The Bakersfield Californian 'Eye St. Entertainment / 12-2-10

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The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, December 2, 2010

Eye Street

Index Raul Malo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 Scott Cox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 Holly Follies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17 Arts Alive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 The Lowdown with Matt Munoz . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 Home Tour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 Christmas Around the World . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23-27

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

It’s Christmastime in the city 28th annual parade plans to be even more family friendly

BY SYLVIA CARIKER Contributing writer

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CASEY CHRISTIE / THE CALIFORNIAN

letters will be slipped into Santa’s special mailbox to be whisked away to the North Pole and, just because it’s Christmas, no stamp is necessary. More than 600 children took advantage of the service last year.

With a variety of community

Bureau of Land Management, Bakersfield Police Department, Lori Brock Children’s Discovery Center, California Highway Patrol, Kern County Fire Department and the U.S. Forestry Service, Lake Isabella district.

groups and organizations stepping up to provide volunteer help for the parade, one unmet need will be addressed this year.

“There’s always so much going on in the two to three hours of the parade and its activities that we needed a way to document that in

Christmas parade route TRUXTUN AVE

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Ends

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Christmas Corner volunteers

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Children’s activities and high school choirs will be positioned around downtown to set the holiday mood. Locations and corresponding school choirs are: Santa Lane, 22nd and L streets — Ridgeview and Highland highs North Pole, 21st and H streets — South High Elf Town, 21st and G streets — North High Holly Lane, 21st and Eye streets — Mira Monte High

Northern Lights, 20th and Eye streets — Frontier High Candy Cane Lane, 20th and K streets — Centennial High

Starts

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Locations

photos,” said Carlock.

“The Kern Photography Association has seven volunteers who will be stationed at various places along the parade route and in our marketplaces at different locations at different times of the day to capture memories for our archives.”

Traditionally, Santa and his wife are inseparable at the parade, but Carlock said the merry couple have agreed to break with tradition this year.

“For 27 years, Mr. and Mrs. Claus finished our parade together, but this year we’re giving Mrs. Claus her own spotlight. She’ll be near the beginning of the parade, welcoming spectators while riding in a carriage surrounded by dancing elves.

“Santa will also have elves accompanying his float at the end of the parade, and our elves are courtesy of Gaslight Melodrama and the Linda Larma Academe of Dance.”

H ST

CHRISTMAS CORNERS

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Drummers with the Tehachapi Mountain Pipes & Drums perform on the parade route during the 2009 Christmas Parade.

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nd you thought your holidays were busy! Pam Carlock is putting the finishing touches on tonight’s 28th annual Bakersfield Christmas Parade, a process that began almost immediately following last year’s parade.

The emphasis for this year’s extravaganza — “A Magical Christmas — is on providing more preparade activities for families, with several new Christmas Corner marketplace locations.

“We now have six marketplaces along the parade route,” said Carlock, parade coordinator. “Each has a variety of food vendors and, for the first time, each has children’s activity centers.”

The activity centers are sponsored and staffed by local groups, mainly safety and educational agencies, Carlock said.

“Those volunteers will have the materials ready to help any child do a craft and take it home with them that night, and they’ve also set up spaces next to their booths for free family photos.”

Each Christmas Corner will have live entertainment courtesy of several high school choirs coordinated by Kasie Kline, director of vocal music at South High School.

“Pam contacted me and explained that she wanted the parade experience to be more personal, to get more holiday spirit into the event and we both agreed that caroling was a great way to do it,” said Kline. She added that it wasn’t difficult lining up the groups. “I just called my friends at the other schools and they were glad to help.

“Students are always looking for opportunities to sing and this is another way for our school music programs to get into the community. Our kids benefit as well: They learn music and then share what they’ve learned.”

One of the most popular attractions in 2009 was Santa’s mailbox at the North Pole Christmas Corner. The staff from the downtown branch of the Postal Service will again coordinate this activity, where children can bring their letters to Santa or step into a special area to create one on site. Those

THE CALIFORNIAN

28th Annual Bakersfield Christmas Parade: “A Magical Christmas” When: 6 to 8 p.m. tonight Where: The parade route begins at 22nd and L streets, then turns west from 21st and L to G street, south on G to 20th, then east on 20th to O. On television: Watch live coverage on KERO-TV, Channel 23, and Azteca-42.

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Thursday, December 2, 2010 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street

Malo still a maverick, band or no band

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

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s frontman for critically beloved country act The Mavericks, singer Raul Malo had it all — multiplatinum records, hit radio singles and an international fan base.

But one thing always came up missing: creative freedom.

Returning Wednesday to Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace, a happier and wiser Malo said he’s more content today as a solo artist away from the constraints of a major label.

“I don’t have anyone to answer to anymore,” he said while on tour to promote his new CD, “Sinners & Saints.” “I’m in a situation where I can pretty much do whatever I want now.”

Born into a small family of musicians — Mom played piano, while his aunt strummed the guitar — Malo was introduced to American rock ’n’ roll during his youth. He recalls the impact of hearing Elvis Presley and others the first time.

“Elvis covered gospel, blues, even opera.

When I first heard ‘It’s Now or Never,’ I was just floored. My mom played me the original Italian aria (‘O Sole Mio’) and so that just made me really curious about how an artist could do all these different things.

Then, bands like The Beatles introduced me to Buck Owens and Chet Atkins.”

Playing along on guitar with his parents’ records, most of which traveled with them in the 1950s from their Cuban homeland, Malo’s curiosity would eventually pull him to the stage as a rocker at age 12, then a country crooner in various Miami area bands.

Signed to MCA Records as a member of The Mavericks in ’91, Malo’s operatic tenor and Roy Orbison-like vibrato helped score the group several country music awards and a Grammy.

During that time, Malo began experimenting with some of the other sounds of his youth: Cuban, mariachi and Tex-Mex music.

Together, those influences would inspire the creatively ambitious 1994 album “Trampoline.”

“As each record came along, the Latin stuff was coming in. With ‘Music for All Occasions,’ we had ‘All You Ever Do Is Bring Me Down,’ and that did really well for us.

And then we did ‘Trampoline,’ and that scared the living crap out of the label. I remember when we first played it for them, they were just stunned silent. I was like, ‘Awesome.’”

Parting ways with MCA in 1999, Malo decided to release his first solo album, “Today,” in 2001. Leading off with the Spanish-language title track, it was a big musical departure and a glimpse of things to come.

“I knew creatively The Mavericks were done, and that I had said everything creatively I could do with that vehicle,” said Malo of the band’s 2003 breakup. “It was a great band, and it was a gravy train for a lot of people who didn’t want it to stop, but I

PHOTO COURTESY OF RAUL MALO

Raul Malo will perform Wednesday at Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace.

Raul Malo When: 7 p.m. Wednesday Where: Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace, 2800 Buck Owens Blvd.

Admission: $15 to $21 Information: 328-7560

wanted to try other things.”

His five subsequent independent releases kept him on the crossover map, but his sixth full-length CD, “Sinners & Saints,” represented a challenge for Malo, who produced the record at his home studio and played many of the instruments himself.

“It just evolved. I started recording the first song, ‘Matter Much to You,’ to see what it was going to sound like and what I could make here in the studio. I liked that first result and where it was going. The vibe sounded really organic and alive.”

From the surfy, instrumental opening title track, to the accordion-fused bounce of “San Antonio Baby,” then back to the sweet romanticism of “Sombras,” Malo’s personal touches make it his strongest release to date.

“The more I recorded, the more I learned. It was a nerve-wracking experience at times, because you’re working in a bubble. You don’t have anyone to sound

ideas off of, or someone to tell you, ‘You’re losing your mind here.’ Not that I would have listened anyway,” he laughed. “It’s not that I’m some sort of egomaniac that wanted to play all the instruments; I just had an idea and I wanted it executed a certain way.”

Malo said one of his favorite moments was including a cover of Los Lobos’ “Saint Behind The Glass.”

“Anybody who grew up in a Latino household, those were the images you saw in your house, especially from the older generations. The curtains blowing around, the coffee in the air — that was me going to my grandma’s house. That Catholic saint behind the glass case placed in your living room really sees your whole life. I thought, ‘What a beautiful song and sentiment.’ I’ve run this whole record of ‘Sinners & Saints’ about that duality and struggle we go through in life. Then to finish it off with this song that has a beautiful, watchful saint that kind of guides and nurtures your family. That was the fun part.”

In addition to new material and classics from the Mavericks’ catalog, Malo says he’ll be treating Bakersfield fans to selections from his 2007 holiday release, “Marshmallow World and Other Holiday Favorites.”

“California didn’t get a Christmas show three years ago, so it’ll be a pretty substantial night.”

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The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, December 2, 2010

Adv. Tix on Sale THE FIGHTER Adv. Tix on Sale CHRONICLES OF NARNIA: VOYAGE OF THE DAWN TREADER Adv. Tix on Sale TRON: LEGACY TANGLED (PG) # (100 400) 645 930 FASTER - DP (R) - ID REQ'D (140 440) 740 1040 LOVE AND OTHER DRUGS (R) - ID REQ'D (110 410) 710 1010 BURLESQUE (PG-13) (145 445) 745 1030 TANGLED IN REALD 3D - EVENT PRICING (PG) # (130 430) 715 1000 HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS 1 - DP (PG-13) (1200 100 315 415) 630 730 945 1045 THE NEXT THREE DAYS (PG-13) (120 PM 420 PM) HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS 1 (PG-13) (1230 345) 700 1015 UNSTOPPABLE (PG-13) (150 450) 750 1050 MORNING GLORY (PG-13) (1240 PM 340 PM) 640 PM MEGAMIND (PG) (1215 300) 615 900 MEGAMIND IN REALD 3D - EVENT PRICING (PG) # (1245 330) 645 930 DUE DATE (R) - ID REQ'D (210 510) 815 1035 GLENN BECK LIVE: BROKE (NR) 800 PM 940 PM RED (PG-13) © 2010 Times For 12/2/10

Eye Street Scott Cox CONTRIBUTING COLUMNIST

Best artist you’ve never heard of Rosie Flores bringing unique rockabilly sound to Fishlips

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Maya Bakersfield 16 Cinemas

ang around Austin for a week or two and you’re bound to hear legendary Texas artist Rosie Flores. Somebody asked me the other day how I would describe her music, and I told them how I heard Rosie describe it in an interview a few years back: “Hard rocking country/rockabilly.” I don't think I could possibly say it any better.

This lady has honed her craft since she first picked up a guitar in San Antonio some 50 years ago (I don't want to divulge her age here, but suffice it to say that during her youth, cars still had tailfins). She's released a ton of great albums, including one of my all-time favorite Christmas albums, “Christmasville.” She's in the rockabilly hall of fame, and has been named one of the top 50 female guitarists of all time. In other words, she's one of those artists that you've never heard of despite the fact that she's worlds better than most of the artists that you hear about all the time. And that's too bad.

But at least you can hear her play live at Fishlips on Tuesday. If you're not currently a fan of Rosie's, I promise you will be after this show. Why Nashville doesn't promote artists like this is beyond me. That country radio doesn't play

Rosie Flores Rockin’ in Christmasville When: 8 p.m. Tuesday Where: Fishlips Bar & Grill, 1517 18th St. Tickets: $10, plus fee. vallitix.com or 322-5200.

her music is tragic. God forbid that they have to skip the umpteenth Taylor Swift song to play music with some soul — and Rosie Flores has it in spades, probably more than any female country singer since Loretta Lynn or Patsy Cline. Her music is clearly influenced by Buck and Merle, by Johnny Cash and Joe Ely, but also by people like Elvis, Buddy Holly and Wanda Jackson. Guitar-wise, she says she's influenced by Jeff Beck and Dick Dale, so that's pretty hard to argue with. Vocally, she says she lands somewhere between Etta Fitzgerald and Tammy Wynette, which seems kinda weird until you hear her sing; then it makes total sense.

I've also heard Rosie described by marketing types as the female Dwight Yoakam, but the truth is that she's better than Dwight — and I love that guy.

She has more range, but he was in “Sling Blade,” so I guess I'll call it a draw.

Here's what you need to do: first, buy her records. Her debut, 1987's “Rosie Flores,” is a classic. Her last one, “Girl of the Century,” is also geniusgrade, and includes a cover of the Johnny Cash classic "Big River" that might just be as good as the original.

Scott Cox, whose radio show is broadcast weekday mornings on KERN-AM, 1180, writes occasional columns for The Californian

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

COMING SOON The Warriors Way - opens 12/3 Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader - opens 12/10 The Tourist - opens 12/10 Text Movies to 21321 PRESENTED IN DLP DIGITAL

Burlesque*** - PG-13 12:20 3:20 6:10 9:15

3D Tangled – PG 10:30 11:50 1:00 2:30 5:05 8:00 10:20

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Faster – R

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Skyline – PG-13 10:55PM

Unstoppable*** - PG-13 11:50 2:10 4:40 7:20 10:00 10:40

Morning Glory*** - PG-13 10:25 1:00 3:40 6:35 9:25

FOR COLORED GIRLS E 12:20, 3:30, 7:00, 10:00 PARANORMAL ACTIVITY 2 E 12:50, 3:10, 5:30, 8:00, 10:15 JACKASS 3 IN 2D E 12:30, 3:00, 5:20, 7:50, 10:10 SECRETARIAT B 12:40, 3:45, 6:40 LEGEND OF THE GUARDIANS: THE OWLS OF GA’HOOLE B 11:35, 2:00, 4:30, 6:50, 9:10 ALPHA AND OMEGA B 12:10, 2:20, 4:25 DEVIL C 12:15, 2:50, 5:10, 7:40, 9:55 EASY A C 11:45, 2:15, 4:50, 7:20, 9:50 THE TOWN E 1:00, 4:00, 7:15, 10:00 RESIDENT EVIL: AFTERLIFE E 7:30, 9:45 TAKERS C 9:30 PM DESPICABLE ME B 11:50, 2:10, 4:40, 7:10, 9:40

Due Date – R

10:45 12:30 1:05 2:50 3:35 5:10 6:05 7:40 8:35 10:15

4:00 6:15 8:30 10:45

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MegaMind 2D - PG 10:10 12:40 3:10 5:45 8:30 10:50

*** Special engagement 1000 California Ave. • 661-636-0484 • mayacinemas.com

Showtimes for December 3

PHOTO COURTESY OF ROSIE FLORES

Rosie Flores will perform Tuesday night at Fishlips Bar & Grill.

Play “Christmasville” for all your guests this holiday season. Anyone who doesn't ask for a copy is a fraud and should not be allowed in your home. All her records are available on her website, www.rosieflores.com, some of them are on iTunes, or just go to World Records, and if Pat doesn't have them, he'll get them pronto.

Most importantly, get your tickets and join me at Fishlips on Tuesday and check out one of the most underrated artists I’ve ever heard. I'm pretty sure that she'll do some of her Christmas stuff, which will be super cool. This will be one of those shows where there will be a line at the merch table. Be in it.

I'm asking Santa for a Rosie Flores Tshirt this year, so there will be no excuses if he doesn't come through.

No matter if your tastes lean country, rock, or rockabilly, you will love this show. Look at it this way: Austin is about 1,500 miles from Bakersfield. It's a 20-hour drive if you do it in shifts and make good time. It takes around 75 gallons of gas. But thanks to Fishlips, you can get your Austin vibe on right here in town and pocket the savings.

17

Thursday, December 2, 2010 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street

Restaurant - Deli - Bakery

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Contributing writer cgavin @bakersfield.com

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n ensemble of nine seasoned performers will hit the stage with “Holly Follies” on Friday for the official opening of the Intimate Theatre & Music Hall, the newest live stage venue in the downtown area.

“They’re all people who’ve done a lot of shows,” said David Zent, co-producer with Dee Cherry. “We’ve got Norman Colwell who looks a lot like Santa Claus, even though he is kind of thin.”

It will include sketches based on traditional Christmas songs as well as a parody called “What I Didn’t Get Last Year,” based on “Do You Hear What I Hear.”

Although Zent’s most recent ventures were dinner theaters — one on Bernard Street and another operation at the Hill House on Truxtun Avenue — he’s not planning to do any cooking this time around.

“We won’t be serving dinner,” he said. “It’s a headache and it takes about 80 percent of your time, which leaves only 20 percent to work on the show.”

But there will be a snack bar where hot dogs and popcorn can be purchased.

The structure that houses the new theater formerly was used as a church.

Zent, with the help of several friends in the theater community, has devot-

ed the last three months to turning it into a 99-seat theater.

One friend, a drummer, is letting Zent use his lighting equipment. This, said the theater entrepreneur, was a most-welcome addition. About three years ago, he was forced to close his dinner theater at the Hill House mainly due to the theft of lights valued at about $40,000.

Another acquaintance brought in a load of pallets, which were broken down to build the proscenium-style stage, which is 23 feet wide and 15 feet deep. And still another friend supplied the chairs for seating the audience.

Others who have stopped by to offer support and ideas for shows include Shari Fortino, a colleague at the old Oildale melodrama, and Ron Steinman, a veteran director of many musicals for Civic Light Opera and Bakersfield Music Theatre.

Several independent promoters have used the theater in the past few weeks but “Holly Follies” is the first show produced by Zent and Cherry, a dancer, choreographer and costume designer.

“I’m really lucky to have Dee as my

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Where: Intimate Theatre & Music Hall, 2030 19th St. When: Doors open at 7:30 p.m.

Friday-Saturday, 1:30 p.m. Sunday Tickets: $15, or two for $25; $10, children Call: 323-1976

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BY CAMILLE GAVIN

‘Holly Follies’

For reservations 587-3377 12748 Jomani Drive AN NI

Veteran showman opens theater downtown

partner,” he said. “In this business you’re generally burning the candles at both ends most of the time and she’s that kind of person.”

He also describes Cherry, the manager of a local gym, as a “world-class gymnast who can do a mean back-flip off the uneven bars.”

Plans for 2011 include doing “Clue,” a popular comedy, and a Gilbert and Sullivan operetta, probably “HMS Pinafore.”

Zent is also reading scripts submitted to him by Barry Wolcott, a local playwright and drama teacher, and is open to submissions from other writers.

He’s considering hosting a competition sometime next year for one- or two-act plays, with the winner getting a cash prize of about $500.

He also may partner with some of the independent filmmakers in town and trombonist Ron Christian is set to host a jazz session on Tuesday nights starting in January.

Although Zent feels he has a group of solid performers for “Holly Follies,” he has yet to form a company of players and welcomes others who want to audition.

Each actor, he said, gets paid $25 per show. This makes the Intimate the second local theater to pay its actors, the first being Gaslight Melodrama & Music Hall, which has done so since it started five years ago.

Others in the “Holly Follies” cast are Danielle Chase, Jolene Forzetting, Jeremiah Johnson, who will do his “church lady” impression, Kelci Lowry, Chris Puckett and Zac Taylor.

November 26th December 23rd Week nights at 7pm Saturday and Sunday 1pm and 7pm

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Off to a ‘Holly’ jolly start

Holiday Extravaganza!

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MICHAEL FAGANS / THE CALIFORNIAN

The cast of “The Holly Follies” rehearse their sleigh ride song at the Intimate Theatre & Music Hall. Left to right: in front, Norman Colwell and David Zent; second row, Dee Cherry, Jolene Forzetting and Kelci Lowry; back row, Jeremiah Johnson and Chris Puckett.

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“Give the Gift of Laughter with a Melodrama Gift Card” www.themelodrama.com

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The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, December 2, 2010

Eye Street Camille Gavin CONTRIBUTING COLUMNIST

‘In the moment’ with Gita Lloyd Artist takes center stage at First Friday

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n the 10 years she’s lived in Bakersfield, Gita Lloyd has created an enormous body of work. A large portion of those paintings will be on exhibit at Metro Galleries starting Friday.

Many times on the occasions when she was doing public performances while painting her “Bakersfield Alive!” series a few years ago, I was impressed with how quickly she worked and her ability to interact, simultaneously, with onlookers. It seemed as if one minute the canvas was empty and five minutes later, voila! The finished product.

Laughing, Lloyd agreed with my assessment of her speed.

“I do kind of do it like a whirling dervish, don’t I.” Credit for the rapidity, she says, goes to the 20 years she spent as an illustrator of children’s books, primarily for Golden Books and particularly “Clifford the Big Red Dog.” “We had to work fast,” she said.

“Once I did the drawings for 25 book titles in one year.”

Now she looks at that commercial experience as the foundation for doing fine art, which is what she always intended to do.

Lloyd’s exhibit at Metro Galleries contains a wide variety of subject matter, ranging from Kern County landscapes and icons to historic figures and various kinds of animals. Her work is expressionistic in style and powerful in its ability to convey emotion. The title “Living Room” was Lloyd’s idea.

“All the paintings I do are very per-

FELIX ADAMO / THE CALIFORNIAN

Gita Lloyd’s work will be on display at the Metro Galleries. The top photo shows her painting “Cowboys at Mexican Independence Day.”

sonal, so it’s like (inviting) people into my living room,” she said. “My living room is on display.”

Both Gita and her husband, musician David Nigel Lloyd, were living and working in Los Angeles at the time of their marriage. Later, after their daughter Ursula was born, the family made their home in a remote part of the Sierra Nevada. She still enjoys painting moun-

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

tain scenes, all of which she does on location, driving around the county in a truck overflowing with canvases, lumber, art supplies and a straight-backed wooden chair.

Incidentally, she builds and stretches her own canvases, which must be a challenge given the size of some of them. For example, her landscape project at the William Thomas Terminal at Kern County Airport is 40 feet long.

One painting of a mountain scene in the current show is unusual, mainly because of its size. A circular landscape, the can-

vas measures 16 feet in length and is only 18 inches wide.

“It took me days and days of going back again and again to do it,” Lloyd said. “It’s a riparian sand flat in the Sierra — mostly oaks, pines and rocks.”

Since the exhibit covers a period of 10 years, I asked her if she has a favorite painting.

“Whatever I’m doing at the moment,” she said. “That would be the (favorite) one.”

Seizing the moment — and overcoming obstacles — is another of Lloyd’s hallmarks, as can be seen in her reaction to a small herd of cattle that had plopped themselves down, blocking her panoramic view of a valley she was painting.

“The cows wouldn’t move,” she explained. “So I painted them.”

Lloyd says painting people as they go about their daily lives — work, play or any kind of activity — is something she especially likes to do. Lately she’s been inspired by watching jazz musicians.

“I’m really intrigued by musicians and their facial expressions as they play — such strong images,” she said. “Like visual artists, they are ‘in the moment’ with what they’re creating.”

Lloyd, 55, enjoys working with children. Last summer she and Debby Kroeger, an education specialist at CALM, traveled to various parts of the county to present hands-on science and art lessons to an estimated 2,000 students in the Kern County Superintendent of Schools Migrant Education program. In 2011, Lloyd will do a 10week program for the Pixley School District. It’s called VIP Arts, which stands for Very Important Play: Arts.

She has done commissions for the Centennial Medical Clinic, including a 360-degree panorama that goes in and out of several rooms and hallways. Congressman Kevin McCarthy owns several of her paintings, which are displayed in his office in Washington, D.C. Although some of Lloyd’s work was shown several years ago at the Arts Council of Kern, this is the first comprehensive exhibition of her work in a Bakersfield gallery,

GO & DO ‘Living Room’ exhibit When: Opening reception 5 to 9 p.m. Friday Where: Metro Galleries, 1604 19th St. Admission: Free Information: 634-9598

Other First Friday fun Opening reception, for Lila Martin’s “A Retrospective, from Realism to Impressionism,” 6 to 8 p.m., Bakersfield Art Association Art Center, 1817 Eye St. 869-2320.

Reception for artist Patricia Pears, 6 to 8 p.m., Dagny’s Coffee Co., 1600 20th St. 6340806.

“The Holly Follies,” doors open at 7:30 p.m., show at 8 p.m., Intimate Theatre & Music Hall, 2030 19th St. $15 or $25 for two; $10, children under 12. 323-1976.

“Children of Eden,” 8 p.m., Spotlight Theatre, 1622 19th St. $25; $22, students/seniors. 634-0692 or thespotlighttheatre.com.

Guild House First Friday, with live music, art on display, appetizers, dessert and wine, 6 to 8 p.m., Guild House, 1905 18th St. $5. 325-5478.

Hectic Films presents “The Grip,” featuring independent and short films, 8 to 10 p.m., Caffeine Supreme, 2000 F St. 321-9097.

said Don Martin, president of Metro Galleries.

“I'm excited to be showing Gita’s work,” he said. “I’ve long admired the public art projects she’s been involved with (and) I'm very happy that Metro Galleries is the first privately owned gallery in which she's agreed to show.”

Martin also said 20 percent of the sales proceeds during tomorrow’s event will be donated to the Grossman Burn Center at San Joaquin Community Hospital. The exhibit will be up through Jan. 30.

19

Thursday, December 2, 2010 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street

Teens ready for serious Chemical reaction E ast Coast rock band My Chemical Romance, getting raves for its justreleased fourth studio album, “Danger Days: The True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys,” has announced a show at Bakersfield’s Fox Theater in May. Tickets go on sale Saturday. The band, back from the brink of breakup and despair, had scrapped a whole year of work on the new album before starting over from scratch, according to Billboard.com. That move “felt like we were holding our career over an open flame,” MCR frontman Gerard Way recently told the music industry website. The band's single, “Sing,” has so far climbed to No. 15 on the Alternative Songs chart.

Review of “Danger Days: The True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys”

BY GLENN GAMBOA, NEWSDAY

If the last My Chemical Romance album, “The Black Parade,” the stunningly effective concept album dealing with death, was a punctuation mark, it would have been a period. The band’s new concept album is an exclamation point. Big! Bright! Loud!

Wheeeee! In “Danger Days,” MCR’s new alter egos are The Fabulous Killjoys, a gang of superheroes fighting alien crime and living on the edge comic-book style. Instead of the “Black Parade” slow crawl to death, the Killjoys are moving at high speeds. The first single, “Na Na Na,” sounds like it was built for driving fast on an empty freeway with its hard-charging guitar riffs and its screamalong chorus. If the revved-up glam rock of “Party Poison” and “Vampire Money,” which sounds like T. Rex crossed with The Sex Pistols, doesn’t get you shouting, it may be too late for you. MCR tries out other personae, too. The guys make Ke$ha pop brainy with-

Contributing writer

I

t's that time of year again: “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” “It's a Wonderful Life” and other holiday classics are hitting the airwaves and televisions. This holiday season why not watch something LIVE and a little more contemporary?

South High School's theater performance class will be putting on “Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!)” at 7 p.m. tonight, Friday and Saturday. The play updates all the holiday classics you know and love, turning them into a modern day comedy.

“Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!)” starts off as a production of the timeless story “A Christmas Carol,” but after some debate from the actors, it is then turned into a hilarious Christmas story mash-up. The actors quickly go through all the beloved holiday classics with a modern

Sat. 9 - 5pm • Sun. 10 - 4pm Browse throughout the Nursery & Gift Shop for unadvertised specials

Put the peaceful back in Holiday Shopping!

Holiday Color

Upcoming Seminar BRANIMIR KVARTUC / AP FILE

My Chemical Romance lead singer Gerard Way performs in Los Angeles in 2006.

out killing the buzz on “Planetary (GO!).”

They channel The Cure on “Summertime” and Jane’s Addiction on the hard-hitting “Destroya.” And they keep some of their own earlier sound intact for the infectious “Bulletproof Heart.” “Danger Days” combines the feeling of living with no regrets and the extraordinary workmanship that doesn’t require any, creating instant, welldeserved success.

December 4th, 1:00 pm

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— Staff and wire reports

My Chemical Romance’s Danger Days World Contamination Tour When: Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m.

Saturday; show is at 8 p.m. May 25 Where: Fox Theater box office, any Vallitix outlet, by calling 322-5200 or at www.Vallitix.com.

Tickets: $40 reserved, with limited general admission seats available in the pit.

Which holiday classic do you love best? See them all at South

BY STEPHANIE SANCHEZ

HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE at Robby’s Nursery

‘Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!),’ presented by South High When: 7 p.m. tonight, Friday and Saturday Where: South High, 1101 Planz Road Admission: $6; $5 students/children; free to children 5 and under

twist. Between each scene the actors keep the audience entertained with fun holiday facts and cheery commercials. Audience members will find themselves fondly remembering their childhood, and they might even wind up on stage with the actors.

Tickets are $6 for adults and $5 for students/children. Children 5 and under are admitted free. South High School is located at 1101 Planz Road.

— Stephanie Sanchez is a South High student

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

Art from “Reflections” Exhibit at the Younger Gallery.

GIVE ART

Concert tickets to hear local musicians.

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!

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.

20

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, December 2, 2010

Eye Street The Lowdown with Matt Munoz

When Weezer had cred: a tribute Band cherry-picks best stuff for show

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.

M

iss the old Weezer? Then get ready to relive the glory days of ’94 at the big Weezer Cover Show happening Saturday at Sandrini’s.

But before you get all excited, be warned. There will be no “Hash Pipe,” “Pork and Beans, “ or “Beverly Hills.” This is strictly for the old school: “Blue” album and “Pinkerton” era Weezer only.

“The ‘Blue’ album was the first album I’d heard as a teenager that made me rethink my ideas about playing music,” said singer/guitarist, Pablo Alaniz who will be joined onstage by fellow musicians — Sal Galindo, guitar; Zachary Spier, bass; and Evan Ware, drums. “Before then, we never wanted to sing; it was only about playing guitar.” Alaniz joins legions of other “Weezer-ites” who profess similar love for the music of the quartet’s first two records and an equal disdain for their “comeback” radio hits. ‘“Pinkerton’ is like ‘Empire Strikes Back,’” Alaniz said. “After that, they were never the same band. Rivers Cuomo stopped putting any heart into his lyrics. A lot of people our age are kind of embarrassed to admit Weezer is their favorite band now, because of the music they’re putting out today.”

In addition to performing both albums in their entirety, the band will perform some Weezer b-sides and rarities. The buzz on the show has been big since the band made its first announcement,

IMAGE COURTESY OF ERWIN LEDFORD

A parody of Weezer's ’94 “Blue” album promotes Saturday's show at Sandrini's. Pictured from left: Evan Ware, Pablo Alaniz, Zachary Spier, Salvador Galindo.

much universal.” Tickets for Friday’s show are $26.50. Doors open at 7 p.m. For more information visit vallitix.com or call the Fox Theater box office at 324-1369.

so if you’re even thinking about going, make plans to get there early. The show kicks off at 9 p.m., and admission is $5. Sandrini’s is located at 1918 Eye St. For more info call 322-8900.

Matt’s picks

Look who’s laughing now Ever wonder what happens to reality TV show contestants after their 15 minutes of fame?

Some figure out how to extend it a few desperate minutes more, while others would rather erase themselves from the archives. Just ask Shafter’s Brooke “Pumkin” Thompson. Remember her? She was the girl who spit at fellow contestant “New York,” on VH-1’s “Flavor of Love.” Since then, she’s made a few reappearances, but does anyone really care about her upcoming sex show being taped for Playboy TV? OK, sorry. Let’s erase that thought for a moment.

Not at all in the same bottomdwelling league is comedian Felipe Esparza. Appearing this Friday at the Fox Theater, not only did he win the 2010 edition of NBC’s “Last Comic Standing,” but he’s using his God-given talents to pack comedy clubs and theaters all over the country.

“To me, it’s been a blessing because I won of course,” he

PHOTO COURTESY OF EVA ROSE ALANIZ

Felipe Esparza will appear at The Majestic Fox Theater on Friday.

laughed via telephone from his home in Los Angeles while discussing his reality TV stint. “It’s cool to keep working and traveling doing comedy.”

Thoroughly laid-back on the phone, his stand-up act is as casual as it is hilarious. Beating out nine other comedians during the competition, Esparza’s signature bushy mane and everyman themes have helped push him into the comedy big leagues.

Working as a struggling comic in Los Angeles for years, Esparza became a regular fixture hosting regular comedy nights at various clubs. He recalls one evening in particular, when he was introduced for the first time to friend and future comedy star Gabriel Iglesias.

“I was running a comedy show in Montebello at a place called the Wild Coyote Steakhouse a long

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.

time ago. Gabriel hadn’t been doing comedy for very long, and he had one of his friends come and ask me if he could do some stand-up. He came up to me all shy, so I said, ‘You’re next fool!’

And just like that, he killed it onstage.”

If you’ve ever seen Iglesias in concert, you may already be familiar with stories about his friend “Felipe,” and their crazy adventures that always start out with Esparza’s famous catch phrase, “What’s up, fool?”

“That’s me, man,” Esparza revealed.

Hoping to avoid being typecast as just a Latino comic, Esparza says his TV win is a good sign that he’s on the right track.

“In the beginning, a lot of Latino comedians like me were so concerned about crossing over.

Paul Rodriguez told me, ‘Listen man, when you’re this funny, you don’t need to cross over; people will cross over to you.’ So, I took that advice. My jokes are pretty

The Future Has-Beens present “Northbound & Down” at The Spotlight Theatre, 1622 19th St., at 11:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday, $5, 634-0692.

There are quite a few local comedy troupes sprouting around town, but not all of them will make you laugh. That’s not the case with The Future Has-Beens.

Troupe member Morgan Roy, who recently dropped the “S.” from his middle name for reasons unknown, writes some pretty crafty comedy tunes. Combine that with years of theater experience and you have an evening of twisted holiday madness. I’m sure you’ve heard the old saying, “The more you drink, the better we sound?” Guess what? They’re promoting $1 beer specials all evening.

“Bon Johnson” AC/DC tribute at B Ryder’s, 7401 White Lane, 9 p.m., Saturday, $8 to $10, 397-7304.

If a Weezer tribute isn’t your bag, then you might think about heading over to B Ryder’s to check out a tribute to Australia’s kings of the rock, AC/DC. The band hails from Los Angeles. I happened to check out some live videos available at their official website bonjohnson.com. Able to jump from both eras of AC/DC’s ’70s and ’80s songbooks, they’re definitely worth a headbang or two.

21

Thursday, December 2, 2010 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street

A walking tour through history 5 noteworthy homes will open their doors

BY KAREN COOLEY Contributing writer

T

he tree-lined streets of the Oleander/Sunset neighborhood beckon visitors once again to the Second Annual Historical Home Tour. The bungalows, adobes and stately mansions create an atmosphere of days gone by when craftsmanship was highly prized and each home had its own particular story to tell. These stories will be told again in a welcoming, wonderful day of exploration.

The Country Rose Tea Room is partnering with the Kern Child Abuse Prevention Council/Haven Counseling Center to present a tour of five historical homes on Dec. 12. Guests will gather to partake of a gourmet luncheon and a tour of the inside and outside of five historic homes decorated for the holidays. All proceeds will go to Haven to assist in efforts to prevent child abuse and neglect.

“El Corredor” is the name Sunset Magazine gave to the adobe on Oleander Avenue in its 1946 publication, Western Ranch Houses.

Three sides of the 1929 landmark, a Clarence Cullimore adobe, surround a central courtyard.

Cullimore was one of California's foremost scholars and practitioners of adobe architecture and construction. His adobes are now prized as historic properties and are found in many communities in the San Joaquin Valley.

In a 1994 Californian article, Clarence Cullimore Jr. remembered building the adobe house with sun-cured bricks. “Mixing the mud was the most fun. It was like making mud pies, tromping around in the mud about kneehigh.”

The home was built with soil excavated from the basement and mixed with oil field rotary mud for strength. The article went on to explain more about the homes: “The California adobe is an amalgam of influences — Spanish, Mexican, Indian and Eastern Colonial typified in the adobe house Cullimore built for himself. He put paned windows from New England in the thick-walled house, created a sheltered walled-off courtyard with a small pond and a fountain and added decorative tile from Italy, China and Mexico on the exterior walls.”

One of the home’s most interesting features was added by the present owner and is in the maid's quarters. The tile in the shower is circa 1929 Rudolph Valentino tile.

The design is known as “The Love Pheasants” and reportedly was hand-made by the silent film star

Textured walls and ceilings and hardwood floors are interesting features in Miguel Contreras’ home at 2830 Sunset Ave., built in 1926.

What is Haven Counseling Center?

Haven Counseling Center is in the business of healing families. Through education, advocacy and treatment, it works to prevent child abuse and neglect. Personalized parenting classes teach parents new skills. Family counseling allows the whole family to participate and benefit from new insights and behaviors. Case management helps families with food, shelter, clothing and selfsufficiency. Guided visitation provides a parenting coach to teach and model positive parenting techniques. All of these services contribute to safer and more loving homes where children and parents can grow and thrive.

— Karen Cooley

himself. Another unique home on the tour possesses an Ocean Wave roof, a European design rarely replicated in the United States.

The unusual roof dates from 1929.

Designer Joe Lightsey was

Tour of 5 historic homes When: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Sunday, Dec. 12 (check in at reserved luncheon time) Where: Meet at Country Rose Tea Room, 163 H St. Tickets: $40; they can be purchased at Country Rose Tea Room or the Kern Child Abuse Prevention Council/Haven Counseling Center, 730 Chester Ave. Information: 327-4711 or 322-5965

assigned to the job when the roof was repaired over 20 years ago.

Rick Montoya, of Bakersfield Shingle Wholesale, at first thought the task was impossible until he realized all the shingles were not the same shape. He bought a deck of cards and took them home to make a model of the “undulating surface and the scrolled edges …

He began trimming the cards until the design took shape,” according to a different 1994 Californian article.

Karen Cooley is executive director of Kern Child Abuse Prevention Council/Haven Counseling Center

HENRY A. BARRIOS / THE CALIFORNIAN

A table inside Miguel Contreras’ home is decorated in memory of Miguel's mother, Amelia Ramos-Niejera, who passed away April 3.

He has dedicated the opening up of his home for the holiday tour of historic homes to his mother.

22

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, December 2, 2010

Eye Street

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The caroling tradition in England is displayed at the Christmas Around the World holiday event in 2009.

Global holiday glamour ‘10,000 square feet’ of magic await at display

Christmas Around the World When: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. through Dec. 30; closed Sundays, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Where: Timeless Furnishings second floor, 1918 Chester Ave. Admission: $8; $7, seniors; $5, children; children under 8 free.

Family four-packs $20.

Purchased upon entry.

Information: christmasworldevent.com

BY MIRANDA WHITWORTH Contributing writer

Y

MON-FRI 10am - 8pm • SAT-SUN 10am - 6pm 865.5200 | 8200 Stockdale Hwy. (next to Trader Joe’s)

ou say it’s impossible to travel the world in one afternoon? Not so. Just head to downtown Bakersfield for Christmas Around the World, a holiday tour that spans the globe.

The second floor of Timeless Furnishing has been transformed into a haven for the holiday enthusiast that organizer Sherrie Lewis has dubbed “10,000 square feet of Christmas magic.”

Lewis has held the display at the furnishings store for three years and watched the project grow to include Christmas décor and holiday traditions from 30 countries.

“We set up a tree and we decorate it as if it were in that country,” Lewis said.

“Then we have story boards, paintings and artifacts from that country to go along with them. We even have an art gallery with paintings, quilts and stitcheries.”

More than 600 nutcrackers will be available to view, along with gingerbread houses, glass ornaments and a new feature on loan to Christmas Around the World from a friend Lewis calls a downtown icon.

“Peggy Darling is going to be setting up a German Christmas Parade this year using figures that were made in Germany. So that will be something no

CASEY CHRISTIE / THE CALIFORNIAN

A wiseman rides on a camel with gifts for baby Jesus on this large hanging ornament from the 2008 Christmas Around the World.

one has ever seen before.”

Nearly half of the items on display have been pulled from Lewis’ personal collection and from many friends and community members.

“I have collected for a lot of years but I have a lot of friends that have come in with items for me. Most of the collection from England and all of the antique Bibles have been donated. Even the Coptic Church comes in and sets up a display from Egypt.”

Lewis says Christmas trees and cultural pieces aren’t the only things awaiting on the tour.

“We have California’s largest Nativity

displays,” Lewis said. “There are over 2,000 Nativity sets, ornaments and framed cards.”

Christmas Around the World runs until Dec. 30 and is closed Sundays, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Proceeds from the 2010 event will be donated to the Boys & Girls Club of Kern County. Lewis said it’s important to her that this display give back on an educational and financial level.

“Every year I choose a charity because I want the people of Bakersfield to know their contributions go somewhere.”

When it comes to putting the display before the public, Lewis said it’s a labor of love and one she will gladly continue.

“This is a hidden treasure in Bakersfield. It’s my gift to the community and it is truly a magnificent display. It’s very educational and very cultural. It really promotes the true meaning of Christmas and there is a wonderful spirit there.”

23

Thursday, December 2, 2010 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street GO&DO Today 28th annual Bakersfield Christmas Parade, “A Magical Christmas,” parade will begin at 6 p.m., at 22nd and L streets. 8058858.

“Christmas Around the World,” holiday event with nutcrackers, collectibles, antique Bibles, Nativity displays and more, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily (except Sundays), until Dec. 30, Timeless Design Center, 1918 Chester Ave. $20 family of four; $8 individual; $5 children; children under 8 are free. Proceeds benefit Boys & Girls Club of Kern County. 326-0222 or christmasworldevent.com.

Christmas Sale, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. today through Sunday, Pawsitively Cats, 602 18th St. Fashion Show & Lunch, noon, Columbus Estates, 3201 Columbus St. 872-5855.

Bookseller’s Book Group, 7 p.m., Barnes & Noble, in the cafe, 4001 California Ave. 6312575.

Friday Chez Noel 2010, self-guided tour of three homes, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday; boutique vendors open at the Assistance League, 1924 Q St. No cell phones, photography, high heels, wheelchair access or children under 12 years. $35, includes map to homes. Tickets available at Bargain Box, Olcotts, Miss Holiday and Sugardaddy’s, Country Club Liquors & Delicatessen and Pappagallo. 861-9223.

HolidayLights @ CALM, see more than 2 million lights, giant carousel, Candy Cane Express and more, open 5:30 to 9 p.m. daily through Dec. 30, except Dec. 24 and 25, CALM, 10500 Alfred Harrell Highway. $12; $10 seniors and children ages 3-17; $6 ages 3-12. $2 off admission Mondays through Thursdays through Dec. 16. vallitix.com or 322-5200, 872-2256.

Winter Playground, ice skating, train rides, arts and crafts room, snow play area, 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.

Felipe Esparza, 8 p.m., Bakersfield Fox Theater, 2001 H St. $26.50 plus fee. vallitix.com or 322-5200.

First Friday Downtown, 5 to 9 p.m., Downtown Arts District. 634-9598.

Guild House First Friday, with live music, art on display, appetizers, dessert and wine, 6 to 8 p.m., Guild House, 1905 18th St. $5.

325-5478.

Hectic Films presents “The Grip,” featuring independent and short films, 8 to 10 p.m., Caffeine Supreme, 2000 F St. 3219097.

Wine Bar Flight, featuring the Best of 07 Cabs, Mt. Veeder, Chappellet Signature and more, 4 p.m., Imbibe Wine & Spirits Merchant, 4140 Truxtun Ave. Tastes, $5 to $7. 633-WINE.

Saturday Annual Christmas Concert, 7 p.m., Olive Drive Church, 5500 Olive Drive.

Holiday Lamplight Tours, with Old West encampments and costumed interpreters, minstrels, carolers, bell choirs, horse-drawn wagon rides and more, 3 to 8 p.m., Kern County Museum, 3801 Chester Ave. $3 to $10. 852-5000.

Hypnotist Tina Marie, doors open at 6 p.m., show at 7:30 p.m., Bakersfield Fox Theater, 2001 H St. $22 plus fee. vallitix.com or 322-5200.

GO & DO

North of the River Savings FREE HOLIDAY SPRUCE UP PACKAGE

HENRY A. BARRIOS / THE CALIFORNIAN

Natural light streams in the window of the powder room in the Hampton home, which is part of Chez Noel 2010.

Chez Noel 2010, self-guided tour of three homes, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday; boutique vendors open at the Assistance League, 1924 Q St. No cell phones, photography, high heels, wheelchair access or children under 12 years. $35, includes map to homes.

Tickets available at Bargain Box, Olcotts, Miss Holiday and Sugardaddy’s, Country Club Liquors & Delicatessen and Pappagallo. 861-9223.

Fourth annual Outlawz Car Club Christmas Toy Drive 2010, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Rocket Shop Cafe, 2000 S. Union Ave. All proceeds benefit Kern Medical Center Pediatrics. 912-4037 or 477-2055.

Ethel’s Old Corral Oildale Toy Run, coffee and doughnuts 9 a.m. at two locations: at Bikersfield Leather & Accessories, 2622 Fairhaven Drive, and Bakersfield Speedway, 5001 N. Chester Ave., bikers leave both places at 11 a.m. to ride over to Ethel’s Old Corral, 4310 Alfred Harrell Highway, there will be food, live music. One unwrapped toy and two canned food items per rider. 8739223.

FACT Open House, 1 to 4 p.m., CSUB, Facility for Animal Care and Treatment, 9001 Stockdale Highway. 664-3167.

FLICS International Cinema Society, presents “Mid-August Lunch,” 7:30 p.m., Bakersfield Fox Theater, 2001 H St. $5. flics.org or 428-0354.

“Junk to Joy” Fundraiser Yard Sale, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., law office of H.A. Sala, 641 H St. 631-2904.

Optimal Hospice Foundation Light Up a Life, family members and donors invited to sponsor a light in memory of a loved one, friend or someone living whom they wish to honor, 11 a.m. Saturday, Lodge at Painted Rock, 2908 Pearl Harbor Drive, Lake Isabella; and 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Kelcy’s, 110 W. Tehachapi Blvd., Tehachapi. 716-8000.

Crafting for a Cure Craft Fair, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., East Bakersfield Veterans Hall, 2101 Ridge Road. 868-7478.

Holiday Bazaar, with vendors, free gift wrapping, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Jackie’s Magical Treasures, 616 Jackson St. Free. 328-0661.

Holiday Entertaining with Santa’s Little Helpers, learn ideas for holiday food and entertaining, 10 a.m., Beladagio, 9500 Brimhall Road, Suite 705. Free. 829-2288.

Magic of Christmas Bazaar, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Stockdale Moose Lodge, 905 Stine Road. 599-5505.

Beginning Guitar Lesson, bring your own, learn to play Christmas songs, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Beale Memorial Library, Tejon Room, 701 Truxtun Ave. Free. 868-0770.

Please see PAGE 24

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24

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, December 2, 2010

5th Annual

Eye Street

Cinnamon Roll Drive CONTINUED FROM PAGE 23

FRIDAY, DEC. 3rd Starting at 6 am 3209 Brookside Dr. (off Gosford & S. Laurelglen)

661-302-4101 For a small donation drive up, get a HOT, FRESH cinnamon roll, hot coffee or cocoa without leaving your car.

All proceeds benefiting American Cancer Society Relay for Life *Don’t forget to bring the kiddies for a visit with Santa.

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CSUB Men’s Basketball, vs.

University of San Francisco, 7 p.m., Rabobank Arena, 1001 Truxtun Ave. $5$25. gorunners.com or 654-BLUE. Fossils of the McKittrick, Maricopa & Ranco La Brea Tar Seeps, presentation by geologist Tim Elam, 3 p.m., Buena Vista Museum of Natural History, 2018 Chester Ave. General museum admission. 324-6350.

Just for Kids “African Animals,� with animal expert Don Busse, 10:30 a.m. to noon, Buena Vista Museum of Natural History, 2018 Chester Ave. $7 adults; $5 students with ID, seniors; $4 for children under 18; free for members and kids 5 and under. 324-6350.

Kern County European Travel Club, meeting 10 a.m., for trip to Spain on Sept. 26, 2011, call Jim Engel at 3996507.

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.

Visit with Santa, 2 p.m., Valley Plaza Mall, in Macy's Court, 2701 Ming Ave. Nebraska Cornhusker Booster Club, will meet for the game against Oklahoma, 5 p.m., In-Shape Health Club, 6901 Ming Ave. All Husker fans welcome. 827-8719.

Sierra Club-Buena Vista Group Program & Brunch, with Zac Griffin discussing “Biking for Transportation and Infrastructure for Bicycles,� 10 a.m., Camino Real Restaurant, 3500 Truxtun Ave. Program is free; brunch is $7.60. 246-6195.

Sunday Annual Public Menorah Lighting and Celebration, with raffle drawing, Hanukkah doughnuts, live music, dreidel, 6 p.m., The Marketplace, 9000

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THEATER “Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!),� doors open at 6:30 p.m., show at 7 p.m. today through Saturday, South High School, lecture center, 1101 Planz Road. $6 adults, $5 students, children 5 and under are free. 831-3680. “A Christmas Carol,� doors open at 6 p.m., show at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Fruitvale Jr. High School, 2114 Calloway Drive. $4 adults; $3 children/Fruitvale Jr. High students. Bring a can of soup and receive a $1 discount. 589-3933. “It’s a Wonderful Family Christmas Carol,� followed by vaudeville revue “Santa of the Opera,� 7 p.m. Friday, 1 and 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; 7 p.m.

Monday, Gaslight Melodrama Theatre & Music Hall, 12748 Jomani Drive. $21 to

We wish you all the magic of the season

PROFESSOR MULDOON’S

The Perfect Christmas Gift

Ming Ave. Free. 835-8381 or chabadofbakersfield.com. “What Would Jesus Buy?� Movie, hosted by Kern River Valley Revitalization’s Living Green Festival; 2 p.m., First Baptist Church, 46 Valley View Drive, Kernville. Free. livinggreenkrv.org or 760-333-4561.

CD Signing, with Kevin Elling of “You Are with Us,� 1 to 3 p.m., Russo's, 9000 Ming Ave. 665-4686.

CSUB Concert Band, Christmas concert with all the “fixin’s,â€? 3:00 p.m., CSUB DorĂŠ Theatre, 9001 Stockdale Highway. $10; $6 seniors; CSUB students with ID are free. 654-2293. “Masters of Harmony,â€? presented by Bakersfield Community Concert Association, 3 p.m., the theater at Rabobank Convention Center, 1001 Truxtun Ave. $60 for six concerts. bakersfieldcca.org or 205-8522 or 5892478.

NFL ticket, 9 a.m., B. Ryder’s Sports Bar & Grill, 7401 White Lane. 397-7304.

Shop Christine’s for the best selection of Brighton charms.

Complimentary gift wrap, great parking and friendly elves to help you make the best selections!

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Share your Santa story 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. 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. Email: sdias@bakersfield.com; Mail: The Bakersfield Californian c/o Stefani Dias, PO Bin 440, Bakersfield, CA 93302. Drop-off: 1707 Eye St. $23. 587-3377. “Holly Follies,� doors open at 7:30 p.m., show at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday; doors open at 1:30 p.m., show at 2 p.m. Sunday, Intimate Theatre & Music Hall, 2030 19th St. $15 one adult; $25 two adults; $10 children under 12. 323-1976. “Children of Eden,� 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday, Spotlight Theatre, 1622 19th St. $25; $22, students/seniors. 634-0692 or thespotlighttheatre.com. “A Merry Christmas at Stars!,� doors open at 6:30 p.m., show at 8 p.m.

Saturday; doors open at 12:30 p.m., show at 2 p.m. Sunday, Stars Dinner Theatre, 1931 Chester Ave. $50 to $55; show-only tickets $30. 325-6100.

Please see PAGE 25

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25

Thursday, December 2, 2010 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street

Fresh Cut 2’ to 12’ Tall

Noble Fir Grand Fir Douglas Fir Custom Economy Douglas Fir $19.99 Flocking 5’ to 6’ Tall AVAILABLE

CHRISTMAS CHRISTMAS TREES TREES

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 24

Improv Comedy Show, with Center For Improv Advancement, 8 to 9:30 p.m.

Saturdays; with high school students, 8 p.m.

Sundays, Ice House, 3401 Chester Ave., Suite M. Saturdays: $5 adults; $1 children under 12; Sundays: $3 adults; $1 children under 12. 412-3CIA. Major League Improv, improvisational comedy, appropriate for families, 6 p.m.

Saturdays, The Empty Space, 706 Oak St. Free but donations are accepted. 327-PLAY.

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MUSIC Classic rock Bellvedere Cocktail Lounge, 3090 Brundage Lane, 325-2139; Really Big Midgets, 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

T-Bones Steakhouse, 8020 District Blvd., 398-1300; The Tony Ernst Band, 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. Friday.

T-Bones Steakhouse, 8020 District Blvd., 398-1300; The Beagles, 7:30 to 11:30 p.m.

Saturday.

Tam O’Shanter, 2345 Alta Vista, 324-6774; The Press, 8:30 p.m. Friday; The Synergy Band, 9 p.m. Saturday.

Comedy Spotlight Theatre, 1622 19th St., 6340692; “Northbound & Down” featuring Future Has-Beens, subversive sketch comedy and music, 11:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 17 and over.

Jerry’s Pizza, 1817 Chester Ave., 633-1000; Open Mic Stand-Up Comedy Challenge, 8 to 10 p.m. Wednesday. $5.

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.

Tejon Club, 117 El Tejon Ave., 392-1747; Crossroads, 6 to 10 p.m. Sunday.

Cover Sandrini’s, 1918 Eye St., 322-8900; The People’s Band, 9 p.m. Thursday.

Dancing Joaquin Squares, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Thursday, Rasmussen Center, 115 E. Roberts

Coastal Redwood Giant Redwood Colorado Blue Spruce Colorado Green Spruce

UNIQUE GIFTS for ever y age

Annual Public Menorah Lighting and Celebration, with raffle drawing, Hanukkah doughnuts, live music, dreidel, 6 p.m. Sunday, The Marketplace, 9000 Ming Ave. Free. 835-8381 or chabadofbakersfield.com.

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.

Fridays, Rasmussen Senior Center, 115 E. Roberts Lane. $5; $7 nonmembers. 3993575 or 332-1537.

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. 330-9616 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. Thursdays, 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; with DJ Wyld One, 9 p.m.

Thursday.

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, 8341611; 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.

Fridays and Saturdays. Free.

The Bull Shed Bar & Grill, at Hotel Rosedale, 2400 Camino Del Rio Court, 3270681; with Meg, 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.

Please see PAGE 26

BERRIES & VEGETABLES

NOW! BAREROOT: largest Selection in California!

BAREROOT

HENRY A. BARRIOS / THE CALIFORNIAN

Shmarya Katzem passes out dreidles to children, including Adam Scully, foreground, during the 2009 Public Menorah Lighting and Celebration held at The Marketplace.

BAREROOT

15 Varieties

Deodar Cedar Incense Cedar

ART Opening reception, of Lila Martin’s “A Retrospective, from Realism to Impressionism,” 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Bakersfield Art Association Art Center, 1817 Eye St. 869-2320.

Opening reception, for Gita Lloyd’s "Living Room," music by Kama Ruby, food from Mama Roomba, 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, Metro Galleries, 1604 19th St. Free.

Reception for artist Patricia Pears, 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Dagny’s Coffee Co., 1600 20th St. 634-0806.

2010 Icon Exhibit & Artist Reception, for artist Joyce Tanner, 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Mercy Art & Spirituality Center, 2215 Truxtun Ave. 632-5357.

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

Aliza McCracken, featured artist in sanctuary through January, Bakersfield Center for Spiritual Living and The Martha Chapman Bookstore, 222 Eureka St., Sunday service 10:30 a.m., bookstore open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday to Thursday. 323-3109.

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Go East on FWY 58 toward Tehachapi, exit Weedpatch Hwy., turn left - go 3/4 mile

26

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, December 2, 2010

Eye Street

Theater duo getting their acts together Short works run the gamut from tragedy to light comedy

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

L

ove your theater in small doses? Then make plans to attend Random Writers “One Acts” opening this Friday at Bakersfield Community Theater.

Produced by local actor/director Thomas G. Robinson and author Nick Belardes, the event is the first in what they hope will become an annual holiday “break.”

“December is a great time to have something like this,” said Robinson, who works at Russo’s Books, presenter of the festival. “You can separate yourself from all the holiday theater productions going on.”

Robinson, who approached BCT about hosting the festival after some concerns involving space and staging from another event held in June, was initially inspired by a submission from Belardes. Tapped to direct his play, “Stonewall,” Robinson pulled it from the June show with hopes for a future presentation.

“As a director, I thought of the layout to Nick’s play and felt it wouldn’t work at the time,” he said. “BCT continued with their event, and I pitched my idea to Nick and BCT. Thankfully, they were very receptive to it.”

Taking the name from Belardes’ weekly Random Writers Workshop, held at Russo’s, both immediately went to work seeking participants and submissions.

“I sent out the request in early summer, with an October deadline,” said Belardes. “I got about 10 responses. I sent them over to Thomas G. Robinson and suggested my favorites.”

This is Belardes’ first foray into the world of theater after years of involvement in the national literary scene. A self-published paperback writer who also boasts a best-selling trivia book titled “Random Obsessions,” he says the experience has so far kept him at a comfortable distance.

“They’re the theater experts, not me. I gave them some recommendations. We didn’t agree on everything and that was OK.” At 10 to 20 minutes in length, the six plays range from drama to comedy. Some submissions arrived from Los Angeles and Chicago, through Belardes’ connections at national literary site thenervousbreakdown.com.

“We branched out to work with more experienced writers for this rather than students from the workshop. Many at The Nervous Breakdown have been published in magazines and books — guys like Rich Ferguson, who’s performed at the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles. His piece is just incredible.”

When asked about Belardes’ piece “Stonewall,” Robinson described the scope of his vision and the work involved to make it effective onstage.

“The difference with Nick’s play is that I have 13 actors, and the burden is to find the right actors to fit each part. I was really fortunate this time.”

A fictionalized account loosely based on Belardes’ own previous experiences, “Stonewall” examines the inner workings of mass media.

Russo’s Books presents ‘Random Writers One-Acts’ When: 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and Dec. 10 and 11 Where: Bakersfield Community, 2400 South Chester Ave. Admission: $10 Information: 831-8114 From a band of thieves to a therapeutic group of tiny fish, “Random Writers OneActs” offer everything from the funny to the controversial. Here's a brief synopsis of each play.

“Stonewall” A daring reverend enters a TV newsroom to reveal his theories in this fictional account of a shooting that leaves a reformed gang member dead and a cop wounded. Written by Nick Belardes (Bakersfield). Directed by Thomas G. Robinson.

“Everyone Else's Fault” On their fourth date, Steve explains his philosophy of blame to Kathy by using a series of examples from his dark past.

Written by Gregory Boose (Chicago).

Directed by Julie Jordan-Scott.

“Interlude with Guppies” Tom talks to his guppies about his problems at work while a forceful presence offers “her” solution. Written by Judy Prince (Norfolk, Va.) Directed by Justin Thompson.

“Three Sisters” After the death of their father, it becomes all about “the stuff” as the three sisters meet the night before the funeral and all hell breaks loose. Written by Patty Wonderly (Bakersfield). Directed by Thomas G. Robinson.

“Sorcerer's Swan Song” A down-on-their-luck band of Congolese sorcerer-thieves goes in for one last haul and must ultimately face a series of unpleasant and extremely naked truths.

Written by Tyler Stoddard Smith (Austin, Texas). Directed by Eric Tolley.

“The First Time” This mesmerizing spoken-word piece is a lyrical urban journey through the raw consciousness of American lovers and dreamers. Written by Rich Ferguson (Los Angeles.) Directed by Eric Tolley.

— Synopses courtesy of Nick Belardes

“Having worked in the media and observing the decision-making process to see how news stories are pulled, it’s a strange experience. My play illustrates how sometimes there seems to be no rationality at how news stories are prioritized and the madness of a newsroom. I’m doing that through extreme controversy. I have to hit them with something really hard to drive that point home.”

Looking forward to opening night, Robinson is amazed with the work from everyone involved.

“Bakersfield’s in for a really nice treat if they come out.”

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 25

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

Thursdays.

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

Live Jazz & Wine Bar, featuring Jazz Connection, along with 24 wines, 7 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Imbibe Wine & Spirits Merchant, 4140 Truxtun Ave. 633-WINE. Padre Hotel, Prospect Lounge, 1702 18th St., 427-4900; Jazz & Martinis featuring Lawanda Smith, 7 p.m.

Tuesday.

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

Wednesdays.

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).

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

323-7111.

Padre Hotel, Prospect Room, 1702 18th St., 427-4900; Rumba Bongo featuring DJ Frank & DJ Kosmo, 9 p.m.

Thursday.

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

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., 3229910; Jimmy Gaines, Bobby O and Mike Halls, 6:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday.

Please see PAGE 27

27

Thursday, December 2, 2010 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street Presents The 21st Annual

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 26

Open mic

GO & DO

Le Corusse Rouge, 4647 White Lane, 834-1611; 7 to 10 p.m. Wednesdays.

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

Wednesdays.

Holiday Home Tour December 3 & 4, 2010

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

The Bistro After Dark, 5105 California Ave., 323-3905; Old School Saturdays with Noe G, 10 p.m. every Saturday. Ladies free/$10 cover.

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

Elevation Lounge, 818 Real Road, 3256864; Elevation 406, 9 p.m. Friday.

Elevation Lounge, 818 Real Road, 3256864; Elevation 406, 9 p.m. Friday.

Sandrini’s, 1918 Eye St., 322-8900; Cesario’s Night, 9:30 p.m. Friday; Weezer Tribute, 9:30 p.m. Saturday.

Vinny’s Bar & Grill, 2700 S. Union Ave., Expose, Naked Lady Mudflap, Decendent, 9 p.m. Friday; Rear View Mirrror, 9 p.m.

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

B. Ryder’s Sports Bar & Grill, 7401 White Lane, 397-7304; AC/DC Tribute band, 9 p.m.

Saturday.

Ska/reggae B. Ryder’s Sports Bar & Grill, 7401 White Lane, 397-7304; Dub Seeds, 9 p.m. Friday.

Songwriters The Prime Cut, 9500 Brimhall Road, 8311413; Chuck Seaton and Billy Russell’s Songwriter’s Showcase, 7 p.m. Wednesdays.

Top 40 Elevation Lounge, 818 Real Road, 3256864; DJ Adam E, 9 p.m. Thursday.

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

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

Elevation Lounge, 818 Real Road, 3256864; DJ Adam E, 9 p.m. 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 Ethel’s Old Corral, 4310 Alfred Harrell Highway, 873-7613; Noah Claunch, 7 to 11 p.m. Friday.

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

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

UPCOMING EVENTS Monday 12/6 Rudolf Budginas, doors open at 7 p.m., concert at 7:30 p.m., Burroughs High School, in the Parker Performing Arts Center, 500 E. French Ave, Ridgecrest. $22; $18 for those

10am to 4pm

CALIFORNIAN FILE

Melissa Sitton, left, and Cindy Mallory ride through the Kern County Museum at the 2006 Holiday Lamplight Tours.

Holiday Lamplight Tours, with Old West encampments and costumed interpreters, minstrels, carolers, bell choirs, horse-drawn wagon rides and more, 3 to 8 p.m., Kern County Museum, 3801 Chester Ave. $3 to $10.

852-5000. under 21, over 65, active-duty military or dependent. 760-375-5600.

Vientos Trio Residency Workshop/Clinic, 1 p.m., recital at 8 p.m., CSUB, Dore Theatre, 9001 Stockdale Highway. Free workshop/clinic; concert $10; $6, seniors; $4, students/faculty/ staff/alumni. 654-2511.

Tuesday 12/7 Bakersfield AIDS Project Memorial Quilt on Display, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., the reading of names every two hours, new panel dedication, reception at 6 p.m., Metro Galleries, 1604 19th St. 742-3611.

Christmas Bunco Party, presented by Zonta Club of Bakersfield, 6 p.m., Junior League of Bakersfield’s Community Center, 1928 19th St. $20, includes buffet dinner and play. Reservations by Dec. 3, 8731866.

CSUB Men’s Basketball, vs. Idaho State, 7 p.m., Rabobank Arena, 1001 Truxtun Ave. $5-$25. gorunners.com or 654-BLUE. Kern Audubon Society, Christmas potluck meeting with speaker photographer Casey Christie of The Bakersfield Californian, 6:30 p.m., Kern County Superintendent of Schools, 1300 17th St. 322-7470.

Pearl Harbor Remembrance Ceremony, 12:15 p.m., Veterans Memorial Site, Truxtun Avenue and S Street. 735-5728.

Pearl Harbor Remembrance Ceremony, 9:55 a.m., Union Cemetery, 730 Potomac Ave. 735-5728.

Rosie Flores Rockin’ in Christmasville, 8 p.m., Fishlips Bar & Grill, 1517 18th St. $10 plus fee. vallitix.com or 322-5200.

Sierra Club Conditioning Hikes, three to five miles, 7 p.m., meet at corner of Highways 178 and 184. 872-2432 or 8738107.

Wednesday 12/8 Advent Organ Recitals, with Doug Heinrichs, lunch at noon, recital from 12:30 to 1 p.m., First Presbyterian Church, 1705 17th St. Lunch available for $6 before recital or feel free to bring your own lunch.

325-9419.

Holiday Business Mixer, presented by the Kern County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce: appetizers, refreshments, raffle prizes, 5:30 p.m., Padre Hotel, 1702 18th St. 633-5495.

Tour 3 Area Homes Coffee, Snacks and Great Shopping at Assistance League® of Bakersfield 1924 Q St. (R Street Entrance) Tickets available at: Bargain Box - 1924 Q Street Pappagallo - Stockdale Fashion Plaza Country Club Liquors & Delicatessen - 3737 Columbus Olcotts - the Marketplace SugarDaddy’s - Stockdale Village Miss Holiday - Calloway & Brimhall Rd. No: cell phones, photography, high heels, wheel chair access or children under 12

for information only: (661) 861-9223 Ticket Price: $35.00 PROCEEDS BENEFIT OUR PHILANTHROPIC PROGRAMS