or bears ($18 to $22).

For little ones, you can’t go wrong with top-selling plush animals ($12 to $15, $5 baby size), many of which make life-like sounds. Holiday items include new hoodies, in black and green, with the CALM logo ($25 to $40).

Memberships range from $30 for individuals to $50 for families (up to two adults plus children). Perks include free admission to the West Kern Oil Museum in Taft, half off admission to the Buena Vista Museum of Natural History and half off tickets to the annual Holiday Lights display. A holiday special offered through January allows purchase of one family membership at regular price and a second family membership for $25.

Insect Lore’s Bugseum, 132 S. Beech St. in Shafter, 746-6047; insectlore.com. Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays. Open 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 24; closed Dec. 25. Admission is free.

Last November, Insect Lore, the “bugs by mail” company, opened a 2,500-square-foot Bugseum, a gift shop with educational exhibits featuring live butterflies, toads, ladybugs, scorpions and tarantulas.

Along with hands-on interactive bugdiscoveries at the free admission facility, children can bring the adventure home with any number of great gifts. From larvae and insect habitats to toys, DVDs and books, you’re sure to come away with something surprising to put under the tree.

CASEY CHRISTIE / THE CALIFORNIAN

Casey Christie is offering a limited number of signed copies of his “Casey Christie’s Kern County.”

CASEY CHRISTIE / THE CALIFORNIAN

Willow, a mountain lion, is among the newest residents at the California Living Museum.

California Living Museum, 10500 Alfred Harrell Highway, 872-2256; calmzoo.org; hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, (gift shop open 5:30 to 9 p.m. during Holiday Lights) Closed Dec. 24, 25 and 31.

The only local zoo is home to a variety of native California plants, fossils, artifacts and animals, including recent additions Willow and Sage, young mountain lions in the new exhibit that opens Jan. 14. Along with the animals, the museum offers a well-stocked gift shop. For gifts, zoo director Lana Fain recommends

Photography “Casey Christie’s Kern County” is a limited-edition 40-page collection of full-color landscape and wildlife shots from the longtime Californian photographer. Christie’s photos capture Kern’s diverse beauty and will inspire you to get outdoors to do your own exploring. A limited number of signed $30 softbound copies will be available a few days before Christmas at The Californian’s downtown office, 1707 Eye St. Pre-orders are strongly encouraged to reserve signed copies. A $40 hardcover edition can be ordered online, but delivery before Christmas is not guaranteed. For more information or to order direct, visit books.bakersfield.com.

Please see PAGE 29

29

Thursday, December 16, 2010 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street Arts Council membership means enjoying events like Theatre on the Kern.

Art from “Reflections” Exhibit at the Younger Gallery.

GIVE ART

HENRY A. BARRIOS / THE CALIFORNIAN

People gather under a tree at Beach Park near the end of the day as the sun sets. This photo, by Henry A. Barrios, is among those offered for purchase.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 28

Photos by The Californian staff — Ever look through the morning paper while eating your Cheerios and glimpse a photo that stops your spoon mid-air? A Casey Christie nature shot? An artsy angle from Felix Adamo? A human moment by Henry Barrios? Those photos can be yours. Any photo shot by The Californian’s photo staff that appears in the paper can be purchased by calling 395-7308. An 8-by-10 color, matte print with a white border is $30 (each additional copy is $10). A 13-by9 print goes for $100.

Main Office: 2000 K Street, Suite 110 / 661.324.9000 Tuesday through Friday 9-5pm

The Younger Gallery: 1430 Truxtun Avenue, Suite 105 Tuesday through Friday 11-2pm or by appt.

CASEY CHRISTIE / THE CALIFORNIAN

FELIX ADAMO / THE CALIFORNIAN

Felix Adamo, an award-winning photojournalist, can tell an entire story about Bakersfield in just one of his many images: a semi at a truck stop; a ballerina during rehearsal; a neon sign you’ve seen a thousand times but that somehow looks different through Adamo’s lens. His limited-edition photographs starts at $300, and go up to $900 for gelatin silver prints (framing is separate). Notecards of his photos are available at the Kern County Board of Trade, San Joaquin Community Hospital gift shop and Dagny’s Coffee Co. www.adamopictures.com or fadamo@pacbell.net.

Food Dewar’s dewarscandy.com; two locations: 1120 Eye St., 322-0933, and 9530 Hageman Road, #K, 587-2056; hours: (downtown) 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily through Dec. 23, open 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 24; and (Riverlakes) 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday to Thursday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Christmas Eve. Dewar’s is a local institution, but it’s not

HERE ARE SOME GREAT GIFT IDEAS YOU CAN FIND ON OUR WEB SITE! ■ Membership to the Arts Council of Kern—online ■ Art from the “Reflections” photography exhibit —The Younger Gallery ■ Donations to ‘Save Music Now’ and ‘Art in the Schools’ programs made in your recipients name—online ■ Concert and theater tickets—link to online ■ Museum memberships—link to online ■ Music CDs

Visit www.kernarts.org!

Dewar’s has been making chews in Bakersfield since 1909.

“Andre’s, 2006” is a photograph by Felix Adamo.

Concert tickets to hear local musicians.

resting on its laurels this holiday season.

Quite the opposite, in fact, as employees staff man booths in front of the stores both downtown and in Riverlakes. Operating from opening until 5 p.m. (closed at 3 on Christmas Eve), shoppers on the go (cash or check only) can choose from an assortment of goodies, including mixed boxes of chews, chocolate assortments, English toffee and new favorite, the kids’ candies box. This half-pound box ($9.99) contains enough chocolate-covered treats to keep any youngster wired, from pretzels and chews to gummi bears and marshmallows. M&Ms, caramels and chocolate-free gummi bears round out the box, which owner Heather Dewar said was a preview of what the coming location — slated to open next year — will offer for its party rooms.

Also available inside the stores are sweet stocking stuffers such as Dewarios (chocolate-covered Oreos), Nutty Buddies (Nutter Butters enrobed in chocolate) and marshmallow pops (covered in chocolate and rolled in your choice of sprinkles, nuts or coconut). The chocolate-covered s’more is another can’t-miss treat as well as 12 oz. boxes ($11.49) of the anniversary chews, which include top sellers pistachio, chocolates and peanut butter (featured at Taft’s Oildorado event) and spumoni (created for Luigi’s 100th). For those on Heather Dewar’s list, she said she’s given out a mix of all chews that contains a “cheat sheet” explaining which chew is which.

Please see PAGE 30

30

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, December 16, 2010

PAID ADVERTISEMENT

Downtown Boutique Gives Back!

Twin sisters…Amy and Kelli Davis not only have a love for fashion, but they love their furry friends as well! Downtown business owners of Fashionista, a boutique located in the historic Fox Theatre, have decided to donate a portion of December’s Sales to the ongoing needs of stray and abused animals. “Our dogs Buddy, Maggie, and Ali are all rescue dogs and I cannot imagine living without them in our families lives” said Amy. “We urge animals owners to spay and neuter to help limit the number of stray animals that unfortunately make the streets

Eye Street CONTINUED FROM PAGE 29

their home”. Fashionista has been located in the Fox Theatre store front for the past three years. The boutique owners are proud to be a part of the surviving downtown business community. Everyone knows that downtown is the heartbeat

an uptick in sales of prepackaged gifts and small bags. Among the favorites are the nut clusters, paws (known as turtles elsewhere) and gourmet chocolates from Chocolatique. The Southern Californiabased company released holiday flavors such as holiday eggnog, festive fruitcake, perfectly pumpkin pie and marshmallow candy cane crunch (in the shape of a snowman). Prepackaged boxes range from $10 to $32 (for four to 15 chocolates).

If you’re looking to go local, pick up some peppermint bark ($3.50 for a quarterpound box) from Sweet Sherree’s Sweets.

(Created by Sherree Paggi, the line, available at other locations around town and online — sweetsherree.com — also includes almond toffee and spiced pecans.) For stocking stuffers, Baker also recommended Nerds rope, Pez dispensers, Candy Cane Pop Rocks and a Snow Avalanche crackling cotton candy.

PHOTO COURTESY OF OLCOTTS

Made in Delano, Aunt Mae’s Sweet Tooth toffee is available at Olcotts.

of every city, but with the bad economy downtown has slowed a bit. When asked how they are able to donate to this cause in this challenging economy Amy replied “Business is very steady because of the great customer base that we have and although we have felt the impact of the down economy, we were able to streamline operations and maintain our margins. We really are thankful for the support of our customers, family and friends & wish you all a very Merry Christmas. The non profit behind this cause really needs your “help”. Anyone wishing to support such a cause can visit Fashionista Boutique at 2007 H Street, Bakersfield and make a purchase or contact: Unity Thrift and outreach…we encourage members of our communities to join us in the prevention of cruelty to animals. www.unitythrift.org Phone 661.765.5165 or 661.330.5040

Olcotts, 9000 Ming Ave., 664-2644, olcotts.com From the minute you walk into Olcotts, the locally owned home store at The Marketplace, you smell that coffee brewing and immediately crave ... toffee. Well, you’re in luck, because Olcotts carries Aunt Mae’s Sweet Tooth toffee ($17.50 for 10 ounces), made a hop, skip and jump up the 99 in Delano.

But that’s just for starters: The familyowned retailer also carries a kitchen shelf full of cookbooks. There’s “From the Sheep Camp to the Kitchen” by Kern County Wool Grower Auxiliary (the Bo Peeps) for $19.95; “Desserts First” by former Kern teacher Patty Blystone, $25.95; “Chuck’s On” by the Kern County Cattlewomen, $24.95; “Tabola Italiana” by Italian Heritage Dante Association, $24.95; and “Guild House Cookbook,” $29.95.

And whether you buy an entire setting of china or a single Christmas decoration (eight trees are loaded with sparkly ornaments), the shop offers its signature gift wrap, free of charge.

CASEY CHRISTIE / THE CALIFORNIAN

These are some of the fine desserts being offered by Moo Creamery.

Moo Creamery 4885 Truxtun Ave., #B, 861-1130, moocreamery.com; hours: 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Monday to Thursday, 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday.

Moo has many sweet treats to tempt you that would be sure to make great gifts. We hear they make a mean gift basket, but you can keep it short and sweet with a few butterscotch drops and a selection of toppings, like candied bacon and pecans, for

EASYTAMALE.COM

This dish was created using the Easy Tamale System.

PHOTO COURTESY OF LIL B’S SWEET TOOTH

Lil B’s, which tempts sweets lovers young and old with chocolates, nostalgic favorites and sour treats.

Lil B’s Sweet Tooth 9000 Ming Ave #H4, 665-8500; hours: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Thursday; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday If you’re out at The Marketplace with a little one in tow, you’ll have a hard time passing up a stop at Lil B’s, which tempts sweets lovers young and old with chocolates, nostalgic favorites and sour treats.

Co-manager Jon Baker said that he’s seen

your holiday sundaes.

Easy Tamale System, $39.95, plus shipping and handling; available online at easytamale.com Inventor Jay Reyna, who hails from Bakersfield, has made the tradition of tamalemaking accessible to everyone with his new three-piece system. No longer will you be placed on a lengthy order list or take guesses on how much ingredients to use. Just buy some corn husks and premade tamale masa, found at most markets, and follow the easy instructions. You can add any filling you like, from meats to vegetables, or even sweets. Soon, you’ll be taking orders for friends and family.

Please see PAGE 31

31

Thursday, December 16, 2010 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street

AND NO COMPROMISE “Tony’s Pizza really piles it on!” -Pete Tittl 2 LOCATIONS TO SERVE NEW

4750 COFFEE ROAD • 588-4700 4130 CALIFORNIA AVE • 325-4717

Holiday Specials PHOTO COURTESY OF BRIAN SIVESIND

Jonathan Jones, Joseph Cannon and Natalie Youngs appear in the Spotlight Theatre’s production of “Children of Eden.”

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 30

Theater/movies Spotlight Theatre, 1622 19th St., 634-0692; thespotlighttheatre.com With most theater seasons under way, it may be tough to get a ticket package. Spotlight has you covered with its Flex Pass ($100 or $88 for seniors/students, which offers admission to any five shows during the season). “Children of Eden” wraps this weekend, but shows to look forward to include musicals “Crazy for You,” “The Producers” and “Dreamgirls” along with the Shakespearean classic “Hamlet.” To get the pass, call 624-0692, visit the website or the theater’s box office.

Stars Theatre Restaurant, 1931 Chester Ave., 325-6100; bmtstars.com Stars hosts a variety of shows throughout the year, along with dinner. “Janie Kennedy’s A Merry Christmas at Stars” runs through Dec. 23 ($50 to $55 for adults, dinner and show; $30 for students with dinner or show-only for adults) and the season ends in January with “Cabaret.”

It will be too late for Christmas, but if you’re celebrating in late winter, pick up tickets (ranging from $100 to $400) for the 2011 season, which begins in March. Call 325-6100 for tickets.

Gaslight Melodrama, 12748 Jomani Drive, 587-3377; themelodrama.com With a variety of unique, rollicking shows and vaudeville revues, a season pass from this theater would make a nice family gift. The new season kicks off Jan. 21 with “Shootout at Sadie’s Saloon” and includes six shows. Passes range from $53 for children 12 and under to $104 for general admission.

FLICS, at the Fox Theater, 2001 H St., 428-0354; flics.org.

The 29th season of the popular local film series is already under way, but you can still give the gift of a half-sea-

son to the discerning moviegoer on your list, albeit slightly after the holidays. Half-season tickets go on sale Jan. 15 and include eight films, starting with “Exit Through the Gift Shop” on Jan. 22. For those who want a whole season, the next passes ($50) will go on sale in September.

Movie theaters Maya Cinemas, 1000 California Ave., 636-0484 Edwards Bakersfield Stadium 14, 9000 Ming Ave. Suite G, 663-3042 Reading Cinemas, 2000 Wible Road, 833-2230 As Oscar season approaches, we’re sure to get some contenders showing in town, so movie passes may be just the ticket.

Maya Cinemas has gift-giving in mind with its holiday basket ($20), which contains two large drinks, two small popcorns, one large and two medium boxes of candy and a mini poster set all in a decorative popcorn tub. If you want the movie-theater butter to be the real deal, though, you’ve still got to buy tickets. Maya sweetens the deal with a holiday gift card special — through Dec. 31 — that lands you two movie passes (good for anything other than 3-D) for every $100 you spend.

Edwards offers gift cards in increments of $5, ranging from $10 to $100. There’s no value limit at Reading Cinemas with cards starting at $10, which is good news as you can use the cards at the concession stand as well as the box office (jumbo popcorn, anyone?).

Professional sports Bakersfield Blaze, at Sam Lynn Ballpark, 4009 Chester Ave., 716-4487 The chilly weather may have you dreaming of the days when you can sit out and watch a baseball game, so start planning for April, when the Blaze season begins. Tickets are available now and can be bought in a

Friday package (12 games for $75 to $97), weekend package (32 games for $168 to $216) or a full season (70 games for $343 to $441).

Exam and X-rays $$

55 55

• We accept most insurance plans.

Free whitening or free child exam with paid adult exam, x-rays and cleaning.

• We offer many payment options including 0% interest monthly payments to qualified persons.

Offers can not be combined and they are good for the first 25 people or expires Jan 31st.

• We have flexible hours including evenings and weekends by appointment.

JOHN HARTE / SPECIAL TO THE CALIFORNIAN

Bakersfield Condor Mika Suoraniemi splits between Utah’s Matt Clarke (15) and Chris Donovan in a recent game.

Invisalign Special: $$

1000 1 0 0 0 off of f

1/31/11

for the first 20 patients

2000 20TH ST. BAKERSFIELD, CA 93301 661.323.7337 • WWW.JAREDSIMPSONDDS.COM

Bakersfield Condors, store at 1022 Truxtun Ave., 324-6388; bakersfieldcondors.com Although the season ends in March, you can get in on the hockey action with the Flex Plan ($90 to $150), which includes 10 tickets for 10 games or 10 for one game. The next season starts in October, with season tickets ranging from $295 to $959. Smaller packages include the Weekender Plan ($239 to $639), 17game plan ($120 to $316) among other plans; Holiday All-Star 4-pack ($31 to $64) includes All-Star Classic and three games of your choice. If they’ve already got tickets, pick up a jersey at the store.

Bakersfield Jam, 1400 Norris Road, 615-6550 for tickets, nba.com/dleague/bakersfield Team merchandise is available on the website. If you want tickets, you have to buy in as a “partner,” which is pretty much for high rollers — who probably don’t need us to tell them how to get tickets.

Compiled and written by Californian staffers Jennifer Self, Stefani Dias, Matt Munoz, Hillary Haenes, Estella Aguilar and Marisol Sorto

1/31/11

*

*Certain collectibles are excluded.

32

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, December 16, 2010

Eye Street GO & DO Today A Holiday Escape, treat yourself to complimentary services, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. today and Friday, Essentiels Spa Et Beauté, 9000 Ming Ave., Suite K7. 654-0321.

Moscow’s “Great Russian Nutcracker” Ballet, doors open at 7 p.m., show at 8 p.m., Bakersfield Fox Theater, 2001 H St. $27.50 to $67.50 plus fee.

Discounts for seniors 60+ and AAA members. vallitix.com or 322-5200.

HolidayLights @ CALM, see more than 2 million lights, colorful displays, giant carousel, Candy Cane Express for rides around the zoo and more, open daily 5:30 to 9 p.m. through Dec. 30, except Dec. 24-25, CALM, 10500 Alfred Harrell Highway. $12; $10 seniors and children ages 3-17; $6 ages 312. $2 off admission Mondays through Thursdays through Dec. 16. vallitix.com or 322-5200, 8722256.

Winter Playground, ice skating, train rides, arts and crafts room, snow play area, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., 5:30 to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, noon to 3 p.m. Sunday, Bakersfield Ice Sports Center, 1325 Q St. $10. 852-7400.

“Christmas Around the World” Holiday Event, with nutcrackers, collectibles, antique Bibles, Nativity displays and more, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday, now until Dec. 30, Timeless Design Center, 1918 Chester Ave. $20 family of four; $8 individual; $5 children; children under 8 are free. 326-0222 or christmasworldevent.com.

Friday Goldenaires Christmas Concert, 7 p.m., Bethany Lutheran Church, 900 Day Ave. Free; refreshments following concert. 397-7562.

No Limit Hold ‘Em Satellite, host world series of poker finalist Humberto Brenes: appetizers, cocktails, Daisy Sanchez performs with Mariachis begins at 5 p.m.

Friday; brunch at noon, $175 buyin main event at 2:15 p.m.

Saturday; $35 buy-in Deepstacks tournament at 2:15 p.m. Sunday, Golden West Casino, 1001 S. Union Ave. 324-6936.

Saturday La Grange, tribute to ZZ Top, doors open at 5 p.m., show at 6 p.m., Bakersfield Fox Theater, 2001 H St. $5 advance; $10 day of.

Tickets can be purchased at Caffeine Supreme. 324-1369.

Sixth annual Operation Soulwinner Christmas Joy Ride & Toy Run, with drawings and prizes, prizes, live music, car show, registration begins at 8 a.m., ride begins at 10:30 a.m., Sonic DriveIn, 1227 Olive Drive. Parade entry is $20 or equal value of toys; $10 additional rider. Participants receive parade entrance and one free meal ticket. 348-1002 or 3305059.

The Covenant Messenger & The Moore Family in Concert, donate a toy to be given to various local organizations, 6 p.m, Bakersfield High School, in Harvey Auditorium, 1241 G St. 889-0357.

Second annual Neighborhood Christmas visit with Santa, free pictures with Santa, bring your own camera or pictures will be email, 6:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, 221 W. Belle Ave., Oildale.

CSUB Men’s Basketball, vs. Cal State Northridge, 7 p.m., Rabobank Arena, 1001 Truxtun Ave. $5-$25. gorunners.com or 654-BLUE. Holiday Open House, see new displays and exhibits, hanger with airplanes and vehicles, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Minter Field, 401 Vultee Ave., Shafter. minterfieldairmuseum.com.

Kern County European Travel Club, meeting 10 a.m., for trip to Spain on Sept. 26, 2011, call Jim Engel at 399-6507.

KV Bike Park BMX Race, national bicycle league, sign-up begins at 1 p.m., race at 2 p.m., KV Bike Park, Kernville. $10 to race. kvbikepark.com or 760-223-6165.

Mayor’s Freeway Cleanup, meets prior to 9 a.m., Park & Ride lot on Stockdale Highway, west of Oak Street. Group will travel by bus/van to various cleanup locations. 326-3770.

Sunday Merry-achi Posada Holiday Concert, hosted by the Kern County Youth Mariachi Foundation: Mariachi Juvenile de Aztlan, Mariachi San Marcos, Mariachi Tapatio, Ballet Folkorico Huaztecalli, 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Eligon Hall, 307 E. 21st St. $20 adults; $10 children 12 and under.

319-2763 or 231-5623.

Bakersfield Auto Swap Meet, with automotive parts and accessories, gates open at 7 a.m.

Sunday, Kern County Fairgrounds, Carnival Lot, 1142 S. P St. Free. bakersfieldswapmeet.com or 8089891.

THEATER “Children of Eden,” 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday, Spotlight Theatre, 1622 19th St. $25; $22, students/seniors. 6340692 or thespotlighttheatre.com.

“Hurry Up, Santa!,” 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday, The Empty Space, 706 Oak St. 327PLAY. “It’s a Wonderful Family Christmas Carol,” followed by the vaudeville revue “Santa of the Opera,” 7 p.m. Friday, 1 and 7 p.m.

Saturday and Sunday; Monday through Wednesday, Gaslight Melodrama Theatre & Music Hall, 12748 Jomani Drive. $21 to $23.

587-3377.

Improv Comedy Show, with Center For Improv Advancement group, 8 to 9:30 p.m. Saturdays; with high school students, 8 p.m.

Sundays, Ice House, 3401 Chester Ave., Suite M. Adults: $5 on Saturdays, $3 on Sundays; children under 12 are $1 every day. 412-

3CIA. 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 Exhibits on Display, “Space, Silence, Spirit: Maynard Dixon’s West/The Hays Collection,” “Marco Casentini: Grand Junction,” and “Uniquely Yours: Modern Architects in Bakersfield,” now until March 6, Bakersfield Museum of Art, 1930 R St. bmoa.org or 3237219.

Nancy Merrick, featured artist for December and January, Bakersfield Mazda, 3201 Cattle Drive. 328-8000.

2010 Icon Exhibit, showing artwork by artist Joyce Tanner, 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Mercy Art & Spirituality Center, 2215 Truxtun Ave. Art on Display, by Elaine Collins, Norma Neil, Mary Lou Slinkard, Charlotte White and Norma Eaton, now through December, Guild House, 1905 18th St. 325-5478.

Aliza McCracken, featured artist through January, Bakersfield Center for Spiritual Living and The Martha Chapman Bookstore, 222 Eureka St., bookstore open: 10 a.m, to 2 p.m. Monday to Thursday, 323-3109, alizamccracken.com.

All Media Class, by instructor Phyllis Oliver, all media welcome, with color theory stressed. For more information or to register, email pegolivert@ix.netcom.com or call 348-4717.

Art classes, beginning watercolor, beginning drawing, advanced drawing and watercolor painters’ group, taught by Carol Bradshaw.

Call or e-mail for details and enrollment. bradshawartist@earthlink.net or 760-376-6604.

Art for Healing program, of Mercy Hospitals of Bakersfield has many classes that may help alleviate stress. All classes are free but some suggest a donation and are held at Mercy Hospital, Truxtun Campus, Truxtun and A St. Visit mercybakersfield.org/art or to register, 324-7070.

Basic Beading & Wire Wrapping Workshop, with Susi Klassen, private instruction or by appointment, The Bead Hut, 610 18th St. To schedule an appointment, call 324-0975 or 706-6490.

Beginning Oil Painting, with instructor Glen Jelletich, classes held 1 to 3 p.m. Mondays. Call 3993707 for more information or to register.

Beginning, Intermediate and Advanced Drawing, by instructor Nina Landgraff, series of five twohour classes. Call for more information or to register. 3047002.

Framing Clinic, with Toni Lott, for artists who want to frame their work, began April 7, running noon

to 4 p.m. Wednesdays. Call 2053488 for more information or to register.

Native American Arts Association, meets to learn basketry, beadwork and more, 9 a.m. to noon each Thursday, The Stockdale Moose Lodge, 905 Stine Road. 852-5050.

Oil Painting Class with Monica Nelson, 6 to 8 p.m. Thursdays, now through December, Juliana’s Art Studio & Gallery, 501 18th St. Space limited, enroll now, 3277507.

Preschool Hour, with music, stories, art with Jeannie Truitt, 10 to 11 a.m. Thursday, Bakersfield Art Association Art Center, 1817 Eye St. 869-2320.

The Art Center, 1817 Eye St., 8692320; offers a variety of painting and drawing classes. Call for details.

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.

Free art classes, for home-school parents, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Saturdays. Call to reserve your spot. Moore’s Art Studio, 10205 Hurlingham Drive. 588-7769.

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

Classic Rock Bellvedere Cocktail Lounge, 3090 Brundage Lane, 325-2139; The Resistors, 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Iron Horse Saloon, 1821 S. Chester Ave., 831-1315; The Press, 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Pyrenees Cafe, 601 Sumner, 3230053; The Usual Suspects, 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday.

Country Trouts & the Blackboard Stages, 805 N. Chester Ave., 399-6700, offers karaoke, line dancing, West Coast Swing among other various activities. Call for times and days.

Ethel’s Old Corral, 4310 Alfred Harrell Highway, 873-7613; Night Life, 7 to 11 p.m. Friday; Valley Fever, 3 to 7 p.m. Sunday.

Tejon Club, 117 El Tejon Ave., 3921747; Crossroads, 6 to 10 p.m.

Sunday.

Cover Sandrini’s, 1918 Eye St., 3228900; The People’s Band, 9 p.m.

Thursday.

Dancing Joaquin Squares, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Thursday, Rasmussen Center, 115 E. Roberts Lane. $5. 324-1390, 325-3086 or 399-3658.

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.

Pairs and Spares Dance, 7:30 p.m. each Friday, Rasmussen Senior Center, 115 E. Roberts Lane. $5; $7 nonmembers. 399-3575 or 332-1537.

Rasmussen Senior Center, 115 E. Roberts Lane, 392-2030; Jerry D. Hobbs band, 7:30 to 10 p.m. Friday. $7.

Country Dance, with music provided Jerri Arnold & Stars & Guitars, jam session, all artists welcome, 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Le Corusse Rouge, 4647 White Lane.

Dance classes, beginning West Coast swing, intermediate/ advanced West Coast swing with instructor Mimi Johanson, at 8214 Mossrock Drive. Call 927-7001 for details.

Whirlaways Square Dance Club, with caller Rick Hampton, 7 to 9:30 p.m. every Monday, Veteran’s Hall, 400 W. Norris Road. whirlaways.org or 398-3394.

Dance Drill Classes, beginning belly dancing, 8 p.m. every Tuesday; advanced belly dancing, 7 to 9 p.m. every Thursday, Centre Stage Studio, 1710 Chester Ave. $5 drop-in fee for beginning belly dancing; $15 for advanced belly dancing. Bring knee pads and yoga mat to advanced class. 323-5215.

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

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

Rockstarz Party Bar, 7737 Meany Ave., Suite B5, 589-6749; Ladies night with live DJ Sparkle, 9 p.m.

Thursdays.

Le Corusse Rouge, 4647 White Lane, 834-1611; with DJ Chill in the Mixx, 5 p.m. every Friday until 2 a.m. Saturday. Sandrini’s, 1918 Eye St., 322-8900; Wax On with DJ Mustache, 9:30 p.m. Friday.

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

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

Imbibe Wine & Spirits Merchant, 4140 Truxtun Ave., 633-WINE; piano and wine bar featuring Jason Badgley, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Friday.

Wine & Cheese Cellar, 695 Tucker Road, Suite C, Tehachapi, 822-6300; Richie Perez, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday.

Imbibe Wine & Spirits Merchant, 4140 Truxtun Ave., 633-WINE; featuring Jazz Connection with Mark Meyer and Steve Eisen, 5 to 7:30 p.m.

Tuesday.

33

Thursday, December 16, 2010 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street Padre Hotel, Prospect Room, 1702 18th St., 427-4900; Jazz & Martinis featuring The Mike Montano Jazz Trio, 7 p.m. Tuesday.

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

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

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 Pizza, 4200 New Stine Road, 397-5000; 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Thursday.

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

Thursdays.

Pour House, 4041 Fruitvale Ave., 5899300; 9 p.m. Thursday through Saturday.

Que Pasa Mexican Cafe, 9000 Ming Ave., 664-1400; 9:30 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Thursdays.

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

Thursdays.

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

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

Tomi’s Cowgirl Cafe, 1440 Weedpatch Highway, 633-1949; Karaoke King Show, all ages, 7 to 10 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays.

Banacek’s Lounge, 4601 State Road, 387-9224; 9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.

Casa Lopez, 8001 Panama Road, Lamont, 845-1000; 7:30 to 10:30 p.m.

Friday (country) and Saturday (Spanish).

Dee & Jay’s Bar, 908 Brundage Lane, 325-5615; 8 p.m. to midnight every Friday.

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

Maria Bonita Mexican Restaurant, 10701 Highway 178, 366-3261, 7 to 11 p.m. Fridays. All ages.

The Prime Cut, 9500 Brimhall Road, 831-1413; hosted by Ed Loverr, 9 p.m. to midnight Friday.

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.

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

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

Camino Real Restaurant, 3500 Truxtun Ave., 852-0493; 9:30 p.m.

Sundays.

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

Vinny’s Bar & Grill, 2700 S. Union Ave., 4 p.m. Sunday. 21 and over. myspace.com/vinnysbarandgrill.

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

Mondays through Wednesdays.

Schweitzer’s Pit Stop, 10807 Rosedale Highway, 587-8888; 8 p.m.

Mondays and Thursdays.

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

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

Buck Owens Crystal Palace, 2800 Buck Owens Blvd., 328-7560; 7:30 to 10 p.m. Tuesdays.

Cataldo’s Pizzeria, 6111 Niles St., 3637200; 6:15 to 10:15 p.m. Tuesdays.

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

Le Corusse Rouge, 4647 White Lane, 834-1611; Wild West Entertainment, 8 p.m. to midnight Tuesdays.

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

Magoo’s Pizza, 1129 Olive Drive, 3997800; 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Tuesday.

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

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

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

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.

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

Tuesday.

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

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

Mondays through Wednesdays.

Latin/Salsa Latin Salsa Dancing, 8 p.m.

Thursdays, DoubleTree Hotel, Club Odyssey, 3100 Camino Del Rio Court.

323-7111.

Camino Real Restaurant, 3500 Truxtun Ave., 852-0493; Son Tropical, 7 to 10 p.m. Fridays.

Elevation Lounge, 818 Real Road, 325-6864; Latin Breeze, 9 p.m. Friday.

Tam O’Shanter, 2345 Alta Vista, 3246774: Salsa dancing, 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.

Mariachi Camino Real Restaurant, 3500 Truxtun Ave., 852-0493; Mariachi Imperial, 6 to 9 p.m. Sundays.

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.

Tam O’Shanter, 2345 Alta Vista, 3246774; DJ Adam Gee, 8:30 p.m. Friday; The Los Moonlighterz, 8:30 p.m.

Saturday.

The Bistro After Dark, 5105

California Ave., 323-3905; Old School Saturdays with Noe G, 10 p.m. every Saturday. Ladies free/$10 cover.

Open Mic Fishlips, 1517 18th St., 324-2557; Bakotopia Unplugged Open-Mic Night, 8 p.m., sign-up sheet begins at 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays.

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

Sandrini’s, 1918 Eye St., 322-8900; As the Crow Flies, 10:30 p.m. Thursday; Motel Drive, The Councilmen, 9:30 p.m. Saturday.

Elevation Lounge, 818 Real Road, 325-6864; Elevation 406, 9 p.m. Friday.

Vinny’s Bar & Grill, 2700 S. Union Ave., Lucky Stiff, Driving Spirit, Dead Ashling, 9 p.m. Friday; My Dirty X, Mother Puncher, Birth at Night, 9 p.m.

Saturday. $5 per night; 21 and over. myspace.com/vinnysbarandgrill.

B. Ryder’s Sports Bar & Grill, 7401 White Lane, 397-7304; Tribal Alliance, 9 p.m. Saturday; Hello Friday and False Alarm, 7 p.m. Wednesday.

The Prime Cut, 9500 Brimhall Road, 831-1413; Love Society Rejects, 9:30 p.m. Saturday. $5.

Ska/reggae B. Ryder’s Sports Bar & Grill, 7401 White Lane, 397-7304; “Feliz Skavidad” with Mento Buru with DJ Mikey, 9 p.m.

Friday.

Songwriters The Prime Cut, 9500 Brimhall Road, 831-1413; Chuck Seaton and Billy Russell’s Songwriter’s Showcase, 7 p.m. Wednesdays.

Top 40 Elevation Lounge, 818 Real Road, 325-6864; DJ Adam E, 9 p.m. Thursday and Saturday.

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

Padre Hotel, Prospect Room, 1702 18th St., 427-4900; Jager Bash featuring DJ Neko, 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Trivia night Bellvedere Cocktail Lounge, 3090 Brundage Lane, 325-2139; 7 p.m.

Tuesdays.

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

Tuesdays.

Variety Marriott Hotel at the Convention Center, 801 Truxtun Ave., 323-1900: In the Mixx with DJ Noe G., Fridays. 21 & over only.

Golden State Mall, 3201 F St., Dance to Joe Loco, 2 to 5 p.m. Sundays.

The Old River Monte Carlo, 9750 Taft Highway, 837-0250; Noah Claunch, 8:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

On Sale Now! • January 11 7:30 pm • Rabobank Theater Tickets available at the Rabobank Theater box office, all

outlets, ticketmaster.com or

Call 800-745-3000

Discounted tickets for Subscribers & Groups 20+ Call 661-852-7309

UPCOMING EVENTS Wednesday 12/22 Book signing, with author Brian “Head” Welch of “Stronger,” 6:30 p.m., Russo’s, 9000 Ming Ave. 665-4686.

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a presentation