Eye Street Entertainment / 5-31-12

18

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, May 31, 2012

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

About Eye Gallery Every year, The Californian and the Bakersfield Museum of Art ask several local artists to create original works for Eye Gallery, a series that appears in the paper over the course of several weeks. The idea is to give our readers a glimpse of the amazing work being produced by the many talented artists in Kern County. We gave this year’s participants a theme — “A Day in the Life” — and several weeks to complete their work. After all the art has been featured in The Californian, a reception will take place at the museum on June 14, and everyone is invited to come out and meet the artists and appreciate in person the art’s power, richness and scale. All the works are available for purchase.

Coming next Thursday Eye Gallery artist Jesus Fidel goes under the sea

FELIX ADAMO / THE CALIFORNIAN

Eye Gallery artist Gary Sutherland’s “Grandmother’s Flower Garden.”

19

Thursday, May 31, 2012 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street

Artist undergoes evolution “Illustrators: We’re kind of a dying breed.”

Sutherland goes from working at a defense firm to independent talent

— Gary Sutherland

BY JENNIFER SELF Californian lifestyles editor jself@bakersfield.com

I

f there’s a downside to world peace, Gary Sutherland may have found it: Unemployment.

The artist worked for years as a graphic designer and commercial illustrator for a big defense contractor, where his talents were put to use producing launch posters, brochures, view graphs — even cartoons — all to help company managers visualize the complicated military implements before they were manufactured.

“A lot of these presentations were boring, so they needed eye candy to keep the audience from falling asleep,” recalled Sutherland, 61, in a recent interview.

“But when we began to normalize our relationship with the Soviet Union (in the 1980s), the arms race began to decline, so those contracts started to dry up and they didn’t renew them.”

But, as it turns out, the change in career focus was a blessing in disguise for Sutherland, who would be transferred to communications satellites before eventually breaking free to make art, not war, full time.

“For so many years I was handed work assignments, for about 18 years, and I was waiting for my next assignment,” he said.

“The concept of doing something on my own seemed so foreign with me.”

A move from Los Angeles to Seattle in the 1990s opened new vistas — literally — for the artist, who turned to nature for inspiration.

The time away from the 9-to-5 allowed Sutherland the opportunity to create a series of landscapes he considers his most

FELIX ADAMO / THE CALIFORNIAN

Eye Gallery artist Gary Sutherland worked for years as an illustrator for a big defense contractor before branching out as an artist.

accomplished works to date.

“I floated for a year, doing a lot of work I enjoyed doing.”

But then about a year and a half ago, Sutherland reconnected with an old love on Facebook and moved back to Bakersfield after an absence from his hometown of about three decades. In fact, the subject of his painting, “Grandmother’s Flower Garden,” is his girlfriend’s mother.

More of our conversation with the artist: You and your girlfriend must be the new poster couple for Facebook romance: Maribeth (Russel) is an old girlfriend of mine from Longfellow Elementary School.

I pulled out an old second grade picture of us, a classroom photo. I said, “Do you remember this?” And she found one of us in the first grade. It was kind of funny, the way the whole thing developed. I asked her if she remembered a love note I gave her in second grade, and she remember it.

What were you hoping to convey with your painting?

A day in the life of the elderly. Maribeth has been a caregiver for her mother (Mary Russel), and for the past year and a half or so, we both took care of her. She now lives at a skilled nursing facility. But to that point, when we were taking care of her, she would sit by her window in the natural light and quilt all day. I’d see her sitting there at the window and thought that would make an outstanding painting.

What did Mary think of seeing herself in the painting?

She’s just delighted. She’ll probably buy a half dozen issues of The Californian. It’s just the determination you see on her face.

I think she’s really proud of it.

Both of your parents were artists.

How did that influence you?

Around 1957 or ’58, my mother got a job at Brock’s (department store) doing fashion illustration. I remember her bringing her work home with her. I’d watch her do these mink coats, applying fabrics and patterns. There was a very stylized technique they used back then. The character they’d draw would be very elongated — she was the master at that. Around 1970, she moved to Seattle and worked for a lot of the major department stores there.

My father introduced me to the use of

various techniques like perspective to achieve proper proportion and scale. One of my earliest memories was that of my father painting Disney characters on our bedroom wall. He was also an excellent calligrapher and draftsman.

You left your job at the defense contractor just as the digital age was transforming the world of art. What do you make of the changes?

I was old school — I learned airbrush techniques, mixing paint, etc. and the way it’s done today, it’s all digital. I was reluctant to make that transition because I like my craft, watercolor, the tactile feel of the paper under my hand.

Digital art seems to distance you from it.

I took a lot of pride in the signature style I developed but, with digital art, it just fit into a template.

When I worked (in Bakersfield) in the late ’70s, I worked with fellow artist Don Ambriz doing freelance work. There was always enough work to keep us going.

Sadly, I think that’s kind of difficult nowadays. With software, people do their own logo development and newsletters and pull a lot of clip art off the Internet. We did it all by hand.

Though your roots are here, you’ve been gone a long time. How had Bakersfield changed in your absence?

I sound kind of wistful, but I look back on those old days and it almost seemed like Mayberry. It’s so much larger now, spread out. It’s lost its small-town feel. For me it’s kind of unfamiliar, it’s all new and prefab. It’s sad in a way.

I think it’s still not as hectic as big-city life. There doesn’t seem to be the kind of street anger that you see in L.A. or Seattle.

As bad as things seem, the thing about Bakersfield is that you can always survive here. There’s always enough here for everybody.

Take a ‘Q’ from me: See show Puppet musical filling seats at Empty Space

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

W

hen you live on Avenue Q, you’re allowed to make mistakes: bad romantic decisions, putting off the job search, kicking out your roommate. But when you’re going to “Avenue Q,” you’ve got to do everything right — starting with reservations.

Despite knowing that the puppet-filled musical is one of the most ambitious shows The Empty Space has mounted and that local buzz was considerable, I had not made a reservation for the

‘Avenue Q’ When: 8 p.m. Friday, Saturday and June 6 to 9, 11 p.m. June 8 Where: The Empty Space, 706 Oak St. Admission: Suggested donation $15, $10 students/seniors Reservations: 327-PLAY or esonline.org

Friday show I attended.

As luck would have it, I squeaked in on stand-by, which put me ahead of the 20-plus people who were also in the same procrastinators’ boat.

The musical follows Princeton (played by Taylor Lozano) as he adjusts to

Review post-college life and seeks his purpose after moving into an apartment complex with an interesting cast of characters.

The motley crew includes aspiring comedian Brian (Ron Warren); his fiancee and clientless therapist, Christmas Eve (Robyn Lace); “Odd Couple” roommates Rod (Justin Lawson Brooks) and Nicky (Matt Borton); and building super Gary Coleman (Kristen Noelle).

Although the story follows the misadventures of Princeton, the heart of “Avenue Q” is easily Kate Monster, played by Alexandra Mays.

A kindergarten teaching Please see Q / 28

PHOTO COURTESY OF MICHELLE GUERRERO

Lucy T. Slut (Libby Letlow) croons a number in “Avenue Q.”

20

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, May 31, 2012

Eye Street

Menudo: a culture’s comfort food Annual contest bursting with flavor, family fun

BY MATT MUNOZ Californian staff writer mmunoz@bakersfield.com

P

reparing a prize-winning batch of menudo is something many cooks take to heart — and stomach.

Fans of the popular Mexican soup will have the opportunity to test variations on the legendary dish Sunday at the Latino Food Festival and 14th annual Menudo Cook-Off at the Kern County Fairgrounds.

The event is presented by the Kern County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

Returning to the competition armed with their personalized cooking techniques are teammates Judi Martin and Joaquina Ramirez, who took second place last year.

“I actually learned how to make menudo from a family friend years ago,” Martin said. “I’ve just changed it up as the years go on. It’s all about getting the right flavoring.”

Every cook needs an assistant to help provide input on what could potentially be the big winner. For Martin, it’s Ramirez, whom she affectionally calls “the mad spicer.”

“I make sure it has the flavors it needs to have,” Ramirez said. “If you don’t cook the meat right, you’re gonna have a mess.

Judi’s got the right touch.”

Traditionally made from pig and beef tripe, along with a chile base and hominy, menudo is historically known as a family food meant to feed large groups of people.

It’s relatively inexpensive, easy to make

growing.

“We had a record-breaking 10,000 people at the fairgrounds last year and because of that, the setup will be a little different this time around. We added more ticket and beverage locations due to overcrowding.”

There are 70 total contestants confirmed for Sunday, up from 60 last year, Tamsi said. Cash prizes of up to $500 are awarded to the best soup, and there are awards for best decorated booth as well. Preparations for the event begin eight months in advance under the direction of a committee and more than 100 volunteers. On the day of competition, participants are given strict rules to follow. Once they’re signed in and the cooking commences, local celebrity judges await their samples for tasting.

“It will still have the traditional festival vibe, but we’ll just try to use more of the wide open spaces at the fairgrounds to ensure everyone has room to move and have fun. If you have not tasted menudo or want to know what all the rage is about, this is a perfect time to try it out.”

Headlining this year’s entertainment is Mariachi San Marcos, local Latin ska band Mento Buru (full disclosure: I’m in the band), Los Angeles R&B groups Hind Site and The Company Band, and legendary funk band War. “It was a unanimous decision amongst the committee to get War. They’re a perfect fit for our crowd and everyone knows the theme of the George Lopez show, ‘Low Rider.’ We are all excited to have them in Bakersfield once again,” Tamsi said.

If menudo is not to your liking, there will be a variety of food vendors, or you can always take a chance at the popular jalapeno-eating contest in front of the

Latino Food Festival and 14th Annual Menudo Cook-off When: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday Where: Kern County Fairgrounds, 1142 So. P St. Admission: $8 advance, $10 at the gate; children under 5 are free. Information: 633-5495 or kchcc.org

and prepared in a variety of ways. For some, it’s an acquired taste; for others a challenge at every attempt.

“To me, once you get the meat cooking and you add the chiles, there’s not much you can do,” Ramirez said. “Once it’s in the pot, it’s the spices that work the magic. You gotta put the spices to make the chile taste right, and not just hot.”

This will be the fourth time the two have participated in the competition. In 2006, they also took home the runner-up trophy and both times have donated their prize money to the American Cancer Society Kid’s Club through the Bakersfield Raider Booster Club, which they represent at the competition.

“Always the bridesmaids, never the brides at the cook-off,” said Martin, laughing. “It’s a lot of fun. It’s a family affair. My father loves helping me pass out the samplers. Last year, we left a little early, just before they were giving the awards. This time I am staying until they have to physically force me out of there. We enjoy raising money for the kids, so hopefully we win again.”

Chamber president Jay Tamsi said the annual cook-off is the group’s largest fundraiser of the year, and it just keeps

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FELIX ADAMO / THE CALIFORNIAN

Rosie Cruz adds the secret sauce as husband, Raymond, stirs the Cantina De Los Grandes menudo at the Latino Food Festival and Menudo Cook-off in 2010.

Budweiser Pavilion stage in the middle of the afternoon. For the little ones, the children’s area has been expanded with more bounce houses, rock-wall climbing, facepainting, treasure hunts, give-a-ways and games. Tamsi expects another full house of smiling faces.

“Sunday is a family day. We want everyone to come and enjoy our festival. It’s a day for fun, culture and music.”

The Kern County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is an organization that promotes Hispanic and minority-owned businesses. Founded in 1985, it now has more than 400 members and is affiliated with both the California and United States chambers of commerce.

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21

Thursday, May 31, 2012 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street

Come in And Test Drive the All New

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Fresno poets head south to Bakersfield Northern neighbors bring their art to the Foundry

BY NICK BELARDES Contributing writer

T

hose who’ve heard about the Fresno poetry scene but never experienced its raw energy will now have a chance to see five acclaimed Fresno-area poets at the Foundry in Bakersfield on Saturday. The event is being hailed as the “Fresno Invasion!” and is a fundraiser supporting the Random Writers Workshop.

Guest poets are Bryan Medina, who hosts what some say is the longest-running open mic in the Central Valley; Hmong poet Andre Yang; and three Fresno City College professors — Marisol Baca, Michael Medrano and Lee Herrick.

“I’m excited to be readHerrick ing in Bakersfield with some poet friends from Fresno,” Herrick said.

Born in Daejeon, South Korea (though California raised), Herrick is author of “This Many Miles from Desire.” His second book, “Gardening Secrets of the Dead,” is forthcoming from WordTech Editions in January 2013.

Herrick said poetry is a way of illuminating the miraculous and beautiful, the glorious, and the difficult parts of lives that make people human. And in a region of California rich in multiculturalism, Lee believes there is a connection between Bakersfield and Fresno.

“I hope we can explore where Fresno and Bakersfield’s literary and cultural maps merge, and chart out new directions.

It’s an exciting time to be a writer,” said Herrick, the founding editor of the literary magazine In the Grove.

The event will kick off with poetry and music from Jorge Guillen of Bakersfield, and feature students of the Random Writers Workshop. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear brief talks with Fresno poets, who will discuss their work, the Central Valley literary and poetry scenes, and more.

In addition to Herrick, the other guest poets at Saturday’s event are: Marisol Baca — a Fresno State and Cornell University graduate, Baca has received

Jason Monroe, director of “Avenue Q,” which is shaping up to be the most successful show ever at The Empty Space.

Chris Taylor of Bakersfield reggae rock

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45 MILES PER GALLON †

Random Writers Workshop Reading Series presents “Fresno Invasion!”

When: 7 p.m. Saturday Where: The Foundry, 1602 20th St. Admission: $7. There will be a book sale at the event, with proceeds going to the Random Writers Workshop.

the Robert Chasen Poetry Award and was an editor at Cornell University’s awardwinning Epoch journal. She recently finished a poetry book, titled “Revelato.”

Michael Medrano — author of “Born in the Cavity of Sunsets” (Bilingual Press, 2009), Medrano is a Fresno radio show host. Beginning this summer, he will be teaching the Fresno edition of the Bakersfieldfounded Random Writers Workshop.

Bryan Medina — a selftaught open-mic artist, Yang Medina is the founder of the “Inner Ear Poetry Jam and Inner Ear Presents: The Beat Down Slam.” He has appeared in many literary anthologies and has released four of his own chap books.

Andre Yang — a Hmong-American poet from Fresno and a founding member of the Hmong American Writers’ Circle, where he conducts and participates in public writing workshops. He co-edited “How Do I Begin: A Hmong American Literary Anthology” (Heyday, 2011), and his poetry has appeared in Paj Ntaub Voice, Beltway Poetry Quarterly and the chap book anthology “Here is a Pen” (Achiote Press).

Of course the Random Writers Workshop will be discussed, too: why it’s transforming into a nonprofit and why the fundraiser will give it the financial assistance it needs to operate and bring guest writers to the southern San Joaquin Valley.

Random Writers Workshop meets on Tuesday nights at the Foundry. Founded in 2009, it is a low-cost lecture, discussion and critique group for writers of fiction, poetry, screenwriting and nonfiction. Its current Intro to Creative Writing lecture series is held at the Foundry on Monday nights.

— Nick Belardes is the founder of Random Writers Workshop

WIN A CD ON ‘CALIFORNIAN RADIO’ Join the Eye Street duo of Stefani Dias and Matt Munoz on “Californian Radio” this morning as they chat with two guests:

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band Dub Seeds, who will talk about the group’s new CD and perform live.

Listen for your chance to win the CD and a compilation of the comic strip “Big Nate and Friends.”

The number is 842-KERN; as always, we welcome your questions and comments.

The show airs from 9 to 10 a.m. on KERN-AM, 1180.

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22

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, May 31, 2012

Eye Street

Artists have Friday on their minds Creativity finds outlet in downtown gathering

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

P

olaroids, palm trees and playful works are just part of the artistic excitement on tap for this First Friday. With the artwalk in full force and new exhibits on display, there’s no reason not to head downtown.

Strike a pose and spark some whimsy with Sara Drennan and her Polaroid Photobooth. Drennan will be on hand to snap shots with her Polaroid 230 Land Camera from the ’60s, which she found while thrift shopping.

“I picked it up at the Salvation Army in downtown Bakersfield. I replaced the battery. I didn’t know if it would work.”

Inspired by her find, Drennan, who has participated in First Friday for the past two years, decided to try something different last month by shooting portraits.

“It was a lot of fun. I have a whole backdrop and props. The backdrop was the inside of an art museum with art set up and chairs. I kind of wanted to have the theme of First Friday, as a souvenir of First Friday.

“Last time, I brought out a sailor hat, scarves. I made glasses, moustaches, bow ties on sticks out of cardboard, painted sillylooking colors.”

Drennan said she shot about 50 photos last month, which people could take home as soon as the film finished developing.

“It’s interesting to see people’s reactions when you’re using a Polaroid camera ... People get really excited about it. They remember shaking their photographs and letting it dry.”

Drennan said she’ll have enough film for 100 shots, which sell for $5 each.

‘Transmogrified Timescapes’ Like Drennan, another wellknown downtown presence is Melanie Wilson, who has her first solo show at The Foundry.

Although her work may be unfamiliar, the artist is more recognizable — especially if you frequent Dagny’s Coffee Co., where she has worked for about four years.

Wilson, who has studied at Bakersfield College and the Academy of Art University in San Francisco, describes her technique in an email interview as a Xerox photocopy process in which she takes an image “and manipulates how the machine reads it, creating distortions and interesting textures.”

Her uniquely named exhibit, “Transmogrified Timescapes,”

PHOTO COURTESY OF DON MARTIN

“Outside Gorman” by John Brosio, a piece from “Semblance,” opening Friday at Metro Galleries.

First Friday “Semblance,” 5 to 9 p.m., Metro Galleries, 1604 19th St. “Transmogrified Timescapes,” 5 to 9 p.m., The Foundry, 1602 20th St. Polaroid Photobooth, 5 to 9 p.m., artwalk at corner of 20th and Eye streets.

“Fun with Watercolor and Ink,” 6 to 8 p.m., Bakersfield Art Association Art Center, 1817 Eye St. Rose Lester, 6 to 8 p.m., Dagny’s Coffee Co., 1600 20th St. Kids art show, 7 p.m., Ellie Jaye’s Boutique, 1608 19th St.

conveys how she said art can be perceived.

“The best kind of art teaches us to see our world in new ways, something that lasts longer than the moment we are viewing it, when it affects us on such a deep level that we experience a transformation. That is the moment where art changes the world.”

‘Semblance’ Speaking of transformative art, Metro Galleries invites you to an eclectic collection of works curated by Los Angeles-based artist Mary-Austin Klein.

Klein wrote in a news release that she selected artists she had long had in mind to work with and whose art she is honored to showcase locally.

“Not everyone can take the time to travel to a large metropol-

itan city to view these artists’ works, so it is wonderful that it is coming to Bakersfield,” Klein wrote. “This is a grouping of successful artists that are standouts among contemporary artists.”

Works range from Robert Townsend’s pop art-influenced watercolors to the light-blasted paintings from Deborah Martin to Lily Stockman’s loose, almost digitized landscapes paintings.

The upstairs gallery features works taking on vintage design: Kathleen Klein Wakefield’s elegant collages using vintage typefaces, Corrie Gregory’s realistic paintings of storybook characters, and Katrina Alexy’s whimsical collage and paint works.

Also on display will be the glass works of Cameron Dougherty, a Bakersfield native who now lives in the Bay Area.

Ten percent of the show’s opening night proceeds will be donated to the Women and Girls Fund of Kern County.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE FOUNDRY

“Exploding Heart Syndrome” by Melanie Wilson, part of her exhibit “Transmogrified Timescapes,” which opens Friday at The Foundry.

Ellie Jaye’s kids’ art show Right next door to Metro, children’s boutique Ellie Jaye’s sows the seeds of creativity with its kids’ art show, which stemmed from a recent class.

“First Friday is a big art event, and we wanted to build on that,” said store owner Jason Martin.

“There isn’t a lot for kids for art.”

The introduction to acrylics class included artists ranging from 2 to 9 years old, who each created a landscape. Of the pieces, 10 works will be on display Friday.

Based on the response, Martin

PHOTO COURTESY OF DON MARTIN

Glass work from Bakersfield native Cameron Dougherty. The artist, who now lives in the Bay Area, will show his work at Metro Galleries for First Friday.

said more classes will be offered about monthly with an eye on exhibiting the works at First Friday.

Artists in the show include Nancy Clark, Peggy Gardner, Kay Gobalet, Alice Goodman, Kay Hall, Anne Hutton, Cathy Malahowski, Mimi Palcencia, Jane Ray and Joyce Umfress.

Also under the BAA banner is a show of acrylics by Rose Lester at Dagny’s Coffee Co. Lester describes her playful and funky work as “a potpourri of creativity.”

A marriage family therapist, Lester is also actively involved in Mercy Hospitals Art for Healing program, which uses creative outlets as a form of therapy.

“I get as much joy helping others find their own creative source (as creating myself).”

Half of the proceeds from the show’s sales will benefit the hospital program.

If this month’s showing is any indication, First Friday continues to flourish, Drennan said.

“I’ve watched it grow. It’s a destination. More artists are coming out. There’s more to do, more to see. It’s that snowball effect, which is cool.”

Bakersfield Art Association The BAA Art Center will highlight students of its own with a show of watercolor and ink works by those who have studied with Iva Fendrick.

Camille Gavin’s Arts Alive column will return next Thursday.

23

Thursday, May 31, 2012 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street

American Made and so much more

Final spring concerts set amid uncertainty Major ensembles and programs to perform

CSUB MUSIC DEPARTMENT EVENTS

BY SUSAN SCAFFIDI

CSUB Singers

Contributing writer

T

he CSUB music department concludes its spring term and academic year with a series of final performances for all student ensembles, while it also faces an uncertain future.

All of the major ensembles and programs will perform over the next 10 days: the choirs, the chamber orchestra, the guitar ensemble and soloists, jazz ensemble, jazz singers and concert band, starting with the CSUB Singers concert on Sunday, appropriately titled “From the Sublime to the Ridiculous,” and featuring the eternal music of J.S. Bach, and outrageous parodies of P. D. Q. Bach, otherwise known as Peter Schickele.

The choirs will perform two Bach cantatas and a motet, plus Schickele’s parody oratorio “The Seasonings.”

The choirs are directed by Robert Provencio.

The remaining ensembles perform in rapid succession the following weekend, beginning with a recital by the guitar students the afternoon of June 7 in a program that will feature soloists, small groups and the guitar ensemble.

Composer and conductor Doug Davis is at the forefront of the rest of the weekend, leading the concert band June 8, the jazz ensemble June 9 and the chamber orchestra June 10.

The concert band will conclude its Guest Composer Concert Series on June 8 with established works by Chabrier and Ticheli.

The centerpiece of the concert is two of the guest composer works, one by Davis, a transcription of his “Eleanor and Estalee (and Yet, I Remember)” and “Walking Into History (The Clinton Twelve)” by Richard Saucedo. Both works com-

• Bedroom Sets • Dining Room Sets • Mattresses

When: 4 p.m. Sunday Where: St. John’s Lutheran Church, 4500 Buena Vista Road.

Admission: $10; $5 students and seniors FELIX ADAMO / THE CALIFORNIAN

Composer and conductor Doug Davis will lead the CSUB concert band June 8, the jazz ensemble June 9 and the chamber orchestra June 10.

memorate the first days of school desegregation in Clinton, Tenn., Davis’ hometown.

“It really has to do with the fact that for the past several years I’ve been writing and publishing my book, ‘Gifts Given,’” Davis said. “In that book I am reliving my very earliest memories.”

“Musically, (‘Eleanor and Estalee’) has to do with my earliest fascinations with music,” Davis said.

Completing the concert band program is the “Antiphonal Fanfare” by Aleks Sternfeld-Dunn.

Davis leads the jazz ensemble on June 9, which will also include a set by the CSUB Jazz Singers under the direction of Peggy Sears. The concert will conclude with the singers and jazz band joining in a performance of “On a Clear Day.” On June 10, student soloists and the chamber orchestra will demonstrate their growth this year with a full concert program including Antonio Vivaldi’s Double Cello Concerto, featuring soloists Natosha Ramirez and Robert Cervantes; the Overture to “The Barber of Seville,” by Gioachino Rossini; the first movement of the Violin Concerto in E minor by Felix Mendelssohn with soloist Alex Nick

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Guitar Recital When: 4 p.m June 7 Where: CSUB Music Building, Room 127, 9001 Stockdale Highway Admission: Free

CSUB Concert Band When: 7:30 p.m. June 8 Where: CSUB Doré Theater, 9001 Stockdale Highway Admission: $10; $5 students and seniors

CSUB Jazz Ensemble and CSUB Jazz Singers When: 8 p.m. June 9 Where: CSUB Doré Theater, 9001 Stockdale Highway Admission: Tickets $10; $5 students and seniors

CSUB Chamber Orchestra When: 4 p.m. June 10 Where: CSUB Doré Theater, 9001 Stockdale Highway Admission: $10; $5 students and seniors

Navarro; a piece for the entire ensemble, “a long forgotten word, reechoes,” by Davis; and the Trumpet Concert in A-flat Major by Alexander Arutiunian, with soloist Brent Williams.

STATUS OF BALLOT MEASURE LEAVES MUSIC PROGRAM IN LIMBO The CSUB music department, like the rest of the university, is “filled with uncertainty,” said department chairman Robert Provencio. “We have to continue to work for the best, hope for the best, and pray for the best, while we plan for the worst,” Provencio said.

Provencio The “worst” could be the additional $250 million in cuts to the CSU system should tax

measures on the June ballot fail.

Those would be in addition to other cutbacks that had been labeled temporary.

“The measures we took to address those one-time cuts just won’t work now those cuts are permanent,” Provencio said.

Despite the uncertainty and belttightening, Provencio said the music department has thrived.

“We’ve met all the benchmarks we were required to meet,” Provencio said. “We’ve more than doubled the number of graduates” to 12 this year.

“It’s really been four to five graduates a year since I’ve been here,” said Provencio, who also touted a 100 percent placement rate for music education students.

The uncertainty has placed the department in a holding pattern.

One of the areas in doubt is the status of an instrumental music conductor position to replace Doug Davis, who is going on leave for the fall quarter and then on half-time retirement in the winter quarter.

“That status changes every day,” Provencio said.

Kathleen Schaffer, Virginia Lennemann and Jim Fillbrandt

MAY 25, 26, 27, JUNE 1, 2, 3, 7, 8, 14, 15 and 16 Purchase tickets online, by phone, or at the Theatre Box Office

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24

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, May 31, 2012

Eye Street The Lowdown with Matt Munoz

Dub Seeds germinate to success Local bands unite for pre-tour performance

L

ocal clubs will be buzzing this weekend when three Bakersfield bands celebrate both an arrival and a send-off.

First up is reggae rockers Dub Seeds, anxious to get the brand new CD “Skunk Face” into the hands of fans at their CD release party Friday at Narducci’s Cafe.

The album’s release couldn’t be more perfectly timed for the trio.

Summer is knocking on our doors, swimming pools are filling up, bikinis are … you can figure out the rest.

“It’s gonna be a fun night,” said Dub Seeds guitarist and vocalist Chris Taylor. “We put a lot of time and effort into this album and we really wanna get it out to as many people as we can.”

Taylor and his bandmates — Gary Rink (bass) and Anthony “Gizmo” Rodriguez (drums) — continue a rock-steady run of music and good times that has become synonymous with the group, originally called Seed, since Taylor formed it in 2004.

After a few member and name modifications, the current trio was solidified and rechristened Dub Seeds, quickly becoming one of Bako’s most welcome party bands. I’ve attended many Dub Seeds shows and if you’ve had a bad week, you’ll be transported to the tropics in 16 bars or less.

They’ve also become known for plugging into any available outlet and jamming like it’s their last day on earth.

“Just put it on.

It’s really groovy and has a lot more variety than our last CD, ‘Feelin’ It.’ It’s got some

PHOTO COURTESY OF DUB SEEDS

Bakersfield reggae rock band Dub Seeds celebrate the release of the new CD, “Skunk Face,” at Narducci’s Cafe on Friday.

rock riffs to get you going in the morning, then flows into something mellow,” Taylor said.

Popular in the Central Valley, Dub Seeds is a mainstay on the crowded statewide reggae rock scene, which has grown considerably over the past two years, especially in Orange County where bands like Sublime and others helped create the subgenre in the ’90s.

“Because the sound is so popular, there are just so many bands.

At some places we play, we can read the crowd’s faces — ‘Yeah, we’ve seen this before, let’s see what they’ve got.’ We always try to outdo the band before us and bring something different. Some venues it’s hard to get a reaction

out of people, then others they’ll buy us shots all night long at the bar. We try to keep it busy with a few shows a month: At least half are out of town to get new listeners and audience.”

The demanding performance schedule has worked in their favor on “Skunk Face,” revealing a band in its prime. Produced by local musician Josh Burns at his home studio in east Bakersfield, it’s a tightly rolled collection of easy-grooving melodies and midtempo skanking. Choice tracks: “More Than Friends,” “Just Be Good,” “Groovin’ With You” and the instrumental strum, “Awake.”

“Make sure you’re in an enlightened state of mind when you listen,” Taylor said.

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.

Copies of “Skunk Face” will be sold at the show and are available for download at iTunes and all major digital media sites.

Friday’s downbeat is 9 p.m.

Admission is $5. Also appearing is Mah Op and DJ Katchafiya. Narducci’s Cafe is located at 622 E. 21st St. 324-2961 or dubseeds.com.

The Volume and Choirs The same night downstairs at Sandrini’s, Choirs and The Volume will be combining the release of The Volume’s new EP, “Modulator,” along with a tour fundraiser for both groups.

Choirs drummer Cass Faulkenberry and The Volume’s guitarist/ vocalist Colin Cook describe the project as an exciting way to explore the unknown, especially since the 17-day tour kicks off the following morning.

“We’d been talking about it for

over a year,” said Faulkenberry, who, with his four other bandmates, will hop into one van with Cook and two others. “Colin and I decided to book it and so far so good.”

You read that right: eight band members, one van, and lots of time.

“New crowds every night and building new relationships along the way. We’re all good friends, so it’s cool to be doing this together,” said Cook.

It may sound cool on paper, but it’s another thing to wake up two days later.

“Yeah, the smell. That’s not something we’re looking forward to, but we have a remedy for just about everything,” said Faulkenberry.

“Disposable underwear, Febreze, Axe, toothpaste,” said Cook, who has logged tour experience with one of his previous bands. “We’ll find out who the mechanic is depending on the problem we run into. I can fix the hell out of a spare tire, but don’t get me near the engine.”

“That’s OK — I got AAA,” added Faulkenberry.

Their first stop is the following night at The Heart and Palms in Oakland. Over the next two weeks, the band will head farther north through Portland and Washington, with shows along the way, before backtracking and making detours through a few California cities.

“I’ve never been to any of the cities on the tour. To be able to travel and do something you’ve always wanted to do is gonna be a blast,” said Faulkenberry.

Choir’s debut CD, “We All Need Closure,” has been out since February and continues finding its way onto the playlists of indie music fans via the Web, where the group has been receiving high download numbers.

The Volume’s just-released “Modulate” EP is so new the band was still awaiting the arrival of official pressings at the time of our interview.

The group’s sound is a catchy

25

Thursday, May 31, 2012 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street

PHOTO BY JOSEPH RUIZ

PHOTO BY JOSEPH RUIZ

Choirs will be joining The Volume on Friday before a tour that starts the next day.

The Volume will be releasing its new CD, “Modulate,” at Sandrini’s on Friday.

mix of well expressed musical ideas. The EP’s opening track, “What Are We Fighting For?” opens with some catchy, stylized riffs and beats currently popular on the indie scene, but no retread.

“She is the Remedy” and “The Long” both keep the momentum going with credit due to Cook’s vocals and guitar work, along with drummer Robert Morgan and bassist Blake Wise. Fans of early New Order to current sounds like The Rapture should add The Volume’s “Modulate” to their playlist.

“We’re extremely proud of it. Our friends and family seem to be pretty impressed with it too,” Cook said.

At Friday’s show, both bands will be accepting travel donations in the form of money and food. Fans can also help by purchasing the bands’ merch, which they’ll have all for sale at Sandrini’s. All funds will

rooms. I’ll sleep under the van if I have to,” said Faulkenberry.

“We’ll park by a lake or something,” Cook suggested.

Friday’s showtime is 9 p.m. Admission is $5. Sandrini’s is located at 1918 Eye St. 3228900. The Volume’s “Modulate” and Choirs’ “We All Need Closure” are both available for download and at all shows.

Matt’s picks PHOTO COURTESY OF CASH’D OUT

Tribute band Cash’d Out will present the music of Johnny Cash on Saturday night at B Ryder’s.

go toward their journey.

“Capri Suns, bologna sandwiches. We’ll be staying with friends for the most part.

Hotels are for emergencies only. With gas at $5 a gallon, it’s pretty tough to book

Cash’d Out at B Ryder’s, 7401 White Lane, 8 p.m. Saturday, $10, 397-7304.

Singer Doug Benson, who portrays the late Johnny Cash in this excellent tribute, has been called the closest thing to the real deal since his debut in San Diego in 2004, a year after the singer’s death. Bringing to life all of Cash’s hit songs, including “Boy Named Sue,” “Ring of Fire” and “Folsom Prison Blues,” among many others, the

homage goes deep. Benson also has the blessing of the Cash family estate and the late singer’s family members, many of whom were brought to tears when they caught his show. Opening are The Councilmen.

Abbey Roadies at Sandrini’s, 1918 Eye St., 10 p.m. Saturday, $5, 322-8900.

Bakersfield’s most devoted Beatles tribute band is about to tread where few groups have dared by tackling the mother of all Fab Four albums, “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.” They’ve already successfully performed both “Abbey Road” and “Rubber Soul” in previous shows, and always include a number of catalog extras.

According to Facebook updates from guitarist and vocalist Chris Carton, rehearsals have gone well and no hallucinogenic will be required to enjoy this experience. I’m kidding.

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The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, May 31, 2012

Eye Street

Lisa Lisa still has a cult following ’80s freestyle star remains thankful for fans’ appreciation

BY MATT MUNOZ Californian staff writer mmunoz@bakersfield.com

PHOTO COURTESY OF EXPOSE

B

e prepared to dust off your old Z. Cavaricci pants, Jelly sandals and can of pink Aqua Net hair spray when Art Laboe’s Freestyle Jam grooves into the Rabobank Arena on Friday.

A traveling cavalcade of stars from the ’80s, an era that helped popularize drumheavy electronic dance music, the show features acts like Lisa Lisa, whose hits include “All Cried Out,” “I Wonder If I Take You Home” and “Lost in Emotion.”

Still going strong as one of the genre’s most recognizable figures, Lisa “Lisa Lisa” Velez, who burst out of the gritty Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood of New York, still embraces her title as a dance diva.

“I’m more than flattered,” said Velez, 46, during a recent phone interview from her home in Staten Island. “I don’t think words can explain how I feel when people do remakes of my songs or splice it and dice it. I’m just honored that they think about it, that I’m in their beautiful music mind archive. I love that and am so thankful.”

Assembled by R&B group and production team Full Force in 1984, Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam — Alex “Spanador” Moseley and Mike Hughes — bridged the urban sounds of the Big Apple with the high-energy rhythms of Miami. Dubbed “freestyle” because of its popularity among underground breakdance crews, it permeated overseas clubs for a year before finally hitting back on the mainland.

Expose also appears during Friday’s Freestyle Explosion.

Art Laboe Freestyle Explosion Who: Lisa Lisa, Stevie B, Expose, Debbie Deb, Shannon, Trinere, Connie and Stacey Q When: 8 p.m. Friday Where: Rabobank Arena, 1001 Truxtun Ave. Admission: $27.50 advance or $37.50 plus service charges Information: 852-7777 or ticketmaster.com PHOTO COURTESY OF LISA LISA

Singer Lisa Lisa appears during Friday’s Freestyle Explosion at Rabobank Convention Center.

“It took us awhile to break here,” Velez recalled. “We were put on a compilation with groups like ours out in Europe and when they brought it here, they thought we were European. Everyone wanted to find out more about us. I realized we had finally made it when I was working at Benetton folding sweaters, and I heard ‘I Wonder If I Take You Home’ on the radio. I’m standing there, then I hear a recognizable voice. My girlfriend calls me up and we went crazy. I was still a teenager just wanting to have fun.”

Following her debut, Velez burst through to the majors, with a series of high-profile appearances in music videos and on television, not to mention a trio of platinum albums. The group disbanded in 1991 so that Velez could pursue a solo career.

“I hear so many stories from people. The one I hear the most is from the females, ‘You helped me through my breakup with your song, ‘All Cried Out.’ You kept me alive and moving.’ Well, whatever I can do to help is cool with me, because when we were doing the song, I was going through the same thing. I was 13 years old, so what the hell did I know? But we all universally go through the same first breakup experience.”

Strike up the bands this summer

BY MATT MUNOZ Californian staff writer mmunoz@bakersfield.com

T

he Silver Creek Music Fest and Marketplace Concerts by the Fountain are two of Bakersfield’s most popular summertime events, providing the family with a fun — and free — opportunity to get out and cut a rug.

Held every Tuesday and Thursday from June through August, the music showcases feature local bands specializing in everything from rock and blues, Celtic, reggae, old school and beyond.

Take your pick, put together a picnic and relax. The Silver Creek Music Fest kicks off Tues-

day with the Latin ska sounds of Mento Buru (in the interest of full disclosure, I’m a member of the band).

The lush, spacious park at Silver Creek has plenty of room for a blanket or lawn chair. Beckoning to the kids is the nearby playground, which is within view of the concrete stage by the basketball courts. If you’re driving to the park, there are limited parking spaces, but there’s plenty of room on the street.

The annual Marketplace Concerts by the Fountain series has become a summer institution in Bakersfield.

Held at the middle of the outdoor shopping cen-

ter’s main court, the venue is surrounded by restaurants and places to grab last-minute snacks and beverages. The giant water fountain is turned off during the shows, so you don’t have to worry about obstructed views or noise.

Big band jazzy ensemble Chesterfield King will provide this season’s opening downbeat on June 7. Every Thursday thereafter, listeners will be treated to even more eclectic fare suitable for cutting up the warm concrete or just sippin’ sweet tea.

If you’ve never attended one of these popular concerts, early arrival is recommended. There are

some grassy spots in and around the staging area where you can spread out a blanket, or you can try and grab a seat at the seating area before it fills up. I recommend bringing both a blanket and fold-out chair in your car, just in case.

All ages are welcome, but there are no designated play areas for the kids to frolic on their own. Finding a parking spot can be tricky, since the lot is shared with many businesses, but with a little patience and planning you should be tapping your toes in no time while you munch on some Chinese takeaway or pizza pie under the stars.

Though she’s not as busy as she was in her heyday, Velez’s career has never truly stalled. After stepping away from the music spotlight, she explored acting, landing roles on Nickelodeon’s “Taina,” “Law & Order” and a series of independent films that made the festival rounds.

Velez, who attempted a comeback three years ago with the CD, “Life ’n Love,” still sees influence of the freestyle sound she helped pioneer on today’s music.

“A lot of today’s dance music is based on ours. People are taking bits and pieces of our music and sometimes just retaking or remaking the whole song. Everything goes in circles, and I think music is the biggest circle we’ve all been in.”

The results of that musical circle are the streams of fan mail she continues to receive.

“The craziest and weirdest ones are the ones I get from inmates. They’re like, ‘Please don’t worry; I’m a better person now. And then, there comes the marriage proposal. Oh gosh, I think I’ve gotten over a billion of those. It’s funny. I’m like, ‘You don’t even know me. All I did was sing a song?’”

Also appearing on Friday’s bill are fellow freestyle artists Stevie B, Expose, Debbie Deb, Shannon, Trinere, Connie and Stacey Q.

SUMMER CONCERTS band/jazz) June 14: Foster Campbell & 7011 Harris Road; shows start at 7 p.m. Information: Friends (R&B/classic rock) 326-3866 June 21: The G-Six Band (soul) June 5: Mento Buru (Latin/ska/reggae) June 28: A.K.A. (Top 40) June 12: Noah Claunch Band July 5: Thee Majestics (old (country) school and Latin) June 19: Banshee in the July 12: Soulajar (jazz, funk) Kitchen (Celtic) July 19: Good Question June 26: Bunky Spurling band (country rock) (blues) July 26: 3 Guys Playin’ The July 3 Kris Tiner Quartet Blues (blues) (jazz) Aug. 2: Fatt Daddy Blues July 10: Thee Majestics (old Band (blues) school) Aug. 9: Triple Threat (classic Marketplace Concerts by rock) the Fountain Aug. 16: The Mike Montano Band (blues rock) 9000 Ming Ave.; shows start at 7 p.m. Information: Aug. 23: Fatt Katt and the themarketplacebakersVon Zippers (rockabilly) field.com Aug. 30: Mento Buru June 7: Chesterfield King (big (Latin/ska/reggae)

Silver Creek Music Fest

27

Thursday, May 31, 2012 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street

Good for the soul, great for the body Chef LaLa to demonstrate healthier Mexican recipes

BY CHERYL PORTER Contributing writer

For many Southern Californians, good eating often means Mexican cuisine: rich cheeses, plenty of beef, pork, rice, beans and the lard-fried deliciousness found in bowl after bowl of tortilla chips.

Though great for the taste buds, the familiar menu isn’t always great Diaz for our health and can contribute to obesity and Type 2 diabetes, a growing problem in the United States and especially in Kern County, which ranks second in the state in deaths from the disease.

But a celebrity chef hopes to change minds and diets when she presents a demonstration on healthy cooking in Bakersfield on Saturday.

Season Your Health cooking demonstration with Chef LaLa When: 11:30 a.m. Saturday Where: Albertsons, 1520 Brundage Lane Admission: Free

“Diabetes isn’t the sexiest topic, but it’s so important,” said Laura Diaz, who goes by the name Chef LaLa professionally. “You can’t take away people’s culture; food is pleasure. But you can show people how to eat smaller portions, and use healthier ingredients and better cooking methods. I want to change lives one person at a time.”

Sponsored by pharmaceutical giant Merck, the presentation is called Sazone Su Salud (Season Your Health) and includes live cooking demonstrations, food sampling and instructions on how to make traditional Mexican dishes lower in fat and calories.

Diabetes is a major concern in Please see COOKING / 28

CARNITAS TACOS Prep: 15 minutes Roast: 25 minutes at 350 F Stand: 5 minutes Yield: 4 servings Ingredients 1¼ pound pork tenderloin 1 medium orange 1 teaspoon garlic salt ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1 tablespoon canola oil 12 6-inch corn tortillas 1 recipe pico de gallo Snipped fresh cilantro Lime wedges (optional) 1. Preheat oven to 350 F. Trim fat from pork. Juice orange over a bowl (you should have about 1/4 cup orange juice).

Brush orange juice evenly onto pork tenderloin. Sprinkle with garlic salt and black pepper; set aside.

2. In a large oven-going nonstick skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add tenderloin.

Cook tenderloin for 5 to 10 minutes or until golden brown on all sides, turning to brown evenly. Drain off fat.

3. Roast tenderloin for 25 to 30 minutes or until an instant-read thermometer inserted near the

PHOTO COURTESY OF FLEISHMAN-HILLARD

A slimmed-down recipe for carnitas tacos, courtesy of Chef LaLa, aka Laura Diaz. center registers 155 F. Remove from oven and let stand for 5 minutes before serving.

4. Wrap tortillas in foil. Heat in the 350 F oven about 10 minutes or until warm, turning once. Chop roasted pork or cut into bite-size strips. Serve in warm tortillas; top with pico de gallo and cilantro. If desired, serve with lime wedges.

Pico de gallo 1 cup chopped tomatoes 2 tablespoons chopped red onion 2 tablespoons snipped fresh cilantro

1 tablespoon minced fresh jalapeno pepper (see note) 2 tablespoons lime juice 2 cloves garlic, minced (1 teaspoon) 1 ⁄8 teaspoon salt In a small bowl combine ingredients.

Makes about 11⁄4 cups.

Note: Because peppers contain volatile oils, minimize direct contact with them. When working, wear plastic or rubber gloves. If your bare hands do touch them, wash your hands and nails well with soap and warm water.

28

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, May 31, 2012

Eye Street Q: CONTINUED FROM 19

assistant working for shrewish teacher Mrs. T (Kayleigh Peaker), Kate dreams of opening a school for monsters like her.

Her heartbreaking closing number in Act 1, “There’s a Fine, Fine Line,” offered the show’s most poignant moment.

It was also one of the musical’s many moments of truth. After all, what woman in her 20s (or 30s) can say she hasn’t debated whether she’s been wasting time on that guy who just can’t get it together?

There’s also truth in comedy, which drives most of “Avenue Q.” Two of the most comedic numbers are back to back — “Everyone’s a Little Bit Racist” and “The Internet is for Porn,” the latter of which highlights neighbor Trekkie Monster (Jarred Cantrell), who is akin to a dirty Oscar the Grouch. Even though the show is about a decade old, the seemingly timeless topics of subtle racism and, um, web browsing are easily mined for humor in these ensemble numbers.

The benefit of a strong ensemble, which this show has, is that a mix of veterans (like Empty Space mainstay Cantrell) and newcomers (high school senior Noelle) can shine regardless of skill level.

Much was demanded and delivered from the cast in this technically tricky show, from the musical numbers and puppet mastery to the numerous stage exits and entrances.

(Props also to the set builders, who made a stage front and two doors into a believable multi-level apartment complex and nightclub, when needed.)

In regards to the puppets, Cantrell and Borton did a great job handling the two-armed Nicky and Trekkie Monster.

While the other puppets were operated solo, with a rod assisting some hand movements, the aforementioned characters often incorporated the use of both actors for the arms, with Borton playing Nicky and Cantrell as Trekkie.

Initially, I thought it might be distracting to see a silent actor assisting in the puppet work, but the performances command your attention (the best seats are in the center, an area that commands a good view not only of the stage but the television screens that display supplemental material, “Sesame Street”-style).

Breaking down that fourth wall a bit, which seems a natural fit for the nonprofit theater, was the number “The Money Song.” As Princeton rallies his neighbors to raise money for Kate’s monster school, the actors take to the audience to collect money, which appeared successful in every section but mine (I donated my only $20 for admission!). The actors’ reactions while shaking down the crowd kept the energy up in the second act.

Used sparingly but extremely successfully are the Bad Idea Bears, embodied by Lorenzo Salazar and Ellie Hartman.

Whether encouraging drinking, promiscuity or even suicide — they helpfully offer a rope — the pair steal every scene they’re in. I would watch these two break into scenes from any show (maybe even the theater’s upcoming dark comedy “Reckless”?).

Although thoroughly enter-

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COOK: CONTINUED FROM 27

PHOTO COURTESY OF MICHELLE GUERRERO

Trekkie Monster (Jared Cantrell with Matt Borton) entertains neighbor Brian (Ron Warren) in a scene from “Avenue Q.”

tained, I felt myself flagging a bit in that second act as the heat rose, as it often does at The Empty Space.

My suggestion — since the tightly packed space prohibits vigorous fanning — would be to kick up the

air conditioning, at least after intermission.

You can’t miss with a cool theater and a hot show — unless you can’t get in, so make that reservation now!

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Kern County, and Hispanics are the population most at risk, said Mariel T. Mehdipour, director of health promotion and public information of the Kern County Department of Public Health.

“In Kern County, there are 33 deaths due to diabetes out of every 100,000 people,” she said. “For Hispanics, it’s 44 out of 100,000. Demonstrating healthier cooking methods to Hispanics as a group is an innovative way to make nutritional adjustments because it’s using food that is part of their culture, so they’re already eating it.”

For Diaz, diabetes has taken a personal toll.

“Everyone in my family has it,” she said. “And I don’t want to pass that on to my child or have it myself.”

The chef has created healthier versions of traditional Mexican standards, which she will demonstrate at Albertsons in central Bakersfield. She will cook a variety of dishes and teach audience members to grill, broil or roast instead of fry, use vegetable oil instead of lard, and punch up flavors with herbs and citrus juice.

Diaz’s parents, who have learned to manage their own diabetes through better nutrition and exercise, will be on hand at Season Your Health to answer questions and give out samples.

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30

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, May 31, 2012

Eye Street Go & Do Today California Reads: Community Book Discussions, theme “Disaster & Democracy,” 1 to 2 p.m., CSUB, Walter Stiern Library, 9001 Stockdale Highway. Free. 6543231.

Guitar Class, taught by Mark Albert, for individuals or a group, Juliana’s Art Studio & Gallery, 501 18th St. $25. call 578-4570 or 3277507 for class details.

Taft Certified Farmers Market, 5 to 8 p.m., Fifth Street Plaza, Taft.

765-2165.

Bingo, warm ups start at 5 p.m., with early birds at 6 p.m., regular games at 6:30 p.m., Volunteer Center of Kern County, 2801 F St. From $20 buy-in to “the works.”

395-9787.

Friday Art Laboe Freestyle Explosion, with Stevie B., Lisa Lisa, Debbie Deb, Shannon, Trinere and others, 8 p.m., Rabobank Arena, 1001 Truxtun Ave. $36.80 to $48.50. ticketmaster.com or 800-7453000.

Bakotopia’s “School’s Out Jam,” with Mento Buru, Velorio and DJ Mikey, 7 p.m., B. Ryder’s Sports Bar & Grill, 7401 White Lane. $7, for ages 18 and up. 3977304.

First Friday, featuring live music, art openings, specialty shops, galleries and boutiques, artists will set up their artwork, 5 to 9 p.m., Downtown Arts District. Email don@themetrogalleries.com or 634-9598.

Kids’ Night Out “Father’s Day Surprise,” for ages 7 and up, pizza, dessert, supplies, 6:30 to 9 p.m., Color Me Mine at The Marketplace, 9000 Ming Ave. $25; $19 for additional siblings. bakersfield.colormemine.com or 6647366.

Lantern Light Tour & Ghost Hunt, 8 to 10:30 p.m., Silver City Ghost Town, 3829 Lake Isabella Boulevard, Bodfish. $12 per person of all ages. 760-379-5146.

Meet the Author of “To Give You Hope,” Marianne, with author Marianne Dixon of “To Give You Hope,” 3 to 6 p.m., Lengthwise Brewery, 6720 Schirra Ct. Wine & Beer Tasting, enjoy wine and beer tasting along with appetizers, 5 to 7 p.m., Steak and Grape Restaurant, 4420 Coffee Rd., $20.

588-9463.

Saturday 25th annual Kids Fishing Derby, for ages 4 to 15, lunch, prizes, activities, 6 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wofford Heights Park, E. Evans Road, Wofford Heights. Free. 760417-0950.

Family Day, 10 a.m. Saturday, Buena Vista Museum of Natural History, 2018 Chester Ave. two adults and up to six children, admission only $20. 324-6350.

“Fresno Invasion!” Fundraiser, presented by Random Writers

Workshop Reading Series, featuring five Fresno-area poets, 7 p.m., The Foundry, 1602 20th St. $7. Proceeds benefit Random Writers Workshop.

“Jack and the Beanstalk” Puppet Show, presented by Omnipresent Puppet Theater; 1 to 2 p.m. and 4 to 5 p.m., Beekay Theatre, 110 S. Green St., Tehachapi. $6. 858-0831 or 8224037.

“The Maltese Falcon” Cinema Saturday, begins at sundown, Valentien Restaurant & Wine Bar, 1310 Truxtun Ave., Suite 160. 8640397.

Bakersfield Blaze vs. Modesto Nuts, 7:30 p.m., Sam Lynn Ball Park, 4009 Chester Ave. $7 to $12. bakersfieldblaze.com or 716-HITS. Beautiful Bakersfield Awards Banquet, with reception at 5 p.m., dinner banquet 6 p.m., televised awards 7 p.m., Doubletree Hotel, 3100 Camino Del Rio Court. $40.

327-4421.

Beginner DSLR Photography Workshop, with Kevin Brian Toohey, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Hart Park. $89. Limited space. Visit learnyourcamera.com/workshops/2.htm or 714-745-4222.

Cat adoptions, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Saturdays; 1 to 4 p.m. Sundays, Petco, 8220 Rosedale Highway. $65 includes spay/neuter, vaccines and leukemia testing. 327-4706.

Farmers markets: 8 a.m. to noon, next to Golden State Mall, 3201 F St., and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Brimhall Square, 9500 Brimhall Road.

CSUB Chamber Music Concert, 7:30 p.m., Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 1900 Baker St. $10; $5 students/seniors; CSUB student with ID are free. 654-2156.

Fifth annual Walk for Kids, registration 7 a.m., kids area with games, activities 7:30 a.m. to noon, meet for pre-walk announcements 8:45 to 9 a.m., walk through CALM, 9 a.m., CALM, 10500 Alfred Harrell Highway. $25 per family. walkforkids.org or 3274647 ext. 4290.

Free E-Waste Recycling Event, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Bakersfield SPCA, 3000 Gibson St. 873-4011.

Garden Project Community Meeting, learn how to plant your own vegetable garden, 10 to noon a.m., St. Luke Anglican Church, 2730 Mall View Road. 332-3204.

Just For Kids: ”Roaming Reptiles!,” 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.

Sierra Club Tour of FACT, with ice cream social, raptor talk, easy walk, 10 to 11:30 a.m., CSUB, Facility for Animal Care and Treatment, 9001 Stockdale Highway. Free.

203-2619.

Slime Time: Physics of the Oil Field, discover the ways machines are used in the oil fields, 10 a.m. to

noon, Kern County Museum, 3801 Chester Ave. Adults, $10; seniors (60+), $9; students, ages 13-17, $9; students, ages 6-12, $8; children, ages 3-5, $7; free for children under 3. 868-8425.

Spotlight Theater Rummage Sale, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., 21st and G streets. Free. 872-2040.

Trail Preservation Fundraiser Barbecue, food, music, raffles, 5 p.m., The Cyclesmiths, 11417 Kernville Road, Kernville. 760-2232366

Sunday 14th annual Latin Food Festival & Menudo Cook-Off, with food booths, live entertainment, vendor booths, children’s entertainment, jalapeño eating contest, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Kern County Fairgrounds, 1142 P St. $8 advance; $10 at the door; children 5 and under are free. 633-5495 or kchcc.org.

Bakersfield Blaze vs. Modesto Nuts, 1:30 p.m. Sunday, 7:30 p.m.

Monday, Sam Lynn Ballpark, 4009 Chester Ave. $7-$12 (Monday $1). bakersfieldblaze.com or 716-HITS. CSUB Singers, From the Sublime to the Ridiculous J.S Bach and P.D.Q. Bach, 4 p.m., St. John’s Lutheran Church, 4500 Buena Vista Road. $10 general; $5 seniors/students; CSUB students free w/ID. 654-3073.

Farmers Market, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Kaiser Permanente, 8800 Ming Ave. 877-524-7373.

THEATER “Avenue Q,” 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, The Empty Space, 706 Oak St. Suggested donation: $15; $10, students/seniors. 327-PLAY. “Hotel Paradiso,” pre-show lecture at 7:15 p.m. (in the Albertson Room); 8 p.m. today through Saturday; pre-show lecture 1:15 p.m.

(Albertson Room); 2 p.m. Sunday, CSUB, Doré Theatre, 9001 Stockdale Highway. $10, $8 seniors/CSUB faculty and staff; $5 students with ID. 654-3150.

“The Last Romance,” 7:30 p.m.

Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday, Stars Dinner Theatre, 1931 Chester Ave. $45 to $55; showonly tickets $35; matinee $45 to $50. 325-6100.

“Trouts The Musical,” 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, with Center For Improv Advancement, 8 to 9:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, Ice House, 3401 Chester Ave., Suite M. Adults: $5, children under 12 are $1. ciacomedy.com.

Major League Improv, improvisational comedy show, appropriate for families, 6 p.m. Saturdays, The Empty Space, 706 Oak St. Free but donations are accepted. 327-PLAY. RAT: Royal Association of Thespians, present “The Silence of Clams,” 11 p.m. Friday and Satur-

day, The Empty Space, 706 Oak St. $5. 327-PLAY.

ART “Semblance,” 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, Metro Galleries, 1604 19th St. “Transmogrified Timescapes,” 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, The Foundry, 1602 20th St. Polaroid Photobooth, 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, artwalk at corner of 20th and Eye streets.

“Fun with Watercolor and Ink,” 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Bakersfield Art Association Art Center, 1817 Eye St. Rose Lester, 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Dagny’s Coffee Co., 1600 20th St. Kids art show, 7 p.m. Friday, Ellie Jaye’s Boutique, 1608 19th St. “Exploring New Grounds” Workshop, by Norma Neil exploring alternate substrates for watercolors, an introduction to Aquaboard, 9 to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Bakersfield Art Association Art Center, 1817 Eye St. $50. 8692320.

Art Classes, in drawing, watercolor, oils, color theory, for beginners and advanced, Bakersfield Art Association Art Center, 1817 Eye St. 869-2320.

Art for Healing program, classes that alleviate stress, resulting from illness, or grief. All classes are free but some suggest a donation and are held at Mercy Hospital, Truxtun Campus, Truxtun and A St. mercybaakersfield.org/art or to register, 632-5357.

Art Reception, for artist Shirley Rowles, 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Capitol Real Estate Group, 1700 Chester Ave. Free.

Artist Reception, featuring students of Iva Fendrick, 6 to 8 p.m.

Friday, Bakersfield Art Association’s Art Center Gallery, 1817 Eye St. 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.

Watercolor Class, with Norma Neil, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Bakersfield Art Association Art Center, 1817 Eye St. $50. 8692320.

MUSIC Acoustic King Tut, 10606 Hageman Road; Ernie Lewis, 6 to 8 p.m. today. Free.

Alternative rock B. Ryder’s Sports Bar & Grill, 7401 White Lane, 397-7304; Travis Byler Project, 9 p.m. Thursday.

Blues KRBS Open Blues Jam, The Kern River Saloon, 20 Tobias St.,

Kernville, 760-376-4786; Kern River Blues Society Open Blues Jam, 2 to 8 p.m. Saturday.

Bluegrass Fiddlers Crossing, 206 E. F St., Tehachapi, 823-9994; The Roustabouts, 7 p.m. Saturday. $20.

Classic rock T-Bones Steakhouse, 8020 District Blvd., 398-1300; Elevation 406, 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. Friday.

Amestoy's Bar, 2303 River Blvd., 871-2303; No Limit, 9 p.m. Friday.

Comedy Elevation Lounge, 818 Real Road, 325-6864; Improv Tuesday, comedy with DJ after party, 9 p.m. Tuesdays.

Country Ethel’s Old Corral Cafe, 4310 Alfred Harrell Highway, 873-7613; Booth Tooth Cowboys, 7 to 11 p.m.

Friday; Road Dawgs, 7 p.m. Saturday.

B. Ryder's Sports Bar & Grill, 7401 White Lane, 397-7304; Cashed Out, Johnny Cash tribute band, and The Councilmen, 8 p.m.

Saturday. $10.

Sandrini’s, 1918 Eye St., 3228900; Vince Galindo, 9 p.m.

Wednesdays.

Dancing Beginner Belly Dance Lessons, 5:45 to 6:45 p.m. Mondays, Centre Stage Studio, 1710 Chester Ave. 323-5215. $45 regular session; $65 combo session. bakersfieldbellydance.biz.

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

Greenacres Community Center, 2014 Calloway Dr., offers ballroom dance, East Coast swing (jitterbug) and Argentine Tango dance classes; $35, $45 for nonmembers. 322-5765 or 201-2105.

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

Laf-A-Lot Dance Club Dance, 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Kern City Town Hall, 1003 Pebble Beach Drive. $5 members; $10 guests.

398-5590.

Pairs and Spares Dance, with Country George and the Western Edition, 7 p.m. Friday, Rasmussen Senior Center, 115 E. Roberts Lane. $7; $9 nonmembers. 399-3575.

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

31

Thursday, May 31, 2012 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street DJ Banacek’s Lounge, 4601 State Road, 387-9224; with DJ Casey Overstreet, 9 p.m. Fridays.

Bellvedere Cocktail Lounge, 3090 Brundage Lane, 325-2139; DJ Brian, 7 to 11 p.m. Tuesday.

DoubleTree Hotel, Club Odyssey, 3100 Camino Del Rio Court. 3237111; live in the mix: old school, ’80s & ’90s music, 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. every Saturday.

Le Corusse Rouge, 4647 White Lane, 834-1611; with DJ Chill in the Mixx, 5 p.m. every Friday until 2 a.m. Saturday.

Rockstarz Party Bar, 7737 Meany Ave., Suite B5, 589-6749; DJ James, 9 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays. Free.

The Bull Shed Bar & Grill, at Hotel Rosedale, 2400 Camino Del Rio Court, 327-0681; with Meg, 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.

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

Imbibe Wine & Spirits Merchant, 4140 Truxtun Ave., 633WINE; live music & wine bar, 6 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday; 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

King Tut, 10606 Hageman Road; live Instrumental and vocal Jazz, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. each Friday and Saturday. Free.

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

Imbibe Wine & Spirits Merchant, 4140 Truxtun Ave., 633WINE; live jazz & wine bar featuring Mike Montano, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday.

Que Pasa Mexican Cafe, 2701 Ming Ave., 832-5011; Jazz Invasion, 9 to 10 p.m. every Saturday.

Steak and Grape, 4420 Coffee Road, 588-9463; 7 to 10 p.m.

Thursday through Saturday. Free.

The Nile, Jazz Music, 6 p.m. every Sunday. Cost $10 at 1721 19th St. 364-2620.

Karaoke B. Ryder’s Sports Bar & Grill,

7401 White Lane, 397-7304; 8 p.m.

Thursdays and Tuesdays.

Banacek’s Lounge, 9 p.m. every Friday and Saturday at 4601 State Road. 387-9224.

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

Big Daddy Pizza, 6417 Ming Ave., 396-7499; 7 to 10 p.m. every Tuesday; 8 to 11 p.m. every Friday.

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

Cataldo’s Pizzeria, 6111 Niles St., 363-7200; 6:15 to 10:15 p.m. Tuesdays.

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

City Slickers, 1001 W. Tehachapi Blvd., 822-4939; 7 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Corona’s Cantina, 9817 S. Union Ave., 345-8463; 7 to 10 p.m. Fridays.

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

DoubleTree Hotel, Club Odyssey, 3100 Camino Del Rio Court; 8 p.m. to midnight Tuesdays.

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

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

Iron Horse Saloon, 1821 S. Chester Ave., 831-1315; 7 to 11 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays.

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

Le Corusse Rouge, 4647 White Lane, 834-1611; A to Z Karaoke, 8 p.m. to midnight Tuesdays.

Lone Oak Inn, 8 p.m. every Tuesday and Thursday at 10612 Rosedale Hwy. 589-0412.

Magoo’s Pizza, 1129 Olive Drive, 399-7800; 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Tuesday.

Maria Bonita Mexican Restaurant, 10701 Highway 178, 3663261, 7 to 11 p.m. Fridays. All ages.

McMurphy’s Irish Pub & Sports

Bar, 14 Monterey St., 869-1451; 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. Tuesdays.

Pizzeria, 4200 Gosford Road, 3971111; 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays.

Pour House, 9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays at 4041 Fruitvale Ave. 589-9300.

Pyrenees Cafe, 601 Sumner, 323-0053; 8 p.m. to midnight Saturdays.

Replay Sports Lounge & Grill, 4500 Buck Owens Blvd., 3243300; 8 p.m. every Wednesday.

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

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

Rocky’s Pizza & Arcade, 2858 Niles St., 873-1900; 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Wednesday.

Round Table Pizza, 2060 White Lane, 836-2700; 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday.

Round Table Pizza, 2620 Buck Owens Blvd., 327-9651; The Junction with host Mac Clanahan, 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays.

Round Table Pizza, 4200 Gosford Road, 397-1111; 6:30 p.m.

Wednesdays. karaoke.

Rusty’s Pizza, 5430 Olive Drive, 392-1482; 6:30 to 9 p.m. every Wednesday.

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

Syndicate Lounge, 1818 Eye St., 327-0070; with Alisa Spencer, 9 p.m. every Wednesday.

T-Bones Steakhouse, 8020 District Blvd., 398-1300; 7:30 to 11 p.m. Thursdays.

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

The Bull Shed Bar & Grill, at Hotel Rosedale, 2400 Camino Del Rio Court, 327-0681; 7 p.m.

Tuesdays and Thursdays.

The Junction Lounge, 2620 Buck Owens Blvd., 327-9651; 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays The Old River Monte Carlo, 9750 Taft Highway, 837-0250; 8:30 p.m. every Thursday.

The Playhouse, 2915 Taft High-

way; 397-3599; 7 to 10 p.m. Sundays.

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

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

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

Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.

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

Tomi’s Cowgirl Cafe, 7 to 10 p.m. every Tuesday and Thursday at 1440 Weedpatch Hwy. 3635102.

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

Vinny’s Bar & Grill, 2700 S. Union Ave., 496-2502, 7 p.m.

Thursdays. 21 and over.

Latin/Salsa DoubleTree Hotel, Club Odyssey, Club Odyssey, 3100 Camino Del Rio Court, 633-1949; various levels, 3 to 9 p.m. every Sunday. $5 per person, per lesson.

Mariachi Camino Real Restaurant, 6 to 9 p.m. every Sunday at 3500 Truxtun Ave. 852-0493.

Music showcase The Prime Cut, 9500 Brimhall Road, 831-1413; featuring local artists, 7 to 10 p.m. every Wednesday.

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

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

Tam O’Shanter, 2345 Alta Vista, 324-6774; The Press, 8:30 p.m.

Friday and Saturday. $5 per night.

Open mic Fiddlers Crossing, 206 East F St., Tehachapi, 823-9994; 7 p.m.

Wednesdays. $5.

Rock On the Rocks, 1517 18th St., 3277685; No Duh, tribute to No Doubt, 7 p.m. Friday; Midnight Run, tribute to Journey, 7 p.m. Saturday. $5 per night.

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

On The Rocks, 1517 18th St., 3277685; Three Legged Fox, 7 p.m.

Thursday. $5.

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

Chuy’s, 2500 New Stine Road, 833-3469; 7 p.m. every Tuesday. trivia night.

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

UPCOMING EVENTS Tuesday 6/05 Bakersfield Blaze vs. Visalia Rawhide, 7:30 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, Sam Lynn Ball Park, 4009 Chester Ave. $7-$12. bakersfieldblaze.com or 716-HITS. Music Fest 2012, with Mento Buru (ska/reggae), 7 to 8:30 p.m., Silver Creek Park, 7011 Harris Road. Free. 326-FUNN. Sierra Club Conditioning Hikes, three to five miles, 7 p.m., meet at corner of Highways 178 and 184.

872-2432 or 873-8107.

St. Jude Dream Home, open to the public 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays; noon to 5 p.m. Sundays, now through June 10, 13501 Da Vinci Drive. stjudedreamhome.org or 1800-385-9134.

Wednesday 6/06 CASA Volunteer Orientation, learn how to make a difference in the life of an abused, abandoned or neglected child, noon to 1 p.m. and 5 to 6 p.m., CASA, 2000 24th St. kerncasa.org or 631-2272