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The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, February 23, 2012
Eye Street Editor Jennifer Self | Phone 395-7434 | e-mail jself@bakersfield.com
Index Sportsmen’s boat and RV show .............. 26 Arts Alive .................................................. 28 Colours: A Celebration of the Arts ........ 29 Stars Theatre 2012-13 season ................ 29 The Lowdown with Matt Munoz ............ 30 5th annual Read Across Bakersfield........ 31 ‘The Miracle Worker’ .............................. 32 Calendar .............................................. 36-37
Scott Cox CONTRIBUTING COLUMNIST
Star? I’ll be the judge of that Paging Simon Cowell: Israeli singing contest comes to Bakersfield
I
got a call from a friend of mine who's a huge wheel in the entertainment biz. He wanted me, with my vast wealth of musical knowledge, to be a judge in a reality show. And I can't stand reality shows. I've never watched a single episode of “American Idol,” and I never will. But, after my friend explained that there was a paycheck involved, I decided to lower my standards. Of course any “standards” I have are only theoretical anyway, and I need some extra cash to finance my next Texas trip, so I signed right up. I figured making fun of some hapless tone-deaf hack for a couple of hours would be a hoot. f they wanted a low-rent Simon Cowell, I was their huckleberry. As it turns out, filming the show was an absolute blast, for reasons not remotely connected to what I thought they would be. The show is called “Living in LaLa Land,” and it's the biggest thing on TV. In Israel. Yep, I was to be a judge on a show that would never air in the United States. So much for my path to superstardom. I guess I can forget about having lunch with Chris Walken for the time being. The premise of the show is this: They take six established music artists from Israel and fly them out to California, where they'll pretty much have to start from scratch. Nobody knows them here, so they have to get by on sheer talent. Sort of. This is the music business after all. The contestants have to prove their mettle in various forms of music, from soul to R&B, rock and country. So when they needed a place to perform for a country audience, of course Bakersfield was the obvious choice. Even more obvious was the decision to film at Buck Owens' Crystal Palace. Keep in mind that these people have never sung anything close to country before, but they surely had all heard of Buck.
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Our day began with paperwork, our first indicator that we were dealing with a big-time production company. We would have figured that out pretty soon anyway, what with the small army of lighting and sound guys running around. There were the requisite important-looking people feverishly typing stuff into their Macs and Blackberries. And then the most obvious sign that we were in the presence of proper showbiz types: People wearing sunglasses indoors. It was fantastic. So we signed our releases and non-disclosure forms, got briefed on our duties for the day, got free coffee and bagels, then we were whisked off to a remote part of the building while the contestants rehearsed. This is where I discovered a thing called “craft services,” which is showbiz code for “free food.” No kidding. Somewhere in that paperwork I signed was some legal provision requiring them to let us gorge ourselves. I think they had one guy who does nothing but run back and forth to Starbucks. I don't even like Starbucks, but it was cool to feel like a big shot for a day. I can't say anything about what happened during the show, but I can say that flying halfway around the world to sing songs you just learned in a language you don't know to a panel of people who are used to hearing it done perfectly must take a monumental amount of courage, and all six of them did a tremendous job, albeit with varying degrees of talent. But that’s the idea of the show. And while it’s easy to judge these people from your living room on TV, I learned that it's really hard to do it in person. These are actual human beings, not just idiots queuing up in Burbank for “American Idol” or “XFactor” or whatever. These people are doing something well outside their personal comfort zones. And the losers don't just go back to working at Orange Julius at some mall. They have to fly back home to Israel! I have no idea how big a deal this will be to these
HENRY A. BARRIOS / THE CALIFORNIAN
The Israeli singing competition “Living in LaLa Land” recently came to Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace for an episode. The contestants performed country songs for a panel of local judges: Jim Shaw, Billy Haynes, Scott Cox, Monty Byrom, Amy Adams, Josh Graham and Louieztte Geiss.
folks back home, but my understanding is that this show is gigantic there, so obviously the winner will get an epic career boost, plus a deal with Geffen Records with international support included. And hopefully the others will have enjoyed the process and consider it a great life experience. I know that's how I feel about it. Plus, I got to hang out with some dear friends for the day, which made the whole thing fun. My pal Monty Byrom was there and “American Idol” alum Amy Adams. Former Smokin' Armadillo and current good egg Josh Graham was on the panel, as was longtime Buckaroo Jim Shaw, who probably knows more about music than anybody I know. Once the show is finished, I’m pretty sure you can watch bits of it online, or you can go to Israel and watch it on TV. Either way, it was a great time, and I’m happy that I can have “International TelPlease see COX / 35
Maya Buskila performs at Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace. The artists are already big in Israel, but they’re trying to make it in America.
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Thursday, February 23, 2012 The Bakersfield Californian
Eye Street
Hey, let’s start a record label Musician, shop owner to capture live performances BY SUSAN SCAFFIDI Contributing writer
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fter a decade of performing, composing and producing concerts of what he calls “unusual music,” it was inevitable that Kris Tiner would take the next step — starting a new record label to capture all of those performances. Tiner is teaming up with Ronald Ramirez, owner of the downtown Bakersfield record store Going Underground Records, who has been recording local bands for almost a decade. Their new record label will be called Epigraph Records. “I’ve been talking to (Ramirez) for a while because he’s been wanting to expand his offerings for the local scene, and I’ve been wanting to document what we’ve been doing,” Tiner said. “(Tiner) was always coming into my store buying records, and we started talking,” Ramirez said. In addition to his own work, Tiner has just begun recording visiting performers as well as local groups who perform in various venues around town. Guitarist Jim McAuley and his group, Gongfarmer, performed in Bakersfield last weekend; Saxophonist Philip Greenlief and his trio will perform at 8 p.m. this evening at Metro Galleries. “It’s become kind of important stuff,” Tiner said. “I’ve been getting a lot of requests — several a week — from bands from all over.” Tiner said groups enjoy performing in Bakersfield because of the reception they get for their
Saxophonist Philip Greenlief and his trio When: 8 tonight Where: Metro Galleries, 1604 19th St. Admission: $5 all ages; tickets at the door Information: 205-1874 or info@epigraphrecords.com
musical experiments. “They’ve let me know after the fact that Bakersfield is one of their favorite places to play,” Tiner said. “The audiences are enthusiastic and they aren’t overloaded with new music,” Tiner said, comparing Bakersfield audiences with those of larger cities. Greenlief and his trio will be joined by local group Invisible Astro Healing Rhythm Quartet. “They’ve formed a collective of music and they do a number of different forms of jazz,” Tiner said. “They’re former students of mine and I’ve been working with them over the last several years.” For Ramirez, the new label is a continuation of the work he’s been doing since 2003 — showcasing local artists. But there’s a catch to Ramirez’s efforts: The recordings are released on vinyl singles and LPs — no CDs. “A lot of people don’t want to listen to CDs, they want to listen to LPs,” Ramirez said. “It’s a small group, but it’s still very important to be able to release (music) on vinyl.” Ramirez said he just finished producing and pressing his 24th release, an album by local punk band The Carcinogenz. Other
CASEY CHRISTIE / THE CALIFORNIAN
Jazz musician Kris Tiner, left, and Ronald Ramirez, owner of Going Underground Records on G Street, produced the album that Tiner is holding. The partners have just started a new record label, Epigraph Records, and will focus on committing live performances to vinyl.
groups recorded include The Chosen Few, The Contaminations and Francis Harold and the Holograms. Ramirez said he sells the recordings for about $4.99 for a single, and $11.99 for an album. “I have a system where I press 500 records and then they’re all gone, all around the world,” Ramirez said. “It was just kind of a need to get the bands we were
interested in on records — we didn’t want anyone else to record us; we make our own records.” Epigraph Records is getting some outside help to get started. “We had a grant from the American Composers’ Forum that basically paid for the first recording,” Tiner said. Tiner said the profits from the record sales will be used to finance further recording proj-
ects. So, why would a punk music record producer be interested in experimental jazz music? Do they have anything in common? “Not musically, of course,” Ramirez said. “But definitely in the expression, the feeling of it.” “There’s definitely a connection,” Ramirez said. Going Underground Records is located at 1822 G St.
Disarmed and ‘Dangerous’ at Spotlight Audience becomes part of the action in daring story BY STEFANI DIAS Californian assistant lifestyles editor sdias@bakersfield.com
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ower plays. Duplicity. Seduction. Betrayal. No, we’re not talking about the backstage machinations of local theater, but rather the unconventional production of “Dangerous Liaisons,” opening Friday at Spotlight Theatre. Set in modern times (a la “Cruel Intentions,” the 1999 film based on the story), the tale of the scheming Marquise de Merteuil and her adversary, the Vicomte de Valmont, is in the hands of a capable cast, led
‘Dangerous Liaisons’ When: 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday Where: Spotlight Theatre, 1622 19th St. Admission: $15 Information: 634-0692
by Los Angeles actors Andria Kozica and Ryan Garcia. But it’s not just the actors who will be involved in the drama, which is being produced as part of the edgier Spotlight Series. The show will make audience members, too, feel like they’re a part of the action. “The audience works as an amoeba,” said director Franklin Killian. “It travels
around with the story. Geographically, it has 13 or 14 different locations. It’s constantly moving. “It’s so appropriate with this play to have that kind of involvement. It’s one step ahead of the characters. (In the play) everyone is dying to catch up, but they’re (Merteuil and Valmont) always one step ahead, leading people by the nose. “This play is an unrelenting battle for eminence through manipulation, violence and unhinged seduction. We tell that story with more than the text. Make the audience feel the way the characters feel. The arena is open.” Along with Kozica and Garcia, the cast consists of Ashten Smith as Madame de Tourvel; Libby Letlow as Madame de Volanges; Kayla Frayre as her daughter,
Cecile; Perrin Swanson as Cecile’s beau, Le Chevalier Danceny; Jenny Maddern as Valmont’s Aunt Rosemonde; and Bryce Rankins and Alexis Skaggs playing servants and Azolan and Emile, respectively. The cast will just about rival the audience in size, since this is an intimately staged show. “We’re only allowing 20 audience members an evening. The production itself has a very mobile aspect to it. We have to transport the audience in different areas that won’t seat any more than 20 people. We are being very, very strict on it. “If you make reservations, it’s only the first step. When people make reservations, they think that no matter what time they show up there will be a seat. They may not Please see LIAISONS / 34
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The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, February 23, 2012
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Cierra Corbell, left, Brandon Corbell, center, and Nick Corbell check out the power boats during the 2008 Central Valley Sportsmen’s Boat, RV and Outdoor Living Show at the Kern County Fairgrounds.
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he great outdoors might be something people don’t see a lot of this time of year, but for three days this weekend, Bakersfield native Mike Hatcher will do his part to
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show,” Hatcher said. “You don’t just have to be into hunting and fishing; there’s really something for everyone. And this show is gonna be huge.” The show, billed as the largest of its kind in California, brought approximately 17,000 people through the gates of the fairgrounds last year, and Hatcher is expecting an even 20,000 this year. With more than 200 vendors, 250-plus RV units on site, a kids’ trout derby, a rodeo, sand drag races, a car show, fly-casting competition, field dog training demonstrations and a youth archery competition, it’s easy to see why this show has become the largest in the state. “I like to call it ’70 acres of fun,’” Hatcher added. But even the adamantly “indoor” types will find something to do, Hatcher said. Krafter’s Korner, appropriately held inside the arts and crafts building, will display gifts and wares designed and made by nearly 30 local crafters and artisans. There, you’ll find anything from aprons to jewelry to leatherworks to Native-American art, and a portion of the proceeds will benefit the Ronald McDonald House. Hatcher, a veteran of the oil fields and an avid outdoorsman himself, seemed rather undaunted by the impressive scale of his
event. “I pretty much just make phone calls and coordinate events,” he said. “There’s a bunch of different local groups and organizations that come in and put on the different events. So we have a lot of help from a lot of great volunteers.” One of the groups those groups is the Taft Sportsmen’s Club, which has hosted the Kids’ Trout Derby for the last eight years. Working with the California Department of Fish and Game, the group brings in more than 800 pounds of rainbow trout from the Kern River Fish Hatchery, which are placed in a pool for eager kids to reel out of the water and claim as their own. After a fish has been caught, the kids move over to the cleaning station, where their fish is cleaned, bagged and iced down, so families can take them home to cook and enjoy. “It’s some really fun entertainment to watch these kids catch fish,” said Tom Brown, president of the club. “For many of them, it’s their first time to have had the chance to go fishing. Some of the kids are as young as 2 years old, and they just have the biggest smiles on their faces. And that’s a big reward, to give these kids a chance to do something they’ve never Please see SHOW / 27
Thursday, February 23, 2012 The Bakersfield Californian
Eye Street
Get roped into rodeo while at outdoor event BY GENE GARAYGORDOBIL Contributing writer
C
ome by the 35th annual Sportsmen’s Boat, RV and Outdoor Living Show this weekend, and you may be surprised to see a rodeo has broken out. That is unless you’re a member of Kern County’s rodeo circuit, said Heidi Tully, who noted that barrel racing and team roping events occur almost every weekend. Tully said several years ago, the Sportsmen’s show contacted the Tehachapi Mountain Rodeo Association to provide rodeo events that people could participate in during the three-day event. “Basically, they wanted additional entertainment options that people could come out and watch while at the show,” Tully said. She oversees all three events, each happening on a different day of the show: The Friday Barrel Races, Saturday Rope of Hope and the Sunday Junior Rodeo. Tully expects about 150 women to come out for the Friday night barrel races, an additional 250 teams of team ropers and 100 to 150 junior rodeo participants and their families and friends. “Saturday’s Rope for Hope is actually a cancer awareness event,” Tully said. “All proceeds will go to the Links for Life group.” Besides all that roping, there will be a silent auction and a barn dance-barbecue, starting at 7 p.m., she added. Tully is most excited about the junior rodeo, which generates a lot of interest in Bakersfield and Tehachapi. “We get a lot of calls from people interested in seeing what junior rodeo is all about,” she said. “There will be seven different events, including barrel racing, pole bending, breakaway roping, goat tying, calf roping, team roping, steer riding and ribbon roping for those ages 7 to 18.” However, Tully points out there is quite a following for the younger children, ages 6 and under, including some 2- and 3-year-
Rodeo events Kern County Fairgrounds, 1142 So. P St. Friday Barrel Racing Sign-ups from 5 to 7 p.m. Jackpot starts at 7:30 p.m. with $300 added cash. This is a West Coast Barrel Racing sanctioned event. Information: Tina Bird, 342-8503 Saturday Rope for Hope A benefit for Links for Life. Along with the day of team roping, there is a silent auction and a barn dance and barbecue at 7 p.m. Sign-ups start at 7 a.m., team roping starts at 8 a.m. Information: Beverly Baxley, 428-8512 Sunday Junior Rodeo For ages 7 to 18; peewees ages 6 and under can participate in dummy roping and mutton busting. sign-ups from 7:30 to 9 a.m.; rodeo starts at 10 a.m. Information: John Talbot, 900-3452 or Heidi Tully, 332-3952
olds. The events are not on horseback, but standing, and include dummy roping and mutton busting. “It’s a great way for kids who have watched rodeo to come out and see what it is all about,” Tully said. Tully is the secretary for the Tehachapi Mountain Rodeo Association, and one of her daughters is involved in college rodeo at Southern River College in Washington state, so she’s quite familiar with the local rodeo circuit. “We have quite a few rodeo enthusiasts; a lot of them start out in junior rodeo, and those who don’t go pro or do college rodeo compete in events around the area, almost every weekend,” Tully said. “We have a lot of weekend ropers competing and barrel racing on any given weekend. “They start young and carry it on through life,” she said. “Bakersfield has a very strong roping and racing presence.”
SHOW: CONTINUED FROM 26
done before.” Another big-ticket event is the sand drag races, owned and operated by another native Bakersfield husband-and-wife team, Christy and Robert Garnas. The races consist of two stock or modified four-wheeler “bikes” (or quads) barreling down a straight 100-yard track, sometimes reaching speeds of up to nearly 100 miles per hour. “We’re certainly not doing this for the money,” said Mrs. Garnas, a sand drag racer herself and self-proclaimed “adrenalin junkie.” “We’re doing this for the people who wanna race.” These head-to-head contests of speed and agility drew up to 90 entrants last year and are open to anyone (of almost any age) who would like to participate. All that’s required is an entry form, entry fees (which range from $20 to $50) and your bike. Mrs. Garnas and her team will do the rest, as well as give participants a
35th Annual Sportsmen’s Boat, RV and Outdoor Living Show When: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday Where: Kern County Fairgrounds, 1142 So. P St. Admission: $8 ($2 off admission with donation of canned food item for the Salvation Army); free for kids 12 and under and military in uniform; $5 for seniors on Friday only Information: 809-6123
quick lesson in how the races work. “It’s fun and safe, and it’s relatively simple, once it’s explained,” she said. “We get a lot of first-timers out here of all ages, both kids and adults. Everybody at one point was a brand new racer, and we understand that. “The most important thing is that you get out there and you have fun.”
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The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, February 23, 2012
Eye Street Camille Gavin CONTRIBUTING COLUMNIST
‘It’s gonna be hoot’ out west Black Gold’s annual charity melodrama
GO & DO ‘The Wild, Wild, Wildest West’
T
his year’s Black Gold Productions melodrama is called “The Wild, Wild, Wildest West” and after talking to Mike Handren, who plays the evil cold-hearted banker, I think it has a good shot at living up to the superlatives in its name. “It’s gonna be a hoot,” he said. “A lot of big laughs throughout the show and a lot of upbeat ticky songs.” The two-hour show includes about a dozen musical numbers with live vocalists accompanied by a digital soundtrack, singing such ditties as “Spaghetti Western” and “Wild, Wooly and Full of Fleas.” I haven’t seen the show but I found myself laughing as Handren described the setting — a town called Low Humidity Chasm — and told me about some of the characters. For example there’s Blacker Bart. “He’s even meaner than his brother, Black Bart,” Handren said. Todd Bivens plays the outlaw who heads a gang of villains, including one called Snyvely Dastardly, portrayed by Luke Chambers. Then there’s the sheriff, Wayne John, portrayed by Chris Selzer, and his bumbling deputy, Diego Doowrong, played by Jorge Briseno. For Jean Peters, now in her seventh year with the Black Gold players, the show is a family affair. She appears as the moneyhungry Prunella Cracker; her husband Steven Peters is the show’s videographer; and their son Carson, is working in the concession stand. Stacey Briseno is the director of the 23-member cast, all of whom work in or are associated in some way with the oil industry — thus the name, Black Gold Productions. Marvin Ramey did the choreography. Proceeds from the five performances — the show opens this weekend and continues on March 1-2 — benefit the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life. Money raised from the barbecue dinner goes
When: 5:30 p.m. dinner, 7 p.m. show, Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday Where: Masonic Temple, 1920 18th St. Admission: $20 evening shows, includes dinner; $10 matinee, show only Information: 330-0423
‘Alice in Wonderland Jr.’ When: 7 p.m. Friday 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday Where: Leo B. Hart Elementary School, 9501 Ridge Oak Dr. Admission: $5 Information: 664-1296
Duo Cantilena Concert MICHAEL FAGANS / THE CALIFORNIAN
June (Stephanie Cates), left, and August (Sherry Brew) talk with Sheriff Wayne John (Chris Selzer) in the dress rehearsal of “The Wild, Wild, Wildest West” which will open this week at the Masonic Hall.
producing the shows.
Dukes concert series
PHOTO COURTESY OF ANDREW SKELTON
Megan Brannen, left, as Alice and Nick Hilderbrand as the White Rabbit, appear in “Alice in Wonderland Jr.”
to the San Joaquin Valley Chapter of the American Petroleum Institute’s local scholarship fund. It’s nice to know that Laurie Alexander, one of the previous scholarship winners, is also involved with the show. Alexander, who serves as the narrator and costume designer, was an API scholarship recipient in 2009 and 2010. She graduated from Cal State Bakersfield last year with a degree in environmental resource management.
‘Alice’ at Hart School Last year at about this time the Leo B. Hart Drama Club presented “Schoolhouse Rock,” based on
Camille Gavin’s “Arts Alive” column appears on Thursday. Write to her via e-mail at gavinarts@aol.com
popular television programming of the 1970s and ’80s. For the 2012 performance, they’re showcasing “Alice in Wonderland Jr.,” a Disney adaption of the Lewis Carroll children’s story written in the 19th century. “This is a play for all ages,” said Melissa Hilderbrand, one of club’s founders. “It’s performed by elementary-age schoolchildren and produced by the parent club.” Megan Brannen plays the part of Alice, the girl who meets an unusual bunch of characters when she follows the White Rabbit, portrayed by Nick Hilderbrand, down the rabbit hole. Now in its fourth year, the after-school club was organized by a group of parents in response to budget cuts for arts programs in elementary schools. Currently, about 30 parents are involved in
I find the programs offered in the annual Dukes Memorial Concert Series pleasing for several reasons: the variety of musical styles, the professionalism of the performers and the ambience of the setting for each concert, the sanctuary of the First Congregational Church. Another plus — it’s free, thanks to an endowment left by the late Fred and Beverly Dukes, retired educators who wanted to encourage performances by local musicians. The concert is co-sponsored by Valley Public Radio, KVPR 89.1 FM. This Sunday’s presentation, the third in this year’s series, will feature Duo Cantilena, with Laura Porter, harpist, and Nancy Ayala, flutist. As a soloist, and a chamber musician, Porter has appeared in numerous concerts throughout California. In addition to performing, she teaches privately and is on the faculty at Fresno Pacific University as harp instructor. Ayala has been principal flute with the Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra for more than 20 years. In addition to being a professional musician, she is a registered nurse and is also a master gardener. The duo’s program on Sunday will include works from a range of musical periods, from the 17th to the 20th century. They will perform J.S. Bach’s Sonata in G Minor, as well as pieces by Piazzolla, Ciardi and Tulou.
When: 4 p.m. Sunday Where: First Congregational Church, 5 Real Road Admission: Free Information: 327-1609
Old Tire Swingers Concert When: 6:30 p.m. Saturday Where: Fiddlers Crossing, 206 East F St., Tehachapi Admission: $15 Information: 823-9994
String band plays in Tehachapi A Fresno-based string band called the Old Tire Swingers will appear on Saturday evening at Fiddlers Crossing in Tehachapi. Debby Hand, a cellist and operator of the coffee house, said the band recently returned from a tour of the United Kingdom. “Like other young musicians today, the band spans several genres,” Hand said. “Their particular style combines Appalachian string band music, bluegrass, country and their own Central California country roots music.” Paul Chesterton, the group’s leader, plays the banjo, which he taught himself to play in 2003, Hand said. Later, at a bluegrass festival, he was introduced to the claw hammer style of banjo playing and went on to form the Old Tire Swingers. Other members of the band are Nick Kennedy on guitar; Frick Dau, bass, and Nathaneal Felon, mandolin. Fiddlers Crossing is next door to Mountain Music, a shop owned by Hand. Coffee and snacks are included in the price of a ticket for the Old Tire Swingers concert.
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Thursday, February 23, 2012 The Bakersfield Californian
Eye Street
Stars aligning for theater’s season BY CAMILLE GAVIN Contributing writer
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or some of us, myself included, February seems way too early to start charting a course for the next 12 weeks — much less the next 12 months. Yet for the folks involved with choosing shows for Stars Theatre Restaurant, it’s already a done deal. Take heart, though. The final decision about the dinner theater’s 2012-2013 season, which opens on March 2, didn’t happen overnight, said Bruce Saathoff, artistic director. “In selecting shows this season, I sent a survey out to all of our directors, vocal directors, choreographers, tech folks and everyone who was in a Stars show last season, soliciting input.” Patrons also were asked to suggest shows they would like to see. After sifting through the completed surveys, Saathoof and executive producer Jim Fillbrandt met with board president Randy Jelmini and Brent Rochon, chief choreographer, to consider the possibilities. “We try to put together a season that includes shows that are established favorites and something new that may be a little less known,” Saathoff said. “We have pretty much established that we do two comedies, six musicals and a Christmas revue each season.” In earlier years, Stars did only musicals. The inclusion of comedies, which usually require only three to five actors, was made a few years ago to help with casting issues. “We found it was very difficult to put together casts for eight big musicals in one season using volunteer performers,” he said. “All of our performers are in school or work full time, or both.” In choosing a particular play or musical, consideration also must be given to the space available onstage and backstage, and even above the stage, because Stars
lacks a fly space — theater speak for a system of overhead cables or pulleys to move heavy sets easily and quickly. “It’s really just a matter of size,” Saathoff said. “We don’t have fly space and (have) limited wing space, so one of the issues is (to be able) to build a set that meets the needs of the show and isn’t too cumbersome.” A production that takes place in multiple settings also presents difficulties. If there’s no way to artistically change the sets or scenes, it’s doubtful that a quality set can be built to accommodate those factors. “Also, once you get more than 20 or so people onstage it starts to be unmanageable,” he said. “So a show that requires a huge cast must be either pared down or eliminated from consideration.” Once the decisions are made, an additional step must be taken: securing the rights to produce each of the shows selected. Although all the shows for 201213 have been chosen, only two directors have been assigned. Mark Price, owner of Snead’s for Men and a longtime member of the Stars family, will direct the season-opener, Neil Simon’s “The Odd Couple: Female Version.” Former Spotlight artistic director Hal Friedman takes the reins for “Evita,” the dramatic musical by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber. Also, Rosie Ayala will handle Stars Christmas show, as she did last year. The 2012 edition, however, will have new material and feature a male vocalist. Saathoff said Stars is trying to expand its creative team and urges anyone interested in directing to contact him via email at bruce@bmtstars.com. In fact, the expansion began nearly a year ago when Stars invited Brian Sivesind, now the executive director of The Empty Space, to do “The Drowsy Chaperone,” which recently ended a successful four-weekend run at Stars.
STARS 2012-13 SEASON Stars Restaurant Theatre is now selling tickets for its 2012-13 season. Prices range from $270 to $414 per person, including a pre-show meal. The total cost is determined by the number of productions — all nine, or only eight, seven or six — and whether you prefer to attend an evening show or Sunday matinee. Information: 325-6100. March 2 to 24: “The Odd Cou-
ple (Female Version)” April 13 to May 5: “Evita” May 25 to June 16: “The Last Romance” July 6 to 28: “Grease” Aug. 17 to Sept. 8: “Oliver” Sept. 28 to Oct. 13: “Shout” Nov. 2 to 17: “Mame” Nov. 30 to Dec. 22: “A Rosie Holiday” Jan. 18 to Feb. 9: “9 to 5”
COLOURS: A CELEBRATION OF THE ARTS To purchase tickets, call 7465000 or go to www.shafter.com and click on Colours.
Art Gallery
Admission: $10 Proceeds benefit the Community Chest
Dinner and Discussion When: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday Where: Mennonite Church, 400 Kern St. Admission: $30 Speakers: Justin Zachary, Antelmo Villareal and Jim Schmidt
When: 2:30 to 7 p.m. Friday; noon to 3 p.m. Saturday; 3 to 7 p.m. Sunday and Monday Where: Shafter Veterans Hall, 309 California Ave. Admission: Free Museums Juried exhibit of paintings and sculpture by various local When: 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday artists. All art is available for Four locations: purchase, with 15 percent going Minter Field Air Museum, 401 to the Colours festival. Vultee Ave. Shafter Depot, 150 Central ValFilm ley Highway “The Little General” The Green Hotel, James Street When: 7:15 to 9 p.m. today and Central Avenue Where: Congregational Bible Insect Lore Bugseum, 132 S. Church, 430 E. Tulare St. Beech Ave. Admission: $10 A 78-minute silent film starring Music Buster Keaton with organ music Music in the Park by Robert D. Salisbury. In his When: 5 to 6 p.m. Saturday role as a misfit, Keaton is Where: Mannel Park rejected by the Confederate Admission: Free Army and is given a chance to redeem himself when Yankee Plays spies steal his cherished locomotive. ‘Meddlin’ When: 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. SaturFood day to Tuesday Spaghetti Dinner Where: Congregational Bible When: 4 to 7 p.m. today Church, 430 Tulare Ave. Where: Shafter Veterans Hall, Admission: $20 309 California Ave.
An original musical comedy about a farm family and one of its members who is constantly meddling in other people’s business. Written by Larry Starrh, with music by Paul Barton. ‘Midsummer Night’s Dream’ When: 7:30 p.m. Friday to Tuesday Where: St. Mark’s Anglican Church, 205 Beech Ave. Admission: $20 One of Shakespeare’s funniest comedies, presented by the Kern Shakespeare Festival and the BC Theatre Club. Directed by Randy Messick. ‘Our Town’ When: 7 to 9 p.m. today and Friday; 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday Where: Shafter High School, 526 Mannel Ave. Thornton Wilder’s play on the lives of average citizens living in a small American town in the early years of the 20th century. Carla Stanley, director.
Scarecrow Display When: 4:30 to 7 p.m. Saturday Where: Mannel Park Admission: Free
Wine tasting and meet the artists When: 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday Where: Shafter Veterans Hall, 309 California Ave. Admission: $50
Days of color in Shafter Organizers expand city’s celebration of the arts BY CAMILLE GAVIN Contributing writer
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hafter is a small town with big ideas about how to encourage artistic expression. Starting today, you'll see what that means when the sixday city-wide “Colours: A Celebration of the Arts” gets under way. And it’s going to be bigger and better than last year’s two-day inaugural event. That’s the word from Larry Starrh, one of the chief organizers, who’s also a playwright and member of a long-time Shafter farming family. A major expansion is represented in the number of venues: 13, from only four or five in 2011. “We’re using a lot of different facilities this year — churches, the high school, all of the museums,” he said. “The city of Shafter and the whole community are really embracing it, and
that’s good.” Although it’s an ambitious undertaking for a town of its size — Shafter’s population is slightly under 16,000 — the festival seems to have struck a positive chord with people from many different walks of life in this pleasant, tree-shaded town that's just northwest of Bakersfield. Take, for instance, Mike Kotria, the pastor of the Congregational Bible Church, where Starrh’s play “Meddlin’” will be performed. “It is truly a celebration of the multi-colored makeup of art in Kern County,” said Kotria, a member of the founding committee. “It’s an historical event for us as we celebrate and highlight transformed art in our valley.” All areas of the arts will be represented, even wine-tasting, which many people consider an art all its own. The overall focus, however, is on transformation art —the idea of taking an animate or inanimate object and changing it in some way to create a new and different work of
art. A main attraction is likely to be the Parade of Lights on Saturday evening, which begins on East Tulare Avenue and ends at Mannel Park in the center of town. Intended as a salute to the city’s rural nature, the parade will be made up of tractors and other kinds of farm equipment. The vehicles will be lit up with strings of colorful bulbs in a lineup that’s just one example of transformation art. “There is a lot of talent here, from musicians to conductors to actors and playwrights to painters and sculptors,” Starrh said, adding that many of those same people “have day jobs where their canvas is a field and their brush a tractor.” Three different stage plays will be offered: the Shakespeare comedy “Midsummer Night’s Dream”; “Our Town,” an American classic presented by the Shafter High School drama department; and Starrh’s musical comedy, “Meddlin.’” Please see SHAFTER / 34
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The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, February 23, 2012
Eye Street The Lowdown with Matt Munoz
Band ready to sing to the masses Choirs eager to drop newest collection
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he last time I sat down with Bakersfield alt-rock quintet Choirs, you could feel the anxiety in the room, and with good reason. Not only were band members about to pack their instruments and head to San Diego to begin a weekend studio recording session lock-out, but they were sans their lead vocalist, who opted to stay home. Trusting their instincts on this most unconventional plan, they bade farewell to Bako. And then here we were again, five months later, seated inside the Padre’s Farmacy Cafe. The mood was calmer as they opened up about the big party to celebrate the arrival of their new CD, “We All Need Closure,” happening at Riley’s Backstage on Saturday. “We’ve had so much support going into this,” said Choirs drummer Cass Faulkenberry. “None of this would be possible without the scene behind us.” Formed a year ago, Choirs also features Tyler Slayton, guitar; Dax Dominguez, guitar; vocalist Joel Brewer; and bassist Michael Aguilar. “He’s become Mr. Business,” said Faulkenberry of Aguilar, who was absent the day of the interview due to his day job. “That guy has been solid ever since he joined the band.” As can be said of the rest of the members, who, after their debut, became an instant underground draw. Choirs’ mix is dynamically inventive, combining as it does elements from
PHOTO BY ALEX FARIS
Choirs celebrate the release the of their new CD, “We All Need Closure,” Saturday at Riley’s Backstage.
each of they guys’ former bands — Gramercy Riff, La Vie en Rose, Vanity Avenue, The Order of File & Claw, and Il Sogno. “We’ve always wanted to give our music a cinematic scope,” said Dominguez. Choirs are a live band. Having seen them on numerous occasions, I can say it’s obvious this is a group that feeds off audience energy. That was the case during last month’s “Giving Tree Battle of the Bands” at The Nile. They didn’t win the competition — that prize went to The Architecture — but judging by the size and reaction of the crowd during their rapturous performance, Choirs’ reward is mostly spiritual. “This is the first time I’ve got to sit down with some really explicit concepts and develop them,” Brewer said. “This is an exploration of light and dark melodies. No typical A-B-A-B rock structuring.” Pre-production consisted of mostly extended weekly rehearsals until there was little left to polish, as the band hoped to recapture the overall feel of their live performance in the studio. “I was making sure everything was as tight as possible and that
the essence of the band would be present at all times,” Slayton said. After the guys researched a series of possible studio options, Capricorn Studios in San Diego made the final cut. “I can remember the last two weeks before we headed over being the most stressful. We wanted the producer to be ambiguous and not be intent on taking us a particular direction,” said Faulkenberry. “They took the time to get to know us first.” Capricorn’s list of artists is no joke, with previous clients including rap music heavyweight Rick Ross, electro artists Brazilian Girls, and R&B diva Toni Braxton to name a few. In-house producer Josh Mallit engineered and produced the record, which came together after a rocky start. But thanks to Mallit, tensions eased over time. “We built up this anticipation to experiment and see what we were capable of doing,” said Dominguez. “The studio couldn’t have been better to work in.” Back home, Brewer was kept in the loop as the sessions progressed. “It was exciting to get updates,” he said. “Heading in, I knew this was going to be a big crap shoot,
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.
but I also felt good about not going with them.” Once the band returned, Brewer proceeded to absorb all eight tracks of rough mixes with his own wine-induced lockdowns, before he and Faulkenberry made the trek back to record his vocals. “I’m not the sappy type with candles around me. I wanted the relationships to be correct between songs. I did rewrites and changed some lyrics completely,” he said. “I never ask them to write around me and have the lyrics influence the song.” “We All Need Closure” spends no time with introductions. Opening with “The Cravers,” Brewer sings with abandon. The follow-up track, “Closing Remarks,” takes an impressive melodic turn mid-song that shows off Brewer’s ability to follow along without heading into predictable territory. “Kid’s” eerie interlude segues into an updated version of “Modus Operandi” from last year’s demo. “Do I Look Good in Desperation?,” is layered with some amazing guitar sweeps and strong arranging. “Robot Language” is another experimental brief leading into “Vaults,” a dramatic number that morphs into a three-minute ritardando of noise. The CD’s final track, “Shadows in Our Shadows,” is another abstract instrumental that could be some leftover studio debris, but it works in the context of the record. On the poetic side, Brewer’s lyrics are strong with relationship and religious themes. It’s a timely, well-produced record with artwork by The Architecture’s Dane Forst that should also have no problem finding listenership outside Bakersfield. Saturday’s show begins at 8 p.m. Admission is $5 and includes a free CD. Also appearing are The Architecture, The Volume and Catastrophist. Riley’s Backstage is located at 1523 19th St. “We All Need Closure” will be available for digital download soon. For more information visit choirsband.com.
Roddy Radiation’s Skabilly Rebels It’s the dawning of a new era for Roddy “Radiation” Byers, guitarist for legendary UK ska band The Specials. On break from the iconic group’s ongoing reunion tour, Byers will be stopping by with his band, The Skabilly Rebels, at B Ryder’s on Saturday. The Specials were at the forefront of the Two Tone music movement, along with bands like Madness, Bad Manners, The English Beat and The Selecter, which blended Jamaican ska and reggae with elements of punk. The Skabilly Rebels’ music is created in much the same spirit as that of their progenitors: politically driven songs with a pulse-pounding off beat. “I formed the Skabilly Rebels about 10 years ago to perfect a new crossover of ska, punk, blues and rock ’n’ roll,” he wrote in an email. “Our live show consists of The Specials songs I wrote, ‘Concrete Jungle,’ ‘Rat Race,’ ‘Hey Little Rich Girl,’ and also features my new originals.” Recalling his days as a young “rude boy” in England during the heyday of the ’80s ska revival, Byers is happy to see the impact he and his mates have had. “The original movement was like a family or a Two Tone Army if you like — with like-minded musicians who cared about politics and life in general. All over the world from Japan to South America, ska bands have formed, citing The Specials as an influence — from No Doubt to Rancid and many, many UK artists.” Joining Byers will be Danny Dean, guitar; Bob Crail, keys and sax, Dino Guerrero, drums; and Kevin Stewart on bass. Tickets for Saturday’s all-ages show at $15. Doors open at 6 p.m. Also appearing will be Vanity Avenue, Kaptain Krunch & The Cereal Killers, Mento Buru and Big Deal Fair Trade. B Ryder’s is located at 7401 White Lane. For more information call 397-7304.
Thursday, February 23, 2012 The Bakersfield Californian
Eye Street
A storybook beginning for children and books BY ALLIE CASTRO Contributing writer
W
hat better way to kick off Dr. Seuss’ birthday week than with fiction, film, food and free family
fun? On Sunday, the Bakersfield Elementary Teacher’s association will be hosting the fifth annual Read Across Bakersfield Celebration, an event that attracted more than 1,000 attendees last year and is the first of the week’s celebratory activities. The free event kicks off outside the Fox Theater at a block party that includes inflatable jump houses, a petting zoo, face painting, temporary tattoos, food taste tests, live music and a book walk. “All of the kids will have the opportunity to get a lot of fun free stuff,” said BETA’s second vice president and Read Across Bakersfield chairman Michelle Johnson. Ticketholders then move inside for a special dance performance by beloved Dr. Seuss characters Thing 1 and Thing 2 and book readings by Leticia Perez and Bakersfield Mayor Harvey Hall. The day’s events will conclude with a showing of the movie “Judy Moody and the Not Bummer Summer.” The celebration continues on Wednesday with the 15th annual Read 2 Children Day. BETA teachers and volunteers will be hosting storytelling events from 4 to 5 p.m. at Beale Memorial Library, Wilson Library, Barnes & Noble, Russo’s Books and the MLK Jr. Center.
Fifth annual Read Across Bakersfield events When: Block party 1 to 2:30 p.m. Sunday; activities and movie to follow inside the Fox Theater. Read 2 Children events, 4 p.m.-5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Beale Library, Wilson Library, Barnes & Noble, Russo’s Books and MLK Jr. Center. Where: Fox Theater, 2001 H St. Admission: Free, but ticket required for activities and movie inside the Fox Theater. Tickets available at the Fox Theater and BETA Office, 837 H St. Information: 327-4567 or email michellejohnsonnow@yahoo.com
“Read Across Bakersfield is so important because a lot of our families in Kern County don’t have the opportunity to spend quality family time together,” Johnson said. “If you want to go to movies or go out with your family, it’s very costly, and with the times we have right now ... some people are not in the financial situation to be able to do so. This is the teachers association’s way of giving back to community, and celebrating Dr. Seuss’ birthday, literacy and learning.” While the block party is open to the public, tickets are necessary for the activities inside the Fox Theater. Tickets are available at the BETA office and the Fox Theater.
Isaak to play Fox in April BY MATT MUNOZ Californian staff writer mmunoz@bakersfield.com
Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday for an April 5 concert by guitarist/vocalist and actor Chris Isaak at Bakersfield’s Fox Theater. Isaak’s upcoming tour marks a return to his musical roots after releasing last year’s “Beyond the Sun,” an album paying tribute to the classic Sun Studios rock ’n’ roll and country era. The release features covers of Johnny Cash’s “Ring of Fire,” “I Walk the Line,” plus hits from Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis and others. Originally from Stockton, Isaak has released 15 full-length albums and has appeared in more than 23 feature films and TV shows, including Showtime’s “The Chris Isaak Show,” which chronicled the life of a fictional musician of the same
name. Known for his suave singing style, swooning vibrato, and for wearing brightly decorated rhinestone Nudie suits, Isaak has cultivated a devoted female fan base. Tickets range from $35 to $60. For more information visit Vallitix.com or call the Fox at 324-1369. Tickets are currently on sale for a May 5 appearance by comedian Carlos Mencia, also at the Fox. It’s been awhile since Mencia has been seen on stage following the cancelation of his long-running TV show on Comedy Central and after being accused of plagiarism by comedian Joe Rogan in a viral video seen by millions. Now he’s back with a clean slate and a new stand-up tour coming to Bakersfield. Tickets are $40.50. For more information, visit Vallitix.com or the Fox box office at 2001 H St.
VOTE IN BAKERSFIELD’S BEST SERVER CONTEST Now is your chance to vote for your favorite server in Bakersfield. Just go to Facebook.com/BakersfieldCalifornian, and all our Eye Street profiles will be posted on the “Notes” page (found on the left side of the page) for you to
review. “Like” the profile of the server of your choice. The winner will receive four passes to the Monterey Bay Aquarium and a $50 gift card to Goose Loonies. Voting is open through March 2.
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The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, February 23, 2012
Eye Street
Vandals strike, but gallery undaunted BY STEFANI DIAS Californian assistant lifestyles editor sdias@bakersfield.com
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t’s a rare occasion to both promote the news and become part of it, but The Foundry has had a busy week. Two events, starting Thursday, address the gallery’s newsmaker role. Let’s start with the bad news: Someone smashed one of the gallery’s large glass windows over the holiday weekend, forcing a quick damage cover-up and repair plans. Challenged with raising more than $1,000 to replace both the broken window and an adjacent fractured one, The Foundry’s directors looked for a way to avoid using existing funds earmarked for new gallery lighting. Please see FOUNDRY / 33
FOUNDRY EVENTS “Hot Off the Press!” What: art challenge exhibit When: 5 to 9 p.m. today
Foundry Collection/Fundraiser for Our New Window
HENRY A. BARRIOS / THE CALIFORNIAN
A piece of art covers a broken window at The Foundry, 1602 20th St. The gallery hopes to raise enough money for repairs.
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday Where: The Foundry, 1602 20th St. Information: 388-0278
Hairy situation saved by a ‘Miracle’ at Empty Space BY STEFANI DIAS Californian assistant lifestyles editor sdias@bakersfield.com
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hat do you do when your show is cast, rehearsal is just weeks away and then the publishing house pulls the rights to the performance? If you’re Bob Kempf, you work a “Miracle.” When “The Miracle Worker” opens Friday at The Empty Space, it will be a testament to a dedicated team that banded together under the guidance of Kempf, the theater’s artistic director. Plans for the show originally slated for the spot, “Hair,” hit a snag late in the process. “Several theaters across the country had applied for the rights, and the manager for the rights decided not (to allow it),” Kempf said. “I felt bad because the cast was really excited to be taking part in it.” To spare the actors the pain of seeing a different musical go up in its place, Kempf opted for “something completely different.” “(‘The Miracle Worker’) was one I had on a list of plays I wanted to direct. And I thought doing a 180 would be a good way to deal with not being able to do ‘Hair.’” The well-known tale of Anne Sullivan, who changes the life of her blind and deaf student Helen Keller, was an easy selection for Kempf. “It’s such a great America story of overcoming incredible obstacles. That happens through teaching and that’s what I like
‘The Miracle Worker’ When: 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, runs through March 11 Where: The Empty Space, 706 Oak St. Admission: Suggested donation $15 for adults or $10 for students and seniors. Information: 327-PLAY or esonline.org
about it so much.” Local stage veteran Amy Hall plays the determined teacher, and newcomer Lexie Watkins plays Helen. “It’s her first major role,” Kempf said of the 10-year-old. “She’s been in some of the (children’s workshop) Tonicism productions, in ‘A Christmas Carol’ and ‘Cat on a Hot Tin Roof,’” in which Kempf also starred last year. Also featured in the production are Angela Poncetta and Don McPherson, as Helen’s stepmother and father. “She is his second wife. I have cast (the roles) with that age difference. She is considerably younger. That has an interesting dynamic: a young mother with an older father figure that is kind of distant to the family.” Digging into a play is something Kempf does both on and off the stage, as he stays busy directing, helming “Stage Door” and “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged)” last year. He acts as well, with featured roles in “Cat on a Hot
PHOTO COURTESY OF MICHELLE A. GUERRERO
Lexi Watkins plays Helen Keller and Amy Hall is Anne Sullivan in The Empty Space’s performance of “The Miracle Worker.”
Tin Roof,” “Next Fall” and “A Christmas Carol,” despite attempts to step away from performing. “Directing is a really complete experience, in that you're involved in every aspect of the show. As an actor you’re part of the big picture. “I like directing so much more because learning lines is not so easy for me. But I do it (acting) to challenge myself. “Since we did ‘Cat on a Hot Tin Roof’ (in which he played Big Daddy), I thought, ‘I need to retire. Maybe do smaller parts.’ Then these great parts come along.” Those parts include Marley’s ghost in “A
Christmas Carol” and the great magician Prospero in Shakespeare’s final play, “The Tempest,” which opens in April. Bringing Shakespeare to The Empty Space is also inspiring for Kempf as the theater’s artistic director. He said he likes a varied season, which, along with “Tempest,” will conclude with musicals “[Title of Show]” and puppet-rich “Avenue Q.” “I like a good mix. The theater started with completely edgy stuff and Shakespeare. The variety is fantastic. It gets different people to the theater. I know ‘Miracle Worker’ will do that. Keeping the theater alive brings new faces.”
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Thursday, February 23, 2012 The Bakersfield Californian
Eye Street Liberty High presenting ‘Comedy Musical Murders’ What do you get when you put a German maid, a New York policeman, an Irish tenor, an eccentric millionaire and a group of overzealous show people inside of a mansion full of mystery? The Liberty High Theatre department answers that question in their latest production: “The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940” by John Bishop. From the first scene to the last, audiences will be transported to a world of mystery, murder and mayhem. This hilarious comedy centers around a theater production staff trapped in a home with murderers among them. The play is essentially a brain teaser: who killed whom? And what's going to happen next? Thanks to a bizarre collection of trap doors, hidden entrances and revolving bookcases, the audience will
‘The Comedy Musical Murders of 1940’ When: 7:30 p.m. today, Friday and Saturday Where: Performing Arts Center at Liberty High School, 925 Jewetta Ave. Admission: $7; $6 students; $5 students with ASB card
never know who or what might appear. Fans of the murder mystery genre will welcome piecing together the play's various clues, leads, motives and assumed identities. Comedy fans will revel in the show's mix of zany, fast-paced humor. — Liberty High Theatre Department
TM
MammaMiaNorthAmerica.com
On Sale Now! • March 8 • 7:30pm Rabobank Theater • Presented by
• 800-745-3000
Discounted tickets for subscribers and groups 20+ call 661-852-7309 a series
PHOTO COURTESY OF CHRISTINA SWEET
Kent Porterfield took inspiration from the “Faces of the Californian” — incorporating newspaper staffers Herb Benham, Robert Price, Matt Munoz and Richard Beene — for his glass painting and light box work for The Foundry's “Hot Off The Press” exhibit.
The result is a unique collection of works, including a light box featuring some of the faces of The Californian — columnist Herb Benham, reporter Matt Munoz, opinion page editor Robert Price and CEO Richard Beene — and a torso sculpture incorporating newsprint. The works from Thursday’s show will also be for sale.
JOIN OSCAR CONTEST ON ‘CALIFORNIAN RADIO’ Do you know your movies? Now’s your chance to prove it — and win some cool prizes by playing Beat the Oscar Experts on “Californian Radio.” It’s simple: Two lucky listeners will call in and go head to head against each other and the Eye Street team. Be ready to go on the air with your picks for Oscar gold in the following categories: best picture, actor, actress, supporting actor, supporting actress, director and song. Also, have your guess for how long the telecast will run, which we’ll use in the
©LITTLESTAR
FOUNDRY: CONTINUED FROM 32
Rallying artists, the gallery will turn Saturday’s in-studio day (where people can watch artists at work) into a fundraiser. Members will have art prints and works for sale, starting at $20, with proceeds to go toward the repair. Costumes may also be sold as well as baked goods, according to gallery director Christina Sweet. “At this point, we have raised just under $500,” Sweet said Tuesday. “(Members) Jen Raven and Jesus Fidel took this by the horns and have done a really great job. I am humbled by their efforts and appreciation for what The Foundry does for our local artists.” Visitors will see Fidel’s work inside the gallery (his exhibit “Plant Impossible Gardens”) and out (“Vandalism,” painted on the temporary window covering). Before the fundraiser, art lovers can share some good news Thursday at the “Hot Off The Press!” one-day exhibit. In a challenge inspired by Bravo’s show “Work of Art,” artists had two weeks to take inspiration from the pages of The Californian. “The rules were to use an article headline from a local paper from 2012 to use as inspiration for a piece of art,” Sweet said. “The detail of the article was not necessarily important for this challenge. “I appreciate the draw that an article title brings. The title is the introduction to a literary art, whether a poem, story or article in this case.”
event of a tie. If you beat the competition, you’ll win two tickets to the March 3 concert by comedian Adam Carolla at Bakersfield’s Fox Theater and the latest book by legendary movie critic Roger Ebert. Just watch the Academy Awards telecast Sunday and listen for the outcome of the contest on next Thursday’s “Californian Radio” show. “Californian Radio” is on from 9 to 10 a.m. this morning on KERN-AM, 1180. Call 842-KERN when we give the cue to call and good luck!
SIDEWALK SALE SAVE UP TO
75%
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23RD thru SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 26TH
Ming Avenue & Haggin Oaks
TheMarketplaceBakersfield.com
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The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, February 23, 2012
Eye Street
Presented by
Sunday, March 11, 2012 | Noon – 4pm DoubleTree Hotel
FREE ADMISSION
PHOTO COURTESY OF LARRY STARRH
A main attraction of last year's inaugural festival was the Parade of Lights, a nod to Shafter's rich farming heritage. This year, the parade starts at 6:15 p.m. Saturday. It begins at East Tulare Avenue and ends at Mannel Park in the center of town.
Sponsored by
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KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Cathy Rigby will discuss
Balancing Wellness at 2 pm
E V E N T D E TA I L S : • Meet Condors & CSUB RoadRunner mascots • Zumba Fitness with Bakersfield instructors: 12:30pm & 3:30pm • Sample products at vendor booths • Houchin Blood Drive: 12pm–4pm • Healthcare screenings by Mercy and Memorial Hospitals Community Wellness Program: • Cholesterol • Blood Sugar • Blood Pressure • Pulse Rate • Body Fat Please fast for two hours prior to blood tests.
“Colours” also will display a gallery of visual art and a silent film accompanied by well-known Los Angeles-area organist Robert Salisbury. Also involved in the festival are three individuals connected with the movie and entertainment industry: Justin Zachary and Antelmo Villareal, both of whom have Shafter roots; and Jim Schmidt, a Bakersfield resident. Zachary won an award for his Los Angeles stage work in “Trainspotting” in 2002. Since then he has produced and directed a short film, “Hearts on the Knee,” and has co-written three screenplays. Villareal, an animator and graphic artist, has worked on a number of feature films, including “Barnyard,” “Horton Hears a Who,” “Ice Age,” “Dawn of the Dinosaurs” and “Rio.” He is currently a technical director at Blue Sky Studios. Schmidt, of Dean River Productions, is the producer of “Trade of Innocents,” a movie about the child sex trade in Asia starring Mia Sorvino and Dermot Mulroney. As he reflected on the 2011 event, Starrh
LIAISONS: CONTINUED FROM 25
show up until 7:10. I never like to start a show late, so they have to be on time, because otherwise they will miss out.” Mounting such an ambitious show is exactly what Killian had in mind when he took over the production. “The show was announced when I started working with Jarred (Clowes) and Alex (Neal),” said Killian, who has been named to head the theater’s planned summer student program. “I asked, ‘Who’s directing it? Because I would give a limb to direct it.’ “At the time, Hal (Friedman) was going to direct it. Jarred called Hal, whose wife was going to have a baby. He said, ‘If it’s a passion project for you, if your heart’s in it, go for it.’” With full investment from the Spotlight team — “Not knowing very much about me, they trusted me” — Killian got started with his two leads, Kozica and Garcia, whom he knew in L.A.
said he hopes to draw a bigger crowd this time around — about 1,000 attended last year — and to be more active in doing publicity for “Colours.” “The greatest lesson we learned is that it takes baby steps,” he said. “It’s sort of hard to get people jazzed about (the festival) until they experience it. We need to get the word out.” His long-range vision is to involve all parts of the county in the festival. “This isn’t just for Shafter. Eventually I want it to be all over Kern County,” he said. “It’s like the Edinburgh (Scotland) Fringe Festival — that’s what we patterned this after — where everything in the city shuts down for the whole month of August. They started small and it’s grown and grown.” Initially, the “Colours” committee hoped to garner enough of a profit last year to fund student scholarships, but that didn’t happen. “We didn’t achieve our goal to give scholarships, but we covered all of our costs,” Starrh said. “This time we’re going to use whatever we make over and above (costs) as a base for next year’s festival.”
“I wanted to bring some friends up. I don’t live in Bakersfield, and I wasn’t going to move to Bakersfield.” With a strong background in repertory theater, known for brief but intense rehearsal periods, Killian brought that ethic to “Liaisons.” “The way I pitched ‘Dangerous Liaisons’ to the actors was the first day of rehearsal you have to be off-book. You’re expected to know this; you do it. You don’t know what you’re capable of until you try. “They’ve (the cast) surprised themselves enough to find they’re capable of so much. It’s a case of mind over matter. It will allow them to take more risks, whether that’s on the stage or off.” Challenging his actors and himself keeps Killian motivated and creating. “I find comfort in the chaos. How I live my life — trial and error with constant risk. If it doesn’t have risk, it’s probably not worth doing.”
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Thursday, February 23, 2012 The Bakersfield Californian
Eye Street
Saz, a late addition to the show, performs a newly composed country rap song for the judges at Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace. COX: CONTINUED FROM 24
evision Star” added to my business cards. And while I still won't ever watch “American Idol” or “The Voice” or “X-Factor” myself, at least I got a glimpse into what that judging gig is really all about. It's tough to have to help decide the course of another person's
career, but every time they say “cut,” you do get a fresh coffee and a turkey-bacon croissant. All in all, it's a pretty sweet deal. Who knows? Maybe the “American Idol” people are watching international television scouting for new judges. I mean Steven Tyler can't live forever (heck,
HENRY A. BARRIOS / THE CALIFORNIAN
Shir Levi sings for the judges of the Israeli reality show “Living in LaLa Land.” One judge learned that it’s easier to criticize contestants as a viewer at home than it is to deliver the news face to face.
based on the last time I saw him, I'll be surprised if he makes it to Labor Day). And it seems pretty obvious that they'll call me. After
all, of the judges at the Palace that day, I was clearly the best. In fact, that gives me an idea for the next big reality show:
“America’s Next Reality Show Judge.” Get me Simon Cowell on the phone. And my Mac. And craft services.
36
The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, February 23, 2012
Eye Street Go & Do Today 65th annual Kern County Honor Music Festival, 7 p.m., Rabobank Convention Center, 1001 Truxtun Ave. Free. Phillip Greenlief, G.E. Stinson and Steuart Liebig Trio, with Invisible Astro Healing Rhythm Quartet, 8 p.m., Metro Galleries, 1604 19th St. $5. 205-1874 or info@epigraphrecords.com. Arts Alive District Workshop, for property and business owners, and the Arts Alive district, 2 to 4 p.m., Padre Hotel, 1702 18th St. Free. 325-5892. “Hot Off the Press!” art challenge exhibit, 5 to 9 p.m., The Foundry, 1602 20th St. Free. 3880278. Independent Living Center of Kern Open House, celebration of the new offices of Independent Living Center of Kern County, with a ribbon cutting at 10 a.m. with Mayor Harvey Hall, afternoon festivities with refreshments, special guests and office tours begin at 4 p.m., Independent Living Center, 5251 Office Park Drive, Suite 200. Shafter Community Chest Annual Spaghetti Dinner, 5 to 7 p.m., Shafter Veteran’s Hall , 309 California Ave., Shafter. $10. 7464358 or 746-6409. 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 13th annual Melodrama, “The Wild, Wild, Wildest West,” 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday, Masonic Temple, 1920 18th St. $20; $10 matinee. Benefits American Cancer Society Relay for Life. 330-0423. Central Valley Sportsmen Boat, RV & Outdoor Living, 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 w/canned food or non-perishable donation; children 12 and under free. calshows.com or 393-0793 or 800725-0793. Condors vs. Stockton Thunder, 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Rabobank Arena, 1001 Truxtun Ave. $11 to $25. Tickets: Rabobank box office, ticketmaster.com or 324-7825. Dharmata Foundation presents Anam Thubten, 7 to 9 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Junior League of Bakersfield Community Center, 1928 19th Street. $10 Friday; $50 to $75 Saturday. Reservation, dharmata.org/bakersfield or 412-3212. Rodeo Fun, with barrel racing, team roping and junior rodeo, Friday through Sunday, Kern County Fairgrounds, 1142 S. P St. $8. 9003452 or 332-3952. Third annual Furry Paws & Foggy Nights, presented by the
every month, CALM, 10500 Alfred Harrell Highway. 872-2256. Pedalpalooza Bike Parade, hosted by Dream Builders team Aera Energy; bike safety rodeo, booths, music, food, drawings, 9 a.m. to noon, Yokuts Park, 4200 Empire Drive. Free. 328-3600. Project Linus Community Make A Blanket Day, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Centennial High School, 8601 Hageman. Free. projectlinus.org or 589-1854. Rope for Hope, hosted by The Hope Breast Cancer Foundation, with silent auction, barn dance and barbecue, 8 a.m., Kern County Fairgrounds, Grandstand Arena, 1142 S. P St. 428-8512.
GO & DO
CASEY CHRISTIE / THE CALIFORNIAN
Gerardo Tito Cruz walks past his 1957 Chevy during the 2007 Super Cruise Car Show at the Kern County Fairgrounds. 16th annual Bakersfield Car Club Council, “Super Cruise,” registration from 8 to 10 a.m. Saturday, open to any Bakersfield SPCA; dinner, music, silent auction, 6 to 10 p.m., The Petroleum Club, 5060 California Ave. $85. 323-8353 ext. 2. Voice Recital, evening of Art Song and Aria, 7:30 p.m., Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 1900 Baker St. $10; $5 seniors/students; CSUB students free with ID. West Coast Barrel Racing, times only 5 to 7 p.m.; jackpot 7:30 p.m., Kern County Fairgrounds, Grandstand Arena, 1142 S. P St. $5 for times only; entry fees $30 to $45 for Jackpot; free for spectators. 342-8503.
Saturday Foundry Fundraiser, for new windows, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., The Foundry, 1700 Chester Ave. Online donations at bakersfieldfoundry.com/donate. 388-0278. 16th annual Bakersfield Car Club Council, “Super Cruise,” registration from 8 to 10 a.m., open to any vehicle including motorcycles, 8 to 2 p.m., Kern County Fairgrounds, 1142 S. P St. $35 entry fee. 587-2465 or 3251132. 2012 Harlem and Beyond Gospel Concert, a Black History Month celebration of songs and dance, 6 p.m., Greater Harvest Christian Ministries, 5421 Aldrin Court. Free. 831-4427. American Welding Society Winter Fun Shoot, 7 a.m. to noon, Five Dogs Shooting Range, 20238 Woody Road, $80 per person; $320 per team. 5 Lauren Ashley’s Video Debut, 7 to 10 p.m., Metro Galleries, 1604 19th St. 331-565589-5200 ext. 126 or 979-8879. Bakersfield Breakfast Lions Club, “All You Can Eat Spaghetti Dinner,” sauce contest, raffle, cash drawing, and celebrity sauce judging, 5 to 7 p.m., Standard Elemen-
vehicle including motorcycles, 8 to 2 p.m., Kern County Fairgrounds, 1142 S. P St. $35 entry fee. 587-2465 or 325-1132. tary School 115 E. Minner Ave. Spaghetti sauce must arrive by 3:30 p.m. for judging. $8; $5 children 6-12 years. 392-2120. Cat Adoptions, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Petco, 8220 Rosedale Highway. $65 includes spay/neuter, vaccines and leukemia testing. 327-4706. Farmers Market, 8 a.m. to noon, next to Golden State Mall, 3201 F St., and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Brimhall Square, 9500 Brimhall Road. CSUB Jazz Coffeehouse Concert, 7:30 p.m., CSUB, Multi-Purpose Room, 9001 Stockdale Hwy. $10; $5 students/seniors; CSUB students with ID are free. 6542511. CSUB Men’s Basketball, vs. Nebraska-Omaha, 7 p.m., CSUB, Icardo Center, 9001 Stockdale Highway. $5-$20. gorunners.com or 654-BLUE. Derby Revolution of Bakersfield, vs. Visalia V-Town Derby Dames, 5 p.m., Saunders Park, 3300 Palm St. $10 presale; $12 at the door; $5 seniors/children. Design Forecast & Non-Surgical Facelift Workshop, accessorizing tips for your home, 10 a.m. to noon, Beladagio, 9500 Brimhall Road, Ste. 705. Free. 8292288. First annual Benefit Softball Tournament, for American Cancer Society, 9 a.m., Mesa Marin Softball Complex, 10800 Kern Canyon Road. $250. 565-6836 or 205-1039. Guitar Class, taught by Mark Albert, for individuals or a group, 1 to 3 p.m., Juliana’s Art Studio & Gallery, 501 18th St. $25. 578-4570 or 327-7507. Jeanette Rogers-Erickson Heart Walk 2012, registration 7 to 8:30 a.m., walk 9 a.m., Kern Valley Hospital, 6412 Laural Ave., Lake Isabella. 760-379-5257. $10. Kids Free Day, last Saturday of
Sunday 2012 African American ReadIn, workshops, entertainment, exhibits, free books, book party, awards, refreshments, 2 to 5 p.m., Bakersfield Senior Center, 530 4th St. Free. 325-1113. Fifth annual Read Across Bakersfield, 1 p.m., Bakersfield Fox Theater, 2001 H St. Admission is free and tickets are available at the Fox Theater, Russo’s Bookstore or BETA Office, 837 H St. 324-1369. Mike Epps, 7 p.m., Rabobank Arena, 1001 Truxtun Ave. $48.75 to $59. ticketmaster.com or 800-7453000. Open Junior Rodeo, with barrel racing, pole bending, calf roping, steer riding and more, 10 a.m., Kern County Fairgrounds, Grandstand Arena, 1142 S. P St. 9003452 or 332-3952. Tehachapi Symphony, presents Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky and Felix Mendelssohn, 4 p.m., Country Oaks Baptist Church, 20915 Schout Road, Tehachapi. 821-7511.
donation $15 for adults or $10 for students and seniors. 327-PLAY.
ART Art Classes, in drawing, watercolor, oils, color theory, for beginners and advanced, Bakersfield Art Association Art Center, 1817 Eye St. 869-2320. Art Exhibit by Mary Weatherford, on display now until March 9, 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. 654-2238. Art for Healing program, classes that alleviate stress, resulting from illness, or grief. All classes are free but some suggest a donation and are held at Mercy Hospital, Truxtun Campus, Truxtun and A St. Visit mercybaakersfield.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. Plein Aire Painting, 9 a.m. Friday, The Marketplace, 9000 Ming Ave. 869-2320. 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 Alternative B. Ryder’s Sports Bar & Grill, 7401 White Lane, 397-7304; Vanity Avenue, Kaptain Krunch and the Cereal Killers, Big Deal Fair Trade, 7 pm. Saturday. $15.
Celtic
THEATER “For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide, When the Rainbow Is Enuf,” 8 p.m. today through Saturday, Bakersfield Community Theater, 2400 S. Chester Ave. $15 adults; $12 seniors/students/military. 831-8114. “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. "Dangerous Liaisons," 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Spotlight Theatre, 1622 19th St. $15. 634-0692. 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. “The Miracle Worker,” 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, The Empty Space, 706 Oak St. Suggested
Lengthwise Brewery, 2900 Calloway Drive, 589-7394; Whiskey Galore, 8 p.m. Saturday. $5.
Classic Rock Banacek’s Lounge, 4601 State Road, 387-9224; Sunday Snake Oil, 9 p.m. Saturday. classic. Lone Oak Lounge, 10612 Rosedale Highway, 589-0412; No Limit, 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Bellvedere Cocktail Lounge, 3090 Brundage Lane, 325-2139; Left Coast Groovies, 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Ethel’s Old Corral Cafe, 4310 Alfred Harrell Highway, 873-7613; Open Range, 7 to 11 p.m. Friday. Jacalito Grill, 900 Truxtun Ave., Ste. 110, 325-2535; Prisoners of Love, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Thursday. Que Pasa Mexican Cafe, 9000 Ming Ave., 664-1400; Mike Montano, 9 p.m. Saturday.
Comedy Elevation Lounge, 818 Real Road, 325-6864; Improv Tuesday - Live comedy with DJ after party, 9 p.m. Tuesdays. Please see GO & DO / 37
37
Thursday, February 23, 2012 The Bakersfield Californian
Eye Street GO & DO: CONTINUED FROM 36
Country
GO & DO
Sandrini’s, 1918 Eye St., 3228900; Vince Galindo, 9 p.m. Wednesdays.
Dancing Bakersfield Rounders, ballroom (cued) transition class levels two and three, 7 p.m. Tuesdays, South Bakersfield Veteran’s Hall, 1905 Wilson Road. $10 per couple. 7477921. Dancing. 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 Dr., offers ballroom dance, East Coast swing (jitterbug) and Argentine Tango dance classes; $35, $45 for non-members. 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. Mavericks Singles, ballroom and country dancing with music by Country George, 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 Jerri Arnold, Ed Shelton and guests, 7 p.m. Friday, Rasmussen Senior Center, 115 E. Roberts Lane. $7; $9 nonmembers. 399-3575.
DJ Banacek’s Lounge, 4601 State Road, 387-9224; with DJ Casey Overstreet, 9 p.m. Fridays. Bellvedere Cocktail Lounge, 3090 Brundage Lane, 325-2139; DJ Brian, 7 to 11 p.m. Tuesday. DoubleTree Hotel, Club Odyssey, 3100 Camino Del Rio Court. 3237111; 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. DJ Rockstarz Party Bar, 7737 Meany Ave., Suite B5, 589-6749; DJ James, 9 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays. Free. Sandrini’s, 1918 Eye St., 3228900; The Mothership, 9:30 p.m. Saturday. $5. 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.
MICHAEL FAGANS / THE CALIFORNIAN
Detrice Palmer appears as Lady in Brown in “For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide, When the Rainbow Is Enuf,” at Bakersfield Community Theater. “For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide, When the Rainbow Is Enuf,” 8 p.m. today through Saturday, 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 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, 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
Bakersfield Community Theater, 2400 S. Chester Ave. $15 adults; $12 seniors/students/military. 831-8114. 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. Elevation Lounge, 818 Real Road, 325-6864; 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, 834-1611; A to Z Karaoke, 8 p.m. to midnight Tuesdays. Lone Oak Inn, 8 p.m. every Tuesday and Thursday at 10612 Rosedale Hwy. 589-0412. Magoo’s Pizza, 1129 Olive Drive, 399-7800; 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Tuesday. Maria Bonita Mexican Restaurant, 10701 Highway 178, 3663261, 7 to 11 p.m. Fridays. All ages. McMurphy’s Irish Pub & Sports Bar, 14 Monterey St., 8691451; 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. Replay Sports Lounge & Grill, 4500 Buck Owens Blvd., 3243300; 8 p.m. every Wednesday. Rocket Shop Cafe, 2000 S. Union Ave., 832-4800; 8:30 p.m. to midnight Saturday. 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. karaoke. Round Table Pizza, 2060 White Lane, 836-2700; 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday. karaoke. Round Table Pizza, 2620 Buck Owens Blvd., 327-9651; The Junction with host Mac Clanahan, 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays. Round Table Pizza, 4200 Gosford Road, 397-1111; 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays. Rusty’s Pizza, 5430 Olive Drive, 392-1482; 6:30 to 9 p.m. every Wednesday. Sports & Spirits, 6633 Ming Ave., 398-7077; 9 p.m. Thursdays and Saturdays. 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. 3921747. The Bull Shed Bar & Grill, at Hotel Rosedale, 2400 Camino Del Rio Court, 327-0681; 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; 397-3599; 7 to 10 p.m. Sundays. 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. The Wrecking Yard, 9817 S. Union Ave., 827-9192; 7 to 10 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays 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 Hwy. 3635102. 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. Vinny’s Bar & Grill, 2700 S. Union Ave., 496-2502, 7 p.m. Thursdays. 21 and over.
Latin/Salsa DoubleTree Hotel, Club Odyssey, Club Odyssey, 3100 Camino Del Rio Court, 633-1949; various levels, 3 to 9 p.m. every Sunday. $5 per person, per lesson.
Mariachi Camino Real Restaurant, 6 to 9 p.m. every Sunday at 3500 Truxtun Ave. 852-0493.
Music showcase The Prime Cut, 9500 Brimhall Road, 831-1413; featuring local artists, 7 to 10 p.m. every Wednesday.
Oldies KC Steakhouse, 2515 F St., 3229910; Jimmy Gaines, Bobby O and Mike Halls, 6:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday.
Old school Jacalito Grill, 900 Truxtun Ave., Ste. 110, 325-2535; The Prisoners of Love, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Thursday. 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 with guest Cora, 8:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. $5 per night.
Open Mic Fiddlers Crossing, 206 East F St., Tehachapi, 823-9994; 7 p.m. Wednesdays. $5. 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; Iron Outlaws, Karling Abbeygate, Big Jugs, 8:30 p.m. Friday. $10. Rockstarz Party Bar, 7737 Meany Ave., Suite B5, 589-6749; live bands, 9 p.m. every Thursday. Sandrini’s, 1918 Eye St., 3228900; Back Up Johnny, 9:30 p.m. Friday. $5, 21 and over.
Ska/reggae B. Ryder’s Sports Bar & Grill, 7401 White Lane, 397-7304; Roddy Radiation & the Ska Billy Rebels, Mento Buru, 9 p.m. Saturday. $5.
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. Songwriters
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., 3228900; Trivia Night with Dave Rezac, 10 p.m. Tuesdays.