Eye Street Entertainment / 12-22-11

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The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, December 22, 2011

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

Putting the ‘happy’ in happy New Year No reason to stay in as 2011 winds down

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

N

ew Year’s Eve revelers can rejoice in the calendar, which drops the big night on a Saturday, giving you two days to recover before slogging into 2012. With such a bounty of time, how best to spend one of the most popular evenings of the year? We have your local options, from family-friendly to full-on fiesta.

T-Bones Steakhouse If you want to grab a bite to eat and then dance off those calories, head out to the southwest steakhouse. Lost Vinyl — along with guests Deedra Patrick, Sam Luna and Leslie King — will rock the classics starting at 7:30 p.m., with sets from local comedian Joey V. Relatively new, having played its first gig in March, Lost Vinyl is a cover band whose goal is “to keep you dancing and keep you guessing what we’re gonna play next,” according to lead singer Becky Aguilar.

“The genesis of Lost Vinyl was based on and driven by our love of music, the passion that each one of us has individually has brought us together.”

Those sharing the love of music include drummer extraordinaire Randy Sears, who has performed as Tina Turner’s tour drummer; guitarist Howard Quilling, aka Q, whom Aguilar describes as a “long-haired bilingual rock ‘n’ roller who can deliver ‘Cumbia Del Sol’ and ‘Purple Haze’ in the same set”; and bassist Jay Jay Hicks, the band’s newest member.

The band regularly plays Senor Pepe’s on Thursdays, and Aguilar said she’s looking to book performances at spots Lost Vinyl has played — Padre Hotel, Que Pasa, B Ryder’s and Elevation Lounge — as well as other venues.

For the holiday crowd, the band will crank out well-loved tunes like “I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll,” “Lady Marmalade,” “Evil Ways” and “Shake Your Body (Down to the Ground).”

Before shaking your thing on the dance floor, shake a fork for T-Bones’ special of steak and lobster for $35. If you’re drinking your dinner, it’s $10

THE CALIFORNIAN

Buddy Alan Owens and the Buckaroos will perform on New Year’s Eve at Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace.

cover, including party favors and a champagne toast.

Rollerama/Rollerama West While adults rock out at T-Bones and other hot spots around town, kids will skate into 2012 at Rollerama and Rollerama West.

The rinks, owned by brothers Kevin and Kraig Kerwin, host slightly different events that still primarily draw the same crowd: families.

Rollerama has hosted an annual all-night New Year’s Eve skate party since the Kerwins’ parents, Buzz and Doreen, bought the 34th Street rink in 1961.

“It’s probably one of the biggest events of the year,” said Kevin Kerwin.

“We do other all-night skates during the year — Labor Day, Presidents Day — when kids are out of school.”

This event is for the kids, but parents are invited to stay and skate or just hang out for the party that kicks

CASEY CHRISTIE / THE CALIFORNIAN

T-Bones Steakhouse cocktail waitress Katie Schwingl serves an order in the lounge area.

off at 7:30 p.m. Saturday and runs until 7 a.m. Sunday.

While parents are welcome, they don’t often stick around. Kerwin said Please see 26

Index Music venues ............................................ 17 Movie reviews...................................... 18-19 Arts Alive.................................................. 20 Jewelry show ............................................ 21 The Lowdown with Matt Munoz.............. 22 Ashley Fischer .......................................... 23 Kwanzaa .................................................. 24 Calendar .............................................. 28-29

NEW YEAR’S EVE EVENTS B Ryder’s: with Mento Buru and Velorio, appetizers, party favors, toast at midnight, 8 p.m., 7401 White Lane. $15. Reservations, 397-7304.

Bellvedere Cocktail Lounge: New Year’s Eve Double Header, two parties: 10 a.m., food, party favors, champagne, early bird countdown at 2 p.m.; and second party, music by Catch 22, party favors, free champagne toast at midnight, 9 p.m., 3090 Brundage Lane. 325-2139.

Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace: New Year’s Eve Bash 2011, Buddy Alan Owens, Steve Davis & Stampede, 7 p.m., 2800 Buck Owens Blvd. Dinner tickets $85 to $100; show-only $45 to $55. vallitix.com or 3225200.

Cafe Med: two dinner (full buffet) seatings: (meal only) 4 to 7:30 p.m., $44.95 for adults, $12.95 for children 12 and under; 8 p.m., $54.95, includes champagne toast at midnight, dancing, music by Frank Tremble, Richie Perez, 4809 Stockdale Highway. 8344433.

The Dome: New Year’s Eve Epic Party, with Virtu, DJs, champagne toast at midnight, 7 p.m. Saturday to 2 a.m. Sunday, 2201 V St. $15 advance or $25 VIP. Search for Sugar & STP on Facebook.

DoubleTree Hotel: champagne, party favors, DJ, 8 p.m., 3100 Camino Del Rio Court. $5-$10. 323-7111.

Eagles Hall: menudo dinner at midnight, party favors, champagne, music by Fiesta with Cindy Sosa, DJ, 7 p.m., 1718 17th St. $25; $50 per couple. 3249684.

Elevation Lounge: with DJs Adam E and Miggy Smalls, party favors, champagne toast at midnight, 9 p.m., 818 Real Road. $5. 325-6864.

Ethel’s Old Corral Cafe: music by the TNT, 9 p.m., 4310 Alfred Harrell Highway. Free. RV space available for overnight parking on property. 873-7613.

Kern County Fairgrounds: with New York steak dinner, 6:30 to 8 p.m., dancing, DJ Joe, music, 8 p.m.

Saturday to 1 a.m. Sunday, menudo served at midnight, 1142 S. P St. $45; $85 per couple. 201-6881 or 565-1021. Tickets can be purchased at the door.

Kern River Brewing Company: music by Out of the Blue, champagne toast, 9 p.m. Saturday to 1 a.m.

Sunday, 13415 Sierra Highway, Kernville. Free. 760376-2337.

Narducci's Cafe: dinner seatings at 5:30 and 7 p.m., with Dramarama, Crowbar Massage, DJ Juice, 9 p.m., 622 E. 21 St. $20 music show only; $40 dinner and show. 324-2961.

Nile Theater: party favors, appetizers, champagne toast at midnight, music by DJ Eric Avalon, 8 p.m., 1721 19th St. $20 advance; $25 at the door. 323-8575.

Que Pasa: tequila toast at midnight, DJ Mickey Rock, Kelulu, 9 p.m. to midnight, 2701 Ming Ave. $10. 8325011.

Rollerama: New Year’s Eve Skate Party, for ages 14 and under, 7:30 p.m. Saturday to 7 a.m. Sunday, $25, skate rental and snack included, 1004 34th St. 3277589.

Rollerama West: New Year’s Eve Skate Party, 7:30 p.m. Saturday to 12:30 a.m. Sunday, 7850 Brimhall Road. $15, skate rental included. 589-7555.

Salon Juarez: party by Sociedad Juarez, music by Cruz Armendariz Los Cinco Del Norte, 8 p.m., 815 E. 18th St. $15; $25 per couple. 832-2613 or 638-0444.

T-Bones Steakhouse: music by Lost Vinyl, party favors, champagne toast at midnight, dinner and drink specials, 7:30 p.m., 8020 District Blvd. $10 for music show only; $35 for dinner and show. 398-1300.

Valentien Restaurant & Wine Bar: 2011 All-Star Menu, two seatings, 5:30 p.m., four-course dinner, $50; and 8:30 p.m., seven-course dinner, $100, 1310 Truxtun Ave., Suite 160. 864-0397.

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Thursday, December 22, 2011 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street

Live music isn’t dead Despite loss of Fishlips, acts still have local venues to play

BY MATT MUNOZ Californian staff writer mmunoz@bakersfield.com

W

ith the closure of Fishlips just as holiday partying was shifting into high gear, it’s been a blue Christmas for musicians and fans deprived of a reliable local venue for live music.

But now that patrons of the downtown club have had a couple of weeks to cry in their beer, we’ve done some legwork to determine if there are any viable heirs to Fishlips, which was renowned for booking a wide variety of talent, both local performers and touring acts.

To gauge the current scene, we reached out to a sampling of venues across Bakersfield and asked for information on their operating policies. What we found were some familiar venues primed for shows, with many already booked into next year.

Every venue stressed the importance of bands having it together before approaching management about booking a show: samples of music, background and other promotional material must be presented before a show is scheduled. Compensation usually consists of either a portion of the door receipts or direct pay from the club (as every musician will tell you, you take the best deal you can get).

Trout’s The Oildale honky-tonk is no stranger to live music, and according to the venue’s president and spokesman Tom Rockwell, they’re hoping new bands will help keep that tradition alive. Known primarily for country music, Trout’s is looking to expand its reach to other genres with local and national touring acts.

“Multiple halls and stages make that happen very easily,” said Rockwell of the legendary nightclub, open since the 1940s.

“We already do this. This weekend was a prime example. Over 40 artists performed at Trout’s. What a treat.”

With one of the most active live schedules, there really is no shortage of entertainment at the spacious nightspot. From the traditional country sounds of Red Simpson to regular jams by the Kern River Blues Society and the many house bands that take the stage each week, the Trout’s sound system rarely gets a break. “(The venue features) at least 16 stage nights each week,” he said via email. “Two stages live seven nights a week, and a third room that is live two nights. Having so many options means that events can be catered to the actual event of a full band, individual artist, or a special private event.

We have the ability and fill the stages every day of the week with live entertainment.”

Rockwell said Trout’s popularity generates many requests from bands to play there, making a persuasive pitch and promotional kit vital.

“Every artist/band has its own package to offer and we work out the details together and accordingly,” Rockwell said. “You

PHOTOS BY ROBERT BEJIL

Trout’s president Thomas Rockwell said his popular country music venue is looking to expand its reach to other genres with local and national touring acts.

are offering a product. Show the venue what you really have, by the best means that you can. Know that Trout’s is contacted by at least 20 traveling bands each week, and many local artists each day.”

Trout’s & The Blackboard Stages: 805 N. Chester Ave.; 399-6700, troutsblackboard.com. Capacity 300; sound and lighting available, along with a small food menu. Hours: 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. every day.

B Ryder’s The southwest Bakersfield bar and grill features an array of acts from rap rockers Kottonmouth Kings to country roots sensation Ryan Bingham, plus some of the bigger draws among local acts. Most of its booking is handled in house by promotions manager Mike Keehl, but it does open its doors to outside promoters. B Ryder’s spacious stage is large enough to accommodate small to large groups and includes a drum riser.

According to club owner Brian Ryder, business has improved steadily over the past year with a recent surge since the closure of Fishlips. The two venues had similar booking patterns and shared much of the same audience.

“I believe it’s just a matter of getting the word out so that the people know who is playing where. We have had a lot of very good touring bands playing in front of some very small crowds.”

Ryder has remodeled to accommodate larger audiences this year but acknowl-

B Ryder’s promoter Mike Keehl and club owner Brian Ryder offer a stage that’s large enough to accommodate small to large groups, and includes a drum riser.

edged that there’s more to be done to reach his most ambitious goals.

“We’re trying to be the premier live music venue in Bakersfield. It is a work in progress, so eventually we will get this place completely dialed in.”

The club has no permanent sound or lighting system, so bands are asked to supply their own. Management is open to negotiating deals on all potential shows.

“We offer a cool, comfortable, safe environment for anyone to come and see a

good show. There’s not a bad seat in the house and we have good food and reasonably priced drinks. Also, a lot of people have told me that we have one of the bestsounding venues in town. We also offer a lot of free shows as well.”

B Ryder’s: 7401 White Lane; 397-7304; a new website is in the works. Capacity: 265; lunch and dinner menu. Hours: Noon to 1 a.m. Monday through Friday; 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Please see 27

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The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, December 22, 2011

Eye Street

Fabulously sinister film Motivation without Medication™

Craig, Mara provide delicious chemistry

PATHWAYS HYPNOSIS Vaughn Barnett

BY RENE RODRIGUEZ

C.Ht., NLP, BA Alpha Chi Honor Society American Hypnosis Assoc.

661.322.0077 PathwaysHypnosis.org

IMMORTALS E 11:30, 2:00, 4:35, 7:15, 9:40 TOWER HEIST C 12:05, 2:35, 5:05, 7:35, 10:10 A VERY HAROLD & KUMAR 3D CHRISTMAS E 12:45, 3:00, 5:15, 7:30, 10:00 IN TIME C 11:45, 2:15, 4:40, 7:20, 9:50 PUSS IN BOOTS B 12:00, 1:15, 2:30, 3:30, 4:45, 5:45, 7:00, 8:00, 9:20 PARANORMAL ACTIVITY 3 E 12:30, 2:50, 5:30, 7:50, 10:05 THE IDES OF MARCH E 11:45, 2:15, 4:40, 7:10, 9:35 REAL STEEL C 1:00, 3:50, 6:50, 9:55 MONEYBALL C 12:15, 4:00, 6:50, 9:45

Showtimes for December 22

McClatchy Newspapers

For much of the first hour of David Fincher’s “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo,” you marvel at the movie’s sumptuous style, cringe at its grave horrors and wonder why exactly Fincher bothered to make it.

The laborious mystery at the center of Stieg Larsson’s blockbuster novel was previously turned into a hit film

by Swedish director Niels Arden Oplev in 2009. Fincher’s version — which isn’t so much a remake as it is a different adaptation of the book — has a grander scale, more elegant images and a distinct, demonic energy. But the new movie initially feels redundant, like an old joke with a tired punch line.

And then comes the first scene in which Daniel Craig and Rooney Mara appear on the screen together — and just like that, all is forgiven. Chemistry is one of the few things left filmmakers can’t fake with CGI, and the dynamic between Craig and Mara in “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” is so spontaneous and sensational, it instantly elevates the movie beyond high-toned pulp into something far more affecting. This film is the first in an intended series based on Larsson’s Millennium trilogy. But the two actors, not necessarily the convoluted plot, leave you wishing the director would hurry up and shoot the next movie.

Mara, previously best known for

‘The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo’ ★★★1⁄2 Cast: Daniel Craig, Rooney Mara, Christopher Plummer, Stellan Skaarsgard, Robin Wright, Steven Berkoff, Joely Richardson.

Running time: 152 minutes Rated: R

playing the girl who dumped Mark Zuckerberg in the first scene of “The Social Network,” doesn’t court sympathy with her portrayal of Lisbeth Salander, the eponymous goth-girl.

With her multiple piercings, a cadaverous pallor and a hermetic demeanor, Lisbeth is the sort of weirdo you would cross the street to avoid. But Mara never leans on the cliches of the brooding loner or even Lisbeth’s bizarre taste in haircuts, to bring her to life. Mara commits to the character fully, conveying the profound emotional turmoil and dysfunction churning inside Lisbeth. She gives you a glimpse into the heart of darkness she inhabits, and you can’t help but be swept along as this troubled young woman succumbs to an unexpected romance. She practically transforms before your eyes.

As Mikael Blomvkist, the reporter hired to investigate an unsolved crime, Craig is the prickly center of the movie, the audience surrogate into a maze of ghastly, ritual murder.

Craig embodies the confident arrogance of a journalist who has stumbled onto a criminal conspiracy, and

he’s good, too, at playing the character’s casually brutal relationship with women. When he takes up with Lisbeth, their carnal — but still tender — affair injects heat into this chilly movie. But will this lifelong womanizer realize the profound effect he’s having on this damaged young woman?

In adapting Larsson’s novel, screenwriter Steven Zaillian has streamlined subplots and supporting players for the sake of clarity, but he doesn’t short-change the central relationship at the heart of the story.

Every aspect of this superbly made film is precise, from the creative score

by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross to the gorgeous widescreen compositions by cinematographer Jeff Cronenweth.

But the impeccable technique doesn’t get in the way of the protagonists’ messy emotions. The movie radiates an ice-cold heat.

With its heavy reliance on photographs, computer screens and old newspaper clippings, “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” is tailor-made for Fincher, who previously turned “Zodiac” into a masterpiece of police procedural and journalistic investigation and elevated the serial-killer thriller into the realm of high art with “Seven.” A famously obsessive filmmaker, Fincher is fascinated by research and detail, and he makes you share his excitement as Mikael and Lisbeth piece together the clues to a seemingly unsolvable crime.

Beyond its brooding surface, “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” is an immensely playful movie.

Action-packed ‘Tintin’ tries too hard

BY BILL GOODYKOONTZ Gannett Chief Film Critic

Busy, busy.

That’s “The Adventures of Tintin” boiled down to its essence. Steven Spielberg’s film, based on the popular comic books created by the Belgian artist Herge, is a marvel to look at, taking full advantage of motion-capture and 3D technology, and a challenge to keep up with. In some ways it recalls Spielberg’s Indiana Jones adventures, though much more manic, if you can imagine such a thing.

Maybe it’s the slightly soulless nature of motion-capture films (though that’s been greatly improved upon since the dead-in-the-eyes days of “The Polar Express”), but while the adventurous aspects are slam-bang, the characters don’t connect in the same way Indy does. Spielberg is such an imaginative storyteller that “Tintin” can’t help but be fun to watch. You just wish he’d slow down and let us catch our breath a little every now and then.

The movie follows Tintin (Jamie

‘The Adventures of Tintin’ ★★1⁄2 Cast: Jamie Bell, Daniel Craig, Andy Serkis Running time: 107 minutes Rated: PG

Bell), a boy reporter living in Brussels with his dog Snowy. Tintin is one of those old-time movie reporters who solves mysteries; you know he’s living in a bygone age because he doesn’t devote his skills and his time to figuring out how to keep newspapers from going under. He’s more into globetrotting adventures, and once he buys a model of a ship called the Unicorn and attracts the attention of some tough customers, he’s off on another.

This involves a 17th century treasure that went down with the real Unicorn, as well as descendants of the two men who fought a feud back in the day that carries over to the film’s present: Captain Haddock (Andy Serkis), the good guy in capital letters

despite a fondness for booze, and Ivanovich Sakharine (Daniel Craig), just as obviously bad. Information hidden in Tintin’s model kicks off a country-hopping adventure as Sakharine looks to find the treasure and Haddock looks for another drink.

The set pieces are incredibly wellcrafted, usually variations on a chase, be it by land, sea or air. There are ambitious fights, including a sort-of over-the-top swordfight conducted by two massive cranes. There is also some sleuthing, and honestly, if this starts to sound any more like Indiana Jones you’re going to wonder whether Tintin sports a fedora and carries a whip.

He doesn’t, and has in fact been around a lot longer than Indy; Herge began drawing him in 1929. A big hit in Europe, the character has never been as popular in the U.S. This is not to say that “Tintin” is not a good movie. It is. It’s just too caught up in trying to prove it — scene by scene, frame by frame — to ever let us slow down enough to realize it until it’s over.

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Thursday, December 22, 2011 The Bakersfield Californian

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Simon Pegg, left, and Tom Cruise appear in “Mission: Impossible — Ghost Protocol.”

Action films don’t get much better than this

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‘Mission: Impossible — Ghost Protocol’ ★★★1⁄2 Cast: Tom Cruise, Jeremy Renner, Paula Patton, Simon Pegg, Michael Nyqvist, Anil Kapoor, Tom Wilkinson.

Running time: 133 minutes Rated: PG-13

Catch reviews of “We Bought a Zoo,” which opens Friday, and “War Horse” and “The Darkest Hour,” debuting Christmas Day.

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not going to lose, you still start worrying that the good guys are going to lose. (The scene recalls a similar moment in Steven Spielberg’s “Minority Report,” in which Cruise squared off against Colin Farrell.

The highest compliment you can pay Bird is that he does it better.)

Cruise is nearing 50, and after the last time he ran around in a crazy shoot-’emup (the execrable “Knight and Day)”, I was certain he would never be convincing as an action hero again. But the actor is much cannier than he gets credit for, and he tones down his trademark cocky preening in “Ghost Protocol,” giving his co-stars room to do their thing.

Simon Pegg is the movie’s comic relief, never better than when he and Cruise sneak into the Kremlin using the single coolest piece of preposterous gadgetry I’ve ever seen in a movie. Paula Patton brings poise and warmth to the requisite spybabe role, and Jeremy Renner (“The Hurt Locker”), playing an IMF data analyst with a secret, adds charm and heft to this mindless entertainment.

“Mission: Impossible — Ghost Protocol” is thoughtful enough to throw in not one but two nice surprises in its final five minutes, none of which involve any CGI whatsoever. This is an expertly-crafted piece of pop entertainment. Bring on “Mission: Impossible V,” please.

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The wait for a good action movie is finally over. “Mission: Impossible — Ghost Protocol” is pure popcorn of the highest, most flavorful order.

Brad Bird (“The Incredibles,” “Ratatouille”) is the first director from the Pixar stable to cross over into live-action films, and he has set a high bar for everyone else to follow.

Unlike the James Bond franchise, where most of the films adopt the same, anonymous style, Tom Cruise’s original concept for the “Mission: Impossible” franchise was to turn it into a showcase for established directors, an opportunity for each filmmaker to leave a signature imprint.

Until now, that had resulted in two strong efforts (from Brian De Palma and J.J. Abrams) and an atrocious one (from John Woo). “Ghost Protocol,” which was written

by Josh Appelbaum and Andre Nemec (former showrunners on “Alias”), has a cookie-cutter plot about terrorists who steal nuclear missile launch codes to try to launch World War III. But the generic story is a fine framework for Bird to orchestrate one gigantic set piece after another.

You may not remember what “Ghost Protocol” was about 10 minutes after you’ve seen it.

But you won’t forget the movie’s astonishing action feats, including Cruise scaling the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, with a gigantic sandstorm rolling in on the horizon. Obviously, the actor wasn’t really dangling by his fingertips 100 stories above the ground. But man, does it look that way in the movie!

Almost 30 minutes of “Ghost Protocol” were shot with 70mm IMAX cameras, and although the giant format isn’t always ideal for action-intensive pictures, Bird takes every conceivable advantage of the extra clarity and oversized frame, as well as the pumped-up sound, to whip up vertiginous excitement. Simple stunts, such as Cruise leaping onto a moving van, seem more dangerous and painful. Elaborate sequences, such as a long fight inside a multi-level car park, are so exciting that even though you know the good guys are

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The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, December 22, 2011

Eye Street Camille Gavin CONTRIBUTING COLUMNIST

Busy LA actor returns to roots From horror villain to Bakersfield improv

GO & DO The Derek Mears Experience

T

rue to the art of improvisation, Derek Mears has no idea what theme or topic he’ll explore for his appearance Friday evening at the CIA. But the Bakersfield native, who starred as hockey-masked, machete-wielding Jason Voorhees in the 2009 film “Friday the 13th,” is ready for the challenge.

“I told Robert (Long) whatever you throw at me, we’ll roll with it,” said Mears, 39, in a phone conversation. “I can’t guarantee what’s going to happen but it’s going to be fun.”

Long, of course, is the owneroperator of the Center for Improv Advancement, better known as CIA. He also teaches theater and film performance at Highland High School, Mears’ alma mater.

In the 1990s, both were active in Comedy Sportz and other local troupes.

As for the upcoming CIA show, Long gave few details but did say it will be suitable for all ages.

“The show should be familyfriendly,” he said in an email.

“The brown bag foul will be in effect, meaning that the audience generally determines when something is offensive.”

Mears, now a full-time actor and stunt man — he appeared recently in “Predators” and “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides” — lives in Santa Clarita but still maintains his hometown ties.

“I got my start in Bakersfield and it’s always fun coming back to see family and friends,” said Mears, adding that he studied theater at Bakersfield College and Cal State Bakersfield.

A muscular 6-feet-5, the bald actor is an imposing figure in any situation, which makes him a popular candidate for roles as monsters, serial killers and other scary characters.

Hours of preparation have gone into the special makeup required to make him seem even more menacing. Mears estimates it took four hours for artists to mask his face for his role as Master at Arms in “Pirates of

When: 8 p.m. Friday Where: Center for Improv Advancement, 3401 Chester Ave. Suite M Admission: $10 Information: 747-2220

Children’s Art Center When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. today and Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday to Dec. 30 Where: Bakersfield Museum of Art, 1930 R St. Admission: $5; $4, seniors; $2, students Information: 323-7219

Christmas Around the World

CASEY CHRISTIE / THE CALIFORNIAN

Local actor Derek Mears talks with students from the drama department at Highland High School, his alma mater, in February 2009.

“Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters,” starring Jeremy Renner and Gemma Arterton, is scheduled for release to theaters on March 2.

Printmaking for kids

PHOTO BY ERIC CHARBONNEAU

Derek Mears holds the Jason mask for a promotion of “Friday the 13th.”

the Caribbean,” and about half that time for “Predators.”

Yet the actor, who works out daily, said his physical presence isn’t the most important thing when it comes to making movies.

“My job is to tell stories and that’s what I always try to do,” he said. “The mask is only part of it.”

Mears said his latest film,

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

As an adjunct to its winter exhibit of Mexico-related prints, the Bakersfield Museum of Art has set aside a separate space where children can experiment with this particular kind of artwork.

And since the art museum will be open today and Friday as well as from Tuesday to Friday of next week, families might want to consider it as a relaxing and inexpensive departure from the usual holiday hubbub.

“It’s a completely simplified version of printmaking,” said Liz Sherwyn, museum education assistant. “Everything they need is right here.”

Sherwyn suggested that children might want to make a print while their parents are viewing the contemporary prints of the De Le Mano exhibit or the historic Estampas de la Revolución Mexicana.

Dubbed the Children’s Art Center, it’s a lab-like space and is located to the left of the reception desk. It can accommodate about five children at a time. Reservations are not necessary.

A do-it-yourself instruction

sheet is provided, as well as scratch paper for creating a design, scissors and dull pencils to carve the design onto a Styrofoam block, and an inkpad with a choice of colors.

Usually about three imprints can be made with one block, and kids can take home their finished prints.

Recycled Christmas cards If it pains you to throw out all the lovely Christmas cards you’ve received, I suggest you take a look at what Sherrie Lewis does with hers.

Lewis, the creative genius behind Christmas Around the World, has on display at least one tree — maybe more — that’s decorated with cards she’s enhanced with beads, sequins and other sparkly things. In addition to cards from recent years, she’s also included some that are antique or have a Victorian flavor, which makes it even more interesting.

One reason I mention the cards is that they’re unique and visitors may overlook them given the several hundred trees and Nativity scenes that make up the majority of the exhibition.

You’ll find the collection of cards in a section to your left as you step off the elevator onto the second floor of the Timeless Furnishings building.

When: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. today and Friday, and Tuesday-Dec. 30 Where: Timeless Furnishings, 1918 Chester Ave. Admission: $8; $7, seniors, $5, children 6 and older; free to children under 6; $20, family of four Information: 747-4316

New digs for Arts Council Last Friday, the Arts Council of Kern moved its offices four blocks south to the Access Centre at Truxtun Avenue and L Street.

The space is being provided by the Kern County Superintendent of Schools office in a building that formerly housed Mission Bank. For the past 10 years or so, the Arts Council occupied space at University Square, 20th and K streets, a building also owned by the KCSOS. Michael Millar, ACK executive director, said the move was made necessary because the KCSOS is consolidating its properties. The present space is roughly equivalent in size to what the council had before.

“One positive aspect is that one set of doors opens right into the Betty Younger Sculpture Garden, which does afford us more possibilities for outdoor events,” he said.

In addition, he said, it’s an advantage for the council to be on one campus, given that the Younger Gallery, which it operates, is situated almost next door in the Bank of America building, Incidentally, the council operates on the same schedule as the schools, so it will be closed from Dec. 26 through Jan. 4.

21

Thursday, December 22, 2011 The Bakersfield Californian

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Jewelry by Diana Campbell-Rice is the focus of an evening event at Metro Galleries.

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ith only three shopping days left, time is of the essence for procrastinators. For shoppers not ready to settle for scarves or potpourri for the ladies on your list, Metro Galleries has a bit of a Christmas miracle today with an evening of jewelry, music and fun.

Well-known in the marketing and PR world and for work as a community activist, Diana Campbell-Rice also counts art among her many passions.

Working in a variety of mediums, the painter ventured into jewelry-making in August.

“It is a funny story. I decided, out of the blue, to make a bracelet for myself for my birthday,” CampbellRice said. “I jumped in, did research on the Internet, read some articles, and, voila ... made that bracelet and everything took off from that.”

Adding necklaces and earrings to her repertoire, Campbell-Rice describes her work as unique.

“My jewelry pieces are definitely eclectic, and each one is an individual piece. I have three jewelry lines: Industrial Bling, very structural, and a combination of vintage beads and modern-contemporary charms in a variety of finishes from brass to pewter; Tiny Crow, stainless steel and heavy silver-plate ball chain necklaces with reproduction typewriter keys and other charms; and Comfort, silver-plate chain with hand-crafted bird nests and pearl bead eggs — charming.”

Prices range from $20 to $80 for this show, which features more than 100 pieces designed for the event.

Campbell-Rice designed each piece

Fri & Sat, 5-10:30

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POTO COURTESY OF DON MARTIN

More than 100 pieces of jewelry by Diana Campbell-Rice will be on display.

with individually chosen chain, charms and beads and includes a Infiniti Crow tag, designating that it came from her studio. Each piece comes in a little black organza bag perfect for gift-giving.

“Each piece is custom and because I have three different jewelry lines, I can offer a variety of price points. I think people appreciate that; I know I do when I am buying gifts.”

Along with the baubles on display at this show, her jewelry is available at Arina Gifts in the Town and Country Village Shopping Center and promoted via Facebook and private parties.

Campbell-Rice’s business, DCRdesign, a division of Rice Agency and Associates, also markets her jewelry as well as greeting cards and prints.

And her designs may find further reach throughout the state in 2012.

“I was recently contacted by a jewelry rep who markets to about 400 stores. She is interested in my jewelry

lines for a number of her clients in Carmel and on the Central California coast. I am currently putting together pieces for her to present to her clients.”

Guests who come to see the jewelry and meet Campbell-Rice will be treated to wine, hors d’oeuvres and music.

Exhibits by Keith Wicks and Bill Lagattuta remain on display, and gallery owner Don Martin said he has small works for sale, ranging from $50 to $400, as well as notecard sets by artist David Gordon for $10.

An Evening of Jewelry with Diana Campbell-Rice When: 4 to 8 p.m. today Where: Metro Galleries, 1604 19th St. Admission: Free Information: 634-9598

JAN 20, 21, 22, 27, 28, 29, FEB 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11 Purchase tickets online, by phone, or at the Theatre Box Office

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22

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, December 22, 2011

Eye Street The Lowdown with Matt Munoz

Doe is rising as X caps great year Legendary LA punks return to Palace

W

ho would have thought weaving through a trash-strewn security frisk line would feel so warmly nostalgic?

It was for me during last Friday’s GV30, a three-day celebration to commemorate 30 years of Goldenvoice promotions at Santa Monica’s Civic Auditorium. On the bill, a trio of acts from the company’s early punk rock years: Social Distortion, The Adolescents, and wedged between the two, my favorite: X. The sold-out show in front of 3,000 adoring, sweaty fans of all ages was just one of the many milestones experienced this year by the original lineup: John Doe, bass; Exene Cervenka, vocals; Billy Zoom, guitar; and D.J. Bonebrake, drums. After opening with “Your Phone’s Off the Hook, But You’re Not,’ off their 1980 debut album, ‘Los Angeles,’ they proceeded to rip through an hour’s worth of hits and deep tracks while beer and dirty shoes flew.

Bakersfield can look forward to that kind of unbridled merriment when the legendary punk act returns to Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace on Wednesday, sans the mosh pit chaos, which will be prohibited.

“I think I’m a little exhausted. I haven’t been home in two months,” said Doe during a phone interview a few days before the band’s Santa Monica appearance. “We are so fortunate.

It sounds like a lame acceptance speech, but everybody’s healthy and still likes each other a lot, and, you know, it’s been a

X When: 7 p.m. Dec. 28 Where: Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace, 2800 Buck Owens Blvd.

Cost: $18 to $24 Information: 328-7560 or vallitix.com

real prosperous year. And so, I think we count ourselves as very lucky.”

Doe, 57, was living in Oildale at this time last year, but he said he’s left the area for good. When asked if life in the 08 was too much even for someone of his rowdy past, he offered up a polite response.

“No, I moved up to Northern California. I didn’t get tired of it.

My daughters live up there and I moved in with my girlfriend. I did write a song for Bakersfield on my solo record though. It’s called, ‘Cottage in the ’Dale.’”

“They still play Buck and Merle Haggard, when it’s Senior Sunday at the honky-tonk, teenage men at the Front Porch, and punk rock at Jerry’s Pizza,” he sings on this affectionate stroll through town off his album “Keeper,” released in August.

“I won’t be playing it with X, but maybe in the street before the gig,” he laughed.

Dubbing this tour “X-Mas 2011 Rock N Roll Revival,” Doe and his bandmates also just returned from opening for Pearl Jam during the group’s South American tour. It was his band’s first trip to Brazil, where they played in front of mammoth-sized crowds nightly — a far cry from the dives of their youth.

“It was incredible, a completely different world. It was not nearly as dangerous as everybody said, and there was a kind of freedom there that I’d never experienced

PHOTO COURTESY OF HOLLY CARLYLE

John Doe performs with X during the band’s Dec. 27 show last year at Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace.

before. They love rock and roll.

There would be 50,000 people in a football stadium and I didn’t see a bunch of drunks and fights and people shoving like they would be in the States. I encourage everyone to go there.”

This string of dates also coincides with the rerelease on DVD and Blue-Ray of the 1986 rockumentary “The Unheard Music.”

Filmed over five years, the movie is interspersed with interviews and performances during the band’s peak years. It’s also a bittersweet reminder of guitarist Billy Zoom’s lengthy absence from the band the same year it was released.

“I’ve got to give Billy a lot of credit. He’s got his special guitars,

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.

and sometimes he doesn’t like traveling too much, and he said, ‘Let’s do it.’ So that kind of shows that, you know, we may be set in our ways, but somehow we’re still willing to take chances.”

That renewed attitude has had a creative impact on the group.

While they’ve always performed in various incarnations, including as their rockabilly alter-egos, The Knitters, Doe revealed some good news for fans.

“I think the time is right for Exene and I to start buckling down and doing some writing for X. So, that’s our plan anyway for February and March.”

Doe said for fans headed to the Palace to expect all the favorites, plus deeper cuts.

“Exene and I will do an acoustic song or two, and we’ll be playing more of a variety. We’ve been working on some more old songs and putting them back in

the set list.”

Asked to comment on the upcoming induction of fellow alternative music icons the Red Hot Chili Peppers into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Doe says an induction for his band wouldn’t be a bad gesture. After all, X did influence a great deal of the groups who’ve already made it in.

“I think it would be fitting and great. The fact that the Red Hot Chili Peppers are being inducted and we’re not, that’s sort of strange. They opened for us.”

Opening Wednesday’s show will be the duo of veteran Orange County punk vocalist Sean Wheeler and Circle Jerks’ bassist Zander Schloss, plus Los Angeles trio The Black Tibetans.

“I think X is still a little bit underground for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. That’s who we are, for better or for worse — that’s who we are.”

23

Thursday, December 22, 2011 The Bakersfield Californian

HENRY A. BARRIOS / THE CALIFORNIAN

Some families in Haggins Oaks go all out when decorating their homes for Christmas.

Ashley Fischer CONTRIBUTING COLUMNIST

‘Home’ for the holidays?

Actually, I’m finally there

“I

’ll be home for Christmas.” The sentiment seems simple enough.

You go “home,” wherever that may be, gather with your closest friends and family around a Christmas tree, open presents, eat some candy and crescent rolls; then part ways until the next holiday rolls around.

But for me, defining “home” has never been quite that easy. I’ve always lived a fairly migratory existence — as a child, my parents’ marital status, job offers and other general “life” happenings dictated my locale. I wasn’t on par with Army brats by any means, but my family and I did get as far from our Fresno roots as the tiny delta town of Cleveland, Miss.

Even though I loved our classically Southern gabled brick home, our frosty, ice-storm holidays never felt quite right. I missed my close friends and family we left behind in the move; I missed the bite of California’s cold, dry winter air, laden with the scent of soil and ripe holiday citrus.

After a few years of struggling to find my bearings knee-deep in the land of cotton, and a brief detour back in Fresno, my mother, stepfather and I wound up in Bakersfield. For a while, Bakersfield felt like Mississippi all over again, only a bit dustier, with almond orchards and flat fields filled with puncture vines replacing the cotton and catfish ponds.

But I quickly fell into a rhythm here in this little-big town, finding first boyfriends and best friends who introduced me to this city’s many traditions: Basque food, Buck Owens and Smith’s cookies. And the holidays were no exception.

Soon, Christmas wasn’t Christmas without a trip to CALM, a cruise through Haggin Oaks to check out the lights, and a scoop (or 12) of Dewar’s peppermint stick ice

cream. Even though I would rather have died than admit it at the time (at 17, I was still primarily concerned with the infallibility of my coolness factor), I had finally found a place, and perhaps most importantly, people, who synced up with my idea of “home.”

I first fully began to realize that fact when I moved away for college. Every year, when my much-anticipated Christmas break rolled around, I had to make those oh-so-important decisions about how I would divvy up my valuable holiday time between the various factions of my family scattered throughout the state. And every year, without fail, I found myself waiting on a platform at the Bakersfield train station, or sitting at a nearly empty Denny’s in fog-covered Kettleman City, anxiously anticipating the arrival of one of my friends/adopted family members to pick me up.

I visited my other family members, of course, and I still do. But when it came down to it, where I felt most right, where that sense of “home” had finally taken root, was here in Bakersfield, when I was surrounded by the suburban tribe I created for myself — not necessarily where my parents hung my childhood stocking.

Perhaps this is something indicative of my fluid, instant-access, iCustomizable generation, that the concepts of “home,” and “family,” and that sense of “holiday togetherness” that goes along with them is not something determined by blood, but something that we can create for ourselves. Or, perhaps this is a theme as classic and as timeless as those lines Bing once so poignantly crooned.

Either way, now that I am an adult (sort of), and I happily reside in a (rented) house in east Bakersfield, I look forward to spending my first actual Christmas in the home I’ve managed to create for myself here.

K A B

FIELD CALIF S R E O

RN

2012

RE

AD

E R S’

C HOI CE

N IA

TH E

Eye Street

L O P

L

CALL FOR NOMINATIONS! NOMINATIONS! HURRY!

Nominations must be made

by Monday, January 2, 2012 at 5 PM Voting starts January 15th!

Go online to www.BestofKern.com to nominate your favorite places, people and businesses in a variety of categories.

Top nominations in each category will make the ballot.

Best of Kern County 2012 results will publish in the April 28th issue of Bakersfield Life Magazine. ™

24

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, December 22, 2011

Eye Street

Kwanzaa event is for everybody Organizers invite all to cultural experience

BY GENE GARAYGORDOBIL Contributing writer

K

wanzaa is a big event on the calendar for African-Americans eager to celebrate their culture and heritage, but its appeal is community-wide, said organizer Bakari Sanyu.

“We think it’s a positive and uplifting event for everyone,” said Sanyu, who has been part of the free event for the past two decades. “It gives all people the opportunity to value and respect everyone’s diversity.

“It also emphasizes that everyone has something to offer each other,” Sanyu added.

However, he admits there are two big misconceptions surrounding the annual African-American holiday that starts on Dec. 26 and goes through Jan. 1.

“Kwanzaa is not a religion holiday, cultural holiday,” he said. “It’s a cultural event, much like Cinco de Mayo is for Hispanics.

Kwanzaa is a time for African-Americans to collectively acknowledge and express their ethnicity for people of African descent.”

The other big myth is that it is somehow related to Christmas, Sanyu said.

“That’s due to its timeframe, but it has nothing to do with it,” he said.

This year’s annual celebration event goes

Kwanzaa 2011 Celebration When: 1 to 4 p.m. Dec. 29 Where: Martin Luther King Jr. Center, 1000 S. Owens St. Admission: Free Information: 319-7611

from 1 to 4 p.m. Dec. 29 at the community center at 1000 South Owens St. The theme of this festive Kwanzaa is “celebrating, building and strengthening family, community and cultural bonds,” Sanyu said. Refreshments will be provided.

“The most important thing about Kwanzaa is it helps you always remember your ancestors and reminds us that we have lived here in America for 400 years,” he said.

The Bakersfield event begins with the Harambee Art Gallery exhibition, a collection of ethnic art provided by local AfricanAmerican community members, featuring carvings, statues and artifacts from traditional ethnic groups across Africa. The gallery showcases the richness of African heritage and helps reaffirm appreciation for the beauty and resilience of African culture throughout Bakersfield, Sanyu said.

African attire is strongly encouraged to support the event’s essence, he said.

But if you don’t have any such clothing, there will be various vendors selling such

FELIX ADAMO / THE CALIFORNIAN

Yolanda Alford performs with the Oblinyanko Drum and Dance Ensemble, which opened the Kwanzaa 2010 Celebration at the MLK Jr. Community Center.

attire along with many other items for purchase, along with a variety of cultural merchandise, including art, jewelry, musical instruments and literature.

The event is put on by the SANKOFA Collective, the New Spirit Women’s group and the Bakersfield Parks and Recreation division, he said. Performances include the Oblinyanko Drum and Dance Ensemble, the Martin Luther King Community Center Dance Club, African folktales, cultural poetry and a showing of a landmark documentary detailing Kwanzaa, Sanyu added.

Sanyu, who works as a civil engineer for Kern County, is coordinator for the event.

“For two decades, I’ve grown up with the event,” he said. “I’ve always been around it.

When I got older, I continued to carry on with the tradition.”

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He expects about 250 people to attend, some from as far away as Fresno.

“It’s unique for most people because they don’t attend cultural events where such things are emphasized,” he said.

“When I show the kids all of African artwork, many have never seen it and it is new and unique to them. It captures their attention right away.”

Despite being an event geared toward African-Americans, he strongly encourages all residents to attend.

“It is important for African-Americans to attend so they will always remember and pass on to the future generation their heritage and culture,” he said. “And it is important that everyone attend so they can learn about and see the beauties of other ethnic people and their cultures.”

25

Thursday, December 22, 2011 The Bakersfield Californian

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26

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, December 22, 2011

Eye Street

Ask A Professional

We feature local experts to answer your questions.

For info contact: Linda Petree at 661-395-7621

Healthcare

Q: A:

Ellen asked, “My Mom needs some help with her personal care each day. She will soon have knee replacement surgery and may need more help. What suggestions do you have to help me plan for her care?”

Ellen, we can provide any number of hours of personal care for your Mom based on her needs. There is never a contract to sign, so you can choose how many hours and what hours would work best for her. Then, when she has her surgery her Doctor may want her to have some home physical therapy and nursing. We can provide the non-personal care as well as health care so you can remain with one company! Best wishes for a memorable holiday season and a happy healthy New Year. ~ Darlyn and Staff

Darlyn Baker, RN

4801 Truxtun Ave. Bakersfield, CA (661) 395-1700 www.interimhealthcare.com

Roofing

Q: A:

THE CALIFORNIAN

One skater hangs on to another as they circle the rink at Rollerama West. Rollerama and Rollerama West will each offer New Year’s Eve activities this year.

We are in the process of having a new roof installed on our home. Are there products on the market that we can incorporate to make our home more energy efficient?

CONTINUED FROM 16 Excellent question. There are many products available today. We now can provide Insulation, solar powered attic vents, sun tunnels, radiant barrier sheathing, energy star rated roofing materials and roof ventilators to name a few. Visit our showroom and speak to one of our Project Coordinators for more information.

#4 “P” Street Bakersfield, CA 93304-3192 (661) 327-ROOF (7663) www.bswroofing.com

Guillermo Murillo Sales

Lic. 828481

Wills, Trusts & Probate

Q: A:

What’s so bad about probate?

It is very expensive and time consuming, taking six months at the very least to complete; sometimes much longer. And the expense! On an estate valued at $200,000.00 (the average cost of a home these days), the attorney’s fees alone are at least $7,000.00! Necessary costs involved in the probate process also increase the price. Revocable Living Trusts help avoid the time and expense of probate and help you plan and provide for distribution of assets to your loved ones upon death. Contact me for more information.

Rosetta N. Reed Attorney at Law

The Law Office of

Rosetta N. Reed

Fine dining

4900 California Ave, Tower B, Ste. 210, Bakersfield, CA 93309 661-377-1869 www.rosettanreedlaw.com

Senior Care

Q:

I live out of town. When I got to my parents’ house for Christmas I could see that things were not going well. I can’t talk them into moving to a retirement home or closer to me. They will NOT leave their home of 40 years. My friend suggested that the family hire a Care Manager. How do I find one I can trust?

A:

Look for a service that has Care Managers with a professional license or certification such as; RN, LVN, CMC, LCSW, RD. Go to the Association website www.caremanager.org. Care Managers identify needs and arrange for services as well as keep in communication with family, physicians, and even repairmen if that is what’s needed.

Continuum

about 98 percent of the nearly 300 annual attendees are children.

“We have kids down to 8 or 9 who stay all night without parents with their big brother or sister.”

Before that red flag pops up in your mind, Kerwin assures that the event has provided safe holiday fun for decades.

“We’ve been doing it 51 years and never had any issues. They (the kids) cannot leave. As the owner, I’m here all night. We have supervision on the floor ... and parents can call us anytime.”

Kerwin also said they lock the doors around 1:30 a.m. for a few hours after the bars let out and roads are dangerous.

The peak time for the party is around 8:30 p.m., with guests snacking on a slice of pizza or hot dog and soda, included with the $25 entrance fee that covers skate rental as well.

Over at Rollerama West on Brimhall Road, the crowd is a bit different. Families flock to the rink, which opened in 1995.

The party there goes until just after midnight and, with the shorter hours, it’s only $15, including skate rental.

Carol Hatton MHA, CMC, QDCS President and CEO

Continuum Senior Care Management, Inc. 4800 Stockdale Hwy, suite 308 Bakersfield, CA 93309 661-861-8628 www.ContinuumSeniorCare.com

For those seeking culinary indulgence, a pair of local restaurants are offering dining feasts to fete the new year.

Valentien Restaurant & Wine Bar will offer two seatings for its 2011 All Star Menu, one at 5:30 p.m. and another at 8:30 p.m. The earlier option is four courses: rosemary tartlet with goat cheese ice cream and orange marmalade, potato leek soup, peppered filet mignon in cognac cream sauce with pomme frites and a triple chocolate mousse cake. That meal runs $50 per person, not including tax and gratuity. Also available are wine pairings for each course for $30 or wine add-ons (prices vary).

For those feeling a bit more decadent, the later seating offers three additional courses — salad of poached lobster and white wine gelee, cobia fish in saffron fumet and maple walnut ice cream — for a meal that runs $100 per person, with a seven-wine pairing for an additional $60.

MICHAEL FAGANS / THE CALIFORNIAN

Valentien Restaurant & Wine Bar will offer two seatings for its All Star Menu on New Year’s Eve. One of the restaurant’s offerings is an Alban Vineyards 2010 Viognier paired with a cheddar and rosemary tartlet with goat cheese ice cream and orange marmalade.

Vegetarian substitutions are available for either seating.

Over at Cafe Med, the menu is a bit eclectic, with a buffet of rich foods offered from 4 to 8 p.m. and later from 8 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., with children under 12 welcome at the former.

Included in the spread are grilled shrimp cocktail, ahi tuna tartare, gourmet cheeses and an Italian antipasti platter, strawberry vinaigrette salad, lobster alfredo with bowtie pasta, grilled salmon, prime rib, rack of lamb, potato gratin and wild mushroom risotto.

The restaurant will tempt sweet-toothed diners with petit fours, chocolate truffles and a chocolate fondue fountain with berries.

The earlier meal costs $44.95 for adults and $12.95 for children under 12. The later meal is $54.95, which includes the champagne toast and party favors.

Work off the calories with dancing and live music until 2 a.m. or indulge in 2012 with the dessert bar, available until 1 a.m.

27

Thursday, December 22, 2011 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street

Ask A Professional

We feature local experts to answer your questions.

For info contact: Linda Petree at 661-395-7621

Assisted Living

Q: A:

The Prime Cut The northwest eatery has been accelerating its live music program after the success of the Wednesday night Songwriter’s Showcase, originally hosted by Bakersfield guitarists Chuck Seaton and Billy Russell. Now continuing under a different name and with a rotating roster of hosts, the new Music Showcase format offers a variety of performers on the restaurant’s cozy stage.

Always open to suggestion and new ideas for entertainment, co-owner Michelle Crist handles band bookings.

“The difference is we have a wider variety of hosts,” she said. “We still offer an open mic of sorts for those who would like to sing and play an instrument. There are singles to small jam sessions that happen on stage. It is a beautiful thing to see someone or a group really mesh and get the crowd moving to the music.”

Saturday is also a prime night for live music from blues to rock and Latin.

“We enjoy all and are open to most genres,” Crist said. “However, metal and rap don’t really fit our theme.”

While you’re there to book your band, have a seat and try the gumbo. Not saying that’ll score you points, but you never know.

“Bring in your demo and contact info. If we book, make sure you promote, promote, promote and bring in the crowd. Make sure your sound check is done early and that you start on time. If the night is a success, you will be asked back.”

Famed Bonnie Raitt bassist Freebo is scheduled to be a host for the Music Showcase, and Crist said she welcomes out-oftown acts.

The Prime Cut: 9500 Brimhall Road; 8311413, primecutonline.com. Capacity: 175.

Small sound and lighting system and full menu available. Hours: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Sunday through Thursday; 11 a.m. to 1 a.m.

Friday and Saturday

Riley’s Backstage Popular amongst the indie crowd for holding semi-regular shows, Riley’s Backstage is now downtown’s only fully functioning live venue. Connected to Riley’s Tavern, it has a stage, sound and lights, plus its own bar. Booking manager Drew Willingham, who has been working to bring the venue more exposure since it opened a few months ago, said all genres are welcome, including local and touring acts.

“We want it all. We love the live music scene. Everyone is always welcome as

along as they’re over 21.”

The acoustics at Riley’s Backstage are actually quite good, even with the neighboring DJ, who blares the bass on weekends. The ambience is one of its strong points and will remind you of those cool hole-in-the-wall hipster lounges in Hollywood. It has potential, but unless you are from the area and know someone connected to the venue, it may be difficult to make contact for a booking.

Riley’s Tavern and Riley’s Backstage: 1523 19th St.; facebook.com/rileysbakersfield; Capacity: 85. Hours: Open every day, though hours vary

I’d be happy to meet with you! Of course there are options--if he stays at home, AlternativeCare can provide care when he needs it. That along with our LifeLine alert system might give both a feeling of security 24-hours a day. Of course living in an RCFE with someone awake 24-hours a day and the companionship of others is an option. Let’s talk!

Corporate Office: 2029 21st Street Bakersfield, CA 93301• 661-631-2036

End-of-Life Care

Q: A:

If I decide to start hospice service, does my insurance company direct which hospice I use?

You have the right to choose your hospice provider, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Insurance providers, physicians or caregivers may recommend a hospice, but patient choice must be honored. When looking for a hospice provider, it’s important that patients have access to all available options.

Narducci’s Café This Old Town Kern institution is still serving up classic Italian and Basque meals to full crowds every week, and its main banquet room transforms into an intimate music and dance hall after all the tables and chairs are removed. With the addition of the extended covered patio and yard area, co-owner Julie Shine said bands are welcome to stage shows anytime there’s an opening.

“I’d have live music here seven nights a week if I could fill the place.”

Most of the recent shows have been booked by local promoter Tim Gardea, who recently brought in country-punk act Supersuckers. But Shine said you don’t have to be experienced.

“We try to accommodate everyone that comes in with a show plan.”

The original corner stage has been extended the full length of the room, and the acoustics offer a warm sound. The original overhead house lights offer the only stage illumination. Compensation ranges from door take to direct pay from club.

Narducci’s Café: 622 East 21st St.; 3242961. Capacity: 100 in banquet room, not including bar and separate dining area, which can hold an additional 100 patrons.

No sound system or lights. Hours: 9 a.m. to 2 a.m. every day Other venues advertising regular to occasional live music bookings are: Sandrini’s Basque and Italian Restaurant, 1918 18th St.; Jerry’s Pizza, 1817 Chester Ave.; The Iron Horse Saloon, 1821 S. Chester; Vinny’s Bar, 2700 South Union Ave.; The Dome, 2201 V St.; Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace, 2800 Buck Owens Blvd.; the Padre 1702 18th St.; Manny’s Tam O’ Shanter, 2345 Alta Vista Drive; and T-Bones Steakhouse, 8020 District Blvd. Contact venues directly for entertainment schedules and booking policies.

Spruce Gardens 2400 Spruce Street RCFE No. 157204176 327-2132

Gables Residential Care LLC

PHOTO BY ROBERT BEJIL

Servers Ramona Fries and Jennifer Lund, and co-owner Julie Shine are seen at Narducci’s, an Old Town Kern institution.

CONTINUED FROM 17

Uncle Bob lives alone in Bakersfield. At 85, he needs help. We’d like him to live in an RCFE but he wants to stay home. Can you meet with us to tell him about your homes and also Alternative Care, which I understand is a sister-company with the same ownership. We’ve heard such good remarks about both companies, we’d feel good about either.

Tom Hoffmann Administrator

8501 Brimhall Road, Bldg. 100 Bakersfield, CA 93312 661-410-1010 www.hoffmannhospice.org

IRA’s and Rollovers

Q: A:

What is the tax advantage of an IRA? The one thing that makes all IRAs similar, regardless of type, is the transactions inside the account incur no tax liability. IRAs shelter interest, dividends and capital gains earnings realized in the IRA until their owners withdraw the money.

John Bush, AVP Investment Officer Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC, Member SIPC

Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC 5060 California Avenue, 11th Floor 661.327.8560

Senior Care

Q: A:

I just came back from my parents’ house and their health has deteriorated since our last visit. I need help managing all of the Doctor’s appointments, bills, house cleaners, gardeners, physical therapy appointments ect.

Where can I go for help?

Managing your parents’ care from afar can be overwhelming. I recommend a combination of a Home Instead Senior Care CAREGiver and the expertise of a certified Geriatric Care Manager such as Continuum Care Management. A CAREGiver can provide day to day assistance and help getting to and from Doctors’ appointments. A Geriatric Care Manager can assist with negotiating the senior care medical maze. Another complementary resource for advice is www.caregiverstress.com.

1234 Chester Avenue Bakersfield, CA 93301 661-321-3235 www.homeinstead.com/520

Debora Savoy

28

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, December 22, 2011

Eye Street GO&DO Today “Christmas Around the World” Holiday Event, with many Nativity items from over 40 countries, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. now through Saturday, now until Dec. 30, Timeless Furnishings, 1918 Chester Ave. $20 family of four; $8 individual; $5 children; children under 8 are free. christmasworldevent.com.

6th annual “The Magical Forest,” presented by BARC; through Friday, with a Grinchmobile, The Giving Tree, photos with Santa, 6 to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday; and 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. $5 adults; $4 seniors; $3 children; children 5 and under are free. barc-inc.org or 71-MAGIC. 97.3 Jack FM Christmas Party, with Mento Buru, 7 p.m., Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace, 2800 Buck Owens Blvd. Free. 328-7560.

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.

CSUB Men’s Basketball, vs.

Pacific, 7 p.m., CSUB, Icardo Center, 9001 Stockdale Highway. $5$20. gorunners.com or 654-BLUE. Flamenco & Classical Guitar Class, taught by John Gomez, for individuals or a group, Juliana’s Art Studio & Gallery, 501 18th St. Details, call 496-0891.

Girls’ Night Out Class “Ornament Dots!,” paint, munch and mingle and make a holiday platter, 6:30 to 9 p.m., Color Me Mine at The Marketplace, 9000 Ming Ave. $45. bakersfield.colormemine.com or 664-7366.

HolidayLights @ CALM, open daily 5:30 to 9 p.m. from now through Jan. 1, except Dec. 25, CALM, 10500 Alfred Harrell Highway. $12; $10 seniors and children ages 13-17; $6 ages 3-12. vallitix.com or 322-5200, 8722256.

Friday “Feliz Skavidad 2011,” featuring Mento Buru and Velorio, 8 p.m., The Prime Cut, 9500 Brimhall Road. $8. 831-1413.

Saturday Certified Farmers Market, 8 a.m. to noon, next to Golden State Mall, 3201 F St. Farmers Market, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Brimhall Square, 9500 Brimhall Road.

Sunday Annual Public Menorah Lighting and Celebration, with Chanukah gifts, treats and live music, 5 p.m. Sunday, The Marketplace, 9000 Ming Ave. Free. chabadofbakersfield.com or 8358381.

THEATER “Charles’ Dickens’ A Christmas Carol,” 8 p.m. today and Friday, The Empty Space, 706 Oak

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

Wednesdays.

GO & DO

Dancing

HENRY A. BARRIOS / THE CALIFORNIAN

Rabbi Shmuli Schlanger participates in the 2009 Public Menorah Lighting and Celebration at The Marketplace.

Annual Public Menorah Lighting and Celebration, with Hanukkah gifts, treats and live music, 5 p.m. Sunday, The Marketplace, 9000 Ming Ave. Free. chabadofbakersfield.com or 835-8381.

Read our preview of the event Saturday in The Californian’s Faith section.

St. Free but donations are accepted. 327-PLAY. “White Christmas,” 7 p.m. today and Saturday, Spotlight Theatre, 1622 19th St. $25; $22 students/seniors. 634-0692 or thespotlighttheatre.com.

“Mrs. Claus Saves Christmas,” followed by the vaudeville revue "Yuletide Surprise," 7 p.m. today, Gaslight Melodrama Theatre & Music Hall, 12748 Jomani Drive. $21 to $23. 587-3377.

Improv Comedy Show, with Center For Improv Advancement, 8 to 9:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, Ice House, 3401 Chester Ave., Suite M. Adults: $5, children under 12 are $1. ciacomedy.com.

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

327-PLAY.

are free but some suggest a donation and are held at Mercy Hospital, Truxtun Campus, Truxtun and A St. Visit mercybaakersfield.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.

Lila Martin, artwork on display for the month of December, Capitol Real Estate Group, 1700 Chester Ave. Call Lila at 3300965.

Michelle Leggett, featured artist for the month of December, Dagny’s Coffee Co., 1600 20th St. 634-0806.

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

ART

MUSIC

Jewelry with Diana CampbellRice, hors d’oeuvres, wine, music, 4 to 8 p.m. today, Metro Galleries, 1604 19th St. 634-9598.

Acrylic Painting Class for Beginners, by Toni Lott, bring 11 x 14 canvas board, brushes and acrylic paints (or use instructors paints), 10 a.m. to noon, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, Bakersfield Art Association Art Center, 1817 Eye St. $20 per class or $100 for all six classes. 205-3488.

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

Classic Rock Bellvedere Cocktail LoungeBellvedere Cocktail Lounge, 3090 Brundage Lane, 325-2139; Ruby Street, 9 p.m. Friday.

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

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

Country Ethel’s Old Corral Cafe, 4310 Alfred Harrell Highway, 873-7613; Wild Blue Rose, 7 p.m. Friday; Crossroads, 3 to 7 p.m. Sunday.

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 Dr., 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.

Pairs and Spares Dance, with Country George, 7:30 p.m. Friday, Rasmussen Senior Center, 115 E. Roberts Lane. $5; $7 nonmembers. 399-3575.

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.

DoubleTree Hotel, Club Odyssey, 3100 Camino Del Rio Court. 323-7111; live in the mix: old school, 80’s, & 90’s music, 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. every Saturday.

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

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 Meg, 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.

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

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

Tuesdays.

Imbibe Wine & Spirits Merchant, 4140 Truxtun Ave., 633WINE; live music & wine bar with featuring Jazz Connection, along with 24 wines, 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thursday; beer pong and happy hour all day Sunday.

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

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

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

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

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, 4647 White Lane, 834-1611; A to Z Karaoke, 8 p.m. to midnight Tuesdays.

Lone Oak Inn, 8 p.m. every Tuesday and Thursday at 10612 Rosedale Hwy. 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.

29

Thursday, December 22, 2011 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street 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.

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

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 Saturday.

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

The Regent, 2814 Niles St., 8714140; 8:30 p.m. 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 Hwy. 363-5102.

Trouts & The Blackboard Stages, 805 N. Chester Ave., 3996700; 7 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays, 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Vista Museum of Natural History, 2018 Chester Ave. $70 members; $80 nonmembers. 324-6350.

GO & DO

Tuesday 12/27 Winter Camp, crafts, art, dance, drama and more, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Tuesday through Friday, E3 Performing Arts (entrance on P St.), 900 22nd St. 323-8311.

Wednesday 12/28

PHOTO BY TISHA GAMEZ

Scrooge (Kamel Haddad, center) encounters a pair (Ronnie Warren, Amanda Monroe) who might be more than they seem in “Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol” at The Empty Space.

“Charles’ Dickens’ A Christmas Carol,” 8 p.m. today and Friday, The Empty Space, 706 Oak St. Free but donations are accepted.

327-PLAY.

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.

Condors vs. Ontario, 7 p.m., Rabobank Arena, 1001 Truxtun Ave. $8-$25. Tickets: Rabobank box office, ticketmaster.com or 324-7825.

X, 7 p.m., Buck Owens Crystal Palace, 2800 Buck Owens Blvd. $18 to $24 plus fee. vallitix.com or 322-5200.

Thursday 12/29 Vinny’s Bar & Grill, 2700 S. Union Ave., 496-2502, 7 p.m.

Thursdays. 21 and over.

Sandrini’s, 1918 Eye St., 3228900; Glam Cobra, 9:30 p.m. Friday. $5.

Latin/Salsa

Trivia night

DoubleTree Hotel, Club Odyssey, Club Odyssey, 3100 Camino Del Rio Court, 633-1949; 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. 852-0493.

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

Oldies KC Steakhouse, 2515 F St., 3229910; 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, 324-6774; The Press, 8 p.m. Saturday.

Open Mic Fiddlers Crossing, 206 East F St., Tehachapi, 823-9994; 7 p.m.

Wednesdays. $5.

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

The Canna Cafe, 7 to 10 p.m. every Friday, East Hills Mall, Food Court, 3000 Mallview Road.

Rock B. Ryder’s Sports Bar & Grill, 7401 White Lane, 397-7304; Karling & the Kats, J Bombs Christmas Party Show, 9 p.m. Friday. $5.

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

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., 3228900; Trivia Night with Dave Rezac, 10 p.m. Tuesdays.

UPCOMING EVENTS Monday 12/26 “Christmas Around the World” Holiday Event, with many nativity items from over 40 countries, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday, now until Dec. 30, Timeless Furnishings, 1918 Chester Ave. $20 family of four; $8 individual; $5 children; children under 8 are free. christmasworldevent.com.

Condors vs. Stockton, 7 p.m., Rabobank Arena, 1001 Truxtun Ave. $8-$25. Tickets: Rabobank box office, ticketmaster.com or 324-7825.

CSUB Men’s Basketball, vs.

New Mexico State, 7 p.m., CSUB, Icardo Center, 9001 Stockdale Highway. $5-$20. gorunners.com or 654-BLUE. HolidayLights @ CALM, open daily 5:30 to 9 p.m. from now through Jan. 1, except Dec. 25, CALM, 10500 Alfred Harrell Highway. $12; $10 seniors and children ages 13-17; $6 ages 3-12. vallitix.com or 322-5200, 8722256.

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.

Winter Science Camp for Kids, explore the earth systems and space galaxies, 8 a.m. to noon Monday through Thursday, Buena

Flamenco & Classical Guitar Class, taught by John Gomez, for individuals or a group, Juliana’s Art Studio & Gallery, 501 18th St. Details, call 496-0891.

Girls’ Night Out Class “Ornament Dots!,” paint, munch and mingle and make a holiday platter, 6:30 to 9 p.m., Color Me Mine at The Marketplace, 9000 Ming Ave. $45. bakersfield.colormemine.com or 664-7366.

Kwanzaa 2011 Celebration, African folktales, cultural poetry, refreshments, various vendors and more, 1 to 4 p.m., Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center, 1000 S. Owens St. Free. 319-7611.

Friday 12/30 CSUB Men’s Basketball, vs.

Pomona-Pitzer, 7 p.m., CSUB, Icardo Center, 9001 Stockdale Highway. $5-$20. gorunners.com or 654-BLUE.

Saturday 12/31 Antique Show & Sale, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Sunday, Kern County Fairgrounds, 1142 S. P St. $5. 559-638-2639.

2011 All-Star Menu New Year's Eve, two seatings, 5:30 p.m., four course dinner, $50; and 8:30 p.m., seven course dinner, $100, at Valentien Restaurant & Wine Bar, 1310 Truxtun Ave., Suite 160. 864-0397.

B. Ryder’s Ultimate New Year’s Eve Jam, music by Mento Buru, Velorio and DJ Mickey, 8 p.m., B. Ryders, 7401 White Lane. $15. 3977304.

Bellvedere New Year’s Eve Double Header, two parties: 10 a.m., food, party favors, champagne, early bird countdown at 2 p.m.; second party, music by Catch 22, party favors, free champagne toast at midnight, begins at 9 p.m., Bellvedere Cocktail Lounge, 3090 Brundage Lane.

325-2139.

Bob & Tom Comedy All-Stars, 7 p.m., Bakersfield Fox Theater, 2001 H St. $30.50 plus fee. valli-

‘CALIFORNIAN RADIO’ Join Lifestyles Editor Jennifer Self and Bakotopia.com Editor Matt Munoz on “Californian Radio” today, when they’ll be chatting with Tom Rockwell of Trout’s about his plans for live music in the new year.

We’ll also be giving away a bunch of goodies that will make you the hero of Christmas Day. The show airs from 9 to 10 a.m. on KERN Radio, 1180-AM. To call with a question, comment or to win the free swag, dial 842-KERN. To listen to archived shows, visit bakersfield.com/ CalifornianRadio. tix.com or 322-5200.

Certified Farmers Market, 8 a.m. to noon, next to Golden State Mall, 3201 F St. Christmas Around the World Christmas Tree Display, come see many decorated trees, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Shafter Depot Museum, 150 Central Valley Highway, Shafter. 746-4423.

Contreras Scholarship Fund New Year’s Eve, dinner, no host bar, entertainment by Limited Edition, DJ Joe, Mariachis Oro y Plata, 6:30 p.m., Kern County Fairgrounds, Harvest Hall, 1142 P St. $45; $85 couple. 201-6881 or 8715669.

Farmers Market, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Brimhall Square, 9500 Brimhall Road.

New Year Celebration 2012, with New York steak dinner, 6:30 to 8 p.m., dancing, DJ Joe, music, 8 p.m. Saturday to 1 a.m. Sunday, Kern County Fairgrounds, 1142 S. P St. $45 per person; $85 per couple. 201-6881 or 565-1021. Tickets can also be purchased at the door.

New Year’s Eve at Narducci’s, dinner seatings at 5:30 and 7 p.m., with Dramarama, Crowbar Massage, DJ Juice, 9 p.m., Narducci’s Cafe, 622 E. 21 St. $20 music show only; $40 dinner and show.

324-2961.

New Year’s Eve at The Nile, party favors, appetizers, champagne toast at midnight, music by DJ Eric Avalon, 8 p.m., The Nile Theater, 1721 19th St. $20 advance; $25 at the door. 3238575.

New Year’s Eve Bash 2011, Buddy Alan Owens, Steve Davis & Stampede, 7 p.m., Buck Owens Crystal Palace, 2800 Buck Owens Blvd. Dinner tickets $85-$100; show-only $45 to $55. vallitix.com or 322-5200.

New Year’s Eve Party, with Dramarama, 7 p.m., Narducci’s Cafe, 622 E. 21 St. $20. 324-2961.

Sunday 1/01 2012 Polar Bear Plunge, make an ice plunge into the activity pool, must be 7 or older, 11 a.m., McMurtrey Aquatic Center, 1325 Q St. $5 just to plunge; $20 for sweatshirt. 852-7430.