Eye Street Entertainment / 1-26-12 by Matt Munoz

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, January 26, 2012

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

Index Annual Burns Supper................................ 18 John McCutcheon .................................... 19 Quilt show ................................................ 20 Review: ‘The Drowsy Chaperone’ ............ 21 Jay & Silent Bob........................................ 22 Kern on screen ........................................ 23 Flamenco lessons.................................... 24 Calendar .............................................. 28-29

A superhero’s welcome Comics artists head to museum for pair of events for fans BY STEFANI DIAS Californian assistant lifestyles editor sdias@bakersfield.com

e’re still six months out from the world’s biggest comic book convention, but the Bakersfield Museum of Art is turning its own pop culture page with two events tailored to comics fans and art lovers alike. In a new direction for the museum, the shows will highlight the work of artists Tom Hodges and Todd Nauck with activities allowing patrons a closer look at the artistic process. Jason Gutierrez, the museum’s marketing director and a lifelong comic book fan, came up with the idea for the unique events. “I thought it would be interesting to present comic art; portraits, original pieces of work and limited-edition creations, in a museum setting. “The art is captivating, and being able to hear directly from the artists the process and stories behind the work is a special touch that most people visiting a museum don't normally receive.” Picking up the sketchpad first is Hodges, well-versed in the Star Wars universe with a webcomic and co-creator of “MidKnight,” who will sketch at Friday’s Talk & Draw event. The artist appears at a variety of conventions throughout the year — from the five-day Comic-Con fete in San Diego where numbers swell to 120,000 daily to smaller, oneday gatherings — and said he likes what the more intimate events can offer. “It's nice to have a smaller, concentrated audience that I can focus on. It's more personal for those involved as well.” This week, the museum sought suggestions via its Facebook and Twitter pages for characters for Hodges to draw. Although he made his bones drawing characters from a galaxy far, far away, Hodges said he likes to test his skills with some classic characters. “Honestly, I would have to

PHOTO COURTESY OF JASON GUTIERREZ

This is a sketch of Darth Vader by Tom Hodges, who will hold a talk-and-draw session at the Bakersfield Museum of Art on Friday.

BMoA events Talk & Draw with Tom Hodges 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday. $25; $15 members “Eat, Print, Mingle” (read more on Page 20) 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday. $10; $5 members The art of Todd Nauck 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 4. $15 each for Q&A/signing and workshop; $10 members Bakersfield Museum of Art, 1930 R St. bmoa.org or 3237219.

say (my favorite characters to draw are) Batman and the Joker. I love the characters. I love Batman's Rogues Gallery. It's the greatest in all of comics.

“I love Star Wars, but I’ve drawn the various characters several times over and over again. It's nice to break it up and draw non-Star Wars sometimes.” The pieces Hodges sketches during his talk will be for sale as well as commissioned head sketches (both $10), assorted works and a signed sketchbook. “It's loaded with everything from my favorite characters to draw and some original concepts along with an entire second half devoted to Star Wars.” Hodges also will offer a limited-edition Star Wars-related print exclusive to the event. (Check it out on tomhodges.com.) “He will have 30 of them available, and they will be sold for $30,” Gutierrez said. “He Please see 27

This Batman sketch is by Tom Hodges, who is well-versed in the Star Wars universe with a webcomic and co-creator of “MidKnight.”

Thursday, January 26, 2012 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street Bakersfield’s Best Server contest

She’s in the ‘people business’ Coco’s server sees her job as a social responsibility Editor’s note: On the hunt for the best server in town, The Californian solicited nominations from readers and received dozens of suggestions. We picked the top 10, who will be featured in Eye Street every Sunday and Thursday for several weeks. When all the servers have been featured, readers may go to The Californian’s Facebook page to vote for their favorite (more details on how to vote later). The server who gets the most votes wins a trip to the Monterey Bay Aquarium and a gift certificate to Goose Loonies. BY JENNIFER SELF Californian lifestyles editor jself@bakersfield.com

s Ashley Bledsoe dashes between tables at the Coco’s on Rosedale Highway — coffee pot in hand, loaded tray on her shoulder — she presents a vision of such boundless energy, her customers need a nap just watching her. Now picture that same ball of fire pregnant. As in very pregnant. As in I’m-goingto-have-this-baby-tomorrow pregnant. “I worked the entire nine months and worked until the day before I had my baby,” said Bledsoe, recalling the birth of son Lucas nine months ago. “Then I came back to work six weeks after.” Swollen ankles and screaming back pain aren’t enough to keep Bledsoe from her customers, and that work ethic has not gone unnoticed by Jim and Diane Windes, two of her regulars. “I hardly knew she was gone when she had the baby. Back to work right away!” wrote the couple in their nomination of Bledsoe, 30, as the best server in Bakersfield. And the timing of her customers’ affirmation couldn’t have been better when she was notified during a phone call for this report. “I love my job, but I hated my job more than anything today. But then you called and it’s funny how this puts it into perspective. “It kind of makes me want to cry because my mom said people will notice when you do something good,” said Bledsoe, who trailed off and, true to her word, began to cry. But Bledsoe’s tears were the happy kind. In fact, joy is pretty much the word she lives by when she’s waiting tables. And a sense of humor goes a long way, especially when she’s serving laughter-challenged patrons. “I remember I was working at Hodel’s and I had nine Dr Peppers on a tray I was carrying. I went up to the table and this little girl was in a beautiful dress, and just at that moment, I knew I was going to drop the tray. “I didn’t want to spill them on her, so I made them go on me. It was nine Dr Peppers! And I said, ‘Hey, everyone: The drinks are on me!

“... I’m more the type to throw the coffee on the table and say, ‘How y’all doin’?’ I get a Southern accent when I’m serving. I have Okie in my blood.” — Ashley Bledsoe, waitress at Coco’s on Rosedale Highway

“And no one flinched or laughed or said anything.” Tough crowd to be sure, but Bledsoe has pretty much seen every type of customer in all the years she’s waited tables after graduating from Centennial High in 1999. It’s the lonely customers who leave a lump in her throat, parties of one who usually are widowers. “On a busy day I could serve 100 people, and it’s almost 50-50 in terms of pleasant encounters. But I always tell people, ‘Thank you for your patience.’ It’s a rare quality to possess these days. I always try to reward good behavior. I’m a mommy and I don’t believe in rewarding bad behavior.” And as Bledsoe knows only too well, rewards are a two-way street. More than once in her nearly 10 years at Coco’s has she chatted with a table of diners, making a real connection, only to be stiffed at tip time. “It hurts my feelings.” But those rare occasions are offset by the gracious customers who come her way. “The neatest thing that happened to me recently was we have the carwash next door, and this lady came in to have a cup of coffee. It was a $2 bill. I go over to her table and there was $22 and a note. It pretty much said that though I didn’t really talk to her much, she was listening to other conversations with customers around her and she said she knew God wanted her to bless me that day.” And the working mom of two knows a blessing when it’s staring her in the face. Take her family: Though it’s been tough for her partner of 11 years, Nathan Dufresne, to find job, she values the time he spends with baby Lucas and their 7-year-old son, Mikael. “Couldn’t do what I do without the best stay-at-home dad ever.” Bledsoe is used to taking on additional service jobs seasonally to make ends meet — “El Portal is where I learned to speak Spanish” — but she knows she’ll have to return to school at some point to make her dream of becoming a nurse a reality. Several years ago she pursued her first love, baking, at the Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts in Vancouver, British Columbia, but being a pastry chef just wasn’t in the cards. “My grandmother had a pie shop, Hulda’s Pie Shop, back in the late ’80s or early ’90s, so baking is in my blood. But when you do it eight hours a day, it sucks the love right out of it. The first 10 caramel apples are fun, but after 250, it’s not so

HENRY A. BARRIOS / THE CALIFORNIAN

Ashley Bledsoe has been nominated by her customers at Coco’s on Rosedale for best server in town.

NOMINATION

Ashley Bledsoe serves one of her favorite customers, Norris Ledbetter.

great.” Whatever career Bledsoe eventually settles on, she knows one thing for sure: She’ll miss waitressing. The way she sees it, she’s paid to talk and joke with her customers. “If they decline dessert, I say, ‘Well, I must have been sweet enough for you.’ That’s a knee-slapper. I even slap my knee when I say it.” Bledsoe realizes the schtick she’s fond of serving up probably would go over as well as a flat souffle at a fine-dining establishment, where, she noted, servers are encouraged by management to tone down their personality. Please see 25

From Jim and Diane Windes: My wife and I are “baby boomers” and from definition seem to eat out a lot. One of my favorite spots is Coco’s on Rosedale Highway. There is a waitress named Ashley, and she just had a baby. I hardly knew she was gone when she had the baby. Back to work right away! Ashley always greets me by my first name whether she is my server or not. When she’s our server, she does all the things I think a waitress should do. Usually, she brings my drink without asking because I always order the same thing. She asks how my family is doing, and sometimes shares some little personal items happening in her life, which makes me feel special. Her visitations are kept reasonable so as not to disturb her service to other customers. She always knows the menu, and usually knows what I want because I usually order the same item whether for breakfast or lunch…. And she remembers what that is. I’ve noticed when busy she willingly buses hers and other tables, and helps other waitresses filling water, coffee, ice tea, etc. Although we’ve had many very good waitresses and waiters serve us, I think Ashley stands out a little bit more than others.

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, January 26, 2012

Eye Street

Haggis, anyone? It won’t kilt ya BY SUSAN SCAFFIDI

“A Red, Red Rose”

Contributing writer

veryone who sang “Auld Lang Syne” on New Year’s Eve owes a debt to Robert Burns, the 18th century Scot revered as Scotland’s national poet. And if you’re looking to repay it, raise a glass Saturday at the annual Burns Supper, sponsored by the Kern County Scottish Society. The society, which helps promote Celtic culture of all types, especially Scottish, will host the dinner at 6 p.m. at the Junior League building, 19th and E streets. Burns’ actual birthday is Jan. 25. “He was a very interesting character,” said Scottish society chieftain David Stroud. “He had about a million kids; he played around a lot. “Rabbie Burns,” as the Scots call him, did indeed “play around a lot.” Contemporary portraits reveal a quite handsome man who lived the life of a poet, if not a Bohemian, before such a lifestyle was popular. His attempts at farming and other conventional employment were utter failures, and his numerous (and sometimes simultaneous) love affairs produced a number of children, including the nine he fathered with the woman he ultimately married, Jean Armour. Financially desperate, he was persuaded by friends to raise money by publishing his poems. His first volume, published in 1786, was an instant success, as were later collections. Most of his works were written in

By Robert Burns O my Luve is like a red, red rose That’s newly sprung in June; O my Luve is like the melody That’s sweetly played in tune. PHOTO COURTESY OF L. STROUD

So fair art thou, my bonnie lass, So deep in luve am I; And I will luve thee still, my dear, Till a’ the seas gang dry.

Revelers share drinks and Scottish delicacies at the 2011 Burns Supper.

Kern County Scottish Society Annual Burns Supper

Till a’ the seas gang dry, my dear, And the rocks melt wi’ the sun; I will love thee still, my dear, While the sands o’ life shall run.

When: 6 p.m. Saturday Where: Junior League Building, 1928 19th St. Admission: $40; www.kernscot.com

And fare thee weel, my only luve! And fare thee weel awhile! And I will come again, my luve, Though it were ten thousand mile. Source: Poetryfoundation.org

Scottish dialect, and he also wrote poems in English and the Scots language. Burns wrote hundreds of poems and songs, including “A Red, Red Rose,” “To a Mouse,” and “Tam o’Shanter,” and also collected traditional Scottish songs and ballads, and more importantly, wrote them down to preserve them. “Auld Lang Syne”

was among those songs, which Burns eventually contributed to the Scots Musical Museum and printed collections that arose during those times in Scottish history when the traditional culture was being repressed by the English crown. Burns died at age 37, so beloved by his countrymen that some 10,000 people attended his funeral. He has been celebrated as Scotland’s national poet and a “favorite son.” His birthday is celebrated worldwide with Burns Suppers, a blend of poems, songs, Scots whiskey and traditional Scottish food.

“The menu is traditional for all such celebrations,” Stroud said. “There’s neeps and tatties (turnips and potatoes), Scottish trifle (a dessert), and a beef roast.” Part of the ritual includes that most traditional of Scottish foods — haggis, which consists of sheep heart, liver and lungs, mixed with onion, oatmeal, suet and spices, and then simmered in the animal’s stomach for several hours. As the national dish of Scotland, haggis is not merely served, it is presented, and saluted with song and drink. According to the Burns Supper program, there are also several toasts to the poet, plus recitations of poems and songs throughout the dinner. Burns Suppers can be very formal or they can be quite rowdy. Stroud said the Kern County dinner will be somewhat traditional. “It’s kind of a formal dinner,” Stroud said. “We wear our formal attire — kilts and stuff — but people can wear slacks and sweaters, that kind of thing.”

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Thursday, January 26, 2012 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street

PHOTO COURTESY OF IRENE YOUNG

John McCutcheon performs on Friday night at the DoubleTree Hotel Ballroom.

Musician little known, but well-respected BY PAT EVANS Contributing writer

opened the record store this morning and the first phone call came from Ross, who lives up in the mountains above Glennville. A couple of weeks ago he bought six tickets to the upcoming John McCutcheon show and was calling to get one more. “Hey, John McCutcheon came last year and I didn’t hear about the show until it had passed,” he said. “Luckily a friend told me about this year’s show in time. I haven’t seen anything in the paper. Don’t you advertise?” In a perfect world, everyone would know about the John McCutcheon show, and everyone would know who John McCutcheon is. But, flip this newspaper to somewhere around page 40 and you’ll quickly become reacquainted with the fact that this is NOT a perfect world. You know John McCutcheon is coming to town Friday night. And if you don’t know who John McCutcheon is, you still have time to find out and get your tickets. Johnny Cash, who worked with a multitude of musicians during his many decades of recording and touring the world over, knew who John McCutcheon is. How many great musicians did Johnny Cash see in his lifetime? Hundreds? Thousands? Here’s what Johnny Cash said about John McCutcheon: “The most impressive instrumentalist I've ever heard.” That statement should make you say something under your breath that you shouldn’t repeat in public. John McCutcheon will take the stage Friday surrounded by the instruments he has mastered, including acoustic guitar, banjo, fiddle, piano, accordion, mandolin and hammer dulcimer. But John McCutcheon isn’t merely an incredible musician; he’s also a lyricist and storyteller in the tradition of Woody Guthrie. Like Guthrie, many of McCutcheon’s songs are about regular people living quiet, little noticed, heroic

John McCutcheon in concert Tamera Mahan and Friends will open When: 7 p.m. Friday Where: DoubleTree Hotel Ballroom, 3100 Camino Del Rio Court Tickets: $25 and $20 Information: 831-3100

lives. Songs that are meant to be learned and loved around campfires and in classrooms and everywhere people use song as a way to express what they hold in common. Take “One More Day,” a song McCutcheon released just five months after the West Virginia mine explosion that claimed the lives of 29 coal miners in 2010. Just a few of the poignant lines: “Digging coal for Massey at the Upper Big Branch Mine, where for years we’d all complained about the air. But a good job’s hard to find. Will we shut up one more time? We could smell it and knew it was there. And we all went down in the dark of the morning. And we all came out when the sun had slipped away. Long as we are able, we’ll put food upon the table. And pray that we can make it one more day. “It was cheaper for the company to lie and fight the fine than to spend the money fixing up this hole. We had mouths to feed and the nation had the need. Everybody shut their eyes and dug for coal.” McCutcheon also writes songs of joy and love and whimsy. And his show is fun and funny. Seeing McCutcheon will make you glad you did something good for yourself. Last year’s show was the most I have laughed in the last five years. I cannot wait to do it again. In fact, as long as World Records exists, John McCutcheon will come to Bakersfield every January. Johnny Cash would approve. Pat Evans, owner of World Records in downtown Bakersfield, is founder of the No Stinkin’ Service Charge Singer-Songwriter Showcase.

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, January 26, 2012

Eye Street Camille Gavin CONTRIBUTING COLUMNIST

Quilters put their patch on history American folk art on display this weekend

GO & DO ‘Sew Full of Whimsy’ Quilt Show

otton Patch Quilters’ biennial show this weekend highlights the sense of fun in the age-old art of quilting. That idea is represented in the name, “Sew Full of Whimsy,” as well as the opportunity quilt to be awarded to a lucky winner, said Cindy Seitz-Krug, entries coordinator. “There’s a way of quilting called whimsical,” she said, “and if you look at the flowers in our opportunity quilt, they are kind of funky.” Seitz-Krug, 47, got into quiltmaking in a “just-for-the-fun-it” way 20 years ago, mainly because her mother suggested they take a class together. “My mom got me started in 1992,” the Bakersfield resident said, adding that after only one class “I was hooked.” Since then she’s made dozens of quilts. “Everlasting Bouquet,” one she did in collaboration with Molly Hamilton-McNally, won a $3,000 prize at a recent conference at the Ontario Convention Center. “The top was made by Molly and the quilting was done by me,” Seitz-Krug said. “This quilt will also be featured in a 2013 calendar put out by the International Quilt Association, and has already been included in several quilting magazines.” Speaking of winners, the “Whimsy” quilt — to be awarded at 4 p.m. on Sunday — is an honest-to-goodness winner all by itself. A few weeks ago it received a blue ribbon for Best Large Quilt Mixed by Group at the Best of the Valley Show in Lindsay, according to Janice Johnson, chairwoman of the Bakersfield show. A team effort, the colorful piece was created by 24 Cotton Patch members, led by Lynn Douglass. Another interesting aspect of this weekend’s event is the presence of Becky Rogers of Los Osos, a professional appraiser certified by the American Quilter’s Society. “It’s good to know the value for insurance purposes,” SeitzKrug said. “Especially if it’s an

10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday Kern County Fairgrounds, 1142 P St. Admission: $5 Information: 835-7065

“You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown’ 8 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday Harvey Auditorium, 1316 G St. Admission: $25; $15 students Information: 325-6100

Printmaking Mixer 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday Bakersfield Museum of Art, 1930 R St. Admission: $10; $5 members Information: 323-7219 PHOTO COURTESY OF CINDY SEITZ-KRUG

Cindy Seitz-Krug works on a large quilt on her sewing machine.

antique quilt or an heirloom.” Charges for Rogers’ services are $40 for a written appraisal, $20 if you simply want to ask questions or get general information. In addition to the 204 quilts entered in the show, about 24 vendors from various parts of California have signed up to take part. The event is held in one of the main buildings at the fairgrounds, and parking is free. Food will be available for purchase. Daytime and evening meetings of the Cotton Patch Quilters are held on the third Thursday of each month at the Veterans Hall, 400 Norris Road. For more information, go to the organization’s website at bakersfieldquiltguild.org

‘Charlie Brown’ at Harvey Characters based on cartoonist Charles Schulz’s beloved “Peanuts” gang will take the stage at Harvey Auditorium for two performances this weekend. The third and final one is on Feb. 4. Shay Brandon Burke, director of the Bakersfield Music Theatre production, said he’s not asking his cast — all are adults — to be exact replicas of the iconic characters.

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

“I chose not to imitate the cartoons or copy the Broadway show,” he said. “I encouraged the actors to bring in their children to listen to the delivery of the lines and copy their body language.” The musical, he said, gives the audience a sense of the way a group of children react to one another, their teachers and everything life throws at them. “Though my choreography is still complex and at times challenging, I incorporated natural children's movements,” he added, “such as pretending to be an airplane or a bull fighter or a deer.” As anyone who’s ever been involved in a show knows, rehearsals can be fraught with problems, and this one is no exception. “Matt Thompson, our Charlie Brown, broke his foot and has been rehearsing with a leg cast,” Burke said. “And Rosie (Ayala), as Snoopy, pulled a muscle and hasn't been able to fully rehearse.” He assures me, however, that there will be a dog house and that Ayala, in true Snoopy fashion, will be lying on top. Others in the cast are Max Jacobs as Schroeder; Jennifer Resolme as Sally; and Kelci Lowry as Lucy. Marcy is portrayed by Lauren Chase; Jodi Mitchell is Patty; and Cody Gardia plays the blanket-hugging Linus. Olivia

the way. “Charlie Brown” was first produced on Broadway in 1967. The BMT production is based on the 1997 revised version which has a new musical score and two more songs than the original.

Printmaking demo

PHOTO COURTESY OF BAKERSFIELD MUSEUM OF ART

“Lola II,” a print by Miles Grobman is on display at the Bakersfield Museum of Art.

Ayala and Diego Ayala alternate in the role of Woodstock. A band led by Ed Hughes will be onstage throughout the performance. Burke said the musicians, whom he refers to as his “peanut gallery,” will all be dressed as “Peanuts” characters. The story line is a simple one, told through a collection of scenes representing a day in the life of Charlie Brown. Like the popular comic strip, the play expresses the joys, woes and amusing perplexities he and the other characters encounter along

At a “mix and mingle” event Saturday evening at the Bakersfield Museum of Art, graphic designer Miles Grobman plans to show guests some of the techniques he uses in applying a design onto different kinds of material. “I'll be doing a gel and gesso transfer demo, covering the basics of the process and some of the ways it can be applied to different substrates,” he wrote in an email message. It involves a process using laser or offset prints, such as magazines, and acrylic gel or paint to transfer the ink from the paper to the surface. Grobman, who received a bachelor in fine arts degree from Cal State Long Beach in 2005, lives and works in Los Angeles. One his prints, “Lola II,” is part of the “De La Mano” exhibit on display at the art museum through March. 4. Museum spokesman Jason Gutierrez said visitors can take part in “quick and easy printmaking projects” following the main program. Hors d'oeuvres will be served in the foyer and music will be provided by a DJ.

Thursday, January 26, 2012 The Bakersfield Californian

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I’m sure my jaw dropped open to see Bethany Rowlee gracefully fall to the floor doing the splits as part of a dance routine, then topping it off with a somersault through a hula hoop.

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Laughter will keep you up Nothing sleepy about lively ‘Drowsy Chaperone’ BY CAMILLE GAVIN Contributing columnist

line spoken by Bruce Saathoff as The Man in the Chair just before the finale of “The Drowsy Chaperone” goes something like this: “A musical does what it’s supposed to do — it takes you into another world.” Stars’ production of this happy show within a show fulfills that promise every step of the way. I attended Sunday’s matinee performance and was captivated from beginning to end. And that says a lot when you’re talking about a show that has almost no plot. Suffice it to say it’s about a 21st century man who yearns for musicals of the 1920s. In a goofy kind of way, it’s also about weddings — planned, unplanned, postponed and otherwise. Except for The Man in the Chair’s narration, nearly all of the story is told in song, most of it humorous in nature. And with a cast as talented as this one, it fairly zips along. What a pleasure it was to hear lyrics delivered by actors who not only sing well but who know how to enunciate. Plus the sound system is excellent. Brian Sivesind, an experienced director in his first outing at Stars, has used a careful hand in emphasizing the ensemble nature of the show.

‘The Drowsy Chaperone’ When: Doors open at 6 p.m., show at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday; doors open at 12:30 p.m., show at 2 p.m. Sunday Where: Stars Restaurant Theatre, 1931 Chester Ave. Admission: $50-$54; $30 students Information: 325-6100

Given the outstanding talent of some of the actors, it must have been tempting to spotlight only one or two. But Sivesind delivers a well-balanced show and, at the same time, gives the lead actors their due in only a few solo scenes and various cameos, many of them hilarious. Part of the fun blossoms in the form of surprises that burst forth as the show progresses. To give you only one example, I’m sure my jaw dropped open to see Bethany Rowlee gracefully fall to the floor doing the splits as part of a dance routine, then topping it off with a somersault through a hula hoop. I’ve seen Rowlee in other shows, been thrilled with the quality of her voice and admired the way she moves on stage, but I had no idea she was a gymnast. Another entertaining aspect of the show is the intentional overacting. Ken Burdick is the ultra ham actor — delightfully “chewing the scenery” —

as Adolpho, a romantic stage idol. Tamara White as the Drowsy Chaperone, who’s rarely without a cocktail glass in her hand, is a perfect match for Burdick’s powerful antics. Other scenes I especially enjoyed include the solo tap dance by Dallas White, who was joined by Brent Rochon to make it a pleasing duo. Rochon, along with Marzie Forzetting, did the choreography, which is a strong element of the show and goes a long way in keeping things moving. And I cannot forget the amusing and somehow tender scene between two veteran Stars performers, Virginia Lenneman and Jim Fillbrandt, both of whom also do a nice soft-shoe routine. The set itself is something of a wonder. It includes five different entrances and exits — one of them is the refrigerator — and a Murphy bed that folds down from the wall at appropriate moments. For the final scene, in which just about everybody gets married, twothirds of the scenery is quickly moved aside to reveal a mock-up of a monoplane with Jill Burdick as the lively Trix the Aviatrix. Also contributing to the whole production are the dazzling costumes done by Kathi Lowry and the snappy seven-piece band led by Char Gaines, who doubled as vocal director. “The Drowsy Chaperone” continues at Star on weekends through Feb. 11.

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Effort meant to make Arts District shine BY GENE GARAYGORDOBIL Contributing writer

owntown Clean Up Day is something that Metro Galleries owner Don Martin looks forward to each time he organizes it. “It’s people coming together for a good cause,” said Martin, who opened his gallery in downtown Bakersfield six years ago. “We’ve done it a few times already. Didn’t do it last year, but we hope to do it two or three times this year.” The first for 2012 will be Saturday, beginning about 9 a.m. Martin expects between 35 and 40 people to grab trash bags and a pickup stick or a broom to make a difference. The cleaners will range from downtown merchants to high-schoolers seeking to fulfill community service requirements, Martin said. “We usually get a group of kids from Bakersfield High School helping

Downtown Clean Up Day When: 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday Where: Volunteers meet at Metro Galleries, 1604 19th St. Information or to donate supplies: don@themetrogalleries.com

out.” Martin said Bakersfield’s own Lightspeed Systems always has employees working on the cleanup. The target area is about a six- to eight-block radius from 18th Street to 21st Street and F Street to Chester Avenue, he said. “It is where the main revitalization efforts are going on right now.” For those teetering on whether to help out, Martin stressed that this is not an all-day affair. “We usually only go from 9 to 11

a.m.,” he said. “That’s a good time period, because then people have the rest of their Saturday to do what else they need to do.” Volunteers should meet in front of Metro Galleries, 1604 19th St., where trash bags and brooms will be doled out. Depending on the manpower, the designated cleanup zone will be divided among different teams. Meanwhile, other downtown merchants join forces to wash the sidewalks in front of their businesses, clean their gutters, and attack the graffiti on their walls, he said. “It’s really about downtown Bakersfield looking as good as it can,” said Martin, who lives downtown himself. Love the cause, but don’t have the time? You still can contribute. “If you can’t come out but want to help, donated items are still being accepted,” Martin said.

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

STARS THEATRE RESTAURANT 1931 CHESTER AVENUE

325-6100 bmtstars.com

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, January 26, 2012

Eye Street The Lowdown with Matt Munoz

Jersey boys open up on screen for a TV show in 2000 and it didn’t work, but now with “South Park” on it can. Will you ever retire the roles? I think we’ve retired them in the sense of doing movies, but then we started doing the podcast we said, “Let’s call it ‘Jay and Silent Bob Get Old’” instead of just using our real names.

Cult film figures prep live show in theaters

ay and Silent Bob are coming to Bakersfield. Movie director Kevin Smith and actor Jason Mewes, who portray the lovable Gen X misfits, will be appearing on the big screen for a special one night in-theater event, “Behind Kevin Smith,” at Edwards Bakersfield 14 on Feb. 2. But before you go “Wolvie berserk style,” be sure to read the following carefully to avoid getting your “snoochie boochies” in a bunch. The three-hour event will begin with Smith (Silent Bob) and frequent co-star Mewes (Jay) hosting their highly rated podcast, “Jay and Silent Bob Get Old,” followed by a live interactive Q&A with theater audiences across the country. During the event, fans will have the opportunity to submit their questions directly via Twitter, using the hashtag #livefrombehind. After being introduced to audiences in Smith’s directorial debut — the 1994 cult comedy “Clerks,” the two became recurring characters in many of Smith’s subsequent films, including their own, “Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back.” Today they’ve become pop culture icons, referenced in trivia and advertising campaigns. The Californian chatted with Jason Mewes, 37, by telephone to find out about the origins of Jay & Silent Bob, their home state of New Jersey and sobriety. Who were Jay and Silent Bob inspired by? Kevin based the Jay character on me. I met him when I was 13. When we shot ‘Clerks,’ I was 17, 18.

You enjoy doing the speaking engagements? I love it. It’s like therapy for me. I get to tell my stories and look back at where I don’t wanna be again. I’ve been sober for two years. I’ve kept in touch with one person on Twitter, who says she’s been a year sober and whenever she’s down or feels like using she listens to the podcast, and it cheers her up. I just feel grateful and blessed.

PHOTO COURTESY OF FATHOM EVENTS

Kevin Smith and Jason Mewes will be appearing on the big screen via a special live simulcast at Edwards Theater on Feb. 2.

Kevin Smith: Live from Behind When: 6:30 p.m. Feb. 2 Where: Edwards Stadium 14, 9000 Ming Ave. Admission: $15 Information: 663-3042

Those five years, that’s pretty much what I acted like, minus the weed selling. Kevin wanted to be on screen, but didn’t want to have to memorize a script and direct. Silent Bob was created to interact with me, so I could do all my stuff. He never needed lines. Do impersonators freak you out? The only time it was crazy was when Kevin and I used to go to

comic book conventions in the ’90s. It was almost like we were The Beatles walkin’ around. A lot of people’s impressions of New Jersey come from Kevin Smith movies and “Jersey Shore.” What’s the more accurate portrayal? It’s definitely two different spots. There are people like those from “Jersey Shore,” who come from the north part of Jersey near New York. They come and cause traffic jams and fights. Kevin’s Jersey is more central and south. When will you stop exploiting the fact that Jay and Silent Bob are getting older? What more can they do? I’d like to do some animation again with the characters. When we did it before, for five episodes

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.

What kind of experience do you hope fans will have after sitting for three hours in a movie theater watching you talk? We’ve never done it before. My goal is to entertain the people. Whoever came up with it — it’s a good idea. What’s the longest story Kevin’s ever told onstage? At least 45 minutes on just one. I remember going to one show, where it was supposed to be a three-hour Q&A, and they started turning the house lights on. The employees wanted to go home because it had already been 7½ hours.

So long, Naked Al The local tattoo community is mourning the death of tattoo studio owner Alfonzo “Naked Al” Galindo Jr., 52, who was found dead in his shop at 1820 Eye St. last Saturday. His brother, Gordon Galindo, said the apparent cause was a heroin overdose. “Al had an addiction for years,” said Gordon Galindo, who was in Florida on business when he got the news. “Growing up, Al would always push the envelope.”

Galindo opened Naked Al’s Tattoo in 1995 at a time when body ink and piercings were not as accepted as they are today. Gordon Galindo recalled the day his brother approached him about leaving his job as a cable installer to follow his dream. “I couldn’t believe it when he came in and Galindo said he was going to do it. He had a good business sense and foresaw there was need for it. Socially, it was not being accepted yet. He knew a lot of artists and put together a plan to open a shop and hire artists.” Galindo was nicknamed “Naked Al” because he had no ink on his own body, said friend Marc Deleon of Mad Dog Tattoo, who added that the loss is a great one. “I’ve known Al since I was 14. For someone who didn’t have tattoos, he was on the pulse of the business. He was very goodnatured and helping. Al was a mentor to a lot of people. I think it’s a major blow to every hometown shop.” Despite struggling with demons of his past, including prison time, Galindo had been clean since opening the shop, his brother said. “He was able to reach out to people there. It’s kind of that element. He had some phenomenal guys. Al had stipulations. Even if the artist was good, if he was high, he would give them his walking papers. If anyone comes in high or drunk, he wouldn’t tattoo them.” The tattoo shop is closed pending the settlement of legal matters. According to his brother, Galindo left no will, and artists who were renting space have been unable to retrieve their belongings. Galindo’s wife, Heather, is trying to resolve the issues as she deals with her grief. “It’s an awkward situation. She Please see 26

Thursday, January 26, 2012 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street

American Made and so much more

Keeping the camera rolling in Kern

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ther sectors of the local economy may still be lagging, but the film industry spent a lot more money in Kern County in 2011. “It was one of our better years,” said Dave Hook, interim director of the Kern County Board of Trade, which includes the county’s film commission. “We exceeded $19 million in economic impact from filming, which is up about $3 million over the previous year.” Hook defines “economic impact” as money that production companies spend in the county to get their work done: paying locals hired as extras, lodging, food, equipment rentals and many other items, including some most people wouldn’t think of. “You wouldn’t believe some of the things (production companies) will spend money on,” said Hook, recalling a driving sequence for the movie “Fast Five,” part of which was filmed in the county last year. “(The film crew) did not want to see rubber or tire marks for each new take, so they hired a local steam cleaner to blast the roads between takes. “So the kind of things they’ll spend money on is just hysterical to me,” Hook said. Funny or not, it’s certainly lucrative. According to figures to be reported to the Board of Supervisors, Kern County hosted 439 days of production (including many projects occurring simultaneously), plus another 51 days of either pre-production or tearing down and removing equipment. Actual total economic impact is $18.9 million, Hook said. Feature film companies created an economic impact of $2.8 million, according to the Board of Trade. In addition to the crew of “Fast Five,” the 2011 blockbuster “Transformers: Dark of the Moon” also spent significant time and money shooting in the county. Still, feature films aren’t the big items. It’s filming commercials. “And the bulk of these is cars,” Hook said. The diversity in landscape — except for coastal shots, naturally — tends to be the big attraction, said Hook, who has been serving as the interim director since May of last year, after the retirement of his predecessor, Rick Davis. “It will look like that commercial was filmed all across the country, but

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they never left Kern County,” Hook said. Board of Trade figures show commercial production provided an economic impact of $12.3 million in 2011. “I’ve seen filming go from where we were elated to see $350 to $400,000 per month, to where we aren’t happy if we don’t see seven figures,” said Hook, who has been with the Board of Trade since 1997. One of the key competitive factors that make the county attractive to productions is there is no fee for a film permit, Hook said. “The county will get its money, but everybody will benefit.” Hook said the county does charge for extra services, such as when public safety officers are needed, and special use permits are required for such things as pyrotechnics. The second way Kern has remained competitive is aggressive marketing, both through direct channels and by participating in statewide boards and

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commissions dedicated to promoting filming in California, including the California Film Commission, Films Liaison in California Statewide (FLICS) and other associations. “It really is a team effort to make this work,” Hook said. Finally, as everyone in the film business knows, it’s not what you know, but who you know that counts. Hook said the direct approach is essential. “The biggest thing that helps us day to day is word of mouth — our reputation,” Hook said. Hook said the film commission has spent a lot of time building relationships with industry representatives. “Do you want to go cold calling for a site, or do you want to call a friend?” Hook asked.

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The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, January 26, 2012

Eye Street

Flamenco class: Can we get an ole? Classes teach technique, but students needed BY MATT MUNOZ Californian staff writer mmunoz@bakersfield.com

orget Esteban and those corny late night infomercials: Aspiring guitarists looking to add spice to their strum can now get it in seven steps with help from Bakersfield Flamenco guitarist John Gomez. The veteran musician is eager to share his wealth of knowledge on the Spanish-style art form during his Saturday classes at Juliana’s Art Gallery. But in order to do that, he needs students to fill seats. Proficient in a variety of styles, ranging from classical to bossa nova, Gomez said the benefits of applying Flamenco techniques will help musicians strengthen their fingers and bring more finesse to their performance. “I try to making learning simple,” said Gomez, while performing the intro to the Latin standard “Malaguena,” by composer Ernesto Lecuona. “No skill level needed.” Gomez’s attraction to the genre began in 1985 after he was introduced to famed guitarist Paco Arroyo, a revered name in Flamenco music circles. The two started a friendship that sparked an ongoing search for further instruction. “Paco is one of the best in the world. I took about five lessons from him over the course of 20 years. But he’s such a good teacher I was able to learn what I

Seven Steps to Flamenco with John Gomez When: 1 to 4 p.m. Saturdays. Length of class varies depending on number of students Where: Juliana’s Art Studio & Gallery, 501 18th St. Cost: $25 per half hour. Information: 496-0891 or 327-7507

needed. I also had a lot of records to play along with.” Developing his own method based on those experiences with Arroyo and what he taught himself, Gomez said students will have no problem following his “Seven Steps to Flamenco,” system. “When you come to the class, you won’t have to know anything beforehand about Flamenco. You can ask questions and I will be right there to instruct you.” Gomez described his method as broken down into the seven distinctive styles of fingering, beginning with the genre’s foundation: rasgueado. Resembling the waving strum of your hand on and off the strings in action, it will help the player precisely execute rhythms while conditioning hands and fingers. “Rasgueado builds muscles in your hands, and they’ll get very strong. It’s very physical playing.” Next is arpeggio, to develop right hand finger independence, followed by picado, where guitarists rapidly pick strings in coordination with their right and left hand. Once players become

HENRY A. BARRIOS / THE CALIFORNIAN

Flamenco guitarist John Gomez will be starting classes Saturdays at Juliana's Art Studio & Gallery.

familiar with those steps, Gomez said the next steps come more easily: advancing into tremolo, pulgar y ligado, golpe and alzapua. Practice regularly, and by spring you should be blazing away on your patio while house guests sip on sweet sangria. But the teacher cautioned that patience, especially with music, is a virtue. “Paco once told me he was taught the same thing every day for two years. Everyone that comes in will walk away learning chords and the proper fingerings.

You may think you’re doing the same thing, but you’ll become a better player.” Gomez pointed out examples where Flamenco guitar playing has been applied outside traditional Latin music. “Country music, blues, bossa nova, all kinds,” he said while performing a rendition of “The Peter Gunn Theme.” Should the classes become a success, the gallery also plans to offer Flamenco dance lessons once a month, as well as hold regular Sunday guitar concerts.

“If we could get 50 to 60 people here, it would really be nice,” Gomez said. “We want to have classical guitar players too. That would attract people from the coast to Bakersfield.” To get started, interested students will need to provide their own standard classical guitar with nylon strings. A tap plate to protect the guitar’s wood can be purchased at the class if needed. Previous guitar playing experience is recommended, but not required. Gomez also offers separate courses depending on your preference.

Guitarists galore to gather for CSUB music event BY SUSAN SCAFFIDI Contributing writer

he guitar instructors at Cal State really want to see their program grow, so they’re hoping to entice as many players as possible onto the campus Saturday with the first Guitar Day, which they intend to make an annual event. “We’re getting some pretty good audiences for our guitar events, so we realized we need to do a better job of recruiting people from off campus,” said Jim Scully, who heads the program. Scully said Guitar Day includes master classes and lectures he will deliver along with guitar studio instructor Roger Allen Cope. Twelve CSUB students will perform in recital in the guitar program at the end of the day. But the main event is a performance by a “guitar orchestra” created out of CSUB students and guests attending Guitar Day. “The day starts at 10 with a two-hour

Guitar Day When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, though the deadline for guitar participants is 5 p.m. Friday Where: Music Building, rooms 127 and 128, at Cal State Bakersfield, 9001 Stockdale Highway; seating is limited Admission: Free; parking is free in lots B and C Interested in performing? Go to csub.edu/guitarday to download music parts. Renditions of the music are also provided on the website.

rehearsal for the orchestra,” Scully said. The orchestra will perform two pieces, Scully’s arrangement of the pop song “Fred Jones, Part 2” by Benjamin Folds, and the German Christmas carol “Es ist ein Ros entsprungen” (“Lo, How a Rose E’er

Blooming”) by Renaissance composer Michael Praetorius. Participants are asked to bring a nylon string classical guitar to play in the orchestra. “It should be pretty accessible to everyone — we’re not doing anything too complicated,” Scully said. Lindsay High School music instructor Nancy Wills is delighted to have the opportunity to bring 21 of her students to the event. Wills, who heads the high school’s fine arts program, has more than 200 students in her guitar program. “I was just really excited to find this Guitar Day,” Wills said. “It’s free to the students, which is really important. “To experience that on a university campus and lock that in with higher learning, it’s just a great opportunity to see how they can tie that in with guitar music,” she said. Wills credits the success of her program with the popularity of the guitar itself, in part because guitarists can play in a group

or alone. “I think because of the versatility of the instrument, it’s really appealing to the kids. It’s also something they identify with — it’s culturally theirs,” Wills said. Scully is expecting about 65 attendees, and has room for more. While the event is aimed at junior high and high school students, it is open to guitar fans of all ages, who may participate on their own instruments or just listen. As part of the CSUB Guitar Arts series, Scully said Guitar Day is another attempt to promote guitar music in the community. “There’s a really rich tradition of guitar activity here in Bakersfield,” he said. Scully cited the Bakersfield Classical Guitar Society, which promoted local concerts with resident and visiting performers decades ago. “We’re just trying to revive a tradition that was already here,” Scully said.

Thursday, January 26, 2012 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street

Color guard remains on duty Off-season is time for fundraisers

Pancake breakfast fundraiser

BY SUSAN SCAFFIDI Contributing writer

hen football season ends, the marching band can evolve into a concert or wind band; some of the performers may head to orchestra or jazz band. But what happens to the color guard? The drum line? “The drum line at this point has become its own separate performance group for spring semester,” said Randy Bennett, director of the Bakersfield High School instrumental program. Bennett said the same goes for the color guard, which he described as a dance-influenced drill team. The two BHS groups are planning to compete this spring and need to raise money to attend their events. The BHS booster club is raising money for the two groups with a pancake breakfast from 8 to 11 a.m. Saturday at the BHS cafeteria.

When: 8 to 11 a.m. Saturday Where: BHS cafeteria, 1241 G St. Tickets: $5; $3 children 8 and under. Available at the door.

“(The color guard) hasn’t been able to go on an out-oftown trip for a number of years,” said Dianna Warner, president of the booster club. “Mr. Bennett said they could go if they could raise the money.” Warner said the color guard plans to compete in the Winter Guard International competition in Union City, located in the East Bay of the San Francisco Bay Area. Warner said the ninemember team needs to raise $400 to pay for the event, which will be held March 17 and 18. “It doesn’t sound like a lot, but when there are only nine of you, it’s a lot harder,”

Warner said. The drum line, which has 31 members, needs to raise $2,000 to pay for a trip to the Western Percussion Championship in San Bernardino on March 24 and 25. “They raised a similar amount removing Christmas trees over the holidays,” Warner said. According to Bennett, the drum line consists of all the marching percussion instruments, including snare, bass and tom-tom, mallet instruments such as xylophone, glockenspiel and marimba, plus keyboards and the accent instruments, such as cymbals, triangle, wood blocks, gongs and other instruments. On its own, the percussion line has a very different catalog of music to perform. “It’s an ever-growing repertoire out there,” Bennett said. “Most groups are trying to write their own repertoire each year, which makes it that much more unique.” Bennett said drum line coaches Tony Sandoval and

Joey Hubbard both write music for the BHS group. “I think knowing the music was written especially for them makes them feel really good,” Bennett said. For the color guard, Bennett contributes writing, along with coaches Melissa Munoz and Kevin Robertson. “This season the shows are very theatric and usually have some sort of story line associated with them,” Bennett said. Bennett said color guard performers must not only learn the basics of dance, but also how to toss (and catch) rifles, sabers, lances and other objects — not a very easy thing to do, and sometimes quite hazardous. “All the while finding their spot on the field and making pretty designs,” Bennett said. Warner described a standard pancake breakfast menu, and said the students will also hold a drum-a-thon and a spin-a-thon to raise extra money. Those events will start at 9 and continue until noon.

CONTINUED FROM 17

“I don’t like fine dining. There’s nine specials listed on the board and I’m more the type to throw the coffee on the table and say, ‘How y’all doin’?’ I get a Southern accent when I’m serving. I have Okie in my blood.” Still, Bledsoe can’t help but wonder what the tips would amount to at an exclusive restaurant. “You might serve three drinks and get a $45 tip, because (the bill) is like $100 a shot. That would take me a whole day at Coco’s. “But I’m not it in for the money. If I was, I’d be at the Petroleum Club or somewhere like that. But it’s about being genuine, I think, and being comfortable with who you are.” There’s more to being a good server than that, of course, and Bledsoe has studied what the elements over the years. Her motto: “We’re not in the food service business; we’re in the people business.” Being able to multitask and achieving balance are crucial traits as well. And there is, it turns out, a golden rule: “Never mess with your cooks. Ever. Like, really.” All Bledsoe asks of her customers in return is that they keep in mind she’s human. She still remembers the starchy (though, oddly, well-intentioned) advice she once received on a bad day at work. “This old man said, ‘Hon, this just isn’t your calling. You’re just not cut out for this.’ He’s going to think forever and ever I’m a horrible waitress, when it was just that day.” Bledsoe wishes she could have asked that customer to walk one of the estimated 30,000 steps she takes a day, in her nonslip lightweight shoes. “Every person in America should spend one year in food service. It would change your perspective in how difficult it is. There’s so much more to it than people even realize.”

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Thursday, January 26, 2012 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street

Walk down aisle to Kern wedding show Nearly 80 vendors will be represented at this event BY ASHLEY FISCHER Contributing writer

alling all you blushing brides of Kern County: It’s time to “say yes” to the Weddings 2012 bridal show and plan the fairest wedding of them all (no help from celebrity wedding planner David Tutera required). This year’s show allows brides access to nearly 80 wedding vendors. “There’ll be everything,” said Kyle Brown, longtime wedding DJ and executive director of the show. “From wedding gowns, tuxedos, photographers, DJs, and reception halls, to coordinators, florists, videographers, cakes, caterers, photo booth rentals, hair stylists, and officiants. Anything you need to plan your perfect wedding, we’ll have it.” Weddings 2012 also features a fashion show previewing the year’s latest wedding looks, lots of giveaways (including a minivacation), and the Weddings 2012 coupon book, which offers discounts to the majority of the vendors at the show. “I tell brides to always bring their checkbooks. If there’s someone at the show you’re familiar with, or you’ve gone out and interviewed them already, just ask them, ‘Hey, if I give you a deposit right now, what kind of deal can you give me?’ Nine times out of 10, you’re going to get a deal that you wouldn’t get otherwise.” Since he burst onto the bridal scene by founding his show back in 1994, Brown has become a walking guide to the wedding industry, though he admits his own big day was a pretty simple affair: the venue was the county clerk’s office and the menu consisted of hotdogs.

CONTINUED FROM 22

would love to get it resolved soon. She understands they have to get to work, but at the same time they have to understand the situation we’re in.” Galindo also leaves behind three children. A public viewing will be held from 4 to 9 p.m. today at Basham Funeral Care, 3312 Niles St. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday at RiverLakes Community Church, 4301 Calloway Drive.

Battle of the bands Last Saturday’s Giving Tree Project Battle of the Bands at the Nile was a rousing success, according to organizer, Amber Beeson. “It was a total team effort between everyone that participated with the event,” she said. “Everything ran according to schedule, no mistakes.” After kicking off the daylong competition with the Candace Freeman Nujazz Trio at 11 a.m., attendees were treated to an eclectic collection of Bako’s current scene, including 15 local bands and 20 artists who lined the club’s lobby with their

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Wedding’s 2012 Bridal Show When: Noon to 3 p.m. Sunday; VIP access begins at 11:30 a.m. Where: Kern County Fairgrounds, 1142 P St. Admission: VIP tickets are $10 and must be bought in advance; general admission is $5 in advance, $10 at the door Information: 633-9200

“My wedding was beautiful, and I never regretted it, but going through the things that I’ve gone through with weddings, and seeing what it could be, I wish I could go back and do it all over again. Let’s just say, my daughter is going to have one phenomenal wedding.” Brown shared some insider tips and tricks for brides preparing to come to the show: Create an email account for your wedding: By doing so, personal inboxes won’t be muddled with emails and offers from potential wedding vendors in the months leading up to (or especially after) the main event. Bring supplies to the show: A few pens, paper, a camera, comfortable shoes (remember, you’ll be doing a lot of walking), peel-and-stick mailing labels with your name, email address, and phone number printed on them, in order to register with vendors for contests and giveaways. Don’t forget the groom: “Bring your groom, bring your maid of honor, bring your best man,” he said. “Bring some people who are going to be your confidants. They’ll help make sure you’re not making a snap decision and give you an honest opinion when you need one. Most of all, they’ll make it a good time.”

wares. “I kind of planned the jazz for the morning to be mellow for the early audience that may have been hungover. A lot of bloody Marys were served. Then things began to get progressively louder.” Estimated crowd numbers ran from 300 to 400, with DJ Josex providing music during set changes. “There was something for everyone to enjoy. All the bands and artists looked and sounded amazing. The best thing that really happened was that it was such a social experiment.” By night’s end indie heroes of The Architecture were awarded the grand prize: A complete promotional package, compliments of Bakersfield’s Higher Definition Media, Rocket Ship Recording Studios and No Image Photography. Coming in second and third place were The Aviators, along with Kenny Reeves and The Clones, who also won promo packages. Beeson added nearly $2,500 was raised to benefit The Giving Tree nature project at William Penn Elementary.

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The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, January 26, 2012

Eye Street

A historic contradiction Lecture focuses on Jewish orchestra in Nazi Germany BY JENNIFER BURGER Contributing writer

n June 1933, just months after Adolf Hitler’s rise to dictatorship over Germany, the Jewish Culture League formed in Berlin. While the Nazis worked to establish a New Order and eliminate Jews from Europe, this organization had a surprising role: to encourage Jews to participate in the perHirsch formance of Jewish music, either as musicians or audience members. That irony struck Dr. Lily E. Hirsch, a musicologist who first learned about the Jewish Culture League as a graduate student at Duke University. “How was this possible? Why would the Nazis support Jews in this way when one of their primary goals was to eradicate them first from Germany’s musical life and then from Germany as a whole?” Hirsch asked herself. “These questions dovetailed with my existing interests in the roles music plays in politics — racial, national and religious.” After much research into the subject, including a fellowship from the German government, Hirsch wrote the recently pub-

“‘Jewish Music’ in Nazi Germany” What: Lecture presented by author Lily E. Hirsch When: 3:30 p.m. Friday Where: The Albertson Room, adjacent to the Doré Theatre, at Cal State Bakersfield, 9001 Stockdale Highway Admission: Free, but parking is $5 Information: 654-3079

lished book “A Jewish Orchestra in Nazi Germany: Musical Politics and the Berlin Jewish Culture League” (University of Michigan Press, 2010), the first scholarly book in English to investigate the organization and why the Nazis would promote Jewish music. Hirsch will visit Cal State Bakersfield to give a free lecture on the subject of “‘Jewish Music’ in Nazi Germany” on Friday. “Dr. Lily Hirsch's book is yet another illumination into the complications, subtleties and contradictions of life for Jews in the Third Reich,” said Dr. Cliona Murphy, a history professor at CSUB. “Through her exhaustive study of the Jewish Orchestra, Dr. Hirsch provides fascinating and surprising insights into Jewish survival and identity in Hitler's Germany. Dr. Hirsch's talk should appeal to students and those in the Bakersfield community who are interested in music,

Nazi Germany and the Holocaust.” So why did the Nazis support the Jewish Culture League? Hirsch offers a few theories. One, they could use it as an example to the international community that Jews were not being mistreated. Plus, the cultural outlet and source of income for Jews would help quell social unrest. “And, finally, the creation of the league could help the Nazis ensure the end of perceived Jewish appropriation and thus pollution of German culture,” Hirsch said. “To this end, (the Nazis) would censor within the league music by composers of German origin and generally encourage the performance of accepted Jewish music.” Hirsch’s talk will offer insight into the Jewish organization, which she says, “was, for many, a place of both salvation and damnation.” “It is important to accept the complexity of the league’s functioning during the Third Reich,” she said. “This organization was not good or bad. It played different roles in the lives of different people and black or white judgments only hinder our understanding of this history.” “‘Jewish Music’ in Nazi Germany” is presented by the CSUB History Department as part of his History Forum series. — Jennifer Burger is public affairs coordinator at CSUB

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won’t have this available on his site or at any conventions this year. He’s doing this just for BMoA, which is truly an honor.” Displayed in the gallery are works from Hodges and Nauck, a 17-year industry veteran who has worked for Image, with his own creation, WildGuard; Marvel, on a variety of Spider-Man titles, including the Spidey-President Obama team-up in “Amazing Spider-Man” #583; and DC, helping launch “Young Justice” (now a cartoon series on Cartoon Network). Next Saturday Nauck will be on hand for a Q&A and signing session followed by an artists workshop. Open to all ages and skill levels, artists are invited to draw along with Nauck, whose sketching will be projected on screen. “I plan on walking the attendees through my process on drawing a superhero character from sketching out the figure's movement to pencil art to finished ink art.” Nauck, who has spoken at conventions as well as schools, said he enjoys interacting with comic book fans. “I really like being able to encourage kids to think outside of the box, find a way to pursue their goals, and hopefully fulfill their dreams in some way.” Like Hodges, Nauck will have sketchbooks for sale that he will sign. They contain character sketches for series he’s worked on, commissioned art and preliminary art in various stages of pencils, inks and grayscales. Although some may find comic art a strange fit for the museum, Gutierrez said it’s all part of promot-

PHOTOS COURTESY OF JASON GUTIERREZ

A Wolverine sketch by Todd Nauck, who will be at the Bakersfield Museum of Art for an event on Feb. 4.

ing art education and awareness. “We want to engage our audiences to new genres, styles, types and ideas of art. The comic art is only up for a limited time, but we hope that the new audience it sparks with will generate a longterm interest in BMoA.” All fun aside, he said that the Talk & Draw program is rife with possibilities. “It lends itself to a wide range of genres and possibilities, but still keeping art and art education at the forefront of the audience’s mind.” That said, Gutierrez has someone at the top of his list: DC Entertainment co-publisher Jim Lee. “I've met him before and he’s a pretty cool guy. He’s been a leader in the industry for years, so I bet he’d have a lot to talk and draw about.”

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The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, January 26, 2012

Eye Street Go & Do Today 32nd Annual Prayer Breakfast, 6:40 a.m., Rabobank Convention Center, 1001 Truxtun Ave. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at Rabobank box office, 1001 Truxtun Ave. NAPMW Bunco Party Fundraiser, 6 to 9 p.m., NAPMW of Bakersfield, 1301 Heath Road. $25. Email mcooper@chevronvalleycu.com Bingo, warm-ups start at 5 p.m., with early birds at 6 p.m., regular games at 6:30 p.m., Volunteer Center of Kern County, 2801 F St. From $20 buy-in to “the works.” 395-9787.

Friday History Forum, with Lily E. Hirsch, (more on Page 26) No Stinkin’ Service Charge Blues Series Concert, (more on Page 19). Condors vs. Ontario Reign, 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Rabobank Arena, 1001 Truxtun Ave. $11 to $25. Rabobank box office, ticketmaster.com or 3247825. Piano Studio Recital, 7:30 p.m., CSUB, Music Building, Room 127, 9001 Stockdale Highway. Free. 654-3093.

Saturday Cotton Patch Quilters of Kern County 2012 Quilt, (More on Page 20). Rabbie Burns’ Supper, (More on Page 18). BHS Driller Drumline & Colorguard Pancake Breakfast, (More on Page 25). CSUB Guitar Day, (More on Page 24). Community Empowerment Organization’s Gospel, Concert, 6 to 9 p.m., Community Empowerment Organization, 610 4th St. $10. 346-8304. Downtown Clean Up Day, (More on Page 21). Annual Rabbit Show, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Kern County Fairgrounds, 1142 S. P St. Admission is free and open to the public. 3453995. Bakersfield Rollergirls Double Header, Bakersfield Rollergirls CTeam vs Fresno NoTown C-Team and Bakersfield Junior Roller Derby vs LA Junior Derby Dolls, 5 p.m., Rollerama, 1004 34th St. $10; $5 ages 6 to 12; children under 5 are free. 327-7589. CSUB Men’s Basketball, vs. Cal State Northridge, 7 p.m., CSUB, Icardo Center, 9001 Stockdale Highway. $5-$20. gorunners.com or 654-BLUE. Flamenco & Classical Guitar Class, (more on Page 24). Free E-waste Drop Off Event, 9 a.m. to noon, Stockdale High School, 2800 Buena Vista Road. 873-4011. Golf Tournament for “Wall-toWall Bicycle Ride,” shotgun 9

a.m., The Links at River Lakes Ranch, 5201 River Lakes Drive. $65 per person; $260 per team. 5884070. Kids Free Day, CALM, 10500 Alfred Harrell Highway. 872-2256.

GO & DO

Sunday

Dancing

Weddings 2012 Bridal Show, (More on Page 26). Guild House Affaire Extraordinaire Dinner, five-course gourmet meal, wine, 5 to 9 p.m., Guild House, 1905 18th St. $100 per person. 325-5478.

ART Silver (Art Clay) Jewelry Workshop, with Marta Csabai, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Juliana’s Art Studio & Gallery, 501 18th St. $185, includes lunch. 327-7507. Talk & Draw with Tom Hodges, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, Bakersfield Museum of Art, 1930 R St., $25; $15 members.bmoa.org or 323-7219. "Eat, Print, Mingle," printmaking mixer (More on Page 20) ‘Lost and Foundry’ Exhibition, 4 to 9 p.m. or by appointment now until Monday, The Foundry Gallery, 1602 20th St. bakersfieldfoundry.com. Art Classes, in drawing, watercolor, oils, color theory, for beginners and advanced, Bakersfield Art Association Art Center, 1817 Eye St. 869-2320. Art for Healing program. All classes are free but some suggest a donation and are held at Mercy Hospital, Truxtun and A Street. Visit mercybakersfield. org/art or to register, 632-5357. Juliana’s Art Studio & Gallery, offers stained glass classes, Juliana’s Art Studio & Gallery, 501 18th St. For times and dates call 327-7507. Nancy Merrick, artwork on display for the months of January and February, Capitol Real Estate Group, 1700 Chester Ave. 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.

THEATER “Into the Woods,” 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday, Spotlight Theatre, 1622 19th St. $25; $22 students/seniors. 634-0692 or thespotlighttheatre.com. “Late Night with Christopher Durang,” 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, The Empty Space, 706 Oak St. $5. 327-PLAY. “Showdown in Shafter,” 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday, Gaslight Melodrama Theatre & Music Hall, 12748 Jomani Drive. $12 to $23. 587-3377. “The Drowsy Chaperone,” 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday, Stars Dinner Theatre, 1931 Chester Ave. $50 to $55; matinee $40 to $50. 325-6100.

Ethel’s Old Corral Cafe, 4310 Alfred Harrell Highway, 873-7613; Open Range, 7 p.m. Friday; Still Kick’n, 3 to 7 p.m. Sunday. Sandrini’s, 1918 Eye St., 3228900; Vince Galindo, 9 p.m. Wednesdays.

ALEX HORVATH / THE CALIFORNIAN

Kanzess Davis rests with her Mini-lop while attending 2011 Rabbit Show at the Kern County fair grounds. Annual Rabbit Show, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Kern County Fairgrounds, 1142 S. P St. Admission is free and open to the public. 345-3995. “You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown,” (More on Page 20). Improv Comedy Show, with Center For Improv Advancement, 8 to 9:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, Ice House, 3401 Chester Ave., Suite M. Adults: $5, children under 12 are $1. ciacomedy.com. Major League Improv, improvisational comedy show, appropriate for families, 6 p.m. Saturdays, The Empty Space, 706 Oak St. Free but donations are accepted. 327-PLAY.

MUSIC Acoustic Kern River Brewing Company, 13415 Sierra Highway, Kernville, 760-376-2337; Slideways, 7:30 p.m. Friday.

Classic Rock Jacalito Grill, 900 Truxtun Ave., Ste. 110, 325-2535; Prisoners of Love, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Thursday. T-Bones Steakhouse, 8020 District Blvd., 398-1300; Big Dawgs, 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. Friday. Bellvedere Cocktail Lounge, 3090 Brundage Lane, 325-2139; Usual Suspects, 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Comedy Elevation Lounge, 818 Real Road, 325-6864; Improv Tuesday - Live comedy with DJ after party, 9 p.m. Tuesdays. Jerry’s Pizza, 1817 Chester Ave., 633-1000, Comedy Open Mic Challenge, 8:30 to 10 p.m. Thursday. $5.

Country Trouts & The Blackboard Stages, 805 N. Chester Ave., 3996700; Benefit/Tribute for Dwayne Maples, 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday.

Bakersfield Rounders, ballroom (cued) transition class levels two and three, 7 p.m. Tuesdays, South Bakersfield Veteran’s Hall, 1905 Wilson Road. $10/couple. 747-7921. Beginner Belly Dance Lessons, 5:45 to 6:45 p.m. Mondays, Centre Stage Studio, 1710 Chester Ave. 323-5215. $45 regular session; $65 combo session. bakersfieldbellydance.biz. Folklorico Classes, advance dancers/performing group 6 to 8 p.m. Fridays; and beginners, all ages, 10:30 a.m. to noon Saturdays, Fruitvale-Norris Park, 6221 Norris Road. $22 per month for beginners; $25 per month for advance dancers. 833-8790. Greenacres Community Center, 2014 Calloway Drive, offers ballroom dance, East Coast swing (jitterbug) and Argentine Tango dance classes; $35, $45 for nonmembers. 322-5765 or 201-2105. Joaquin Squares, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Thursday, Rasmussen Center, 115 E. Roberts Lane. $5. 324-1390, 325-3086 or 399-3658. Dancing. African Heritage Dance, Harriet Tubman Legacy series with Ayo, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Feb. 4, 11 and 18, Studio 9, 4000 Easton Drive, Suite 9. $8 per class, $20 for three. Email sharpemouzon@yahoo.com. Dancing Mavericks Singles, ballroom and country dancing with music by Jerry Hobbs, 7 to 10 p.m. Friday, Kern City Town Hall, 1003 Pebble Beach Drive. $7 member; $9 guest. 831-9241. Pairs and Spares Dance, with Country George and his Banjo, 7 p.m. Friday, Rasmussen Senior Center, 115 E. Roberts Lane. $7; $9 nonmembers. 399-3575. Tam O’Shanter, 2345 Alta Vista, 324-6774; 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

DJ Banacek’s Lounge, 4601 State Road, 387-9224; with DJ Casey Overstreet, 9 p.m. Fridays. DoubleTree Hotel, Club Odyssey, 3100 Camino Del Rio Court. 323-7111; live in the mix: old school, ’80s & ’90s music, 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. every Saturday. Le Corusse Rouge, 4647 White Lane, 834-1611; with DJ Chill in the Mixx, 5 p.m. every Friday until 2 a.m. Saturday. Rockstarz Party Bar, 7737 Meany Ave., Suite B5, 589-6749; DJ James, 9 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays. Free. The Bull Shed Bar & Grill, at Hotel Rosedale, 2400 Camino Del Rio Court, 327-0681; with Meg, 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.

Jazz Cafe Med, 4809 Stockdale Highway, 834-4433; Richie Perez, 7:30 to 11 p.m. Thursdays. Imbibe Wine & Spirits Merchant, 4140 Truxtun Ave., 633WINE; live music & wine bar with featuring local artist and Jazz Connection, along with 24 wines, 6 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday; 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. King Tut, 10606 Hageman Road; live Instrumental and vocal Jazz, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. each Friday and Saturday. Free. Le Corusse Rouge, 4647 White Lane, 834-1611; Bakersfield Jazz Workshop, 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. every Wednesday. Que Pasa Mexican Cafe, 2701 Ming Ave., 832-5011; Jazz Invasion, 9 to 10 p.m. every Saturday. The Nile, Jazz Music, 6 p.m. every Sunday. Cost $10 at 1721 19th St. 364-2620.

Karaoke B. Ryder’s Sports Bar & Grill, 7401 White Lane, 397-7304; 8 p.m. Thursdays and Tuesdays. Banacek’s Lounge, 9 p.m. every Friday and Saturday at 4601 State Road. 387-9224. Bellvedere Cocktail Lounge, 3090 Brundage Lane, 325-2139; 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Thursdays and Sundays. Big Daddy Pizza, 6417 Ming Ave., 396-7499; 7 to 10 p.m. every Tuesday; 8 to 11 p.m. every Friday. Cactus Valley, 6 to 10 p.m. every Thursday at 4215 Rosedale Highway. 633-1948. Cactus Valley Mexican Restaurant, 4215 Rosedale Highway, 633-1948; 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Thursday; beer pong and happy hour all day Sunday. Cataldo’s Pizzeria, 4200 New Stine Road, 397-5000; 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Thursday. Cataldo’s Pizzeria, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. every Thursday at 4200 New Stine Road. 397-5000. Cataldo’s Pizzeria, 6111 Niles St., 363-7200; 6:15 to 10:15 p.m. Tuesdays. Chateau Lounge, 2100 S. Chester Ave., 835-1550; 9 p.m. every Saturday. City Slickers, 1001 W. Tehachapi Blvd., 822-4939; 7 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Corona’s Cantina, 9817 S. Union Ave., 345-8463; 7 to 10 p.m. Fridays. Del Rio Cocktail Lounge, 5840 State Road, 393-0262; 8 p.m. every Saturday. Diana’s Pit Stop, 10807 Rosedale Highway, 587-8888; 8 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays. Don Perico Restaurant, 2660 Oswell St., Suite 133, 871-2001; 7 to 11 p.m. Thursdays. DoubleTree Hotel, Club Odyssey, 3100 Camino Del Rio Court; 8 p.m. to midnight Tuesdays.

Thursday, January 26, 2012 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street ‘CALIFORNIAN RADIO’ Join Lifestyles Editor Jennifer Self and the Eye Street crew today as they welcome David Stroud, coordinator of the annual Robert Burns dinner. You don’t have to be Scottish to attend (or listen). Also joining us will be Jason Gutierrez of the Bakersfield Museum of Art, who will Elevation Lounge, 818 Real Road, 3256864; 9 p.m. Wednesday. Ethel’s Old Corral, 4310 Alfred Harrell Highway, 873-7613; 6 to 9 p.m. every Wednesday. Iron Horse Saloon, 1821 S. Chester Ave., 831-1315; 7 to 11 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays. Julie’s The Branding Iron Saloon, 1807 N. Chester Ave., 6 to 10 p.m. every Friday. Le Corusse Rouge, 4647 White Lane, 8341611; A to Z Karaoke, 8 p.m. to midnight Tuesdays. Lone Oak Inn, 8 p.m. every Tuesday and Thursday at 10612 Rosedale Highway. 5890412. Magoo’s Pizza, 1129 Olive Drive, 399-7800; 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Tuesday. Maria Bonita Mexican Restaurant, 10701 Highway 178, 366-3261, 7 to 11 p.m. Fridays. All ages. McMurphy’s Irish Pub & Sports Bar, 14 Monterey St., 869-1451; 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. Tuesdays. Pizzeria, 4200 Gosford Road, 397-1111; 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays. Pour House, 9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays at 4041 Fruitvale Ave. 589-9300. Pyrenees Cafe, 601 Sumner, 323-0053; 8 p.m. to midnight Saturdays. Rockstarz Party Bar, 7737 Meany Ave., Suite B5, 589-6749; 8 p.m. Mondays through Wednesdays. Rocky’s Pizza & Arcade, 2858 Niles St., 873-1900; 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Wednesday. Round Table Pizza, 2060 White Lane, 8362700; 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday. Round Table Pizza, 4200 Gosford Road, 397-1111; 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays. Rusty’s Pizza, 5430 Olive Drive, 835-5555; 6:30 p.m. every Wednesday. Sports & Spirits, 6633 Ming Ave., 3987077; 9 p.m. Thursdays and Saturdays. Sports & Spirits, 9 p.m. every Thursday and Saturday at 6633 Ming Ave. 398-7077. Syndicate Lounge, 1818 Eye St., 327-0070; with Alisa Spencer, 9 p.m. every Wednesday. T-Bones Steakhouse, 8020 District Blvd., 398-1300; 7:30 to 11 p.m. Thursdays. Tejon Club, 6 to 10 p.m. every Saturday at 117 El Tejon Ave. 392-1747. The Bull Shed Bar & Grill, at Hotel Rosedale, 2400 Camino Del Rio Court, 3270681; 7 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. The Junction Lounge, 2620 Buck Owens Blvd., 327-9651; 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays. The Old River Monte Carlo, 9750 Taft Highway, 837-0250; 8:30 p.m. every Thursday. The Playhouse, 2915 Taft Highway; 3973599; 7 to 10 p.m. Sundays. The Prime Cut, 9500 Brimhall Road, 8311413; hosted by Ed Loverr, 9 p.m. to midnight Friday. The Prime Cut, 9 p.m. every Friday at 9500 Brimhall Road. 831-1413. The Wrecking Yard, 9817 S. Union Ave., 827-9192; 7 to 10 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays

share details on a pair of comics events coming up at the venerable showcase for fine art. As usual, we’ll give some goodies away and welcome your calls at 842-KERN. The show airs from 9 to 10 a.m. weekdays on KERN, 1180-AM. and Thursdays. The Wright Place, 2695-G Mount Vernon Ave., 872-8831, 8 p.m. every Thursday. Tomi’s Cowgirl Cafe, 7 to 10 p.m. every Tuesday and Thursday at 1440 Weedpatch Highway. 363-5102. 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. Vinny’s Bar & Grill, 2700 S. Union Ave., 496-2502, 7 p.m. Thursdays. 21 and over. The Regent, 2814 Niles St., 871-4140; 8:30 p.m. every other Friday.

Latin/Salsa DoubleTree Hotel, Club Odyssey, Club Odyssey, 3100 Camino Del Rio Court, 6331949; various levels, 3 to 9 p.m. every Sunday. $5 per person, per lesson. Padre Hotel, 1702 18th St., 427-4900; Salsa Solution, 6 to 11 p.m. Sunday. $10. 21 and over only. Iron Horse Saloon, 1821 S. Chester Ave., 831-1315; Latin Breeze, 9 p.m. Friday.

Oldies KC Steakhouse, 2515 F St., 322-9910; Jimmy Gaines, Bobby O and Mike Halls, 6:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday.

Old school Que Pasa Mexican Cafe, 2701 Ming Ave., 832-5011; Al Garcia & the Rhythm Kings, 8 to 11 p.m. every Thursday. T-Bones Steakhouse, 8020 District Blvd., 398-1300; Lost Vinyl, 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. Saturday. Tam O'Shanter, 2345 Alta Vista, 3246774; The Press, 8:30 p.m. Friday; Rock A Mole, 8:30 p.m. Saturday.

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

Rock B. Ryder’s Sports Bar & Grill, 7401 White Lane, 397-7304; Good Question, 9 p.m. Friday; Dub Seed, DB and The Struggle, 9 p.m. Saturday. $5 each night. 21 and over only. Rockstarz Party Bar, 7737 Meany Ave., Suite B5, 589-6749; live bands, 9 p.m. every Thursday.

Songwriters The Rustic Rail Saloon, 147 E. Norris Road, 393-0456, Songwriter’s Showcase with host David Reeves Carpenter, sign up begins at 6 p.m.; 7 to 11 p.m. Thursdays.

Trivia night Bellvedere Cocktail Lounge, 3090 Brundage Lane, 325-2139; 7 p.m. Tuesdays. Chuy’s, 2500 New Stine Road, 833-3469; 7 p.m. every Tuesday. Sandrini’s, 1918 Eye St., 322-8900; Trivia Night with Dave Rezac, 10 p.m. Tuesdays.