The Bakersfield Californian "Eye Street Entertainment" / 12-9-10

18

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, December 9, 2010

Eye Street

Index KRAB Acoustic Show . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 Bakersfield Toy Run . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 Arts Alive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 Bakersfield Museum of Art Show . . . . . . . . . . . . .23 The Lowdown with Matt Munoz . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 Bakersfield Blades Holiday Showcase . . . . . . . . .26 Nutcracker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28-29 Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30-33

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

On the count of three, ladies Rockettes are in sync (and in sequins) for stop in Bakersfield

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

C

ontinuing a 75-year-old New York City holiday tradition for a new generation of fans, The Radio City Rockettes invite you to get your Christmas kicks — all 300 of them.

Best of all, you won’t have to travel far to get to Times Square.

“We are excited about coming back to California,” said Jeff Capitola, vice president of production of the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, making its Bakersfield debut for two shows Monday at Rabobank Arena. “This is a beautiful version of the show, and we’re so proud of what it looks like.”

Describing the traveling road show as a “mini-city,” with enough equipment and manpower to construct itself within hours, Capitola compared it to the some of today’s mammoth rock shows.

“By rock ‘n’ roll standards, it’s huge at 22 equipment trucks, which is the size of the last Madonna and Rolling Stones tour. It’s a lot of stuff — pretty crazy.”

One of three traveling versions of the show currently on the road, Bakersfield will be treated to a larger-arena version, while other cities will be seeing the scaled-down theater productions. Carefully planned to suit any location, each show is the work of some of today’s most skilled entertainment production engineers.

“We built this production that could move across the country pretty rapidly, through a company called Tait Towers out of Pennsylvania,” said Capitola. “They do a lot of that Super Bowl half-time staging that just rolls out on the field.

They’re great craftsman, but they were also amazing engineers. We’re up in about seven hours, ready to go, and load out in about 31⁄2 hours.

It’s pretty shocking, because the theatrical version takes several days to load in.”

According to the Radio City news release, it takes more than 165 people to stage the Radio City Christmas Spectacular arena tour, featuring 18 Radio City Rockettes, 16 ensemble actors, eight singers, six children, and, of course, Santa.

On the road, Capitola makes sure his performers are treated like fam-

The Radio City Christmas Spectacular starring the Rockettes When: 4 and 7 p.m. Monday Where: Rabobank Arena, 1001 Truxtun Ave. Admission: $33.45 to $102, plus fee. Special group and child discounts available.

Information: 800-745-3000 or ticketmaster.com

ily during their 47-day trek.

“One of the things important to us is the quality of life on the road.

We try and use higher-end hotels, and travel with our very own catering staff. You got the crew who are working really hard to load the show, then you have the performers who, although they need a certain amount of carbohydrates to get through the day, also watch what they eat.”

After the stage is set, Capitola assured Bakersfield will get the full holiday show treatment with all the pageantry Radio City can supply: 13 elaborate scenes featuring traditional song and dance numbers including “The Nutcracker,” “Parade of The Wooden Soldiers,” “The Living Nativity” and more.

Led by the legendary Rockettes, technology advancements should also cause a lot of jaw-dropping amazement for both kids and grown-ups.

“One of things we do is called ‘New York at Christmas,’ where suddenly revealed onstage is a doubledecker tour bus that the Rockettes are riding on. There’s a 45-by-60foot LED wall behind them, programmed with a certain amount of content that actually makes it look like they’re driving this bus through New York City. The number right before the Nativity is called ‘Let Christmas Shine,’ where The Rockettes make their entrance on a metal staircase that brings them down on a sort of triangular formation.

They’ll be wearing these $6,000 crystal-beaded costumes that are totally reflective. It’s pretty wild.”

Rockette dream fulfilled As a young girl, Katie Russell marveled at the sight of the Radio City Rockettes during the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade. A young, bright-eyed ballerina in her hometown of Medina, Ohio, she recalls telling her mother that one day they’d be watching her on TV. “I’ve been dancing since I was 5 Please see PAGE 19

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE ROCKETTES

The Rockettes are in town for two shows Monday at Rabobank.

19

Thursday, December 9, 2010 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street CONTINUED FROM PAGE 18

CASEY CHRISTIE / THE CALIFORNIAN

Members of the Bakersfield Dance Company practice their routine. Former Bakersfield ballerina Tiler Peck helped the girls win a spot opening for the Rockettes.

Tiny chicks get their kicks at holiday show Ballerina from Bakersfield gives dancers big break

BY CAMILLE GAVIN Contributing columnist cgavin@bakersfield.com

T

hanks to a Bakersfield native who hasn’t forgotten her roots, 18 local dancers will perform the opening act for the Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular shows on Monday.

Tiler Peck, now a principal dancer with the New York City Ballet, is the link.

Georgia Peck, the ballerina’s mother, explained how it happened. As a child, Tiler performed in the Rockettes’ touring company shows in 1998 and 1999 at Universal City and became acquainted with the show’s choreographer.

“When Linda Haberman, the choreographer, learned they were going to do a show in Bakersfield this year, she contacted Tiler and asked if she knew of a local dance group,” said Georgia.

Not surprisingly, Tiler suggested the Bakersfield Dance Company, which is owned and directed by her mother.

Although Tiler won’t be performing in Bakersfield, she will have a starring role as the Sugar Plum Fairy in a production of “The Nutcracker” in Thousand Oaks on Dec. 18 and 19.

Georgia said her dancers, ranging in age from 6 to 17, are excited about appearing at the Rabobank. She did the choreography for their act, which will be done to the music of “We Need a Little Christmas.”

Following the opening act, the show begins with a 3-D movie where the audience sees Santa Claus flying to New York City from the North Pole in his magic sleigh, according to a news release. Once he arrives there, he flies his sleigh around some of the city’s landmarks, such as the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building.

years old,” said the 29-year-old via telephone from Glendale, Ariz., site of their latest tour stop. “And it was 100 percent a childhood dream of mine to be a Rockette.”

Already a five-year veteran of the high-kicking dance troupe, Russell’s story is a familiar one. Studying dance throughout her childhood, she continued her training through college performing in various productions, before finding her way to New York for auditions.

Confident in her own skills, it wasn’t enough to land her a place in line the first time around. Unlike other forms she was accustomed to, she was Russell reminded that Rockette dance style is about precision, not free form.

“The first time I auditioned, I didn’t make it. I guess it just wasn’t the right time, and I needed to familiarize myself with the choreography. I knew they were going to see me again,” she said.

Studying Rockette routines and their favored techniques, Russell returned to audition again with renewed ambition.

“Rockettes’ dancing is a very unique style. It’s precision dancing. You can’t be a hair off. So, you really have to pay attention to detail when you go into the audition. They’re very specific about how they want each move precisely done. When I made it, I was so excited!”

Standing among her fellow Rockettes entertaining crowds nightly, Russell said while the job is her dream, it’s also a lot of hard work to maintain their level of perfection for the holiday tour. But for her, the experience and payoff make it all worthwhile.

“It’s a monthlong rehearsal process: six hours a day, six days a week. It’s very intense, because we are known for our precision. Everything has to be right on.

We sometimes do four shows a day, and 300 kicks per show. That’s really, really hard, but it’s amazing what happens once you get onstage. People think we can’t see them in the audience. We can, and love to see them excited and surprised.”

Bakersfield Dance Company dancers have some fun while waiting their turn at a recent practice. From left, Braya Alire, Riley Thompson and Bella Estrada, along with other Bakersfield dancers, will open for the legendary Rockettes.

It continues with live onstage singing and dancing, along with visits to Santa’s workshop. As always, the high-kicking Rockettes with their precision dance style are the “wow” element of the show, especially in such numbers as the traditional “March of the Wooden Soldiers.”

“The Living Nativity,” is the final act. It tells the biblical Christmas story with moving pageantry and exquisite costumes and has been a tradition since the show first opened in 1933.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE ROCKETTES

According to the Radio City news release, it takes more than 165 people to stage the Radio City Christmas Spectacular arena tour, featuring 18 Radio City Rockettes, 16 ensemble actors, eight singers, six children, and, of course, Santa.

20

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, December 9, 2010

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BY MIRANDA WHITWORTH Contributing writer

K

RAB 106.1 Radio is looking to spread the Christmas cheer for hundreds of lucky listeners with a concert experience to make the holidays merry and bright. On Monday, Maya Cinemas will host the second annual Acoustic KRAB Christmas Show featuring four bands making big news on the alternative rock scene. Terrible Things, The Airborne Toxic Event, Circa Survive and Anberlin will perform a free show for KRAB listeners who have secured themselves a ticket.

KRAB Program Director Danny Spanks has been working hard behind the scenes to put the show together and says his efforts are just one way the station is giving back. “Twice a year we like to thank our fans with big events, and Christmas is the perfect time to throw a concert that shows how much we appreciate the support of our listeners,” he said.

Terrible Things will be opening the show and, according to band frontman Fred Mascherino, Spanks isn’t the only one wanting to give thanks. “We love Bakersfield. You guys have been so good to us,” Mascherino said. “We are just happy to be invited out there to play.”

Mascherino, formerly of Taking Back Sunday, has lived the ups and downs of the music business, and between tour dates and recording, he said intimate events like this are a big part of what makes his job fun.

“We can’t wait to just get out there and play. When we are done we are going to hang out all night in the crowd and have an awesome time.”

Also making an appearance on the bill is The Airborne Toxic Event. The band has been making a name for

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Terrible Things will be among the performers at the KRAB Christmas show.

Acoustic KRAB Christmas Show Who: Terrible Things, Airborne Toxic Event, Circa Survive and Anberlin When: Doors open at 6 p.m., show starts at 6:30 p.m. Monday Where: Maya Cinemas, 1000 California Ave. Tickets: Listen to KRAB Radio, 106.1 FM, for your chance to win.

itself on the L.A. music scene since 2006, and following the 2008 release of its self-titled album, which included the single “Sometime Around Midnight,” has found recognition on the national level.

The group was slated to play last year’s Acoustic KRAB Christmas Show but a sudden illness forced a cancellation at the last minute. According to lead singer Mikkel Jollett, he regrets dropping out and hopes this year’s appearance will make up for their absence.

“I felt so bad having to cancel. We have played through all kinds of illness but last year I was worried I’d get up on stage and throw up,” Jollett said. “We

don’t want to be known as that crazy band that comes in and trashes the place.”

Jollett’s concern for the venue is wellfounded. Although many people may not equate a movie theater with a concert hall, Spanks says Maya Cinemas is the perfect fit for the show. “When you think about it, Maya is an awesome place to have a concert,” Spanks said.

“The theaters are literally designed to sound amazing. If you were there last year, you know the acoustics are great and the place is just gorgeous.”

While the show is free to all who attend, there are limitations on the number of guests who will get a seat.

Maya Cinemas has opened up the largest theater and Spanks said the room will hold approximately 350 people.

“We’d love to have everyone in Bakersfield there, but seating is limited so it’s a matter of winning tickets,” he said. “We’ll be giving them away up until the show, so pay attention to the station and you definitely have a shot at getting in.”

Miranda Whitworth is employed by Clear Channel Communications, which owns KRAB 106.1 Radio

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Thursday, December 9, 2010 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street

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HENRY A. BARRIOS / THE CALIFORNIAN

Motorcycle riders and those on other vehicles of all types make a run of Christmas gifts and food for the needy in the community during the annual Bakersfield Toy Run in 2009.

Toy Run set to get revvin’ Event starts at Beach Park on Sunday

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

D

on’t be alarmed by the sound of an early morning buzz this weekend.

It’s just the 27th annual Bakersfield Toy Run revvin’ up a big parade of smiles Sunday. One of Bakersfield’s most rip-roaring holiday spectacles, it’s also one of the most popular charity events of the year.

“We have quite a few people that have been watching us for years,” said John Mullin, Toy Run committee president. “It’s been a family event since the beginning, and many of the families say it’s the highlight of their holiday season.”

Fueled by toy and food donations, the hugely successful gathering attracts thousands of area motorcycle and car enthusiasts to Beach Park, before hitting the street on a caravan of love.

“It’s almost an indescribable feeling.

I think the best word that comes close to describing it is ‘awesome,’” said Mullin.

Keeping close tabs on every detail — including road permits, participants, securing locations, vendors and more, Mullin and his crew know there is no room for error with an event of this magnitude.

“We meet 12 months of the year, and starting the first of November, we meet weekly. It’s an ongoing venture. We’re really good at delegating duties. We identify the areas that need work, and have people working where their strengths are needed,” he said.

As they have since the inception, all

27th annual Bakersfield Toy Run When: 7 a.m. meet at park, parade leaves at 10 a.m. Sunday Where: Beach Park (Oak and 21st Street) to Kern County Fairgrounds (1142 S. P St.) Admission: Donate an unwrapped toy or nonperishable food items valued at $20 or $20 per person.

Information: 809-2001 or 2831262

proceeds from the Toy Run have gone to benefit the Salvation Army. Operating as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation since 2005, the run works toward what Mullin calls a labor of love.

“First of all, we know what we’re doing is a good thing. We have fun working together, we’re very close, good friends. It’s not work to us, and none of us have ever gotten paid. We try to accomplish the work we have to do, and enjoy ourselves while doing it.

You’d see all of that at one of our meetings — a lot of laughing and camaraderie.”

Last year, parade goers were treated to more than 4,000 motorcycles and assorted vehicles. This year they hope the public and local clubs will return to participate with not just two-wheelers, but four. Simply put: If it rolls, it can run.

“We have a lot of different types of groups on the committee, including close to 100 all-terrain vehicles, which will be at the end of the parade. We’ll also have bicycles, motorized golf carts and Derby Revolution roller derby.”

If you’re concerned about the legality of your vehicle for the parade, there’s no need to worry. Participating for a

good cause has its benefits. Just make sure it’s safe.

“Because it is going to be a parade from the park to the fairgrounds, normal DMV rules don’t apply. So, if you have a motorized lawnmower that’s capable of keeping up with the parade, you can drive that in the parade.”

On the day of the event, participants will meet at Beach Park downtown, beginning at 7 a.m. There, organizers will gather the entry fee: an unwrapped toy or nonperishable food items valued at $20. A cash donation of that amount is also acceptable.

After all the donations are gathered and order is established for a smooth ride, the parade route is as follows: Exit Beach Park down 21st Street, to Chester Avenue heading south to Belle Terrace, left on P Street, into the Kern County Fairgrounds.

Along the way, crowds can bring out a chair and enjoy the sights and sounds, and, should they choose, offer up some curbside donations of their own.

“We will have committee members accepting toys and cash contributions along the parade route,” said Mullin.

Once at the fairgrounds, food and other vendors will be available, plus live music, door prizes and a trophy presentation for best Christmas-decorated bike, car and “kart.”

Hoping to outdo last year’s number of donations, Mullin, who also acts as the Toy Run committee’s chaplain, is confident Bakersfield will once again rise, and ride, to the occasion.

“We fed Christmas dinner to over 1,200 families last year, and provided at least two toys for children in each of those families. We’re thankful that God has blessed us for 26 years, and we’re counting on him to bless it again this year. We believe we’re going to have the biggest toy run ever this year.”

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The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, December 9, 2010

Eye Street Camille Gavin CONTRIBUTING COLUMNIST

Jokes, vignettes and family Stars duo ‘chit-chat’ in loose holiday show

be open through Dec. 19 for 30 minutes before performances of “Hurry Up, Santa!”

J

Ken Fix, director of the Stars School of Performing Arts, said the cast of the Showbiz Kids Christmas Revue is brimming with talent.

“This fall we had 43 kids come to the auditions,” said Fix. “We planned to take only 25 but after the auditions we stretched it by five more because they were just so good.”

As a result 30 performers will appear onstage at Stars in two shows scheduled for Monday and Tuesday. Their coaches, vocalist Amber O’Reilly and dancer-choreographer Frank Sierra, have been working with the students for the past two months.

Fix said the show touches on many aspects of the holiday season and offers lots of singing and dancing as well as a few skits.

anie Kennedy is back at Stars as the writer, producer and director of the dinner theater’s annual Christmas show.

Kennedy, a talented performer in her own right, co-hosts the show with the venerable Jim Fillbrandt, executive producer.

“Jim and I kind of chit-chat with each other as the show goes on, and he tells his jokes like he always does,” she said. “It’s a great synergy — we’ve done it together so much.”

For several years Kennedy created the “Jim and Janie” Christmas shows performed at Stars from 2004-2006 but then took time off to pursue other interests.

“When Jim approached me earlier this year and asked me to do it again,” she said, “I was ready.”

The show, which runs a little more than two hours, is familyoriented in both content and in the makeup of the cast.

“Many of the adult actors have children in it and that makes it a lot easier with rehearsals and everything,” she said.

“When you and your child are both in it, it becomes a family project.”

That sort of togetherness extends to Kennedy and her two daughters. Dana, 13, is one of the six-member Starlettes, a chorus line influenced by the famous Rockettes. Kayla, 18, a tap dancer who trained with Lenore Smith, choreographed a scene called “BoogieWoogie Santa Claus.”

“They really tap up a storm,” Kennedy

Showbiz Kids

PHOTO COURTESY OF STARS RESTAURANT THEATRE

A scene from “Merry Christmas at Stars.”

said. “And Santa migrates from the North Pole wearing sunglasses.”

Also choreographing certain scenes are Brent Rochon and Rolen Saldana. Unlike most shows at Stars, the music for this one will be provided by a track recording rather than a live band.

As with most revues, this one takes a look at Christmas in a variety of ways, with a series of vignettes, ranging from the contemporary — Santa and his elves doing a comical rap — to Victorian carolers along with Irish stepdancers, a break dance done by Shawn Henry, and a Beatnik version of “The Night Before Christmas” thrown in for good measure.

“This show seems timeless to me,” Kennedy said. “It strikes a chord with everyone.”

‘Hurry Up, Santa’ “Hurry Up, Santa,” The Empty Space’s annual holiday show, will have a few changes this year.

First off, artistic director Bob Kempf, who wrote the original script, had to bow out as director due to a prior commitment at Bakersfield College.

“Amy Hall is helming the show,” he said, “so I’m very pleased there will be a fresh perspective and

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

new energy in the director’s chair.”

The cast includes Tessa Ogles, Jeremiah Heitman, Lorenzo Salazar, Kevin Ganger, Cody Messick and Matthew Borton. Santa’s elves will be played by child actors.

Kempf did find time to write a companion piece to “Hurry Up,” which will be performed after the main show. It’s a ’70s-style variety show starring the Jack Frost character in the main show.

“It’s full of song and dance,” he said, “and we get to see what Jack’s wacky home life and oddball family are all about.”

Final evening performances are Dec. 17 and 18 with a 2 p.m. matinee on Dec. 19.

Stocking stuffers gallery If you’re watching your budget — and who isn’t, these days? — The Empty Space’s annual Gift Art gallery is a good place to find inexpensive handcrafted gifts.

Everything is priced at $50 or less and it’s been my experience in previous years that many of the items can be had for only a few dollars.

Typically the participating artists offer items that make excellent stocking stuffers.

A reception honoring the artists will be held on Saturday. It includes refreshments of various kinds, live music and pictures with Santa Claus. The gallery will

Novel Christmas gift I’d like to pass along a nifty idea for a Christmas gift that will blossom in the spring.

It comes by way of Kamala Kruszka of Cal State Bakersfield’s theater department, who’s looking for individuals interested in adopting a school for the Spring Theatre for Young Audiences tour.

Here’s how it works. For $100 you can sponsor a show that will be performed at a school of your choice.

“The program brings theater to kids who don’t have the opportunity to attend live theater themselves and exposes them to a show that is very relevant to our community,” Kruszka said.

This year’s production, “New Kid,” follows the experiences of Nick, a boy who is new to America and has yet to understand American customs or even the language.

Told from Nick’s perspective, the Americans in the play speak a kind of gibberish, while the audience can understand only Nick and his mother.

“The play truly gives a perspec-

GO & DO ‘Merry Christmas at Stars’ When: Doors open at 6:30 p.m., dinner at 7 p.m., show at 8 p.m. today, Friday and Saturday; doors open at 12:30 p.m., show at 2 p.m.

Sunday. Also runs Dec. 15-18 and 22 and 23.

Where: Stars Restaurant Theatre, 1930 Chester Ave. Admission: $50 to $55, evening shows; $46 to $50, matinee; $30 for students at all shows Information: 325-6100

‘Hurry Up, Santa’ When: 8 p.m. Saturday Where: The Empty Space, 706 Oak St. Admission: Free Information: 327-PLAY

Gift Art gallery When: Reception 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Saturday Where: The Empty Space, 706 Oak St. Admission: Free Information: 327-PLAY

Showbiz Kids Christmas Show When: 7 p.m. Monday and Tuesday Where: Stars Dinner Theatre, 1930 Chester Ave. Admission: $8 Information: 325-6100

tive on what it is like to be on the outside of a situation,” the professor said. “Hopefully (it will help) everyone understand how it feels and what we can do to help each other.”

Performances are available on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from April 1 to May 31. For more information, call Kruszka at 6546070.

23

Thursday, December 9, 2010 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street

The West and all its grit Top artist, modernist architecture on display

A

stunning collection of the works of Maynard Dixon, who managed to capture the haunting emptiness and stark, rugged majesty of the true American West — as opposed to the romanticized fiction — will be unveiled tonight at the Bakersfield Museum of Art. Though the Dixon pieces — 23 paintings, 46 drawings and his only known etching — are the centerpiece of the current exhibit, the museum has collected an interesting array of other works as well, including pieces from Dixon’s ex-wives, celebrated photographer Dorothea Lange and muralist/painter Edith Hamlin. In addition, the museum offers a rare peek into the few Bakersfield homes designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and Richard Neutra, towering architects of modernism.

Maynard Dixon The traveling exhibition of paintings, illustrations and drawings by Dixon (1875-1946) are drawn from the private collection of Lalla and A.P. (Abe) Hays of Paradise Valley, Ariz.

Their collection, “Space, Silence, Spirit: Maynard Dixon’s West/The Hays Collection,” spans six decades, dating from 1892 to 1944.

Abe Hays began collecting seriously in the 1970s, and he continues to expand and refine the Dixon collection.

The Hays Collection represents Dixon’s broad travels throughout the Western United States — from his native California to Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, Nevada, Oregon and Montana, and a 1905 trip to Mexico.

“As a prominent figure in Western art, Maynard Dixon’s masterworks of American West’s physical and cultural landscapes are simplistically dynamic. The Bakersfield Museum of Art is fortunate to exhibit a collection of this immensity,” said curator Vikki Cruz.

A lifelong nonconformist, in art as well as life, the fiercely independent Dixon scorned schools, fashions, trends and movements. His creed was simple: Find the truth in the West’s spirit, its vastness, solitude and power; interpret the land’s relevance to people and its dominance over their very spirit and lives; and finally with enormous clarity, simplicity and honesty, portray the culture of the native peoples and their special metaphysical harmony with the land, their gods, and lives.

Maynard Dixon, as a self-taught artist, approached his landscape and figurative subjects with an honesty that opposed popular, romanticized versions of Western themes. Dixon was captivated by the country’s archaic past that he found in the harsh, barren desert landscapes of the southwestern U.S. He saw the power of nature in the

PHOTO COURTESY OF BAKERSFIELD MUSEUM OF ART

The Ablin home in northeast Bakersfield. Frank Lloyd Wright completed the home in 1961 and designed many of the furnishings as well. Photos of the home, as well as many pieces of furniture, will be on display at the Bakersfield Museum of Art starting today.

PATHWAYS HYPNOSIS Vaughn Barnett

Art show What: Art opening, featuring the works of Maynard Dixon, Dorothea Lange, Marco Casentini and an architecture display showcasing local homes designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and Richard Neutra.

When: Opening reception 6 p.m. tonight; exhibit runs through March 6.

Where: Bakersfield Museum of Art, 1930 R St. Admission: Free for members; $10 nonmembers.

Information: bmoa.org or 3237219

rock formations, vast spaces and canyons of the region.

Although desert environments are hostile to human habitation, and support only drought-resistant plant growth, they convey a version of the sublime that has nurtured civilization for centuries.

Local architecture An exhibition on local architecture will also open tonight. In the last century, three families living in Bakersfield commissioned two of the most formidable architects of their time: Richard Neutra and Frank Lloyd Wright, to design their homes. As a result, these residences left an indelible mark of modernism in Kern County’s history.

Through photographs, documents, furniture, and sketches, this exhibition will highlight and celebrate the distinct designs these important architects have contributed to Bakersfield.

• Sleeplessness • Phobias & Fears

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

661.322.0077 PathwaysHypnosis.org

Maynard Dixon’s “Walls of Walpi,” which dates to 1923.

“Many Kern County residents may be surprised to learn that we have these amazing homes right here in Bakersfield. This exhibit will showcase their designs and give a more personal look at the work of these famous architects,” Cruz said.

PROFESSOR MULDOON’S HOT AIR BALLOONS & FLYING MACHINES

Marco Casentini Also on exhibition is “Marco Casentini: Grand Junction.” Extending his paintings beyond the confines of the canvas, Italian artist Casentini will transform the Ablin gallery into a sitespecific installation piece. Inspired by the forms and colors of urban space, Casentini will deconstruct the cityscape of Southern California through lines, grids and shapes using wall murals and works on Plexiglas.

Casentini has exhibited his creations around the world, most recently at the Riverside Art Museum, and he is known for monumental works and a saturated color palette.

“I think visitors will find Casentini’s works fun and contemporary,” said Cruz. "By using the walls of the gallery as a canvas, the exhibit will have a strong, colorful presence.

Source: The Bakersfield Californian and Bakersfield Museum of Art

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24

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, December 9, 2010

Eye Street The Lowdown with Matt Munoz

Play us a song, piano man Head to the Palace for a look at a legend

M

usic legend and studio session wizard Leon Russell returns to Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace this Tuesday.

Busy as ever with a critically acclaimed new release titled “The Union” — a CD he recorded with fellow pianist, Elton John — this is a rare opportunity for Bakersfield to witness one of the best American songwriters of his generation.

You might recognize some of his classic works: “Superstar,” made popular by the Carpenters, “This Masquerade,” the song that helped make guitarist George Benson famous, and Donny Hathaway’s cover of Russell’s “A Song For You,” a song that always makes me tear up.

Still sporting his rocking frostywhite locks and cowboy hat, he’s recorded with everyone from B.B. King to the Rolling Stones, writing horn arrangements and performing on “Let It Bleed.”

Now that you’ve been schooled, you have only yourself to blame if you miss it. The show starts at 7 p.m., tickets are $18 to $24 and can be purchased through vallitix.com or by calling 328-7560.

Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace is located at 2800 Buck Owens Blvd.

PHOTO COURTESY OF LEON RUSSELL

Music legend Leon Russell will be appearing at Buck Owens' Crystal Palace on Tuesday.

The Shutter Clique Since the introduction of the digital camera, everyone seems to be a “professional photographer” these days.

In most cases, the

PHOTO COURTESY OF MATT MUNOZ

Bakersfield's Vanessa Andrea has become a standout at Bakotopia Unplugged Open Mic night on Wednesdays.

title doesn’t match the product.

There’s nothing worse than seeing a blurry, washed-out photo taken on an expensive camera trying to

be passed off as “art.” Let’s not even get into Photoshop disasters, or being charged for something you can do better on a disposable Fun Saver. Surfing the Web, I was reminded of a local club of photographers who may offer some much needed mentoring.

The Shutter Clique is a group of camera-wielding image-grabbers who meet regularly to network and, of course, take loads of photos.

Judging by galleries available at its Facebook page, they seem to be having a lot of fun, and more importantly, offer guidance and valuable critiques when needed.

You can visit their website at theshutterclique.com for more info on upcoming meeting dates.

Bakotopia Unplugged Wednesdays Every week, I’ve introduced some interesting local talent at Bakotopia Unplugged open-mic night at Fishlips.

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.

From solo acoustic guitar singer/songwriters, a cappella vocalists, and some pretty cool spoken word poets, you never know who will be next on the signup sheet.

One standout has been 21-yearold Vanessa Andrea, who’s made a few appearances since our November debut. Performing her own compositions, she’s also raised a few eyebrows with surprise covers by Paramore (“The Only Exception”) and Michael Jackson (“Billie Jean”).

Chatting with her during breaks, there’s apparently quite a story behind her journey through the Central Valley, and she’s anxious to share it in a future column.

Another highlight has been keyboardist Therese Muller and guitarist Kenny Reeves, who always show up with a strong set of material and get a rousing response from the audience.

We’re off to a great start, so if you have some music, poetry or other hidden talents, please join us every Wednesday at Fishlips.

Show me the party Calling all clubs, bands, and promoters. If you’re throwing a big New Year’s Eve bash and would like to be included in my celebration roundup, start getting your details together now. Please email your flier or detailed event info to me at mmunoz@bakersfield.com by Dec. 17. Also include a contact phone number, in case I need some verification.

Matt’s picks Kottonmouth Kings, Ill Spawn, Dirt Heads at The Dome, 2201 V St., 7 p.m. today. $19. 327-0190.

Say what you want about this group of hip-hoppin’ stoners, but 17 albums later, these guys have better business sense than most of their industry peers. Introduced to the nation via the soundtrack to “Scream 2” with their song “Suburban Life,” they took that exposure and started their own record company and clothing line.

Responsible for inspiring the

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.

“bro” lifestyle Bakersfield has become known for — black Tshirt, baseball cap with flipped-up rim and tattoos galore — Kings’ shows are one big cloud of Mary Jane madness.

Tomorrow’s Bad Seeds, Josh Fischel, Kat at Fishlips, 1517 18th St., 8 p.m. today. $10. 3242557.

These Hermosa Cali reggae dudes are one in a long line of Sublime-ish type bands that populate the coastline. But what sets them apart from the rest is their soulful, funky-flavored live show.

If you don’t believe me, check out the mini-video documentary at their official website tomorrowsbadseeds.com. Their new CD, “Sacred for Sale,” is out now and should keep you warm until summer returns. Opening the show is Long Beach compadre Josh Fischel, one talented singer/songwriter and someone I rave about regularly. Highly recommended.

A Silent Film, Il Sogno, The Volume at B Ryder’s, 7401 White Lane, 9 p.m. Saturday. $5. 3977304.

U.K. popsters A Silent Film are currently making their mark in various U.S. cities with some nice, polished radio pop. Sounding like a younger version of Coldplay, their piano-driven tunes are filled with sweeping choruses courtesy of lead vocalist Robert Stevenson.

With no local radio airplay, they might be ignored, but their latest CD, “The City That Sleeps,” should collect some new Bako fans.

Stand-out tracks include “You Will Leave a Mark” and “Julie June.”

25

Thursday, December 9, 2010 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street

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he Shafter Depot Museum is decorated for the holiday season with a Christmas tree display again this year.

Various organizations have decorated their trees with the theme this year being “Christmas Melodies.”

The depot will be open an extra hour each Saturday to view the trees among our historical exhibits: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays Dec. 11 and 18, and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 24. Due to Christmas and New Year’s Day falling on Saturday this year, the museum will be closed those days. But the trees will be available for viewing Saturday, Jan. 8. There will be hot chocolate, cookies, and fellowship each day open for viewing of the trees, so come and partake. All visitors will vote on their favorite tree.

As of press time, organizations that have entered trees are: Community Bible Study, The Children’s Center, St. Mark’s Church, Shafter Kiddie Kollege, Community Action Partnership of Kern — Shafter Youth Center, Shafter Church of the Nazarene, New Hope Community Church, Seventh Standard Pentecostal Church, Shafter 4-H Club, Shafter Rotary Club, Shafter Chamber of Commerce, and the Shafter Women’s Club. We are expecting additional trees from organizations that have expressed interest.

As always, the museum is available for touring by appointment on other days by calling 746-4423.

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Tree viewing at Shafter Depot Museum When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 11, 18, 24 and Jan. 8; or by appointment Where: Shafter Depot Museum, 150 Central Valley Highway Information: 746-4423

Stan Wilson is the curator of the Shafter Depot Museum

300 Morning Drive 661-366-6291

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

SHOW OPENS THIS MONDAY!

Clock Tower cookies a family event Before Santa has a chance to exhaust Bakersfield’s entire cookie supply, make your way to the Kern County Museum Sunday for Cookies at the Clock Tower, a day of hot treats, drinks and family fun.

Children can participate in all kinds of activities, planned with the whole family in mind. There will be crafts, games and even magicians. Plus, that jolly old man who hangs out at the North Pole is planning to visit. The event, part of the museum’s annu-

al Clock Tower Holidays extravaganza, runs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. inside the Lori Brock Children’s Discovery Center, 3801 Chester Ave. Admission is at a truly family-friendly price, just $5 per person, with children under age 3 admitted free.

Learn more about Cookies at the Clock Tower by checking the museum Web site, kcmuseum.org. For more information, call 852-5000.

— Kern County Superintendent of Schools

SHARE YOUR SANTA TALES 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.

RABOBANK ARENA • DEC 13 AT 4PM & 7PM E-mail: sdias@bakersfield.com; mail: The Bakersfield Californian c/o Stefani Dias, P.O. Bin 440, Bakersfield, CA, 93302; or drop-off: 1707 Eye St.

TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

LOWER LEVEL SEATING STARTS AT $ 25

Go to: www.RadioCityChristmas.com Visit: Rabobank Arena Box Office Call: 800-745-3000 Save on Groups 10+ 661-852-7301

ROCKETTE MEET-AND-GREET Packages, GOLD CIRCLE SEATING and easily accessible, SILVER SEATING are available.

CHILDREN’S TICKETS ARE HALF-PRICE ON ALL PERFORMANCES. For more information visit RADIOCITYCHRISTMAS.COM.

Children’s offer excludes Gold Circle Seating and Meet-and-Greet Packages. Offer not valid on previously purchase tickets. Offer may be revoked or modified at any time without notice. Radio City, Radio City Christmas Spectacular, Radio City Rockettes, Rockettes, Radio City Music Hall and Christmas Spectacular are trademarks of Radio City Trademarks, LLC. ©2010 Madison Square Garden, L.P. All rights reserved.

26

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, December 9, 2010

Eye Street

Do you Twitter?

Find out what people are doing, what they are reading, what issues are the hot topic of the day, and get up-to-the-minute news as it breaks.

Sign up today and follow some very useful Californian tweets. twitter.com/bakersfieldcali

twitter.com/tbcbreakingnews

twitter.com/bakodeals

twitter.com/bakobiz

Figure skaters jump at chance for holiday show

BY MIRANDA WHITWORTH Contributing writer

B

presents Janie Kennedy & Jim Fillbrandt in...

December 4, 5, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 22, 23

Purchase tickets at bmtstars.com or call the Box Office,

661.325.6100

1931 Chester Ave. Follow us on Facebook

akersfield may not be known for snow, but ice takes center stage Saturday as figure skaters young and old put their talents on display. The Bakersfield Blades Holiday Showcase hits the Bakersfield Ice Sports Center, giving skaters a chance to strut their stuff all in the holiday spirit.

Bakersfield Blades President Fiona Hamilton said the event is a snapshot of what the local skating community has to offer.

“We will have our very youngest beginners all the way through to our oldest member, who is 181⁄2,” she said.

“He will be performing a high-level routine.”

The Bakersfield Blades is a skating club composed of young skaters and their parents. According to Hamilton, holding showcases like this is a great way to encourage the sport and build the confidence of their members.

“The main focus of the club is to promote figure skating in the community, and the showcase gives everybody a chance to show off their talents,” she said.

“Although some of these kids go away to competitions all the time, not all of our youngest members get that chance. It gives everybody a chance to show their friends and family exactly what they can do.”

Hamilton is not only president of the club but a proud parent of a skater.

Her 16-year-old daughter, Emma Hamilton, started out at age 11 just like any beginner.

“It all started with going down on the weekend to the public skates at the rink. A friend of hers then invited her to take part in the group lesson at skate school. She enjoyed it and then had private lessons. She’s competed now for several years.”

Now the Hamiltons have taken their competitive spirit on the road, even traveling out of state to see Emma skate.

“My daughter did pairs skating about two to three years ago until she got taller than her partner. We competed at Junior Nationals in Salt Lake City and we got to spend a week there.

It was gorgeous.”

Emma isn’t the only skater taking her talent to a higher level.

Hamilton said the relationship between the Bakersfield Ice Sports Center and The Bakersfield Blades has helped expand the sport locally and boost the talent of its members, “We have kids now that are going to regional competitions. Really, the program has increased with skaters and with skill level over the past couple of years.

We’ve gone from people not even knowing we had a rink to seeing our skaters that started as beginners improving by leaps and bounds.”

HENRY A.BARRIOS / THE CALIFORNIAN

Katerina Ruiz, foreground, and Breanna Harris practice at the Bakersfield Ice Sports Center for the Holiday Showcase Winter Ice Show. The girls are with the Bakersfield Blades Figure Skating Club.

The Bakersfield Blades Holiday Showcase When: 11 a.m. Saturday Where: Bakersfield Ice Sports Center, 1325 Q St. Admission: Free with a suggested donation of a toiletry item to benefit the Bakersfield Rescue Mission Information: bladesfsc@aol.com

Admission to the show is free, but the Blades ask if you do attend to please bring a toiletry item to be donated to the Bakersfield Rescue Mission. Hamilton said the club has teamed up with the rescue mission over the last couple of seasons and the results have been great for everyone involved.

“The kids will deliver the items to the rescue mission, and last year they gave us a tour so we could take a look and see how they used the things we take them,” she said. “It’s a nice way to show our skaters the good they are doing. It’s a good link back to the community. Instead of charging admission, the donations go to a great cause.”

Breanna Harris practices her part for the Holiday Showcase Winter Ice Show.

27

Thursday, December 9, 2010 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street

A didgeridoo waiting for you at holiday bash

BY JENNIFER SELF Californian lifestyles editor jself@bakersfield.com

Y

ou know it’s a party when Matthew Peters whips out his didgeridoo. But for an upcoming holiday bash, the Bakersfield College student promises to up the ante: He’s bringing along his udu and, if the spirit moves him, he just might show the crowd his djembe.

Peters happens to have a thing for exotic instruments. He even makes his own didgeridoos, an ancient instrument of the Australian Aborigines, and sells them at Juliana’s Art Studio & Gallery, which will host a party featuring Peters and several other artists and musicians on Saturday.

Peters will demonstrate the didgeridoo and might bring along his udu and djembe, drums made in Nigeria and the Ivory Coast, respectively.

“I’ve always kind of been interested in sounds and different cultural backgrounds,” Peters said in a phone interview Tuesday, minutes before he was to take his earth science final at BC. “I’m just kind of a mutt. I’ve never had just one culture to stick to and stay connected to. I also love if I hear a really strange instrument, a unique sound, I like to reproduce it.”

Peters, who hopes to further his art studies at the Oregon College of Art & Craft, remembers he was about 5 or 6 when he learned about the didgeridoo from his grandpa, who had been to Australia several times.

“I heard it in a movie called ‘Quigley Down Under.’ I just remembered being fascinated by the sound of it. You even hear it in the background of the Outback Steakhouse commercials.”

Peters saw his first didgeridoo up close about a year ago at a local street fair. He was hooked, but there was a snag: It’s not like the Yamaha catalog carries the exotic wind instrument. But then he discovered a local hobbyist by the name of Brian Schafer, who makes the instruments through his company, Dwarven Metalworks.

“There’s not a huge demand for them in Bakersfield,” Peters said. “Not a lot of people know what they are.”

But some pointers from Schafer and a little PVC pipe got Peters going; now, nine months later, he’s made 20 to 30 of the instruments and sold about five. They range from $100 to $325, depending on the size, labor and amount of epoxy used.

A didgeridoo is basically a hollowed-out log, Peters said, but the trick is finding said log: Traditional instruments are made of eucalyptus, but since eucalyptus forests are scarce in these parts, Peters uses yucca or agave stalks — also pretty scarce.

“I have one guy I know — he has some on his property,” Peters said. “Otherwise, they’re spread out in riverbeds. Finding them is hard.”

But once the elusive wood has been found, the process is fairly simple, Peters said. He hollows the trunk, shapes the inside and builds the mouthpiece before epoxying the instrument and drying it in his dad’s garage.

Cooler temperatures will slow Peters down because he must heat the garage to

HENRY A. BARRIOS / THE CALIFORNIAN

The didgeridoo is an ancient instrument of the Australian Aborigines.

90 degrees to get the epoxy to dry.

But if making the instrument is an undertaking, finding a place to play it is fraught with challenges as well.

“I kind of just street perform, but I had an issue with it,” he said. “I got kicked out of the Vons parking lot. A lot of the businesses tried to come out to tell the cops I wasn’t bothering them, but they came and made me leave.”

Though the didgeridoo is “kind of a solo instrument — it doesn’t play any other key than it’s in” — Peters does jam with friends at a local park from time to time and follows Celtic band the Wicked Tinkers, who feature a didgeridoo.

While Peters said the rhythm instrument may look pretty basic (“a lot of people think they’re rain sticks”), it’s tough to learn how to breathe while playing it. In fact, the sound created from the instrument comes not from the player’s lung power but from the throat and lips.

“It does take a lot of practice. There’s some absolutely phenomenal players out there and I’m still trying to get to that level.”

Peters is just gratified that he was able to share his love for the didgeridoo with the man who introduced him to the instrument all those years ago.

“I got to play it for my grandpa once on the phone before he died.”

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.

Other highlights of the party Juliana Bernier Dooley, proprietor of Juliana’s Art Studio & Gallery, has invited Santa to swing by the party, from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday.

Also giving demonstrations will be artists Maia Cummins, Mike Barker, Monica Nelson and Patti Doolittle. Dooley is hoping to drum up interest in several art classes, for children and adults, which will start at the gallery in January.

If the didgeridoo is not your thing, Jim Woods, son of Bill Woods, father of the Bakersfield Sound, will be playing keyboards, carolers will set the holiday mood, and 14year-old Elizabeth Privett will sing.

A Christmas Celebration When: Noon to 4 p.m. Saturday Where: Juliana’s Art Studio & Gallery, 501 18th St. Information: 327-7507

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.

28

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, December 9, 2010

Eye Street

‘Nutcracker’ cast on their toes Preparations in high gear for annual production

BY SUSAN SCAFFIDI Contributing writer

C

HENRY A. BARRIOS / THE CALIFORNIAN

Spenser Prow, left, and Nicholas Le rehearse a scene from “The Nutcracker.”

ivic Dance Center’s annual performances of Tchaikovsky’s “Nutcracker” ballet this weekend will likely garner such compliments as “delightful” and “enchanting.” No one would guess the production’s humdrum, even tedious, beginnings.

This tech week rehearsal, like the 32 others that have preceded it, began the same way: with a load-in of sets, backdrops, costumes and props at the Rabobank Theater.

Once in place, director and Civic Dance Center owner Cindy Trueblood, her husband, Kevin, and the rest of the production staff do a walk-through to make sure everything is ready.

“We are making sure all of the curtains and the wings are in the right place, all the light cues are right, all our props are set,” Cindy Trueblood said.

Did she learn to do this the hard way?

“Oh, yeah,” Trueblood said.

“When our dancers get here we want them to have a smooth rehearsal,” she added.

Some of the props, such as the centerpiece Christmas tree, the giant mouse trap and other pieces are decades old, and have needed repair or refurbishing.

“We realized our Swiss cheese (from the King Rat scene) had aged way too much,” she said.

Trueblood also has some of her own repairs to make — she’s battling pneumonia while personally overseeing the production. But she does have help. In addition to her husband and business partner, Kevin, the direction and choreography of the ballet is shared with Kristen Doolittle, Ann Conrad and Alicia Angelini. Trueblood said each director has assigned characters and acts.

“We all have different roles; we share,” Trueblood said.

There are about 140 dancers in this year’s production, ranging in ages from 6 and 7 to 19, plus a few “ringers” to dance some of the principal male roles and adult volunteers, who fill in some small parts.

Among the lead dancers are Victoria Ornelaz and Becca Green, who will share the coveted role of the Sugar Plum Fairy; Armando Guillen, who will dance the role of the Cavalier; David Moreno, who will dance the role of the Prince; and Keira Whitaker, who will dance the role of Dream Clara.

But before the glamour of the performance weekend, with its appreciative audience and live orchestra (an increasingly rare occurrence anywhere), the dancers sacrifice months of weekends and weeknights rehearsing the show.

This week, the production moved to the Rabobank and began with a blocking rehearsal — working out timing and positions on the stage, adjusting to the theater’s proportions after months in the Civic Dance Center studio.

Some of the dancers work in costume, others in rehearsal skirts or leotards. There

Katie Walsh as Clara and Spenser Prow as Fritz rehearse for “The Nutcracker” ballet at the Rabobank Convention Center.

is a lot of starting and stopping, learning do’s and don’ts (“Make sure you stay on the tape.” “Don’t upstage yourself.”), and waiting for one’s turn.

Patience also is required of those waiting for the dancers, and for the mothers and grandmothers who sit in the house watching the rehearsals or helping out backstage.

Like most of the older dancers, Whitaker, 16, has earned her stripes in the show. The Centennial High School student started at the age of 7 as a Ginger dancer and understudy soldier.

Over the next nine years Whitaker has performed as a party guest, as various members of the corps de ballet, and as a featured dancer in several of the specialty numbers.

As she has grown, Whitaker has enhanced her dance training with summer stints at the American Ballet Theater’s summer intensive program, and plans to audition for another company this year.

“My ultimate dream would be to go to a performing arts college,” Whitaker said. “I’d like to dance (professionally) and travel.”

About ‘The Nutcracker’ This is the 36th time Trueblood has staged the “Nutcracker,” three years on her own, and now 33 years in collaboration with the Bakersfield Symphony. The ballet is based on the story “The Nutcracker and The King of Mice,” by E. T. A. Hoffman, and centers on a young girl, Clara, who is given a dream by the mysterious Herr Drosselmeyer.

In the dream, Clara, now a young woman, meets a life-sized Nutcracker, helps him battle life-sized mice and watches as he turns into a prince.

The pair then wander through a fairy land of dancing snowflakes, waltzing flowers, dancers from foreign lands and the Sugar Plum Fairy.

Russian composer Piotr Illych Tchaikovsky’s composed the music in 1892, and the ballet premiered in St. Petersburg on Dec. 18 of that year. It was not a success, but the instrumental suite from the ballet was.

The development of the long-playing record, which made possible recordings of the complete ballet, and George Balanchine’s 1954 production popularized the “Nutcracker,” eventually making it a staple of the Christmas season.

Thursday, December 9, 2010 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street

Children rehearse for the annual “Nutcracker” ballet at Rabobank Convention Center.

Rigorous ballet separates the men from the boys

BY SUSAN SCAFFIDI Contributing writer

W

hile the cast of the “Nutcracker” ballet is overwhelming female, the show could not go on without at least a few good men.

Some of the men who have become essential to Civic Dance Center’s annual production married into the show, others were coaxed in by their children, others volunteered for life. And some of the guys are there to dance.

At the top of the list has to be Kevin Trueblood, husband of director Cindy Trueblood and co-owner of Civic Dance Center for 42 years. Over the 36-year life of the local “Nutcracker” production, Trueblood, a veteran of many local shows, has danced the roles of Herr Drosselmeyer, a Russian dancer, a Spanish dancer, an Arabian dancer, a reed flute and a party guest — whatever is needed. He also serves as grip, electrician, property master and head problem-solver.

“I’m the buffer that people go to before they get to Cindy and Kristen (Doolittle),” Trueblood said.

‘You can’t get fired’ Attorney Randy Joyce will reprise his role as the Chestnut Seller in the overture.

Joyce’s daughters, Jenna and Jamie, performed in “Nutcracker;” his career began at the request of his younger daughter.

“There is a scene where the Chestnut Seller dances with one of the little girls,” Joyce said. “I got do that with my youngest.”

Joyce said he’s been performing the role for somewhere between 15 and 17 years — he can’t remember how long.

“And now it seems like it’s something to do around Christmastime,” Joyce said.

Bob Butler has been videotaping the production for 25 years. He is also one of the volunteer prop builders, constructing such items as the giant mousetrap and a foam rubber Swiss cheese for use in the battle scene. Somewhere over the decades, Butler moved to Idaho, but that doesn’t seem to have made a difference. He’s still here every December.

“You can’t get fired,” Butler said. “I’ve tried to get out; (Trueblood’s) got me lock, stock and barrel.”

‘You can still be a guy’ and dance Male dancers are particularly valuable, as

‘The Nutcracker’ When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, 1 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday and 1 p.m. Sunday Where: Rabobank Theater, 1001 Truxtun Ave. Admission: $34 to $38; full-time students half-price.

Information: 323-7928 or bakersfieldsymphony.org

someone has to perform the pas de deux with the Dream Clara and the Sugar Plum Fairy. This year, dancers Armando Guillen and David Moreno, both working dancers, are performing with the company. Cindy Trueblood said they are good role models for boys who are hesitant to dance.

“They’ve shown them it’s OK to dance,” Trueblood said. “You can still be a guy, do your soccer, whatever.”

One boy who got the message is 11-yearold Kai Whitaker, who will dance the roles of Fritz and the Rat King. Whitaker said he went from a skeptic to a serious dancer.

“At first, I kind of made fun of my sister (Keira, who dances Dream Clara in this production),” Whitaker said. “Then I tried a hip-hop class and I slowly fell in love with all of it.”

“All of it” includes lessons six days a week, replacing sports. Whitaker has received a professional agency offer and was among six finalists for a role in the upcoming Broadway production of “Billy Elliott.”

“I’ve sort of come to dance and now it’s my life,” Whitaker said.

The comic high point of the show comes from Marvin St. Pierre, who dances the role of Mother Ginger. Decked out in an enormous pink antebellum hoop-skirted dress, St. Pierre twirls and whirls around the stage while a half-dozen or so tiny dancers pop out from under the dress and mug for the audience. St. Pierre’s sashaying puts professional female impersonators to shame.

Trueblood said boys’ increasing interest in dance is a good thing.

“I think the guys are beginning to realize it’s definitely an athletic thing,” Trueblood said. “It takes so much work, strength and power.”

But it’s also a great thing for the girls.

“We can offer more partnering training, because there are more male partners,” Trueblood said.

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The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, December 9, 2010

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

Cezanne Gallery 420 H Street 325-1336

Located in North West Promenade 9370 Rosedale Hwy • Bakersfield CA 93312 Hours: 8 am - 9 pm 661-587-3530

Great-GIFT ideas $

under

100

Bakersfield’s original

store!

www.shopchristines.com

4915 Stockdale Highway • 661-834-3068 Monday - Friday: 10-6 • Saturday: 10-5

GO & DO Today 20th annual Holiday Craft & Bake Sale, 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., today and Friday, Adaptive Aquatics Center, 1800 Westwind Drive. All proceeds benefit water and land classes provided by the Aquatics Center. 322-9411.

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

“Christmas Around the World,” with nutcrackers, collectibles, antique Bibles, Nativity displays and more, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday, now until Dec. 30, Timeless Design Center, 1918 Chester Ave. $20 for 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.

Mystery & Adventure Book Group, with host Marcia Stephens, 7 p.m., Barnes & Noble, in the cafe, 4001 California Ave. 631-2575.

Optimal Hospice Foundation Light Up a Life celebration, family members and donors invited to sponsor a light in memory of a loved one, friend or someone living whom they wish to honor. 6 p.m., The Historic Fort, 915 N. 10th St., Taft. 7168000.

Tomorrow’s Bad Seeds — Holidaze Acoustic Show, 8 p.m., Fishlips Bar & Grill, 1517 18th St. $8 plus fee. vallitix.com or 322-5200.

Friday “The Nutcracker,” presented by the Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra, 7:30 p.m. Friday; 1 and 7:30 p.m.

Saturday; 1 p.m. Sunday, the theater at Rabobank Convention Center, 1001 Truxtun Ave. $34 to $38; full-time students half-price. 323-7928 or bakersfieldsymphony.org.

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.

Santa’s Secret Workshop, for ages 7 and up, paint holiday gifts, pizza, games, and a classic holiday movie, 6 to 9 p.m., Color Me Mine at The Marketplace, 9000 Ming Ave. $38.

664-7366 or bakersfield.colormemine. com.

Tehachapi Community Orchestra, presents music by George Handel, “The Messiah,” 7 p.m., Country Oaks Baptist Church, 20915 Schout Road, Tehachapi. 821-7511.

Piece-together Presents Jewelry for Steampunks and Junk Hounds, craft program for teens, 3:30 p.m., Beale Memorial Library, Lake Room, 701 Truxtun Ave. Free. 868-0770.

Bakersfield Condors vs. Stockton Thunder, 7 p.m. Friday; and vs.

Ontario Reign, 7 p.m. Saturday, Rabobank Arena, 1001 Truxtun Ave. Prices range from $7 to $25 advance; $8 to $26 day of. Tickets: Rabobank box office, 324-7825 or bakersfieldcondors.com.

Saturday “Holiday Showcase” Winter Ice Show, with the Bakersfield Blades Figure Skating Club, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Bakersfield Ice Sports Center, 1325 Q St. Free with donation of a hygiene item that will be donated for the Bakersfield Rescue Mission.

BakersfieldBladesFSC.com.

A Christmas Celebration, live music, art demonstrations, carolers, deep-pit barbecue, pictures with Santa, noon to 4 p.m., Juliana’s Art Studio & Gallery, 501 18th St. 3277507.

Bonfire, a tribute to AC/DC, 9 p.m.

Fishlips Bar & Grill, 1517 18th St. $15 plus fee. vallitix.com or 322-5200.

Sociedad Juarez, celebrating 100 years of life, dinner from 4 to 6 p.m., dance from 7 to 11 p.m., Salon Juarez, 815 E. 18th St. $10. 832-2613 or 6380444.

29th annual Christmas Run & Christmas Parade, run at 10 a.m. with parade at 1 p.m., McFarland. 7923187.

The Villas annual Christmas Bazaar, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., The Villas at Scenic River, 4015 Scenic River Lane.

871-3340 or 619-4153.

CD Signing, with Kevin Elling of “You Are with Us,” 1 to 3 p.m., B Moore Christian Books & Music, 526 Olive St. 324-2897.

Christmas Craft Fair, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., New Life Christian School, 4201 Stine Road. 831-6262.

“Don Carlo” opera concert live satellite feed, provided by the Metropolitan Opera in New York City, 9:30 a.m., Edwards Cinema, 9000 Ming Ave. $18 to $24. 663-3042.

Junior Steer & Heifer Show, 8 a.m.

Saturday and Sunday, Kern County Fairgrounds, Livestock Barns, 1142 S. P St. $30 entry fee. 833-4934.

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

Kern River Valley Hiking Club, easy to moderate hike to Chimney Peak summit, leave at 6:45 a.m. from Chevron, junction of highways 178 and 184 (Weedpatch). Bring lunch and 2 quarts of water. lakeisabella.net/hiking or 747-5065 or 778-3453.

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

Read, Love, Share Book Series on “Holiday Reads,” bring your favorite book and share why you love it, 11 a.m. to noon, Beale Library, 701 Truxtun Ave. 868-0770.

Spanish Storytime, with Clara Castillo, 3 p.m., Barnes & Noble, 4001 California Ave. 631-2575.

Street Teams, opportunity to reach the hurting and needy parts of our community with food, love and prayer, 10:30 a.m., Jesus Shack, 1326 30th St. jesusshack.com or 324-0638.

CALIFORNIAN FILE

Guitarist Gary Hoey will perform his Ho Ho Hoey Rockin’ Christmas Show on Wednesday night at Fishlips.

GO & DO Ho Ho Hoey Rockin’ Christmas Show, featuring Gary Hoey with Lukas Nelson, doors open at 7 p.m.

Wednesday, show begins at 8 p.m., Bakersfield Fox Theater, 2001 H St. $20 plus fee. vallitix.com or 3225200.

West Bakersfield Optimist Club, making a difference in the lives of boys who don’t fit in the foster-care system, 10:30 a.m., 7804 Westlorme Court.

834-4888.

Yokuts Park Fun Run, practice racing and earn points, 7 a.m., Yokuts Park, Empire Drive off Truxtun Avenue. No fee. bakersfieldtrackclub.com or 2034196 or 391-7080.

Sunday Cookies at the Clock Tower, cookies, hot drinks, family activities, crafts, games, Santa, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Kern County Museum, 3801 Chester Ave. $5 adults and children 3-12; members and children under 3 are free. 852-5000.

Historical Home Tours & Gourmet Luncheon, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., lunch at Country Rose Tea Room, 163 H St., followed by tour of five historical homes in the Oleander/Sunset neighborhoods. $40. 327-4711 or 3225965.

27th annual Bakersfield Toy Run & Food Drive, with door prizes, food, drinks, live music, trophies for best decorated, begins lining up at 7 a.m. at Beach Park, 3400 21st St., parade leaves park at 10 a.m. to Kern County Fairgrounds. Entry fee is $20 or $20 worth of food and toys. Proceeds benefit The Salvation Army. 747-9309 or 399-0340.

Peppino d’Agostino House Concert, 4 p.m. $22; $20 for Arts Council of Kern members; $10 students. Call 324-9000 for location.

Annual Walking Procession of “Our Lady of Guadalupe,” begins at 200 Campus Drive (city hall) at 11 a.m. then proceeds down to Bear Mountain Boulevard/Highway 223 to St. Thomas Catholic Church, 350 E. Bear Mountain Blvd., with a Mass to follow. In Arvin.

854-6150.

THEATER “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.

Please see PAGE 32

Thursday, December 9, 2010 The Bakersfield Californian

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The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, December 9, 2010

Eye Street CONTINUED FROM PAGE 30

“Hurry Up, Santa!,” 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday, The Empty Space, 706 Oak St. 327PLAY. “It’s a Wonderful Family Christmas Carol,” followed by “Santa of the Opera,” 7 p.m. Friday, 1 and 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; 7 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, Gaslight Melodrama Theatre & Music Hall, 12748 Jomani Drive. $21 to $23. 587-3377.

“Holly Follies,” doors open at 7:30 p.m., show at 8 p.m., today through Saturday; doors open at 1:30 p.m., show at 2 p.m. Sunday, Intimate Theatre & Music Hall, 2030 19th St. $15 or $25 for two; $10 children under 12. 323-1976.

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. Adults: $5 on Saturdays, $3 on Sundays; children under 12 are $1 every day. 412-3CIA. Major League Improv, improvisational comedy show, appropriate for families, 6 p.m.

Saturdays, The Empty Space, 706 Oak St. Free but donations are accepted. 327-PLAY. Comedy Improv Tuesdays, 9 p.m. Tuesdays, Elevation Lounge, 818 Real Road. $5; 21 and over.

325-6864 or 213-8200.

ART Opening reception, for “Space, Silence, Spirit: Maynard Dixon’s West/The Hays Collection,” “Marco Casentini: Grand Junction,” and “Uniquely Yours: Modern Architects in Bakersfield,” 6 p.m. today, Bakersfield Museum of Art, 1930 R St. Free for members; $10 nonmembers. bmoa.org or 3237219.

2010 Icon Exhibit, showing artwork by artist Joyce Tanner, 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Mercy Art & Spirituality Center, 2215 Truxtun Ave. Art on Display, by Elaine Collins, Norma Neil, Mary Lou Slinkard, Charlotte White and Norma Eaton, now through December, Guild House, 1905 18th St. 325-5478.

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

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

All Media Class, by instructor Phyllis Oliver, all media welcome, with color theory stressed. 3484717 or pegolivert@ix.netcom. com.

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

760-376-6604 or bradshawartist@earthlink.net.

Country Ethel's Old Corral, 4310 Alfred Harrell Highway, 873-7613; Still Kick'n, 7 to 11 p.m. Friday; Twang Bangers, 3 to 7 p.m. Sunday.

Trouts & the Blackboard Stages, 805 N. Chester Ave., 3996700, 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., 3228900; The People’s Band, 9:30 p.m. today.

HENRY A. BARRIOS / THE CALIFORNIAN

The fireplace at the home at 2830 Sunset Avenue, which was built in 1926, is decorated for Christmas and for the visitors who will tour it during the holiday tour of historic homes.

GO & DO Historical Home Tours & Gourmet Luncheon, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Sunday, lunch at Country Rose Tea Room, 163 H St., followed by tour of five historical homes in the Oleander/Sunset neighborhoods. $40.

327-4711 or 322-5965.

Art for Healing program of Mercy Hospitals of Bakersfield has many unique classes that may help alleviate stress and anxiety resulting in illness, loss, grief or caring for another. All classes are free but some suggest a donation and are held at Mercy Hospital, Truxtun Campus, Truxtun and A St. 324-7070 or mercybakersfield.org/art.

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

Beginning Oil Painting, with instructor Glen Jelletich, classes held 1 to 3 p.m. Mondays. 3993707.

Beginning, Intermediate and Advanced Drawing, by instructor Nina Landgraff, series of five twohour classes. 304-7002.

Framing Clinic, with Toni Lott, for artists who want to frame their work, began April 7, running noon to 4 p.m. Wednesdays. 205-3488.

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

Oil Painting Class with Monica Nelson, 6 to 8 p.m. Thursdays, Juliana’s Art Studio & Gallery, 501 18th St. 327-7507.

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

The Art Shop Club, 9 a.m. to noon each Thursday, Friday and Saturday, The Art Shop, 1221 20th St. All mediums. 322-0544, 589-7463 or 496-5153.

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

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

MUSIC Blues Kern River Blues Society Jam, 2 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Trout’s, 805 N. Chester Ave. 872-7517.

Classic rock Bellvedere Cocktail Lounge, 3090 Brundage Lane, 325-2139; Catch 22, 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Iron Horse Saloon, 1821 S. Chester Ave., 831-1315; The Press, 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday; Stronghold, 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday.

Lone Oak Lounge, 10612 Rosedale Highway, 589-0412; Left Coast Groovies, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Friday and Saturday.

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

Friday.

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

Tam O'Shanter, 2345 Alta Vista, 324-6774; The Press, 8:30 p.m.

Friday; The Los Moonlighterz, 8:30 p.m. Saturday.

Crest Bar & Grill, inside Bakersfield RV Resort, 5025 Wible Road, 833-9998; Mike Montano, 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday.

Sandrini’s, 1918 Eye St., 3228900; Beatles Tribute, 9:30 p.m.

Saturday.

The Prime Cut, 9500 Brimhall Road, 831-1413; The BEAGLES, 8 p.m. to midnight Saturday.

Padre Hotel, 1702 18th St., 3280034; Savor featuring Valerie Rubin, 6 p.m. Sunday.

Pyrenees Cafe, 601 Sumner, 323-0053; The Usual Suspects, noon Sunday.

Banacek's Lounge, 4601 State Road, 387-9224; Blond Faith, 9 p.m. Saturday.

Dancing Joaquin Squares, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. today, Rasmussen Center, 115 E. Roberts Lane. $5. 3241390, 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 for advanced.

833-8790.

Mavericks Singles, ballroom and country dancing with music by Jerry Hobbs, 6 to 9:15 p.m. Friday, Kern City Town Hall, 1003 Pebble Beach Drive. $6 member; $8 guest. 831-9241.

Pairs and Spares Dance, 7:30 p.m. Fridays, Rasmussen Senior Center, 115 E. Roberts Lane. $5; $7 nonmembers. 399-3575 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. 927-7001.

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

Dance Drill Classes, beginning belly dancing, 8 p.m. Tuesdays; advanced belly dancing, 7 to 9 p.m. Thursdays, Centre Stage Studio, 1710 Chester Ave. $5 dropin fee for beginning belly dancing; $15 for advanced. 323-5215.

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

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

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. Fridays and Saturdays. Free.

Sandrini’s, 1918 Eye St., 3228900; Beat Surrender, 9:30 p.m.

Friday.

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

Funk Pyrenees Cafe, 601 Sumner, 323-0053; Dub Seeds, 8 p.m. to midnight.

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. Saturday.

Padre Hotel, Prospect Room, 1702 18th St., 427-4900; Jazz & Martinis featuring The Modern Jazz Trio, 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. Thursdays; beer pong and happy hour all day Sunday.

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

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

Pour House, 4041 Fruitvale Ave., 589-9300; 9 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays.

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. Thursdays.

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

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.

Please see PAGE 33

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Thursday, December 9, 2010 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street CONTINUED FROM PAGE 32

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

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

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

Pyrenees Cafe, 601 Sumner, 323-0053; 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., 392-1747; 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.

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

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

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

Buck Owens Crystal Palace, 2800 Buck Owens Blvd., 3287560; 7:30 to 10 p.m. Tuesdays.

Cataldo’s Pizzeria, 6111 Niles St., 363-7200; 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, 399-7800; 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.

Latin/salsa

Top 40

Latin Salsa Dancing, 8 p.m.

Thursdays, DoubleTree Hotel, Club Odyssey, 3100 Camino Del Rio Court. 323-7111.

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

Tam O’Shanter, 2345 Alta Vista, 324-6774: Salsa dancing, 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.

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

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

Sundays.

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

Sandrini’s, 1918 Eye St., 3228900; Trivia Night with Dave Rezac, 10 p.m. Tuesdays.

Variety

KC Steakhouse, 2515 F St., 3229910; Jimmy Gaines, Bobby O and Mike Halls, 6:30 p.m.

Thursday through Saturday.

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.

Old school

UPCOMING EVENTS

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.

Monday 12/13

Oldies

Open mic Bakersfield College, 1801 Panorama Drive, Fireside Room; Art Club’s Open Mic, 6 to 9 p.m. today.

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

The Dome, 2201 V St.; Kottonmouth Kings, The Ill Spawn, The Dirt Heads, doors open at 7 p.m. today. $19 including fees. Tickets at tgptix.com or World Records, Wavelengths, Impact Streetwear, Fatal Impact, Going Underground or 742-6306.

Pyrenees Cafe, 601 Sumner, 323-0053; Big Dawg, 8 p.m.

Friday.

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

Vinny’s Bar & Grill, 2700 S. Union Ave., Rockn Rednecks and Crooked Folk, 9 p.m. Friday; Mother Puncher and Stone Blind, 9 p.m. Saturday. $5 per night; 21 and over. myspace.com/ vinnysbarandgrill.

B. Ryder’s Sports Bar & Grill, 7401 White Lane, 397-7304; UFC fight at 7 p.m.; A Silent Film and Volumn, 10 p.m. Saturday. $10 for fight, includes dinner.

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

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

Radio City Christmas Spectacular with The Rockettes, 4 and 7 p.m., theater at Rabobank Convention Center, 1001 Truxtun Ave. $49.80 to $102 plus fee. ticketmaster.com or call 800-745-3000.

Tuesday 12/14 Creative Corner Bazaar, featuring handmade items such as fabric art, kitchen accessories, quilts, children’s items and more, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., The Villas at Scenic River, 4015 Scenic River Lane. 871-3340 or 619-4153.

Fountainview Academy Orchestra & Choir, doors open at 6 p.m., show at 7 p.m., Bakersfield Fox Theater, 2001 H St. Free. 324-1369.

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

Wednesday 12/15 20th annual Christmas Dinner, 4 to 7 p.m., Clay’s Restaurant (formerly IHOP), 1530 California Ave. Free.

Advent Organ Recitals, with Marcia Krause and Meg Wise, lunch at noon, recital from 12:30 to 1 p.m., First Presbyterian Church, 1705 17th St. 325-9419.

CSUB Men’s Basketball, vs.

Portland State, 7 p.m., Rabobank Arena, 1001 Truxtun Ave. $5-$25. gorunners.com or 654-BLUE. Gift & Home Decor Bazaar, 3 to 7 p.m., Brookside Senior Apartments, Clubhouse, 2605 Brookside Drive. 871-3340 or 6194153.

Ho Ho Hoey Rockin’ Christmas Show, featuring Gary Hoey with Lukas Nelson, doors open at 7 p.m., show begins at 8 p.m., Bakersfield Fox Theater, 2001 H St. $20 plus fee. vallitix.com or 322-5200.

Holiday Cheer Family Program, stories, crafts, refreshments, 3:30 p.m., Beale Library, Arkelian children’s library, 701 Truxtun Ave. 868-0770.

HOLIDAY PARTY TIPS

BY HILLARY HAENES Californian staff writer hhaenes@bakersfield.com

Y

ou love holiday parties but the thought of hosting one yourself sounds scary rather than merry?

Relax, says local event planner Lili Marsh, who has more than 20 years of experience in the industry. Organizing holiday celebrations falls into the “pretty darn easy category” since there’s a theme, potential guests are already in a festive mood and homes are full of décor.

While Marsh is constantly on the go (she is the catering and operations manager at the Petroleum Club, the event planner at Signature Event Group and a catering representative for Taste Catering), she found the time to share several special party planning tips to make life easier during this time of the year without spending a lot of money.

“Whether simply done or over the top, a party planning essential is really only about indulging the senses: sight, sound, smell, touch and taste. Your guests should be surrounded by these elements. You want them to feel fabulous,” Marsh said.

To ensure you pamper your guests and don’t forget any major or minor details, use the following steps as a guide to plan your upcoming holiday or New Year’s party.

Select a date. But be sure to have a backup date. Ask around the office, the neighborhood or call friends to verify nobody close to you is having a party on the same day. The holidays are a time of celebrating, and you don’t want to conflict with someone you’re hoping to have as a guest.

Create a guest list and order invitations. When ordering, count couples as one, not as two individuals, so you don’t over-order. Include the date, location, time, party hosts, an RSVP date and proper attire if necessary. Don’t send e-mails, text messages or Facebook invitations — mail invitations. Also, it is OK to be thoughtful and request that guests bring jackets, blankets or food for those in need instead of a hostess gift.

Make sure to proofread your invitations a couple of times because Marsh has seen invitations with addresses or the name of the host missing.

Set a budget. Know your high end and low end of the budget, which will help you understand where you can go all out and distribute the money accordingly. Food will be the major portion of the budget, so make every vendor aware of the budget and get all vendor agreements in writing. The contract

should include a list of services you can expect, the start time, cancelation policies and payments schedules.

Spread food stations throughout the home. Not only does this break up huge groups of people, but it gets them moving and mingling. If hire help, the caterer can set out different types of foods each hour. This allows the guests to keep nibbling throughout the evening on different hors d’oeuvres.

Supply your own alcohol and have a bartender. A catering service that brings alcohol will most likely charge per drink.

The bar will be busy, so keep it in an open area and don’t place it too close to the entrance, which could cause a traffic jam at the door. Having wine or a special holiday martini brought around to guests is not only gracious but will take some of the pressure from the bar.

Don’t be too far away. When guests arrive, give them a warm welcome and thank them for coming; after all, it is you they came to see. And, when the party winds to a close, send your guests off with a hug and let them know you appreciated their visit.

Create a rental checklist.

This includes tables, chairs, linens, plates, tableware and a coat rack. Remember, rental companies are extremely busy during the holiday season, so make requests early.

Consider entertainment options. An iPod of holiday music or a piano player makes for warm background sounds.

De-clutter your home. Put away unnecessary décor from side tables, counters and coffee tables to create more accessible space.

Keep restrooms wellstocked. Purchase disposable hand towels and place a scented candle or perhaps some mouth wash on the counter.

Have ample lighting. Especially on your exterior walk way to prevent any tripping or stumbling.

Be considerate of your neighbors. Let them know there will be a lot of cars parked on the street and maybe deliver the message with a small gift or holiday floral.

Hire an event planner.

“Transform a seemingly daunting task into something easy and enjoyable. It’s our job to make you feel comfortable about your event. We can do as much or as little as you wish, from just organizing all of the elements to having you simply walk down the stairs and we place a candy cane martini in your hand. It’s all up to you,” Marsh said.