Bakersfield Californian 'Eye St. Entertainment' / 1-20-11

18

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, January 20, 2011

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

Index Monster X Tour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 Harlem & Beyond . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 Monty Byrom concert . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 Arts Alive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 Jeanette Richardson Parks farewell party . . . . . .23 The Lowdown with Matt Munoz . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 Lee Brice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25 Social Distortion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27 Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28-29

Meet your favorite Condors Big game prompts fan events, mingling

BY MIRANDA WHITWORTH Contributing writer

A

ll work and no play makes the Bakersfield Condors dull boys? Not so. If you want to see the guys come out and play — on the ice and off — head to Rabobank Arena as well as some of Bakersfield’s biggest hot spots as the Condors host the who’s who of ECHL Hockey on Tuesday and Wednesday.

“Its a tremendous amount of work,” said Bakersfield Condors Vice President of Communications Kevin Bartl. “But I think it’s completely worth it to have the spotlight of the league and the eyes of everyone from coast to coast in minor league hockey on us. Everyone will be watching.”

And you don’t have to be a hockey fan to get in on the action as the 2011 ECHL All Star Classic boasts events and parties in the arena and on the town.

The two-day event holds opportunities for fans to meet and greet local players and the best athletes in the league during an array of activities from skills tests on the ice to VIP parties at the Padre Hotel and Goose Loonies. So, if meeting a hockey player has been a lifelong dream, Bartl advised getting a ticket to the Fanfest at the Bakersfield Marriott on Tuesday because that’s where it all begins, and the boys are there to mingle.

“If you are a lady looking to meet a hockey player, it all starts during the Fanfest. This is going to be a major event.”

Condors players and the all stars will be in the grand ballroom of the Bakersfield Marriott at the Convention Center from 6 to 9 p.m. to sign autographs and take pictures. The theme is the Taste of Bakersfield, and seven local restaurants will have food available. Tickets are $10 and include meal vouchers, an allstar hat and poster and a rally towel. The NHL’s Stanley Cup and the ECHL’s Kelly Cup will be on display. Only 500 fans will be allowed in the ballroom to eat and socialize.

After the formal mixing is over, the party moves to a more intimate setting, where VIPs from the league will be lounging at Goose Loonies. While the restaurant is open to the public, the VIP

MICHAEL FAGANS / THE CALIFORNIAN

Condors Vyacheslav Trukhno and Bobby Robins battle Stockton’s Anthony Aiello in front of Thunder goalie Garrett Zemlak during a game at Rabobank Arena in December. The Condors host the 2011 ECHL All Star Classic on Wednesday night.

“There will probably be some cross mingling, especially if there are some ladies willing to converse with the boys.”

— Kevin Bartl, Bakersfield Condors vice president of communications

area will be separate from the crowd. But that doesn’t mean fans will be lonely, Bartl said.

“There will probably be some cross mingling, especially if there are some ladies willing to converse with the boys.”

The events pick up again at noon on Wednesday back at the Marriott for the Hall of Fame Luncheon, which costs $40 a plate. In attendance will be players, league representatives and guest speaker Dave Poulin, vice president of hockey operations for the Toronto Maple Leafs. “(Poulin) is a three-time NHL All-Star — he was a team captain everywhere he played,” Bartl

said. “He is a big name in the business for sure.”

At 6 p.m., players hit the ice at Rabobank Arena. The night begins with a three-event skills test featuring fastest skater, accuracy shooting and a shootout. The ECHL All Star Game begins at 7 p.m., when the Condors take on the best of the best in the league.

“Whether or not they are the leading scorers in the league this year may not matter,” Bartl said of the all-star team. “Votes are cast on who is young and upcoming. Who are the rookies that they think might play in the show. So it’s a combination.

There will be some veteran guys on the team and then there will be some young stars that have the chance to move up and be in the NHL.” Condors Right Wing Bobby Robins will be taking part in the accuracy competition before he takes on the all stars with his teammates. While his opponents are formidable, Robins said he is there to show the league that this is Condorstown.

“It’s gonna be a fun night. We wanted it to be a competitive

game, and we are going to give the All Stars a run for their money.”

But Bartl said the honor of hosting the ECHL event isn’t just about the Condors. It takes more than a few hockey players and a rink to take on an event of this caliber.

“Not every team is in a position to host the All Star Game. There is a selection process that teams go through every season. It’s about the team, arena, fan base and what we can do.”

In addition to the hockey stars, a couple of other celebrities are clearing their schedules for the game. Hockey fan Kevin Connolly of the HBO series “Entourage” will attend and participate in a charity shootout against Texas Rangers pitcher and former Bakersfield resident Colby Lewis during one of the intermissions.

After all the goals have been scored and the players have left the ice, the final ECHL All Star party takes place with another VIP event, this time at the Padre Hotel. VIPs from the league will have their own section but fans may be able to get in on the action if the mood and timing is

The 2011 ECHL All Star Classic Tuesday Fanfest: 6 to 9 p.m. at the Bakersfield Marriott at the Convention Center, 801 Truxtun Ave. $10 VIP after party: 9 p.m. at Goose Loonies, 1623 19th St.

Wednesday Hall of Fame All Star Luncheon: Noon to 1:30 p.m. at the Bakersfield Marriott at the Convention Center. $40 ECHL All Star Classic: Skills test at 6 p.m.; game at 7 p.m. at Rabobank Arena, 1001 Truxtun Ave. $13-$27 VIP after party: Following the game at the Padre Hotel

right.

Audio of the 2011 ECHL AllStar Classic is available in Bakersfield on Fox Sports 970 AM and on XM Radio. The game will be broadcast on television on America One, Fox College Sports, Fox Sports West and the NHL Network.

19

Thursday, January 20, 2011 The Bakersfield Californian

SPOTLIGHT

Eye Street

A Come on, feel the noise Picas Monster trucks taking over Rabobank Arena

BY MIRANDA WHITWORTH Contributing writer

T

Je

ffr e

W y H ritt at en b ch y er Directed by Jarred Clowes

BIGFOOT4X4.COM

Bigfoot will be revving its engine at the Monster X Tour at Rabobank Arena.

Monster X Tour When: 7:30 p.m. Friday and 1:30 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday Where: Rabobank Arena, 1001 Truxtun Ave. Admission: $17.05 to $28.30 To buy tickets: ticketmaster.com or 800-745-3000.

weren’t for the fan base that we have.”

Bigfoot may be one of the Monster X Tour’s biggest draws but it’s not the only truck showcased during the tour. Rockstar, California Kid and Captain USA will be taking part in the vertical wheelie and freestyle contests. Both events will be judged by the fans, with the winner being decided by biggest applause from the crowd. The vertical wheelie event will pit truck against truck in a competition to see how vertical a driver can get his truck without flipping backwards, while the Freestyle event is what Runce calls a 90-second free-for-all.

“They send us out and let us do whatever we want in the truck, whatever is going to get the fans the most excited,” Runce said.

“Ninety seconds may seem like a short time, but when you are out running around

and hitting stuff with your truck, it feels like a lot longer.”

You don’t have to be a fan of trucks to get in on the action as some special guests will keep things interesting, according to CEO Danny Torgerson.

“We have a huge Motocross freestyle competition and the Metal Mulisha team will be out racing,” Torgerson said. “We also have a great group of Bakersfield’s finest that will be doing quad racing for us.”

The quad racing is open to locals who have the experience and the desire to compete under the big lights, but it’s probably too late to enter the popular event now.

“Unfortunately registration for the local event is all filled up,” Torgerson said. “It’s been full for about four months. There are a lot of gear heads in Bakersfield.”

Quad racers aren’t the only locals allowed down with the big names. The Monster X Tour bills itself as a family event, and Runce said he’s happy to let the fans get up close and personal.

“We let the families get down on the floor, so we can take pictures with the kids and give autographs,” Runce said. “When it comes to racing, this is a more personable sport. We’ve always stayed very fan-friendly and that’s what I love about monster trucks.”

Tickets for Haggard concert go on sale Friday

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

T

ickets go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday for a May 7 concert by country legend Merle Haggard at Bakersfield’s Fox Theater. Fresh from the December Kennedy Center Honors in Washington, D.C., where he was presented a lifetime achievement award for “outstanding contribution to American culture,” Haggard is still a road warrior at age 73. The Fox concert will benefit the Bakersfield Ronald McDonald House, an organization Haggard has shown his support for over the years.

“Merle has been very generous,” said Bakersfield Ronald McDonald spokesman Jim Darling. “He was there when we announced the building project, contributed a guitar to sell and really lent his name to the project.

He also came to the house when we dedicated it in 2009 and spoke to the group.”

Darling also credited Fox Theater promoter Danny Lipco with supporting fundraising efforts for the Haggard charity. After last year’s “Rock the Fox” fundraiser starring singer Christopher Cross, Darling approached Lipco about doing a similar event this year.

Lipco offered Haggard’s May show, and Darling’s reaction was immediate.

“This has been a pet project of mine, and when I asked him to help find me another show to help us raise funds, he mentioned Merle,” he said. “The hero on this is Danny Lipco. It’s his show, he’s the promoter. He has the theater contract and is the one who

allows our board to do a fundraiser. I’m very appreciative.”

Darling explained that his organization purchases a block of premium seats to the show, and Lipco allows the Ronald McDonald House to resell them as individual and group VIP packages for $125 and $600. All funds from those sales will benefit the facility on the grounds of Bakersfield Memorial Hospital, a “home away from home” for families with children receiving treatment.

For more information on how to purchase VIP packages to the May 7 concert, contact Jim Darling at 706-1360 or via email at jim@jimdarlingpr.com.

Regular reserved seating prices range from $35 to $85 and can be purchased beginning Friday at all Vallitix outlets, including the Fox Theater, 2001 H St. or online at vallitix.com.

A PICASSO wrapped inside a taut, smart, wartime suspense thriller, this play is a fascinating, thought-provoking exploration of art and its meaning.

Set in occupied France, Picasso is forced to either disavow three of his own paintings or see them burned as “degenerate art.”

Desperate to avoid either outcome, Picasso must engage in a game of cat and mouse with Miss Fischer, a beautiful German cultural attache.

Jan. 21 - Jan. 29

he engines will roar and so will the crowd as the Monster X Tour rolls into Bakersfield this weekend for an adrenaline-pumping spectacular that will keep the fans on the edge of their seats.

Veteran monster truck driver Dan Runce has been the man behind the wheel of Bigfoot for the past 20 years and said when he and his fellow drivers hit Rabobank Arena Friday and Saturday attendees are in for a one-of-a-kind experience.

“Monster trucks never do the same thing twice,” Runce said. “I’ve been doing this for years and I am still excited by what’s going to happen when I get out there.”

Bigfoot is the star of the show and one of the main stars in the monster truck world.

Introduced in 1975, it’s regarded as the original monster truck and was born out of a Midwestern construction worker’s need for a durable truck that could take care of business on the job site and the family fun of off-roading when work was over.

According to bigfoot4x4.com, Bob Chandler and his wife, Marilyn, knew four-wheel drive truck parts were hard to come by and began a business supplying off-road enthusiasts like themselves with the equipment necessary to keep big trucks running through the abuse of four-wheeling. Midwest 4 Wheel Drive and Performance Center was founded with Bigfoot promoting the business. Eventually the truck became an attraction featured in stadium shows, kicking off a genre of entertainment that has evolved into events like the Monster X Tour.

Runce said it’s the rich history of Bigfoot and the enthusiasm of the fans that he enjoys most about his job: “We’ve been in business now for 35 years, so our young fans are all grown up. Being a driver I get to talk to a lot of older people that follow Bigfoot and have been for years. They know more about the truck than I do. It’s great to have that kind of following. We wouldn’t have a job if it

so

For Information Call

661.634.0692

www.thespotlighttheatre.com

1622 19th Street Bakersfield, CA

501(c)3 not for profit organization

20

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, January 20, 2011

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BY CAMILLE GAVIN Contributing columnist

A

wide-ranging celebration of the contributions of African-Americans gets under way on Satur-

day.

“Harlem & Beyond,” is a salute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Black History Month. It’s made up of nearly 25 different events between now and March 5.

And there’s so much going on most of us will have to do some expert juggling to fit everything into our schedules during the next six weeks.

Planning for the celebration began three years ago. The Bakersfield Museum of Art and the Kern County Library spearheaded the group that includes schools, churches, various nonprofit organizations and local businesses.

Much of the focus is on prominent black people in our community. However, as the “beyond” in the title indicates, it has its regional, national and international aspects as well.

For example, there will be an exhibition of the Freedom Trunk from the National Underground Freedom Center in Cincinnati, Ohio. Schools can schedule docent-led visits and many have already done so, said Beth Pandol, the art museum’s director of marketing. The multifaceted “Freedom Day at the Museum” on March 5 features the Freedom Trunk and is open to the public.

“We are very excited about all these events,” she said. “This is an amazing opportunity to educate the public about the Underground Railroad and the quest for freedom.”

Pandol first learned about the “traveling trunk” at a museum conference in Ohio and thought it would do well in Bakersfield.

“It sounded like an interesting con-

CALIFORNIAN FILE

Brent McClanahan, a South High School graduate who went on to star in the National Football League with the Minnesota Vikings, will be among the panelists discussing “The Blind Side” during the “Harlem & Beyond” activities.

cept and certainly fulfilled our mission to educate as well as to become a cultural destination for Bakersfield,” she said. “We have also incorporated an art project with the Freedom Trunk so children will not only learn about the historical aspects but can do art with it as well.

Also on March 5, a representative of the National Parks Service will talk about another important freedom network that’s not as well-known, the Underground Railroad in California.

The international aspect comes by way of Antonio Rocha, a master storyteller from Brazil. Pandol said his topic, “Freedom Speaks: Tales from the Heart and Soul,” fits nicely with the overall theme of “Harlem & Beyond.”

Rocha will give two presentations — one geared for children, the other for adults — on Feb. 5 at the Bakersfield Museum of Art. A family-oriented event on Saturday at Beale Memorial Library marks the kick-off for the celebration. Kern County is, or has been, the home of an impressive number of professional

athletes. For this opening program their families and friends will share stories of what it’s like to be related to a sports celebrity.

On Feb. 19, several of those celebrities will discuss “The Blind Side.” The book by Michael Lewis, which became a huge hit on the big screen as well, is the centerpiece of a community-wide partnership that includes music, art and theater. Panelists include Brent McClanahan, Michael Reed, Anthony Jefferson, Mandi Carver, Charlie Craig and Kenny Wallace. They also will relate their personal experiences in pro sports.

Members of the CSUB Lady Runners will be the stars of a preschool story time on Jan. 28 at Beale. They will share their favorite stories with the children and also demonstrate a few basketball moves.

Encouraging people of all ages to read is an integral part of the overall program so a number of events home in on other significant books for both adults and children.

Author Fred Haynes will talk about what led him to write “African American Trailblazers: A Celebration of Africa’s Gift to Kern County.” His lecture and booksigning is slated for Feb. 17 at the art museum.

Haynes An observation of the 22nd National African-American Read-In sponsored by the National Council of Teachers of English will be held Feb. 27 at the Bakersfield Senior Center. A three-day book fair at Russo’s Books Feb. 4 to 6 will feature storytelling, singing, dancing and dramatic readings.

Gospel singing is a rich element in the growing fabric of black history. In that regard, several local church choirs will join together for a Black Gospel Please see PAGE 21

‘HARLEM & BEYOND’ Schedule of events (Jan. 22 to March 5): Family and Friends Share Their Story, 2 p.m. Saturday, Beale Library Auditorium, 701 Truxtun Ave. Free.

858-0745.

Jammin’ Storytime for Preschoolers, 10:30 a.m. Jan. 28, Beale Library Arkelian Children’s Room. Free. 868-0750.

Foothill High School’s “We the People” team, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Feb. 2, Bakersfield Museum of Art, 1930 R St. Call 323-7219 for details.

Bookfair, Feb. 4 to 6, Russo’s Books, 9000 Ming Ave. Various times, call 665-4686 for details.

Anthony Rocha, storyteller, “Freedom Speaks,” 3 and 7 p.m. Feb. 5, Bakersfield Museum of Art, 1930 R St. $5 adults, $1, children. Call 323-7219 for tickets.

Movie, “The Blind Side,” 6 p.m.

Tejon Room, 701 Truxtun Ave. Free.

Feb. 10, Beale Library Auditorium, 868-0745.

701 Truxtun Ave. Free. Call 868-0745. Panel discussion of “The Blind “Gem of the Ocean,” Feb. 11 to 26, Side,” 2 p.m. Feb. 19, Beale Library Tejon Room, 701 Truxtun Ave. Free.

Bakersfield Community Theatre, 868-0745.

2400 S. Chester Ave. Call 831-8114 for tickets and curtain times.

School tours for “Freedom Trunk” exhibit, Feb. 21 to March 5.

Your Story: Research your Bakersfield Museum of Art, 1930 R African-American Ancestry, 10 St. To arrange a visit, call 323-7219. a.m. to noon Feb. 12, Beale Library Tejon Room, 701 Truxtun Ave. 868Black Gospel Concert, 6 p.m. Feb. 0745.

26, Compassion Christian Center, “Way Back When,” 6 to 8 p.m. Feb. 1030 Fourth St. Free. 868-0745.

17, discussion of black National African-American Readentertainment, culture, sports and In, 2:30-5:30 p.m. Feb. 27, politics in the 1970s, ’80s and ’90s, Bakersfield Senior Center, 501 moderated by Chris Reid, Bakersfield Fourth St. Free. 325-1113.

Museum of Art, 1930 R. St. 323Freedom Day at the Museum, 7219. featuring the Freedom Trunk, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., March 5, Bakersfield “African-American Women Museum of Art, 1930 R St. $1. 323Trailblazers,” with author Fred Haynes. 11 a.m. Feb. 19, Beale Library 7219.

21

Thursday, January 20, 2011 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street

Byrom to show ‘other side of me’ Buckaroos regular cuts loose with blues/rock gig

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

B

akersfield singer/songwriter Monty Byrom will be taking off his spurs Saturday evening for a special show at Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace.

A frequent collaborator with the Buckaroos, Byrom looks forward to laying down a different groove this weekend.

“I love the Buckaroos more than anything I’ve ever done, but I can’t ask them to play Jimi Hendrix. That’s the other side of me,” he said. “I’ll be playing some blues, reggae, and many of the songs I’ve written for other people throughout my career. My wife says I don’t do enough of that.”

Byrom began playing with the Buckaroos one or two weekends a month in 2007. He’s done just about everything in the music business, including performing as a solo artist, a career as a full-time songwriter as well as fronting country-soul band Big House.

Byrom knows he’s got a good thing with the Buckaroos, but appreciates the chance to branch out a bit. Plus, he said, the guys are probably just glad to have the night off.

“I’m so spoiled with those guys and I’d like to keep that gig forever,” he said. “At least they’re letting me explore some different things with a diverse crowd. We’ll see how many people show up and if we have a good time. We may even make it an ongoing thing.”

Joining Byrom will be his brother, Tanner, on drums; Maria Worth, bass; Chris

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 20

Concert on Feb. 25 at the Compassion Christian Center.

The concert will feature songs, dance, mime, and poetry as well as a professional gospel rapper, Victor Wilson, from Los Angeles.

Brenda Scobey, the library’s reference coordinator, explained that Wilson came to their attention when he sent a demo recording to Monty Embry, owner of B Moore Christian Books and Music Store.

“One of the selections on the demo is an original tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, rap style. How cool!” Scobey said. “The committee invited (Wilson) to participate in the concert, and he accepted.”

Bakersfield Community Theatre will present several performances of August Wilson’s “Gem of the Ocean” between Feb. 11 and 26. The Pulitzer Prize-winning play tells the story of Aunt Esther, an ancient matriarch, and two young men who were involved in the Civil War. A team of speakers from Foothill High School will participate in the art museum’s First Wednesday series on Feb. 2. The students will discuss two constitutional amendments — the 13th, which outlawed

CALIFORNIAN FILE

Monty Byrom, shown in this 2007 photo, will perform on Saturday night.

Neufeld, keyboards; plus a host of special guests joining in throughout the evening. “I get to be a guitar player,” Byrom joked.

What can folks expect?

“You never know who will be showing up and what we’ll be playing. We may drop some Big House and Bob Dylan tunes in the set.”

Monty Byrom When: 9 p.m Saturday Where: Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace, 2800 Buck Owens Blvd.

Admission: $5 Information: 328-7560

slavery, and the 14th, which provided equal rights for all citizens.

For black residents interested in tracing their family history, the Kern Genealogical Society will offer an introductory class on research and other resources available online and at Beale Library. The lecture will be held on Feb. 12 in the Tejon Room at Beale.

Nearly all of the events are free or charge a minimal fee. Funding came from about 30 public and private organizations. The art museum also used money from its Irvine Foundation grant, which is intended for outreach to new audiences.

The project is a sort of continuation of the collaboration forged in 2001-09, when the museum and its partners celebrated the the Harlem Renaissance with a series of events.

“We had groups that worked together then and a new group ‘Harlem & Beyond’ was formed with people from the black churches who continued with gospel concerts,” Pandol said. “We teamed up with the library and Harlem groups when we decided to do the Freedom Trunk and we are thrilled that all these groups are participating.”

22

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, January 20, 2011

Eye Street Camille Gavin CONTRIBUTING COLUMNIST

Gaslight shootout at Ethel’s school currently is taking enrollments for classes on acting, song and dance, and songwriting that begin on Feb. 5.

Melodrama sends up local landmark

G

aslight’s latest melodrama has a direct link to one of our local landmarks, namely, Ethel’s Old Corral.

Turns out Coryn McBride, who appears in the show that opens Friday, is a part-time waitress at the popular restaurant on Alfred Harrell Highway. “(Coryn) really fostered this partnership between us and the owner of Ethel’s,” said Michael Prince, artistic director. “It’s been a lot of fun working with them to make this show happen.”

“Shootout at Ethel’s Old Corral” is the full title of the play. Prince adapted it from another show written by John Burkhart of Omaha, Neb., who set it in a place called “Sadie’s Saloon.” Prince changed the Omaha references to Bakersfield. Adapting scripts is a common practice in the melodrama world, Prince said. In fact, the All American Melodrama in Long Beach is doing his script for “Milligan’s Island” but has changed it to reflect that city’s locations and culture.

Jay Campbell, who once was with the old melodrama in Oildale and appeared in shows throughout the country, is in the Gaslight production and now is a full-time actor with the company. Other cast members are Jay Stodder, Don Kruszka, Katie Metz, Jill Burdick and Jennifer Prince.

In keeping with the fun-loving atmosphere of the melodrama, the gunshot sound effects will be provided by the actors themselves

GO & DO ‘Shootout at Ethel’s Old Corral’ When: 7 p.m. Friday, and Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday Where: Gaslight Melodrama & Music Hall, 12748 Jomani Drive Admission: $23; $21, seniors; $12, students with ID and children 12 and under Information: 587-3377

‘Disney My Son Pinocchio’ When: 2 p.m. Saturday Where: Harvey Auditorium, 1341 G St. Admission: $20; $10 children Information: 325-6100

PHOTO COURTESY OF MICHAEL PRINCE

Jay Campbell, left, and Coryn McBride appear in a scene from “Shootout at Ethel’s Old Corral.”

Jill Burdick and Jennifer Prince play The Temperence Ladies in “Shootout at Ethel’s Old Corral.”

— so there’s no need to worry about smoke or being scared by loud noises.

“Bakersfield! Party City, USA,” a vaudeville revue written and directed by Warren Dobson follows the main play.

‘Pinocchio’ at the Harvey Unless you happen to be an elementary school student, Saturday may be your only chance to see Bakersfield Music Theatre’s Disney version of “Pinocchio” at Harvey Auditorium.

I was curious about the limited run and asked Bruce Saathoff,

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

BMT’s artistic director, to explain, which he did.

“There is only one performance because the show is primarily being produced for the ‘Kids to Theatre’ program,” he said. “We have two morning shows for student audiences that have approximately 1,700 students from around the area scheduled to attend.”

Those performances are 9:30 a.m. today and Friday at Harvey Auditorium and are arranged by BMT’s Thelma Atmore, who coordinates the children’s theater program. Saathoff said the theater board decided to add the Saturday matinee to allow parents, grandparents and others to attend and bring their children.

“Disney My Son Pinocchio: Geppetto’s Musical Tale,” is the full title of this classic story about a woodcarver and his toy shop. It includes many familiar tunes, including “When You Wish Upon a Star.”

Austin Lux plays Pinocchio; Joseph Cannon is Geppetto; Anne Marie O’Reilly appears as the Blue Fairy; and Mickey Farley is the villainous Stromboli.

The cast consists of both children and adults; most of the youngsters are associated with the Stars School of Fine Arts. The

PHOTO COURTESY OF ALAN URQUHART

“Sins of the Fathers” by Jen Raven is on display now at The Foundry.

Abstract art at The Foundry At first glance I had a sense of the simplicity and emptiness in most of the paintings in Jen Raven’s current exhibit at The Foundry. By that I mean there’s no excess detail, merely straight lines, some of them elongated into skull shapes, and stick-like figures rising from rectangular boxes.

Yet a closer look helped me to see the intense emotion exhibited in many figures, such as the ones in “Reared in Violence,” or “Sins of the Fathers,” that rise like flames, their cheeks bearing tears and their mouths open wide as if crying out to an unseen presence.

Images similar to the little cardboard cartons you get with a takeout order at a Chinese restaurant are prominent in many of the paintings. Thus the title: “Dine In — Take Out.” But the overall message — inspired by quotes from playwright Eugene O’Neill, poet Emily Dickinson, the Bible and even a nod to Karl Marx by way of Calvin and Hobbes cartoon strip

‘Dine In, Take Out — Take Two!’ When: 6 p.m. Saturday Where: The Foundry, 1700 Chester Ave. Admission: $5 Information: 301-3283

Maynard Dixon lecture When: 6 p.m. today Where: Bakersfield Museum of Art, 1930 R St. Admission: $5; free to members Information: 323-7219

— is a commentary on the dislocation of today’s society, especially the breakdown of tried-and-true values that once helped family members connect with each other.

Raven’s exhibit opened about two weeks ago but The Foundry is offering a second opening reception on Saturday evening. The artist will be present to talk about her work and a group called Breckenridge Road will provide acoustic music.

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23

Thursday, January 20, 2011 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street

at

Ethel’s Old Corral

ALEX HORVATH / THE CALIFORNIAN

Jeanette Richardson Parks stands before a mural outside of the old JC Penney building at the corner of Chester Avenue and 19th Street in this 2009 photo. The Arts Council of Kern, which Parks led for a decade, created the project.

Contributing columnist

Y

ou can bet your prize Picasso — if you’re lucky enough to own one — that the next place Jeanette Richardson Parks calls home will quickly realize it’s been blessed with an energetic cheerleader for the arts.

Enthusiasm, innovation and an ability to get things moving are her hallmarks. Parks ended her 10-year tenure as the Arts Council of Kern’s executive director on Dec. 31. Now she and her husband, Woody Parks, are leaving town for parts unknown.

“We’ve bought a motor home and we don’t know where we’re going to land,” she said. “That’s part of the adventure.”

Now 61, Parks was born in San Francisco and came to Bakersfield about 20 years ago after pursuing a number of interests in the Bay Area.

A graduate of San Jose State and trained as an elementary school teacher, she was director of a private art school, ran four galleries, did design work for Santa Clara County, wrote for the San Jose Mercury News, and had a stint on television.

Seeds for the TV gig sprouted from her concern about what she saw as poor nutrition in some of her students.

Or, as she puts it, “I got tired of seeing ... kids asleep with their heads on their desks at 9:30 in the morning.”

“I’m a lifelong learner,” Parks explained. “So I studied the effect of sugar on children, wrote a health cookbook and ended up doing a live TV show with Joe Carcione, the ‘Green

When: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. today Where: Petroleum Club, 5060 California Ave. Admission: $20, $18 for Arts Council members Information: 324-9000

Grocer.’”

Her interest in the health field continued after she moved to Bakersfield and led to a job with Nutrisystem. After seven years with the company, she served as marketing director for the then-fledgling Bakersfield Museum of Art, followed by about four years as public affairs director for KERO-TV. In 1997 Parks was named director of the city’s Centennial Committee. She was the only paid employee and was responsible for raising $2.5 million for the project.

“I used to say I was one employee with a thousand volunteers who helped out in many different capacities,” she recalled.

During that time she learned that her then-husband, Nelson Richardson, had cancer. To spend more time with him, she worked at home as a consultant until his death. In 2000 she took on the role of executive director of the Arts Council of Kern, a nonprofit organization that was a bit battle-scarred for a number of reasons having to do with personnel and funding.

“The first year was a learning curve for me,” Parks said. “There was a lot of healing to be done.”

Not long after that the state cut its funding to the council, which Parks said was a blessing in disguise because

the local agency no longer had to do state-mandated programs. As a result, the council expanded its reach and introduced a number of innovative programs to residents who previously had little exposure to the arts.

“I saw there was a divide in Kern County — a feeling that only rich people did the arts,” she said. “I believe if you can dream it you can do it, so I concentrated on getting the arts into the county and into children’s hands.”

Under the direction of Parks and the non-profit organization’s board of directors, the council has expanded and now offers guidance in film production as well as offers workshops on technology, marketing and grant-writing. In her view, the promotion of public art has had one of the greatest impacts. This includes installations at the airport, the oil worker monument in Taft, painting of signal boxes in Bakersfield and helping to establish the downtown arts district.

Parks’ departure from Bakersfield has more to do with her health — she has asthma and is seeking a climate more favorable to that disease — than her personal feelings.

“Bakersfield is wonderful,” she said.

“I love the people here, but it’s time to move.”

First stop on the coming road trip will be Indianapolis, where she’ll act as a consultant for the city’s arts council.

She’s also agreed to be an adviser for the state of California in helping smaller arts councils in the state and is working with the city of Arvin in developing the design of its new Jewett Park, a project initiated by the Arts Council of Kern.

“This is a fun and exciting time for me,” Parks said. “I’m looking forward to it.”

SFIELD CALIF OR

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L

L

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TH

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Farewell party for Jeanette Richardson Parks

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24

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, January 20, 2011

Eye Street The Lowdown with Matt Munoz

Say yes, yes, yes to Rehab ‘Hick-hop’ group to power up Fishlips

T

he rowdy Southern boys of hick-hop rock outfit Rehab have gone from battling addiction to creating one.

Releasing one of 2008’s most popular songs, “The Bartender Song,” the Georgia-based septet are well aware of its jukebox “hall of fame” status. Taking a soundcheck break in Boise, Idaho, lead vocalist Demun Jones says he isn’t surprised at the mixed reaction the group got from radio, but insists their home turf is filled with like-minded hip-hop lovin’ country folk.

“It’s mostly country fans diggin’ hip-hop, not the other way around. I can tell you this: A lot of the same people who listen to Kenny Chesney also listen to Eminem. We don’t care who listens to us.”

Looking to give Bakersfield a taste of some down-home hustle ’n’ flow Tuesday night at Fishlips, Jones explains the raw deal his Southern brethren often get.

“If you take Southern people, and you get them to talk about anything, they sound country. I grew up in the middle of a field, but I was always influenced by hip-hop culture, Michael Jackson, and break dancing — stuff like that,” he said of the band’s reputation as backwoods bumpkins.

“We’re really just being ourselves.”

“Ourselves,” is not what you think either. Although referencing some previous stints for drug dependency among some the group’s members in the band’s name,

PHOTO COURTESY OF REHAB

Georgia-based, country hip-hop Rehab performs Tuesday at Fishlips.

they’re no guidance counselors.

“The name came from where some of the guys were at that certain time. It’s not like preachin’ ‘go to rehab,’ and stuff like that. It’s just really a name that kinda relates to a lot of people’s situations and that’s why it’s worked so well,” said Jones.

And what about the sing-along phenomenon that is “The Bartender Song,” with its trailer park, breakup, and beer guzzling to jail storyline?

“I don’t think when the song was written, that they took it seriously. It all happened in a few minutes. But it started gaining momentum with the digital jukebox support it got in the bar scene.

A lot of record labels took notice of that and it opened up ways for us to share the rest of our music with a lot of people. We’re just grateful.”

The band’s latest CD, “Welcome Home,” is classic Rehab old and new fans should appreciate. While it’s not clear if lightning will strike twice for the group, they are sure of their latest plans. Re-directing their sound after almost a decade in the business of making pottymouthed party music, they thought it might be best to tone down the “dirty” in their “South.”

Recording dual versions of songs for country and rock radio, time will tell if it works this go-round.

Jones is optimistic.

“It’s more of a calculated effort.

This record is the most mature one we’ve ever done. A lot of our longtime Rehab fans are older now and have kids, so they can put this record on with the kids in the car and not have to skip songs because of F-bombs or cursing.

This one doesn’t have any of that,” he said.

Now that the mystery of Rehab has been solved, what should Bakersfield fans expect once they hit the Fishlips stage?

“Total insanity and definitely not a country show. It’s high energy. Very rock, with a lot of hip hop, and very entertaining,” said Jones.

Spoken like a true country gent.

Opening will be Suburban Noize “bro-rap” duo, Moonshine Bandits. Tuesday’s show starts at 9 p.m. Admission is $10. Fishlips is located at 1517 18th St. For more information, call 324-2557.

Former Bakotopian survives San Diego State It’s not every day you get to brag about a former intern, but I can.

Chase Brockett, who acted as

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.

my right-hand man from 2007 to 2008 working at Bakotopia.com as a web moderator, recently completed his studies at San Diego State University where he majored in psychology. I was originally introduced to Chase working on a music podcast where I interviewed his former high school band Idle Revolution back in ’06.

Wildly inventive behind his drum kit, he was also a great writer and contributor to both the Bakotopia.com website and magazine as one of our most thought-provoking young voices.

He also had a penchant for comedy. I can remember the day he mentioned wanting to get into stand-up. Following his itch, the kid’s been doing it regularly ever since. He returns to Fishlips’ tonight with fellow Bako comics Brian Ross and Joe Alaniz, plus Chip Nicholson and headliner Zoltan Kaszas both from San Diego. I don’t think there’s anything this 23-year-old whiz kid can’t do.

“Doing comedy helped me survive going through school, especially when things would get really boring,” he said. As soon as I moved here, the first thing I did was start looking for places to keep going, so I didn’t lose interest.”

Debuting at The Empty Space in Bakersfield in 2008, he’s part of a growing number of local funnymen who’ve been teaming up to throw regular comedy shows for anyone in need of some laughs.

Chase found moving into San Diego’s scene was the best place to discover what the rest of the world was laughing at.

“For comedy, it was interesting.

First off, there was a lot more people trying it too, especially on open mic nights. You get to see what really good and bad looks like onstage,” he said.

Making a name for himself with a high-brow style of thinking man’s comedy, his choice of college major shouldn’t surprise anyone.

“I’ve been called a ‘cerebral comic,’ and another lady said I

Bakotopia Unplugged Open Mic Night With host Matt Munoz When: 8 to 11 p.m.

Wednesdays. Signups start at 7:30 p.m.

Where: Fishlips, 1517 18th St. Information: 324-2557 or visit the Facebook page for updates.

was smart and didn’t say (expletive) too much. I’m trying to learn to distance myself when I don’t do great, write better jokes, and work on transitioning. You have a lot of new guys who, once they start dying onstage, start cursing to get out of it. You have to be willing to not overthink what you’re doing. If it’s funny, people will laugh.”

Every comedian has a story of the “early days,” and although he’s still pretty young, I couldn’t resist asking about his most unfunny moment.

“The scariest night I’ve ever had was in Bakersfield. I did a show at (a club that will remain anonymous.) Comedian Joe Alaniz was onstage and had a joke about moving to Fresno and his mom telling him not to join gangs. I’m at the bar next to this really offended (I assume) gang member, whose howling and throwing gang signs. Once Joe walks offstage, the guy starts showing his knife off. Next thing, Joe’s ride showed up, he jumps in the car and bails immediately. So, when people in San Diego describe a shady bar there, I always throw in that story.”

Currently looking for a way to put his degree to work, Chase is enjoying his little break before the reality of post-college life begins.

“I’m trying to find a job where I can eat and perform as much as I can. It was easy when you have school loan funds in your bank account. Oh yeah — they want that money back!”

Tonight’s comedy show begins at 7:30 p.m. Admission is $5. Call Fishlips for more information.

25

Thursday, January 20, 2011 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street

Working on dream No. 2 Emerging country star to perform at the Palace

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

F

rom the backwoods to Music Row, country singer Lee Brice has made his share of goal-oriented plays.

Returning Friday night to Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace, not only has he enjoyed success as a football star in his home state of South Carolina, but he’s already scored numerous hit singles for some of country’s biggest names.

“There was two dreams I had growing up,” said Brice, 30. “One was playing for Clemson University, and the other was to write and play music.”

Suffice it to say, he’s accomplished both and then some.

“About 15 minutes outside the city is where I lived,” he said of growing up in Sumter, S.C. “There's nothing out there but land, dogs and huntin’. The closest big city to us was Charlotte, and that was about three hours away. I never went there. We had to make things up to do.”

And play football they did. Moving through his scholastic years to become a special teams member of the Clemson Tigers, it was music he yearned to pursue most despite an impressive football record.

“Sports are what we all did growing up; that was our life. I’d been writing songs since I was a kid,” said Brice. “I was playing music as much as I was football.”

Suffering an arm injury that would end his athletic aspirations, Brice’s songwriting dreams soon came into focus. Leaving Clemson with only a year left to graduate, he set his sights on Music Row in Nashville.

“It was almost like a blessing to me when I got injured. I wanted to play for Clemson and I met my goal. But now, I wanted to play music. It’s a part of my being.”

With a suitcase full of dreams and songs he’d crafted over the years, Brice soon made valuable connections once he arrived.

Putting in hours under the guidance of mentor and songwriter Doug Johnson, who saw potential in the aspiring artist, Brice’s daily regimen was intense. Planting his feet firmly in Nashville, he had no intention of leaving.

“At that time, I wrote two to three songs a day. I would write from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and then from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., then 7 p.m. to whenever at night. I wrote all the time and a couple hundred full songs a year,” he recalled. “That’s what it’s all about. It’s a life commitment. When I came, I didn’t do it giving myself a year to do it and visit. I came to spend my life here.”

Eventually he was hired as a full-time staff writer at Curb Records. Catching the ear of his idol Garth Brooks, Brice was asked to help co-write the star’s 2007 comeback

PHOTO COURTESY OF LEE BRICE

Country singer Lee Brice performs Friday night at Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace.

single, “More Than a Memory.”

“From the time I was 12 years old, Garth Brooks was one of the people I always listened to. His music was a big influence on me — the way I wrote, the kind of songs. For him to call me and say he wants to record one of my songs, it was almost like a dream,” he said.

Subsequently signed to Curb Records as a performer that year, Brice was introduced as a performer via three radio singles that included the minor chart hit, “She Ain’t Right.” Releasing his official full-length debut in 2009 with “Love Like Crazy,” Brice’s talents began being recognized outside the studio.

The release made the Billboard Top 10 Country album charts, fueled by the single “Love Like Crazy,” which still holds the record for the longest chart run in the history of Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart.

Still looking for the perfect hit to help boost him to the level of Brooks’ star status, Brice says his live show should help keep fans’ attention until that day arrives.

“It goes from rockin’ your face off with the band to bringin’ it down with me and an acoustic guitar or me sitting at a piano. It’s very dynamic and like a roller coaster ride.

I’ll be having fun, so I hope everyone else does too.”

Lee Brice When: 7 p.m. Friday Where: Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace, 2800 Buck Owens Blvd.

Admission: $13 to $21 Information: 328-7560 or vallitix.com

26

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, January 20, 2011

Eye Street

Baby, it’s cold outside: Have a coat to spare?

BY MIRANDA WHITWORTH Contributing writer

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akersfield’s gray and dreary weather is in full effect, the perfect time for some charitable Bakersfield groups to spread the warmth.

The second annual Winter Coat Drive — sponsored by The Pink Ladies, The Kern County Roller Girls, The Riveters and The Lucky Baby Dolls — takes place Saturday at Guthrie’s Alley Cat. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Bakersfield Rescue Mission and — if this year is anything like the last — the coats will go to help hundreds of those facing the cold without proper attire.

Pink Ladies President Joanne McCain was there in the trenches last January and was impressed by the turnout.

“I can’t remember the exact count, but by the time we were done, we had completely filled to overflowing the bed of a truck.”

Desi “Von Drop Ya” Manos with the Kern County Roller Girls helped run the collection table and can attest to the outpouring of support and warm clothing.

“I went down to help drop off the coats and the people at the rescue mission were completely overwhelmed,” Manos said. “They knew we were bringing donations but I don’t think anyone expected us to come up with that much.”

Bakersfield has seen a number of women’s groups touting the alternative lifestyle form over the last several years, and the organizations involved in this year’s Winter Coat Drive are just a sampling of the very diverse pool.

The Pink Ladies are associated with the rockabilly look and scene and have made a name for themselves in the community as a charitable organization that does its work in and around downtown Bakersfield’s bar and music venues. According to McCain, you don’t need to hold events at country clubs or exclusive restaurants to be a success when it comes to gathering donations. The iconic neon sign that beckons in Wall Street Alley welcomes anyone and everyone who wants to help.

“I think the Alley Cat is a great venue,” McCain said. “They have offered the establishment to us to come and go, and they support us 100 percent in everything The Pink Ladies do. Plus, they like to be a part of giving back to the community.”

When it comes to hosting large donation drives, many see the Christmas season as the perfect time to attract interest due to the giving spirit that comes along with the holidays.

McCain believes January is an important time for her and her friends to put the spotlight back on charity when

PHOTO COURTESY OF DESI “VON DROP YA” MANOS

Desi “Von Drop Ya” Manos of the Kern County Roller Girls will be on hand assisting at the second annual Winter Coat Drive Saturday.

Second annual Winter Coat Drive What: Donations of coats, sweaters, sweatshirts and any warm clothing to benefit the Bakersfield Rescue Mission.

When: 7 to 11 p.m. Saturday Where: Guthrie's Alley Cat, 1525 Wall Street Alley

many shift their focus back to the hustle and bustle of work, school and life.

“People are still in need,” she said.

“The Bakersfield Rescue Mission’s needs weren’t completely met just because of Christmas. The girls and I live on different sides of town and as we go out and about we see men, women and children walking without coats. I don’t see how anyone can be comfortable and happy while they are on the freezing streets.”

Manos regularly laces up her skates under the Kern County Roller Girls’ banner. The rough-and-tumble group of young women is comprised of students, mothers, professionals and ladies just looking to relieve a little frustration as they hit the rink and their opponents.

Manos said her girls were more than willing to join forces with the other groups involved because, much like roller derby, there is strength in numbers.

“It’s an awesome opportunity to

take part in this event,” Manos said.

“It’s surprising how easy it is for all of us to get together. And the more we help everyone out, the more people we will get to come and donate.”

It’s also a great way to make sure friends stay in contact and groups keep the cooperative spirit fresh.

Manos said busy schedules, events and family life can get in the way of keeping in touch.

“There are so many great ladies that are participating this time,” she said.

“Though we may not keep up a lot of communication throughout the year, we know when it comes to this event we all will get together to do it.”

The Winter Coat Drive is open to everyone who would like to donate. A table will be set up outside the Alley Cat for easy drop-off.

“We are collecting for men, women and children, and it’s not just limited to coats,” McCain said. “If you have sweaters or hooded sweatshirts, bring them. We want anything that will keep people warm.”

McCain said the clothing drive is just the beginning of what will be a great year and a fresh start for The Pink Ladies.

“This is what we do, who we are and what we like. The downtown scene is a great place for us to do our work. Now, with that being said, this isn’t the only type of thing we are going to do. It’s a new year, we have new girls and we’ve got some new ideas.”

27

Thursday, January 20, 2011 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street

Reinvention on the road Social Distortion set for concert Monday

Exper t ir Jewelr y Repa Gordon Wickersham 19th & Chester • 203-9425

Rumba, Waltz, Two Step, Cha-Cha, Foxtrot, Mambo, Bolero

BY MATT MUNOZ

Beginners Choreographed Ballroom - Round Dance Class

Bakotopia.com editor mmunoz@bakersfield.com

Tuesday, January 25, 2010 2011 (Enrollment Dates: Jan 25 & Feb. 1)

N

early 30 years after their first riff, Social Distortion can still find ways to reinvent their own set of wheels.

Hot on the road with the newly released “Hard Times and Nursery Rhymes,” the band’s seventh fulllength CD, punk rock statesman and lead singer Mike Ness and crew will be making another long-awaited stop in Bakersfield on Monday night.

Social Distortion guitarist Jonny “2 Bags” Wickersham, who made local appearances in the 1990s with his former band, Cadillac Tramps, vividly remembers the time.

“The Masque in Bakersfield was the first place the Tramps ever played outside of Orange County,” said Wickersham, via telephone, of the now-defunct venue, formerly located on the corner of 19th and G streets downtown. “We played there many times, staying at people’s houses even before we had a record out.”

Tapped as a sub for original Social Distortion guitarist Dennis Danell in the late ‘90s, Wickersham became a permanent member after Danell’s untimely death in 2000. Recording his first tracks with the band on 2004’s “Sex, Love and Rock ‘n’ Roll,” he still finds it hard to talk about the band’s fallen friend.

“As uncomfortable as it is to talk about, I’ll always feel like I’m just sitting in for Dennis. Growing up watching Social D in the early ‘80s as a fan, I guess I just kind of understand the dynamics of what Social D is. From the early punk rock stuff we grew up with to the obvious Stones, Americana roots and country. We’re just on the same page.”

One of the only survivors from the original Orange County punk rock scene of the ‘70s, Social Distortion owes its popularity to its loyal fans.

From the lengthy hiatuses, lineup changes, Mike Ness’ visits to rehab, and everything else the band has become known for, audiences continue to stand by them. Wickersham understands the close bond the band has developed with fans.

“There’s definitely a connection between Mike’s songs and people who come see the band. He’s definitely telling their story. It’s great that they come out and see the band as often as they do. Some people say, ‘Why don’t you play some place that holds like 20,000 people?’ It’s not like that with us.”

Ness, known for his affinity to country music on back-to-back solo albums “Cheating at Solitaire,” and “Under the Influences” has made no secret of his shaky relationship with Bakersfield, which Ness has visited on several solo trips to Buck Owens’ Crys-

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Social Distortion plays Monday at the Kern County Fairgrounds. From left, Jonny “2 Bags” Wickersham, Mike Ness, Brent Harding and David Hidalgo Jr.

tal Palace. The song “Bakersfield” from “Hard Times” became caught in a debate over the message Ness was attempting to send in the song after a 2006 live performance went viral in YouTube.

Singing “Stranded here in Bakersfield…,” Ness’ heartbreak-themed lyrics were rumored to have gone from disdain to devotion after he was touched by his reception at the Palace in 2009, when he was given one of Owens’ prized red, white and blue guitars. Asked to confirm the story, Wickersham pleaded the Fifth, but did offer his own defense of the singer.

“The thing about the song is that it’s not to be taken quite so literally. It’s not that he’s out to bash the town by any means; he’s kinda just messin’ around. The truth of the matter is that there are places all over the country where we could be and feeling the same way. He just happened to pick Bakersfield because it works so well in the song and works way better than other towns across the country.”

Touted as the band’s “return to its punk rock roots,” “Hard Times” is anything but. Opening with the instrumental “Road Zombie,” the album takes a mid-tempo, soulful turn on

STEAK HOUSE 2515 F Street • 322-9910 www.kcsteakhouse.net

Social Distortion with guests Lucero and Chuck Ragan of Hot Water Music When: 7 p.m. Monday. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

Where: Kern County Fairgrounds Exhibit Hall #2, 1142 S. P St. Admission: $36, includes service fee.

Tickets: World Records, Impact Streetwear, Wavelengths Surf, Outer Limits, Going Underground Records, Stylz, B Ryder’s, Hoggz Surf Shop, True Grit Clothing & Barbering Information: timgardeapresents.com

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

Dine In Only Expires 1-31-11 Maximum value of $10.95 only. One coupon per table or party. Not valid with any other offers or Holidays.

Terry & ’s Charlotte

Winter Special

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

Dine In Only Expires 1-31-11 Maximum value of $6.95 only. One coupon per table or party. Not valid with any other offers or Holidays.

“Hard Times and Nursery Rhymes” is Social Distortion’s seventh fulllength CD.

“California (Hustle and Flow).” Not indicative of the tone on the rest of the record, the track is one of many eclectic detours; however, with the radio track “Machine Blues,” listeners will find some familiarity. There’s also a punked-up cover of Hank Williams’ “Alone and Forsaken.” Produced entirely by Ness, it’s admittedly newer sounding — even by Social D standards.

“I don’t hear this record harkening back to any earlier band. I hear it more as showing some growth and more evolution in the band,” Wickersham said. “When Mike made ‘Prison Bound’ in ‘87, that was the most punk rock thing he could’ve done. He could have jeopardized the future of the band, but instead he did what he felt he wanted to do. Mike’s been doing that for a while and that’s what he’s always done. He did a great job producing the record.”

Beyond the song, what does Wickersham personally think about our city?

“I have fond memories of that place.

But, it’s just too hot out there. I don’t know how you guys do it.”

Joining Ness and Wickersham onstage are bassist Brent Harding and drummer David Hidalgo Jr., son of the veteran Los Lobos guitarist.

This Valentine’s Day send someone special a personalized message in The Bakersfield Californian for

only $15 for 5 lines (each additional line $1) Your sweetheart, friend or relative will be happy to know you care. Love Notes will appear in The Bakersfield Californian on February 14.

Add any of the following Valentine art or a personal photo to your special message for just $5

Ads must be placed by Noon, Friday, February 11.

Call and place your ad today 322-7355

28

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, January 20, 2011

Eye Street GO & DO Today 2011 Rebel Talent Show, doors open at 6:30 p.m., show at 7 p.m., South High School, lecture center, 1101 Planz Road. $7 at the door.

Proceeds benefit the Rebel Theatre Department. 831-3680.

Intensely Interesting Lecture Series, learn more about artist Maynard Dixon’s exhibition with art expert and lecturer Abe Hays, owner of the collection, hear a discussion about the artist and how this collection came together, 6 p.m., Bakersfield Museum of Art, 1930 R St. $5 nonmembers; free to members. bmoa.org or 323-7219.

Master Class, with Brent McMunn and the CSUB Opera Workshop, 7 p.m., CSUB, Doré Theatre, 9001 Stockdale Highway.

Free. 654-2168.

Friday Lee Brice, 7 p.m., Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace, 2800 Buck Owens Blvd. $13 to $21 plus fee. vallitix.com or 322-5200.

Monster Trucks, 7:30 p.m. Friday; 1:30 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Rabobank Arena, 1001 Truxtun Ave. $17.05 to $28.30. ticketmaster.com or call 800-7453000.

Piano Studio Recital, 7:30 p.m., CSUB, Dore Theatre, Albertson Room, 9001 Stockdale Highway.

Free. 654-3093.

Saturday Family and Friends, family and friends of local Kern County sports celebrities share their stories; 2 p.m., Beale Library, Arkerlian Children’s Library, 701 Truxtun Ave. 868-0770.

Death and Taxes, see the preview of historical records of Kern County, 11 a.m., Beale Memorial Library, Tejon Room, 701 Truxtun Ave. 868-0770.

FLICS International Cinema Society, presents “Exit Through the Gift Shop,” 7:30 p.m., Bakersfield Fox Theater, 2001 H St. $5. flics.org or call 428-0354.

Furry Paws & Foggy Nights, presented by the Bakersfield SPCA, dinner, music, silent and live auction, 6 to 10 p.m., The Petroleum Club, 5060 California Ave. $85. 323-8353, ext. 2.

Kern Audubon Society, field trip to Water Treatment Ponds, meet at gate to City Treatment Ponds (Mt. Vernon Avenue south of Highway 58), 8 a.m. Bring water, snacks and binoculars. kernaudubonsociety.org or 8321820.

Kern River Valley Hiking Club, trip to Slide Mt. Lookout above Pyramid Lake, leave at 7:30 a.m., from Starbucks Coffee, South: Lowe’s shopping center, northeast on Panama Lane and Highway 99.

Bring lunch and 2 quarts of water.

Dress appropriately. For directions, visit lakeisabella.net/hiking or 7475065 or 778-3453.

KV Bike Park BMX Race, national bicycle league, sign-up begins at 1

HENRY A. BARRIOS / THE CALIFORNIAN

The SPCA will be auctioning dog and cat condos as a fundraiser.

GO & DO Furry Paws & Foggy Nights, presented by the Bakersfield SPCA, dinner, music, silent and live auction, 6 to 10 p.m., The Petroleum Club, 5060 California Ave. $85. 323-8353, ext. 2. p.m., race at 2 p.m., KV Bike Park, Kernville. $10 to race. kvbikepark.com or 760-223-6165.

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 call 324-0638.

Taxes & You, a CSUB Osher Lifelong Learning Institute course for ages 50 and above, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., CSUB, Business Development Center, Room 401C, 9001 Stockdale Highway. $5 members; $10 nonmembers. 654-2427.

“The Beatles: All Together Now!,” 8 p.m., Intimate Theatre & Music Hall, 2030 19th St. $10. 3231976.

Sunday Guitar Master Class, with Roger Allen Cope, 2 p.m., CSUB, Music Building, Room 127, 9001 Stockdale Highway. Free. 6543093.

Volunteers needed, to help with sorting and bagging of donated items, 2 p.m., Self-Serve Pet Spa, 2816 Calloway Drive.

THEATER “Cabaret,” doors open at 6:30 p.m., show at 8 p.m. Friday and 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.

“Courting Sparks: The Songs of Joni Mitchell,” 8 p.m. Friday, Intimate Theatre & Music Hall, 2030 19th St. $10. 323-1976.

“Shootout at Ethel’s Old Corral,” followed by the vaudeville revue “Bakersfield! Party City U.S.A.,” 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday, Gaslight Melodrama Theatre & Music Hall, 12748 Jomani Drive. $12 to $23.

587-3377.

“Touch,” 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, The Empty Space, 706 Oak St. $15 adults; $10 students.

327-PLAY. 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. Comedy.

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. “My Son Pinocchio,” presented

by Bakersfield Music Theatre, 2 p.m. Saturday, Bakersfield High School, in Harvey Auditorium, 1241 G St. $20 adults; $10 children under 12. 325-6100.

Omnipresent Puppet Theatre, presents “Tale of Two Sisters: An African Cinderella Story,” 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday, Gaslight Melodrama Theatre & Music Hall, 12748 Jomani Drive. $6. 587-3377.

ART “Dine In, Take Out” Exhibit, by Jen Raven, second opening reception 6 p.m. Saturday, art on display through January, The Foundry, 1700 Chester Ave. 3013283.

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

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. E-mail pegolivert@ix.netcom.com or call 348-4717.

Art classes, beginning watercolor, beginning drawing, advanced drawing and watercolor painters’

group, taught by Carol Bradshaw.

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

Art classes, stained glass, clay sculpture, oil painting, youth art and silver jewelry, Juliana’s Art Studio & Gallery, 501 18th St. For times and dates, call 327-7507.

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. Visit mercybakersfield.org/art or to register, 324-7070.

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

Beginning Oil Painting, with instructor Glen Jelletich, classes held 1 to 3 p.m. Mondays. 399-3707.

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, running noon to 4 p.m.

Wednesdays. 205-3488.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

MUSIC Classic rock Bellvedere Cocktail Lounge, 3090 Brundage Lane, 325-2139; Twang Bangers, 9 p.m. Friday; Usual Suspects, 9 p.m. Saturday.

B. Ryder’s Sports Bar & Grill, 7401 White Lane, 397-7304; The Usual Suspects, 9 p.m. Friday.

Julie’s The Branding Iron Saloon, 1807 N. Chester Ave., Left Coast Groovies, 7 p.m. Friday.

The Old River Monte Carlo, 9750 Taft Highway, 837-0250; The Rockaholics, 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.

Banacek’s Lounge, 4601 State Road, 387-9224; Sunday Snake Oil, 9 p.m. Saturday.

Pyrenees Cafe, 601 Sumner, 3230053; Left Coast Groovies, 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday.

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

Ethel’s Old Corral, 4310 Alfred Harrell Highway, 873-7613; Southern Steele, 7 to 11 p.m.

Friday; John Hollins & Friends, 3 to 7 p.m. Sunday.

Crystal Palace, 2800 Buck Owens Blvd., 328-7560; Monty Byrom & the Buckaroos, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday. $5.

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

Sunday.

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

Folklorico Classes, advance dancers/performing group 6 to 8 p.m. Fridays; and beginners, all ages, 10:30 a.m. to noon Saturdays, Fruitvale-Norris Park, 6221 Norris Road. $22 per month for beginners; $25 per month for advance dancers. 833-8790.

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

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

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

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

African Dance for Fitness, taught by national touring artists, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays and 1 to 2 p.m. Saturdays, Su Studio Dance Academy, 1515 21st St. $5$7 per class. 760-917-3685 or africandanceclasses.com.

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 drop in fee for beginning belly dancing; $15 for advanced belly dancing. Bring knee pads and yoga mat to advanced class. 3235215.

Please see PAGE 29

29

Thursday, January 20, 2011 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street CONTINUED FROM PAGE 28

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

Banacek’s Lounge, 4601 State Road, 387-9224; with DJ Casey Overstreet, 9 p.m. Fridays.

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

Sandrini’s, 1918 Eye St., 3228900; Pat Solo, 9 p.m. Thursday; Wax On, with DJ Mustache, 9:30 p.m. Friday.

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

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

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

Pyrenees Cafe, 601 Sumner, 3230053; Bunky Spurling, 8 p.m. to midnight Friday.

Imbibe Wine & Spirits Merchant, 4140 Truxtun Ave., 633-WINE; live jazz & wine bar featuring Jazz Connection with Paul Cierley and Glen Fong, along with 24 wines, 5 to 7:30 p.m.

Tuesday.

Intimate Theatre & Music Hall, 2030 19th St., 323-1976; Ron Christian and his Big Band, 5:30 p.m. Tuesdays.

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

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

Cactus Valley Mexican Restaurant, 4215 Rosedale Highway, 633-1948; 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Thursday; beer pong and happy hour all day Sunday.

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

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

Pour House, 4041 Fruitvale Ave., 589-9300; 9 p.m. Thursday through Saturday.

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.

PHOTO COURTESY OF BAKERSFIELD MUSEUM OF ART

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

GO & DO Intensely Interesting Lecture Series, learn more about artist Maynard Dixon’s exhibition with art expert and lecturer Abe Hays, owner of the collection, and hear a discussion about the artist and how this collection came together, 6 p.m., Bakersfield Museum of Art, 1930 R St. $5 nonmembers; free to members. bmoa.org or 323-7219.

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. Fridays.

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.

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

Buck Owens Crystal Palace, 2800 Buck Owens Blvd., 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; A to Z Karaoke, 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., 3996700; 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; 8 p.m. Mondays through Wednesdays.

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

Latin/salsa

Open mic Fishlips, 1517 18th St., 3242557; Bakotopia Unplugged Open-Mic Night, 8 p.m., signup sheet begins at 7:30 p.m.

Wednesdays.

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

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

B. Ryder’s Sports Bar & Grill, 7401 White Lane, 397-7304; Big Jugs and friends, The Mutineers, Danny Garone, 9 p.m. Saturday. $5.

Sandrini’s, 1918 Eye St., 3228900; The Architecture, 9:30 p.m. Saturday.

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

Top 40 DoubleTree Hotel, Club Odyssey, 3100 Camino Del Rio Court. 323-7111; 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. Fridays.

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.

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.

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.

Mariachi

UPCOMING EVENTS

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

Monday 1/24

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

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

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

Tam O’Shanter, 2345 Alta Vista, 324-6774; Tam O’Shanter Band and DJ Adam Gee, 8:30 p.m.

Friday; Rock-A-Mole featuring Joey Zaza, 8:30 p.m. Saturday.

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

Variety

Basic Wine Education Class, with certified sommelier Richard Gilpin, 6 to 7:30 p.m., Imbibe Wine & Spirits Merchant, 4140 Truxtun Ave. $10. 633-WINE Social Distortion, with Lucer and Chuck Ragan, doors open 6:30 p.m., Kern County Fairgrounds, Building 2, 1142 P St. $36. Tickets available at Impact Streetware, Wavelengths, World Records, Outer Limits, Going Underground, Stylz, B. Ryder’s, Hoggz, True Grit Clothing and Barbering. Web site timgardeapresents.com.

Tuesday 1/25 Bakersfield Pregnancy Center’s Annual Benefit Banquet, featured speaker will be president Tony Perkins of Family Research Council, client testimonies and a presentation, 6 p.m., First Assembly of God Church, 4901 California Ave. Call for complimentary tickets. 326-1915.

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.

CSUB Men’s Basketball, vs. Cal State Fullerton, 7 p.m., Rabobank Arena, 1001 Truxtun Ave. $5-$25. gorunners.com or 654-BLUE. “Passing the Torch” Ceremony, for National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), will be passed from brother Bernard Anthony to brother Sean Battle, 6 p.m., St. Peter Restoration Community Christian Ministry, 510 E. Brundage Lane.

Rehab, 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 873-8107.

Toddler Time, for children 18 months to 2 years, with music, nursery rhymes, stories and play, 11 a.m., Beale Library, Arkelian children’s library, 701 Truxtun Ave. 868-0770.

Wednesday 1/26 2011 ECHL All Star Classic, 7 p.m., Rabobank Arena, 1001 Truxtun Ave. $18.60 to $33.95. ticketmaster.com or call 800-7453000.

Art in the Afternoon, 3:30 p.m., Beale Memorial Library, Arkelian Children’s Library, 701 Truxtun Ave. 868-0770.

Bea’s Creative Corner, crafts, décor, vendors, refreshments, prizes and more, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Carriage House Estates, 8200 Westwold Drive. 871-3340 or 6194153.

Book signing, with author Matthew Cruise of “Blood Bath in Jasper County, Mississippi,” 1 to 6 p.m., Hodel’s Country Dining, in the carriage room, 5917 Knudsen Drive. 215-2900.

Thursday 1/27 “Cabaret,” doors open at 6:30 p.m., show at 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, Stars Dinner Theatre, 1931 Chester Ave. $50 to $55; show-only tickets $30. 3256100.

Tall Hand Tied Vase Arrangement Design Class, 6:30 p.m., Log Cabin Florist, 800 19th St. $65. 327-8646.

Friday 1/28 “An Evening of Opera and Music Theatre Scenes,” 7:30 p.m., CSUB, Doré Theatre, 9001 Stockdale Highway. $10; $4 students. 654-3093.

Archaeology in Middle Egypt, a CSUB Osher Lifelong Learning Institute course for ages 50 and above, 4 to 6 p.m., CSUB, Business Development Center, Room 401C, 9001 Stockdale Highway. $5 members; $10 nonmembers. 6542427.