The Bakersfield Californian Eye Street Entertainment / 3-10-11 by Matt Munoz

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, March 10, 2011

Eye Street

Index BMT Wine Tasting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 Model Train Show . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23 Arts Alive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 ‘Curse of the Flightless’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25 The Lowdown with Matt Munoz . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26 Cruisin’ for a Wish car show . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29 Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31-33

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

Charlie Sheen Night to be epic Condors pull out all the stops for themed night

MARS BAND DOWN TO EARTH

BY JENNIFER SELF Californian lifestyles editor jself@bakersfield.com

e’s lost his television show, his children and some have said — based on the no-end-insight Charlie Sheen vs. the World tour — his sanity. But though Sheen might be his own worst enemy, he’s been a friend indeed to the Bakersfield Condors, if creating buzz is any measure of a team’s success. Since the Condors organization announced a week ago that this Saturday’s game against the Idaho Steelheads would be dubbed Charlie Sheen Night, the media attention has been intense, said Vice President of Communications Kevin Bartl in an interview Tuesday. “We’ve actually seen an article in the Vancouver Sun and the New York Daily News. There was the L.A. Times story over the weekend and a couple of others from the Midwest. The Hockey News called me yesterday. They primarily just do the (National Hockey League) ... so for them to call the Condors and do a feature on us is a big deal.” As a marketing strategy, bringing the Charlie Sheen circus to town has been a stroke of genius. As a method of getting backsides into seats, well, we — and the Condors — will see. “We’ll probably know after the game,” Bartl said. “We’ll know how it had an impact on us. “On a Saturday night, we’re usually at about 6,000 fans. Nine thousand is the capacity.” Bartl said the last semi-sellout was in November during the popular teddy bear toss. And the excitement seems to extend beyond the media. Bartl has fielded several questions from hockey fans who want to know whether the offer of free admission in exchange for a clean drug test is on the up and up. “A gentleman called up yesterday morning and asked if he could bring all 20 people in his outreach group,” said Bartl, who admitted he probably underestimated the number of folks who will take him up on that proofof-sobriety perk. But don’t think you can get one by the Condors staff if you partied a little too hard last weekend and plan to borrow your friend’s clean test: They will be checking IDs. And Bartl said vintage tests won’t work either, so leave that A-plus you got five years ago at home and bring proof that’s not more than a couple of months old.

ALEX HORVATH / THE CALIFORNIAN

Charlie Sheen has been offered a chance to drop the first puck at Saturday’s game — and, of course, he would be allowed into the game for free.

The Bakersfield Condors’ Charlie Sheen Night When: Doors open at 6 p.m.; puck drops at 7 Saturday Where: Rabobank Arena, 1001 Truxtun Ave. Admission: Free with a clean drug test; wear a fedora or dress like a Charlie Sheen movie character and pay two and a half bucks; regular admission: Other promotions: Two-for-one tiger blood ICEEs and snow cones for the kids. The first 1,000 males will receive a Charlie Sheen face-on-a-stick mask. A rock band from Mars will play in front of the arena on the plaza before the game.

“We’ve always prided ourselves on doing some unique things here and trying to add to the excitement of Condors hockey and it’s been pretty busy with all the media attention we’ve gotten and all the attention from the fans,” Bartl said. “But in the end we’re trying to bring attention to the team and the game experience, and the promotions are part of that.” Bartl noted that though the Sheen gimmick has really caught fire, it isn’t the first high-profile promotion cooked up by the Condors marketing geniuses. “I would say our Sarah Palin promo got a ton of attention. That was

during the off season, during the presidential race in 2008 and all the talk was about Sarah Palin being a hockey mom and we put an offer out for her to be our unofficial Condors hockey mom. We offered her son a tryout and we offered her a jersey and asked if she wanted to come out and drop a puck. We didn’t hear back from her. ... We got a lot of publicity on that one, and not all the publicity was positive.” Which begs the question of whether the Charlie Sheen promotion — with its Tiger Blood ICEEs, drug tests, etc. — is making light of the serious problem of drug addiction. Or the serious problem of twitchy, megalomanical actors. Or something. “With the Charlie Sheen Night, he’s been outrageous himself, so I don’t think anything we’re doing is really outrageous,” Bartl said. “We’re borrowing everything. Every promotion we have is supported by something he’s said or done in the media.” Could Sheen’s next outrageous act take him to Bakersfield, where he has a standing invitation to drop the puck at Saturday’s game? Well, it’s become abundantly obvious in the rant-a-minute Sheen roadshow that anything, even a detour to our neighborhood, is possible. And since he would presumably be dressed like Charlie Sheen, the Condors have graciously said he’d get in free. A tough proposition to pass up for an out-of-work actor.

Green skin? Big head? Ray guns? Ziggy Stardustera David Bowie? The Condors organization is promising a “rock band from Mars” for Saturday night’s Charlie Sheen shindig. But what does a rock band from Mars look like? Surprisingly, the band’s leader looks a lot like local performer Landen Belardes, who, judging by appearances at least, seems to be a very wellmannered 19-year-old earthling. Whatever planet he’s from, he knows just how fortunate he is to have scored the coveted gig, since attendance to the game is expected to be in the stratosphere, thanks to Charlie Sheen’s antics. If the game is a sellout, 9,000 potential fans will be exposed to Belardes’ “indie acoustic” style, which, he said, will probably have a bit more rock ’n’ roll edge for the big night. “We mostly do originals, but I might come up with some covers this weekend,” said Belardes, who still hadn’t finalized who would be playing with him when we spoke Tuesday. “I don’t know if we’re going to dress up. We might do some funny little things to decorate our stage area with a Martian theme. I might come up with a funny band name for the night. “I think we’re just going up there and doing our thing. It’s pretty out-there enough.” We thought we’d help the singer/guitarist brush up on his Mars trivia by doing a little impromptu quiz over the phone. Though he admitted he’s no expert on the extraterrestrial, he was game to try.

Mars quiz True or false: It takes 12 Earth years for Mars to complete one orbit around the sun.

Belardes: “True, I guess. I wish I had my brother here. He just knows a lot about space and nature and stuff.” Answer: False — In fact it takes two Earth years for Mars to complete one orbit around the sun. True or false: Scientists have concluded that life doesn’t exist on Mars. Belardes: “That is so true. There is no life on Mars!” Answer: False — Some scientists believe that life may exist in such places as permafrost layers beneath the surface of Mars. True or false: Mars is the planet most similar to Earth. Belardes: False. Answer: True Belardes: “What the heck? This is ridiculous.” True or false: Mars has three moons. Belardes: “I have no idea. False.” Answer: False — Mars has only two moons, Phobos and Deimos. True or false: Mars is larger than Earth. Belardes: “False.” Answer: False — Mars is only half as wide as Earth and has only about a tenth of its mass. Which of the following ingredients is not found in a Mars bar: nougat, caramel, almonds or coconut? Belardes: “Almonds. I’m wrong? Dang it.” (The answer is coconut.) How do you feel about Pluto being demoted to a dwarf planet? If it happened to Pluto, can Mars be far behind? Belardes: “I think people in fear of the aliens and Martians getting outraged would never even think about touching that issue for fear of getting invaded.” — Questions 1 through 5 taken from quest/nasa.gov/ mars.

Thursday, March 10, 2011 The Bakersfield Californian

BMT gets in on the act with first wine-tasting fundraiser

ten rit W

BY STEFANI DIAS

Sw an so n Sta rrin Nic kO g no Steve Little s Megan Swanson rn Erika Ke

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Californian assistant lifestyles editor sdias@bakersfield.com

THE CURSE OF THE FLIGHTLESS PHOTO COURTESY OF PETER BECKMAN

The Bakersfield Music Theatre’s wine tasting on Sunday will help raise funds to make possible shows like “Cabaret,” which opened in January at Stars Dinner Theatre.

BMT Wine Tasting When: 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Sunday Where: Stars Dinner Theatre, 1931 Chester Ave. Admission: $50 Information: 325-6100 or 633-9463

Weill Child Guidance Foundation Wine Tasting Event When: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Friday Where: Guild House, 1905 18th St. Admission: $75 Information and tickets: Call Toni Ross at 322-1021, ext. 186

the tasting. “The community is really supportive of theater,” she said, also discussing the recent Rusty’s “pizza nights” in February that benefited the theater. Rusty’s Pizza owner (and orchestra percussionist) Cyndi Hicks suggested the initiative in which a portion of proceeds from Monday and Tuesday night sales in February went to BMT. With a budgetary pie of $1.2 million, divvied up among shows — three at Harvey Auditorium, seven at Stars and kids school performances — rent, payroll and food, the nonprofit has its fundraising work cut out for it. The organization, which received $40,000 from the Kern Community Foundation last year and a three-year grant of $225,000 from the James Irvine Foundation in 2007, continues to seek funding at all levels. “Whenever we can, we apply for grants or extra types of funding, so we don’t have to ask as much of the community,”

High said. She said they should know by the end of the month about federal grants applied for last fall. Cutbacks and declining ticket sales — depending on the time of year (summer is slower) — take a toll, but donations have helped keep operations rolling, High said. But rather than picking up the phone and asking for money, High said events like Sunday’s fundraiser will keep things lively for everyone. “People can come out and have good night and support something they believe in,” she said.

Wine tasting at Guild House The Imbibe staff will be working hard this weekend, providing wines at the BMT tasting and offering a world tour of wines on Friday at the Henrietta Weill Child Guidance Foundation’s wine tasting. The Guild House event will feature a dozen wines from around the globe, including a Chateau Saint-Florin sauvignon blanc from the Bordeaux region of France, and Garnacha de Fuego Old Vines, a grenache from Spain, which Imbibe owner David Dobbs said “might be the best buy in the world.” In addition, hors d’ouevres prepared by the Guild House staff will be served. A silent auction will feature items such as a $100 Café Med gift certificate and some great wines from Martin Rey winery, owned by Bakersfield native Courtney Benham. All funds raised will benefit the Henrietta Weill Memorial Child Guidance Clinic, a nonprofit facility that provides mental health and substance abuse services Kern County children, adults and families.

is a humorous drama about the Prescott family and the eldest son’s quest to fly into space. The story begins with Sam almost finished with his spaceship when his younger brother, Charlie, arrives home after six years and dredging up old wounds. The Curse of the Flightless is a story about the power of faith, and belief in the ability to transcend our failings and achieve greatness.

Mar. 4 - Mar. 12

ou don’t need to be a sommelier to know wine’s natural pairings: cheese, fruit, chocolate, the arts — well, supporting the arts to be exact. Bakersfield Music Theatre will pair wine and philanthropy at its first-ever wine tasting event at Stars Dinner Theatre on Sunday. It was the popularity of other local wine tastings that inspired the event, said Kathryn High, BMT operations manager. “The decision was made by (BMT) board members who had enjoyed other winetasting events,” High said. “There are a lot of people in the community who enjoy wine tasting. It’s something new (for us), and we thought we’d try it.” The theater has two larger fundraisers — “The History of Bakersfield” in June and a golf tournament in the fall — but is branching out to appeal to those beyond the loyal and regular supporters of the arts community. “Asking the same people to give the same amount is difficult. We’re hoping to get a lot of newer people, people who haven’t come to our fundraisers before.” So what should attendees expect on Sunday? We got the dish from Blake Lemmons, chef at Stars Dinner Theatre, which operates under the BMT nonprofit umbrella. Provided by Imbibe Wine and Spirits, nine wines will be paired with hors d’oeuvres prepared by Lemmons and his staff, along with a 10th table featuring dark chocolate, cheeses (brie, sharp cheddar and blue cheese) and baguette slices that can be paired with the wine of your choosing. The pairings are: An Australian shiraz with a skewer of top sirloin and a green pepper sauce. A malbec from Argentina with a spicy empanada wrapped in pastry. Chardonnay, which is from the United States but has a hazelnut flavor, will be paired with chicken coated in Egyptian dukkah spice blend, which includes hazelnut and cardamom. Vouvray from France with a fresh fruit assortment, including cantaloupe, honeydew and grapes. Champagne from Spain with strawberries dipped in Belgian chocolate. A New Zealand sauvignon blanc with battered and fried cod. Cabernet sauvignon from South Africa paired with a specialty of Burkina Faso in west Africa: a spiced beef and lamb meatball, breaded, fried and served with a hot pili pili sauce. An Italian primitivo with a smoky cheese ravioli in marinara sauce. Vino verde from Portugal with chilled shrimp and cocktail sauce. Also in the lineup is a raffle featuring artworks, a wine basket and gift cards to a variety of restaurants. High said she expects a good turnout for

SPOTLIGHT

Eye Street

FOR INFORMATION CALL

661.634.0692

www.thespotlighttheatre.com

1622 19th Street Bakersfield, CA

501(c)3 not for profit organization

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, March 10, 2011

Eye Street

EAST BAKERSFIELD HIGH SCHOOL PERFORMING ARTS PRESENTS

THE BROADWAY MUSICAL

+IRIVEP %HQMWWMSR East Bakersfield High School Auditorium 2200 Quincy Street, Bakersfield, CA Call 871-7221 for information and tickets

READING C

F O R M E R LY PA C I F I C T H E AT R E S

VALLEY PLAZA MALL, WIBLE ROAD AT HI-WAY 99

ADVANCE TICKETS AT READINGCINEMASUS.COM 1-800-FANDANGO #2703 “LIKE” READING CINEMAS VALLEY PLAZA 16 ON FACEBOOK FOR SPECIAL PROMOTIONS!

GENERAL MATINEES ADMISSION BEFORE ONLY 6PM ONLY

BAK

BEST M FIELD’S OVIE VA LUE ERS

SENIORS (55+) AND KIDS ONLY

8 5 5

$ 50 $ 50 $ 50 3D $11.00

3D $8.00

EVERY THURSDAY

VALUE FREE SIZE POPCORN

ANYONE 55 OR OLDER

THE ADJUSTMENT BUREAU

(12:10PM, 2:35, 5:00), 7:25, 9:50

(PG-13)

(PG)

(12:30PM, 2:00, 3:00, 4:30, 5:30), 7:00, 8:00, 9:25 I

THE KING’S SPEECH (R) (12:15PM, 4:00), 7:15, 9:55 HALL PASS (R) (1:00PM, 2:20, 3:30, 4:45), 6:00, 7:10, 8:25, 9:40 DRIVE ANGRY 3D (R) (12:10PM, 2:40, 5:05), 7:30, 9:55 I AM NUMBER FOUR (PG-13) (1:50PM, 4:20), 7:05, 9:35 BIG MOMMAS 2 (PG-13) (12:05PM, 2:30, 4:55), 7:20, 9:45

Bargain Shows in ( )

(1:10PM, 3:20, 5:30), 7:40, 9:55

(PG-13)

UNKNOWN (PG-13) (12:00PM, 2:30, 5:00), 7:30, 10:00 JUST GO WITH IT (PG-13) (2:10PM, 4:40), 7:20, 9:50 JUSTIN BIEBER: NEVER SAY NEVER (G) 3D: (12:00PM, 4:50) 3D DIRECTOR’S CUT: (2:20PM), 7:10, 9:40 GNOMEO & JULIET (G) (12:00PM, 1:15, 2:00, 3:15, 4:00, 5:20), 6:10, 7:25, 8:10, 9:25 THE ROOMMATE (PG-13) (12:35PM, 2:50, 5:15), 7:30, 9:45

I Pass/Discount Restrictions Apply

Showtimes Valid Only 3/10/11

DLP DIGITAL

PRESENTED BY

The Wheel of Fortune mobile is coming to Maya on March 12 to do a pre-screening for contestants. From 11-3 people can come to our north parking lot and sign up for a chance to be a contestant on WHEEL....OF....FORTUNE!!!!!!!!!!

Drive Angry 3D – R 11:00 1:45 4:30 7:15 9:50 Director’s Fan Cut Justin Bieber: Never Say Never 3D - G 12:45 6:45 Justin Bieber: Never Say Never 3D– G 3:45 9:30 Gnomeo & Juliet 3D – G 11:45 2:00 4:40 6:50 9:40

The Adjustment Bureau –

PG-13

HOT DOG Mondays

I Am Number Four – PG-13 11:35 2:15 4:45 7:25 10:00

The Wedding March is only the beginning BY SUSAN SCAFFIDI Contributing writer

t’s the music that sends countless couples off to face their future together, but the Wedding March is actually just one piece — albeit the most famous — from a collection of music that is rarely performed in its entirety. The Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra is devoting its entire concert this weekend to that collection — the Incidental Music to William Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” by Felix Mendelssohn, the source of that well-known tune. In addition, theater students from Cal State Bakersfield will offer an edited production of Shakespeare’s play. “Incidental music” Kane can be thought of as a soundtrack for an otherwise nonmusical stage play. It has its origins in ancient Greek drama in which the members of the chorus would provide commentary on the action and characters through singing, dancing, chanting of text and other activities. By the time Mendelssohn wrote his incidental music in 1843, incidental music was used to create a mood, fill time between scene changes and acts in the play, or to depict an event offstage. Mendelssohn, who loved Shakespeare’s plays, first wrote music based on the play after having read it in 1826, when he was just 17 years old. At that time he wrote an overture for concert performance that describes musically many of the elements of the play — the scampering of fairies through the forest, the braying of the weaver, Bottom, after he is transformed into a donkey — assigning musical themes to depict the different characters and using clever instrumental effects to tell the story. As a successful composer and conductor in 1843, Mendelssohn received a commission from Friedrich Wilhelm IV, King of Prussia, to write the music for a complete production of Shakespeare’s play. Mendelssohn incorporated the

PHOTO COURTESY OF GEETA NOVOTNY

Singer Geeta Novotny is also an actress and has performed on several independent film soundtracks.

overture of his youth into the new work, and it is a testament to his genius that the music of his early career, which had astounded the musical world with its brilliance, was worthy of the mature composer’s efforts. The finished score includes 14 movements, including the Overture, and includes several instrumental pieces, such as the Scherzo and “March of the Fairies,” that introduce the listener to the fairy world; “melodramas,” or music that underscores spoken passages in the play; the Nocturne, Intermezzo, Wedding March and March of the Clowns, all of which are often performed as concert works themselves; and the Finale, which recalls music from the Overture and closes the play. Two movements are scored for chorus and soloists: the song “You Spotted Snakes” is a lullaby for the Fairy Queen Titania; and a song at the finale, “Through the House Give Glimmering Light.” Joining the BSO are students from the CSUB theater department. Professor Mandy Rees said eight of her students will perform multiple roles while reading from an edited text to fit within the BSO’s two-hour concert length. “All of the parts of the play that are

set to music have been retained,” Rees said. “There is no music in the first act,” Rees said. “I’ve reduced that to about three pages, but kept enough to keep the story intact.” “You will get a complete idea of the story,” Rees said. Rees said CSUB colleague and English professor Michael Flachmann will serve as a narrator linking the edited passages together to keep the storyline moving. Student performers include Miguel Torres, Danvir Grewal, Alessandra Banducci, Katharine Cruz, Courtney Sherman, Cristine Goyeneche, Jake Facile and Christopher Jacobson. Also joining the orchestra are the Bakersfield Masterworks Chorale and the CSUB Singers to perform the choruses; soprano Susan Kane and mezzo-soprano Geeta Novotny will perform the solo roles of First and Second Fairies. Both Kane and Novotny are emerging young performers who are earning critical praise for their work. Both have performed previously with the Bakersfield Symphony. Novotny, who is also an actress and has performed on several independent film soundtracks, recently appeared in recital at CSUB. Kane is on the voice faculty at CSU Los Angeles. CSUB music professor Dr. Jerome Kleinsasser will present a lecture about the program at 7 p.m. in the Potato Room in the theater. The lecture is free.

Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra When: 8 p.m. Saturday Where: Theater at Rabobank Convention Center, 1001 Truxtun Ave. Admission: $34 to $50; half price for full-time students with ID. Tickets are available at the Rabobank Theater box office. Information: bakersfieldsymphony.org or 3237928

12:00 2:30 5:10 8:00 10:30 Rango – PG 10:30 11:00 11:30 1:10 1:40 2:10 3:50 4:20 4:50 6:30 7:00 7:30 9:10 9:40 10:10 Beastly – PG-13 11:40 2:20 5:00 7:40 10:15 Take Me Home Tonight – R 12:15 2:45 5:15 8:10 10:25 Hall Pass – R 12:10 2:50 4:55 5:25 7:35 8:05 10:05 10:35

Text Movies to 21321

Just Go With It - PG-13 11:20 2:25 5:05 7:45 10:20 Big Mommas: Like Father Like Son – PG-13 10:50 1:20 3:55 6:40 9:20 Unknown – PG-13 11:25 2:05 4:40 7:20 9:55 Gnomeo & Juliet 2D – G 10:45 12:50 2:55 The King’s Speech – PG-13 10:40 1:35 4:10 6:55 9:35

TILE BUY DIRECT & SAVE

Thursday, March 10, 2011 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street

AT TACHI PALACE HOTEL & CASINO YOU CAN BE RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF ALL THE FUN & EXCITEMENT!

CASEY CHRISTIE / THE CALIFORNIAN

Model railroader Joel Saslaw of Bakersfield repairs one of his N-scale trains during the 2010 model train show at the fairgrounds.

All aboard this weekend for model train show Elaborate layouts result of years of work by local club BY JENNIFER SELF Californian lifestyles editor jself@bakersfield.com

hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s something about the ability of trains to transport us â&#x20AC;&#x201D; and not just from here to there â&#x20AC;&#x201D; that seems to capture the imagination of little boys, stirring in their souls the first tug of wanderlust. Or so it was with Doug Wagner, who belongs to a local hobby group devoted to model trains. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When I was a kid, about 5 years old â&#x20AC;&#x201D; I was raised out in Wasco, and the potato shed was out there and the switch crews would switch the cars out. Every time they would come, theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d let me ride while they switched the cars out. It was just a little ways up the track, and my mother was there. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the best guess I can have as to why I got interested in trains.â&#x20AC;? Wagner and the other members of the Golden Empire Historical (â&#x20AC;&#x153;or as we sometimes say â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;hystericalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; â&#x20AC;&#x201D; I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t type that wellâ&#x20AC;?) and Modeling Society will share that passion this weekend at the Kern County Fairgrounds during the groupâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s annual show. The Saturday and Sunday event will feature a model train swap meet and train rides for the kids ($2), courtesy of Kern County Live Steamers. But the main attraction, of course, is the trains and the intricate â&#x20AC;&#x153;mini-worldsâ&#x20AC;? they occupy. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not as big as the shows in L.A., but itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the biggest show between Sacramento and Bakersfield,â&#x20AC;? said Wagner, a retired Kern County firefighter. The show â&#x20AC;&#x201D; whose proceeds fund the local clubâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s modeling projects â&#x20AC;&#x201D; drew about 2,500 last year, Wagner said. And when you hear how elaborate those projects are, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s easy to understand how quickly the money goes. To construct a â&#x20AC;&#x153;layout,â&#x20AC;? which is what model train enthusiasts call the world they

Model train show When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday Where: Kern County Fairgrounds, 1142 S. P St. Admission: $7; free to children under 12 accompanied by a paying adult; parking $3. Information: gehams.net or 331-6695

create, builders must have some carpentry, electrical and organizational skills; a little artistic talent and a whole lot of patience are nice too. And hobbyists do all this knowing full well that thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no true end to their labors in sight. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll never be finished with your layout. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been working on these two layouts at the club for over 10 years. Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re big enough that you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t go in there and finish overnight.â&#x20AC;? But itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not for lack of trying: Many of the 45 enthusiasts in the club meet twice a week, on Tuesdays and Saturdays. But itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s worth every bit of the toil when you hear that locomotive go, said Wagner. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re in a mini-world. You built this world, you put the mountains in, whatever you did. The final reality is when you get to run your train through it with no problems. You know you built this and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s working.â&#x20AC;? Though he said most of the members of the club are â&#x20AC;&#x153;old guys like me,â&#x20AC;? there are four high school students. Dues are $25 a month, though the younger members pay just $5. It might sound a little steep, but the club leases space at a building on 19th Street, which allows members to come in and tinker at will. But is the hobby itself prohibitive? â&#x20AC;&#x153;You can make it as expensive as you want,â&#x20AC;? Wagner said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not a real cheap hobby, but guys trying to make ends meet can do it. You can buy fairly reasonably priced stuff and still have a good train set.â&#x20AC;? Anyone interested in joining the club should go to gehams.net.

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The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, March 10, 2011

Eye Street Camille Gavin CONTRIBUTING COLUMNIST

‘Flea’ is one lively French farce BC staging recent adaptation of play

constant flurry of energetic activity and multiple misunderstandings are the hallmarks of “A Flea in Her Ear,” which opens tonight at Bakersfield College. Director Kimberly Chin has chosen to use the recent David Ives adaptation of the original French farce written a century ago by Georges Feydeau. “Ives preserves the original’s flawless plot line and brings out Feydeau’s play-on-words and innuendo,” Chin said. “Both playwrights have a playful use of words and Ives’ translation really resonates with today’s audiences.” Set in Paris in 1900, the play revolves around a woman’s belief that her husband is having an affair. It’s a large cast — 14 actors, all of whom are BC students. Mistaken identities abound and the play calls for one actor to play two roles. In this production, it’s Justin Pool who portrays both Victor, the husband who’s suspected of cheating, and his look-alike, Posh, the bellboy in a bordello. “Justin has done a beautiful job of building two distinctive characters that the other characters mistake for the other,” Chin said. “This is a physically demanding role for Justin as well — (there’s) tons of physical comedy.” Mandie Sopher is cast as the wife of the supposedly errant Victor. To find out if he’s cheating, she enlists the help of her best friend, Lucienne, a character played by Leydi Garcia.

GO & DO ‘A Flea in Her Ear’ When: 8 p.m. today, FridaySaturday and 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday Where: Bakersfield College Indoor Theatre, 1801 Panorama Drive Admission: $5; $3, students and seniors Information: 395-4326

‘New Kid’ When: 2 and 4 p.m. Saturday and noon and 2 p.m. Sunday Where: CSUB, Dore Theatre, 9001 Stockdale Highway Admission: $5; free to children 12 and under Information: 654-3150

‘Second Monday Magic’ Magician Arrian Black When: 7:30 p.m. Monday Where: Intimate Theatre & Music Hall, 2030 19th St. Admission: $15 or $75 for series of six shows Information: 323-1976

Robert “Goose” Scott appears as Lucienne’s jealous husband, a volatile Spaniard, and Jotae Foster is the eccentric Dr. Finache, chief medical officer for an insurance company, who’s treating Victor’s nephew, portrayed by Adam Raines, for a speech impediment. And speaking of BC, changes are in the works for both the indoor and outdoor theaters. Chin, who teaches theater arts, said a renovation of the Speech, Art and Music Building, or SAM, which contains both theaters, is scheduled to begin in the fall. Chin didn’t provide any details except to say the indoor theater would still have a proscenium-

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

style stage and to predict the result for both venues will be “spectacular.” With no performance space available on campus this will mean a change of venues in 20112012. BC stage productions will be held at The Empty Space on Oak Street, and Chin plans to take a show designed for young audiences on tour to local schools.

Students’ art exhibit “Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Art,” an exhibit of work done by artists in kindergarten through high school, opens this evening at the Bakersfield Museum of Art. An annual event, it is held to observe Youth Art Month and is sponsored by the California Art Educators Association, Central District, which is made up of art teachers in the southern San Joaquin Valley and parts of San Luis Obispo. Awards will also be presented. Winners at each grade level will go on to a regional level and, if successful there, will advance to the state competition. In 2010, Andrew Frausto, who then was a senior at South High, won the state competition, which included a three-day trip to New York City.

PHOTO COURTESY OF JON VILLANUEVA JR.

Jotae Fraser, left, as Dr. Finache and Adam Raines as the character he’s treating for a speech impediment in a scene from “A Flea in Her Ear,” playing this week at Bakersfield College.

help others understand how it feels to be an “outsider” and what we can do to help each other.

Magic series at Intimate Theatre Bakersfield resident and master illusionist Ron Saylor tells me he does about 300 shows a year in all parts of the country. But it looks as if he’ll be in town at least one day of each month from now through August. Saylor says he’s put together a “dream cast of performers” for a series of six shows appropriately named “Second Monday Magic.” Each show will be performed on that particular day of the month by a top-level magician at the Intimate Theatre. “These are all friends of mine and they’re coming from all over the world; they’re all of ‘Magic Castle’ caliber,” said Saylor, meaning the celebrated venue in Hollywood where he, and possibly all of the others, are members. Saylor, who says he’s loved magic since he was 9, will act as master of ceremonies and do a few tricks of his own at the beginning of

CSUB’s ‘New Kid’ “New Kid” is a play designed for young audiences but suitable for all ages that focuses on what it’s like to be different from your peers. It will have four performances this weekend in the Dore Theatre at Cal State Bakersfield. The story is about a boy called Nick, a newcomer to the United States. He is puzzled by American customs and has yet to learn the language. Told from Nick’s viewpoint, the audience can understand what the boy and his mother are saying but the dialogue of those portraying American characters is written so it sounds like gibberish. Kamala Kruszka, the director, said the play gives a perspective on what it is like to be on the outside of a situation and hopes it will

each performance. Ariann Black, who just completed a long run in Las Vegas, will start off the series on Monday evening. As a woman, she’s something of a rarity among magicians, a world inhabited mainly by men. Next up on April 11 is Losander, a native of Germany known for his mastery of the art of levitation. Eric Buss, a comedian as well as a magician, is slated for May 9. Arthur Trace, a winner of the FISM award, will appear on June 13. Saylor said professional magicians consider the FISM, presented annually by the International Brotherhood of Magicians, the equivalent of the movies’ Oscar. Chipper Lowell, who has performed cruise ships and once had a 12-month run at a resort in Lake Tahoe, is booked for July 11. The Bornstein Experiment, a husband-and-wife team, close the series on Aug. 8. Although $15 single admission tickets will be sold at the door, Saylor said patrons may also buy a $75 season ticket on opening night that is good for all six shows.

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Thursday, March 10, 2011 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street at

Ethel’s Old Corral

Swanson spreads wings R

Contributing columnist

have yet to see a performance of Ian Swanson’s “Curse of the Flightless” at Spotlight Theatre but I have read the script and found it to be rather magical, and in some ways reminiscent of ancient Greek myths. Surprisingly, even though it’s about a contemporary dysfunctional family, the play is really quite heartwarming. Some might see the ending as tragic yet, for me, the resolution makes perfect sense. (I won’t spoil it by telling you how it ends.) Swanson describes “Curse” as humorous drama, much like romanticism in the original sense of the word. “It’s about human beings reaching out for something greater than themselves,” he said during an interview from his home in Bakersfield. Briefly, “Curse” is about the Prescott family and their failed attempt to raise emus for human consumption — the emu is a bird that cannot fly — and the eldest son’s quest to fly into space despite the fact he has a life-threatening heart defect. Steven Littles portrays Sam, who is piecing together a home-made spacecraft for his mission. Nick Ono appears as his younger brother, Charlie, who’s come home to visit after an absence of six years. He tries to keep Sam from finishing his project. Megan Swanson, the playwright’s wife, portrays Anna, Charlie’s trusting girlfriend. Erika Kern plays

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Opening: January 21st through March 12th For reservations

PHOTO COURTESY OF IAN SWANSON

The cast of “Curse of the Flightless,” from left: Nick Ono, Steven Littles, Megan Swanson and Erika Kern.

‘Curse of the Flightless’ When: 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday Where: Spotlight Theatre, 1622 19th St. Admission: $15 Information: 634-0692

the part of Lilly, the mother who ranges back and forth between eccentricity and just plain nuttiness. As the play progresses a lot of emotional wounds are opened up, revealing painful truths. I asked Swanson how he came up with the idea for the play. “I got the inspiration for the piece when I was in college,” he said. “I was always a dreamer and, as I let my muse wander, I began to think about emus and it all came together and became more about truth and faith.” His original version of the play had its debut about five years ago at Cal State Fullerton but in the interim, he’s revised the script. During that time he and Megan,

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who’s had professional acting experience, lived in New York City, where Ian attend film school at Columbia University. “Getting a chance to come back to this play with so much more experience has been gratifying,” he said. “Hopefully the script will show improvement over what already has (been) a great emotional journey.” I’ve read both versions and I can see the improvement. Swanson’s cut most of the long speeches that were in the original, the dialogue is crisper and wittier, and the pace much faster. He is the son of the late John Swanson, who was a technical director at CSUB and collaborated with Emily Thiroux in the formation of Spotlight Theatre. Ian and Megan returned to Bakersfield almost two years ago and started Couture Motion, a company that produces films of private weddings. “Sometimes I miss New York but every time I hear about a snowstorm there, I don’t,” he said. “It’s such a vibrant culture and it was a very exciting time.”

Famed jazz drummer ready to Jam at CSUB BY ROB MESZAROS Contributing writer

t’s not every day that aspiring musicians get to play alongside a seasoned pro. This rare learning experience will greet CSUB jazz ensemble students when iconic drummer/percussionist Jeff Hamilton serves as the guest artist for the 35th annual Jazz Jam concert at 8 p.m. Friday inside the Dore Theatre on the CSUB campus. Hamilton CSUB music instructor and interim director of jazz studies Jim Scully said the Jazz Jam is the largest jazz event put on by the music department, outside of the popular Bakersfield Jazz Festival (slated for May 6 and 7). “It is different from the festival in that the Jazz Jam is a time where the students get to see how someone goes about their business at the highest levels of professional music making and share that experience with them,” said

35th annual Jazz Jam When: Free clinic at 3 p.m., concert at 8 p.m. Friday Where: CSUB, Doré Theatre, 9001 Stockdale Highway Admission: concert, $15; $12, seniors; $8, students with ID, faculty, staff and alumni. Tickets will be available at the door beginning at 7 p.m. on the night of the concert. Information: 654-2511

Scully. “Our students get an experience that won’t be replicated very often.” Local jazz fans are in for a treat as well. The concert will feature compositions and arrangements that Hamilton has made famous in the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra — a group that he co-leads with bassist/composer John Clayton. “Jeff is an amazing musician — nuanced, bombastic, swinging and he is a curator of an immaculate technical virtuosity,” said Scully. “He is a stun-

ning player. I hope Bakersfield comes out to hear just how stunning he is.” Like the students who will learn this time around, it was Scully who once found himself a pupil of Hamilton’s. “I had the good fortune to play with Mr. Hamilton while I was in graduate school in a big band for one night. As a guitarist, I sat directly in front of the drums, and the sounds that washed over me that night — from the intricate brush work, to the slamming swinging rhythms — just astounded me,” said Scully. “I was happy to be able to bring him to CSUB so my students could have a similar experience.” In addition to the concert, Hamilton will host a free clinic that is open to the public. Scully said Hamilton is expected to talk about his career, technique, improvisation and whatever else attendees want to chat about. “This opportunity to meet up with a legendary performer should not be missed.” — Rob Meszaros is director of public affairs and communications at Cal State Bakersfield.

February 25 - March 19 bmtstars.com or 325-6100 for tickets

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, March 10, 2011

Eye Street The Lowdown with Matt Munoz

Turning up the heat at cook-off Ethel’s Old Corral in third. “Big Mike” Madrigal of McMurphy’s was the winner of the guacamole competition. The afternoon frolicking continued with music and dancing by Bakersfield country rockers The Twang Bangers. “We’ll definitely do it again next year,” said Miller of the event’s success, adding that there are plans for more events at the bar in the works, including a “Beach Party Bar Olympics” coming on June 5. We’ll keep you posted.

No one left hungry at Amestoy’s event

he turnout for last Sunday’s Chile Verde and Guacamole Cook-Off at Amestoy’s on The Hill was a sight to see. With a crowd of more than 200 people passing through the saloon doors at a bright and early 10 a.m., every hungry hangover in the house looked surprisingly ready to party. Twenty-two contestants signed up and lined the fenced-in back parking lot of the bar, some decorating their pop-up tents boasting the bar establishment or club they represented. Standing anxiously by their steaming pot of spicy soups, the bragging and recipesharing started early. “I roast the chiles in almond wood before I use them,” said contestant Bonifacio Caballero of his blend. “Here, try some.” I did, many times over. Three booths to his left, Bakersfield’s Matt Tidwell was a tie-dye delight in full Grateful Dead attire; meanwhile Guthrie’s Alley Cat’s Matt Barajas and his wife, Ronna, held court chatting with passersby. Friendly exchanges like that were everywhere, as were the celebratory libations flowing steadily. By noon everyone in attendance was treated to first, second, and third samples while personalized music playlists blared from various parts of the parking lot. One minute you’re in the middle of an all-out U2 medley, the next thing it’s Earth Wind & Fire. Suddenly a backyard party vibe was in full swing. Next up: the judging. I agreed to be a judge

PHOTO COURTESY OF BIG JOHN BATES MATT MUNOZ / THE CALIFORNIAN

Canada’s Big John Bates will perform at B Ryder’s on Saturday.

James Reyes and Carlos Alvarado of B Ryder’s show off their secondplace plaque at the Chili Verde and Guacamole Cook-Off at Amestoy’s.

for the competition, but little did I know what I would be getting into. I had already stuffed myself with so many different types of chile verde, rice and guacamole samples that when it dawned on me I had to try them all over again, I hit the Alka Seltzer. Joining me on the panel was former county Supervisor Pete Parra, who kept order as a food competition veteran, Marriott Hotel chef Ben Cude, Bob Hayes of the Kern County Officer Down Foundation, and NFL pro footballer Joey Porter, who showed up fashionably late with posse in tow. Rolling in the sampling cart to our table, Amestoy’s bar manager and co-organizer Jessica Lessaos kept things lively as she navigated repeatedly through the packed inhouse bar crowd. “The turnout was bigger than we expected. Originally the idea was to bring local bars together, get some publicity for the local business and support each other. Everyone seems to be having a good time,” she said before turning autograph seekers away from

Porter’s personal space. “It really took on a life of its own.” And off we went. From the spicy to the salty, to the bland and beyond, we had a tough job ahead of us. After many palate-cleansing beverages, we made it through all 22 entries, ranking each from 1 to 10 in the areas of taste, texture, consistency and appearance. By the time the guacamole showed up, Joey Porter had reached his limit, waving his hands that he was out. Before making his exit, he’d expressed his disdain for avocados, but, to me, looked more annoyed with signing beer-soaked cocktail napkins all afternoon. After collecting and tabulating all the voting sheets, Amestoy’s manager Mike Miller loudly rallied the crowd together with his bullhorn to announce the winners. Taking home the gold cup trophy and $180 cash prize was Bakersfield’s Daniel Arias and Narducci’s Cafe’s Reina Carreno, followed by James Reyes and Carlos Alvarado of B Ryder’s Bar in second place, and Art Flores of

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.

Matt’s pick HENRY A. BARRIOS / THE CALIFORNIAN

Bakersfield’s 1916 will play at Fishlips on Thursday.

St. Patty’s Day is next week In more green-related news, tickets are available for next Thursday’s St. Patty’s Day Shamrock Shindig at Fishlips. This year’s lineup includes local singer-songwriter Kenny Reeves; Joel Jacob and his band; DJ Frankie P; my band, Mento Buru; and the official St. Patty’s Day band of Bakersfield, 1916. Dressed in kilts, 1916’s music is loud-and-proud Celtic rock. They have some of the craziest music fans in Bako, so the crowd mix should be interesting. Adding some Latin flavor to the mix, the band will be bringing back the official St. Patty’s party piñata for some break-time foolery. While I’m not allowed to reveal who the effigy is modeled after until the big day, I will say this: He has a goatee. Showtime is 6 p.m. Presale tickets are available for $10 at Fishlips, 1517 18th St., or at Vallitix. com. Call Fishlips at 324-2557 for more information.

Big John Bates Grindshow at B Ryder’s, 7401 White Lane, 9 p.m. Saturday. $5. 397-7304. Canadian guitar wild man Big John Bates has been a frequent visitor to Bakersfield, starting with Sunday afternoon visits to Guthrie’s Alley Cat years ago. Graduating to the much larger Fishlips’ stage and now to B Ryder’s southwest neighborhood, one thing he and his band of rockin’ ruffians need is room. Not just to accommodate their riff heavy, rockabilly three-piece, but the burlesque show they bring along. With fire-eating tattooed girls in pasties, to bassist Brandy "Bones" Anderson, you’ll either be titillated or offended. Sounds like a great date night.

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.

Thursday, March 10, 2011 The Bakersfield Californian

New England

Eye Street

Train Adventure

Duo dishing up fete for Prime Cut’s 30th BY MATT MUNOZ Bakotopia.com editor mmunoz@bakersfield.com

fter 30 years in business, The Prime Cut is still cooking up the fun. And owners Merv and Michelle Crist haven’t been content to stay in the kitchen: They’ve put their name and the restaurant out in the community, establishing popular events like the annual Crawfish Festival, Mardi Gras Fat Tuesday and more. To show their appreciation, the couple is planning a week of “prime” events in celebration of the milestone at their Rosedale location, beginning Friday night. “We wanna celebrate the customers,” said Merv Crist during an interview at the restaurant last Thursday as he busily shaped freshly made dough for morning baking. “We love them and thank them.” Wife Michelle can’t help getting emotional recalling how far they feel they’ve come since taking over the business 17 years ago. “We’ve put our heart and soul into this,” she said. “We’ve gained so many friendships. Not just from customers, but employees who got their first jobs here when they were 16. It’s so great to see them succeed in life, get married and have children.” Employees aren’t the only ones with a unique back story, especially since the Crists have worked side by side as husband and wife proprietors since day one. “Trust me, it’s not easy working with your spouse. I’m a strong-willed woman,” said Michelle. “But Merv says that’s what he likes about me,” she added with a smile. The feeling is mutual for her husband, who added that love of family has been at the core of their hard work, especially for their children, Alexis and Austin. “We’ve always just wanted our kids to have a good life,” he said. Meeting for the first time while attending CSUB in 1990 — Merv was studying for his business degree, while Michele was working toward a degree in physical education — the two admit there wasn’t an immediate love connection. “We were playing a grass volleyball tournament on campus and he thought he was all that and a bag o’ chips,” said Michelle. “I didn’t pay much attention to him.” Merv, on the other hand, remembers having an instant attraction to Michelle after being formally introduced through a mutual friend. Since then, the two have been inseparable, marrying two years later. “We’ve been together from the minute we met,” said Merv. “Michelle

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Prime Cut owners Merv and Michelle Crist are celebrating their restaurant’s 30th anniversary.

The Prime Cut’s 30th anniversary Schedule of events: Friday: Karaoke Contest Semifinals. 9 p.m. Saturday: Cole Fonseca blues band. 9 p.m. Monday: “Mervburger Madness.” Five-foot Mervburger to be given away at 6 p.m. Tuesday: Pig Roast. 6 p.m. Wednesday: Chuck & Billy’s Songwriter’s Showcase. 7 p.m. March 17: St. Patrick’s Day/ 30-Year Anniversary Celebration. All day. March 18: Karaoke Contest Finals. 9 p.m. The Prime Cut is located at 9500 Brimhall Road. For more information, please call 831-1413.

and I had a lot of goals in common and wanted to be successful.” After graduation, the young couple discussed becoming business owners. Exploring possibilities, including buying into the TCBY frozen yogurt franchise, they also discovered local butcher shop The Prime Cut was up for sale. After speaking with a business consultant, both decided the venture showed some promise. “My thought was, ‘I can do that,’” said Merv. “Every previous owner has built on the business.” The original Prime Cut storefront, located on Ming and Ashe in 1981, was

a small meat counter. It was relocated to Stockdale and Coffee in 1986. After the Crists took over the business in 1994 from then-owners Dennis and Sheryl Palone, the butcher shop had also become an increasingly popular spot for in-store diners. Working together on marketing and event planning, the Crists’ creative decisions have been calculated, including the authentic New Orleans bayou/Cajuninspired decor gracing the present location on Brimhall, where they’ve been doing brisk business since 2007. “We fell in love with the New Orleans style,” she said. “My father was from Louisiana. For years I had no idea he spoke French.” Serving up favorites like the colossal Mervburger along with some of the spiciest dishes in the city, the restaurant’s menu is an eclectic mix of Big Easy-style delicacies and all-American comforts. Then there are Prime Cut’s calendar of events, including the Best Bloody Bartender Battle and the weekly Songwriter’s Showcase, hosted by local guitarists Chuck Seaton and Billy Russell. Celebrating its own one-year anniversary last night, it was the perfect preanniversary kick-off to the weeklong festivities that includes: live music, karaoke contests for cash and prizes, full pig roast, the “Mervburger Madness,” feed where they plan on cooking up a 5-foot version of the sandwich for a group of lucky customers, and a big St. Patrick’s Day party. “Prime Cut has become a mainstay of Bakersfield,” said Merv. I’m already looking forward to our 40th.”

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The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, March 10, 2011

Eye Street

PHOTO COURTESY OF MARCUS MONSIBAIS

Boys & Girls Clubs of Kern County program directors, from left, Justin Ahart aka “Captain Dodgeball,” Henry Chatman aka “Mr. Dodgeball” and Chris Molina aka “The Rocker” are ready for some dodgeball at the tournament on March 19.

Aim for fun at charity dodgeball tournament BY MATT MUNOZ Bakotopia.com editor mmunoz@bakersfield.com

veryone should have a dodgeball story to share from elementary and junior high, right? I can recall my teacher setting us up in a large circle with half of the class placed in the middle through some lottery to be pulverized by volleyball-hurling classmates. Sometimes we’d get hit so hard, you’d get knocked to ground in mid-dodge. The only rule: If you get hit, you’re out of the circle. It was brutal but fun and pretty good payback against the school bully. I doubt schools allow the game anymore, but if they do I’m sure it probably resembles next Saturday’s Boys & Girls Club’s Dodgeball: The Tournament. Like the 2004 film “Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story” with Ben Stiller, the event has official rules, requires teams to sign up and, of course, have a good time with all funds raised going to help the club’s afterschool programs. If you’re not familiar with the sport, official game play goes something like this: Two teams of six players are placed at opposite sides of the court. At the beginning of the game, balls are lined up on the central dividing line — not volleyballs or basketballs, but soft rubber balls that won’t cause much pain. Once the referee blows his whistle for the “opening rush,” players then bolt to the center line simultaneously to try and grab one of the balls placed in center court. Afterward, players are allowed to hold onto, throw or roll it back to their teammates. Once all players are back on their side of the court, the game can commence. Players throw balls at members of the opposing team in an attempt to eliminate one anoth-

Dodgeball: The Tournament When: 8:30 a.m. March 19 Where: Boys & Girls Club, 801 Niles St. Cost: $200 per six-person team Information: 325-3730 or bgclubsofkerncounty.or

er. There really isn’t much athletic skill required, other than you’d better have your cardio in check — you will be running a lot. I know because I was in one of these tournaments and they really are a hoot. I’ll try not to embarrass myself too much, but it was a comedy of errors. Imagine six out-ofshape musicians the morning after a late night of downtown gigging. Called to be the first match of the day, we were pitted against members of the BHS football team. One by one we were taken out with ease. We didn’t last longer than a few hilarious minutes, and the rest is dodgeball history. Take my advice and get your team in shape now. To help you in that area, organizers have added a competition bracket release party and carb feed at Pasta Fazool, 700 Truxtun Ave., for all participating teams the night before. Don’t forget to ham it up and get yourself a cool team name and funky uniforms for a chance at prizes for best dressed. Ages 13 and up are allowed to participate and the tournament is expected to sell out. Overall winning team will receive the “Golden Dodgeball” trophy and, of course, bragging rights. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Kern County has four clubs and 36 school sites in Bakersfield, Lamont and Frazier Mountain. For more information and to register your dodgeball team, call 325-3730.

Thursday, March 10, 2011 The Bakersfield Californian

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CASEY CHRISTIE / THE CALIFORNIAN

Ron Clements of Avenal sits in his 1949 Mercury Coupe next to his cardboard cutout of James Dean, left, during the 2009 Cruisinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; for a Wish Classic Car & Motorcycle Show.

Moose Lodge revs up to help kids via car show THE BAKERSFIELD CALIFORNIAN

hree desperately ill children want more than anything in the world to go to Disneyland: 5-year-old Carlos to meet Mickey Mouse; Paige, also 5, to see the beautiful princesses; and Fernando, 13, simply to experience the thrill of the rides. Joshua, 17, would love to meet Matt Damon, his favorite movie star. It has been the mission of the Moose Lodge of Bakersfield to grant wishes just like theirs over the years. How? With the proceeds from Cruisinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; for a Wish Classic Car & Motorcycle Show, now in its eighth year, said Moose member Don Perry. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We were at the Moose Lodge one night years ago and we was wondering what we could do for community service because the Moose Lodge is all about community service, and we decided since a lot of us had old cars, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d do a car show,â&#x20AC;? Perry said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We did the first one at Jim Burke Ford and had 67 cars. We outgrew that and gave the money to Make A Wish. The next year, Make A Wish told us we could pick specific kids from the Kern County area.â&#x20AC;? That was $122,000 and 38 kids with 38 wishes ago. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve done room makeovers for kids, trips to Disneyland, a Disney cruise, we sent one kid to see Tony Stewart at the Indianapolis races. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve sent several kids to Hawaii, had shopping sprees. Even as small as a birthday party for one of the kids who was in the hospital and too ill to go on his wish. â&#x20AC;&#x153;And, unfortunately, a couple of days later, the boy passed away. You just do what you can do with these kids.â&#x20AC;? And what the Moose Lodge manages to do is quite something, said Diana Rambo, executive director of the Central California chapter of Make A Wish, who noted that last year alone, 40 percent of the organizationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fulfilled wishes were in Kern County. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just amazing. We couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t do it without the help of organizations like the Moose Lodge,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They do every-

8th annual Cruisinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; For A Wish Classic Car & Motorcycle Show When: 9 a.m. Saturday Where: Kern County Fairgrounds, 1142 S. P St. Admission: Free; parking is $3 Information: 399-8406; stockdalecarshow.org

thing from start to finish. They work so hard on it.â&#x20AC;? All that work usually pays off with proceeds that exceed what the club had anticipated. If that happens again this year, more children will have their wishes granted, though Perry does sound cautious. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The way the economy is, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re down now by about $3,000 from last year at this point.â&#x20AC;?

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The show Vehicles: Cars will span the decades from a Model T Ford to a 2006 Dodge Challenger. Late entries are fine and, for $35, anyone can sign up by 8 a.m. the day of (the fee includes a steak lunch). In addition, more than 100 motorcycles â&#x20AC;&#x153;from the Christian motorcycle groupsâ&#x20AC;? will be there, Perry said. About 20 racing lawnmowers also will be available for inspection, though Perry said because of liability concerns, â&#x20AC;&#x153;once theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re parked, nothing moves,â&#x20AC;? so donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t expect a demonstration of their speed. The raffle: More than 200 raffle gifts are up for grabs, ranging from bicycles to Firestone tires and Tuff Shed dog houses, valued at $600 each. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We should have 35 vendors out there, selling everything from purses and jewelry to caramel corn,â&#x20AC;? Perry said. For the kids: There will be a bounce house and rock-climbing activity. Food: A New York steak meal, complete with chili beans, green salad, a roll and

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The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, March 10, 2011

Eye Street

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Mexico's most popular mariachi group, Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlan, will headline the Mariachi Festival Friday at the Fox Theater.

Mucho mariachi heads to Fox Theater Friday BY MATT MUNOZ Bakotopia.com editor mmunoz@bakersfield.com

he sounds of Mexico will come alive during Friday’s Mariachi Festival at the Fox Theater. The festival will feature three full ensembles headlined by Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlan, Mexico’s most popular group. Commonly heard at celebrations surrounding Mexican-themed holidays like Cinco de Mayo, the traditional mariachi band has become a popular staple at weddings and other formal occasions, and not just for those of Latino heritage, but Anglos as well. Originating in the western Mexican state of Jalisco during the 18th century, the musical serenading style has grown in popularity around the world. The traditional mariachi group generally consists of trumpets, violins, guitar, vihuela (a high-pitched, five-string guitar), guitarrón (a large acoustic bass) and harp. Suited in silver- or gold-studded suits called charro, the performers’ most identifiable accessory is the flashy wide-brimmed hat. While some groups average five to six members, larger ensembles can reach up to 13 players

Mariachi Festival With Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlan, Mariachi Monumental de America and Mariachi San Marcos When: 7 p.m. Friday Where: Fox Theater, 2001 H St. Admission: $40 to $75, plus service fees Information: 324-1369 or vallitix.com

or more. In 1987, pop singer Linda Ronstadt gave the genre a big boost by releasing an album of mariachi classics titled “Canciones de Mi Padre,” recorded with Friday’s headliners, Mariachi Vargas. Recorded entirely in Spanish, it still ranks as the biggest-selling nonEnglish album in American record history. Today, it’s not uncommon for artists in the Latin pop genre to release similar mariachi collections as a tip of the sombrero to the country’s musical heritage. Also appearing on Friday night is Southern California’s Mariachi Monumental De America and Bakersfield’s Mariachi San Marcos.

Hone acting skills at free class Sunday A free and open class on film and theater acting for ages 16 and up will be offered at 2 p.m. Sunday at The Intimate Theatre & Music Hall, 2030 19th St. in Bakersfield. The class will be led by Drew Snyder, whose career spans more than 35 years. Snyder’s varied talents have placed him prominently in diverse film, stage and television productions: actor/spokesman for the original Irish Spring commercials (“It’s manly, but I like it too!”); soap opera star; star of the Tony Award-winning play “Sticks and Bones”; appearances in more than 70 major films and TV shows.

His most recent role has been as writer/director/actor/producer for the soon-to-be-released feature comedy “Zombie Bankers.” Snyder gives individual attention to students looking for real guidance in the techniques of theatre and film acting. The Intimate Theatre’s class is guaranteed to be an afternoon of fun. Attendees should wear comfortable clothing and bring a short piece of written material. RSVP by phone at 323-1976; space is limited. — David Zent, of The Intimate Theatre

Thursday, March 10, 2011 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street GO&DO Today Charity Bunco Night “Champagne & Carats,” sponsored by the Association of Petroleum Wives, social hour 6 p.m.; dinner 6:45 p.m.; dice rolls 7:30 p.m., The Petroleum Club, 5060 California Ave. $40 per person. Benefits Bakersfield Community Theatre and Kern Adult Literacy Council. 706-4826. Eighth annual St. Patrick’s Day Celebration, with the Kern River Celtic Association, live music by Whiskey Galore, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., Noriega Hotel Restaurant, 525 Sumner St. Corned beef dinner and no-host bar. $28. 205-0823. Early California History Day, costumed docent-led tours, 9 to 11:30 a.m., Kern County Museum, 3801 Chester Ave. $10 adults; $9 students (13-17)/seniors; $8 (612); $7 children 3 to 5; under 3 are free. 852-5000. Meet, Greet & Eat, meet Sharon Crull of The Terraces winery, 5 to 8 p.m., Imbibe Wine & Spirits Merchant, 4140 Truxtun Ave. $10 to taste all four wines; $10 for pasta bar and one salad. 633-WINE. Mystery & Adventure Book Group, with host Marcia Stephens, 7 p.m., Barnes and Noble, in the cafe, 4001 California Ave. 6312575. Teen Tech Week, create ads for your favorite teen books by developing and posting online video blogs, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., Beale Memorial Library, Tejon Room, 701 Truxtun Ave. 868-0770. “Women’s History Month: Women, Politics and the Personal,” featuring “Speaking the Truth” with Althea Williams, 6:30 p.m., Bakersfield College, Fireside Room, 1801 Panorama Drive. 395-4350. Tolerance Forum, 5:30 p.m., CSUB, Student Union, Multipurpose Room, 9001 Stockdale Highway. Free. 654-2711.

Friday 35th annual Jazz Jam, featuring CSUB Jazz Ensemble with drummer Jeff Hamilton, 8 p.m., CSUB, Doré Theatre, 9001 Stockdale Highway. $15; $8 students; CSUB students w/ID are free. 654-6142. Texas Hold’em Night, presented by Kern County Law Enforcement Foundation, with New York steak dinner at 6 p.m. and poker tournament at 7 p.m. Friday, 420 Club, 3910 Alfred Harrell Highway. $100; dinner only, $20 dinner only. 342-1532. Mariachi Festival, 7:30 p.m., Bakersfield Fox Theater, 2001 H St. $40 to $75. vallitix.com or 322-5200. Weill Child Guidance Foundation Wine Tasting Event, “Wines of the World,” hors d’oeuvres, silent auction, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Guild House, 1905 18th St. $75; proceeds go the Henrietta Weill Memorial Child Guidance Clinic. 322-1021. Moonlight in Casablanca, benefitting San Joaquin Community Hospital, Arts Council of Kern, Ronald McDonald House and J.J’s Legacy, with silent auction, big band dancing and casino style gaming, 6 p.m., Epic Jet Center, Meadows Field, 1105 Douglas Street. $75 per person. visit moonlightincasablanca.com or 619-1995. Annual International Dinner, hosted by the International Students Club, fashion show, live music, 6 to 9 p.m., CSUB, Runner Cafe, 9001 Stockdale Highway. $12 advance; $14 at the door. 654-6113. Wine Bar Flight, the best of 2007 Cabernet I, Paul Hobbs Beckstoffer, Casa Piena, Hourglass and more, 4 p.m., Imbibe

Wine & Spirits Merchant, 4140 Truxtun Ave. Wine tastes vary by wine. 633-WINE. Condors vs. Idaho, 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Rabobank Arena, 1001 Truxtun Ave. Tickets: Rabobank box office, bakersfieldcondors.com or 324-7825.

Saturday 15th annual Psi Chi Research Conference, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., CSUB, Student Union, Multipurpose Room, 9001 Stockdale Highway. Free. csub.edu/psichi. 40th annual Collectors Showcase Antique Show & Sale, sponsored by Glass & China Collectors, glassware, pottery, china, dolls, silver, linens, toys, furniture, Wayne Montano’s Antique Glass Repair, and more, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Hodel’s, Kern Rooms, 5917 Knudsen Drive. $4. 399-1140 or 399-7074. Eighth annual Cruisin’ For A Wish Classic Car & Motorcycle Show, presented by the Stockdale Moose Lodge, gates open at 7 a.m., show at 9 a.m., Kern County Fairgrounds, 1142 P St. Free; $3 parking. Proceeds benefit the Make-A-Wish of South San Joaquin Valley. stockdalecarshow.org or 399-8406. St. Patrick’s Day Dance, music by Prisoners of Love, 8 p.m. to midnight, Eagles Hall, 1718 17th St. $10 per couple. 747-1628. RJ’s first annual Spring Sporting Clay Shoot, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., RJ’s Bar & Grill, 9440 Hageman Road., Suite C. $400 for a four-person team. All proceeds benefit the Bakersfield Ronald McDonald House. 5874723. Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra, presents “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” 8 p.m., the theater at Rabobank Convention Center, 1001 Truxtun Ave. $34 to $50; full-time students half price. bakersfieldsymphony.org or call 323-7928. Citrus Care & Fruit Tasting, learn how to prune and care for citrus trees, 1 p.m., Robby’s Nursery & Landscape, 13129 Hageman Road. 588-0859. Model Train Show, model train vendors from all over California, operating model railroad layouts on display, ride the rails with the Kern County Live Steamers, hourly door prizes, raffle and more, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Kern County Fairgrounds, 1142 S. P St. $7; under 12 free when accompanied by paying adult; $3 parking. gehams.net or 331-6695. Fourth annual Walk for Thought, walk to help raise awareness of brain injury; registration 10 a.m., walk at 11 a.m., Kern County Museum, 3801 Chester Ave. $25; $15 children 5-18. Lunch and T-shirt provided. 872-4903. CD Release Party, by Whiskey Galore, 8 p.m., Lengthwise Brewery, 6720 Schirra Court. 836-2537. Beginning Guitar Lesson, bring your own, learn to play songs, 1 to 3 p.m., Beale Memorial Library, Tejon Room, 701 Truxtun Ave. Free. 868-0770. 28th annual School Bus “Road-e-o,” see why school bus drivers are skillful at safely transporting children, 7:30 a.m. to noon p.m., Kern County Superintendent of Schools Transportation Service Center, 705 S. Union Ave. 852-5800. National Wild Turkey Federation Fundraiser, 5 to 11 p.m., Kern County Fairgrounds, 1142 P St. $60 single; $85 couple; $1,000 for a table of 8. 333-3395. Please see PAGE 32

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, March 10, 2011

Eye Street CONTINUED FROM PAGE 31

Ask a Designer, your questions on your design project, 10 a.m., Beladagio, 9500 Brimhall Road, Suite 705. 829-2288. Spanish Storytime, with Clara Castillo, 3 p.m., Barnes and Noble, 4001 California Ave. 631-2575. Yokuts Park Fun Run, practice racing and earn points, 7 a.m., Yokuts Park, Empire Drive off Truxtun Avenue. No fee. bakersfieldtrackclub.com or 2034196 or 391-7080. Artist Reception, mixed media art by Robyn Lance and Cathy Olague,enjoy food and entertainment, 3 to 5:30 p.m., The Empty Space, 706 Oak St. 327-PLAY.

Sunday First annual BMT Wine Tasting, enjoy wines from nine different countries, hors d’oeuvres, raffle, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., Stars Dinner Theatre, 1931 Chester Ave. $50 per person. 325-6100 or 633-9463. CSU Bakersfield Guitar Art Series, of chamber music, 4 p.m., CSUB, Doré Theatre, 9001 Stockdale Highway. 654-2511.

THEATER “A Flea in Her Ear,” 8 p.m. today through Saturday; 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Bakersfield College, Indoor Theater, 1801 Panorama Drive. $5; $3 students/staff/seniors/military. 395-4326. “Pageant,” doors open at 6 p.m., show at 7:30 p.m. today through Saturday, Stars Dinner Theatre, 1931 Chester Ave. $50 to $55; show-only tickets $35. 325-6100. “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” 11 p.m. Friday, The Empty Space, 706 Oak St. $10. 327-PLAY. 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 on Friday and Saturdays, children under 12 are $1 every day. ciacomedy.com.Comedy. “Malt Shop Memories,” 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Intimate Theatre & Music Hall, 2030 19th St. $25 for two adults; $10 students/children. 323-1976. Project Love, 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, The Empty Space, 706 Oak St. $5. 327-7529. “Shootout at Ethel’s Old Corral,” followed by the vaudeville revue “Bakersfield! Party City U.S.A.,” 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Gaslight Melodrama Theatre & Music Hall, 12748 Jomani Drive. $12 to $23. 5873377. “New Kid,” noon, 2 and 4 p.m. Saturday; noon and 2 p.m. Sunday, CSUB, Doré Theatre, 9001 Stockdale Highway. $5; children 12 and under are free. Recommended for children in third grade and above. 654-3150. 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. Omnipresent Puppet Theatre, presents “The Fishermen’s Wife,” 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday, Gaslight Melodrama Theatre & Music Hall, 12748 Jomani Drive. $6. 587-3377.

ART Opening Reception, for artist Bill Ryan, wine, hors d’oeuvres, 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Juliana’s Art Studio & Gallery, 501 18th St. 327-7507. Artist Reception, mixed media art by Robyn Lance and Cathy Olague, enjoy food and entertainment, 3 to 5:30 p.m. Saturday, The Empty Space, 706 Oak St. 327-PLAY. “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. “The American West” Art Exhibit, featuring artwork from Ronald Reagan School, today through Sunday, Kern County Museum, Lori Brock Children’s Discovery Center, 3801 Chester Ave. $10 adults; $9 seniors/students (13-17); $8 students (6-12); $7 (3-5); children under 3 are free. 852-5000. “Empty Altar” Art Exhibit, by Gustavo Godoy, on display today through Saturday, CSUB, Todd Madigan Gallery, 9001 Stockdale Highway. Gallery hours are 1 to 6 p.m.Thursday and 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday. 654-2238. “Contextual,” exhibit on display now through April 30, Padre Hotel, 1702 18th St. 427-4900.

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

Blues Kern River Blues Society Jam, 2 to 8 p.m. every second Saturday, Trout’s, 805 N. Chester Ave. 8727517.

Classic rock Bellvedere Cocktail Lounge, 3090 Brundage Lane, 325-2139; Random, 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday. T-Bones Steakhouse, 8020 District Blvd., 398-1300; The Usual Suspects, 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. Friday; J Bombs, 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. Saturday. The Monte Carlo, 9750 Taft Highway, 837-0250; No Limit, 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Crest Bar & Grill, inside Bakersfield RV Resort, 5025 Wible Road, 833-9998; Mike Montano, 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday. Pyrenees Cafe, 601 Sumner, 3230053; Mike Montano Band, 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday.

Country Trouts & the Blackboard Stages, 805 N. Chester Ave., 399-6700:, offers karaoke, line dancing, West Coast Swing among other various activities. Call for times and days. Buck Owens Crystal Palace, 2800 Buck Owens Blvd., 3287560; Buddy Alan & the Buckaroos, 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. “Post 26” American Legion Hall, 2020 H St., 324-9435; live country music and dancing with Bobby Durham, doors open at 6:30 p.m., from 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. Saturdays. $10, includes one drink. $1 snack food available. Tejon Club, 117 El Tejon Ave., 3921747; Crossroads, 6 to 10 p.m. Sunday.

Dancing Joaquin Squares, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Thursday, Rasmussen Center, 115 E. Roberts Lane. $5. 324-1390, 325-3086 or 399-3658. Folklorico Classes, advance dancers/performing group 6 to 8 p.m. Fridays; and beginners, all ages, 10:30 a.m. to noon Saturdays, Fruitvale-Norris Park, 6221 Norris Road. $22 per month for beginners; $25 per month for advance dancers. 833-8790. Mavericks Singles, ballroom and country dancing with music by Lost Highway, 7 to 10 p.m. Friday, Kern City Town Hall, 1003 Pebble Beach Drive. $6 member; $8 guest. 831-9241. Pairs and Spares Dance, 7:30 p.m. each Friday, Rasmussen Senior Center, 115 E. Roberts Lane. $5; $7 nonmembers. 399-3575 or 332-1537. Country Dance, with music provided Jerri Arnold & Stars & Guitars, jam session, all artists welcome, 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Le Corusse Rouge, 4647 White Lane. Dance classes, beginning west coast swing, intermediate/advanced west coast swing with instructor Mimi Johanson, at 8214 Mossrock Drive. Call 927-7001 for details. Whirlaways Square Dance Club, has workshops/classes every first, third, fourth and fifth Mondays, Park Stockdale Civic Assocation Community Center, 205 Rio Bravo Drive. whirlaways.org or 398-3394. Whirlaways Square Dance Club, workshop/class with caller Rick Hampton every second Monday, Greenacres Community Center, game room, 2014 Calloway 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. 760-917-3685 or africandanceclasses.com. Dance Drill Classes, beginning belly dancing, 8 p.m. Tuesdays; advanced belly dancing, 7 to 9 p.m. Thursdays, Centre Stage

Studio, 1710 Chester Ave. $5 drop in fee for beginning belly dancing; $15 for advanced. 323-5215.

DJ B. Ryder’s Sports Bar & Grill, 7401 White Lane, 397-7304; DJ “SK,” 8:30 p.m. today. Rockstarz Party Bar, 7737 Meany Ave., Suite B5, 589-6749; DJ James, 9 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays. Free. 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. 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. Intimate Theatre & Music Hall, 2030 19th St., 323-1976; Ron Christian and his Big Band, 5:30 p.m. Tuesdays. Imbibe Wine & Spirits Merchant, 4140 Truxtun Ave., 633-WINE; live music & wine bar with featuring Jazz Connection, along with 24 wines, 6 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays. Le Corusse Rouge, 4647 White Lane, 834-1611; Bakersfield Jazz Workshop, 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. Wednesdays.

Karaoke Bellvedere Cocktail Lounge, 3090 Brundage Lane, 325-2139; 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Thursdays and Sundays. Cactus Valley Mexican Restaurant, 4215 Rosedale Highway, 633-1948; 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. today; beer pong and happy hour all day Sunday. Cataldo’s Pizza, 4200 New Stine Road, 397-5000; 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. today. Don Perico Restaurant, 2660 Oswell St., Suite 133, 871-2001; 7 to 11 p.m. Thursdays. Pour House, 4041 Fruitvale Ave., 589-9300; 9 p.m. 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. Thursdays. The Wright Place, 2695-G Mount Vernon Ave., 872-8831, 8 p.m. Thursdays. Tomi’s Cowgirl Cafe, 1440 Weedpatch Highway, 633-1949; Karaoke King Show, all ages, 7 to 10 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays. Julie’s The Branding Iron Saloon, 1807 N. Chester Ave., 6 to 10 p.m. Fridays. Maria Bonita Mexican Restaurant, 10701 Highway 178,

366-3261, 7 to 11 p.m. Fridays. All ages. The 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. Friday. Chateau Lounge, 2100 S. Chester Ave., 835-1550; 9 p.m. Saturdays. Pyrenees Cafe, 601 Sumner, 3230053; 8 p.m. to midnight Saturdays. Rocket Shop Cafe, 2000 S. Union Ave., 832-4800; 8:30 p.m. to midnight Saturday. Sports & Spirits, 6633 Ming Ave., 398-7077; 9 p.m. Thursdays and Saturdays. Tejon Club, 117 El Tejon Ave., 3921747; 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday. The Playhouse, 2915 Taft Highway; 397-3599; 7 to 10 p.m. Sundays. Camino Real Restaurant, 3500 Truxtun Ave., 852-0493; 9:30 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. Please see PAGE 33

Thursday, March 10, 2011 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street CONTINUED FROM PAGE 32

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

Summit, doors open 6 p.m. Saturday. $11. Tickets at tgptix.com. Sinaloa, 910 20th St., 327-5231; Hot Taco, 8 to 11 p.m. Saturday. $5.

Latin/salsa

Rockability

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.

B. Ryder’s Sports Bar & Grill, 7401 White Lane, 397-7304; Big John Bates, The Grind Show, The Iron Outlaws, 9 p.m. Saturday. $5.

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

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

Old school Que Pasa Mexican Cafe, 2701 Ming Ave., 832-5011; Al Garcia & the Rhythm Kings, 8 to 11 p.m. Thursdays. B. Ryder’s Sports Bar & Grill, 7401 White Lane, 397-7304; Thee Majestics, 9 p.m. Friday. $5. Tam O’Shanter, 2345 Alta Vista, 324-6774; The Press, 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Open mic Fishlips, 1517 18th St., 324-2557; Bakotopia Unplugged Open-Mic Night, 8 p.m., sign-ups begin at 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays.

Rock Rockstarz Party Bar, 7737 Meany Ave., Suite B5, 589-6749; live bands, 9 p.m. Thursdays. Elevation Lounge, 818 Real Road, 3256864; Elevation 406, 9 p.m. Friday. The Gate, 2010 O St., 323-4162; Carcosa, A Day of Atonement, Company to Keep, The Divergence Point, On the Brink of Defeat, 7 p.m. Friday. $7. Jerry’s Pizza, 1817 Chester Ave., 633-1000; Fair to Midland, Periphery and Scale the

Wednesday 3/16

Bellvedere Cocktail Lounge, 3090 Brundage Lane, 325-2139; 7 p.m. Tuesdays. Sandrini’s, 1918 Eye St., 322-8900; Trivia Night with Dave Rezac, 10 p.m. Tuesdays.

12th annual Leaders in Life Youth Conference, 8:45 a.m. to 2 p.m., Rabobank Convention Center, 1001 Truxtun Ave. $8. 636-4255. Condors vs. Alaska, 7 p.m., Rabobank Arena, 1001 Truxtun Ave. Tickets: Rabobank box office, bakersfieldcondors.com or 324-7825. Greg and Steve, children’s concert with interactive, educational musical selections, 10 a.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, Valley Baptist Church, 4800 Fruitvale Ave. $7. 861-5200. Kern Audubon Society, field trip to Paso Creek area for bird watching, 8:30 a.m., meet at Sugar Mill Cafe, parking lot, 2523 N. Chester Ave. Bring binoculars, sunscreen, water and snacks/lunch. 832-1820. League of Women Voters, meeting with speaker Fran Florez; 5:45 p.m., The Petroleum Club, 12th floor, 5060 California Ave. $22 includes dinner; no charge for program only. 634-3773. Self-defense class, teaching sexual assault prevention and self-defense techniques, 6 to 9 p.m., Alliance Outreach Office, conference room, 1921 19th St. Free. Register, 322-0931. “Women’s History Month: Women, Politics and the Personal,” featuring “Raging Grannies,” 6:30 p.m., Bakersfield College, Fireside Room, 1801 Panorama Drive. 395-4350.

Variety

Thursday 3/17

Golden State Mall, 3201 F St., Dance to Joe Loco, 2 to 5 p.m. Sundays.

2011 St. Patty’s Shamrock Shindig!, featuring Mento Buru, 1916, DJ Frankie P, Joel Jacob, Kenny Reeves, 6 p.m., Fishlips Bar & Grill, 1517 18th St. $10. 324-2557. Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, stories, songs, crafts, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., Beale Memorial Library, Arkelian Children’s Library, 701 Truxtun Ave. 868-0770. Darryl Worley, 7 p.m., Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace, 2800 Buck Owens Blvd. $27.50$35.50. vallitix.com or call 322-5200. St. Patrick’s Day Party, with No DUH (No Doubt Tribute Band), doors open at 6 p.m., B. Ryder’s, 7401 White Lane. $7. 397-7304. Tickets at tgptix.com or World Records, Wavelengths, Impact Streetwear, Outer Limits or Hoggz Surfshop. St. Patrick’s Day Party, drink specials, drawing for pot of gold, 10 a.m., Bellvedere

Ska/reggae Goose Loonies, 816 18th St., 631-1242; Mento Buru Quartet, 9 p.m. Saturday.

Songwriters The Prime Cut, 9500 Brimhall Road, 8311413; Chuck Seaton and Billy Russell's Songwriter's Showcase, 7 p.m. Wednesdays. Maria Bonita Mexican Restaurant, 10701 Highway 178, 366-3261; 6:30 p.m. Fridays.

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

Trivia night

UPCOMING EVENTS Monday 3/14 Kern County Rose Society, with Richard Shiell, socializing 6:30 p.m., meeting 7 p.m., Calvary Bible Church, 48 Manor St. 3273228. Second Monday Magic, with magician Arrian Black, 7:30 p.m., Intimate Theatre & Music Hall, 2030 19th St. $15. 809-4826.

Tuesday 3/15 Zen Cartoons, lecture by Richard Collins, 7 p.m., Bakersfield College, Norman Levan Center, 1801 Panorama DriveBakersfield College, Norman Levan Center. Free with free parking.

Terry & ’s Charlotte

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

661.322.0077 PathwaysHypnosis.org

2011 Bakersfield March Meet, drag racing festival, gates open at 7 a.m., racing begins at 8 a.m. Friday through Sunday, Famoso Raceway, 33559 Famoso Road, McFarland. $25 Friday; $30 Saturday and Sunday per day; $75 weekend pass; $10 kids 7-12 per day. famosoraceway.com or 3995351 or 399-2210. 45th annual Bakersfield Fiesta, sponsored by The United Square Dancers Association, with mainstream, plus, advanced, challenge and round dancing, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Kern County Fairgrounds, 1142 P St. bakersfieldfiesta.com or 324-1390. Condors vs. Ontario, 7 p.m. Friday; 7 p.m. Saturday, Rabobank Arena, 1001 Truxtun Ave. Tickets: Rabobank box office, bakersfieldcondors.com or 324-7825. FLICS International Cinema Society, presents “A Prophet,” 7:30 p.m., Bakersfield Fox Theater, 2001 H St. $5. flics.org or 4280354.

Saturday 3/19 10th annual Rock & Gem Rendezvous, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Kern County Shriners Club, 700 S. P St. Free admission and parking. 323-2663. “A Lucky Night,” tri-tip dinner, reverse drawing, 6 p.m., Italian Heritage Hall, 4415 Wilson Road. $125 per couple. 835-7669. Boys & Girls Club Dodgeball Tournament, registration 8:30 a.m., tournament at 9 a.m., Boys & Girls Club, Youth Armstrong Center, 801 Niles St. $200 per team of six. 325-3730 Family Fun Day, for children in preschool and their family, with games, bounce house, safety demonstrations and information by Bakersfield Fire and Police Departments, Hall Ambulance and The Komin Medical Group, 3 to 6 p.m., Little One’s Preschool at First Presbyterian Church, 1705 17th St. $5 per person; $20 family. 431-1980.

March Special

STEAK HOUSE

PATHWAYS HYPNOSIS Vaughn Barnett

Friday 3/18

Buy 1 Dinner & Get 1

FREE FREE Mon-Fri, 11-2 HOURS Lunch: Dinner: Mon-Thurs, 5-10;

• Sleeplessness • Phobias & Fears

Cocktail Lounge, 3090 Brundage Lane. 3252139. “The Diamonds,” presented by Bakersfield Community Concert Association, 7:30 p.m., the theater at Rabobank Convention Center, 1001 Truxtun Ave. $45 for three remaining concerts. bakersfieldcca.org or 205-8522.

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

Fri & Sat, 5-10:30

Dine In Only Expires 3-31-11 Maximum value of $10.95 only. One coupon per table or party. Not valid with any other offers or Holidays.

Terry & ’s Charlotte

March Special

Buy 1 Lunch & Get 1

FREE FREE

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

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

Fri & Sat, 5-10:30

Dine In Only Expires 3-31-11 Maximum value of $6.95 only. One coupon per table or party. Not valid with any other offers or Holidays.

MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY

GOURMET MAC & CHEESE LINGUINI CARBANARA HOMEMADE MEATLOAF LASAGNA CHEESE RAVIOLI ALFREDO CHILI VERDE CHICKEN PICATTA