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The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, February 17, 2011
Eye Street
Index Whiskey Flat Days . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 Denim & Designer Delights event . . . . . . . . . . . .22 Home and Garden Show . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23 Arts Alive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 Gary Myrick and the Figures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25 The Lowdown with Matt Munoz . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26 Robin Trower . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29 Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32-33
Editor Jennifer Self | Phone 395-7434 | e-mail jself@bakersfield.com
Swingin’ and ring-a-ding-dingin’ ‘Frank,’ ‘Dean’ and the boys: It’s the coolest ticket in town, baby BY MATT MUNOZ Bakotopia.com editor mmunoz@bakersfield.com
A
ll aboard the Vegas time machine: “The Rat Pack is Back.” Paying tribute to a bygone era, there shouldn’t be a shortage of whisky and wild times when “Frank,” “Dean,” “Sammy” and “Joey” take to the stage in Bakersfield on Wednesday. “I can remember probably hearing Sinatra for the first time when I was about 8,” said Brian Duprey, who takes on the daunting task of bringing Ol’ Blue Eyes back to the mic. “I don’t think my parents had a Sinatra record, but my mom listened to a lot of easy listening and some of his songs would come on.” Becoming a fan of the pop singer’s music as a teen, Duprey describes the Sinatra style as an almost conversational form of entertainment. “I’ve always thought of it as ‘talk singing,’ because of the way he phrased his verses. I guess as a young kid being able to emulate that style was kind of cool,” he said. Born in Rhode Island, two states away from Sinatra’s hometown of Hoboken, N.J., the 36-year-old performer says his resemblance to the pop singer was noticed early on by his mother, who encouraged her son’s particularly strong interest in music. “Like most mothers, if I showed some interest or promise in something like music, she would find a way to keep me going. I think me singing along as a kid probably sparked her interest to Sinatra, because I was probably sounding like that. I was a fan of Elvis and Neil Diamond, too. At my age, I was kind of different for liking older music and acts.”
You look just like ... Taking up stand-up comedy, Duprey’s talents eventually drew him to the West Coast and to Las Vegas in 2002. Performing in a variety of local shows, including “Legends in Concert,” his uncanny similarities to the king of crooners brought him rave reviews, and ultimately to Hollywood. Appearing on Fox TV’s “Performing As …” talent competition in 2003, Duprey wowed celebrity judges.
PHOTO COURTESY OF JAM THEATRICALS
From left, Brian Duprey as Frank Sinatra, Kenny Jones as Sammy Davis Jr., Mickey Joseph as Joey Bishop and Drew Anthony as Dean Martin appear in “The Rat Pack is Back” on Wednesday night at the Rabobank Convention Center.
‘The Rat Pack Is Back!’ When: 7 p.m. Wednesday Where: Rabobank Convention Center, 1001 Truxtun Ave. Admission: $25 to $45 plus fees Information: 852-7777 or ticketmaster.com
He didn’t win the final round, but it was enough to build his reputation as an up-and-coming celebrity impersonator. “When I first moved to Vegas I was just singing, not really trying to act or look like Frank. Although those things were there, I just had to enhance them,” Duprey said. In 1964, there wasn’t a hotter Vegas ticket than the Rat Pack at the legendary Sands Hotel. Fans would scramble for tickets to see the cabaret antics of the four artists, all at their peak. Archival footage of their shows on the web and DVD show a palpable chemistry among them as they’d sing, dance, perform comedy skits and improvise. Preceded in death by
Martin and Davis, Sinatra’s passing in 1998 was followed by Bishop’s in 2007, closing the final chapter on the beloved foursome. For Duprey and his castmates, the Pack’s archive acted as a blueprint for the revival show with a lot of room to sprinkle in their own clowning around. “The natural chemistry is just like that all the time between us onstage. And although we don’t hang around all the time, we’re always joking around. It’s very easy to work with these guys. We have a script, but we improvise sometimes when we can,” he said. Coincidentally, Duprey and Drew Anthony, who plays Martin, also happen to be best friends, just like their real-life counterparts,. “I think it was just happenstance that I’m best friends with the guy who does Dean Martin,” Duprey laughed. “When we’re looking at our lines, we think about how Frank or Dean would have said this or that.” Duprey added that another way the show stays fresh nearly 50 years after the original “Summit at the Sands” is to make the jokes
“swingin’ and ring-a-ding-dingin” — that’s Rat Pack lingo for “current,” if you catch my drift. “We try to keep the audiences laughing, that’s for sure. We cut a lot of the old humor out, the stuff that might be considered too racy. Even if we threw some of those old jokes in, it just wouldn’t even be funny anymore. We try to keep things up to date with the music, too. We added ‘New York, New York,’ to the show, which wasn’t even recorded until 1980. We take artistic liberties where we can to make the show more enjoyable.”
Ava or Mia? And in order to be the man, you should know the man. Quizzed on knowledge of Sinatra’s personal life, particularly his love of women and whiskey, Duprey fared pretty well when asked about who he thought was the late crooner’s more notorious love conquest — Mia Farrow or Ava Gardner. “Ava Gardner, because she was something that Frank couldn’t quite put his arms around. He’d have her back for a couple years, then she’d go away for a while with
some other guy. It was just that crazy madness that kept him attracted to her. And the fact that she could say whatever she wanted to him and he kind of liked that about her. Whatever she was thinking came out of her mouth. Nobody talked to Frank like that, but she did,” he said. One thing Duprey says he won’t be imitating is the amount of onstage boozing the Rat Pack became known for — although many music historians claim it was really herbal tea, not liquor. “That would be incredibly hard to do, especially drinking and smoking every day then performing. I mean, my God, I don’t care who you are. There’s no way I could do it.” Backed by a 12-piece orchestra for the show, Duprey says everyone is guaranteed a good time regardless of age or drinking preference. “Expect to be transported back to the ’60s. And even if you’re not from the time period, I think it’s just a cool vibe we put off. The sincerity of what we do always comes through and I think the audience really feels it.”
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Thursday, February 17, 2011 The Bakersfield Californian
Whiskey, straight up: West fest a good time for all 54th annual Whiskey Flat Days
Californian lifestyles editor jself@bakersfield.com
things easier on Friday.”
Saturday The crowning event for Borthick is the parade, which starts at 11 a.m. Grand marshal is Fred May, a county animal control officer stationed in Kernville. “The parade is huge. It’s not a long trek, but the parade is a big thing. There’s a western band coming up to play in Circle Park, the Knox Prairie Ramblers.” CASEY CHRISTIE / THE CALIFORNIAN
Leo Gifford, left, and Annette Pounds stroll around before the annual Whiskey Flat Days parade in 2010. They are both with Jack’s Posse, re-enacting the wild west days of the 1800s era.
Friday The festival starts around noon, but vendors will be setting up most of the day. “It’s not as big a crowd, but you can walk around and see what’s there. You can find
This is the big day for all the contests, plus the results of the mayor’s race are announced.
Monday Lollygaggers who avoided the festival all weekend might be tempted. By noon, things are pretty well shut down, but the carnival continues, which could be a nice way to spend time with kids on their school holiday. One person you probably won’t see much of — unless you get lost and wander into her diner’s kitchen — is Borthick. “I haven’t gone every year,” said the cafe owner, honored by the state Legislature as Kern County’s small-business person of the year. “I cook (at my restaurant) every year. I limp home. I can barely walk it’s so busy.” But she’s going to have to find time for a break this year because she and the rest of her Sweet Adelines Quartet have been drafted to sing the National Anthem before the parade. Afterward, it’s straight back to feeding the hungry hordes at her diner — a very good problem to have, she was quick to point out. “Everybody’s just been dying up here. It’s the worst January I ever had,” said Borthick, who ticked off a list of reasons in addition to the economy for the slowdown, including some sizable boulders that blocked traffic up the canyon a few weeks ago. Plus, Kernville is perceived as a summer town, no matter how the chamber of commerce might try to dislodge that idea from tourists’ heads. Which is why Whiskey Flat Days is held in the otherwise slow — but always dicey — month of February. “We take our chances every year because we’re mountain folk, but we do it this time of year because of the economy.” And for one other key reason as well, Borthick said. “People just need to take time to be with their families.”
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incidents and we graded their property for them, so they’ve been able to utilize it for a lot of other things. Our district ranger, Rick Larson, he has been absolutely marvelous working with the community to build relationships back and forth.” Getting visitors from here to there will be a train — more like a tram, really — which will charge riders $5 for unlimited use. Plus, some folks “out in the boondocks” of South Lake are bringing their stagecoach and horses. And then there are the contests, for everything from unruly facial hair (Whiskerino) to Old West costumes to the best jams, jellies and pies. Even pets can be entered into competitions, highly appropriate considering that the theme is “Goin to the Dogs: Cowboy’s Best Friend.” Once only open to children, the pet contests have been broadened to include adults this year, Borthick said. There’s also an epitaph contest and the annual mayor’s race, where bribes are not only freely encouraged but required for victory. In fact, the two-person mayoral team that collects the most bribes — at $1 a pop — wins the contest (the true winners are the charities that benefit from the goodnatured race, along with the chamber, which also gets a cut). So if you’re planning a day trip, when should you plan to head up 178? Most events like the carnival, vendor fair and historical re-enactments take place all four days, but we asked Borthick for a breakdown of unique events day by day:
Sunday
Ir a
y sb ric Ly
When: noon to sundown Friday; 9 a.m. to sundown Saturday; 9 a.m. to sundown Sunday; 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday Where: Kernville Information: For full schedule of events, visit kernvalley.com/news/whiskey.htm or 760-376-2629.
M
ost weekends, the 1,700 souls in the storybook-charming town of Kernville have no trouble finding a parking space downtown or a table at Cheryl’s Diner. Their idea of a traffic jam is waiting in line at the bank for a few minutes. But this weekend — the four-day holiday honoring the nation’s presidents — is not just any weekend in the picturesque The epitaph town on the Kern contest, judged by Fire Station 76 River. It’s Whiskey Flat in Kernville, is an annual tradition. Days, the 54th annuWe asked for a al celebration of all sample of a past things “Old West,” entrant to give which turns the folks an idea. sleepy hamlet into a This epitaph was boomtown of about penned last year: 50,000 visitors, said Cheryl Borthick, the 1842-1884 namesake owner of Into his mine the town’s diner and went RB Jones. president of the Kernville Chamber Met a bear, of Commerce, which here’s his bones puts on the festival. Rest in pieces And that surge will happen, come rain or shine. “We usually don’t postpone it if it’s just rain,” Borthick said. “One year we had snow, so we held the parade the next day. That was kind of a mistake because we blocked the Methodists from getting to church.” Apparently not ones to hold a grudge, the Methodists, along with the other Kern River Valley congregations Borthick approached, are doing all any mere mortal can about the weather. “We have every church praying for Whiskey Flat Days!” Though a little divine intervention couldn’t hurt, the festival might not need it, considering the four-day affair has become a tradition to thousands of families, and not just in Kern County. Folks from all over the state come, Borthick said. “I think it’s just a look backwards in time,” she offered as an explanation to the event’s appeal. “It’s a fun family event with all kinds of stuff to do with the kids, and it’s a not-too-expensive day away from home, all happening in the same little confined area.” The area that Borthick refers to centers around the heart of the town, Circle Park, where more than 100 vendors will show off their wares. In addition, there will be live bands around town, events at Riverside Park, a “very authentic” re-enactment camp of cowboys and American Indians down by the river, a rodeo and a carnival, complete with Ferris wheel, Tilt-a-whirl and other amusements and games. “We have the carnival on Forest Service property,” Borthick said. “They told us it was one time only last year, but we had no
an d
& ic us M
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SPOTLIGHT
Eye Street
FOR INFORMATION CALL
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501(c)3 not for profit organization
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The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, February 17, 2011
Eye Street
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OPENING FEBRUARY 18 I Am Number Four Big Momma’s House: Like Father, Like Son Unknown
BY STEFANI DIAS Californian assistant lifestyles editor sdias@bakersfield.com
W
hen it comes to the Denim & Designer Delights event, happening this weekend at the local American Cancer Society Discovery Shop, there is one “D” missing: deals. But bargains are at the heart of the resale shop and will be on full display at the three-day event that kicks off Friday. When it comes to denim, shoppers won’t be disappointed, according to shop manager Carla Hughes. There will be 200-plus pairs of jeans, including some that are specially decorated. Brands include Lucky, Not Your Daughter’s Jeans, Ezekiel, Tommy Hilfiger and Levis. Along with the jeans, there will be jean jackets and denim shoes and purses available for sale. Bakersfield loves its jeans, but the real draw of this event is the designer portion, which this year is bolstered by a generous donation of more than 1,000 items from a collection left to the shop by a local woman after she passed away. When the benefactor’s son delivered the collection to the shop, Hughes said they were delighted by what they found: a variety of high-quality cashmere and silk pieces along with clothing from Oscar de la Renta, Sigrid Olsen, Pendleton, Dana Buchman, Geiger and more, some with the tags still attached. One of those still-tagged items that stood out to Hughes was a timeless black and pink Garfield & Marks suit with pintucks. The jacket was marked at $398 and the pants were originally $220. Although brand-new items sell for more than gently used, those aren’t necessarily the prices you’ll be facing at the event. Hughes said designer items will range from $20 to $300 and are categorized by brand. Many of the items from the donated collection are sized small — 2 to 6 — but there will be other clothing in a variety of sizes as well as designer shoes and purses, which are sized based on how you fill them. The shop also has
Start tthe he NEW Year w ith a NEW Look! with
dressing rooms, and shoppers are encouraged to try on clothing. Despite sharing some When: 10 a.m. to 6 details on designers, Hughes p.m. Friday and wants to maintain a little Saturday and 11 a.m. to mystery to what’s set for the 5 p.m. Sunday weekend. Where: American “Nobody has seen these Cancer Society items,” she said of the collecDiscovery Shop, 5420 tion. Some of the pieces have California Ave. been set out early in a sneak Information: 324-1359 peek to “tease” shoppers who plan on attending. But the majority of the goods will be set up early Friday morning before the shop opens. Hughes said she wouldn’t be surprised to find 20 to 30 women waiting outside the store Friday morning looking to snag early deals, as they have done at previous events. She said the store averages about 100 paying customers a day, but during events like this she expects that number to swell to 200 to 300 a day. The shop holds a variety of events throughout the year, catering to different groups and seasons. Next up will be a cookbooks and kitchenware event in March. April will be “Summer in Hawaii,” offering printed clothing, summer dresses, tank tops and shell jewelry. In May, those who donate to the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life receive a discount on their shopping experience. That month, the shop will also host “Walking Down the Aisle,” a wedding-themed sale that will include 50 brand-new designer dresses from a bridal shop that closed. Those looking to update their home’s look should stop in for the event in June, which will feature art and home decor including paintings, furniture and lamps. July is “Best of the Best,” featuring real and costume jewelry. August’s event will be focused on babies with cribs, blankets clothing and more. Last year, at least 400 items were donated for the babythemed event. Hughes said the shop averages 500 donations a month of items ranging from clothing to collectibles. Many who see what will be offered at upcoming events donate items that fit the theme. Along with items for events, the shop also seeks out furniture, which can net more for the organization. Proceeds from the shop go to aid the American Society in one of three ways: cancer research, education efforts for screenings and preventative care, and providing cancer patients with a better quality of life.
Denim & Designer Delights Event
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Student artists recognized 3D Gnomeo & Juliet G 11:30 2:00 4:30 7:00 9:20 3D Justin Bieber: Never Say Never G 10:15 1:00 3:45 6:45 9:30 3D Sanctum R 12:00 2:40 5:25 8:00 10:30
Just Go With It PG-13 10:30 11:00 11:30 1:20 1:50 2:20 4:00 4:30 6:40 7:10 7:40 9:20 9:50 10:20 The Eagle PG-13 11:50 2:35 5:15 8:05 10:40 Gnomeo & Juliet 2D - G 10:45 1:00 3:15 5:30 7:45 10:00 Justin Bieber: Never Say Never 2D - G 10:50 1:30 4:15 7:15 10:00
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The Rite PG-13 11:35 2:15 5:05 7:35 10:15
The King’s Speech R 10:40 1:35 4:15 6:55 9:40
Sanctum 2D - R 11 1:25 4:20 6:50 9:40
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Kristyn Towery of Liberty High School was awarded first place in a recent student art competition called “California Perspectives” at the Younger Gallery. The juried show, co-sponsored by the Buena Vista group of the local Sierra Club Chapter and the Arts Council of Kern, features 36 local student artists. Students were asked to display their artistic views of the state’s diverse physical environment, both natural and urban. Towery’s painting, “Bakersfield Sunset,” depicts an oil derrick in a striking natural setting. Highland High School’s Thalia Martinez won second place for her oil painting of a small boat docked on a pier. Third place is a painting of a Los Angeles skyline at sunset by Catherine Ogas of South High. Karina Hernandez from Independence High School won a special recognition award for lilies of the valley. Kern-Kaweah Chapter President Georgette Theotig gave a Chairman’s Award to Seanne Steele of North High School for her painting of a California map and poppies. Gallery hours are from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesdays through Friday. The exhibit will run until April 1. Younger Gallery is at 1440 Truxtun Ave., in the Bank of America building. — Marjorie Bell, contributing writer
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Thursday, February 17, 2011 The Bakersfield Californian
Eye Street
It’s time to re-feather the old nest Home show offers trends, cost-conscious ideas BY MIRANDA WHITWORTH Contributing writer
I
t’s nearly spring-cleaning season, but along with clearing out the cobwebs and letting the fresh air in, now is the time for homeowners to get ambitious on improvement ideas. The first stop before you go any further: the 25th annual Bakersfield Home and Garden Show, this weekend at the fairgrounds. “This is really the kickoff to spring; people are starting to think ahead. It’s a rebirth and people are thinking about what to do to their homes to get ready. It’s such a good time to get the word out about these companies and what they have to offer.” Running Friday through Sunday, the Home and Garden Show will be packed with vendors offering everything that a homeowner could need, from insuring the roof overhead to making sure that roof is maintained and updated. Rodriguez said that although the heart of the show is homes and items and accessories for them, there’s more to it. “It’s really a lifestyle show. People know us as a home and garden show but they know they can get anything there. We even have a pediatric dentist coming,” she said. A local utility is on board as well to explain new technology and give energy consumers some direction when it comes to saving on their electric bills. “PG&E will be at the show educating people about the Smart Meters and they will be putting on free seminars” said Rodriguez. Rodriguez, whose family has organized
25th Annual Bakersfield Home and Garden Show When: 1 to 7 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday Where: Kern County Fairgrounds, 1142 S. P St. Admission: $7; $4 seniors; free for children 12 and under
the show for 25 years, said she’s excited for this year’s event as it’s a benchmark that coincides with another kind of rebirth, weather excluded. “The economy has been hard, but we still have hung onto a really strong show. It’s sad because I’ve seen quite few companies that were with us throughout the years go out of business. But this year is great. We have at least 30 to 40 new vendors this time and we haven’t seen numbers like that in four years.” Most of the businesses — 85 percent — at this year’s Home and Garden Show are local to Bakersfield, an aspect of the event that makes Rodriguez proud. Although her company is based out of Sacramento, they value local business and believe their show is a great way to gauge the direction of the local economy. “Our customers like to comparison shop. For instance, we have a number of solar companies that are coming out this weekend. A lot of them are local, but there are some national ones too. People can really compare the local guys to the out-of-towners, see prices and what they offer. It really puts everyone on a level playing field and gives great exposure to companies that are
HENRY A. BARRIOS / THE CALIFORNIAN
A little light rain didn’t keep people away from the Bakersfield Home & Garden show last February at the Kern County Fairgrounds.
here in town.” Central Valley business owners are getting on board with the show as well, traveling from Fresno to promote their products and services. Rodriguez said it’s great to see businesses being able to get out on the road again after a rough few years. “It’s nice to see the state and national economy picking up a little. We have vendors coming down from Fresno this year and I haven’t seen that in a while. It’s been tough and putting on a show like this really gives you an idea of how hard it has been for some businesses. It’s important to get out and sell, but most people haven’t even had the money for travel. People are inter-
ested in getting out of town now; it’s great.” The array of businesses on board for the show’s 25th year falls in line with Rodriguez’s opinion of the economic pickup. Businesses catering to pet owners, parents, home decorators and sports enthusiasts will be on hand. Rodriguez said her event may be called a home show but don’t think having a mortgage payment is a requirement to attend. “A lot of people think if they don’t own a home they shouldn’t go to a home show. But that’s not the case. We have all kinds of decor and garden items. I wasn’t even a homeowner until 2007 and I have been buying stuff at my own shows for years.”
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The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, February 17, 2011
Eye Street Camille Gavin CONTRIBUTING COLUMNIST
Moms step up for school play became aware of African dances in the 1970s in Los Angeles while attending USC. “They were doing (dance classes) at the Malcolm X Center in L.A. — that’s where I started,” she said. “It resonated with me.” Since 2008 she’s been involved with arts organizations in Northern California, Arizona and Florida as a performer and instructor. She and her husband are teaching African dances and drumming locally at the SU Studio Dance Academy.
Everybody gets a chance at Leo B. Hart Elementary School
I
’m happy to report that Melissa Sweaney is one of those forward-thinking people who sees a need and does something about it. Inspired — or maybe “alarmed” is a better word — by the lack of drama instruction in the school her children attended, she instigated a parent-supported drama group at Leo B. Hart Elementary. That was three years ago. Last year they did “Jungle Book” and this weekend an enthusiastic cast of 89 kids will present three performances of “School House Rock Jr.” in the multipurpose room at Leo B. Hart Elementary. “Everybody has a part in some type of skit,” she said. “They all get their stage time.” Sweaney hopes parents at other schools will be inspired by what she and others have done at Hart. “I’d like to show (other parents) the possibilities of putting on their own productions — it’s not that hard,” she said. “With so many budget cuts in the schools and so many people out of work, this would be a great project for parents who are not working.” A Bakersfield High School graduate who returned here several years ago after living on the East Coast for 14 years, Sweaney works part time for her father, Carl Jarrett, an electrical contractor. She refers to the Hart School project as “a family thing.” Her mother, Jan Jarrett, is the costume
Workshop for young actors Building on a children’s theater program that began last summer Guinevere PH Dethlefson and three equally talented colleagues — Amy Hall, Cory Rickard and David Rock — are gearing up for a spring workshop. The twice-aweek after-school classes begin on Monday at The Empty Space and will culminate in two performances of “Disney’s Mulan Junior” on April 22 and 23. The workshop is an independent program that operates under the umbrella of Tonicism Productions. Dethlefson said the classes are designed for ages 5 to 18 and can be beneficial for those just starting out in theater as well as students who have had more experience and want to polish their skills. Cost for the eight-week program is $260 per child with a 15 percent discount for siblings. Scholarships are also available.
PHOTO COURTESY OF ANDREW SKELTON
Autumn Hill, left, plays Interplanet Janet and Stephen Garcia is Elvis Presley in “School House Rock Jr,” coming this weekend to Leo B. Hart School.
It’s all about wheels
Inside “Gem of the Ocean” at BCT. A powerful exploration of black history. Page 31
designer, and Dad helps out by offering Melissa, a single parent, a flexible work schedule. Her sister, Joslynn Skelton, does the choreography and Joslynn’s husband, Andrew Skelton, is the official photographer. Sweaney and co-director Laura Druey are assisted by their daughters, Jordan Sweaney and Jessica Druey. Both girls now attend Tevis Junior High but participated in the initial Hart productions. Jordan has appeared in several shows produced by the Bakersfield Music Theatre School of Performing Arts and Melissa is an avid supporter of BMT. Proceeds from this weekend’s “School House Rock Jr” at Hart will be used to fund five scholarships to summer classes at the BMT school.
Camille Gavin’s “Arts Alive!” column appears on Thursday. Write to her via e-mail at gavinarts@aol.com
An exhibit at Bakersfield Art Association’s gallery at Bakersfield Mazda features paintings, sculptures and photography that depict various modes of transportation. It’s called “Bikes, Trikes and Motorcycles”— in other words, anything that’s got wheels and will get you from one place to another. A reception honoring the artists will be held this evening at the auto dealership. Proceeds from artists’ entry fees and a percentage of the sales price for each piece of art that’s purchased will benefit the BAA’s scholarship fund, said Charlotte White, coordinator of the exhibit.
African dance classes
Young tenor in ‘Little Women’
Ayo Sharpe-Mouzon, an energetic and engaging performer, specializes in the rhythmic dances of West Africa and Senegal. In the past few weeks she has appeared at Cal State Bakersfield’s kick-off for Black History Month, the Black Chamber of Commerce and at Rosewood Senior Living Community, which is where I saw her perform, accompanied by her husband, John Mouzon, a drummer. Sharpe-Mouzon, who was born in Arkansas, told me she first
I was pleased to hear about the progress Liberty High School graduate Aaron Gallington is making in his budding career as an operatic tenor. The good news came by way of an e-mail from the singer’s father, Ron Gallington, who teaches at Ridgeview. Last year at this time I wrote about Aaron and his starring role in “La Boheme” at Pepperdine University. He expects to graduate in April and has been invited to audition for master’s programs at three prestigious institutions.
GO & DO ‘School House Rock Jr.’ When: 7 p.m Friday, 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday Where: Leo B. Hart School, 9508 Ridge Oak Drive Admission: $7 Information: 581-2910
‘Bikes, Trikes and Motorcycles’ When: Opening reception from 6 to 8 p.m. today Where: Bakersfield Mazda, BAA Gallery, 3201 Cattle King Drive Admission: Free Information: 869-2320
African dance classes When: 1 to 2 p.m. Saturday and 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday Where: SU Studio Dance Academy, 1515 21st St. Cost: $7 per class Information: 760-917-3685
‘Disney’s Mulan Junior’ workshop When: 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays, Feb. 23 to April 13 Where: Tonicism Productions at The Empty Space, 706 Oak St. Cost: $260 Information: 304-2440
Two weeks ago he traveled to the Bay Area for an audition with the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. In March he’ll be in New York City to try out for the Manhattan School of Music and the State University of New York School of Music. Meanwhile, Aaron will appear as lead tenor in Pepperdine Opera’s production of “Little Women.” Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 24 and 26 in the Performing Arts Center at the university’s Malibu campus.
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Thursday, February 17, 2011 The Bakersfield Californian
Eye Street
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Opening: January 21st through March 12th
Bakotopia.com editor mmunoz@bakersfield.com
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ew wave rock guru Gary Myrick and his band The Figures will be making a rare appearance at Fishlips in Bakersfield on Friday night. A fixture during the early days of Hollywood’s punk rock era, the Texas native got his musical start in the Dallas/Fort Worth area as a teen in various bands in the ’70s before being hit up to replace a then-unknown bluesman, Stevie Ray Vaughn. Myrick said he gets hit up a lot about the story, which has become the stuff of rock folklore. “I had my own band, and Stevie was playing in this band named Kracker Jack in Austin. This was about 1972. They were the biggest band in Austin at the time. For some reason they wanted to fire Stevie. It sounds crazy, but they did. I replaced him. It could have been some personal problems with Stevie; I can’t know why.” Hungry for more, Myrick packed his bags and moved to Los Angeles two years later. With The Figures, he and his band dove head-first into the scene, catching the ears of Epic Records, which signed them in 1979. “It was fantastic. There was a real camaraderie and artistic movement. Lines going around the block every night,” he recalled. “Stevie Ray Vaughn and I ran into each other a few times too, because we ended up on the same label. There were never any problems. Stevie was a sweet guy.” Reaching mainstream rock radio with the minor hit “She Talks in Stereo” from their debut, Myrick soon disbanded The Figures to pursue a solo career in 1982. Making studio rounds as a session player, Myrick also went on to write and play guitar on John Waite’s 1984 No. 1 hit, “Missing You.” Joining Clash bassist Paul Simonon to form Latin blues outfit Havana 3 AM in ’91, he stayed busy on and off the road in subsequent years, before heading off into relative obscurity to lead a quiet life in Southern California, writing, recording and following his passion for painting and motorcycles. He received an unexpected call one day from Sony, his former label, which had expressed interest in rereleasing Myrick’s early vinyl-only catalog to CD. It was a pleasant surprise. “I didn’t think this would ever happen,” said Myrick. “They actually contacted me and had me go over all the plans and tracks with them, which is very unusual for record companies.” Released together in 2009, all three full length records, including ’80s selftitled debut, ’82s “Living in a Movie,” and ’83’s “Language,” were reintroduced, complete with bonus live and
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A new wave breaks for Gary Myrick
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For reservations
12748 Jomani Drive
ROCKANDROLLTRIBE.COM
Gary Myrick and the Figures will play Friday night at Fishlips.
Gary Myrick and The Figures When: 9 p.m. Friday Where: Fishlips, 1517 18th Street Admission: $20 Information: 324-2557 or 3225200 or vallitix.com
studio tracks, most of which hadn’t been heard in almost 30 years. Within weeks of hitting stores, talk of a possible Figures tour became a topic of discussion. Myrick was all about it from the get go. “I’d stayed in touch with our bass player, David Dennard, for years and also with drummer Jack White for a while. It’s been so long, there weren’t really any hard feelings from a longtime ago. We were just so full of piss
and vinegar back in the day. Now, we’re older and wiser, we thought it would be great fun to get back together.” Following the successful rerelease of the band’s catalog, they took the stage for a triumphant show at The Roxy on Hollywood’s Sunset Strip that same year. Playing a few more select shows to great response through the end of last year, the group decided to keep going as long as interest was strong. “People are really grooving on the nostalgia. We embrace it and are having a great time right now. Our fans have been really sweet, and we care about them. We plan on just playing and if everything goes well, we’ll just keep on playing.” Also joining Myrick, White, and Dennard onstage will be original keyboardist, Ed Beyer.
BMT teams up with Civic Dance Center for a spectacular night on stage at the Harvey! Come enjoy some ofthe most talented local stars ever together in a Bakersfield production.
Saturday, February 19th at 8:00pm The Harvey Auditorium
Sponsored by:
Purchase tickets online at www.bmtstars.com or by calling the Ticket Box Off ice at (661) 325-6100. Follow Bakersfield Music Theatre on Facebook
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The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, February 17, 2011
Eye Street The Lowdown with Matt Munoz
Head south for sun, Raggamuffins from the Latin alternative-rock scene, which helped reignite the aging star’s career. I became hip to Pina’s music after being given a tribute CD in 2001 titled, “Barrio Bravo.” On the CD the accordionslinging songwriter was teamed with some of the best names in Latin alternative rock, including El Gran Silencio, Café Tacuba and others, who mixed their rap and rock to great results. His duo with Mexican rappers’ Control Machete on “Cumbia Sobre El Rio” always gets hips moving. Advance tickets for the show are $20 and can be purchased by calling 376-5777.
Celebrate all things Jamaican at festival
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he weather’s cold and wet in Bako, so there’s no better reason to pack up and head south for the 30th Annual Raggamuffins Festival happening this weekend in Long Beach. Formerly known as the “Bob Marley Day Festival,” the massive two-day event, held inside the Long Beach Arena, still pays tribute to the late singer as the music’s most famous ambassador. Saturday’s line-up includes the last living member of Marley’s original group — headliner Bunny Wailer, Santa Barbara surfer dudes’ Rebelution, dancehall hot stepper Half Pint, ’70s legends Horace Andy and Leroy Sibbles, plus Latin worldbeatniks Quinto Sol, and others. On Sunday, the traditional sounds continue with headliners Israel Vibration, whose members met as children in a Jamaican rehabilitation center while being treated for polio. Now performing as a duo, members’ Lascelle “Wiss” Bulgin and Cecil “Skeleton” Spence, still take the stage using crutches to sing all their popular hits from their 22-record discography. Also appearing is original Marley backup singer, Marcia Griffiths, plus Black Uhuru founder Don Carlos, the seriously spiritual Ras Michael and The Sons of Negus, soul man Freddie McGregor, and more. Having attended this festival numerous times over the years, I’ll give you some advice on how to maximize your good time. First, get there early to avoid being
DeRoo a free man ALFREDMOYA.COM
Reggae legend Bunny Wailer headlines the Raggamuffins Festival in Long Beach on Saturday.
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.
stuck in the search-and-frisk security line. Second, make sure you have plenty of money to stock up on everything from Jamaicaninspired art, incense, jewelry, music, to Bob Marley-branded merchandise. Third, try all the food. Inside and outside the venue there will be plenty of authentic food vendors to keep your munchies under control. I always have the jerk chicken with a side of puff-puff. No, not the illegal green leafy kind, but the
fried sweet bread. Fourth, dance like no one is watching. Speaking of smoke, you may notice the occasional smell of marijuana in the air as the plant is a big part of the music. Don’t let it alarm you. The crowd is more than mellow, mon. Tickets for the festival are $55 to $38 a day and available online at ticketmaster.com. For more information, visit raggamuffinsfestival.com
Accordion king comes to Bako Cumbia accordion master Celso Pina makes his Bakersfield debut at club La Movida, 212 E. 18th St. with special guests Velorio and Ecno on Friday, Feb. 25. Celso Pina is a music legend in his hometown of Monterrey, Mexico. For years he’s written some of the greatest songs in the Colombian cumbia/vallenato genre and has finally been getting his due. Not from the Latin pop world, but
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.
After 14 days behind bars, Adema bassist Dave DeRoo was released Sunday from the Hartford, Conn., jail where he was held on $1 million bail for breaking probation related to a 2008 DUI conviction. As reported two weeks ago in The Californian, DeRoo was arrested by police just before a scheduled show at Hartford’s The Webster on Jan. 29. No word on whether he’ll be rejoining his bandmates on the road as they continue finishing up their latest tour. Tonight, the band hits Club Vegas in Salt Lake City.
Matt’s Picks State of Insomnia, Andreas Fault and more at Jerry’s Pizza, 1817 Chester Ave., 6 p.m., Friday, $10, 633-1000. Halloween is still eight months away, but if you can’t wait, may I suggest this show. Looking like Satan’s spawn, Bakersfield’s State of Insomnia’s horror rock sound has been frightening parents for over a decade, much to the delight of young fans. Visit the band’s MySpace artist page at myspace.com/stateofinsomnia and take a listen to their cover of Flock of Seagulls ’80s hit “I Ran.” Yikes. 1916 at Fishlips, 1517 18th St., 9 p.m., Saturday, $5, 324-2557. Getting ready for March’s month of green, 1916 hits the stage for the first time this year.
PHOTO COURTESY OF CELSO PINA
Mexican music legend Celso Pina makes a rare local appearance on Feb. 25 at Bakersfield’s La Movida club.
Helping popularize Celtic rock in Bako, their live shows are loud, rowdy, and soaked in whiskey. In the past they’ve been known to have booze-filled piñatas and onstage sing-a-longs with fans pulled from the audience. I can already feel the hangover. Fiesta de Amor at The Eagles Hall, 1718 17th Street, 2 p.m., Sunday, $10, 324-9684. Since the ’70s, local guitarist Daythen Fernandez has been a familiar face performing with some of Bakersfield’s most popular top-40 bands. Hitting some recent rough spots, friends at the Musicians Local 800 Club have organized an all-day concert fundraiser to help Fernandez out, featuring bands Thee Majestics, The Five, Los Moonlighters, Mento Buru, The Press and plenty of special guests. It’s also a three-day weekend, so get on up and knock yourself out.
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Thursday, February 17, 2011 The Bakersfield Californian
Eye Street
February Special
STEAK HOUSE HENRY A. BARRIOS / THE CALIFORNIAN
Dean Ross holds a piece of glass that shows the “High Plains Gilder” theme of this year’s meeting. He will paint the glass and share his work with about 20 others coming to his home this weekend.
The gilded age of signage I
$5 Off Lunch For Two
February Special
STEAK HOUSE Must show this coupon before ordering. Up to total of four dinner entrees. Save up to $20. Not valid with any other offer. Dine in only. Expires 2/28/11. Not valid on Valentine’s Day.
Hobbyists get together to practice dying art n the sign industry, there was a gilded age — quite literally — when artisans would spend all day handpainting, etching or transferring gold leaf to glass. They took pride in their craftsmanship and it showed: The brilliant glass on banks, businesses, even beer signs, shimmered with a golden invitation that beckoned to passers-by to come inside. But those days, Dean Ross will tell you with a sigh, are gone. “There are very little in this town anymore,” said Ross, who owns a sign company called All That Lettering. “There are some old gilded letters down on 19th Street, but not that many.” Blame it on the computers. And vinyl lettering. That’s what they use now. But Ross still believes in doing things the old way, at least on his own time. In fact, he and about 20 other gilding traditionalists, including some folks who do the signage at Disneyland, are getting together at his Bakersfield home this weekend. Though the event is not open to the public, Ross called to let me know about it because it’s a bit of a coup for Bakersfield to be selected for the annual meeting site. As is the case every year, each artisan received a line drawing of the same design. In a tip of the hat to Bakersfield’s western vibe, the theme this year is “High Plains Gilder,” an homage to the Clint Eastwood classic “High Plains Drifter.” When the sign painters get
Must show this coupon before ordering. Up to total of four lunch entrees. Save up to $10. Not valid with any other offer. Dine in only. Expires 2/28/11. Not valid on Valentine’s Day.
$10 Off Dinner For Two
Mon-Fri 11-2 HOURS Lunch: Dinner: Mon-Thurs 5-10, Fri & Sat 5-10:30
2515 F Street • 322-9910
A sample of one of Dean Ross’ gilding pieces. This one took him about a week of 10-hour days to complete.
together this weekend, they’ll get to see how their fellow artisans interpreted the theme. Ross would like to share his knowledge with the community and is thinking about opening a school on the dying art of etching and laying gold leaf on glass, but nothing’s firmed up as of yet. “When I first got into gilding 30
years ago, banks used to call us up to gold leaf the name of the bank on the windows, attorneys would call — it was all hand-done,” Ross recalled. “You’d come out and bring your stuff and paint on the windows, and it was an all-day job. That kind of stuff is not happening anymore.” — Jennifer Self, Californian lifestyles editor
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The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, February 17, 2011
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Thursday, February 17, 2011 The Bakersfield Californian
Eye Street I called up Monty Byrom and asked him his impression of Robin Trower, and he said, and I quote, “tone for days.” Then he tried to mooch a free ticket.
Scott Cox CONTRIBUTING COLUMNIST
There’s no tone like Trower’s Guitar legend to play the Fox on Wednesday
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’m a terrible guitarist. I know five chords, and I can play four of them if I’ve taken some Advil. It’s just something I do for my own amusement when no one’s around. I have a fancy Fender Stratocaster on which to play those five chords in no particular order. Why would such a shockingly bad player own such a fine instrument? Because in my mind, I sound like Robin Trower. I’m serious. You can’t get Trower tone without a Strat. Or Stevie Ray Vaughan tone. Or Mark Knopfler tone. See, Robin Trower is one of those rare players who are instantly identifiable in a single note. He’s a worldclass musician, a living legend, an innovator. And he’s coming to Bakersfield. Trower’s first major gig was in the late 1960s with Procol Harum. He’s one of those guys who has the ability to flow seamlessly from rock to jazz to fusion, which made him perfect not only for Procol Harum, but for the whole late-’60s psychedelic rock scene. He stood out even in the Hendrix/Clapton era. He left the band in 1972 and started up his own trio, The Robin Trower Band, in ‘73. The following year, the band recorded one of rock music’s seminal albums, “Bridge of Sighs.” It’s one of those albums that you might not have, but I guarantee you that your favorite guitarist does. Clapton has it. David Gilmour has it. Gary Moore has it. I know for a fact that Joe Bonamassa has it. I called up Monty Byrom and asked him his impression of Robin Trower, and he said, and I quote, “tone for days.” Then he tried to mooch a free ticket. See, all these great players have a deep and abiding appreciation for tone. There are a zillion players out there who are technically proficient, who are lightning fast, but just don’t seem to be able to master the most important factor in being truly great. They don’t have tone. You hear a note or two from a guy like Robin Trower, and you know instantly that you’re in the presence of a true master. Another way you can tell a guy is pretty good is if he has his name on his guitar. And I don’t mean
KWEEVAK.COM
Robin Trower has been touring pretty much nonstop since the 1970s. He’s seen here in a 2009 performance at Starland Ballroom in Sayreville, N.J.
with a Sharpie. I mean on the headstock, as in the Fender Robin Trower Stratocaster. I want one, and after you hear this guy play live, you will too. Trower continued recording and touring pretty much nonstop through the 1970s, and hasn’t stopped since. He’s recorded several dozen albums with various iterations of the band, including a few gems with the legendary Brian Ferry. His latest, “Playful Heart,” came out last year and provides absolute proof that Robin and his band haven’t lost a beat — literally. If you don’t already have it, you can get samples at www.trowerpower.com. It’s all happening Wednesday at the Fox Theater. I just love that place. And we all have the chance to go see a truly historic guitarist bring his amazing talent to the Fox stage. Robin Trower is a bucket-list musician. You don’t want to be sitting around the retirement home swapping stories about all the great shows you’ve seen, and have to admit that you never saw Trower. Not cool. Whether you’re a musician, or just a fan of great music, I promise you’ll be blown away. And bring a youngster along. These kids need to learn about tone!
Robin Trower When: 8 p.m. Wednesday Where: Fox Theater, 2001 H St. Admission: $29 and $34; vallitix.com or 322-5200
Saturday, February 19 2 p.m. “The Blind Side”: Evolution of a Game by Michael Lewis Panel discussion regarding the book including football coaches, NFL and College players and others. Panelists include: • Brent McClannahan, former Minnesota Viking Running Back • Michael Reed, former Philadelphia Eagles Running Back • Anthony Jefferson, Arizona Cardinals Corner Back • Mandi Carver, former WNBA Detroit Shock Player • Charlie Craig, CSUB Professor and Historian • Kenny Wallace, Fresno City College (Ram) Defensive Line Sponsored by Kern County Library Free Admission Beale Memorial Library 701 Truxtun Avenue
A stimilulating and educational array of events and experiences for all ages, focusing on
Black History Month.
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The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, February 17, 2011
Eye Street Review
Black history play arouses emotion Drama is lengthy, but keeps suspense BY CAMILLE GAVIN Contributing columnist
F
or me, “Gem of the Ocean” is a welcome change from the musical comedies that seem to dominate local theater. The Pulitzer Prize-winning play by August Wilson is pure drama, bursting with rich language and powerful themes. Director Sheila McClure’s wellbalanced cast brought it to life with a sense of passion that ranged from restrained sensitivity to an explosive reality in last Friday’s opening performance at Bakersfield Community Theatre. Overall, “Gem” is an emotional experience that begins slowly — almost too slowly — in the first act as the scene is set for the turbulent second act, where it builds to a high-decibel pitch guaranteed to take the audience along swiftly to its tragic end. It’s a drama that requires considerable physical endurance and concentration on the part of the actors, particularly because of the numerous intricate but beautifully written monologues. Their speech and actions aroused in me a strong feeling of empathy. I repeatedly found myself clenching my fists in anger at the injustices the characters were facing, laughing heartily along with the
FELIX ADAMO / THE CALIFORNIAN
Black Mary Wilkes, played by Cheryl Robinson, right, looks away as she washes the feet of Aunt Ester, played by Althea Williams in a scene from “Gem of the Ocean.”
rest of the audience at the frequent exchanges of humor, and nearly jumping out of my seat at the split-second surprises in several scenes. BCT intended this production to be a salute to black history and in that respect it succeeds. The only drawback is its length — a good three hours, not counting intermission. Yet McClure keeps it moving at a reasonable pace, and superior acting along with the realistic nature of the costuming and set design do much to enhance the reality of the story being told.
Maceo Davis gives a masterful performance as Citizen Barlow, a troubled young black man from Alabama who is searching for true freedom. Davis is most compelling when he’s expressing his anguish but is equally convincing in the play’s more lighthearted moments, “Gem” is set in Pittsburgh in 1904, more than 40 years after Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, yet for blacks a wide gulf continues to exist between the laws that are on the books and the real world. The play's title signifies the first slave
ship that arrived in America in 1619. Citizen’s guide on his mystical 285-year journey to the City of Bones, which represents all those who have died, is Aunt Ester, an ancient matriarch artfully played by Althea Williams. With her help he’s able to connect with his culture — past and present. Everything comes together in a mesmerizing scene that’s a mixture of Christian spirituality and pagan practices, symbolized by actors wearing African masks. Thanks to excellent lighting design and perfectly timed sound effects, the climactic moment fairly explodes across the stage. All of this sounds like pretty serious stuff, and it is. But the drama is spiced here and there with unexpected humor. For example, Hurshel Williams Jr.’s interpretation of Solly Two Kings is fascinating. He’s always “on” even when he has no dialogue and in a key moment of the drama uses his tall, knobby walking stick to bring down — literally — the evil constable Caesar Wilkes, played by Michael King, a very believable villain. Cheryl Robinson as Black Mary and Kenneth Whitchard as Eli both act as mediators and, for the most part, are neutral figures in the story. Each, at various times declares: “This is a house of peace, a sanctuary.” But each comes to full bloom in a surprising way before the final scene.
‘Gem of the Ocean’ When: 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday Where: Bakersfield Community Theatre, 2400 S. Chester Ave. Admission: $15; $12, students and seniors Information: 831-8114
Rutherford Selig, the only white character in the cast, is portrayed by Edward French. As an itinerant peddler of pots and pans, his is a positive role. But throughout the play there is a constant and sometimes subtle undertone of the ways white society continues to hold blacks in bondage. Friday night’s opening was a lengthy one that began at 6 p.m. and ended at 11:30 p.m. It started with a tasty meal of fried catfish, collard greens, black-eyed peas and corn bread prepared by Hurshel Williams Sr., owner of B’s Red Buck Catering and served to about 50 diners on the playhouse’s front patio. Blue Mirror, a local R&B group, entertained during the dinner. Later, before the show’s first scene, vocalists Wilson “Cookie” Mackey and Linda Enzingah Mackey presented a 45-minute program of traditional Negro spirituals and popular songs. Performances of “Gem” continue at BCT through Feb. 27.
Athletes to talk about issues, view of game BY STEFANI DIAS Californian assistant lifestyles editor sdias@bakersfield.com
T
he Super Bowl has come and gone, but football is still on our minds for Saturday with the discussion of “The Blind Side: Evolution of a Game” at Beale Memorial Library, which will feature a panel of current and former professional athletes with local ties. No doubt many people have seen the popular 2009 Oscar-winning film based on the best-seller. But even those who haven’t picked up the 2006 book should feel comfortable attending the event, according to Brenda Scobey, the library’s reference coordinator. “The issues in the book are portrayed in the movie as well,” she said. She said 50 people attended the screening of the film the library hosted last Thursday and she
‘The Blind Side: Evolution of a Game’ What: Panel book discussion When: 2 p.m. Saturday Where: Beale Library, Auditorium, 701 Truxtun Ave. Information: 868-0745
hopes that the movie fans will be inspired to pick up the book after the discussion on Saturday. Scobey knows something about inspiring readers since she’s the one who talked the panel’s moderator — Betty Williams, owner of B Moore Christian Books — into reading “The Blind Side” after they had discussed the film. Williams has also been instrumental in the community-wide Harlem & Beyond celebration — of which this event is a part — by organizing meetings at her store.
And the discussion is a real family affair with Williams moderating and son Monty Embry being responsible for helping round up panel guests. Along with CSUB professor and historian Charlie Craig, the lineup includes former Minnesota Viking Brent McClanahan, former Philadelphia Eagle Michael Reed, Arizona Cardinal rookie Anthony Jefferson and Kenny Wallace, a rising star at Fresno City College. (Former WNBA Detroit Shock player Mandi Carver was also slated to appear, but she had a conflict with her job as assistant coach for the Cal State Bakersfield Lady Runners, who have a game Saturday afternoon.) Although the other three athletes on the panel have Bakersfield roots, Michael Reed is relatively new to town. Originally from Washington, D.C., Reed moved here in 2007 on the sug-
gestion of Rashaan Shehee, a teammate during their time as Huskies at the University of Washington. The 36-year-old Kern County deputy sheriff said that he’s happy to have played professionally and to have followed his dream. “Football gave me my life,” he said. Although his time with the Eagles was brief (1998-1999), he describes it as a great experience. He also said that it’s a reminder to young athletes with dreams of big league sports. “It’s good to have dreams, but even though you make it there, it doesn’t guarantee anything. Not everyone’s going to make millions,” he said. “For some people, it crushes them not to be able to play at that level” once it ends, Reed said. But with a degree in sociology, Reed was able to move on with his life.
He also credits his football experience with providing him with a pattern for his faith, something that both he and Scobey said are a component of Michael Oher’s story in “The Blind Side.” Reed said he also connected with Oher in feeling that “everyone has a story.” He hopes to one day share his story, which includes childhood travel with his father who was in the Air Force and his fight with leiomyosarcoma, a rare form of cancer that he was first diagnosed with six years ago. “The doctors said I had a better chance of being struck by lightning than getting this form of cancer,” he said. He will undergo surgery for the third occurrence in his lungs, which has not responded to two regimens of chemotherapy. “Hopefully someday I’ll be able to tell my story,” he said.
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Thursday, February 17, 2011 The Bakersfield Californian
Eye Street GO & DO Today 45th Annual Bob Elias Sports Hall of Fame, doors open at 5:30 p.m., dinner 7 p.m., Marriott Hotel at the Convention Center, 801 Truxtun Ave. $40. Howdy, 7475380. Bus Trip to Nethercutt Museum & Collection in Sylmar, a CSUB Osher Lifelong Learning Institute course for ages 50 and above, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., bus will leave CSUB, parking lot E, 9001 Stockdale Highway. $30 members; $55 nonmembers. 654-2427. Chefs on Parade Exhibit, displaying decorated professional chef coats created by residents and families of Brookdale Senior Living, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., Glenwood Gardens, Building A, 350 Calloway Drive. chefsonparade2011.com or 587-0221. Food & Wine Pairings, a CSUB Osher Lifelong Learning Institute course for ages 50 and above, 6 to 8 p.m., Urner’s Appliance Center, 4110 Wible Road. $60 members; $100 nonmembers. 654-2427. “Road Scholar” Cult Classic Film, starring Andrei Codrescu, 7 p.m., CSUB, Student Union, Multipurpose Room, 9001 Stockdale Highway. Light refreshments. Salty Roux featuring Albert Lee, 8 p.m., Fishlips Bar & Grill, 1517 18th St. $20. vallitix.com or 322-5200. The Lisa Project, hosted by a collaborative of community partners, take a journey through the lives of children plagued by abuse; 5 to 9 p.m. Thursday and Friday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays; 1 to 5 p.m. Sundays, now through February, Bakersfield Heart Hospital, 3001 Sillect Ave. visit thelisaproject.org or 246-4181. Way Back When Lecture, panel discussion on black entertainment, culture, sports, politics in the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s, with guest moderator Chris Reid from Kid ‘n Play, 6 to 8 p.m., Bakersfield Museum of Art, 1930 R St. bmoa.org or 323-7219.
Friday 25th annual Bakersfield Home & Garden Show, 1 to 7 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Kern County Fairgrounds, 1142 S. P St. $7; 12 and under free; $3 parking. ggshows.com or 800-655-0655. 54th annual Whiskey Flat Days “Goin’ To the Dogs — Cowboy’s Best Friend,” parade, gunfighters, carnival, music, vendors, frog jumping contest, costume and Whiskerino contest, Whiskey Flat encampment, demonstrations of life in the Old West, line dancing, clowns, pet parade, melodrama, tours, games, children’s activities, storytellers, arts & crafts, flintnapping and more, noon to sundown Friday; 9 a.m. to sundown Saturday; 9 a.m. to sundown Sunday; 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday, Kernville. For full schedule of events visit kernvalley.com/news/whiskey.htm or 760376-2629. Condors vs. Ontario Reign, 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 6 p.m. Sunday, Rabobank Arena, 1001 Truxtun Ave. Tickets: Rabobank box office, bakersfieldcondors.com or 3247825. Denim & Designer Delights Event, jeans, shoes, purses and more made by designers, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, American Cancer Society Discovery Shop, 5420 California Ave. 324-1359. Father-Daughter Valentine’s Dance, 7 to 10 p.m., Riverlakes Community Church, 4301
Calloway Drive. $20 per family. 589-9733. FLICS International Cinema Society, presents “The Square,” 7:30 p.m., Bakersfield Fox Theater, 2001 H St. $5. flics.org or call 428-0354. Gary Myrick & The Figures Reunion Tour 2011, 9 p.m., Fishlips Bar & Grill, 1517 18th St. $20 plus fee. vallitix.com or 3225200.
Saturday African-American Trailblazers: A Celebration of Africa’s Gift to Kern County, by author Fred Haynes, 11 a.m., Beale Memorial Library, Tejon Room, 701 Truxtun Ave. Free. 868-0745. Bakersfield Green Thumb Garden Club, meeting with Walter Thoma of Paradise Orchard in Porterville discussing “Grafting,” 9 a.m., Church of the Brethren, in the social hall, 327 A St. 393-3657. “Beginning Archaeology” for Kids, 1 to 2:30 p.m., Buena Vista Museum of Natural History, 2018 Chester Ave. 324-6350. Bakersfield Military Ball, guest speakers, presentations, dancing, ceremony, 5 p.m. to midnight, DoubleTree Hotel, 3100 Camino Del Rio Court. $90. Black tie formal/military dress. 363-6006 or 224-9916. Garden Project Meeting, learn how to plant your own vegetable garden, 10 a.m., St. Luke Anglican Church, 2730 Mall View Road. 332-3204. Kern Audubon Society, field trip to Paiute Ponds, meet at 7 a.m. at the Chevron station, corner of Brundage Lane and Union Avenue. Bring water, snacks, binoculars. kernaudubonsociety.org or 325-0307. Kern River Valley Hiking Club, trip to Owl Canyon/Rainbow Basin Loop Hike, leave at 7 a.m., from Starbucks Coffee, East: Junction of highways 58 & 184 (Weedpatch Highway). Bring lunch and 2 quarts of water. Dress appropriately. For directions, visit lakeisabella.net/ hiking or 778-3453. Kids Discover Music, classically trained musician performs, reads a story and lets the kids learn up close and personally about the music and the instrument, 11 a.m. to noon, Russo’s, 9000 Ming Ave. 665-4686. Mayor’s Freeway Cleanup, meets prior to 9 a.m., Park & Ride lot on Stockdale Highway, west of Oak Street. Group will travel by bus/van to various cleanup locations. 326-3770. Paleo Workshop #1, with Mark Hodson, learn about paleontology and geology of Shark Tooth Hill, learn how to identify fossils, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Buena Vista Museum of Natural History, 2018 Chester Ave. $25 members; $35 nonmembers. 3246350. Pre-Lenten Game & Card Party 2011, with The Altar Guild, with prizes, raffles and refreshments, 1 to 3:30 p.m., St. Francis of Assisi Church, Parish Hall, 900 H St. $5. 829-1779. “The Blind Side: Evolution of a Game,” panel book discussion, 2 p.m., Beale Library, Auditorium, 701 Truxtun Ave. 868-0745.
Sunday 12th annual King & Queen of Hearts Dinner & Dance, 50/50 raffle, music by Dennis Acosta of The Targets, crowning of king and queen, doors open at 5:30 p.m., dinner 6 p.m., Hodel’s, Kern Rooms, 5917 Knudsen Drive. $40. Reservations needed by Feb. 14, 871-1365. Bakersfield Super Sunday, initiative to increase college going rate among AfricanAmerican students, 11 a.m., Church of Christ Ministries, 1416 Wilson Road. Please see PAGE 32
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The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, February 17, 2011
Eye Street CONTINUED FROM PAGE 31
THEATER “Gem of the Ocean,” 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday, Bakersfield Community Theatre, 2400 S. Chester Ave. $15 adults, $12 seniors/students/active military. 831-8114. “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof,” 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, The Empty Space, 706 Oak St. $15 adults; $10 students/seniors. 327-PLAY. “Malt Shop Memories,” 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday, Intimate Theatre & Music Hall, 2030 19th St. $25 for two adults; $10 students/children. 3231976. “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. “The See You Next Tuesdays Comedy Troupe World Premiere,” 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, The Empty Space, 706 Oak St. $5. 327-7529. Auditions, for “Hairspray,” 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Stars School of Fine Arts, 1927 Eye St. Visit bmtstars.com or 203-7633. Improv Comedy Show, with Center For Improv Advancement, 8 to 9:30 p.m. Saturdays; with high school students, 8 p.m. Sundays, Ice House, 3401 Chester Ave., Suite M. Adults: $5 on Saturdays, $3 on Sundays; children under 12 are $1 every day. 412-3CIA. Major League Improv, improvisational comedy show, appropriate for families, 6 p.m. Saturdays, The Empty Space, 706 Oak St. Free but donations are accepted. 327-PLAY.
ART Art Show, about literacy, “Contextual,” now through April 30, Padre Hotel, 1702 18th St. 4274900. “Empty Altar” Art Exhibit, by Gustavo Godoy, on display now until March 12, CSUB, Todd Madigan Gallery, 9001 Stockdale Highway. Gallery hours are 1 to 6 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays and 1 to 5 p.m. Saturdays. 6542238. 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 323-7219. “California Perspectives 2011,” exhibit on display now through April 2, Younger Gallery (located in the Bank of America tower), 1430 Truxtun Ave., Suite 105. 3249000. All Media Class, by instructor Phyllis Oliver, all media welcome, with color theory stressed. For
Chris Reid
GO & DO Way Back When Lecture, panel discussion on black entertainment, culture, sports, politics in the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s, with guest moderator Chris Reid from Kid ‘n Play, 6 to 8 p.m., Bakersfield Museum of Art, 1930 R St. bmoa.org or 323-7219. more information or to register, email pegolivert@ix.netcom.com or call 348-4717. Art classes, beginning watercolor, beginning drawing, advanced drawing and watercolor painters’ group, taught by Carol Bradshaw. Call or e-mail for details and enrollment. bradshawartist@earthlink.net or 760-376-6604. 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 Street. 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. To schedule an appointment, call 324-0975 or 706-6490. Beginning Oil Painting, with instructor Glen Jelletich, classes held 1 to 3 p.m. Mondays. Call 399-3707 for more information or to register. Beginning, Intermediate and Advanced Drawing, by instructor Nina Landgraff, series of five two-hour classes. Call for more information or to register. 304-7002. Framing Clinic, with Toni Lott, for artists who want to frame their work, running noon to 4 p.m. Wednesdays. Call 205-3488 for more information or to register. Free art classes, for homeschool children, 11 a.m. Thursdays, Moore’s Art School, 837-1037. 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., 869-2320; 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.
MUSIC Blues Kern River Blues Society Jam, 2 to 8 p.m. every third Saturday, Trout’s, 805 N. Chester Ave. 8727517.
Classic Rock Julie’s The Branding Iron Saloon, 1807 N. Chester Ave., Left Coast Groovies, 7 p.m. Friday. Pyrenees Cafe, 601 Sumner, 3230053; Bunky Spurling, 8 p.m. Friday. T-Bones Steakhouse, 8020 District Blvd., 398-1300; The Tony Ernst Band, 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. Friday. The Monte Carlo, 9750 Taft Highway, 837-0250; No Limit, 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Kern River Brewing Company, 13415 Sierra Highway, Kernville, 760-376-2337; Left Coast Groovies, 7:30 to 10 p.m. Saturday. T-Bones Steakhouse, 8020 District Blvd., 398-1300; Party Dogs, 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. Saturday.
Comedy 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.
Country Sandrini’s, 1918 Eye St., 3228900; The People’s Band, 9 p.m. Thursday. 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. Buck Owens Crystal Palace, 2800 Buck Owens Blvd., 3287560; Buddy Alan & the Buckaroos, 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Ethel’s Old Corral, 4310 Alfred Harrell Highway, 873-7613; Nightlife, 7 to 11 p.m. Friday; Noah Claunch, 3 to 7 p.m. Sunday. Tejon Club, 117 El Tejon Ave., 3921747; Crossroads, 6 to 10 p.m. Sunday.
Dancing
Jazz
Joaquin Squares, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Thursday, Rasmussen Center, 115 E. Roberts Lane. $5. 324-1390, 325-3086 or 399-3658. 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. 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. Whirlaways Square Dance Club, dance every fourth Saturday, East Bakersfield Veteran’s Hall, 2101 Ridge Road. whirlaways.org or 398-3394. 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, has workshops/classes every first, third, fourth and fifth Mondays, Park Stockdale Civic Association Community Center, 205 Rio Bravo Drive. 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. africandanceclasses. com or 760-917-3685. Dance Drill Classes, beginning belly dancing, 8 p.m. every Tuesday; advanced belly dancing, 7 to 9 p.m. every Thursday, Centre Stage Studio, 1710 Chester Ave. $5 drop-in fee for beginning belly dancing; $15 for advanced belly dancing. Bring knee pads and yoga mat to advanced class. 323-5215.
Cafe Med, 4809 Stockdale Highway, 834-4433; Richie Perez, 7:30 to 11 p.m. Thursdays. Imbibe Wine & Spirits Merchant, 4140 Truxtun Ave., 633-WINE; live music by Mike Montano, along with 24 wines, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Friday; featuring Jazz Connection, along with 24 wines, 7 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday. 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.
DJ B. Ryder’s Sports Bar & Grill, 7401 White Lane, 397-7304; DJ Wyld One, 8:30 p.m. Thursday. Rockstarz Party Bar, 7737 Meany Ave., Suite B5, 589-6749; DJ James, 9 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays. Free. Elevation Lounge, 818 Real Road, 325-6864; 9 p.m. DJ Adam E, 9 p.m. Thursday and Saturday. Banacek’s Lounge, 4601 State Road, 387-9224; with DJ Casey Overstreet, 9 p.m. Fridays. Le Corusse Rouge, 4647 White Lane, 834-1611; with DJ Chill in the Mixx, 5 p.m. every Friday until 2 a.m. Saturday. Sandrini’s, 1918 Eye St., 3228900; Wax On with DJ Mustache, 9:30 p.m. Friday. The Bull Shed Bar & Grill, at Hotel Rosedale, 2400 Camino Del Rio Court, 327-0681; with Meg, 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.
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. Julie’s The Branding Iron Saloon, 1807 N. Chester Ave., 6 to 10 p.m. every Friday. Maria Bonita Mexican Restaurant, 10701 Highway 178, 366-3261, 7 to 11 p.m. Fridays. All ages. The Pourhouse, 4041 Fruitvale Ave., 589-9300; 9 p.m. every Friday. The Prime Cut, 9500 Brimhall Road, 831-1413; hosted by Ed Loverr, 9 p.m. to midnight Friday. The Regent, 2814 Niles St., 8714140; 8:30 p.m. every other Friday. Chateau Lounge, 2100 S. Chester Ave., 835-1550; 9 p.m. every Saturday. 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. Please see PAGE 33
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Thursday, February 17, 2011 The Bakersfield Californian
Eye Street CONTINUED FROM PAGE 32
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. Ethel’s Old Corral, 4310 Alfred Harrell Highway, 873-7613; 6 to 9 p.m. every Wednesday. Rockstarz Party Bar, 7737 Meany Ave., Suite B5, 589-6749; 8 p.m. Mondays through Wednesdays.
Latin/Salsa 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. Mariachi Camino Real Restaurant, 3500 Truxtun Ave., 852-0493; Mariachi Imperial, 6 to 9 p.m. Sundays. Oldies KC Steakhouse, 2515 F St., 3229910; Jimmy Gaines, Bobby O and Mike Halls, 6:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday.
JAMMIN’ AT THE D0UBLETREE
PHOTO COURTESY OF TERRY LARSEN
Peter Karp and Sue Foley perform last Friday night at Part 77 of the No Stinkin’ Service Charge Blues Series in the DoubleTree Hotel Ballroom.
Old School
Top 40
Que Pasa Mexican Cafe, 2701 Ming Ave., 832-5011; Al Garcia & the Rhythm Kings, 8 to 11 p.m. every Thursday. Tam O’Shanter, 2345 Alta Vista, 324-6774; The Press, 8:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The Bistro After Dark, 5105 California Ave., 323-3905; Old School Saturdays with Noe G, 10 p.m. every Saturday. Ladies free/$10 cover.
DoubleTree Hotel, Club Odyssey, 3100 Camino Del Rio Court. 323-7111; 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. every Friday.
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.
Open Mic
Variety
Sandrini’s, 1918 Eye St., 3228900; 9 p.m. Wednesdays. T-Bones Steakhouse, 8020 District Blvd., 398-1300; with Ben Lara, 6 to 10 p.m. Wednesdays. Fishlips, 1517 18th St., 3242557; Bakotopia Unplugged Open-Mic Night, 8 p.m., signups begin at 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays.
Marriott Hotel at the Convention Center, 801 Truxtun Ave., 323-1900: In the Mixx with DJ Noe G., Fridays. 21 & over only. Golden State Mall, 3201 F St., Dance to Joe Loco, 2 to 5 p.m. Sundays.
Rock
25th annual Charles W. Kegley Institute of Ethics Winter Lecture, author Andrei Codrescu discussing “Whose Global Village? Reflections on Power and Imagination in today’s world,” at 7 p.m., book signing to follow lecture, CSUB, Dore Theatre, 9001 Stockdale Highway. Free parking after 6 p.m. in Lots B-D. 654-2555. CSUB Men’s Basketball, vs. Seattle University, 7 p.m., Rabobank Arena, 1001 Truxtun Ave. $5-$25. gorunners.com or 654-BLUE. “The Gnome Project,” specially designed ceramic gnomes on display available by silent auction, now until Feb. 28, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, Spotlight Theatre, 1622 19th St. Free. 636-0490.
Rockstarz Party Bar, 7737 Meany Ave., Suite B5, 589-6749; live bands, 9 p.m. every Thursday. B. Ryder’s Sports Bar & Grill, 7401 White Lane, 397-7304; Good Question, 9 p.m. Friday; Joe Buck, The Hooten Hallers, 9 p.m. Saturday. $5 Friday and Saturday. Elevation Lounge, 818 Real Road, 325-6864; Elevation 406, 9 p.m. Friday. Jerry’s Pizza, 1817 Chester Ave., 633-1000; In This Moment, State of Insomina and Andreas Fault, doors open 6 p.m. Friday; Casino Madrid, 6 p.m. Saturday. $10 Friday; $5 Saturday. Tickets at tgptix.com or World Records, Wavelengths, Impact Streetwear, Outer Limits or Hoggz Surfshop. Sandrini’s, 1918 Eye St., 3228900; The Councilmen, 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.
Trivia night
UPCOMING EVENTS Monday 2/21
Tuesday 2/22 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.
Wednesday 2/23 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. Beyond the Veil: The True Muslim Woman, panel of local Muslim woman discussing Islam and its teachings concerning women, 5 to 7 p.m., CSUB, Student Union, 9001 Stockdale Highway. 654-3211. Robin Trower, 8 p.m., Bakersfield Fox Theater, 2001 H St. $20 to $30 plus fee. vallitix.com or 3225200. The Rat Pack is Back-Broadway in Bakersfield, 7:30 p.m., Rabobank Theater, 1001 Truxtun Ave. $25 to $45 plus fee. ticketmaster.com or call 800-7453000.
Thursday 2/24 “100 Years of Broadway,” presented by Bakersfield Community Concert Association, 7:30 p.m., the theater at Rabobank Convention Center, 1001 Truxtun Ave. $50 for four remaining concerts. bakersfieldcca.org or 205-8522 or 589-2478. Lucky Ned Pepper, 7 p.m., Buck Owens Crystal Palace, 2800 Buck Owens Blvd. $14 to $20. vallitix.com or call 322-5200. “The Marriage of Bette & Boo,” 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday; 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, CSUB, Dore Theatre, 9001 Stockdale Highway. $10; $8 faculty/staff/seniors; $5 students with ID. No recommended for children under 13. 654-3150. “Two Small Pieces of Glass,” doors open at 7 p.m., begins at 7:30 p.m., Bakersfield College, Planetarium, Math and Science Building, room 112, 1801 Panorama Drive. $6.50; $4.50 students/seniors. Tickets will not be sold at the door. 395-4326.
Friday 2/25 34th annual Central Valley Sportsmen Boat, RV & Outdoor Living Show, activities include displays and presentation for all ages and outdoor interests, kids’ trout pond, mobile bass bin, field dog training, wildlife display, archery and more; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Kern County Fairgrounds, 1142 S. P St. $8 or $2 off regular admission with canned food or non-perishable donation; children 12 and under free. calshows.com or 393-0793 or 800-725-0793. Abandon & Wavorly Tour, 7 p.m., Jesus Shack, indoor stage, 1326 30th St. $10 general admission; $25 VIP. jesusshack.com or call 324-0638. An Evening of Art Song & Aria, 7:30 p.m., CSUB, Music Building, Room 127, 9001 Stockdale Highway. $10; $4 students. 6543093.
“Cat on a Hot Tin Roof,” 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, The Empty Space, 706 Oak St. $15 adults; $10 students/seniors. 327-PLAY. Condors vs. Stockton Thunder, 7 p.m. Friday; noon Saturday, Rabobank Arena, 1001 Truxtun Ave. Tickets: Rabobank box office, bakersfieldcondors.com or 3247825. CSU Bakersfield Guitar Art Series, with Aaron Larget-Caplan, 7:30 p.m., Metro Galleries, 1604 19th St. $12; $6 students. 6542511. “Murder Can Be Habit Forming,” presented by Black Gold Productions, doors open at 5:30 p.m., show at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday; matinee 2 p.m. Sunday, Masonic Temple, 1820 18th St. $20 dinner show; $10 matinee. 699-3953. “Pageant,” 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. “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.
Saturday 2/26 Fifth annual Greek Dinner & Dance for Thought, featuring The Olympians Greek Band and silent auction, 6 p.m., Moorea Banquet Centre, 8700 Swigert Court, #109. $75 per person. 8724903. 64th annual Kern County Honor Music Festival, 7 p.m., Rabobank Convention Center, 1001 Truxtun Ave. Free. Annual Open House, hosted by the school’s Future Farmers of America program, petting zoo, exhibits, booths, bounce house, entertainment, tri-tip barbecue, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Ridgeview High School, 8501 Stine Road. Free; tritip barbecue combo meal, $5. 398-3100. Bea’s Creative Corner, crafts, vendors and more, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Glenwood Gardens, building A, 350 Calloway Drive. 871-3340 or 619-4153. Book signing, with author Leona Mello of “Poetry From the Heart” 1 p.m., Russo’s, 9000 Ming Ave. 665-4686. CSUB Jazz Coffeehouse, 7:30 p.m., CSUB, Music Building, Room 127, 9001 Stockdale Highway. $10; $4 students. 654-2511. Guitar Master Class, with Aaron Larget-Caplan, 2 p.m., CSUB, Music Building, Room 118, 9001 Stockdale Highway. Free. 6543093. Harlem & Beyond: Black Gospel Concert, a Black History Month celebration of songs, dance, mime and poetry, 6 p.m., Compassion Christian Center, 1030 4th St. Free. 868-0745.