Bakersfield Californian Eye Street / 3-31-11

18

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, March 31, 2011

Eye Street

Index Soulajar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 First Friday . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 Arts Alive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 Scottish Games . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23 The Lowdown with Matt Munoz . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 Marisa Johnson concert . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25 Twilathon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27 Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30-31

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

“Liberty Belle is a living museum, our heritage not in mothballs or the pages of a dusty book, but real life, three dimensions, here and now.”

— Scott Maher, Liberty Foundation spokesman

Winged warriors still flying WWII-era aircraft heading to Bakersfield

BY DIANNE HARDISTY Contributing writer dhardisty@bak.rr.com

O

ne by one, the four 1,200horsepower Wright Cyclone engines roared to life, and the World War II-vintage B-17 “Flying Fortress” bomber rolled down the runway at Meadows Field. With a pull on the controls, the pilot forced the lumbering Liberty Belle into the air.

If you close your eyes and allow your imagination to take hold, you are one of the Greatest Generation’s “Flyboys,” a baby-faced aviator taking off for a death-defying bombing run over Europe or the Pacific.

Instead, those strapped into seats in the belly of the restored aircraft Monday afternoon were reporters and photographers being taken on a joyride in advance of this weekend’s public exhibition and flights at Meadows Field.

The restored Liberty Belle, a World War II “Flying Fortress,” and a Curtiss-Wright P-40E “Warhawk” fighter are being toured nationwide by the Liberty Foundation, a nonprofit organization based in Douglas, Ga., that honors military veterans for their sacrifices and contributions to America’s freedoms.

“Sixty-five years ago, these aircraft flew from bases far from home in an attempt to bring freedom to oppressed peoples,” said Liberty Foundation spokesman Scott Maher. “Our B-17 and P-40 mission for today is to educate the people of America about the courageous World War II veterans and remember those brave aircrew who never made it home.

“Liberty Belle is a living museum, our heritage not in mothballs or the pages of a dusty book, but real life, three dimensions, here and now.”

The Liberty Foundation’s 2011 Salute to Veterans tour will be open to the public on Saturday at the Epic Jet Center, a fixed-based operator located near the entrance to the Kern County Air-

port’s international terminal, west of Airport Drive.

There is no charge to view the aircraft. The cost to take a 30minute flight in the B-17 Liberty Belle is $395 for foundation members and $430 for non-members.

The cost of a flight in the P-40 is $950 for members and $1,050 for non-members. Passengers can become foundation members for $40 and receive the member discount for family and friends.

To make reservations to take a flight, call 918-340-0243 or go to the foundation’s website at libertyfoundation.org.

According to foundation officials, the cost per flight hour to operate and maintain the B-17 is $3,500. It takes 200 gallons of fuel per hour to power the Liberty Belle in flight. The organization spends $1 million annually to keep the aircraft flightworthy. Revenue from the flights funds the nationwide tours, upkeep of the aircraft and restoration of additional Warbird planes.

Ninety-one-year-old Ben Robertson of Los Angeles accompanied the Liberty Belle crew to Bakersfield Monday afternoon for the media briefing. As a young pilot during World War II, Robertson flew B-17s in training and B29s in combat in the Pacific Theater.

“I’ve been a pilot all my life,” said Robertson, who retired from a military reserve career and a civilian career in real estate and development. Still a private pilot, Robertson flies light aircraft today.

A fit man who climbed easily into the Liberty Belle to help brief the media on the Flying Fortress’ attributes, Robertson said he hopes organizations such as the Liberty Foundation will fortify the nation’s respect for the aircraft and the men who flew them. He also said he hopes they will promote the next generation’s interest in flying.

This bird got around A total of 12,732 Boeing B-17s were produced between 1935 and May 1945. Of those, 4,735 were lost in combat. Following World War II, the aircraft was used in three more wars — the Korean War, the 1948 war in Israel and during the Vietnam War. Fewer

HENRY A. BARRIOS / THE CALIFORNIAN

The B-17 Liberty Belle taxis for a flight out of Meadows Field on Monday for a preview of what passengers will be able to experience when the aircraft returns to Bakersfield on Saturday.

Liberty Foundation’s 2011 Salute to Veterans tour When: Saturday; flights are from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and the aircraft will be grounded from 2:30 to 7 p.m. for tours.

Where: Meadows Field, international terminal, 1105 Douglas St. Cost: Flights for B-17: $395 for foundation members, $430 for nonmembers; flights for P-40 $950 members, $1,050 nonmembers. (Passengers can become foundation members for $40 and use discount for family and friends.)

To schedule flight: 918-3400243 or libertyfoundation.org

than 14 B-17s remain in operation today.

According to the Liberty Foundation, a typical World War II mission for the B-17 often lasted more than eight hours and struck targets deep within enemy territory.

A workhorse that dropped 640,036 tons of bombs on European targets alone, the B-17 was much loved by its flight crews. The aircraft had the ability to withstand heavy combat damage and still return home safely. The last configuration of the B-17 that was

built for World War II carried a crew of 10 and had guns in its chin, nose, top, ball turret, waist and tail. It also carried 8,000 pounds of bombs.

The Liberty Belle that will be on display Saturday was built in the closing days of World War II and never saw combat. The airplane, which was sold for scrap to an Oklahoma mining company in 1947, was resold later that year to Pratt & Whitney, an aircraft engine manufacturer. For 20 years, it was used as an engine test platform until being donated in the 1960s to a Connecticut historical association.

After the aircraft was damaged in a 1979 tornado, it was sold to a Florida man, whose restoration plans languished. In 2000, it was purchased by aviation enthusiast Don Brooks, whose goal was to restore a Flying Fortress. Brooks, whose father had flown in a B-17 during World War II, founded the Liberty Foundation to honor his late father and other veterans, and to raise money for Warbird restoration. Brooks named the B17 the Liberty Belle, the name of his father’s World War II plane.

Restoration was completed in 2004 at a cost of $3.5 million.

The foundation’s P-40E “Warhawk” fighter airplane that will be on display and flown Saturday was damaged during a land-

ing accident in 1941. Rather than repair the airplane, the military dug a hole and buried it.

Fifty years later, aviation enthusiasts used military records to locate the burial site and recover the airplane. It took 20 years to restore the Warhawk, which returned to the skies in 2010.

The P-40 Warhawk was a singleengine, single-seat fighter that flew first in 1938. It was flown by the air forces of 28 countries, including most of the Allied powers. While the aircraft’s lack of a two-stage supercharger made it a poor match for the German Luftwaffe fighters in high-altitude combat over Europe, it played a significant role in fighting in North Africa, the Southwest Pacific and China. The “shark mouth” logo on the sides of the P-40’s nose was famously identified with the Flying Tigers in China.

The P-40E that will be on display and flown Saturday has been modified to include a back seat for one passenger.

Liberty Foundation Pilot Ray Fowler, who flew the Liberty Belle to Bakersfield Monday for the media briefing, noted that through contributions to the foundation and public demand for flights, vintage World War II aircraft can be kept alive for generations to see, feel and appreciate.

19

Thursday, March 31, 2011 The Bakersfield Californian

‘Pipe Dream’ becomes reality

FINAL WEEKEND

Bakersfield’s Soulajar about to unleash project

BY MATT MUNOZ

W ill ia m

Bakotopia.com editor mmunoz@bakersfield.com

F

Band asks friends and heroes to come out and play During some of those breaks, the bandmates explored ways to raise money to help with the manufacture and distribution of the final product, leading to their participation in a program called “crowdfunding” via an entertainment website. Fans were asked to make no-risk contributions to the band

Sh ak Writ es ten pe by ar Direc ted an e d Ada pted b y Brian S ivesind

PHOTO COURTESY OF HOLLY CARLYLE

Soulajar — from left: Greg Bettis, Ryan Fergon, Jim Ranger and Brian Boozer — will hold a release party for its latest CD, “Pipe Dream,” on Friday at Fishlips.

‘Pipe Dream’ CD release party

REVIEW

When: 9 p.m. Friday Where: Fishlips, 1517 18th St. Admission: $20, includes a copy of CD Information: 324-2557 or vallitix.com

Soulajar's “Pipe Dream” may very well be the most intricately produced record I’ve ever heard from an unsigned Bakersfield band.

Layered way beyond the group’s regular four-piece live set-up, the CD should surprise longtime Soulajar listeners. The ethereal “Existential Funk,” with its dreamy keyboards and sweeping crescendos, opens the CD, but the song’s spiritual overtones don’t even begin to set the tone for the rest of the disc.

The veteran quartet is a tight unit of great musicians with skills to back up some great original material. But with triple the number of studio guests than band members, I’m just not quite sure if this can be considered an actual Soulajar record.

That aside, “Pipe Dream” is filled with some impressive moments, especially on “Drive” and the band’s cover of Bill Withers’ “Use Me.” Vocalist Jim Ranger shines on both tracks, veering off beyond the familiarity of his usual midrange country soul, and he manages to take the core of the band with him.

There are also some amazing technical moments during the instrumental “C is for Kidz,” and “Soulmuse,” both of which are the most identifiably Soulajar songs on the whole disc.

Polished to studio shine, “Pipe Dream” is a real headphone-listening feast well worth the two-year wait, although a more fitting title might have been “Smorgasbord.”

in exchange for various gifts and shout-outs on the CD if the band reached the goal. Successfully raising $10,000 in 45 days, the campaign was just one unique facet of a project full of surprises, including collaborations with 14 guest performers.

“My plan as producer, along with Ryan, who co-produced the whole thing, was to find the right people for each song and record each song the way we heard them in our heads,” said Boozer. “Most of the guests were people I’d met over the years in the studio.”

Among some of the CD’s special guests are saxophonist Paul Perez, who contributed horn arrangements; pianist Ezekiel Victor; trumpet player Kris Tiner; vocalists Cassie Pederson, Cecilie Johnson and Alesha Palmer; and nine other local and out-of-town artists including guitarist Steve Kimock, who had worked with members of the Grateful Dead. The ambitious plan to bring Kimock aboard was one of the session’s most memorable moments.

“Ryan was recording some slide guitar parts on ‘Change,’ and he didn’t like it, saying, ‘I’m not a slide guy,’” recalled Boozer. “I suggested Kimock, and the band just laughed at me. I went to his website, sent his management an MP3, not expecting a response. I got one, saying that Steve dug the track. He lives in Pennsylvania, but was going to be in the Bay Area last December. I closed a deal with him and made an arrangement with my cousin in the Bay Area to set up a studio. He went in for five hours by himself. It was a pretty special experience.”

Wrapping up recording in December, the group then entered the final phases of mixing and approving artwork for the final 13track CD. “We didn’t cut any corners,” said Boozer adding that the remaining three tracks that didn’t make the cut will be available in the future. “We told ourselves, if this is the only

— Matt Munoz

record we ever make, let’s make it the best we can.”

At Friday’s release party, the band hopes to have most of the album’s guests onstage for a special one-time performance of each song as they’re heard on the recordings. A limited edition vinyl pressing of “Pipe Dream” will be available the night of the show and through their soulajar.com. The CD’s official street date is April 5 and will be available for download on iTunes.

“It’s been a journey,” Boozer said.

HAMLET comes to life on the Spotlight stage as only we can tell it.

Directed by Brian Sivesind, and filled with some of the top talent in Bakersfield, this will be a play not to be missed!

Thursday $10 Students/Educators

Friday and Saturday $20 general admission $15 Students/Seniors

3/31@7PM 4/1-4/2@8PM

ans of soulful jazz rockers Soulajar will finally have a chance Friday to get their hands and ears on the band’s long-awaited CD “Pipe Dream,” the culmination of two years of writing, recording, fundraising and self-producing.

Soulajar drummer Brian Boozer, who oversaw recording of the project at his Aum Studios, says the CD’s title sums up the band’s work. “‘Pipe Dream’ was the first song (guitarist) Ryan Fergon and I ever jammed on.

Lyrically, it’s always rung so loudly with us,” he said. “It was almost prophetic.”

Also featuring members Greg Bettis on bass and vocalist Jim Ranger, the group has experienced an evolution as varied as their sound. Founded as a three-piece band of free-form instrumentalists in 2002, the introduction of vocals — first with Ranger’s brother Jon, who left in 2005 — has helped round out the band’s sound.

“Jim is essentially into the same music as us,” said Boozer of Ranger’s vocal style, a combination of gospel-inflected soul that owes much to his daily work as musical director at his church, Bakersfield’s New Life Center. Despite what his occupation may imply, Boozer says Ranger can bring the fire on any stage.

“I don’t know how to say this without offending anyone, but Jim is no prude.”

Outside of Soulajar, Ranger also made some newsworthy solo noise as a contestant on TV’s “American Idol” both in 2010 and 2011. Though he was sent home early both times, he did make the telecast portion of the show, which meant priceless media exposure for the band.

“The first time he was on, it was crazy.

Jim would give us hints about how he did on the show, but not enough to give away the results,” he said.

When it came to pre-production on “Pipe Dream,” Soulajar’s newest set of material since a 2006 self-titled EP, the band had already accumulated a modest wealth of “works in progress,” which eventually make their way to the present.

“Most of the songs have been around since we started in 2002,” said Boozer. “We decided we’d record 16 tracks and take the best ones that would work for an album.”

Though Boozer has his own studio, getting started wasn’t as easy as he or the band anticipated. Hit by the bad economy, Boozer was forced to relocate Aum Studios twice, which led to the band’s decision to record in layers.

“We were going two weeks very hot and heavy recording, then we’d take an ‘ear’ break,” Boozer said.

SPOTLIGHT

Eye Street

FOR INFORMATION CALL

661.634.0692

www.thespotlighttheatre.com

1622 19th Street Bakersfield, CA

501(c)3 not for profit organization

20

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, March 31, 2011

Eye Street

What a weekend at Empty

TILE

BY STEFANI DIAS Californian assistant lifestyles editor sdias@bakersfield.com

BUY DIRECT & SAVE

READING C

I

N

E

M

A

S

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

3D $8.00

EVERY THURSDAY

5

$

I I

VALUE FREE SIZE POPCORN

ANYONE 55 OR OLDER

I

(12:00PM, 1:10, 2:30, 3:35, 4:55), 6:00, 7:20, 8:25, 9:50 I

I

PAUL (R) (12:20PM, 2:40, 5:00), 7:20, 9:45 THE LINCOLN LAWYER (R) (1:00PM, 4:00), 7:15, 9:55 RED RIDING HOOD (PG-13) (12:40PM, 2:00, 3:10, 4:20), 7:00, 7:45 BATTLE: LOS ANGELES (PG-13) (12:45PM, 2:30, 3:25, 5:10), 6:00, 7:00, 7:50, 8:35, 9:40 MARS NEEDS MOMS (PG) 3D: (12:10PM) 2D: (1:10PM, 3:15, 5:20) ADVANCED SHOWING OF

Bargain Shows in ( )

(PG)

(PG-13)

(12:00PM, 1:00, 2:25, 3:15, 4:40, 5:30), 7:00, 7:45, 9:15

THE ADJUSTMENT BUREAU (PG-13) (2:45PM, 5:10), 7:35, 10:00 HALL PASS (R) (5:20PM), 10:00 RANGO (PG) (12:30PM, 2:00, 3:00, 4:30, 5:30), 7:10, 8:10, 9:35 BEASTLY (PG-13) (12:50PM, 3:20, 5:30), 7:40, 9:55 JUST GO WITH IT (PG-13) 7:25PM, 9:55 GNOMEO & JULIET (G) (12:35PM, 2:45, 4:50)

INSIDIOUS 12:01AM TONIGHT!

I Pass/Discount Restrictions Apply

Showtimes Valid Only 3/31/11

OPENING APRIL 1ST Hop • Source Code Insidious • Soul Surfer

W

e’ve got a Situation here this weekend at The Empty Space. For one weekend only, the Oak Street theater is unveiling a trio of shows that feature comedy, celebrity and cabaret.

Well, it’s not the actual Situation (aka Mike Sorrentino of “Jersey Shore”), but his sage advice serves as a monologue for “Celebiography,” staged readings of celebrity-penned works that is one of the featured shows.

Literally kicking off the weekend is the April Fool’s Day Cabaret featuring the contemporary dance troupe Sugar Sugar. Started last year by Diana Harvey (who performs under the stage name Brandy), the burlesque group has slowly rolled out its act with sneak peek events at Spotlight Theatre, Maya Cinemas (for the “Burlesque” premiere) and last weekend at The Empty Space’s V Day. Harvey, who started with jazz dance lessons 23 years ago and teaches a jazz class locally, said she was inspired to create the group based on a love of dance and performance, as well as inspiration from watching Demi Moore in “Striptease.”

Billed as “a little bit of strip and a whole lot of tease,” Sugar Sugar is a contemporary burlesque group that keeps things tasteful and “a little more modest than what you might see in Vegas,” Harvey said.

So what exactly should you expect?

“Well, you’ll have to come see for yourself,” Harvey said.

Sharing the dancing duties for the night are local group Taboo and lifelong dancer Shawn Henry.

This weekend at The Empty Space 706 Oak St. 327-PLAY. April Fool’s Day Cabaret, 8 p.m.

Friday. $10.

“Celebiography,” 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. $5.

“A Little Sketchy,” 8 p.m.

Saturday. $10.

Originally envisioned as an alldance performance, the lineup expanded thanks to a fateful meeting while preparing the show. While talking with Empty Space lighting director Eric Tolley, she learned that his wife, Michelle, has a comedy group, The See You Next Tuesdays. The comedians then came on board for songs and limericks between numbers while the ladies change costumes.

Also bringing the laughs and keeping things rolling will be master of ceremonies Rob Long of the Center for Improv Advancement.

The theater will play for more laughs Saturday night with The See You Next Tuesdays along with local comedy groups R.A.T. (Royal Association of Thespians) and The Future Has Beens for a show called “A Little Sketchy.”

Speaking of a future has-been, MTV reality star Sorrentino’s words of wisdom will be included in the late-night show “Celebiography.”

Inspired by a similar event in New York, organizer Lorenzo Salazar said he knew the format was something that people would enjoy.

“Celebrity autobiographies are all around. They’re made to be made fun of. The material is so good.”

That material comes courtesy of works from the MTV reality star as well as Madonna, Gene Simmons, Mr. T, Ice T, “poets” Suzanne Somers and Charlie Sheen and more.

Salazar will take on Justin Bieber’s “First Step 2 Forever: My Story.” Performing a monologue of the teen heartthrob’s words has put some things in perspective.

“I’m 28, that monologue makes me feel so old,” Salazar said of the star’s book, which references a song — The Cardigans’ “Lovefool” — that came out when Bieber was 2 and Salazar was in high school.

Along with Salazar, performers embracing their inner celebrity include Bob Kempf, Kristina Saldana, Amy Hall, Michelle Guerrero Tolley, Kayleigh Peaker, Maurice Pittman, Justin Thompson, Michael Mejia, Jason Monroe, Lisa Pinson, Matthew Borton and Caroline Clark.

If the response in theater reservations is any indication, the show might return for another show this year.

Salazar is hopeful but cautions that you shouldn’t bank on catching this show (or any of the others this weekend) some other time.

“All of the shows are only playing this weekend. (With other shows) a lot of people say, ‘Oh, I’ll go see it next weekend or closing night.’”

Tolley, who also serves as the marketing director, said that Sugar Sugar has done a good job pre-selling tickets, with only 25 seats available. But she also said that some people arrange for tickets and then don’t show up, so you can try your chances at the door.

The only way to guarantee a spot at any of the shows is to make a reservation by calling 327-PLAY. Like The Situation says, “It’s T-shirt time.”

Expect arts galore at First Friday

BY STEFANI DIAS Californian assistant lifestyles editor sdias@bakersfield.com

DLP DIGITAL

PRESENTED BY

W

Lincoln Lawyer – R

10:50 11:25 1:35 2:05 4:40 5:20 7:30 8:10 10:15 10:45 Battle: Los Angeles – PG-13

1

$

HOT DOG Mondays

11:30 2:20 5:05 7:35 10:30

Sucker Punch – PG13

Battle: Los Angeles –

10:45 11:30 1:30 2:10 4:20 5:00 7:10 7:40 10:00 10:30

PG-13 10:30 11:00 1:15 1:45 4:00 4:30 6:35 7:05 9:30 9:55

Diary of a Wimpy Kid 2:Rodrick Rules – PG

Rango – PG

11:15 11:45 1:45 2:15 4:15 4:45 6:45 7:15 9:15 9:45

10:35 11:05 11:35 1:00 1:40 2:10 4:10 4:50 6:50 7:20 9:25 9:55

Limitless – PG-13

Mars Needs Moms – PG

11:40 2:25 3:30 4:55 6:30 7:45 9:20 10:10

10:40 12:50 3:00

Paul – R

5:10 7:15 9:40

Red Riding Hood – PG-13 11:20 12:15 2:00 2:45 4:35 5:15 7:25 8:00 10:05 10:35

Text Movies to 21321

ith at least seven art opening receptions, stores and restaurants galore and warm weather predicted, you’d be a fool to miss this First Friday.

As in February, this Friday’s gathering is another art extravaganza. The Bakersfield Art Association is promoting shows at its Art Center and Dagny’s Coffee Co. Lila Martin will be showing her impressionistic works of Italy, France, Scotland and elsewhere at the 20th Street coffeeshop, while art instructor Carol Bradshaw and students Barbara Billington, Linda Kahega, Mary McWatters, Mimi Placentia, Jane Ray, Kay Smith and Jeannie Truitt will show at the association’s center on Eye Street.

Student work will be on display over at Bakersfield High School as the Visual Arts Department launches its latest display, “Transformation.” Like a previous show, the exhibit will include art, photos and ceramics (including some for sale). Along the First Friday hot spot of 19th Street, Metro Galleries will display the works of artist Mary-Austin Klein. Born and raised in Southern

PHOTO COURTESY OF DON MARTIN

“Pismo Dunes” by Mary-Austin Klein is part of her exhibit, “From the Desert to the Sea,” opening Friday at Metro Galleries.

California, Klein cites the light conditions of California as the foundation of her landscapes.

“There is a warmth and liquidness to the sunshine here that can make even

the mundane look enchanting. There is a certain level of bliss I achieve when painting this light,” she said.

Calling Echo Park home, Klein and Please see PAGE 21

21

Thursday, March 31, 2011 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street

Mennonite chorus sings song of humanitarianism

BY SUSAN SCAFFIDI Contributing writer

T

he West Coast Mennonite Men’s Chorus begins its annual concert tour in Bakersfield Sunday, hoping to raise money for disaster-stricken areas around the world.

“Our three-prong approach this year will be Japan, Indonesia and Haiti,” said chorus board chairman Leon Thiessen. “And we will send funds to the Mennonite churches already in those countries.”

Thiessen said the men’s chorus has raised more than $456,000 in the 34 years it has been performing. All of the money donated by audience members has gone to humanitarian causes, as the chorus funds its operations through singers’ registration fees, corporate sponsorships and recording sales.

Thiessen said the chorus’ 90-minute program will include a variety of religious anthems, hymns, gospel and contemporary worship songs. The concert will be held at Laurelglen Bible Church, 2801 Ashe Road.

Thiessen said there will be a presentation showing the Mennonite Church relief efforts around the world, as organized through the Mennonite Central Committee, or MCC. “In light of Japan, it just brought to mind what the MCC is all about — humanitarian relief,” Thiessen said. “They have been actively working on the ground in Haiti since the earthquake and in Indonesia since the tsunami.”

“Japan is a much wealthier nation, so the MCC has not had people on the ground there,” Thiessen said. “We will send money to the Mennonite churches already there.”

The Mennonite Church began in the early 16th century during the first days of the Protestant Reformation when small groups of adults felt the need to re-baptize each other as a sign of their new religious commitment. This re-baptizing came to be known as “anabaptism” from the Greek prefix “ana” which means “again.” The Anabaptists were persecuted throughout Europe by

West Coast Mennonite Men’s Chorus When: 5 p.m. Sunday Where: Laurelglen Bible Church, 2801 Ashe Road Admission: Free Information: 392-8615

Catholics and other Protestants, but did find supporters, including Roman Catholic priest Menno Simons, who joined the church in 1536. Those who associated with Simons became known as “Mennonites.”

Mennonites, other Anabaptists and other small denominations such as the Moravians and Amish found a safer haven in what would become the United States. Today’s Mennonite Church counts about 1 million people among its members in most countries around the world. One of the pillars of Mennonite practice is service to the poor and needy, including disaster relief, education, agricultural development, job creation and other activities.

Thiessen said the West Coast choir was formed at the insistence of Fresno resident Eldon Franz, who latched onto Thiessen and his experience with a similar men’s chorus from the Mennonite churches in Kansas.

“He said, ‘Leon, you’ve got to teach us how to do this,’” Thiessen said. “He was relentless; he wouldn’t quit.”

Thiessen said the men’s chorus has played a big role in fundraising. The first concert performed in 1978 included 476 singers and raised more than $10,000.

Thiessen said the current choir numbers about 160 singers, plus orchestra. The singers are located in Central California, Oregon, Arizona and other states, and learn their music in regional rehearsals until the tour is about to begin. This year’s tour includes Bakersfield, Fresno, Visalia and Arroyo Grande.

Don’t Miss It!

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 20

her husband travel frequently, including four-day excursions into the Mojave and Colorado deserts and visits to Bakersfield, where they enjoy the “marshmallow” soft beds at the Padre Hotel.

Speaking of the Padre, the hotel’s Farmacy Cafe will display the contemporary works of local artist Mike Barker.

The “Foundry Four” — Justin Jennings, Christina Sweet, Alan Urquhart and Alan Willis — will display their works at The Foundry on Chester Avenue. (Read more in Arts Alive on Page 22.)

Venturing out of the heart of downtown, Bossanova Studios will feature the works of a trio of artists. Works include new abstract and floral paintings from owner Johnny Ramos, abstract works from fellow local artist Deon Bell and photography from Los Angeles photographer Simon Cardoza.

Other than art, there are shops like Ellie Jaye’s offering sales and other enticements to draw customers in for their extended hours. The Guild House (1905 18th St.) is hosting a gathering with music and appetizers starting at 5:30 p.m., and FLICS is showing the 2009 drama “The White Ribbon” at the Fox Theater (2001 H St.) at 7:30 p.m.

FIRST FRIDAY Opening art receptions Mary-Austin Klein, “From the Desert to the Sea,” 5 to 9 p.m., Metro Galleries, 1604 19th St. Free. 654-2511.

Mike Barker, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., Padre Hotel, in the Farmacy Cafe, 1702 18th St. Carol Bradshaw and her students, 6 to 8 p.m., Bakersfield Art Association Art Center, 1817 Eye St. 869-2320.

Lila Martin, 6 to 8 p.m., Dagny's Coffee Co., 1600 20th St. 634-0806.

“Four Squared — The Art of the Foundry Four,” 5 to 8 p.m., The Foundry, 1700 Chester Ave. 301-3283.

Johnny Ramos, Dion Bell and Simon Cardoza, 7 to 10 p.m., Bossanova Studios, 814 18th St. 369-9606.

“Transformation,” student works from the BHS visual arts department, 5 to 7 p.m., Bakersfield High School, in Spindt Hall, 1241 G St.

Tonight Only!

On Sale Now!

March 31• 7:30pm

April 7 • 7:30pm

Presented By

Rabobank Theater • 800-745-3000 Discounted tickets for Subscribers & Groups 20+ Call 661-852-7309

22

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, March 31, 2011

Eye Street Camille Gavin CONTRIBUTING COLUMNIST

‘Miss Daisy’: No gimmicks here P

erhaps inspired by the current Broadway revival of “Driving Miss Daisy,” Stars Dinner Theatre’s production of the humorous and heartwarming drama of an elderly Southern lady and her chauffeur opens Friday for a 10-performance run.

Given the cast director Bruce Saathoff has chosen, I predict it will be a popular show. Nancy Arslan, who’s had a long and successful career in local theater, appears as Miss Daisy, a widow who lives in Atlanta.

Maceo Davis, a stand-out in his demanding role as Citizen Barlow in last month’s “Gem of the Ocean” at Bakersfield Community Theatre, plays her driver. Bob Anderson, who’s had roles in several shows at Stars, is Boolie, Daisy’s son.

Stars, like its sister organization Bakersfield Music Theatre, is noted for staging elaborate sets, but a simpler design is being used for “Daisy.” The 18 short scenes that make up the comedy-drama take place in several locations, including the car.

“In order to not disrupt the flow of the action, we are doing the show with a very minimalistic set that is suggestive of the locations,” Saathoff said. “This is the same approach the current Broadway revival is using.”

It’s a distinct change for the director, who’s more accustomed to staging largescale musicals such as the recent BMT musical “Chicago.”

“It has been a new experience for me to direct a show with so few distractions,” Saathoff said. “There are no production numbers, minimal set and props, no orchestra, and only three actors. It’s actually a director’s dream.”

To underscore the leanness of the set and the undeniable quality of the 1988 Pulitzer prize-winning play by Alfred Uhry, Saathoff said, “‘Driving Miss Daisy’ is a funny, powerful and moving story and it needs nothing fancy to support it. It really stands on its own.”

Seuss reigns at Independence Quick! In the next 10 seconds name your favorite Dr. Seuss book or character. If you’re like me, the name

GO & DO ‘Driving Miss Daisy’ When: Doors open 6 p.m., show at 7:30 p.m. today, Friday and Saturday; doors open at 12:30 p.m., show at 2 p.m Sunday Where: Stars Dinner Theatre, 1931 Chester Ave. Admission: $45 to $55; show-only tickets $35. Student discount available.

Information: 325-6100

‘Seussical!’

When: 7 p.m. today, Friday and Saturday Where: Independence High School, 8001 Old River Road Admission: $7; $4, children and students Information: 834-8001

‘Four Squared’ reception PHOTO COURTESY OF JESS V. LOZANO

Jake Gore as The Cat in the Hat and Anthony Brown as Horton the Elephant in a scene from Independence High School’s “Seussical.”

rolled right off your tongue in a shorter time than taking a single breath. My pick, by the way, is “Horton Hears a Who” — mainly because I savor the final sound that trails off like a jet stream in a clear blue sky.

All of which may be the reason “Seussical” continues to be so popular, especially with young performers. This time drama students at Independence High School are taking it on.

The cast, directed by Kimber PeakerLozano, theater arts instructor, will present two performances this weekend.

Jake Gore, as the Cat in the Hat, puts on the character’s traditional red-and-white striped hat and acts as a sort of narrator as the plot develops.

Anthony Brown is the floppy-eared elephant Horton, who hears things nobody else does, and Paige McKeown plays the part of Gertrude McFuzz, who’s in love with Horton.

Four Foundry artists exhibit Four versatile artists who have studios at the Foundry on Chester Avenue have

Camille Gavin’s “Arts Alive!” column appears on Thursday.

Write to her via e-mail at gavinarts@aol.com

assembled an exhibit of their individual work.

Titled “Four-Squared,” the show includes work by Justin Jennings, known mainly for his photography; Christina Sweet, an oil painter; Alan Urquhart, graphic designer and photographer; and Alan Willis, whose powerful portraits look like extra large photos but actually are done with an airbrushing technique.

It opens Friday with a free reception that includes a no-host bar provided by the Arts Council of Kern along with light appetizers courtesy of the Foundry.

Partial proceeds from fine art sales and an opportunity drawing benefit the council.

Sketches at The Empty Space When I heard that four different groups are putting on a show called “A Little Sketchy,” I figured they all were doing improvisational theater.

Turns out I was mistaken. Michelle Guerrero Tolley, a member of The See You Next Tuesdays, one of the troupes performing in the Saturday night show at The Empty Space, explained what’s planned.

“I wouldn’t consider this show improv, although I know my group and the others

When: 5 to 8 p.m. Friday Where: The Foundry, 1731 Chester Ave. Admission: Free Information: 301-3283

do a lot of improv during any performance,” she said.

“The sketches are pre-written, but sometimes we may get a little off track and most of the funny things are ad lib or spur of the moment.”

Each group will do three sketches, Tolley said. Also participating in the show are R.A.T., led by David Rock, which has performed off and on at the Empty for several years; and The Future Has-Beens, assembled by Morgan Roy. “A Little Sketchy” is an exception to the Oak Street playhouse’s usual policy of not charging admission. Tolley explained the reason.

“The Empty Space is a nonprofit donations-based theater,” she said. “And like most regular businesses January is a lean month, even more so for us because donations go way, way down.”

In addition, she said, the theater devoted the greater part of March to presenting “The Vagina Monologues,” with all profits going to the Alliance Against Family Violence.

23

Thursday, March 31, 2011 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street

Terry & ’s Charlotte

The moor, the merrier Scottish gathering keeps growing by the year

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 4-30-11 Maximum value of $10.95 only. One coupon per table or party. Not valid with any other offers or Holidays.

Terry & ’s Charlotte

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

Bring out the entire “sept” (that’s “family” for the non-Celtic) for a day of kilts and competition at Saturday’s 16th annual Gathering and Games.

Both a family-friendly affair and “Braveheart”-style brouhaha, the event will feature some unbelievable displays of strength courtesy of professional caber-tossers (log and pole throwing) and hammer throwers, along with music, dancing and costumed performers.

David Stroud, chieftain of the Kern County Scottish Society, says the annual event is for the entire community and not just those of Scottish heritage.

“There’s really something to do for everyone,” he said. “Every year we keep getting bigger and bigger crowds.

It’s just great.”

Having outgrown both Stramler Park and Bakersfield College venues, Stroud said the sprawling fairgrounds offers the right amount of space for attendees to enjoy themselves.

“We have three stages of music, from traditional Irish to Celtic rock, a climbing wall for kids, sword fight reenactments, a bagpipe band competition, scotch tasting, dart tournament,” said Stroud. “The basic thing most people come back for is because they know we’ll always have something new. That’s what everyone will find again this year.”

From vendors selling your family tartan, to books, art, and really big knives and swords, there should be no shortage of Scottish-related merchandise. There will also be authentic Scottish foods and ice cold beverages to

April Special

Buy 1 Dinner & Get 1

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

April Special

Buy 1 Lunch & Get 1

FREE FREE

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

Dine In Only Expires 4-30-11 Maximum value of $6.95 only. One coupon per table or party. Not valid with any other offers or Holidays.

PHOTO COURTESY OF KERN COUNTY SCOTTISH SOCIETY

Heavy athletics are among the events at the annual Kern County Scottish Society’s Gathering and Games.

wash them down. Plus local actor and sideshow performer George “The Giant” McArthur will be doing his signature sword swallowing and showcasing other unbelievable displays of human endurance.

If traditional Scottish music and dancing is your thing, they have that, too, during the evening’s Ceilidh (kaylee,) concert party with returnees The Wicked Tinkers, 1916, Whiskey Galore, Banshee in the Kitchen, WTL and David Nigel Lloyd. More of an adult affair, patrons can purchase separate tickets for the Ceilidh.

“Everyone gets up, swinging and dancing around,” said Stroud. “Last year we had doubled the attendance.

Your feet just start doing this thing once the music starts. You bounce around and everyone’s got a smile on their face.

People call it a Celtic mosh pit.”

Kern County Scottish Society’s 16th annual Gathering and Games When: Gathering 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Ceilidh 6 to 10 p.m.

Saturday Where: Kern County Fairgrounds, 1142 S. P St. Admission: $15, $12 for seniors, students and military (with ID) for day events; free for children 10 and under accompanying a paying adult; $25 for general admission and Ceilidh; $15 for Ceilidh only. Purchase tickets at World Records, 1824 G St., or kernscot.com.

Information: kernscot.com or 374-4944

Napier booked for encore signing C harles Napier, Bakersfield’s resident movie star, is doing an encore book-signing at Russo’s after his initial engagement at The Marketplace retailer literally sold out.

“We had over 100 people show up,” said owner Tony Russo. “That’s in the upper 70 percent (in popularity) of our book signings. We ran out of books, but they have since come in.”

Russo said the store has sold about 80 copies of “Square Jaw and Big Heart,” Napier’s vivid, uproarious account of his Hollywood career. Several copies have been put aside for fans who already paid, but there are 20 copies still up for grabs and more can be ordered.

“Everybody’s excited to see him,” Russo said. “He did a great job (at the earlier signing) talking to people and taking pictures. He’s extremely friendly.”

Charles Napier book-signing

When: 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday Where: Russo’s Books at The Marketplace, 9000 Ming Ave.

“Square Jaw” reads like the transcription of some secret note-taker listening in as a particularly garrulous character actor, loosened up after a couple of cocktails, entertains a neighborhood dive with his stories of brawling, boozing and B-list movies.

You can almost hear the imaginary bar patrons shouting out, “Just one more story about Hollywood, Charlie!”

The book’s unfussy, conversational tone perfectly suits Napier’s playful vignettes, but also serves him well when he shifts to reflective mode, sharing sharp insights on his big-

name co-stars and productions. The in-demand tough guy also can be quite moving when he talks about aging in a business obsessed with youth, how his best work ended up on the cutting room floor, and the sacrifices he’s made to follow one very demanding muse.

The signing is from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday at Russo’s, 9000 Ming Ave. While we had Russo on the phone, he told us of another interesting signing at the store, set for April 9. Blake Chavez, co-author of “Hard Luck: The Triumph and Tragedy of ‘Irish’ Jerry Quarry,” will be at the store to promote his book about the late Bakersfield heavyweight, who fought Muhammad Ali and George Foreman. Look for more details on that event in an upcoming issue of The Californian.

— Jennifer Self, Californian lifestyles editor

AND NO COMPROMISE

NEW

NORTHEAST LOCATION 3615 Mount Vernon Ave. • (661) 871-3556 NORTHWEST LOCATION 4750 Coffee Road • (661) 588-4700 SOUTHWEST LOCATION 4130 California Ave • (661) 325-4717

24

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, March 31, 2011

Eye Street The Lowdown with Matt Munoz

A dose of reggae and Ice Cube Iration, rap pioneer vie for Sunday crowds

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.

S

unday will be anything but relaxed if you’re anywhere near downtown, with two big shows going head to head within a couple blocks of each other.

Over at Fishlips, popular Santa Barbara reggae rock quintet Iration will be headlining a full bill with guests Mike Pinto, The Hold Up and Pacific Dub. Not another Sublime clone, Iration works outside the confines of two-chord reggae with some pop aesthetics. All friends originally from the Hawaiian Islands, they formed in 2004 after arriving separately two years earlier to attend college in the Santa Barbara area.

Starting in the fertile college party scene of nearby Isla Vista, their grassroots popularity has helped them score some major gigs, including a killer spot on the Cypress Hill Smokeout and other major festivals.

Now with two full-length albums under their collective belts, including their latest EP, “Fresh Grounds,” Iration guitarist and vocalist Micah Pueschel says standing out beyond the pack has always been one of their creative objectives.

“We’ve always tried to make a point to not sound like Sublime and a lot of other bands like that,” said Pueschel. “When we started, we were strictly a roots reggae band playing stuff like Bob Marley and Black Uhuru, not the happy kind of stuff. We’re not Rastafarians or Jamaican.

We’re from Hawaii and wanted to make music that was real

PHOTO COURTESY OF IRATION

Santa Barbara-based reggae band Iration will perform at Fishlips on Sunday.

to us. But, really, none of us knew how to play our instruments when we first started,” he added, laughing.

The band consists of Adam Taylor, bass; Cayson Peterson, keyboards; Joseph Dickens, drums; and Kai Rediske, vocals and percussion. The boys kicked off a fanraising campaign, touring away from their coastal surroundings after making regular appearances at every backyard party from San Luis Obispo to San Diego.

“There’s pockets of music fans everywhere,” he said referring to the hippie types they found themselves playing for in some of the nation’s more remote areas, where beachcombing is not part of daily life.

“A lot of it has to do with bands like Slightly Stoopid and 311. They

play to thousands and helped grow those markets before we came through.”

Of “Fresh Grounds,” Pueschel says the EP’s five tracks are a departure from their earlier, more conventional reggae-sounding works, from the ska-rock of “Can’t Wait” to the acoustic beauty of “No Letter.”

“Our last record, ‘Time Bomb,’ was very produced with a lot of synthesizers,” he said. “With this record we wanted to make it more organic sounding — you can hear the room. We used a lot of older instruments like a B3 organ and Fender Rhodes. We kept the elements of reggae, but we want to take the style to a different place.

There’s a pop sensibility to what we do now. We keep it pretty concise, without getting into five- to

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.

six-minute jams.”

Still releasing music on their own label, 3 Prong Records, Pueschel says the band doesn’t plan on changing their independent tune anytime soon.

“We built this thing on our own merits without any major label help or money. It was just pure hard work, touring, blood, sweat and tears.”

Tickets for Sunday’s show are $10 and available at Fishlips or vallitix.com. Showtime is 7 p.m. For more information call 324-2557.

Rapper Ice Cube returns On the same night around the corner, the low rumble bass of rapper, actor and director Ice Cube and his posse will once again take over the Fox Theater.

More synonyIce Cube mous with movies

than music nowadays, Cube started his career as one of gangster rap’s pioneering lyricists alongside fellow rappers Dr. Dre and Eazy-E in the controversial rap group N.W.A. They set out to anger everyone — to platinum-status returns.

Imploding over a royalty dispute, Cube, whose real name is O’Shea Jackson, left the group for a successful solo career in 1990. Proving himself as a more than credible actor in the films “Boyz n The Hood” and “Friday,” Cube’s latest project, the TV sitcom “Are We There Yet,” can be seen every week on the TBS network.

I had the pleasure of interviewing Ice Cube back in 2008 before a sold-out show at the Fox, and I can tell you it was one of the most laidback interviews I’ve ever conducted. Signing my DVD copy of “Friday,” and taking a big swig from his gin and juice-filled Pepsi cup, he recalled going on tour with local boys Korn on their inaugural “Family Values” Tour of 1998.

“That was cool. I thought what they were doing was real innovative — hard metal, with the hiphop undertones, to me, is what I like about them. They had these breakdown beats, and the fusion between rock and hip-hop. I think they were the band who did it the best.”

This will be Ice Cube’s third Bakersfield appearance in three year.

Tickets are selling briskly. Get your tickets before Debo from “Friday” gets mad and finds you.

Tickets range from $19.50 to $42.50, not including service charges. Showtime is 8 p.m. For more information call 324-1369.

25

Thursday, March 31, 2011 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street

Singer comes home for soaring recital Former local ‘Idol’ launching career

Marisa Johnson

BY SUSAN SCAFFIDI Contributing writer

S

inger Marisa Johnson used to create quite a stir in Bakersfield. As a teenager, Johnson won the Bakersfield “American Idol” and Miss Kern County titles, among others. Then she left the Bakersfield music scene to complete her undergraduate studies as a voice major at USC. Now 22, Johnson will graduate in May and wants Bakersfield to know how she’s doing.

The singer will give a recital on Saturday at First Congregational Church, 5 Real Road.

“I feel like the Bakersfield community has been so supportive of my career,” said Johnson, who noted that she won her competitions singing country songs. But she doesn’t sing country anymore.

“I’m an opera singer now, and I want people to hear how I’ve grown,” she said.

The recital will demonstrate her career ambitions as a singer, said Johnson, who describes her style as “crossover-classical.”

“I’m really about classicalcrossover music,” Johnson said.

“I want classical music to

When: 5 to 6 p.m.

Saturday Where: First Congregational Church, 5 Real Road Admission: Free Information: 327-1609

appeal to everyone.”

“I would love to mix opera with pop, kind of like what Josh Groban is doing,” Johnson said.

To make her program as appealing as possible, Johnson will be singing most of the songs in English, including opera arias such as Anton Dvorak’s “Song to the Moon,” from his opera “Rusalka,” and “The Laughing Song,” from “Die Fledermaus,” by Johann Strauss.

Other selections for the recital include folk songs such as “Beautiful Dreamer” and “Shenandoah,” musical theater pieces such as “Your Daddy’s Son” from “Ragtime,” and crossover songs such as “The Prayer” by Carole Bayer Sager and David Foster, and made popular by Groban, Celine Dion and Andrea Bocelli.

While at USC, Johnson has been studying with Rod Gilfry, one of the world’s leading operatic baritones. Johnson credits Gilfry with encouraging her along the crossover path.

“He does a lot of crossover as well, musical theater for example,” Johnson said. “So it was great to get his perspective.”

Johnson said while her upcoming recital is free, she hopes audience members will donate money to help her record a new demonstration album, which she then plans to pitch to record producers and concert promoters. She said she is hopeful her musical niche will be an advantage.

“A lot of people don’t want to do (crossover) because they feel they’re lessening the music,” Johnson said.

Johnson will be accompanied by pianist Peter Welch, a USC doctoral candidate who is writing original arrangements of some of the Johnson’s songs.

Johnson said her original takes on well-known songs should set her apart from other singers.

“You can take pop songs and make them classical, and vice versa,” Johnson said.

Performing at the First Congregational Church will be another kind of homecoming.

Johnson said the first opera aria she ever sang in public, the same “Song to the Moon” she will perform in this recital, was first sung at the church, bringing her full circle.

“I’d love for people to know what I’m doing,” Johnson said.

PHOTO COURTESY OF MARISA JOHNSON

Marisa Johnson will perform on Saturday night at First Congregational Church on Real Road.

Kern County Scottish Society presents 16th Annual

presents

Bridal Event 9AM to 5PM Athletic Competitions Live Music Stages Food and Beverages Scottish Dancing Children’s Glen Clan Tents Family Information Expanded Vendors

15

$

CELTIC MUSIC PARTY Wicked Tinkers • 1916 • Whiskey Galore Banshee in the Kitchen • David Nigel-Lloyd L.A Scottish Fiddlers Association • WTL

The Wicked Tinkers

Tickets: $8 pre-sale • $10 at the door

1916

Whiskey Galore

Banshee In The Kitchen

Ceilidh requires separate ticket purchase or combo purchase

CHILDREN UNDER 10 FREE

15 GENERAL ADMISSION $12 SENIORS 60+ MILITARY, STUDENTS $ 25 COMBO TICKET, INCLUDES GAMES AND CEILIDH

$

Sunday April 3rd, 2011 12:00pm-4:00pm At the links at Riverlakes Golf Course

6PM to 10PM

Tickets available at World Records and Online at www.kernscot.com w/ Pay Pal

PLEASE VISIT WWW.KERNSCOT.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION

On Sale This Saturday at 10am!

Friday, April 29 • 8pm Rabobank Theater •

• 800-745-3000

Discounted tickets for Subscribers & Groups 20+ Call 661-852-7309

To register and buy tickets go to www.formalaffairbridalevent.com or visit us at

Details Party Rentals 3435 landco Drive • 661-322-6222

26

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, March 31, 2011

Eye Street

There’s no beef between rival teams But roller derby squad ready for burgers in park

Bakersfield Diamond Divas Hamburger Feed When: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday Where: Noble Park, 700 S. P St. Cost: $5; includes burger, beans, potato salad, chips and iced tea Information: 322-3848

BY MIRANDA WHITWORTH Contributing writer

L

ooking for an exciting date that’s a little out of the ordinary? Forgo the standard dinner and a show and get in line for a day of burgers and battles as the local roller derby community gathers for a raucous event that will leave your stomach and your need for entertainment thoroughly satisfied.

On Saturday the Bakersfield Diamond Divas and the Kern County Roller Girls will make Bakersfield roller derby history as they go head to head in the town’s first local league-on-league bout. Kern County Roller Girls founder Dezi “Von Drop Ya” Manos said up until now the derby community has been too small for a true local competition.

“When derby first came to Bakersfield, we would always book bouts with leagues from out of town. Now that we have really grown, the Bakersfield Diamond Divas and Derby Revolution are leagues that have A and B teams. So the Kern County Roller Girls has now expanded to become a league so we can compete against the girls. We are the ‘baby’ league in town and kind of the underdogs in the bout.”

While she may feel young when it comes to leagues, she is no baby. Manos has been involved with roller derby since it came to Bakersfield in 2007. She was a member of the first team in town, the Bakersfield Roller Girls, before heading off to join Derby Revolution and then founding the Kern County Roller Girls. With so many team changes

Kern County Roller Girls vs.

Bakersfield Diamond Divas When: Doors open at 6 p.m., bout starts at 7 p.m. Saturday Where: 34th Street Rollerama, 1004 34th St. Admission: $10, adults; $5, children Information: 327-7589

and girls moving from league to league, there is the perception that there may be bad blood between the groups. Manos said that is not the case, and this weekend’s alllocal bout will prove that in the sport of derby you’ll only find competition when the skates are on.

“Automatically people think turf wars, yet when you actually look into the derby world, it is this big sisterhood. We are teammates and we are friends. All of the skills and drills that you learn — you can’t do it without the help of the other leagues. We play like we play when we are on the rink, but when we are off we have nothing but love and respect for each other.”

As with all roller derby bouts the home team designates a charity to benefit from the night’s proceeds. The Kern County Roller Girls will be hosting this bout and

JOURNEY OF FAITH TO THE HOLY LAND A CATHOLIC PILGRIMAGE TO ISRAEL led by Msgr. Perry Kavookjian & escorted by Lana Hanson

January 29th – February 9, 2012

3,370

$

PHOTO COURTESY OF DESI “VON DROP YA” MANOS

Desi “Von Drop Ya” Manos is shown in action for the Kern County Roller Girls.

feeds, said he’s glad the club is involved in Saturday’s event.

“We are out there the second and fourth Wednesday every month serving the Shriners, Masons and all of our friends.

When the girls came to us, we were happy to do it as long as they took care of the tickets,” he said.

Those tickets will be available at the park, so head on out for the barbecue in the afternoon before the evening’s contest.

When it comes to the bout, show your support with team merchandise, which will be on sale. And feel free to show your colors without worrying about a rumble. Manos said Saturday’s groundbreaking event is all about unity.

“We are two different leagues playing each other, but it’s the same city so it’s the same sport. This is about bringing Bakersfield together and growing the sport even more.”

MENNONITE 175 VOICES

Men’s Chorus Concert Laurelglen Bible Church 2801 Ashe Road, Bakersfield

+ taxes, per person based on dbl. occ.

• Walk in the Footsteps of Jesus • Sail in a boat on the Sea Of Galilee • Walk the Via Dolorosa • Visit the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem • Visit the Garden of Gethesemane and many other biblical sites • Daily Mass at sites you only read about in the Bible • Daily Breakfast and dinner and (3) lunches included • All tips to guide & driver included • Air from LAX included

$400 per person holds your space

CST#20154240

have their sights on helping the health of local lungs. The Bakersfield chapter of the American Lung Association is the bout’s charity and with two local teams competing, the proceeds should be plentiful.

“We are expecting a huge turnout. The Diamond Divas have an awesome fan base and they are always packed. So they are going to come to our house with their fans and then we will have our fans, too. It’s going to be pretty packed,” said Manos.

The bout will take place on the Kern County Roller Girls home court: 34th Street Rollerama. While the venue provides concessions, the Bakersfield Diamond Divas have come up with a way for you to fill your stomach before the evening’s festivities begin, teaming up with the Kern County Shriners for a Hamburger Feed at Noble Park. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. they will be serving up burgers, potato salad, beans, chips and iced tea, all for $5. Half of the net proceeds will go toward the Shriners Club, and the other half will be used by the Divas for the American Lung Association and Relay for Life.

Diamond Divas acting public relations manager Bonnie “Roxy Von Carnage” Holt said her league got involved with the Shriners after a suggestion from the EMT they use whenever they host a bout.

“Our EMT ‘Stitches’ is really involved with the Shriners and gave us the idea. We were happy to get on board with the event.

We love to help the community, and we will always collaborate with others to benefit everyone,” she said.

Shriners secretary Steve “Hamburger” Woford, who earned his nickname from the three years he has spent manning the grill during the club’s biweekly hamburger

397-7447 – Ask for Lana for all details 9000 Ming Ave. #T-3

Sunday April 3, 2011 5:00 p.m.

Don’t miss this marvelous, free musical concert that will thrill you.

Come early for best seating.

This terrific men’s chorus, directed by Robert Plett, will be singing a wide variety of sacred selections, ranging from great hymns to praise songs to traditional classics. Included will be an Orchestra, and other special musical guests.

27

Thursday, March 31, 2011 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street

ER

SFIELD CALIF OR

2010

R

EA

L

L

B

E

TH

AK

AN NI

Sink your teeth into ‘Twilight’ fundraiser

DE

O R S’ C H O I C E P

587-3377

Opening: March 18th through April 30th

Three-film screening benefits Relay for Life

For reservations

BY JENNIFER SELF

12748 Jomani Drive

Californian lifestyles editor jself@bakersfield.com

A

s the nationwide hot spot for Relay for Life, Bakersfield jams up the social calendar in the weeks preceding the annual event with a ton of competing fundraisers.

Yard sale? Check. Culinary events?

We’ve got ’em. Golf tournaments?

Been there, done that.

So how can a Relay for Life team hope to stand out from the fundraising crowd?

A sparkly lovesick eternal teenage vampire can’t hurt.

Especially if he looks like Robert Pattinson.

So Team Edward and Team Jacob, meet Team A-C Electric, which is hosting a Twilathon on Saturday. All three movies in the series that have been released so far will be screened: “Twilight,” “The Twilight Saga: New Moon” and “The Twilight Saga: Eclipse.”

A daylong dose of kabuki-faced vampires, shirtless wolf boys and one very sullen teen heroine: ecstasy or agony, depending to a large degree on your gender, age and how desperately you need the escape provided by the sometimes romantic, often morose and, at times, downright goofy “Twi” trilogy.

But Heather Irvin, who works as a database developer at A-C Electric and leads the company’s Relay for Life team, has high hopes for the marathon movie event.

“To stand apart, it’s probably one of the hardest things, which is why we’re going with the Twilathon,” said Irvin, who added that tickets are selling “slowly but surely.” “(The Twilathon) is a risk, but I kind of like the idea to not do the same fundraiser year after year after year. I like to switch it up a little bit.”

But Irvine is sure of one thing: Adopting “Twilight” as the team’s theme three years ago created a lot of buzz, which has translated into more money for Relay, the nationwide fundraising drive for the American Cancer Society. In 2009, after a few years of solid if lackluster fundraisers, the Team A-C Electric cracked the top 10 of local contributors by raising $36,000 with a golf tournament and drawing crowds to its Relay “Twilight” booth. Last year’s big benefit, a yard sale, didn’t bring in as much cash, but the team still managed to contribute $15,000, Irvin said.

She is a little concerned about the Twilathon ticket price, which may be

KIMBERLEY FRENCH / SUMMIT ENTERTAINMENT

Robert Pattinson portrays Edward Cullen, left, and Kristen Stewart portrays Bella Swan in a scene from “The Twilight Saga: New Moon.”

Twilathon When: Doors open at 9 a.m. with show times as follows: “Twilight” at 10 a.m., “New Moon” at 1 p.m. and “Eclipse” at 3:30 p.m.

Saturday Where: Fox Theater, 2001 H St. Admission: $15 or $22 at the door; $25 or $32 at the door for VIP, which includes preferred seating in the lower balcony, preferred early entry, team Tshirt, team bracelet and a complimentary raffle ticket.

Tickets available by calling A-C Electric at 410-0000 or on vallitix.com (fees added).

Information: 410-0000 or facebook.com/Team.AC.Electric

a bit steep for the target audience.

“We debated the ticket sales cost for more than one meeting,” Irvin said. “(The ticket buyer) could be someone who is 12 years old or 40 years old. If you’re working, $15 isn’t hard to come by, but if you’re 12, $15 might be hard to come by.” (A nice tip on pricing: If you buy directly from A-C Electric, as opposed to Vallitix, you shave $2 off the price of admission.)

But with that ticket comes some pretty nice perks, including: Raffle prizes: “We actually took an entire 10-hour day and scoured eBay” for some pretty impressive memorabilia, Irvin said. For just $2 a ticket, fans stand the chance to win a copy of the “New Moon” novel that will be framed alongside a reprinted “New Moon” script. The items have

been signed by several of the films’ stars, including Pattinson, Kristen Stewart, Nikki Reed and Jackson Rathbone.

Another prize is a framed presentation of an 8-by-10 photo of the three main characters, signed by Pattinson, Stewart and Taylor Lautner, who plays Jacob. Smaller photos from the movies surround the center photo. In addition, the team will raffle off Edward and Jacob cardboard cutouts, among other items.

Raffle tickets are being sold now through the April 30 Relay for Life event. Winners, who need not be present to win, will be notified May 1.

Costume contest: “Basically anyone who comes dressed up is forced to be entered,” Irvine said. Prize: Framed custom movie stills.

Door prizes: Three 8-by-10 photos of scenes from the movie.

Like all good things, “Twilight” — and its allure as a fundraising event — eventually will come to an end.

Filmmakers are shooting part one of “Breaking Dawn,” which will be split into the final two films of the series.

At that point, A-C Electric — and a legion of 13-year-olds — will have to move on. With that in mind, Irvin is asking Twilathon attendees to complete a survey on what the team’s next theme should be. The best idea will earn yet another prize.

“For the team, obviously, it’s not about ‘Twilight,’” said Irvin, 29, a big fan of the movies and the books on which they’re based. “We’re just piggybacking on ‘Twilight’ because it’s fun and exciting. But it’s about Relay for Life.”

bakersfield

inside guide.com Part of the Bakersfield.com Network

Get the Power of Print & Internet advertising for just $99 a month!

Advertising in Bakersfield InsideGuide, the premier local print and online directory, gives your business 24-hour exposure online and expanded reach with print ads delivered in The Bakersfield Voice to more than 150,000 metro area households each week.

Sign-up today!

Get $50 off the 1st month.

Limited time offer. Call for details

395-7201 www.bakersfieldinsideguide.com/advertise Bakersfield InsideGuide is a product of The Bakersfield Californian, and part of the Bakersfield.com online network.

28

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, March 31, 2011

Eye Street

Rock ’n’ roll journeyman Local artist readies album, book release

BY MIRANDA WHITWORTH Contributing writer

B

uilding sets for Pink Floyd and playing rhythm guitar for top-tier rock acts like Motley Crue and Slipknot, it’s fair to say that Scott “Scotty CH” Roberts has done just about everything in the music business — but mostly for other people’s bands.

Now the Bakersfield resident, a 20-year veteran of the business, is ready to put his music and experiences in the spotlight like never before with the release of an ambitious concept album and accompanying book that tells the story of his life in rock ’n’ roll and beyond.

“I’ve always wanted to do a concept record,” Roberts said. “Writing the book to go along with the record let each song be a chapter. I was able to capture the raw emotions of every topic with music.”

Roberts and his band, Secret VI, will be putting the emotions on stage for the first time tonight with a listening party at Riley’s Tavern.

The record, “Eclipse of the Soul,” has been kept under wraps until now. Just a select few have heard the finished project, and only one song has been made available online, which means the party will be a true debut, not only for the music but for the stories that inspired the songs.

“I feel redemption in this. The record exposes everything I have never been able to talk about.

Everything that was hidden inside is in the record and this book.

There is a huge weight off my shoulders because I am showing the world what I have done. It’s like having a secret and telling everyone and then not having to worry about it anymore.”

Roberts is putting finishing touches on the record now, with the release date in a few weeks.

The book, “Look Inside the Demigod,” will be on sale at stores and online in the coming weeks.

An interview with a webzine writer with connections led Roberts a publishing deal with Authorhouse. The book eventually will be available at Barnes & Noble and Amazon.com.

Roberts wrote the stories and music while touring the world as a guitarist for Drowning Pool and a guitar tech for Rob Halford of Judas Priest while the singer was on tour with Ozzy Osbourne.

“I started writing the book in the

Secret VI ‘Eclipse of the Soul’ Listening Party What: Debut of tracks from the album, discussion of book “Look Inside the Demigod,” performance by Scott Roberts and Mark Padget and a Justin Bieber pinata When: 8 p.m. tonight Where: Riley’s Tavern, 1523 19th St. Admission: Free Information: 324-2368

beginning of 2009 and I really didn’t know what I was doing. I was just writing my memoirs and jotting stuff down. It took about six or seven months to get it all on paper.

I would work on it in buses while touring on nights when I wasn’t out partying.”

The music started a year later with the majority of the writing done during long flights: “When you have 17 hours on a plane you need to do something. Tokyo to L.A. is 10 hours, so you have a lot of time to sit and work on stuff.”

While Roberts traveled the world writing his record, he used local singer Mark Padget of the band My Opus to fill in the vocals.

It was a partnership they both agree was unconventional.

“It was easy because everyone was on the same page. It all just fit together like puzzle pieces. Usually it doesn’t work that way. You have to try different things to get what you want, but with this everything just happened,” Padget said.

The majority of the creative process took place while the artists were on opposite ends of the globe. Roberts would write the music and then email the songs to Padget.

“I had some suggestions on the theme but I gave him free rein on the lyrics and vocal patterns,” said Roberts. Padget was then responsible for putting words to Roberts’ vision.

“I would record the songs in my home, send them to him via email and he would approve them,” Padget said. “We would record them here in Bakersfield. Sometimes he was there and sometimes he wasn’t because he was on tour.”

Metal meets alternative The result is a rock album with influences from the ’80s heavy metal scene to the alternative rock scene of the early ’90s when bands like Stone Temple Pilots and Alice

ALEX HORVATH / THE CALIFORNIAN

Scott “Scotty Ch” Roberts has toured the world with several rock heavy-hitters but is releasing an album on his own, with a book to follow.

in Chains ruled the airwaves before the grunge explosion of the Pacific Northwest. It starts hard, fast and fiery then burns down to slower smoldering tracks. The songs cover topics like drug abuse, infidelity, love and struggles with identity.

Roberts’ journey in music started in Anchorage, Alaska, as a teenager with his first band, Hyperthermia. (“We called it that because we were heavy and it was cold, so hyper and thermia. We thought it was clever.”)

In Roberts’ case being from a small town with a small music scene worked in his favor.

“We were the only metal band in town, so whenever an act came in we got the opening slot. I was 16 opening for guys like Metallica and Primus.”

Roberts left the band after he landed a job building stages for Pink Floyd during the band’s Momentary Lapse in Reason tour.

Though he calls it a great experience, it was also a little disappointing.

“It was called leap-frogging. It took two days to build the stages, so they would be playing in Texas and I would be in Arizona building the stage for the next night’s con-

cert. It was very emotionally frustrating because I was a huge Pink Floyd fan and I never got to see the show. I got to see the lights, the stage and the empty arena. It was like I painted the ‘Mona Lisa’ but I would never see anyone look at it.”

Craziest gig? That would be Guantanamo Bay From building stages he gradually worked his way into performing as a touring guitarist for bands like Motley Crue, Slayer, Slipknot, Pantera, OTEP and Drowning Pool. It was with Drowning Pool that he found himself in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, playing for U.S. troops.

“It was just after they had released all of the prisoners, so it was pretty crazy. We wanted to go into town, but they wouldn’t let us off the base. All of the detainees had been let go, but they couldn’t get flights out of the country because no airline would let them on their planes. So you’ve got all of these supposed terrorists just out and hanging around. I had two MPs on me at all times. We were on full lockdown.”

While Roberts has been all over the world and first met Padget

while the singer was recording in L.A., he decided to produce his album at a small basement studio near K and 18th streets in downtown Bakersfield, where he said costs were lower and in his opinion the quality was much higher.

“I recorded the whole thing at B2 Studios here in town. Sharon Marie is amazing. She is the daughter of Carolina Cotton, a famous country singer from the ’40s and ’50s. I have seen people that work in L.A. and she is way faster and better.”

It’s that down-home sensibility that has helped Roberts in his field. He flies just under the radar working with big names but maintains a permanent residence in Bakersfield where you can find him bartending and playing in local bands between gigs, which allows him to do his own thing — a welcome change.

“When I was in OTEP, I played their stuff and that was it. I was a hired gun and I played like a hired gun. You can sit around and play other people’s music all day. But if you want to be good you need to be creative and play your own stuff. It’s really about your own soul and dignity.”

29

Thursday, March 31, 2011 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street

South High show aims for ‘Savage’ laughter School’s spring production centers on greed, insanity

BY ELI HARRIS Contributing writer

W

hat makes someone insane? Is it the presence of a twitch, a preoccupation with dolls, or perhaps an obsession with money? This is the fundamental question and theme running through South High School’s spring production, “The Curious Savage,� which premieres tonight.

Written by playwright John Patrick, “The Curious Savage� contrasts the lives of the inmates at The Cloisters, an upscale mental institution, with the stepchildren of an elderly woman whose husband just left her $10 million. The comedy focuses on Ethel P. Savage while she tries to do the best with what she’s given in spite of her grown stepchildren’s efforts to get their hands on the money.

Sophie Willis, who plays Ethel P. Savage, leads an 11-person cast. A senior at South, Willis is no stranger to the spotlight, having been a member of the marching band and a sound technician on several theater productions, among other activities. She was seen last seen on stage in “The Outsiders� in the role of Marcia. “I play an elderly woman who does what

‘The Curious Savage’ When: Doors open at 6:30 p.m., play starts at 7 tonight, Friday and Saturday.

Where: South High’s Lecture Center, 1101 Planz Road Admission: $6 adults, $5 students, and children 5 and under are admitted for free; tickets can be purchased at the door.

she wants, and her stepchildren think she’s insane, but the joke is on them,� Willis said of her character. “It’s a good play. People should definitely come out and see it.�

South High Drama Club historian Lillie Guerrero, who plays the role of Miss Willie, said, “I’m thrilled to be a part of this production and, as a senior, I cherish these last moments on stage because I know it’s going to be one of my last performances.�

The cast and crew began working on the play in early February. Drama Club president Gage Green, a senior who plays the part of Hannibal, said the club made a real effort to recruit new actors and techies.

Rudy Mendoza, who plays Samuel Savage, said that beyond being family-friendly, there’s another key reason to see the play: “It’s really funny.�

BRADLEY REESE

br@bradleyreese.com • 888-779-8800

7+(5(¡6 67,// 7,0( 72 5(*,67(5 EXW QRW PXFK

125 6XPPHU %DVHEDOO 6RIWEDOO DQG 7 %DOO 5HJLVWUDWLRQ KDV EHHQ

(;7(1'(' 7+528*+ 681'$< $35,/ WK (;7(1 1'(' 7+528*+ 681'$< $35,/ WK WÂŽĂŁÂ&#x2018;ÂŤ dĂšĂ&#x2013;Â&#x203A;

M

DÄ&#x201A;Ä?Ĺ&#x161;Ĺ?ĹśÄ&#x17E; WĹ?Ć&#x161;Ä?Ĺ&#x161;

>Ĺ?Ç&#x20AC;Ä&#x17E; WĹ?Ć&#x161;Ä?Ĺ&#x161;

Stafford Betty, CSUB professor of religious studies, will offer a short course, Death and Afterlife, beginning tonight at Bakersfield College as part of the Levan Institute.

The course is open to everyone, especially seniors. Students will get a preview of Betty's forthcoming book on the afterlife.

dͲÄ?Ä&#x201A;ĹŻĹŻ Íž Ĺ˝Ä&#x17E;Ä&#x161;ÍżÍ&#x2014; ϹͲϲÇ&#x2021;Ć&#x152;Ć?

DĹ?Ä&#x161;Ĺ?Ä&#x17E;Ć&#x161;Í&#x2014; ĎłÇ&#x2021;Ć&#x152;Ć?

WĹ?Ĺ? dÄ&#x201A;Ĺ?ĹŻÍ&#x2014; ϳͲϴÇ&#x2021;Ć&#x152;Ć? >Ĺ?ĆŠĹŻÄ&#x17E; DĹ?Ć?Ć?Í&#x2014; ϾͲϭϏ Ç&#x2021;Ć&#x152;Ć?

WÄ&#x17E;Ä&#x17E;tÄ&#x17E;Ä&#x17E;Í&#x2014; Ď´Ç&#x2021;Ć&#x152;Ć? :ƾŜĹ?Ĺ˝Ć&#x152;Í&#x2014; ĎľÇ&#x2021;Ć&#x152;Ć?

DĹ?ŜŽĆ&#x152;Í&#x2014; Ď­ĎŹÇ&#x2021;Ć&#x152;Ć?

:Ć&#x152;Í&#x2DC; DĹ?Ć?Ć?Í&#x2014; ϭϭͲϭώ Ç&#x2021;Ć&#x152;Ć?

WĆ&#x152;Ä&#x17E;Ć&#x2030;Í&#x2014; Ď­Ď­Ç&#x2021;Ć&#x152;Ć?

^Ć&#x152;Í&#x2DC; DĹ?Ć?Ć?Í&#x2014; ϭϯͲϭϰ Ç&#x2021;Ć&#x152;Ć?

ƾůÇ&#x20AC;Ä&#x17E;Ć&#x152;Í&#x2014; ϭϯͲϭϹÇ&#x2021;Ć&#x152;Ć?

DÄ&#x201A;ĹŠĹ˝Ć&#x152;Í&#x2014; Ď­ĎŽÇ&#x2021;Ć&#x152;Ć?

127( $OO HPSOR\HHV DQG YROXQWHHUV RI 125 PXVW SDVV D ILQJHUSULQW FOHDUDQFH WKURXJK WKH 'HSDUWPHQW RI -XVWLFH

6XPPHUEDOO )HHV 'LVWULFW 5HVLGHQWV >Ä&#x17E;Ä&#x201A;Ĺ?ĆľÄ&#x17E; Ć&#x152;ƾŜĆ? DŽŜÄ&#x161;Ä&#x201A;Ç&#x2021; Ć&#x161;Ĺ&#x161;Ć&#x152;ŽƾĹ?Ĺ&#x161; &Ć&#x152;Ĺ?Ä&#x161;Ä&#x201A;Ç&#x2021;Í&#x2022; DÄ&#x201A;Ç&#x2021; Ďľ Ć&#x161;Ĺ&#x161;Ć&#x152;ŽƾĹ?Ĺ&#x161; :ƾůÇ&#x2021; ĎŽĎŽ

5HJLVWHU 2QOLQH ZZZ 1 2 5 I X Q RUJ

&RHG 7 %DOO )HHV 'LVWULFW 5HVLGHQWV

IRU PRUH LQIRUPDWLRQ SOHDVH FDOO

Third Annual Wine Tasting and Auction to benefit Relay for Life When: 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday Where: Motor City Lexus located at 5101 Gasoline Alley Drive in the Auto Mall Tickets: $40 in advance, $50 at the door. Tickets can be purchased at any Bakersfield Coldwell Banker location, Imbibe Wine and Spirits Merchant or from any Bringing Home the Cure team member.

Information: Stan Ferguson at 7033329.

wine from among the best private cellars in Bakersfield. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Sylvia Cariker is the Relay for Life media chair

Videos will be included.

Class meetings are tonight, April 7 and April 14 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Cost is $25.

Call Miriam Valenzuela before noon weekdays at 395-4431 for more information, or Betty at 654-3155. Or just show up at the classroom on the BC campus, Language Arts 109, shortly before 7 tonight.

Ă&#x160;ĂšĂ? Â&#x192;Ă?Â&#x203A;Â?Â&#x192;½½

Ĺ?Ä&#x17E; Ä&#x201A;Ć? ŽĨ ĆľĹ?ĆľĆ?Ć&#x161; Ď­Í&#x2022; ĎŽĎŹĎ­Ď­ Ä&#x161;Ä&#x17E;Ć&#x161;Ä&#x17E;Ć&#x152;ĹľĹ?ĹśÄ&#x17E;Ć? ĹŻÄ&#x17E;Ä&#x201A;Ĺ?ĆľÄ&#x17E; Ć&#x2030;ĹŻÄ&#x201A;Ä?Ä&#x17E;ĹľÄ&#x17E;ĹśĆ&#x161;

â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Eli Harris is a theater student at South High.

Betty course on afterlife begins today

dͲÄ?Ä&#x201A;ĹŻĹŻ Íž Ĺ˝Ä&#x17E;Ä&#x161;ÍżÍ&#x2014; ϹͲϲÇ&#x2021;Ć&#x152;Ć?

Ĺ˝Ä&#x201A;Ä?Ĺ&#x161;ÍŹdÄ&#x17E;Ä&#x17E;

Wineriesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; best in store at event otor City Lexus will play host Saturday to 21 California wineries, 11 local restaurants and hundreds of guests ready to eat, drink and be merry while browsing through fantastic auction items.

With the 20th Bakersfield Relay for Life just weeks away, the Coldwell Banker Preferred Relay for Life Team, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Bringing Home the Cure,â&#x20AC;? is uncorking the bottles for its Third Annual Wine Tasting and Auction.

Among the items on the live auction block are getaways to the Central Coast, signed magnums, barrel tasting and vineyard tours, gourmet dinners â&#x20AC;&#x201D; chef-prepared in your home â&#x20AC;&#x201D; and a seven-day stay in Victoria, British Columbia.

Featured wineries include Barrel 27, Caliza, Eberle, Herman Story, Jacob Toft, McPrice Myers, Opolo, Peachy Canyon, Sculpterra, Vina Robles and a special table in memory of Bill Nixon that will spotlight

'ÂŽĂ&#x2122;½Ă? ^Ă&#x160;ÂĽĂŁÂ?Â&#x192;½½

dÄ&#x17E;Ä&#x17E;

Everything you need to get your day started! Wake up with Tony In The Morning, weekdays from 5 a.m. - 9 a.m.

All your soft rock favorites from the 70â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, 80â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, 90â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and Now,

30

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, March 31, 2011

Eye Street GO&DO Today Ladies Active 20-30 Trivia Night, with raffle, 7 p.m., Fishlips Bar & Grill, 1517 18th St. $5. 21 & over only. Proceeds benefit local children.

Living History Day: Frontier Life in Kern County, costumed docent-led tours, 9 to 11:30 a.m., Kern County Museum, 3801 Chester Ave. $10 adults; $9 students (13-17)/seniors; $8 (6-12); $7 children 3 to 5; under 3 are free. 852-5000.

National Day of Service, volunteer to restore the center, 9 a.m., National Chavez Center, 29700 Woodford-Tehachapi Road, Keene. Free lunch. 823-6271.

Sexual Assault Awareness Month Kick-Off, with presentations of proclamations, resolutions from city, county, state political representatives, 6 p.m., University Square, 2000 K St. 3220931.

The Pink Floyd Experience, 7:30 p.m., Rabobank Arena, 1001 Truxtun Ave. $25 to $48 plus fee. ticketmaster.com or 800-7453000.

Friday Bakersfield College Jazz Ensemble Spring Concert, 8 p.m., Bakersfield College, Indoor Theater, 1801 Panorama Drive. $8; $5 students/seniors. 395-4240.

Biblical Hebrew in its original context seminar, teacher Brad Scott will delve into the language in which the Bible was written, 7 to 9 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Saturday; 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Centennial High School, 8601 Hageman. Free.

CD Release Party, by Soulajar, 8 p.m., Fishlips Bar & Grill, 1517 18th St. $20. 21 & over only. 324-2557.

Celebiography, readings of celebrity autobiographies, 11 p.m.

Friday and Saturday, The Empty Space, 706 Oak St. $5. 327-PLAY. First Friday Downtown, featuring live music, art openings, specialty shops, galleries and boutiques, artists will set up their artwork, 5 to 9 p.m., Downtown Arts District. 634-9598.

FLICS International Cinema Society, presents “The White Ribbon,” 7:30 p.m., Bakersfield Fox Theater, 2001 H St. $5. flics.org or call 428-0354.

Guild House First Friday, live music, light appetizers, dessert and wine, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Guild House, 1905 18th St. $7. 325-5478.

Sugar Sugar, cabaret dance troupe, 8 p.m., The Empty Space, 706 Oak St. $10.

U.S. Army Arena Bowl, 7 p.m., Rabobank Arena, 1001 Truxtun Ave. $6 plus fee. ticketmaster.com or 800-745-3000.

Saturday 16th anniversary of Buena Vista Museum, with dinner, entertainment, drawing, 5:30 to 8 p.m., Buena Vista Museum of

SHARE YOUR MEMORIES OF SAM LYNN BALL PARK The home of the Bakersfield Blaze — and several other teams before that — is 70 years old this season. To commemorate that milestone, we’re asking Sam Lynn’s many visitors over the years to share their favorite memories of their time at the park. Maybe you saw one of the many superstars who started their careers here in Bakersfield.

Perhaps you got engaged there or spent special Natural History, 2018 Chester Ave. $35 per person. 324-6350.

16th annual Kern County Scottish Gathering and Games, presented by the Kern County Scottish Society featuring Celtic entertainment, athletics, ethnic foods, merchandise and more, starts at 9 a.m., Kern County Fairgrounds, 1142 S. P St. $12 to $25; children 10 and under free, Tickets available online at kernscot.com and at World Records.

Al B Sure, doors open at 7 p.m., show at 8 p.m., Nile Theater, 1721 19th St. $26. vallitix.com or 3225200.

Bakersfield Diamond Divas vs.

Kern County Rollergirls, Roller Derby, 6:30 p.m., Rollerama, 1004 34th St. $10; $5 children under 12.

487-0165.

Bakersfield Diamond Divas’ Hamburger Feed, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Noble Park, 700 South P St. $5; proceeds benefit the Bakersfield Diamond Divas’ and the Kern County Shine Club. 3223848.

Cover the Field Pink Softball Tournament, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., North Rosedale Park, 3635 Jewetta Ave. $225 per team. Proceeds benefit Relay for Life’s local team, Keep the Faith. 399-2642.760-5490800.

First annual Relay for Life Car Show, food will be available for purchase, raffle, 3 to 6 p.m., Pacifica Senior Living, 3209 Brookside Drive. Free. Proceeds will be donated to Relay for Life Bakersfield. 663-9671.

“Geology of Yosemite National Park,” with geologist Tim Elam, 3 p.m., Buena Vista Museum of Natural History, 2018 Chester Ave. 324-6350.

Jewelry Kick-Off Party, hosted

by Bakersfield Heat Girls Premier Basketball Club, jewelry for sale, raffle, 1 p.m., Westside Church of Christ, 7300 Stockdale Highway.

Proceeds benefit a 2012 trip to Reno. 345-7017.

Just for Kids, 10:30 a.m. to noon, Buena Vista Museum of Natural History, 2018 Chester Ave. $7 adults; $5 students w/ID, seniors; $4 for children under 18; 5 and under are free. Members are free.

324-6350.

KCHS All-Star Basketball Game, presented by U.S. Army, 3 p.m., Rabobank Arena, 1001 Truxtun Ave. $6 plus fee. ticketmaster.com or 800-745-3000.

Kern Audubon Society, field trip to Kern Water Bank, 7 a.m. Bring water and snacks. kernaudubonsociety.org or 8321820.

time with family members while watching America’s favorite pastime. Tell us about it in 200 word or less. And please send pictures. Submit your remembrances and photos to jself@bakersfield.com or The Bakersfield Californian/Jennifer Self, PO Bin 440, 93302.

Photos will not be returned. Include your full name and phone number.

Kern River Valley Hiking Club, trip to Bronco & Sycamore Canyons Flower Loop Hike, leave at 8 a.m., Starbucks Coffee, 2200 Panama Lane. Bring lunch and 2 quarts of water. Dress appropriately. For directions, visit lakeisabella.net/hiking or 778-3453.

Kings, Queens, Knights & Pawns, learn the game of chess, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Beale Library, Tejon Room, 701 Truxtun Ave. 8680770.

Marisa Johnson concert, she was Bakersfield’s Idol winner in 2007, Kern County’s most talented singer and Miss Kern County in 2008, 5 to 6 p.m., First Congregational Church, 5 Real Road. Free. 327-1609.

Optimal Hospice 12th annual Team Roping Competition, ropers will compete for cash prizes and buckles, two saddles will be given to top winners of the day; registration begins at 8 a.m., roping competition begins at 8:45 a.m., Thunderhead Ranch, 30791 Orange St., Shafter. Free admission; proceeds benefit hospice services to underinsured and uninsured patients and their families in Kern County. 716-8000.

Parents’ Night Out, with pizza, ice cream, bounce house, crafts, games and more, 5:30 to 9:30 p.m., YMCA of Kern County, 5880 District Blvd., #13. $15 per child.

837-9622.

Poetry Reading, by local middle and high school students, door prizes, 7 p.m., Russo’s, 9000 Ming Ave. 665-4686.

Psychic Faire, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Jackie’s Magical Treasures, 616 Jackson St. $20 for 15 minute reading. 328-0661.

Second annual Devil Dog Shoot, sponsored by the Marine Corps League and Golden Empire Detachment 714, high power rifle competition, registration 7:30 a.m., begins at 8 a.m., Five Dogs Shooting Range, 20238 Woody Road. $50 includes lunch and Tshirt, Iron Sights only. http://mclb.yolasite.com/events .php or 619-3805 or 213-6718.

Sierra Club-Buena Vista Group Program & Brunch, with Nancy Ewert discussing “Landfill Gas Control Systems and Future Landfill Gas,” 10 a.m., Camino Real Restaurant, 3500 Truxtun Ave. Program is free and brunch is optional. 323-5569.

Spring KidsFest, interactive activities for children, face painting, spin the prize wheel, live entertainment, meet and greet the Easter Bunny, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Valley Plaza Mall, by Macy’s, 2701 Ming Ave. 832-2436.

Student Volunteer Orientation, 10 a.m., Beale Memorial Library, 701 Truxtun Ave. Reservations, 868-0784.

The Twilathon: Twilight Saga Marathon, see all three Twilight movies, doors open at 9 a.m., Twilight 10 a.m., New Moon 1 p.m., Eclipse 3:30 p.m., Bakersfield Fox Theater, 2001 H St. $15 plus fee. vallitix.com or 322-5200.

Toddler Tales, for ages 3 to 5, hear stories about animals, visit CALM wildlife and make crafts, 11 a.m. to noon, CALM, 10500 Alfred Harrell Highway. 872-2256.

Women’s Self-Defense Seminar and Workshop, 9:30 a.m. to noon, Kim Soo Karate of Bakersfield, 1649 Elzworth St. $25 per person. 342-9758.

Sunday A Formal Affair Bridal Event, noon to 4 p.m., The Links at River Lakes Ranch, 5201 River Lakes Drive. $8 advance; $10 at the door.

322-6222.

Bark for Life, walk your dog with American Cancer Society to raise money and awareness, noon to 4 p.m., Yokuts Park, 4200 Empire Drive. $10 minimum charitable donation. 496-9115.

Ice Cube, doors open at 7:30 p.m., show at 8:30 p.m., Bakersfield Fox Theater, 2001 H St. $19.50 to $42.50 plus fee. vallitix.com or 322-5200.

Iration, 7 p.m., Fishlips Bar & Grill, 1517 18th St. $10. vallitix.com or 322-5200.

Pancake Breakfast, with eggs, sausage, beverage, 7:30 to 10:30 a.m., St. Francis of Assisi Church, Parish Hall, 900 H St. $6 adults, $3 children 12 and under; $20 per family (two adults, three children).

THEATER “The Curious Savage,” comedy about money and greed, 7 p.m. today through Saturday, South High School, lecture center, 1101 Planz Road. $6 adults; $5 students; children under 5 are free. 8313680.

“Bang Bang, You’re Dead,” 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m.

Sunday, Bakersfield Community Theatre, 2400 S. Chester Ave. $12 adults, $10 students. 831-8114.

“Bedlam at Sam Lynn Ball Park,” 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday, Gaslight Melodrama Theatre & Music Hall, 12748 Jomani Drive. $12 to $23.

587-3377.

“Driving Miss Daisy,” doors open at 6 p.m., show at 7:30 p.m.

Friday and Saturday; doors open at

12:30 p.m. Sunday, Stars Dinner Theatre, 1931 Chester Ave. $45 to $55; show-only tickets $35; matinee $46 to $50. 325-6100.

“Hamlet,” 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Spotlight Theatre, 1622 19th St. $25; $22, students/seniors. 634-0692 or thespotlighttheatre.com.

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.

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 Magic of Frank Thurston,” noon Saturday, Gaslight Melodrama Theatre & Music Hall, 12748 Jomani Drive. $6. 587-3377.

ART Opening reception, for MaryAustin Klein’s “From the Desert to the Sea,” hors d’ouerves and no host bar by Mama Roomba, 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, Metro Galleries, 1604 19th St. Free. 654-2511.

Opening reception, of “Four Squared — The Art of the Foundry Four,” with works by Justin Jennings, Christina Sweet, Alan Urquhart and Alan Willis, 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, The Foundry, 1700 Chester Ave. 301-3283.

Opening reception, for Lila Martin, 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Dagny’s Coffee Co., 1600 20th St. 6340806.

Opening reception, for Mike Barker, with hors d’ oeuvres, no host bar, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Friday, Padre Hotel, in the Farmacy Cafe, 1702 18th St. Opening reception, for Carol Bradshaw and her students, with live music and refreshments, 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Bakersfield Art Association Art Center, 1817 Eye St. 869-2320.

“Transformation” opening exhibit, featuring ceramic, art and photography pieces from students from the BHS visual arts department, ceramics for sale, 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Bakersfield High School, in Spindt Hall, 1241 G St. Art Show, about literacy, “Contextual,” now through April 30, Padre Hotel, 1702 18th St. 4274900.

“California Perspectives 2011,” exhibit on display now through Saturday, Younger Gallery (located in the Bank of America tower), 1430 Truxtun Ave., Suite 105. 3249000.

First Friday Art Reception, 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Gallery ’N’ Gifts, 100 W. Tehachapi Blvd., Tehachapi.

822-6062.

“Introduction to Soul Collage,” part of the Art for Healing program, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Saturday, Mercy Art & Spirituality Center, 2215 Truxtun Ave. $10 materials donation. 324-7070.

31

Thursday, March 31, 2011 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street All Media Class, by instructor Phyllis Oliver, all media welcome, with color theory stressed. For more information or to register, email pegolivert@ix.netcom.com or call 348-4717.

Art classes, beginning watercolor, beginning drawing, advanced drawing and watercolor painters’ group, taught by Carol Bradshaw.

Call or email for details and enrollment. bradshawartist@earthlink.net or 760-376-6604.

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

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

Beginning Oil Painting, with instructor Glen Jelletich, classes held 1 to 3 p.m. Mondays. Call 3993707 for more information or to register.

Beginning, Intermediate and Advanced Drawing, by instructor Nina Landgraff, series of five twohour classes. Call for more information or to register. 3047002.

Framing Clinic, with Toni Lott, for artists who want to frame their work, running noon to 4 p.m.

Wednesdays. Call 205-3488 for more information or to register.

Free art classes, for home-school children, 11 a.m. Thursdays, Moore’s Art School, 837-1037.

Native American Arts Association, meets to learn basketry, beadwork and more, 9 a.m. to noon each Thursday, The Stockdale Moose Lodge, 905 Stine Road. 852-5050.

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

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

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

Blues Pyrenees Cafe, 601 Sumner, 323-0053; White Boy James & Blues Express, 8 p.m. Saturday. $25.

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

Ellie Jay’s Boutique, 1608 19th St., 631-0473; Mike Montano, 5:30 to 8 p.m. Friday.

Lone Oak Lounge, 10612 Rosedale Highway, 589-0412; No Limit, 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Country Trout’s & 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.

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

Sunday. Country rock.

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

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

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

Dance classes, beginning west coast swing, intermediate/advanced west coast swing with instructor Mimi Johanson, at 8214 Mossrock Drive.

Call 927-7001 for details.

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.

Whirlaways Square Dance Club, has workshops/classes every first, third, fourth and fifth Mondays, Park Stockdale Civic Association Community Center, 205 Rio Bravo Drive. whirlaways.org or 213-3105.

African Dance Recital, enjoy or participate in dynamic dance movements, drums, music, songs and African marketplace, 1 to 2 p.m. Saturday, Su Studio Dance Academy, 1515 21st St. A love donation is requested. africandanceclasses.com or 760917-3685.

Beginner Belly Dance Lessons, 8 p.m. every Tuesday, Centre Stage Studio, 1710 Chester Ave. 323-5215.

DJ 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.

Funk Pyrenees Cafe, 601 Sumner, 3230053; Dub Seeds, 8 p.m. to midnight Friday.

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

Imbibe Wine & Spirits Merchant, 4140 Truxtun Ave., 633-WINE; live music & wine bar with featuring local artists, along with 24 wines, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Friday; featuring Jazz Connection, along with 24 wines, 7 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday.

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.

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

Padre Hotel, 1702 18th St., 4274900; Kama Ruby and Company, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Tuesday.

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

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

Thursdays.

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

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

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

Thursday. karaoke.

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

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

T-Bones Steakhouse, 8020 District Blvd., 398-1300; with Irish Monkey Entertainment, 6:30 to 11 p.m. Thursdays.

The Old River Monte Carlo, 9750 Taft Highway, 837-0250; 8:30 p.m. every Thursday.

The Wright Place, 2695-G Mount Vernon Ave., 872-8831, 8 p.m. every Thursday.

Tomi’s Cowgirl Cafe, 1440 Weedpatch Highway, 633-1949; Karaoke King Show, all ages, 7 to 10 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays.

Julie’s The Branding Iron Saloon, 1807 N. Chester Ave., 6 to 10 p.m. every Friday.

Maria Bonita Mexican Restaurant, 10701 Highway 178, 366-3261, 7 to 11 p.m. Fridays. All ages.

The Pourhouse, 4041 Fruitvale Ave., 589-9300; 9 p.m. every Friday.

The Prime Cut, 9500 Brimhall Road, 831-1413; hosted by Ed Loverr, 9 p.m. to midnight Friday.

The Regent, 2814 Niles St., 8714140; 8:30 p.m. every other Friday.

Chateau Lounge, 2100 S. Chester Ave., 835-1550; 9 p.m. every

Saturday.

Del Rio Cocktail Lounge, 5840 State Road, 393-0262; 8 p.m. every Saturday.

Pyrenees Cafe, 601 Sumner, 3230053; 8 p.m. to midnight Saturdays.

Rocket Shop Cafe, 2000 S. Union Ave., 832-4800; 8:30 p.m. to midnight Saturday.

Sports & Spirits, 6633 Ming Ave., 398-7077; 9 p.m. Thursdays and Saturdays.

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

The Playhouse, 2915 Taft Highway; 397-3599; 7 to 10 p.m.

Sundays.

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

Mondays through Wednesdays.

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

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

Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.

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

Tuesday.

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.

Trout’s & The Blackboard Stages, 805 N. Chester Ave., 3996700; 7 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays, 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

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

Latin/salsa Latin Salsa Dancing, 8 p.m.

Thursdays, DoubleTree Hotel, Club Odyssey, 3100 Camino Del Rio Court. 323-7111.

Tam O’Shanter, 2345 Alta Vista, 324-6774: Salsa dancing, 7:30 p.m.

Fridays and Saturdays.

through Saturday.

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

Eagles Hall, 1718 17th St., 3249684; Savor featuring Valerie Rubin, 2 p.m. Sunday.

Open mic Sandrini’s, 1918 Eye St., 3228900; 9 p.m. Wednesdays.

T-Bones Steakhouse, 8020 District Blvd., 398-1300; with Ben Lara, 6 to 10 p.m. Wednesdays.

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

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

B. Ryder’s Sports Bar & Grill, 7401 White Lane, 397-7304; False Puppet, 9 p.m. Friday. $5.

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

Friday.

Jerry’s Pizza, 1817 Chester Ave., 633-1000; Suicide Silence, 6:30 p.m. Friday. $10. Tickets at tgptix.com.

Ska/reggae Fishlips Bar & Grill, 1517 18th St., 324-2557; Mento Buru, Latin Breeze, DJ Cid Hernandez, 9 p.m.

Saturday. $5.

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

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

Trivia night Bellvedere Cocktail Lounge, 3090 Brundage Lane, 325-2139; 7 p.m. Tuesdays.

Sandrini’s, 1918 Eye St., 3228900; Trivia Night with Dave Rezac, 10 p.m. Tuesdays.

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

Sundays. variety.

’80s B. Ryder’s Sports Bar & Grill, 7401 White Lane, 397-7304; After Party, 9 p.m. Saturday. $5.

Mariachi

UPCOMING EVENTS

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

Monday 4/4

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

Senior Discovery Days, each Monday for seniors 60 and older receive 50 percent off admission, 10 percent discount in the gift store, CALM, 10500 Alfred Harrell Highway. 872-2256.