Bakersfield Californian Eye Street / 5-12-11 by Matt Munoz

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, May 12, 2011

A year in the making Artist saves receipts for her wearable art BY JENNIFER SELF Californian lifestyles editor jself@bakersfield.com

arissa Mercado has no idea what her “Wedding Dress” cost, but she does know it took a year to save up for it. As in a year of meticulously collecting and saving receipts for every last one of her purchases — bags of Fritos, underwear, even a blowtorch. And the reason has nothing to do with being a pack rat or preparing for a possible IRS audit. Mercado keeps the receipts to create wearable pieces of art — what a friend of hers calls “performance sculpture.” “This series of receipt garments works on several levels,” said Mercado of the wedding dress she created and is modeling in the photo at right. “There is a personal narrative if you draw near enough to read what is on each receipt. That self-portrait is furthered by the form I sew them in. Still, the broader statement is about consumption and the purchasing of identity.” Mercado’s dress is quite possibly the most original piece submitted in the five-year history of Eye Gallery, the annual art series presented by The Californian and the Bakersfield Museum of Art, which debuts today and will run over several weeks in the pages of Eye Street. But the emphasis on ingenuity is not by accident: BMoA curator Vikki Cruz set out to freshen things up a bit this year by finding new faces and perspectives. The result is that most of our artists are young, emerging talents who eschew tradition and convention. And though many of them grew up in Bakersfield, several have chosen to move on to bigger cities to study and work. Mercado, who uses the name Marissa Magdalena professionally, makes her home in Los Angeles, where she’s a guest lecturer and drawing instructor at The Getty, one of the finest art museums in the country. But Mercado is quick to make clear that though she’s grateful for

More about Marissa Check out the artist’s work at marissamagdalena.com or consider taking one of her drawing classes at The Getty, where she is an instructor/guest lecturer. She has classes coming up May 15, June 5 and 19. To reserve a spot, visit getty.edu/visit/calendar/events/Courses.html.

“Andy Warhol said, ‘Art is what you can get away with.’ As long as I’m getting away with it, I’m having a good time.” — Marissa (Magdalena)

Mercado

the plentiful opportunities in L.A., the decision to leave her hometown was complicated. “Bakersfield is a well of inspiration for me,” said Mercado, 29. “There is no place in the world I’d rather be from. I like to tell people I come by my red cowboy boots honestly. The San Joaquin Valley is as fertile ground for culture as it is for crops. I take it with me everywhere I go.” And let it be noted that Mercado, who got married Saturday, didn’t jet off to some exotic honeymoon. Instead, she sat down at her computer and answered our questions about art, life and the meaning of it all via email. That’s dedication for you. (But dedication goes only so far: The bride chose not to wear the paper wedding dress on her big day!) Did you tally up how much you spent on the receipts? Thousands! I love that in a sense that is exactly what the dress cost. Tell us about how you put the dress together: The artwork is made from ALL the receipts I collected over a year of my life. ... I have to let the receipts sit for some time while I draw conclusions about what identity I was trying to pursue for the year they were collected. ... I have to bond the receipts together, taking care not to destroy the sensitive ink and paper they are made of. After making a “fabric” of receipts, I cut it according to a clothing pattern and run it through my sewing machine! How will your dress be displayed at the museum? I prefer to parade them on bodies, but I can’t afford to house a model at BMoA, so we’ll use a hanger. Please see PAGE 21

ALEX HORVATH / THE CALIFORNIAN

Marissa Mercado models “Wedding Dress,” her submission to the 2011 Eye Gallery art series. The dress is made of a year’s worth of receipts that Mercado stitched together.

Thursday, May 12, 2011 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street CONTINUED FROM PAGE 20

How delicate is the dress? Is it hard to get in and out of? Receipts are paper thin — they turn black in too much sunlight, they fade in any exposure, water, sweat… these pieces have many enemies. But with care and attention — like so many of us high-maintenance things — they are well worth it. After graduating from Ridgeview, you spent a year working for nonprofits across the country but ended up coming back to Bakersfield. Why? It was while I was out there in the Midwest and beyond that I really came to an appreciation for Bakersfield. I came back and attended BC. It was a very important launch pad for me. There, the same individuals who taught my dad 30 years before gave me the fundamentals of art. I took nothing but art classes ’til they told me I couldn’t repeat courses anymore. At that point it was time to move on, so I relocated to L.A. to attend Otis College of Art and Design. Do you remember your first artistic experience? I had my earliest experiences with sculpture building out of the odds and ends that lined my grandfather’s fence in Arvin. I cut my teeth on fashion and 3D design amid the dressing rooms and stage of the Bakersfield Community Theatre. These exposures have an apparent presence in my artwork. I suppose it makes sense you would take inventory of the last year of your life, when you were engaged, and make a wedding dress with your receipts. Tell us about your wedding. I JUST got married in my parent’s backyard in Bakersfield! It was extraordinary to take a huge life step in the same place I learned to walk. ... Still have blisters from all the dancing we did before retiring for the night at the Padre Hotel! While my spouse (a musician) and I are currently building our first nest in L.A., you better believe Bakersfield goes wherever I do. What do you do with things like dresses made of paper and headdresses

ABOUT EYE GALLERY Eye Gallery, a partnership of The Californian and the Bakersfield Museum of Art, is celebrating five years of bringing the works of dozens of local artists into the homes of our readers. Over the next several weeks, we will unveil truly distinctive pieces of art — drawings, paintings, photographs — and interviews with the artists who created them. Then, on June 16, we will celebrate the artists at a reception at BMoA, where the public is invited to see the art up close. We’ll have more details as the date draws near, but mark your calendars now. made of matchbooks when you’re finished displaying them? Store them away from heat! I make such combustible work. I like to work in the tension between fragility and volatility. Do you remember the first work of art you ever sold? Can I tell you about the first work I didn’t sell? It was a large drawing on display at a Bakersfield coffee shop. A traveler called me to inquire about the price. I was still in my foundational studies at BC and quoted what I thought was reasonable. He became skeptical of the work because the price was too low! I still have it. If you want to buy it I can overcharge. Does society value art? I think our society values art the way it values food. We count on it to be there to sustain us, but we want it fast, cheap, and easy to digest. Some things are worth the cost and the time it takes to chew. Do you work in more traditional forms? Absolutely. I think you need to at least know what the traditions are so you can consciously break from them. I am classically trained and believe strongly in empowering others with the fundamentals of art.

ALEX HORVATH / THE CALIFORNIAN

Marissa Mercado models another of her creative works of art, a headdress made of matchbooks. Coming Sunday: Eye Gallery artist Julie Neuberg has a thing for faces.

Search high and low at Walk for the Arts Scavenger hunt among new facets of local scene’s outing BY CAMILLE GAVIN Contributing columnist

S FELIX ADAMO / THE CALIFORNIAN

Performers from the Spotlight Theatre — from left: Sara Tielsch, Angela Poncetta, Hal Friedman and Kat Clowes — dressed in costumes from the production of “All in the Timing” to participate in the Walk for the Arts in 2010.

everal new features have been added to this year’s Walk for the Arts on Saturday, and one of them is a scavenger hunt. “Each person will get a list and they’ll have to find something at each cultural stop,” said Laura Wolfe of the Arts Council of Kern, sponsor of the second annual event designed to celebrate the art scene. Also, there will be live music at every stopping place indicated on the route map, and refreshments will be offered at many of the more than 25 downtown galleries, theaters and other arts-related businesses that are participating. About 400 walkers are expected this year,

Walk for the Arts When: 8 a.m. to noon Saturday Where: Central Park at Mill Creek, 19th and R streets Information: 324-9000

and Wolfe said there’s still time to sign up. If you haven’t pre-registered you can do so on Saturday morning at Mill Creek in Central Park, the starting point for the event (also at the park this weekend is a bike festival; more on that on Page 30). By the way, Wolfe told me she’s decided not to continue as interim director of the Arts Council, saying it’s “a bit out of my comfort zone.” Her contract expires in June. The board has received a number of applications for the position of permanent director, she said, but the decision won’t be made until mid-June.

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, May 12, 2011

Eye Street Susan Scaffidi CONTRIBUTING COLUMNIST

Cuts actually add flair to concerts Smaller scale leads to interesting choices

Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra When: 8 p.m. Saturday; lecture with Dr. Jerome Kleinsasser at 7 p.m. Where: Rabobank Theater, 1001 Truxtun Ave. Admission: $34 to $50; students half price. Available at Rabobank box office

rom a critical standpoint, belt-tightening has actually been a good thing for the Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra, as it has added some rarities to its repertoire to replace the largescale (and expensive) orchestral favorites it used to be able to afford. The closing concert of the orchestra’s 79th season is a good example of necessity begetting invention: Along with two Mozart favorites — the Overture to the opera “Cosi fan tutte,” and the Symphony No. 41 in C Major (the “Jupiter”) — the orchestra members will also challenge themselves and the audience with Charles Ives’ “The Unanswered Question,” Jean Sibelius’ “The Swan of Tuonela,” and Bela Bartok’s Rumanian Folk Dances. The season has been spiced with such rarities, such as the March performance of the complete Incidental Music

to “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” by Felix Mendelssohn, complete with excerpts from Shakespeare’s play; Franz Liszt’s “Todentanz” with guest performer Anton Nel in April; Erich Wolfgang Korngold’s Concerto for Violin in D Major performed by Judith Ingolfsson. Money issues have forced some compromises — works requiring fewer performers, eliminating ancillary concerts from the calendar, forgoing using a professional opera company — but the orchestra has, for now at least, been musically successful by being innovative. BSO fundraiser Michael Chertok said it’s “too close to tell” whether the orchestra has been equally successful financially. “It will probably be one more month before we know if we finish in the black or with a small deficit,” he said. During that month, the orches-

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tra will perform its final concert of the season and stage its gala fundraiser, “The Pines of Rome,” at the CSUB campus on May 20. Chertok said the BSO has been able to “hold steady” with corporate donors — winning some and losing some — while seeing a decline in season ticket sales. “People are telling us they’re out of town a lot, they missed a lot of concerts, so they’re just buying tickets as they need them,” Chertok said. “That’s just the kind of thing we hear.” “I do think we’re holding our own,” Chertok said about donations. “There’s nothing either up or down for us to get excited about.” The real challenge is adding new members to the audience or the donor rolls. “That’s as tough as I’ve ever seen it,” Chertok said. The two selections by Mozart represent the composer in his final years and at the height of his powers. “Cosi fan tutte” (“Thus do they all”) is one of the great opera masterpieces, a complicated comic opera about fidelity and infidelity, with a sparkling, sophisticated overture. Regarded as the ultimate statement of the Classical style of composing, Mozart’s 41st and final symphony is the epitome of clarity and order, belying the complexity of the several

PHOTO COURTESY OF FELIX ADAMO

Dr. Jerome Kleinsasser conducts a pre-concert lecture before each Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra subscription concert. The lecture is free to anyone with a ticket.

musical themes he combines and develops. Ives’ “The Unanswered Question” is a musical discussion of the meaning of existence, a persistent question asked by the trumpet, which the flutes desperately attempt to answer. Ives composed this tone poem in 1906 for a chamber ensemble, and arranged it for orchestra in the 1930s. Finnish composer Jean Sibelius’ “The Swan of Tuonela” is another tone poem, this one a musical attempt to retell the Finnish leg-

READING

Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra John Farrer, Music Director

AUDITIONS

end of the hero Lemminkainen, who is killed while hunting the swan. The concert includes a suite of dances by Hungarian composer Bela Bartok. Bartok, considered one of the brightest lights of the 20th century, was also devoted to the collection and promotion of folk music, which he often used in his compositions, such as the Rumanian Folk Dances on the BSO program. Bartok is considered one of the founders of ethnomusicology.

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Thursday, May 12, 2011 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street

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NOR offers movies under the stars Family-friendly series kicks off Friday at North Meadows Park BY MIRANDA WHITWORTH

Movies in the Park Admission: Free. Bring blankets, chairs and refreshments. Information: norrecreation.org

Contributing writer

odayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s kids have no idea what it was like back in the day when the entire family would pile into the car and head to the local drive-in theater to watch a movie under the stars. But itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just that openair viewing experience that the folks at North of the River Recreation and Parks Department are trying to revive with this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Movies in the Park series, which starts Friday. Aimed at getting the family out of the house, the series starts at North Meadows Park with a free screening of Disneyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;Tangled.â&#x20AC;? Marketing director Roger Perez said Movies in the Park brings the theater experience to the great outdoors. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have a 16-by-9-foot screen and a nice sound system that you can hear all over the park. We set up behind the basketball courts and take up the whole area to the back.â&#x20AC;? The event is free for the whole family and, unlike the restrictions at the indoor movie theaters, you can bring your own refreshments or take advantage of what the park has to offer. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Bring your blankets and lawn chairs. There are barbecues at the park you can use or you can bring whatever you want foodwise. Just no alcohol, because alcohol is not allowed in our parks.â&#x20AC;? The movies start at dusk â&#x20AC;&#x201D; which is usually around 8 p.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; and the event pulls in a healthy crowd, with past attendance running between 300 to 500 people. The movies are scheduled a month in advance depending on the weather and other factors. Perez said this year NOR plans to show between eight and 10 films with the free screenings at least once a month. For NOR, Perez said the focus has shifted from larger scale promotions to neighborhood-friendly activities. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are trying smaller events at a lot more places. The movies are great because you are out in the park and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s open to everyone. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s really a neighborhood event, and we want to share the wealth. â&#x20AC;&#x153; The Movies in the Park films are selected

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for mass appeal and are always familyfriendly. The next screening is â&#x20AC;&#x153;Despicable Me,â&#x20AC;? scheduled for June 17 at Madison Grove Park. Another perk of the family evenings is that the parks selected for the films all feature wet play areas. â&#x20AC;&#x153;That way kids can bring their suits and get wet then watch the movie when it gets dark,â&#x20AC;? Perez said. If you prefer to watch your movies indoors, NOR is also kicking off a movie series in late summer when the days are hot and residents are looking for cheap ways to beat the heat. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are going to start showing movies during the day at the Veterans Hall in Oildale,â&#x20AC;? Perez said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;People can come in out of the hot weather, and with Oildale â&#x20AC;&#x201D; where there is a lot of foot traffic â&#x20AC;&#x201D; it gives people the chance to get out of the house and do something where they donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to leave that area of town.â&#x20AC;? As for the schedule for those upcoming events, Perez said to check the NOR website, where events are scheduled about a month in advance. While the weather is still enjoyable, Perez said residents should take advantage of the evening movie nights. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is an event that really brings people out and gets them into the park,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think a lot the time people get so busy in their day-to-day lives that they forget that our parks are there. It gives people that havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t been to a park in a long time a chance to just get out and play.â&#x20AC;?

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The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, May 12, 2011

Eye Street Camille Gavin CONTRIBUTING COLUMNIST

‘All Shook Up’ rocks and rolls Tea parties precede ‘Alice in Wonderland’

GO & DO ‘Sing Down the Moon: Appalachian Wonder Tales’

ake no mistake: Elvis lives. Well, his songs do, anyway. And such favorites as “Love Me Tender,” “Jailhouse Rock” and “Don’t Be Cruel” will be front and center Friday evening when “All Shook Up” opens at Stars. Of course the musical comedy isn’t about Presley or his career, but it does have the flavor of the 1950s, and Kathi Lowry feels right at home with both the setting and the songs. “I’ve always been an Elvis fan because my mom was — still is — so I grew up listening to his music,” said Lowry, who’s assisting Shay Brandon Burke with directorial duties. Matthew Thompson is featured as a hip-swiveling, guitar-playing stranger called Chad who roars into “a square little town in a square little state” and proceeds to shake up the equally out-of-touch populace. To make things seem more realistic, he’ll make his entrance on a motorcycle, but I expect the technical people will have to supply the sound effects because Lowry tells me there’s a restriction about having gasoline on stage. “I’m not sure exactly how they’re going to do it. they’ll probably have to roll it onstage,” Lowry said. “But there will be a motorcycle.” Thompson has appeared in several shows at Stars and Bakersfield Music Theatre, including “The Full Monty” and “Beauty and the Beast.” Now 20, he started performing when he was 8. He currently works at Cesar Chavez Elementary as a magnet activity leader for vocal music and is also making his debut as a vocal director with “All Shook Up.” Like a lot of other shows at Stars, “All Shook Up” is a family affair. Darren McDonald and his two children, Kristine and Daniel, both of whom have lead roles, are in the show. So are Joe Lowry, Kathi’s husband, and their daughters Kelci Lowry and Jodi Mitchell.

When: 7 p.m. Friday, and 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday Where: NOR Veterans Hall, 400 Norris Road Admission: $7 Information: 392-2000

‘All Shook Up’ When: Doors open 6 p.m., show at 7:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday; doors open 12:30 p.m., show at 2 p.m. Sunday Where: Stars Theatre Restaurant, 1931 Chester Ave. Admission: $45 to $55; show-only tickets, $35 Information: 325-6100

‘Alice in Wonderland’ When: 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday Where: Bakersfield Community Theatre, 2400 S. Chester Ave. Admission: $12; $10 children Information: 831- 8114

‘The Modern Organ in Concert’ PHOTO COURTESY OF VICKIE STRICKLIN

From left, Brett Walker, Kyle Gaines and Ashlee Lang appear in “Sing Down the Moon: Appalachian Wonder Tales,” the NOR Junior Theatre production running this weekend at the NOR Veterans Hall.

Coming Friday Read Camille’s review of “Stage Door,” now playing at The Empty Space.

Appalachian folk tales at NOR A cast of 70 young actors will present three performances this weekend of a show based on oldtime folk tales that arose in the hills and valleys of Appalachia during the early days of our country’s history. “Sing Down the Moon: Appalachian Wonder Tales,” has a score that interweaves music with the stories, many of which are quite humorous, said Vickie Stricklind, director of NOR Junior Theater. “It’s very different from anything we have done before,”

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

Stricklind said. “We’ll have a live band playing for us and we will be performing at the NOR Veterans Hall, also a new venue for us.” Those playing lead roles include Alex Burdick, Melissa Emig, Kyle Gaines, Kelsea Johnson, James O’Hearn, Hannah Schill, Jessica Theriault and Brett Walker. Julie Gaines is co-director. “Sing Down the Moon” will be performed this weekend only.

BCT presents ‘Alice in Wonderland’ A tea party will precede two of this weekend’s performances of “Alice in Wonderland,” which opens Friday evening at Bakersfield Community Theater. Each party will be start one hour before the shows’ scheduled curtain time. The first one on Saturday is the “Mad Hatter’s Moonlight Mad Tea Party,” and for the matinee on Sunday it’s called “Alice’s Afternoon Tea Party.” Tiny cakes and other sweets, as well as tea and lemonade will be sold at each event, said Kim Whitney, a BCT board member. Guests

also can have their picture taken with characters from the show in a special tea party setting. Charlotte Smith appears as Alice, the little girl who falls down a rabbit hole, where she finds herself in a topsy-turvy world called Wonderland that’s inhabited by all sorts of odd characters created by Lewis Carroll in his classic children’s story. The show is a production of the BCT Youth Theatre.

Robert Tall organ concert Classically trained organist Robert Tall of Glendale will return to First Presbyterian Church on Wednesday to present a concert on the organ he helped to design. Two years ago Tall was invited to be soloist at the church’s dedication ceremony for the newly enhanced organ. I first heard him play the massive instrument when he was finetuning it several days before the inaugural concert and indeed it does produce a magnificent sound that reaches every corner of the sanctuary.

When: 12:30 p.m. Wednesday Where: First Presbyterian Church, 1705 17th St. Admission: Free Information: 325-9419

The reason for this powerful music, not to mention Tall’s expertise, is due to the 180 digital ranks he and his technicians interfaced with the original pipe organ’s ranks, or sets of pipes, bringing the total to 223. Since the reconfiguration, which cost $250,000, it has been played regularly during worship services by Meg Wise, the resident organist. The church also offers occasional mid-week concerts featuring local artists. Tall’s upcoming performance is titled “The Modern Organ in Concert.” He plans to perform music by classical composers — Beethoven and Vivaldi, for example — as well as more contemporary figures such as Sigfrid Karg-Elert, whose “Soul of the Lake” the organist recorded for his latest album, “Masterpieces.” Admission to the concert is free, but a light lunch may be purchased for $6 and will be available prior to the start of the program.

Thursday, May 12, 2011 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street

BY ASHLEY FISCHER Contributing writer

and his family. As the play progresses, Cruz encounters four different visitors, each of whom represent and instruct Cruz about the importance of one of the four tenets of Wall’s definition of “kindness”: compassion, humility, dignity and respect. The play then ends on a hopeful note, with Cruz finally recognizing his behavior has affected those around him in a negative way, and with him actively attempting to atone for what he’s done, and change himself for the better. Wall was initially unsure how to translate his ideas for “The Visitors” to the stage, but after partnering with local playwright James Mongold, all the pieces began to fall into place. “I’d been thinking about this concept for a couple of years, but I didn’t really know how to go about putting it into a play,” Wall said. “I had been thinking about this kindness thing quite a bit, but it took until maybe a year, year and a half ago that it got to the point of making this play into a reality. “It took me quite awhile to find James. Many of the other writers I talked to didn’t have a clear concept of what I was trying to do, or wanted to insert their own philosophies into it. James finally said he’d do it. He had a really nice feel how to take an idea and create a dialogue out of it, and that’s what he did. He really did a great job.” Wall also intentionally wanted the plot to remain simple so that the student performers could easily modify the storyline to make it more relevant to themselves and to their audience — on the condition that they remain true

‘The Visitors’ When: 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday; also May 27 and 28 Where: Spotlight Theatre, 1622 19th St. Admission: $7 Information: 634-0692 or thespotlighttheatre.com.

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Chuck Wall’s most recent endeavor to promote kindness takes to the stage in the form of an original play, “The Visitors.”

STEAK HOUSE

s we learned from Chuck Wall’s nationally recognized Random Acts of Kindness campaign, a simple smile and a “thank you” can go a long way. Now Wall has taken his ideas about kindness and applied them to an issue affecting thousands of kids and teens across the nation: bullying. Wall’s most recent endeavor to promote kindness takes to the stage in the form of an original play, “The Visitors.” The play, which has been brought to life by East High School’s Advanced Drama Class and its instructor, Jenna Odlin, will be running for four performances at the Spotlight Theatre starting Friday. In a time when teens are resorting to suicide as a means to escape bullying, Wall’s timing couldn’t be better. “I believe this can be a very valuable play for a high-schooler. I want that bully to be in audience, so they can see what he or she may look like,” said Wall. “I also believe that bullying is a choice. It’s not genetic. It’s something you adopt or learn, and it’s something that can change.” The cast of “The Visitors” consists of 25 East High School drama students. For the performances, the students will be running the entire production, including lights and sound, with little to no assistance from the crew at the Spotlight. This will be the first time in Odlin’s 11 years with East that the high school’s drama program will perform one of its productions at a community theater. “We were really lucky that members from the Spotlight Theatre came and watched when we did one of our performances of the play at school,” she said. “They felt like it was an important piece that the community needed to see, since the topic is so pressing. They asked us to partner with them and gave us a number of different options for when we could perform. “It’s an honor that this community theater reached out to us. We’re really grateful to them, especially since this play deals with such an important issue, and this allows us to showcase what we do.” While East’s production consists of what Odlin described as a “large ensemble cast,” the play largely revolves around the exploits of one obnoxious student, Evan Cruz. Cruz, who comes from a troubled background, shows little to no respect for not only his peers, but also his teachers

to the overall spirit of the play. Which is precisely what the students at East High did. “Dr. Wall was really ‘kind’ to let us revamp the script a little bit,” Odlin said with a laugh. “Last year, the advanced drama students were given a copy of the script. I asked them to look at the different scenes in the play and revamp each scene to make it more appropriate for audiences like them. The students really felt the language needed to be much more raw, much more alarming, because that’s what they’re used to hearing when they walk through the halls.” Tyler Andrews, 16, who plays Evan Cruz, called the experience of mounting the play an eye-opener. “There’s definitely a problem with bullying at our school,” he said. “And being in this really opened my mind and opened my eyes to how bullying can affect people. It’s one of those experiences where, say, if you had never been bullied in your life, because you were the bully, and then one day, you caused someone to commit suicide — that would completely change how you live your whole life. “Basically, this play taught me how much being kind to everyone — just how important it is. Because those little things, like saying ‘hello,’ or ‘I love you’ — it can really change someone’s whole day.” East isn’t the first high school to perform “The Visitors.” Kern Valley High School presented the play last year. “We would really like to see this play performed by other Kern County high schools,” Wall said. “As soon as we’ve had maybe two more local high schools do this, we want to make it available to schools across the country.” Even though “The Visitors” deals with an issue that can seem overwhelming, Andrews, like the character he portrays, remains hopeful. “More people need to see this play. All of us have the potential to be bullies, but all of us also have the potential to spread kindness.”

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“All of us have the potential to be bullies, but all of us also have the potential to spread kindness.”

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The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, May 12, 2011

Eye Street The Lowdown with Matt Munoz

A ‘Simply’ good night at Fishlips Comedy, cover band a hot ticket tonight

’ve said more than once that stand-up comedy is slowly overtaking the city’s entertainment scene. Every week, new promoters and clubs are hosting their own comedy night or featuring a mix of locals and out-of-town comics. Although some are better organized than others, it doesn’t take much to screw up a comedy show when the only important piece of equipment needed is one mic. But if the lineup ends up bombing before the headliner even steps onstage, your audience will most likely die of boredom instead of laughter. That shouldn’t be the case during the “Simply Comedy” event happening this evening at Fishlips, featuring funnymen Chase Brockett, Jorge Mata, Jeff Bilodeau, Joe Alaniz and headliner Joe Charles. Alaniz has been a familiar face at Bakotopia Unplugged Open Mic Night for months, often showing up with just a few scribbled slips of paper resembling a band set list. Testing out new material in front of an often brutally honest crowd, he follows a tradition of famous comedians who don’t wait for opening night to test the waters. “The way it works is if someone tells me something’s funny after I walk offstage, it stays. Some of the jokes I do at the open mic night, I won’t do other places,” said Alaniz, whose been actively working his comedic mojo for the past three years. “You have to run it at least four to five times to keep it or throw it

PHOTO COURTESY OF NO DUH

No Doubt tribute band No Duh makes its return to Fishlips tonight.

PHOTO COURTESY OF EMILY BECERRA

Joe Alaniz is one of the comedians performing at Fishlips tonight.

out.” Alaniz also said that although he does write material primarily for his own act, he will make pitches to other comedians. He may not yet be at the level of Mr. Paul Mooney, who became known for supplying the late Richard Pryor with material back in the day, but he’s trying.

“It’s something that we do locally to support each other. If something doesn’t work for me, I might pass it on to another comedian. We also have a series of tests for jokes: First you try it on some comics and people you know, then you take it to an open-mic crowd, then finally to the people who are paying to see you.” Another way Alaniz says local comedians have stayed active is by becoming promoters themselves. “You never wanna be known as both a promoter and comedian. You should focus on one to be good. But in order to get better, you have to do shows. I’ve been on shows where it’s been completely blue with guys cursing up a storm, and I don’t feel comfortable associating myself with them. This way we eliminate stressing about it.” Alaniz doesn’t count out all offcolor jokes — he said he can appreciate some potty-mouthed laughs on occasion. “The more offensive you get, and the bigger names you can wrangle in, it can sometimes boost your name if the joke hits big. But that’s hard to do. It’s all about personal preferences, really.”

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.

One of Alaniz’s tactics is keeping material timely, as in a bit he’s written about Facebook and historical figures. We don’t want to spoil the joke, but if you can imagine what Anne Frank might’ve been posting on her wall while hiding from the Nazis, or what Osama Bin Laden’s last words were, Alaniz has a hilarious status update for all of them. In the case audiences don’t pay attention to current events or pass history class, Alaniz said he has a plan to fix that. “All my audiences will have to have a degree to attend future shows.” Tonight’s show starts at 8 p.m. Admission is $5. Fishlips is located at 1517 18th St. Call 324-2557.

No Doubt tribute to follow funnymen at Fishlips It’s not easy paying tribute to greatness. Many locals have caught great touring tribute bands like Led Zepagain (a tribute to Led Zeppelin), Bon-Fire (AC/DC) and Atomic Punks (Van Halen), but have also been stuck watching snoozers like Mommie’s Little Monsters (a tribute to Social Distortion). If you’re going to start a tribute band, at least try sounding and acting like the artists you’re portraying. I once saw a Rage Against the Machine tribute band with a singer who didn’t even remotely resemble singer Zach De La Rocha or sound like him. Even worse, the Sacramento band Arden Park Roots opened up for themselves, magically reappearing after a few beers as The Livin’s Easy — a tribute to Sublime — not as a three piece, but as a four piece. I’ve seen so many bad tribute bands roll through town that I’m contemplating a boycott. Next thing you know we’ll be seeing tributes to Chumbawumba and Sugar Ray. Spare us, please? Take a lesson from the real deal, like No Duh, the No Doubt tribute band appearing tonight at Fishlips following the Simply Comedy show. Having caught the real No Doubt numerous times going all

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.

the way back to 1989, I expected to hate this tribute when I first saw them open for The Untouchables in Hollywood. Thankfully, this SoCal-based quartet does a realistic job imitating the real Gwen, Tony, Adrian and Tom onstage. Lead vocalist Heather Lounsbury has the voice, blonde locks, outfits and moves that have garnered them approval from No Doubt, as can be seen on the band’s official website, noduh.net. This is the band’s third visit to Bakersfield since March. Definitely worth checking out. The band hits the Fishlips stage tonight at 9:30 p.m. Admission is $10.

Matt’s pick La Grange Tribute to ZZ Top at The Fox Theater, 2001 H St., 6 p.m. Saturday. $10 to $15. 3241369. It must be tribute week in Bako. During the height of MTV’s original music video era, there was no escaping the bearded brothers of Texas with their hits “Gimme All Your Lovin’” and “Sharp Dressed Man.” Most youngsters might be too young to remember them, but your parents will. This tribute band does a mighty fine job of recreating the original ZZ Top experience, complete with crazy outfits and of course the signature Rip Van Winkle-style faux beard. While you may notice they’re a fourpiece, the best way to enjoy their act is to surrender to the moment. The show coincides with the 50th anniversary of Bako’s El Camino Club, which will host a free custom car show outside the Fox before the show.

Thursday, May 12, 2011 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street

A lotsa pasta for just $6 Picnic also features deep pit and desserts Mamma mia! The Italian Heritage Dante Association will host a family-style Italian Picnic on Sunday in the gardens at the Italian Heritage Hall. Parking and admission is free, with food starting at $5. And what a selection: Event chefs will prepare deep-pit style barbecue to serve with the traditional pasta, salad and roll. Adult plates will go for $12, child plates $5 and pasta-only plates for $6. Other

dining options will include a delicious Roman-style sandwich topped with a savory red meat sauce for $5. To wet your whistle, there will be a variety of soft drinks, wine, beer and various mixed drinks as well. The authentic and delizioso Italian desserts — prepared at home by club members — promise to include such wonderful creations as mascarpone cupcakes, Sicilian cannoli, Sicilian fig cookies, anise biscotti, biscotti di Regina, almond cookies, various cakes, pies, brownies and cookie bars. The master of ceremonies

will be association board member Ken Bausano. Bausano also leads a number of jazz ensembles, including several big bands, so expect some top-notch music. Past picnics have brought out the entertainer in some attendees, including cantante Luigi Via Cava, who has gifted listeners with his interpretations of several Italian songs. There will be a raffle (tickets $1) with several gift baskets and artwork. For children, there will be a bounce house as well as various games. For adults, teams will be enrolled to participate in the bocce

In the mood for barbecue? CSUB the place to be

Italian Picnic When: Noon to 6 p.m. Sunday Where: Italian Heritage Hall, 4415 Wilson Road Admission: Free; food $5 to $12 Information: 831-0867

tournament, a cheerful and exciting event that promises to turn up a couple of superb winning teams. First- and second-place prizes will be awarded. The Italian Dante Heritage Association extends the invitation to all its members and the entire community to join in a fun day. — Italian Heritage Dante Association

Local musician captures encounter with rock star Adrian Nevarez, of local Latin rock band Velorio, was minding his business Monday at the Red Robin in Valley Plaza, where he works, when who walks by but Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl, Bakersfield’s most famous guest of the last week or so. Adrian writes: “He just happened to be walking by, leaving the mall. He was by himself. He had his sunglasses off, then he put them on. I kept looking at him, ‘That’s Dave Grohl!’ I dropped what I was doing. I ran

over and asked him what he was doing and thanked him for his music and for being such an inspiration. He said Foo Fighters are practicing here at the Rabobank and getting ready for the world tour. He was a really chill dude. I think he was more caught off guard that I pointed him out. I didn’t think I’d ever get this chance again so I had to do something. I asked him if I could take a photo and he said, ‘Sure,’ then he walked right over.”

The distinct aroma of seasoned, grilled meat cooking over an open flame is one of the many identifiers that spring is officially in the air. Couple that with fair weather, great music, cold drinks and familiar faces, and you have the perfect recipe for the annual CSUB Athletics Spring Barbecue. The 39th annual installment takes place this evening starting at 5:30 p.m. at the Icardo Center on the CSUB campus. In addition to Harris Ranch steaks — new this year — and teriyaki chicken, guests will be treated to the usual great fixings including breadsticks from the Olive Garden, salad from the Garden Spot, Mexicali salsa, Marie Callender’s pies and Foster Farms Dairy ice cream. Visitors can wash it all down with a Rock Star Energy drink, which will be giving out samples of their always-popular concoctions. With a full belly, you’ll be primed to partake in the evening’s festivities including dancing to the sounds of Thee Majestics and raffle drawings every half hour starting at 7 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at the door for $30. All proceeds benefit the CSUB studentathlete scholarship fund. For more information, call 654-3473. — Cal State Bakersfield news release

39th annual CSUB Spring Barbecue

PHOTO COURTESY OF ADRIAN NEVAREZ

Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl and Adrian Nevarez, sales team member at Red Robin and percussionist for local Latin rock band Velorio.

When: 5:30 to 10:30 p.m. today Where: CSUB, Icardo Center, 9001 Stockdale Highway Admission: $30 Information: gorunners.com or 654-3473

arts.org or call 324-9

000

fund for the arts 5K Ramble to raise Arts, Contests Live Music, Dance,

Celebration in y and Finish Line Opening Ceremon R Streets. d an t 21s at al Park Bakersfield Centr (children under 10 free). $10 registration

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, May 12, 2011

Eye Street

It’s all about the food and the wine Fundraiser event aims for best dinner pairings BY ASHLEY FISCHER Contributing writer

I Evelyn Bugarin “I’m getting ready for college, graduating... You don’t want to mess it up.” Evelyn Bugarin, South High Sponsored by

Featuring the Kern County Pirates All proceeds benefit the Society for Disabled Children Family Time 12:00pm – 3:00pm Bring your friends and family for a swashbuckling good time Tickets $7.00 each, children under 5 free Evening Hours 6:00pm – 9:00pm Tickets $50.00 per person Dinner, dancing, entertainment and silent auction Catering by Mossman’s Tickets Available at the Society for Disabled Children Society for Disabled Children 1819 Brundage Lane, Bakersfield, CA 93304 • 661.322.5595

f you’re yearning for fine wines and authentic Italian cuisine but can’t quite afford the airfare to Italy, the Bakersfield East Rotary Foundation’s benefit banquet, Vino Amore, could well provide one bella note. The dinner, which takes place Saturday in Monsignor Leddy Hall at Garces Memorial High School, will generate funds to be donated to the Valley Fever Americas Foundation, the Ronald McDonald House of Bakersfield and the East Bakersfield Rotary Foundation. Tickets are $75 per person, or $400 for a table of six. Vino Amore is the Rotary Foundation’s revamped and renamed version of the group’s annual fundraising benefit, formerly known as the Pasta di Festa. The makeover was inspired by longtime Rotary member, chef and restaurant owner Terry Maxwell’s popular Wine Lover dinners, held each month at his downtown restaurant, T.L. Maxwell’s Restaurant and Bar. While the Pasta di Festa will be missed, Bob Parker, East Bakersfield Rotary Club treasurer and co-chairman of the fundraiser, is confident Vino Amore will provide guests with an exciting evening with more than just a hint of elegant, Italian flavor. “It’s gonna be a lot of fun,” says Parker. “There’ll be great food, great wine, and this year we have a decoration committee that is going way over the top. People are going to feel like they’re walking into an Italian piazza when they come in.” The dinner will consist of five courses, including three wine pairings, and each course will be presented by Maxwell himself. However, the event is not to be confused with an ordinary “winemaker” dinner. This is a Maxwell’s Wine Lover dinner, and, according to Maxwell, there’s a big difference between the two. “Winemaker dinners are more about the wine or the chef,” he said. “Our Wine Lover

Vino Amore When: 5 to 11 p.m. Saturday Where: Garces High School, Monsignor Leddy Hall, 2800 Loma Linda Drive Cost: $75 per person; $400 table of six Information: vinoamore.info or 3270030

dinners focus more on how food and the right wine go together. It’s not about just about one or the other. It’s about the real dining experience of having great food with the right wine. When you have a great pairing, the food tastes better, and the wine tastes better.” But don’t expect to find a full menu sitting on the table at this event. Each course and the wine served with it is a closely kept secret that will be revealed only when Maxwell presents each course. “That’s part of the fun of it,” explained Parker. But Maxwell does offer a hint about the food and a tantalizing incentive. “Foodwise, the courses are going to be as authentic Italian as they can get, yet I’ll still be putting my own signature on every dish,” said Maxwell. “When I introduce the different courses, I try to make a story out of it, and try and make it entertaining for everyone. It will be a very lively atmosphere, and we’ve got some special things planned. I’d tell you what they were, but then they wouldn’t be surprises, would they?” In addition to the dinner, Vino Amore will feature a silent auction with nearly 50 items up for bid, including: tickets for four to attend two Dodgers baseball games; a Merle Haggard signature guitar; and golf and lunch for two at Seven Oaks Country Club. Raffle tickets for a $10,000 dream vacation will also be available for $100 each. There are only 300 tickets available for this event, so be sure to purchase them soon if you would like to be a part of this enchanted Italian evening. No-host cocktails begin at 5 p.m. and dinner starts at 6. Tickets can be purchased by visiting the Vino Amore website, vinoamore.info, or call 327-0030.

Wine, cheese — and a little history BY ASHLEY FISCHER Contributing writer

esar Chavez once said, “If you really want to make a friend, go to someone’s house and eat with him ... the people who give you their food give you their heart.” On Saturday, the National Chavez Center, a subsidiary of the Cesar E. Chavez Foundation, invites you and your friends to join them for an afternoon of eating (and drinking) at their second annual Keene Wine and Cheese Festival. Tickets are $30, and all proceeds benefit the National Chavez Center. Nestled among the mountains of Tehachapi just 30 minutes east of Bakers-

field, the beautiful gardens and Missionstyle buildings of the Chavez Center make it an ideal setting for an afternoon getaway of food, wine and fun. The festival takes place on the picturesque patio of the Villa La Paz Conference and Educational Center, so guests can stroll along and admire the scenery while pleasing their palates with five delicious food and wine pairings. Although only in its second year, many elements have been added to this year’s festival, and the center’s marketing director, Erin Castillo, is excited about the changes. “It’s completely different than last year,” Please see PAGE 29

Thursday, May 12, 2011 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street CONTINUED FROM PAGE 28

says Castillo. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This year, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re working with outside wineries, and one of them is an organic winery, so thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new as well. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll also have representatives from the Tehachapi Wine and Cheese Cellar and Cellar Masters from the wineries offering wine education.â&#x20AC;? Experts from the various wineries will hold seminars throughout the day, covering a variety of subjects, including: how to create wine and food pairings, the differences between organic and nonorganic winemaking, and Black Eagle Wines, the official label of United Farm Workers, will even be offering lessons on how to make your own sangria. In addition to the seminars, there will be a raffle, vendor booths, and Abel Sanchez and his band will provide their signature style of Latin rock and funk music. Castillo hopes that, with a much larger event this year, to increase awareness within the community about the Chavez Center and the educational programs it provides. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m really hoping to have a much larger audience this year,â&#x20AC;? says Castillo. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re really branching out, and want to pull in a lot of people in Bakersfield, especially people who have never been here.â&#x20AC;? The Chavez Center, which opened in 2004, is dedicated to memorializing and educating visitors about the life and work of the union leader. The center welcomes nearly 1,000 visitors a month and offers educational tours and other programs to visiting schools from throughout the West. The Chavez Center consists of three main areas: the Visitorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Center, the recently com-

Wine & Cheese Festival When: Noon to 5 p.m. Saturday Where: National Chavez Center, 29700 Woodford-Tehachapi Road, Keene Admission: $30 Information: 823-6271 or chavezfoundation.org

pleted Villa La Paz Conference and Education Center, and the Memorial Gardens. The Visitorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Center is built around the very building where Chavez lived and worked from 1971 to 1993. Here, guests can visit Chavezâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s original office or view one of the three different photo exhibits commemorating Chavezâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life and work. Chavezâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s humble gravesite can be found within the Memorial Gardens, flanked by plantings of the Cesar Chavez rose, a deep red rose that blooms from April to October. Also found just north of the Memorial Gardens is the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Garden of the Southwest,â&#x20AC;? which contains a variety of plants, succulents, cactus, trees and grasses native to the southwestern United States. Both the Memorial Gardens and the Visitorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Center will be open for guests to enjoy during the Wine and Cheese Festival. Tickets can be purchased online through the Cesar E. Chavez Foundationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s official website, chavezfoundation.org, or by calling 823-6271. Tickets purchased by Friday come with a free souvenir wine glass. Each ticket includes five wine and food pairings. Additional wine tastings can be purchased for two dollars per tasting.

Paul Rodriguez Thursday, May 26 Tickets $20 to $50 For concert information go to tachipalace.com or call 1-866-4palace

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, May 12, 2011

Eye Street Blues cats square off in guitar battle

2011 Guitar Center King of the Blues semi-finals round 2 When: 6 tonight Where: Guitar Center, 3428 Ming Ave. Admission: Free Information: 396-3838 or guitarcenter.com/kingoftheblues

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

Local guitar slingers looking for a shot at being named Guitar Center’s 2011 King of the Blues should make plans to strum over to the store’s Ming Avenue location tonight. The annual nationwide blues guitar competition, which kicked off last last week, heads into its second of three weekly preliminary area rounds this evening. The public is invited to sign up and participate or show up to support their favorite. “We get a pretty lively crowd in here during this particular event,” said Gary Rink, manager of Guitar Center’s guitar department. “Last week we were a little light on attendance, but it will definitely pick up once the word spreads.” According to the official Guitar Center website, the competition works like this: You must be at least 16 to enter and may sign up only at your local Guitar Center. Each round is limited to 10 participants. Participants can then go the official competition Web page at guitarcenter.com/kingoftheblues to download one of the 30 free music that will double as your backing tracks when you face local judges Ben Thomas, Denny Bussey and Mark Andrews. You will get five minutes to set up and will perform to any one of the official backing tracks of your choice. All tracks will be available onsite during each round.

Contestants may bring and use any three-, four- six, seven- or 12-string acoustic or electric guitar, cigar box guitar, lap steel or pedal steel guitar, any audio pedal effects that can be set up in five minutes, which will be plugged into a selection of amplifiers provided by the store. In the event of a tie, you will be required to play an additional two minutes with no backing track. The top two winners from each round will then return to the Bakersfield finals on May 26, where one finalist will be chosen to continue to the Southern California district finals, and possibly the regional and grand finals at House of Blues in Hollywood. Prizes are awarded for each winner, with a top grand prize of $25,000. Last week’s local semifinalists were axmen Matt Linder and Stephen Lengal of Bakersfield. Bakersfield Guitar Center sales manager Drew Martin values the community aspects of the event. “It’s really huge. It’s a place where all the local blues guys come and hang out. It’s kind of inspiring. Nice little grassroots event that helps musicians. We’ve had bands find new guitarists for their group here, too. Every week someone can show up and sign up if there’s room.” The last semifinal round will be held on May 19. For more information on complete rules and requirements, visit Guitar Center on Ming Avenue.

The musical that will have you jumping out of your BLUE SUEDE SHOES!

First Bike Festival wheels into Mill Creek Park BY MATT MUNOZ Bakotopia.com editor mmunoz@bakersfield.com

Bike Bakersfield’s first Bike Festival rolls into Mill Creek park this Saturday and Sunday, two days of “bikes, bikes and more bikes.” Organizers invite the public to bring their favorite two-wheelers and join the festivities while learning about the benefits of alternative transportation. “Part of the whole festival is to make people aware of all the fun things they can do on their bike,” said Bike Bakersfield Executive Director Tina Chapa. “It’s not just for riding around town. You can get pretty creative with what you’ve got.” There will be plenty of food and arts and crafts vendors, in addition to live music courtesy of Walk for the Arts, which is providing entertainment. “You’re gonna find something to do. We’re really encouraging everyone to come out.” Saturday’s eclectic schedule begins at 10 a.m. with a bike rodeo, followed by bike polo, bike jousting, a big BMX competition at the park, open sprint competitions and more. If some of these event names conjure up images of bronco busting and knights in shining armor, you’re partly correct. “We have guys jumping ramps in BMX, so why not try jousting?,” said Chapa of how organizers are getting a little medieval. “The jousting pole is made out of plastic PVC piping. There’s a boxing glove attached to the front of the pole, with more soft material around the glove. The people competing will have a helmet and a face mask. The bike rodeo is a great way to help kids learn about traffic safety.”

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Bike Bakersfield Bike Festival When: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday; 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday Where: Mill Creek Park, 21st and R streets; 19th and 21st between R and V streets will be closed to auto traffic during event. Admission: Free. BMX entry fee: $5. Bike Polo: $15 for team of three. Criterium race: $15 to 25. Information: 321-9247 or bikebakersfield.org

If sport cycling isn’t your thing, there are more conservative events to participate in throughout the day including the Park to Park ride designed to help riders become accustomed to using city streets to get around, rather than just off-road bike paths. Led by Team Go Ride, a new local all-level cycling organization, riders will have two opportunities beginning at 8 a.m. “They’ll be leading a ride early morning from Mill Creek to Hart Park and back, then a shorter ride from Mill Creek to Beach Park and back. A lot of people only ride on the path and not on road, because they might get nervous. Riding with a big group will help them get used to it.” On Sunday, the festivities continue with a farmers market, bike swap meet, and the 6th annual Bike Bakersfield Criterium race that will take place circling the Mill Creek grounds and extend to adjoining streets. “It’s like a NASCAR race on bikes,” said Chapa. “You go around this set of street blocks for a certain amount of time, anywhere from 45 to 75 minutes.”

Thursday, May 12, 2011 The Bakersfield Californian

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, May 12, 2011

Eye Street GO&DO Today 39th annual CSUB Spring BBQ, see story on Page 27. John Berry, 7 p.m., Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace, 2800 Buck Owens Blvd. $18.50 to $28.50. vallitix.com or call 322-5200. “Simply Comedy,” with Billy Bonnell and Chase Brockett, Jorge Mata, Jeff Bilodeau, 8 to 9:30 p.m. Fishlips, 1517 18th St. $5. 3242557. No Duh, tribute to No Doubt, 9:30 p.m., Fishlips Bar & Grill, 1517 18th St. $10 plus fee. vallitix.com or 322-5200. Cooking Class, with chef Meir Brown, 6 to 9 p.m., Cafe Med, 4809 Stockdale Highway. $50. 834-4433. CSUB 60 Plus Club, with Wendy Wayne discussing “Every Continent-Every Ocean,” 2 p.m., CSUB, Runner Cafe, 9001 Stockdale Highway. Free. 654-3211. Kern Leadership Alliance Breakfast, with Nada Yorke discussing domestic violence, 7 to 8 a.m., The Petroleum Club, 5060 California Ave. $15. 323-8002.

Friday 10th annual Humanitarian Awards Banquet, cocktails at 6 p.m., followed by dinner, program and dancing, 8 p.m., Seven Oaks Country Club, 2000 Grand Lakes Ave. $60. 336-5236, ext. 160. Sixth annual Driller Football Hall of Fame Banquet, 6 p.m., Marriott Hotel at the Convention Center, 801 Truxtun Ave. $125; can be purchased at BHS student activities building or Glinn & Giordano Physical Therapy. 3934027. Friday the 13th Monster Ball, with The J Bombs, hot rods, vendors, scary drink specials, come dressed as your favorite horror character, 9 p.m., B. Ryders, 7401 White Lane. $5. 397-7304. Friday the 13th Night Ghost Tour, lantern light tour at 8:30 p.m., Silver City Ghost Town, 3829 Lake Isabella Boulevard, Bodfish. $12. TChildren welcome but must be accompanied by an adult. 760379-5146. NOR Movie in the Park “Tangled,” see story on Page 23. Send a Kid to Camp Luncheon, benefits Bakersfield Firefighters Burn Foundation; 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Outback Steakhouse, 5051 Stockdale Highway. $25 donation. Includes choice of chicken, steak or salmon; salad; and beverage. 834-7850.

Saturday 15th annual Whiskey Flat Trail Run, moderate hilly 5K, 10K trail along the kern river, races will be preceded by a 1K kid’s race, 8 a.m., Burlando Road, Kernville. $35. 760549-3733. 2011 Minter Field Fly-In, gates open at 8 a.m., pancake breakfast

from 8 to 11 a.m., Minter Field, 401 Vultee Ave., Shafter. $10 adults; $7 seniors/veterans; $5 students (617); under 6 are free. Pancake breakfast, $5, under 6 free. MinterFieldAirMuseum.com or 393-0291. 28th annual Lilac Festival, parade, crafts, vendors, entertainment, children's activities and more, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Pine Mountain Club Village Center, follow the purple signs down Frazier Mountain Park Road, Pine Mountain Club. pmclilacfestival.com. 36th annual Young Authors’ Fair, literacy event for students, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., University Square, 2000 K St., and The Learning Center, 2020 K St. Free. http://kern.org/2011/04/youngauthors-fair-may-14/ or 393-1855. LaGrange: The Tribute to ZZ Top, doors open at 5 p.m., show at 6 p.m., Bakersfield Fox Theater, 2001 H St. $5 advance at Caffeine Supreme; $10 at the door. vallitix.com or 322-5200. Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra, see story on Page 22. “Die Walkure” Opera Concert Live Satellite Feed, 9 a.m., Edwards Cinema, 9000 Ming Ave. $22 to $24. 663-3042. Pato Banton, and the Now Generation, 8 p.m., Fishlips Bar & Grill, 1517 18th St. $10. 324-2557. Third annual Home Décor Fair, see the latest design techniques in flooring, lighting, remodeling, renovating, furniture and more, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Beladagio, 9500 Brimhall Road, Suite 705. Free. 829-2288. Vino Amore, see story on Page 28. B-Glad (Greater Los Angeles Agency on Deafness), spaghetti dinner, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., East Bakersfield Veterans Hall, 2101 Ridge Road. $20, adults; $10, ages 10-15; free for 9 and under. 3698859 or rabueg@gladinc.org. Bike Month Festival, see story on Page 30. Fifth annual Community Estate Sale, 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., Royal Palms, 608 Clubhouse Drive, Gate 3. 3424763. BMX Competition, food vendors, arts and crafts, 3 to 6 p.m., open sprints competition 6 p.m., Central Park at Mill Creek, 21st and R Streets. $5 entry fee. bikebakersfield.org or 321-9247. Bustos Elite 12U second annual Golf Tournament, registration 11 a.m., shotgun at 12:30 p.m., Sundale Country Club, 6218 Sundale Ave. $90, includes range balls, cart, banquet meal. 5495376 or 301-7844. Campus Walking Tour, 9 a.m. to noon, CSUB, GET Bus stop at circle adjacent to library, 9001 Stockdale Highway. 654-2427. Community Carnival, guest speakers Mayor Harvey Hall, Fifth District Supervisor Karen Goh and more, games, ice cream, music, petting zoo, rock wall, farmers market, health screenings, car show and more, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.,

Bakersfield Christian Church, 3200 Bernard St. Free. 246-6311. CSUB Jazz Coffeehouse, featuring Walsh Set Trio, 7:30 p.m., CSUB, Music Building, Room 127, 9001 Stockdale Highway. $10; $4 students/seniors; CSUB students with ID are free. 654-2511. Disaster Preparedness Community Workshop, to educate and inform residents of that to do, where to go and how to prepare when a disaster or emergency strikes, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, California Avenue Church of Christ, 1020 E. California Ave. 428-3828. Fifth annual “Pull for Hope” Sporting Clay Shoot, hosted by Canyon Hills Women’s Ministry, registration 7:30 a.m., Five Dogs Shooting Range, 20238 Woody Road. $75 per person; $300 for team of four. Bring your own shotgun and shells. Must register in advance, 871-1150 or 201-8977. Fundraiser for Shorty, 50/50 raffle, DJ Aaron, music by Sunday Snake Oil, 1 to 6 p.m., Amestoy’s Bar on the Hill, 2303 River Blvd. $10 chile verde plates. Proceeds raised go toward Shorty and family. 871-2303. Kern River Valley Hiking Club, trip to El Paso Creek, leave at 8:15 a.m., Starbucks Coffee, 2200 Panama Lane. 778-3453 or lakeisabella.net/hiking. Local History Lecture Series, “100 Years of Excellence: The History of Bakersfield College,” presented by Jerry Ludeke, director of Bakersfield College archives, 11 a.m., Beale Memorial Library, Tejon Room, 701 Truxtun Ave. Free. 8680770. Magazine Release Party for “A Sharp Piece of Awesome,” a literary journal published by Taft College, featuring some of the authors doing readings, signing copies, posing for pictures, 3 to 5 p.m., Black Gold Deli & Coffee House, 508 Center St., Taft. Free. 394-0565. San Joaquin Valley Lapidary Society, meeting 10 a.m., followed by a stone carving workshop with Adele Floridia, at private residence, 3020 North Inyo St. 861-9102. Second annual Kern River Parkway Festival, with music, food, prizes, activities for the whole family and more, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Hart Park, intersection of Alfred Harrell Highway and River Road. 327-2768. Second annual Walk for the Arts, see story on Page 21. Skin Cancer Screening, 9 a.m., Mercy Hospital, 2215 Truxtun Ave. Free. 632-5700. Spanish Storytime, with Clara Castillo, 3 p.m., Barnes and Noble, 4001 California Ave. 631-2575. Street Teams, opportunity to reach the hurting and needy parts of our community with food, love and prayer, 10:30 a.m., Jesus Shack, 1326 30th St. jesusshack.com or call 324-0638. Wine & Cheese Festival, see story on Page 28.

Yokuts Park Fun Run, practice racing and earn points, 7 a.m., Yokuts Park, Empire Drive off Truxtun Avenue. No fee. bakersfieldtrackclub.com or 2034196 or 391-7080. Zumba Class, 9 to 10 a.m., now until July 2, Silver Creek Park, 7011 Harris Road. $10 for four classes. 665-8033.

Sunday Sixth annual Bike Bakersfield Criterium, registration 7 a.m., first race at 9 a.m., with a kid’s race at noon, Central Park at Mill Creek, 21st and R streets. bikebakersfield.org or 321-9247. Tehachapi Community Orchestra, with young artist winner Kara McCoy along with Tchaikovsy’s “Swan Lake” and “Polovsian Dances” with Tehachapi Symphonic Chorus, 4 p.m., Country Oaks Baptist Church, 20915 Schout Road, Tehachapi. 821-7511. Italian Picnic, see story on Page 27.

THEATER “All Shook Up,” doors open at 6 p.m., show at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday; doors open at 12:30 p.m., show at 2 p.m. Sunday, Stars Dinner Theatre, 1931 Chester Ave. $45 to $55; show-only tickets $35; matinee $46 to $50. 325-6100. “Back from the Future,” followed “The Best Day Ever” 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday, Gaslight Melodrama Theatre & Music Hall, 12748 Jomani Drive. $12 to $23. 587-3377. Improv Comedy Show, 8 to 9:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, Ice House, 3401 Chester Ave., Suite M. Adults: $5; children under 12, $1. ciacomedy.com. Late Night with David Ives, 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, The Empty Space, 706 Oak St. $5. 327PLAY. “Sing Down the Moon: Appalachian Wonder Tales,” see story on Page 24. “Stage Door,” 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, The Empty Space, 706 Oak St. Free but donations accepted. 327-PLAY. Review coming in Friday’s Eye Street. “The Mikado,” 6:30 to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Liberty High School, Performing Arts Center, 925 Jewetta Ave. $7. 587-0925. “The Producers,” 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Spotlight Theatre, 1622 19th St. $25; $22 students/seniors. 634-0692 or thespotlighttheatre.com. “The Visitors,” see story on Page 25. “West Side Story,” 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Ridgeview High School, 8501 Stine Road. $7; $6 students, children under 5 are free. 398-3100. Major League Improv, improvisational comedy show, appropriate for families, 6 p.m. Saturdays, The Empty Space, 706 Oak St. Free but donations are

accepted. 327-PLAY. Omnipresent Puppet Theatre, presents “Rumpelstiltskin,” 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday, Gaslight Melodrama Theatre & Music Hall, 12748 Jomani Drive. $6. 587-3377.

ART Bakersfield Art Association Meeting, with Sister Sherry Dolan discussing “Art in Healing” program, 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Bakersfield Art Association Art Center, 1817 Eye St. 869-2320. Art on Display, “Bridging Heaven & Earth: International Healing Art,” now through June 30, Russo’s, 9000 Ming Ave. 665-4686. Artwork on Display, by artist Monica Nelson, now until May 31, Juliana’s Art Studio & Gallery, 501 18th St. 327-7507. See a listing of art classes in Saturday’s Eye Street.

MUSIC Acoustic Fiddlers Crossing, 206 E. F St., Tehachapi, 823-9994; Stephanie Bettman and Luke Halpin, 7 p.m. Saturday. $15.

Blues Kern River Blues Society Jam, 2 to 8 p.m. every second Saturday, Trout’s, 805 N. Chester Ave. 8727517. Sinaloa, 910 20th St., 327-5231; Glenda Robles & The Bandoleros, 8 to 11 p.m. Saturday. $5.

Classic rock Bellvedere Cocktail Lounge, 3090 Brundage Lane, 325-2139; Usual Suspects, 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Julie’s The Branding Iron Saloon, 1807 N. Chester Ave., Left Coast Groovies, 7 p.m. Friday. Padre Hotel, 1702 18th St., 4274900; Mike Montano Band, 7 p.m. Friday. The Old River Monte Carlo, 9750 Taft Highway, 837-0250; No Limit, 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Pyrenees Cafe, 601 Sumner, 3230053; Swamp Katz, 1 p.m. Saturday.

Comedy The Oasis, 414 North St., Taft, 765-5188; Comedy Hypnosis Show with Brian Parks, 8 p.m. Friday. $10. Elevation Lounge, 818 Real Road, 325-6864; Improv Tuesday - Live comedy with DJ after-party, 9 p.m. Tuesdays.

Country Trouts & the Blackboard Stages, 805 N. Chester Ave., 399-6700:, offers karaoke, line dancing, West Coast Swing among other various activities. Call for times and days. Buck Owens Crystal Palace, 2800 Buck Owens Blvd., 3287560; Monty Byrom Band and the Buckeroos, 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. $5.

Thursday, May 12, 2011 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street Ethel's Old Corral, 4310 Alfred Harrell Highway, 8737613; Friday the 13th bash with the Twang Bangers and “Ethel’s” Girlz, 7 p.m. Friday; Nightlife, 3 p.m. Sunday. Tejon Club, 117 El Tejon Ave., 392-1747; Crossroads, 6 to 10 p.m. Sunday. Sandrini’s, 1918 Eye St., 322-8900; Vince Galindo, 9 p.m. Wednesday.

DJ Rockstarz Party Bar, 7737 Meany Ave., Suite B5, 5896749; 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. Sandrini’s, 1918 Eye St., 322-8900; Beat Surrender featuring DJ Mustache, 9:30 p.m. Friday. The Bull Shed Bar & Grill, at Hotel Rosedale, 2400 Camino Del Rio Court, 3270681; with Meg, 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.

Jazz Cafe Med, 4809 Stockdale Highway., 834-4433; Richie Perez, 7:30 to 11 p.m. Thursdays. Imbibe Wine & Spirits Merchant, 4140 Truxtun Ave., 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. Crest Bar & Grill, inside Bakersfield RV Resort, 5025 Wible Road, 833-9998; Mike Montano, 6 p.m. Saturday. Jazz at the Nile, open to all jazz artists, bring your instrument, 6 p.m. every Sunday, The Nile Theater, 1721 19th St. $10. 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., 3231976; Ron Christian and his Big Band, 5:30 p.m. Tuesdays. Le Corusse Rouge, 4647 White Lane, 834-1611; Bakersfield Jazz Workshop, 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. every Wednesday.

Karaoke B. Ryder’s Sports Bar & Grill, 7401 White Lane, 3977304; 8 p.m. Thursday.

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. Corona’s Cantina, 9817 S. Union Ave., 345-8463; 7 to 10 p.m. Thursdays. 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., 3981300; 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., 8728831, 8 p.m. every Thursday. Tomi’s Cowgirl Cafe, 1440 Weedpatch Highway, 6331949; 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., 871-4140; 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, 323-0053; 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., 392-1747; 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday. The Playhouse, 2915 Taft Highway; 397-3599; 7 to 10 p.m. Sundays. Diana’s Pit Stop, 10807 Rosedale Highway, 587-

8888; 8 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays. Rockstarz Party Bar, 7737 Meany Ave., Suite B5, 5896749; 8 p.m. Mondays through Wednesdays. 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, 3977304; 8 p.m. Tuesday. Buck Western , 2620 Buck Owens Blvd., 327-9651; The Junction with host Mac Clanahan, 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays. 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, 5890412; 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. karaoke. The Bull Shed Bar & Grill, at Hotel Rosedale, 2400 Camino Del Rio Court, 3270681; 7 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Trout’s & The Blackboard Stages, 805 N. Chester Ave., 399-6700; 7 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays, 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. 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. 3237111. Tam O’Shanter, 2345 Alta Vista, 324-6774: Salsa dancing, 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.

Mariachi Camino Real Restaurant, 3500 Truxtun Ave., 8520493; Mariachi Imperial, 6 to 9 p.m. Sundays.

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

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

Open Mic Fishlips, 1517 18th St., 3242557; Bakotopia Unplugged Open-Mic Night, 8 p.m., sign-up sheet begins at 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays.

Tuesdays, Bakersfield Art Association Art Center, 1817 Eye St. $100 for four classes or $25 per class. 869-2320.

Wednesday 5/18 Bucky Covington, 7 p.m., Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace, 2800 Buck Owens Blvd. $9.50 to $15.50 plus fee. vallitix.com or 322-5200. Make a Memory Bracelet,

6 p.m., CSUB, Science III, Room 117, 9001 Stockdale Highway. $20 members; $35 nonmembers. 654-2427. Spring Organ Recitals, with Robert Tall, lunch at noon, recital from 12:30 to 1 p.m., First Presbyterian Church, 1705 17th St. Lunch available for $6 before recital or feel free to bring your own lunch. 325-9419.

Rock Rockstarz Party Bar, 7737 Meany Ave., Suite B5, 5896749; live bands, 9 p.m. every Thursday. Ska/reggae B. Ryder’s Sports Bar & Grill, 7401 White Lane, 3977304; Mento Buru, Blow Skee Zee, 9 p.m. Saturday. $5.

Songwriters The Prime Cut, 9500 Brimhall Road, 831-1413; Chuck Seaton and Billy Russell’s Songwriter’s Showcase, with guest Olan Taylor, 7 p.m. Wednesday.

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. Firehouse Restaurant, 7701 White Lane, #A3, 8314688; 7 p.m. every Wednesday. Free. Sandrini’s, 1918 Eye St., 322-8900; 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.

www.shopchristines.com

4915 Stockdale Highway • 661-834-3068 Monday - Friday: 10-6 • Saturday: 10-5

Pearl Week

UPCOMING Monday 5/16 SPCA Book Sale, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays; noon to 6 p.m. Sundays, now until May 28, near the old Michael’s store near East Hills Mall, 3501 Mall View Road, Suite 113. bakersfieldspca.org or 3238353. Portraits & Figures, with artist Phyllis Oliver, 3:30 p.m., Bakersfield Art Association Art Center, 1817 Eye St. $50 for BAA members; $60 nonmembers. 869-2320.

Tuesday 5/17 Colors of Light Art Class, with artist Phyllis Oliver, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

20% OFF

ALL OUR P EARLS RINGS, NECKLACES, PEARL STRANDS Cultured – Majorica JANE’S JEWELER S Where Bakersfield Gets Engaged 9530 Hageman Road 661-587-6242 Open Tue-Fri 10:00am – 6:00pm, Sat 10:00am – 3:00pm • Closed Sunday & Monday