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

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, May 5, 2011

Eye Street

Index First Friday . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 26th annual PCRA Stampede Days Rodeo . . . . . .23 Arts Alive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 Back From The Future . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25 The Lowdown with Matt Munoz . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26 13th annual Crawfish Festival . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27 All-American Car Show . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30-33

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

A good idea keeps giving Jazz Festival marks 25 years as local institution BY SUSAN SCAFFIDI Contributing writer

t was right after the first Bakersfield Jazz Festival in 1986 that music director Doug Davis realized he was in for the long haul. “I realized we’ll have to do it again,” Davis said. “Because it was a success.” This year marks the 25th anniversary of the festival, a daring project when it started, and now a mainstay of Kern County’s entertainment calendar. “We had a lot of success in the very early concerts, even before the festival began,” Davis said, referring to performances by Chick Corea, Spyro Gyra and other big names, at the CSUB Dore’ Theater.

From Dizzy to Bela, the greats have taken bows at CSUB The record turnout for those events demonstrated to at least a few people that Bakersfield might be ready for a large-scale festival, which first began as a collaboration with Bakersfield College. Davis said the two schools scheduled their respective events on successive days at their respective campuses. But the tandem arrangement did not last after the second year. In fact, the festival itself almost didn’t survive the second year. “It was pouring rain at like 11 in the morning and we were supposed to start at 2,” Davis said. “We couldn’t put anything up — the lights, sound equipment were still in the trucks.” Davis said he came close to having to cancel the day, but at the last minute the weather cleared, and the show went on. But the unstable weather was something concert-goers did not forget. Davis said organizers tried to get around the weather by holding the festival at the fairgrounds the next year, but audiences remained wary. “That was the biggest threat to survival after the second year because (the festival) took such a big hit financially,” Davis said. Davis said BC stopped participating at that point, and he went on his own. But he hasn’t been alone. Long-time sponsors such as the late Bill Burton of Advance Beverage, the college itself and the local music community have kept the festival going. There is also Davis’ wife, Adele, who has marshaled an army of volunteers each year and has dedicated as much time to the festival as Davis has. Moving the festival to later in the spring — audiences can now count on the festival occurring Mother’s Day

PHOTOS COURTESY OF BAKERSFIELD JAZZ FESTIVAL

Saxophonist Eric Darius started playing at the age of 10, and within a year was touring with the ensemble America’s Youngest Jazz Band. He produced his first commercial CD, “Cruisin’,” at age 17, and has grown to become a leading solo performer.

Bakersfield Jazz Festival When: 7:30 p.m. Friday; 2 p.m. Saturday Where: CSUB Amphitheater, 9001 Stockdale Highway Admission: $55 for two-day combo tickets; $35 students; $32, $23 in advance for Friday only, $36 and $27 at the gate; $35 and $25 in advance for Saturday only, $40 and $30 at the gate. Available through Vallitix, 322-5200.

weekend — helped clear up the weather problem, and the festival has enjoyed a solid turnout year after year. The festival can boast an all-star line up performers over the years: Dizzy Gillespie, Wynton Marsalis, Freddie Hubbard, David Benoit, Dianne Schurr, Lee Ritenour, Yellowjackets, Bela Fleck and the Flecktones, and dozens of others. But beyond promoting jazz and adding to the local entertainment calendar, the festival has also provided scholarships to hundreds of CSUB students. Davis estimates that in the last 10 years

alone, the festival has provided about $30,000 each year for scholarships. “It’s about 50 scholarships a year, so they’re not necessarily huge checks,” Davis said. “We’re spreading out a little bit of support over eight to 10 academic disciplines each year, not just music.”

Who will take over when the Davises move on? Davis has been on leave from the CSUB music department this year, but not from the festival, an arrangement that has left him with less, not more, free time. “To be perfectly frank, rehearsals and classes were a great relief (from managing the festival),” Davis said. Davis has used the time to document everything he does to make the festival happen, hoping to leave a legacy to keep the festival going, as he nears retirement. “The last move that I can make is to pass on all the decision-making to somebody else in the hopes that it will continue after me,” Davis said. “Everyone knows that Adele and I can’t continue doing this,” Davis said.

Pete Escovedo will be making his third appearance at the Bakersfield Jazz Festival.

Thursday, May 5, 2011 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street ANNUAL JAZZ FESTIVAL LINEUP FEATURES SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE It’s another something-foreveryone lineup for the Bakersfield Jazz Festival, which celebrates its 25th anniversary when it opens Friday night at the CSUB Amphitheater. Friday night is always party night at the festival, and is capped with returning Latin-jazz bandleader Pete Escovedo and his Latin Jazz Orchestra. The 75-year-old Escovedo, who first came to prominence in the early 1970s while touring with Carlos Santana, has always made his music a family affair, first with his brothers, Phil and Coke, and then with his children Sheila E. and Peter Michael. This will mark Escovedo’s third appearance at the festival. Saxophonist Eric Darius is also returning to the festival, this time as a mature performer instead of the new kid. Darius started playing at the age of 10, and within a year was touring with the ensemble “America’s Youngest Jazz Band.” He produced his first commercial CD, “Cruisin’” at the age of 17, and grown to become a leading solo performer. Festival director Doug Davis himself will open the Friday night show in one of his several musical incarnations — this time as “Dr. D.” with Dr. D’s Debris, which features Paul Perez and Mike Raney on saxophones and Ken Bausano

Rick Braun on trumpet. Saturday begins at 2 p.m. with the annual performance of the Kern County Honor Jazz Band, featuring top performers from area high schools. The CSUB ensemble Rickety Ship and local favorite Soulajar help fill out the afternoon, followed by trumpeter and composer Kris Tiner and his quartet. Saturday evening’s headliners include guitarist Allan Holdsworth, the vocal quartet New York Voices, and trumpeter Rick Braun. Holdsworth is known as a

Kim Nazarian and Lauren Kinhan have made New York Voices one of the most respected and accomplished vocal ensembles working today. The group started recording in 1989 and won a Grammy Award for their 1996 collaboration with the Count Basie Orchestra. The quartet has also expanded its repertoire to include pop music, the music of Brazil and other genres. Trumpeter Rick Braun will close the Saturday night show. Braun is one of the most successful “smooth jazz” performers, especially in his collaborations with Boney James, Kirk Whalum, Norman Brown and Richard Elliot. Davis notes that one of the primary purposes of the festival Allan Holdsworth is to provide scholarships for CSUB students. Several “guitar synthesist,” musically scholarships are awarded at hovering between progressive various times throughout the rock and jazz. With his custommade guitars — including some festival. As he nears retirement, Davis said he hopes that will new instruments such as the never change. piccolo guitar and the baritone guitar, plus the very rare “The festival is unique to the “SynthAxe,” a MIDI controller — 23-campus Cal State system,” Holdsworth has definitely Davis said. “There is quite a lot walked his own path, producing of community support for this most of his own recordings, and event. inventing his own harmonies for “We just have to wait and see if such other-worldly titles as “Tokyo Dream,” “Proto Cosmos,” the festival is transformed,” “Galaxy” and “House of Mirrors.” Davis said. “I hope it will stay at CSUB with its scholarship Darmon Meader, Peter Eldridge, support.”

Dizzy himself opened a world of jazz to this kid cial. Strolling in with a laid-back swagger, wearing suspenders and a T-shirt emblazoned with a 've experienced my share of bright Panama Jack rum logo, amazing moments at the Bak- Dizzy said hello to the advanced ersfield Jazz Festival over the backing night band, glanced at years, going back to the festival’s the charts on his stand before second year. walking over to his horn to warm Meeting the late Dizzy Gilleup. There it was — the signature spie back in ’87 stands out imme- Gillespie trumpet with the bell diately, as I was just a young bent up at 45 degrees. saxophonist right out of McFarCounting off his classic 1942 land High. A new student of jazz composition “A Night in Tunisia,” music as a college freshman, my the opening line by Bakersfield only knowledge of the master bassist Glenn Fong made Gilletrumpeter was seeing Dizzy per- spie's head nod in approval. Back form on “The Muppet Show” behind the drum set, Delano with those blowfish cheeks of his. drummer Ramon Martinez, who I was a member of the Bakerswas known for being a young hot field College student day band shot on the traps, laid down a under the direction of Chuck Caribbean cha-cha rhythm that Woods, who knew just about didn't sit well with the song's every living jazz legend on a first- composer. name basis. “Not like that — I want you to “Mr. John Birks Gillespie, also play it like this,” he said before known as 'Dizzy'” will be our grabbing Martinez's drumstick headlining artist this year,” I and tapping the high-hat cymrecall him saying to the class one bals in a less busy, direct rhythm afternoon. Not surprisingly, a pattern. It was one of those humburst of excitement came over bling moments for Martinez, the room, but it wasn't until the who listened attentively, but how final rehearsal before the show could you not respect the directhat we knew we were about to tion? “Straight ahead,” Gillespie take part in something really spe- added, watching and listening BY MATT MUNOZ

Bakotopia.com editor mmunoz@bakersfield.com

closely until everything felt right. Continuing through a selection of handpicked tunes for the show, among them Thelonious Monk's “Round Midnight” and Gillespie's very own “Manteca,” credited with blending Afro Cuban rhythms into mainstream jazz, his feisty demeanor had all the vets on their toes. Gillespie was a jokester and storyteller, which really came out on stage that night. He shared stories about his old friend saxophonist Charlie Parker, and reminisced that bebop was how the “cats” did it back in the '40s. I can even recall a few Michael Jackson jabs. I have one photo taken with Dizzy after the show, and I'm sure it's hidden among my archives somewhere. Talk about an unbelievable brush with jazz greatness. I still get the chills talking about it. Around that time, CSUB's reputation for being the go-to school for up-and-coming musicians was growing. Doug Davis had developed a program for higher jazz learning and if you were serious, there wasn't a better place in town to hone your skills. Besides being taught how to

properly swing notes and follow chord changes, one benefit has always been the annual festival nurtured by Davis and his wife, Adele. In addition to always booking top-tier acts, one of the festival's strong points is allowing students a chance to share a stage with the stars as well. It's not only aweinspiring, but enriching for a young musician. There are too many great memories to list here, but some favorites include dancing to Pete Escovedo and Cecilia Noel, talking to guitarist Charlie Hunter backstage about the Bay Area music scene, watching saxophonist David Sanborn under the moonlit sky, and of course performing various years with the CSUB Jazz Ensemble and my group, Mento Buru. From its beginnings at the Bakersfield College outdoor theater and Kern County Fairgrounds, to the CSUB soccer field and permanent home at the campus outdoor amphitheater, the annual Bakersfield Jazz Festival has become a beloved tradition in the community. Congratulations on 25 years.

CSUB party kicks off jazz fest Event features food, drink and chance to boost scholarships Before heading to the Bakersfield Jazz Festival, Cal State Bakersfield invites the community to raise a glass — and scholarship funds. Since the CSUB Alumni Association started its annual Party in the Park event 15 years ago, it has raised more than $40,000 in scholarships for CSUB students. The event is a great way to enjoy good wine, beer, food and friends in CSUB’s Alumni Park before heading over to the Outdoor Amphitheatre for opening night of the jazz festival. Party in the Park will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Friday. More than 500 attendees will experience offerings by 30 wineries, such as Steinbeck, Tobin James, Rio Seco, Pear Valley, Bella la Vina and Las Flores. Lengthwise Brewing Co. and event sponsor Stella Artois will offer beer tastings. Guests receive two complimentary glasses, one for wine and one for beer. CSUB’s fine dining catering staff will offer treats such as a “crunchy station,” gourmet burgers, sweet potato fries and chocolate-covered strawberries. Additionally, new event sponsor Eagle Mountain Casino will serve appetizers, including shrimp cocktail, stuffed mushrooms and steak-wrapped asparagus. Musical entertainment will be provided by local band Elevation 406. Last year’s Party in the Park raised $8,000, which was awarded as scholarships to two CSUB students. One of those students, Devon Lendsey, is a single dad from Antelope Valley who has been commuting to Bakersfield to earn his masters in public administration. He will graduate in June with a 4.0 GPA. The scholarship, he said, has allowed him to stay overnight in Bakersfield when necessary so he can spend more time studying and less time commuting. Family members care for his daughter when he is at school. “It was absolutely critical to get this scholarship or else it would not have been possible to earn this degree,” Lendsey said. — Cal State Bakersfield

Party in the Park When: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Friday Where: CSUB’s Alumni Park, 9001 Stockdale Highway Admission: $50 until midnight tonight at csub.edu/alumni. After that, they’re $60 at the event. Package prices for Party in the Park and the Bakersfield Jazz Festival are available. Information: www.csub.edu/alumni or 654-3211

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, May 5, 2011

Eye Street

Young artists shine at competition THE BAKERSFIELD CALIFORNIAN

verything feels fresh and new in the spring, so it’s a perfect time for a display of student art. For First Friday, Metro Galleries will display the works from the 30th annual “An Artistic Discovery” Congressional Art Competition. U.S. Rep. Kevin McCarthy will be on hand at Friday’s reception to honor the young artists who competed in the annual event. The competition was open to students from 12 high schools in the 22nd Congressional District, which includes part of Kern, San Luis Obispo and Los Angeles counties. The overall winner among the 70 entries is 15-year-old Christiana Kallemeyn for her work “Imagination Soars.” Created under the direction of her Grace Christian Academy art teacher Alicia Garver, the colored pencil work features Kallmeyn’s father and two cousins reading a book with colorful birds in the background. The congressman had only praise for the artists and the competition. “The Congressional Art Competition is a great opportunity to encourage artistic expression in our communities,” McCarthy said. “I am continually impressed by the incredible talent and creativity of our young people, and am proud of every artist who entered a piece.” Kallemeyn will be invited to attend the exhibit opening of “An

First Friday exhibits

CONTEST WINNERS

“An Artistic Discovery” Congressional Art Competition Reception, 5 to 9 p.m., Metro Galleries, 1604 19th St. 634-9598. Artist Reception & Show, for Lila Martin, 6 p.m., Bakersfield Art Association Art Center, 1817 Eye St. 869-2320. “Sweet 16,” 5 to 8 p.m., The Foundry, 1700 Chester Ave. 301-3283. Norma Eaton, 6 to 8 p.m., Dagny's Coffee Co., 1600 20th St. 634-0806. “Modernism, ’60s, Pop, Vera, ’70s, Swank, Palm Springs in the ’60s,” 6 to 9 p.m., Bossanova Studios, 814 18th St. 369-9606.

Overall winner

Artistic Discovery” in Washington, D.C., on June 22 with her parents, Dennis and Tina Kallemeyn. Her artwork will be displayed in the corridor leading to the U.S. Capitol for a period of one year. As the overall winner, she will also receive three round-trip tickets to the exhibit opening, as well as a cash award to be presented at the district reception. Awards will also be presented to those students who placed first, second, third or received an honorable mention in the categories of photography, computer-generated art and all other mediums. In addition, all winners will have the

Tickets On Sale Now For Midnight Showing Of Thor Thursday May 5

Christiana Kallemeyn, Grace Christian Academy in Lancaster, “Imagination Soars”

Photography First: Jesse Starks, Independence High School in Bakersfield, “love” Second: Jules Najera, Independence High School in Bakersfield, “DREAM” Third: Renee Olshefski, Atascadero High School, Atascadero, “Hurdling into the Shadows”

PHOTO COURTESY OF JOHN HARTE

“Imagination Soars,” by Christiana Kallemeyn, is the overall winning entry of the 30th annual “An Artistic Discovery” Congressional Art Competition.

Computer-generated art First: Sabrina Millard, Independence High School in Bakersfield, “Just makes me want to pull my hair out” Second: Jennifer Nusser, West High School in Bakersfield, “Magic Music Girl” Third: Maria Sandoval, Independence High School in

option of displaying their artwork in McCarthy’s Washington office for one year.

Also on display Friday “Sweet 16” at The Foundry: The sweets-themed exhibit, which benefits Teen Challenge, opens Friday. Reception guests will have the opportunity to vote for the artwork they think best fits the “sweets” theme. Mike Barker at Farmacy Cafe: The local contemporary artist’s works are still on display at the Padre Hotel’s coffeeshop. “Modernism, ’60s, Pop, Vera,

’70s, Swank, Palm Springs in the ’60s” at Bossanova Studios: Gallery owner and artist Johnny Ramos will display a new series of abstract and floral paintings. Lila Martin at the BAA Art Center: The Bakersfield Art Association’s Art Center will host a reception for Lila Martin’s show “The World Through My Eyes.”

READING C

Bakersfield, “The Silverstein Tree” Honorable mention: Brianna Symonds, Independence High School in Bakersfield, “P.L.V.R Life”

All other mediums First: Justin Bingaman, Vista West High School in Bakersfield, “Play full” (linoleum carving) Second: Hannah Macy, Grace Christian Academy in Lancaster, “Bundle of Joy” (colored pencil) Third: Dakota Hokanson, Golden Valley Virtual Charter School, “Sunset Rust” (pastel) Honorable mentions: Camille McGee, West High School in Bakersfield, “Endless Possibilities” (cardboard); Heather Grossbard, Frontier High School in Bakersfield, “Jay” (pen, ink and watercolors); and Yasmine Suleiman, Stockdale High School in Bakersfield, “Raising Hope” (pencil)

The exhibit focuses on scenes from her travels to France and Italy as well as her many trips to Mexico, Spain and Scotland. Norma Eaton at Dagny’s: View the collage landscapes of Norma Eaton, and meet the artist to learn more about her unusual approach to collage, using painted papers.

April 30, May 1 and May 7

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

VALLEY PLAZA MALL, WIBLE ROAD AT HI-WAY 99

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

DLP DIGITAL

PRESENTED BY

GENERAL MATINEES ADMISSION BEFORE ONLY 6PM ONLY

Fast Five – PG-13 11:15 2:15 5:15 8:10 Madeas Big Happy Family – PG-13 11:35 2:00 4:35 7:20 9:50 Rio 3D – G 12:20 3:15 6:00 8:45

HOT DOG Mondays

Dylan-Dog Dead of Night – PG-13 12:15 3:00 8:10 10:35

Rio – G 10:35 1:15 4:05 6:45 9:10

Fast Five – PG-13 10:30 12:40 1:00 1:30 3:30 4:00 4:30 6:30 7:00 7:30 9:30 10:00 10:30

Scream 4 – R 11:15 2:25 5:10 7:45 10:15

Hoodwinked Too – PG 10:40 12:45 2:50 5:05 7:10 9:15 Prom – PG 12:00 2:45 5:35 8:00 10:25 African Cats – G 11:00 1:05 3:25 5:25 7:25 9:25 Madeas Big Happy Family – PG-13 10:50 1:25 6:50 9:20 Water for Elephants – PG-13 10:40 11:10 1:20 1:50 4:20 4:50 7:05 7:35 10:05 10:40

Text Movies to 21321

BAK

BEST M FIELD’S OVIE VA LUE

Hop – PG 11:05 1:35 4:10 Diary of Wimpy Kid 2 – PG 10:45AM Hanna – PG-13 5:45PM

8 5 5

$ 50 $ 50 $ 50 3D $11.00

3D $8.00

EVERY THURSDAY

VALUE FREE SIZE POPCORN

ANYONE 55 OR OLDER

I I

(PG-13)

(11:40AM, 12:20, 1:20, 2:00, 2:30, 3:10, 4:10, 4:50, 5:20), 6:00, 7:00, 7:40, 8:10, 8:45, 9:50, 10:30

The Conspirator – PG-13 3:50PM Insidious – PG-13 6:55 9:40

ERS

SENIORS (55+) AND KIDS ONLY

(PG)

(12:40PM, 3:05, 5:30), 7:55, 10:20 I

(1:30PM, 3:30, 5:30), 7:35, 9:35

(PG-13)

WATER FOR ELEPHANTS (PG-13) (12:00PM, 2:40, 5:20), 7:00, 8:00, 9:45 MADEA’S BIG HAPPY FAMILY (PG-13) (12:00PM, 1:15, 2:25, 3:35, 4:50, 5:55), 7:15, 8:15, 9:40 RIO (G) 3D: (1:00PM, 3:20, 5:45) 2D: (11:45AM, 12:25, 2:00, 2:45, 4:20, 5:00), 7:20, 9:50

(11:50AM, 2:20, 5:00), 7:30, 9:55

(PG)

SCREAM 4 (R) (12:10PM, 2:40, 5:20), 8:00, 10:30 HOP (PG) (12:10PM, 2:20, 4:55), 7:05, 9:25 SOURCE CODE (PG-13) 8:00PM, 10:10 INSIDIOUS (PG-13) (12:45PM, 3:05, 5:25), 7:50, 10:15

ADVANCEDSHOWING SHOWING OF AT 12:01AM! THOR TONIGHT ADVANCED OF OF 12:01AM TONIGHT! ADVANCED SHOWING TONIGHT! INSIDIOUS SCREAM 4 12:01AM

Bargain Shows in ( )

I Pass/Discount Restrictions Apply

Showtimes Valid Only 5/5/11

Directed by Kathleen Schaffer Vocals by Char Gaines Choreography by Marnie Forzetting & Brent Rochon Performances held at The Harvey Auditorium 1341 G Street Tickets available online at bmtstars.com or by phoning the Ticket Office (661) 325-6100. Adults $35, Students $15 with Valid ID

Thursday, May 5, 2011 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Stampedeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; rides into fairgrounds

TACHI PALACE HOTEL & CASINO

BE RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF ALL THE FUN & EXCITEMENT!

PRCA rodeo sponsored by Kern Sheriffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Reserves BY MIRANDA WHITWORTH Contributing writer

hey call it â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Biggest Little Rodeo in California,â&#x20AC;? but thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nothing little about the 26th annual PRCA Stampede Days Rodeo. From the eventâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rich history to the manpower behind the production, Stampede Days is putting Kern County on the map in a big way. Taking place this weekend, Stampede Days will bring competitors from around the nation to the Kern County Fairgrounds. Stampede Days is a Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association event and riders will be competing for points in their run at the PRCA national tournament in Las Vegas. Cowboys will have a chance to compete in all things rodeo, including bull riding, bareback, saddle bronc, tie down roping, team roping, barrel racing and steer wrestling. Stampede Daysâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; premier bullfighter is Hollywood Yates, a veteran stunt man and actor who competed as â&#x20AC;&#x153;Wolfâ&#x20AC;? on NBCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s American Gladiators. Yates has spent 25 years in the rodeo arena and has earned two world titles and three National Final Rodeo Rings. Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be joined by veteran bullfighter Dusty Duba, who has been contracted with the PRCA for the past 13 years. Taking the microphone at Stampede Days for the sixth time will be rodeo announcer Doc Boene. This event is close to home for Boene, who manages a commercial cattle operation on the Loop Ranch in Keene. As for the competitors, Stampede Days chairman Richard Frank said the events will be full. â&#x20AC;&#x153;You never know what youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re gonna get until the day of. But I can tell you there will be about 20 or so riders for every event. That means there will be about 120 guys competing and they will be good. They travel all around the country doing this and they are coming here to give us a show.â&#x20AC;? Formerly known as Buck Owens Rodeo Days, the Kern County Sheriffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Department Reserves took over management of the event in 1985, renaming it Stampede Days. All of the eventâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s proceeds will benefit the Kern County Sheriffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Reserve Association. Frank, who recently retired from the reserves, stayed on to run the event, which he said gives an important financial boost to the organization. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are contracted for big events like the Kern County Fair, March Meets and Whiskey Flats. All of those deputies you see out there

CALIFORNIAN FILE

Jason Amon, of Payson, Ariz., holds on for a wild ride while competing at the 22nd annual PRCA Stampede Days Rodeo.

keeping an eye on things, they are from the reserves.â&#x20AC;? According to Frank, proceeds from events like this help keep reserve deputies finetuned. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When you call for help, that deputy that responds and knocks on your door â&#x20AC;&#x201D; they could be reserves â&#x20AC;&#x201D; you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know. Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll do the same job. So itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important that we have equipment and training.â&#x20AC;?

26th annual PRCA Stampede Days Rodeo When: Gates open at 6 p.m., performances at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday Where: Kern County Fairgrounds, 1142 P St. Admission: $16 in advance, $18 at the gate, box seats $22; $12 for kids 6-12, free for 5 and under; parking $3 Information: stampededaysrodeo.com or 399-3159

COLLEGE-BOUND SENIORS The Californian will salute local high school seniors in our annual college-bound seniors issue. We need: the studentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s full name, photo, high school, name of college, and submitterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s name and phone number,

which will not be published. Email to collegebound@bakersfield.com or bring the photo and information to The Californian, 1707 Eye St. Photos will not be returned. Deadline is May 11.

You are invited to relax in the quiet luxury of your own room at the special rate of only

$69.00* WEEKDAYS

$ 89 Fridays and Saturdays You never pay room tax or resort fees at Tachi Palace. 866-4PALACE

This is your opportunity to enjoy all the fun, food and excitement Tachi Palace has to offer, conveniently accessible from the luxury of your own room. Play your favorite games anytime you want. Relax in the spa, enjoy fine dining and indulge yourself in the wide array of outstanding amenities the resort is known for. *Our traditional rooms at these special rates are limited. Use code MADWD69 for weekdays, and code MADWE89 for Fridays and Saturdays to receive this discount. Make your reservations now at tachipalace.com or call 1-866 4 Palace.

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, May 5, 2011

Eye Street Camille Gavin CONTRIBUTING COLUMNIST

Artist lights up the canvas Touring, local shows crowd theaters

uring a preview of Monica Nelson’s solo show last week what impressed me most about her oil paintings is their radiance. She handles light in a way that creates a pleasing glow, both in her landscapes and her portraits. “I love playing with the light at different times of the day,” the artist explained, indicating a deeply shadowed desert scene of a single Joshua tree that is silhouetted against the gleaming rays of the rising sun. Nelson’s exhibit, which includes Nelson both portraits and landscapes, opens tomorrow evening at Juliana’s Art Studio and Gallery. Another distinctive feature of her work is her attention to detail. This is especially evident in four 6by-6-inch landscapes that are hung in a vertical line. The upper two show scenes along the hiking trail along the Kern River, done at midday. The lower ones reveal the freshness of the grasslands near New Cuyama late in the afternoon after a rainstorm. A Bakersfield resident for nine years, Nelson got her start at age 15 as a graphic artist in her family’s advertising company in Cincinnati. Then from 1988-90 she majored in graphic art and journalism at Kent State University and about six years ago began studying fine art with Anthony Ryder in Santa Fe, N.M., and in Los Angeles. Her exhibit can be seen at Juliana’s through May 31.

‘The Mikado’ at Rabobank I’m sure that like a lot of other Bakersfield Community Concert members I’m eager to see tonight’s production of “The Mikado” by the New York Gilbert and Sullivan Players, or NYGASP. It’s the final show in the association’s current season and, in my view, will proba-

PHOTO COURTESY OF KAYLEIGH PEAKER

A scene from “Stage Door,” which opened last week at The Empty Space. From left: David Rock, Caroline Clark, Guinevere PH Dethlefson and James Kopp.

and Ellie Sivesind. Performances continue through May 28. CASEY CHRISTIE / THE CALIFORNIAN

Jason McClain plays the part of Franz Liebkind during a dress rehearsal of “The Producers,” which opens at the Spotlight Theatre on Friday.

Coming soon Don’t miss Camille Gavin’s look back at 75 years of the Kern women's Amateur Golf Championships, plus a preview of this year’s event.

bly be its best offering in 2010-11. But I admit I have a bias. I love both the humor and music of just about anything by Gilbert and Sullivan. And NYGASP, now in its 36th year, has a solid reputation for putting on entertaining performances. Colorful as well as comical, the operetta is filled with lively tongue-twisting lyrics and characters with such fun-to-say names like Nanki-Poo, Yum-Yum, PittiSing and Pooh-Bah. It’s set in the town of Titipu and tells the story of a wandering minstrel who falls in love with a beautiful young maiden who is engaged to someone else. After a number of twists and turns, including a pretended beheading and the revelation that the minstrel is actually the heir to the Japanese throne, all turns out well in the end.

‘Stage Door’ at The Empty Space Back in January when Bob Kempf announced auditions for

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

“Stage Door,” I questioned whether he’d be able to fill all 27 roles, especially since more than half of the characters call for females. Turns out I shouldn’t have doubted The Empty Space’s artistic director, who said at the time he didn’t foresee any problems and that his optimism stemmed from knowing “there are a lot of terrific actresses in town.” Tomorrow night the classic about Broadway wannabes written in the 1930s by Edna Ferber and George S. Kaufman opens with what Kempf says is the largest cast to ever fill the stage at The Empty Space. Although it’s not a musical, there is a lot of nostalgic music in the show, mainly recordings from the ’30s. Kempf said there’s also live piano music from a character called Olga Brandt, who is portrayed by Chelsea Zent, a classically trained Russian pianist who has, due to hard times, resorted to playing piano for Broadway show rehearsals. Set in a boarding house, it tells the story of young women struggling to find stage work in the midst of the Great Depression. Some find success such as dancing in a nightclub, touring in a road show or even being discovered by Hollywood. Among those starring “Stage Door” are Amy Hall, Kevin Ganger, Justin L. Brooks, Cody Ganger, Barbara Gagnon, Caroline Clark, Guinevere PH Dethlefson

Mel Brooks comedy at Spotlight Director Jarred Clowes has a personal connection to “The Producers,” which opens tomorrow at the Spotlight Theatre. “I've been a fan of the show for quite a while, and in fact owe it a debt of gratitude,” he says. “I met my wife (costume designer Kat Clowes) while working on the musical's touring production.” A zany musical, the show revolves around a pair of theatrical producers, portrayed by Alex Neal and Kenneth Whitchard, who are trying to get rich by inveigling investors to put money in a Broadway flop. In typical Brooks’ style, it features over-the-top accents, put-downs and caricatures of Hitler and the Nazis, and lots of insider jokes. Others in lead roles are Jeff Malone, Jason McClain, Carolyn Fox and John Paul Horn. The show also includes a 17-member chorus, with choreography by Marvin Ramey and vocal direction by Ashton Smith. Performances end on May 28.

Youth Theater presents ‘Midas’ The Tehachapi Youth Theater will open the curtains tomorrow evening on a nine-performance run of “The Midas King and the Miraculous Golden Touch.” Kendric Bertram plays the King in Michele L. Vacca’s play that’s inspired by an ancient Greek myth and a 19th century story by Nathaniel Hawthorne. Also in the cast are Cody Steinbach, Magneto Morgan, Kennedy Caudle, Carson Bruner and Emma Grimes.

GO & DO Monica Nelson exhibit Opening reception: 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday Where: Juliana’s Art Studio and Gallery, 501 18th St. Admission: Free Information: 327-7507

‘Stage Door’ When: 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday Where: The Empty Space, 706 Oak St. Admission: Free, donations accepted Information: 327-7529

‘The Producers’ When: 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday Where: Spotlight Theatre, 1622 19th St. Admission: $20; $15, seniors and students Information: 634-0692

‘King Midas and the Miraculous Golden Touch’ When: 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday Where: BeeKay Theatre, 110 S. Green St., Tehachapi Admission: $10 Information: 822-4037

Monica Nadon, director, said some of the young thespians in the show have gained experience by attending Tehachapi Community Theater Junior acting classes and summer drama camps.

Thursday, May 5, 2011 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street

A spoof with a twist Theater takes sly approach to classic BY ASHLEY FISCHER Contributing writer

SFIELD CALIF OR

2010

AN NI

et your plutonium ready, and make sure your flux capacitor is charged to 1.21 gigawatts, because the Gaslight Melodrama is sending you and your family “Back From the Future.” Beginning on Friday and running through June 25, the Gaslight will pay tribute to one of the most beloved film trilogies of all time: “Back to the Future.” “We’re actually building and painting the time machine as we speak right now,” said Michael Prince, artistic director for the theater. Prince, a lifelong fan of the “Back to the Future” films, wrote the script for this production and will be starring as the play’s central character, Smarty McFry. In case you’re not a dedicated follower of the movies, Smarty is Prince’s equivalent of the film’s original star, Marty McFly, famously played by a youthful Michael J. Fox. This is just one of the many delightful puns and parodies audiences can expect from Prince’s original script. “It’s more of a satire or a parody — a comedic tribute to the film,” said Prince. “I’ve seen each of the movies at least 150 times or more, so I wanted to do the show as a tribute to the movies. They’re such great stories — they’re universal.” Prince’s script features an entirely new (yet familiar) story, in which Smarty and his companion, “Doc” Clown, must traipse through time in order to rescue Smarty’s parents, who have been captured by the evil Buff Tanman, Biff Tannen’s great-greatgrandfather. But fans of the original films needn’t worry — the actionpacked play remains true to the franchise’s spirit and features many iconic elements one would expect from any “Back to the Future” adventure. “We didn’t want to get too bogged down in the specifics,” explained Prince. “The characters are all very much representative of the movies in their costumes. And we do have a DeLorean, but it’s not a big feature, because Buff has stolen it. This is why Doc and Marty have to use the (time machine) prototypes, which are a Yugo and a Pinto. “The action starts off right out of the gate. Smarty gets a letter from the past from his parents, very much like in the movie, where everything is propelled by a letter. The letter from his mother that explains to him that they’ve been kidnapped by evil Buff Tanman. This sends Smarty on a mission to save his family. Smarty and Doc travel through time, everywhere from the 1920s in Paris, France, to the 1970s at Studio 54 to the very, very distant future.” The play features a cast of six seasoned Melodrama performers, includ-

O R S’ C H O I C E P

Opening: May 6th through June 25th For reservations

587-3377 12748 Jomani Drive

PHOTO COURTESY OF GASLIGHT MELODRAMA

From left, Michael Prince, Michael Kubik and Don Kruszka are shown in a scene from “Back From the Future.”

‘Back From the Future’ When: 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday; runs through June 25 Where: Gaslight Melodrama Theatre & Music Hall, 12748 Jomani Drive Admission: $12 to $23 Information: 587-3377 or themelodrama.squarespace.com

ing Prince as Smarty; Don Kruszka as “Doc;” Michael Kubik as the evil Buff Tanman (Biff’s great-great-grandson); Jill Burdick and Jay Stodder as Smarty’s parents, Elaine and George McFry; and finally, Shaylan Trone, who plays a total of seven smaller characters. And while theater is traditionally considered some pretty “heavy” stuff, the main goal of the Gaslight is to ensure that audience members become immersed in an exciting, theatrical world, and, most importantly, have a lot of fun. “I always tell people, ‘This is the theater to come to if you don’t like theater,’” said Prince. “What we do is more of an experience. It’s more about having fun, laughing and getting away

from life for a couple of hours, and letting laughter take over. It’s all familyfriendly; everybody has a good time.” Giving the traditional melodrama format a slightly modern spin, many of the Gaslight’s productions poke fun at popular movies and television programs with its over-the-top sense of humor. And audiences can expect plenty of opportunities to join in on the fun. “We like to get the audience involved as much as possible,” said Prince. “We’ll write in characters specifically for an audience member to play. During our production of ‘The Mobfather,’ we had an audience member play a bodyguard who got shot, and then we gave him an Oscar for his performance.” Prince and the rest of the crew at the Gaslight are eager to get “Back from the Future” up and running. “We’re all really excited about this. We love working together here — we love each other. We’re very much a family here: my wife, my in laws, even my 4-year-old son — we’re all here every day. And we put this together for other families to come and enjoy themselves,” said Prince. “We can’t wait to get this play on stage and in front of an audience.”

Do you Twitter? Twitter is a free service available through twitter.com. You can find out what people are doing, what they are reading, what issues are the hot topic of the day, and get up-to-the-minute with the latest news and events.

twitter.com/bakodeals

twitter.com/tbcbreakingnews

twitter.com/loishenry

twitter.com/bakobiz

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, May 5, 2011

Eye Street The Lowdown with Matt Munoz

Foo Fighters in Bakersfield Hottest band in U.S. rehearsing for tour

hen you’re the hottest band in the country, with both a single and album at the top of the Billboard charts, you pretty much have your pick of major cities and plush venues to prepare for your highly anticipated world tour. So if you’re Dave Grohl of Foo Fighters, where do you go? Bakersfield, California — and more specifically, the Rabobank Arena. Straight off the best reviews of their career and a No. 1 debut for their latest album, “Wasting Light,” the band has set up camp at the Rabobank to rehearse and go over logistics for the tour, which has no scheduled stops in Bakersfield as of yet. The guys wanted to keep their time in Bakersfield a secret, but word is out — with a vengeance — and several sources who work closely with the Foo Fighters have confirmed the band has been rehearsing here since at least Monday and possibly as early as Friday. They are expected to wrap rehearsals next Wednesday, according to the sources, who requested anonymity. Why did the Foo Fighters choose Bakersfield? The reason is simple, according to our sources: affordability and proximity to home. Band members Grohl, Taylor Hawkins, Pat Smear, Chris Shiflett and Nate Mendel reportedly are commuting from Los Angeles semi-regularly and are looking to do some local honkytonk jamming. Don’t be surprised if a few

NICKI THOMAS / TORONTO STAR

Foo Fighters are in Bakersfield rehearsing for their tour. From left: Dave Grohl, Nate Mendel, Taylor Hawkins, Chris Shiflett and Pat Smear.

members show up for a rendition of “Streets of Bakersfield” at some lucky venue. After all, guitarist Pat Smear can be seen playing a red, white and blue Buck Owens-style acoustic guitar in an “MTV Unplugged” Nirvana concert, with Grohl on drums. Rumor also has it that Smear is hoping to score an official Owens’ guitar for his collection. The band definitely seems to have an affinity for our town — this isn’t the first time they’ve been here. Fans may remember the band’s last local concert in 2003 at the venue, when it was still called Centennial Garden. That show was followed by a secret 2005 music video shoot for the single “All My Life,” inside the arena, which masqueraded as the Los Angeles Forum. Currently experiencing the most successful run of their 16year career, the group’s album, “Wasting Light,” is considered to be the band’s opus. Produced by Butch Vig, Nirvana’s “Nevermind” producer, the critically acclaimed

release also features a guest spot by former Nirvana bandmate Krist Novoselic on bass. Foo Fighters kick off their 2011 world tour with a show on May 14 at the UK’s One Big Weekend festival, according to the band’s official website, foofighters.com. The Californian’s attempts to reach the band for an interview have been unsuccessful, but if any of the guys in the band are reading this, by all means give us a ring.

Rock and country collide Two musical worlds are about to collide in Bako over the next few days. Let’s start with tonight’s concert by the pride of Denton, Texas — The Eli Young Band at Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace. Well aware of today’s Cinco de Mayo festivities, bassist Jon Jones says to count them in. “It’s probably a bad idea, but yeah,” he laughed. “Tequila makes people act strange, so if we’re drinking it, you’re gonna know.” Since appearing at Buck’s last

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.

September, the group has been waiting for the ink to dry on a new label deal while riding high on the strength of their last single, “Guinevere.” Now, with another hit on their hands with “Crazy Girl,” and a new five-song digital-only Ep released on Tuesday, the quartet are anxiously moving into the next phase of their career. “This is by far the fastest moving single we’ve had, so we’re trying to get the ball rolling,” said Jones. “Our fans have really gravitated to this song and hopefully to the rest of the new record.” But it’s not all shiny boots and buckle bunnies for these wildeyed Texas boys. Last December, the group had a meltdown in front of a stadium full of Kansas City Chiefs football fans when singer Mike Eli forgot the words to “The Star-Spangled Banner.” It was a career blooper that would also dog pop singer Christina Aguilera a month later at the Super Bowl. Jones recalls the sea of boos and online flogging they endured afterward. “It was brutal, but we made it. You’re nervous in a completely different way doing the anthem. I think we’ll probably start singing at high school games and work our way back up again.” There’s always more tequila, fellas. Tickets for tonight’s show are $11.50 to $17.50. 7 p.m. at Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace, 2800 Buck Owens Blvd. 328-7560.

Papa Roach to rock Stramler One band mindful of the perils of taking on our national anthem in front of a crowd of rabidly patriotic fans is radio rockers Papa Roach, who make their return to Bakersfield with a big outdoor show Friday night at Stramler Park. “That’s a difficult song to sing,” said Papa Roach lead vocalist Jacoby Shaddix, via telephone from a recent tour stop in Boise. “It’s all about the range. If you start your cue too high, by the time you get to the last part of the song, you’re (expletive.) I was asked to do it for a Sacramento Kings game

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.

once, and I said no. If I blow it, the media will be all over it, and you know how they like doing that.” Whatever made him think that? Sticking to the safety of his rock domain, Shaddix and crew are most known for their ‘99 monster hit “Last Resort.” Fearful of the sophomore slump, the Vacaville quartet chose an extreme makeover going from sneaker wearing, skate rock hoodlums to eyeliner blazing, leatherwearing rock gods. “We started out in an era of no image. Part of the creative process of our band was to evolve the image, in the creative process with our music. The way we connect with our fans is still the same, along with our passion and convictions to our performances. Since ‘Last Resort,’ we’ve had a slew of rock hits. We’ve been pretty blessed.” One of the few rock bands to score slots on both the Vans Warped and Ozzfest tours, Papa Roach continues to infest airwaves with their latest record, “Time For Annihilation.” Shaddix says Bako fans won’t be disappointed with Friday’s live assault. “It’s full on knock down, drag out, savage rock and roll. We’re one of the most energetic rock bands on the planet right now. Straight up, man.” Also appearing are Finger Eleven, The Councilmen, Andreas Fault and Dirt Head. Tickets are $29.75. Pre-party begins at 4 p.m., gates at 6 p.m. For more information, visit timgardeapresents.com.

Thursday, May 5, 2011 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street

2nd Location Now Open 6801-B1 White Lane 836-0070

A little bayou boogie in Bakersfield Crawfish fest moves to Prime Cut this year BY STEFANI DIAS

2180 Wible Road • 661-833-8167

Californian assistant lifestyles editor sdias@bakersfield.com

www.RandDLeatherFurniture.com

rom the South to the Southland, they come in search of the delectable crustaceans that bring a taste of the bayou to Bakersfield. Find out what all the fuss is about at Prime Cut’s 13th annual Crawfish Festival on Saturday. Held for years at Stramler Park, the event will be at the restaurant in northwest Bakersfield this year. Prime Cut co-owner Merv Crist said the decision was made in part because of the economy. At its maximum, the festival had 600 to 800 in attendance, but in recent years that number has been halved. Moving the event from the park to Prime Cut also gives Crist the opportunity to show off the restaurant. “Let’s drive people there. There are a lot of people who come to the Crawfish Festival, but they haven’t been to the restaurant,” Crist said. Those dedicated attendees are a mix of locals and those willing to travel for good food, Crist said, and include Southern transplants, Louisiana State University alumni, a man claiming to be the great-grandson of New Orleans voodoo priestess Marie Laveau — “I’ve seen him three times,” Crist said — and a yacht club group of 15 or 20 that comes up in motorhomes. “People from all over town, all walks of life. They come together and have a good time,” Crist said. They will be a bit more tight-knit this year as the event will take place in a fenced-in area around the restaurant. “With people closer, there will be more socialization.” And there will be lots to talk about, including the music. This year’s musical headliners hail from the Los Angeles area but sound very Southern. Bonne Musique Zydeco plays traditional zydeco and blues. Also playing the blues will be local band Foster & Friends, complete with a horn section and backup singers, said Prime Cut co-owner Michelle Crist. “They love what they do and it shows.” George the Giant will be on hand, performing sideshow acts including sword swallowing and making balloon animals for the kids. Other activities include face painting by FUNominal FACES, bean bag and water balloon tosses, a bounce house and a crawfish petting pond. For those kids, like the Crists’ daughter Alexis, who might pet the crustacean but won’t eat them, a

HENRY A. BARRIOS / THE CALIFORNIAN

Jeri Campbell prepares to crack into a crawfish at the 11th annual Crawfish Festival held at Stramler Park in 2009. This year’s event moves to Prime Cut on Brimhall Road on Saturday.

13th annual Crawfish Festival When: Noon to 6 p.m. Saturday Where: Prime Cut, 9500 Brimhall Road Admission: $40 for adults, $12 for kids, pre-sale; $45 and $15 at the door Information: 831-1413

plate with a hot dog, chips and a drink will be available as well as cotton candy. Crawfish, of course, is the star of the event menu. Flown in from Louisiana, it’s boiled along with red potatoes and corn in a mix fragranced with garlic, onion and lemon. Further beefing up the offerings are andouille and boudin sausages, a chicken and sausage jambalaya and barbecue pork ribs. Don’t expect to load up your plate with everything at once though. Unlike many other local events, the Crawfish Festival is not a “wait in line, sitdown meal”-type day. “It’s an experience, not a meal,” Merv Crist said. With food stations and booths for beer and Hurricanes, the festival is designed for grazing and gabbing. You may really start chatting if you don’t pace yourself on the Hurricanes. The drink popularized in New Orleans is a potent rum-based cocktail that has been served at the festival for years. “Hurricanes are pretty nice, but they’re called that for a reason. They’ll sneak up on you. At least don’t try to underestimate them,”

Merv Crist said. With warm and dry weather predicted, Crist advised to stay hydrated (water and soda are also available) and plan for a designated driver if you really want to imbibe. “We want them to have all the fun they can stand and be safe. Get something, listen to a band ... It’s a two- to four-hour eating experience,” Crist said. Whether you start eating as soon as food is served at 1 p.m. or linger, make sure to save room for treats served later in the day: raw oysters on the half shell and sliced watermelon. “We started with watermelon five or six years ago. Lips were burning from all the spicy food” and the fresh melon was a hit, Crist said. Pleasing people is what the festival, which developed as a customer appreciation event, is all about, Michelle Crist said. “My favorite part is seeing the joy in people's faces while they are at the event. Watching them get a little bounce in their step or chair while they are listening to the music. “It’s great to see people laughing and having a good time with their friends, making new ones and being with family, too,” she said, mentioning that along with her children that her mother-in-law is coming from Oklahoma. Time with family is great, but don’t forget about the food. Crist, who said the restaurant’s crawfish etouffee is one of her favorite dishes, also enjoys getting her hands dirty at the event. “I like doing the whole ‘peel ’em, suck ’em, eat ’em’ thing. Sure, it is messy, but it is tasty!”

NIGHTCLUB THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2011

HOT OFF THE PRESS…

THE PRESS DOORS OPEN AT 7PM MUST BE 21+ NO COVER

VIP-

SERVICE AVAILABLE

THE MENU: TEQUILA SHOT SPECIALS ALL NIGHT $3 DOS XX – $3 CORONAS – $3 MARGARITAS NILE NIGHTCLUB - 1721 19TH ST. BAKERSFIELD, CA - 661-323-8575

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, May 5, 2011

Eye Street “She told me she wanted to date me for my parts and I wanted to date her for her car. A year later we were married. We ended up selling the Challenger and I’ve still got her.” — Lloyd Hines

100% American under the hood Car club president a sucker for Chrysler BY MIRANDA WHITWORTH Contributing writer

any of life’s milestones take place behind the wheel of a car. When you talk to auto enthusiasts about the vehicles they have owned and the reason they are passionate about a certain brand, stories that define their lives tumble out as they describe the car they were driving — way back when. For Lloyd Hines, president of the Mopar Muscle Club International of Bakersfield, that statement rings true. Whether it is the story of his first car purchase or how he met the love of his life, his affinity for Mopar has been a driving force behind many of his big moves. Mopar is short for Motor Parts and is the parts and service arm of Chrysler Group LLC. When you hear people say they love Mopar, that means they drive Chrysler, Plymouth, Jeep, Dodge and any other brand associated with the group. Hines and the Mopar Muscle Club International of Bakersfield will be putting that devotion on display this weekend at the Kern County Museum for the 2011 All-American Powered Car Show. While he is a Mopar driver through and through the show itself is open to all — almost all, that is. “As long as it’s American powered you are welcome to come,” said Hines. “It can be any year, just as long as you can drive it onto the museum. No towing.” Hines’ love for the Chrysler line began when he bought his first car from his dad at the age of 13. Hines said he spent $45 on the 1954 Plymouth Savoy and then proceeded to make it his own. “I took out the engine, rebuilt the transmission, did the upholstery and paint. Then I drove it to school.” Hines joked that growing up in a small town back east had its perks: “When you live in a 600-person village and have a lot of family in law enforcement or who were judges you can get away with a lot.” Hines eventually found himself in Bakersfield working in oil and continuing to buy, fix and sell Mopar. He said he first laid eyes on his future wife, Candi, when she accompanied her father to his house on a mission for parts. Within a few years he ran into Candi again while he was out cruising in Hart Park. She was driving a a 1971 Dodge Challenger and remembered Hines immediately. “She told me she wanted to date me for my parts and I wanted to date her for her car,” recalled Hines. “A year later we were married. We ended up selling the Challenger and I’ve still got her.”

2011 All-American Powered Car Show When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday Where: Kern County Museum, 3801 Chester Ave. Admission: Adults, $10; seniors (60 and older) and students 13 to 17, $9; ages 6 to 12, $8; 3 to 5, $7; free for museum members and children under 3 Information: 289-0151

The couple’s current everyday cars are not as exotic, but Hines said they still have a classic tucked away. He calls the car their baby, a 1970 Dodge Challenger Convertible. According to Hines, only 211 were made in 1970 and he keeps the rare piece of machinery up on jacks in the pair’s garage. The Challenger was purchased by Hines from the original owner in Kernville. He said he got it running the weekend after he brought it home. “It’s red with a white convertible top and white interior. We used to drive it all the time around town and to car shows. But once we bought a house with a garage 18 years ago it went into the garage and I was going to do some work on it. But there it’s sat ever since.” Hines isn’t the only car lover with stories, and if you head to the Kern County Museum Saturday the anecdotes will continue to flow. Twenty-five different classes of car will be on display, with awards being given for the top three in each class. The trophies are handed out by people’s choice except for the Memorial Award which Hines said is chosen by the Mopar Club members. “We give out that trophy kinda based on the people we have had in the club that passed away. We look at the cars and see which particular one reminds us of someone and the car they used to drive and we give it out that way.” In addition to the competition among the cars, there is a competition on brand knowledge for the entrants. The club will have trivia associated with vehicle emblem recognition and trivia regarding the museum itself with awards handed out to the highest scorers. A 50/50 drawing will also take place and raffle prizes will be called all day. Every entrant will get a goodie bag donated by vendors and sponsors and as a special gift from the Mopar Club, each vehicle owner will get a professional photograph of their car. In addition to the games and rides on display vendors selling everything from barbecue to baby items will be on the museum grounds. All proceeds from this year’s event will benefit the Bakersfield Ronald McDonald House.

Thursday, May 5, 2011 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street

Theater gets $10,000 to attract customers County awards Spotlight as part of $100,000 in tourism grants BY JENNIFER SELF Californian lifestyles editor jself@bakersfield.com

downtown Bakersfield theater is testing just how far its spotlight will reach with the help of $10,000 in funding from the county â&#x20AC;&#x201D; â&#x20AC;&#x153;our first major grant,â&#x20AC;? said Steven Littles, school coordinator at the Spotlight Theatre. The Kern County Board of Trade is doling out grants totalling $100,000 to 13 organizations attempting to lure tourists and their wallets to the area, fortuitous timing considering how hard cultural and artistic groups have been hit in the current economic climate. Littles, one of four full-time employees at the theater, said beyond the obvious shot in the arm, the money will enable Spotlight to remain on track with an ambitious five-year development plan to become an Equity theater, a distinction that could attract professional actors and other perks, not to mention a measure of prestige. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s going to take more than Kern County audiences for us to hit our goals,â&#x20AC;? Littles said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s more than a half a million people in the county and only 7 percent go see a show regularly once a year. We have five theaters here working off 7 percent of the population. This helps with exposure. If people are coming from Southern California to see shows, it helps the population here realize they have something great.â&#x20AC;? The Spotlightâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s budget is about $300,000 a year, most of it from private donors. Littles credited the Spotlight board of directors â&#x20AC;&#x201D; particularly members Mary Helen Barro and Lauren Franconi â&#x20AC;&#x201D; with securing the grant. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The good thing is with this grant and other things in the works, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re starting to

rebuild a stronger theater,â&#x20AC;? Littles said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;But we still have a long way to go. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d love for more people to come out and enjoy the theater.â&#x20AC;? And thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s plenty of theater to enjoy. Littles noted the Spotlight season runs from September to August, with basically no dark periods (â&#x20AC;&#x153;weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re kind of killing ourselvesâ&#x20AC;?). Most shows run over four weekends, filling on average a little more than half of the 99 seats. The Spotlight has 14 productions lined up for next season. But though the terms of the grant dictate that the theater expand its focus to areas outside the county, Littles said the Spotlight is in no way giving up on homegrown audiences. In fact, a recent buyone-get-one-free season ticket promotion has worked out well, drawing new faces to the theater. And the Spotlight is offering its stage to outside productions as well. Frontier High just ended a run there, and East Bakersfield High will present a play based on the Random Acts of Kindness campaign created by Bakersfield educator and entrepreneur Chuck Wall. That show will take the stage May 13, 14, 27 and 28. But is Bakersfield theater exciting enough to entice Southern Californians to spend $4.27 a gallon to get here? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m going to be very honest, and you probably wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t believe me, but Bakersfield has a lot of good theater going on, and thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not just at the Spotlight but The Empty Space, BCT and Stars,â&#x20AC;? Littles said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;For a population of this size to have theater going on at all times is just unheard of.â&#x20AC;? Also receiving the highest grant of $10,000 were campaigns to market the Kern River Valley, Ridgecrest and the California Hot Rod Reunion at Famoso Raceway. Groups receiving smaller grants include the National Chavez Center, West Kern Oil Museum and a spiritual festival in Pine Mountain Club.

Party planner: Your Cinco in a blink-o BY MATT MUNOZ Bakotopia.com editor mmunoz@bakersfield.com

inco de Mayo is Bakersfieldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s favorite excuse to party, second only to St. Patrickâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day. Adopted by Americans as a day for dancing, tequila and spicy food, the real story behind the Mexican holiday goes all the way back to May 5, 1862, in the city of Puebla, Mexico. Commemorating a small victory by Mexican forces against the occupying French in the region, the victorious but brief Battle of Puebla was followed by defeat at the hands of their French enemies. No one is sure how todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cinco de Mayo came to be such a holiday hit in the States, but most point to the decadent â&#x20AC;&#x2122;80s and the national marketing of Corona beer. Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a list of some Bakersfieldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best bets to celebrate todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cinco de Mayo. Please have a designated driver and always be

good amigos! Fishlips: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Pachanga 2011,â&#x20AC;? with Mento Buru, Glenda Robles and Bandoleros, Vanity Avenue, DJ Frankie P., 6 p.m. 1517 18th St. $7. Iron Horse Saloon: dancing, drink specials, food, music, 7 to 11 p.m. 1821 S. Chester Ave. La Minda Cantina: Cabo Wabo and Jager girls, DJs, music by Latin Breeze and Sunday Snake Oil, party favors, 5 p.m., 4001 Auburn St. $10 advance; $13 at the door. Sandriniâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s: Velorio, 9 p.m., 1918 Eye St. $5. B. Ryders: Thee Majestics, food and drink specials, 7:30 p.m., 7401 White Lane. $5. Aguieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s: Club Myst, Sunny Rose, The Beatnuts, DJ, DJ Redeemed, DJ In Da Mix, DJ Adub, 9 p.m., 2781 Calloway Drive. $15. The Nile: The Press, 7 p.m., 1721 19th St. Padre Hotel: Jay Smith Jazz Band, with DJ Noe G., 5 p.m., 1702 18th St. Jacalito Grill: Prisoners of Love, 7 p.m., 900 Truxtun Ave., Suite 110.

Paul Rodriguez

Tickets $20 to $50 For concert information go to tachipalace.com or call 1-866-4palace

Tachi Palace Fights 9 Friday, May 6

Main Event World No. 3 Ranked Flyweight Ian McCall vs. Undefeated Dustin Ortiz Tachi Outdoor Event Center Doors open at 5 pm First fight 6 pm Tickets start at $30 tachipalace.com Streamed live on Sherdog.com Stream starts at 5:30 p.m. (PST)

Live at the Den

THIS WEEKEND May 6-8

Friday: Rock Bands Mr. Rude â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 10pm to 1:30am Saturday: Classic Rock The Parris Bros. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 10pm to 1:30am Sunday: Hot Latin Jams Spun by DJ Juice â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 9pm to 1am

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, May 5, 2011

Eye Street GO&DO Today 18th annual Spring Steak Barbecue, Harris Ranch steak and chicken dinner, beans, salad, roll, ice cream, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., Our Lady of Perpetual Help, 124 Columbus St. $25. 323-3108 or 809-2491. Bank of America Essay & Speech Contest Finals, featuring students who must deliver a three-to-five minute speech; 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., University Square, 2000 K St. Awards will be given. 636-4330. Bookseller’s Book Group, 7 p.m., Barnes and Noble, in the cafe, 4001 California Ave. 631-2575. DiGiorgio School P.T.F. Annual Deep Pit BBQ, with carnival, meal includes deep pit barbecue, chili beans, salad, roll and dessert, take out 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., dining room 6 to 8 p.m., DiGiorgio School, 19405 Buena Vista Blvd, Arvin. $7; $4 children. 854-2604. Eli Young Band, 7 p.m. Details, Page 26. Hoffmann Hospice 17th annual Voices of Inspiration Dinner, featuring Marcus Luttrell, entertainment, dinner, raffle, silent and live auction, doors open at 5:30 p.m., DoubleTree Hotel, 3100 Camino Del Rio Court. $100. 410-1010. SPCA Book Sale, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays; noon to 6 p.m.

Sundays, near the old Michael’s store near East Hills Mall, 3501 Mall View Road Ste. 113. bakersfieldspca.org or 3238353. “The Mikado” Details, Page 24.

Friday 15th annual Party in the Park, Details, Page 21. 25th annual Bakersfield Jazz Festival, Details, Pages 20-21. 26th annual PRCA Stampede Days Rodeo, Details, Page 23. Annual “Junk-A-Tique” Yard Sale, furniture, clothing, books, toys, appliances, collectibles and more; 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, 6 a.m. to noon Saturday, Calvary Bible Church, 48 Manor St., just below the bluffs. All proceeds go toward missions work. 327-5921. Cubensis-Grateful Dead Tribute, with Moonalice Details, Page 26. First Friday Downtown. Details, Page 22. Mike Montano, solo guitar, 5:30 to 8 p.m., Ellie Jaye’s, 1608 19th St. classic rock. Papa Roach, with Finger Eleven and Pop Evil. Details, Page 26. Seventh annual Tri-Tip Lunch Fundraiser, sponsored by Mossman’s Dinner and Catering Company, drive-through pickup 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., First Presbyterian Church, 1705

17th St. $10; proceeds benefit the Salvation Army summer camps. 836-8438.

Saturday 12th annual Rotary Car Show, with a lake cruise, pet parade and more, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Riverside Park, Kernville. Free to watch. $40 pre-entry fee, $45 day of show. rotarycarshow.com or 760-378-3888. 13th annual Crawfish Festival. Details, Page 27. 2011 All-American Powered Car Show. Details, Page 28. Annual Carnival; car show, games, bingo, auction, raffle, door prizes, food, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Shirley Lane Elementary School, 6714 Shirley Lane. 363-7684. Art & Craft Faire, demonstrations, opportunity drawing, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Enchanted Cottage, 30 H St. Free. 319-9977. Bakersfield Diamond Diva Rough Cuts Roller Derby, vs. Central Coast Rough Diamonds, 6 p.m., Skateland, 415 Ming Ave. $10 advance for adults; $12 adults; $5 children and seniors. 831-5567 or 3311003. Bakersfield Speedway “Racing for Wishes,” silent auction, raffle, IMCA Modifieds, Hobby Stocks, Mini Dwarfs, races begin at 6 p.m., Bakersfield Speedway, 5001 N. Chester Ave. $15; $5 children. Proceeds benefit Make-AWish Foundation. 472-8734.

BHS Driller Drumline & Color Guard Carwash Fundraiser, 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Bakersfield High School, on the corner of California Ave. and G St., 1241 G St. $5 per car. 3268461. Booker Kilgore Memorial Golf Tournament, raffle prizes, registration at 11 a.m., shotgun at 12:30 p.m., Sundale Country Club, 6218 Sundale Ave. $85 per person, includes dinner. Proceeds benefit West High School athletics. 204-4763. Bulky Waste & Electronic Recycling Event, bring your unwanted electronic items, paper shredding, 8 a.m. to noon, Stallion Springs Community Services District, 27800 Stallion Springs Drive, Tehahchapi. Free. nlagness@yahoo.com or 369-9861. Celebrate National Train Day, with The Golden Empire Historical and Modeling Society who will have an operating train display, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Bakersfield Amtrak Station, 601 Truxtun Ave. 589-0391. CSUB Roadrunner Baseball vs. Loyola Marymount, 6 p.m., CSUB campus, Hardt Field, 9001 Stockdale Highway. $4 to $7. 654-2583. Elks Kids’ Carnival, with games, food, prizes, bounce house, dunk tank, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Kern River Elks Lodge #2358, 6708 Wofford Boulevard, Wofford Heights. 476-6812.

“Every Light in the Nations On” Candlelight Vigil, with a welcoming and closing prayer, table of honor ceremony, open mic, recognition to soldiers and more, 7 p.m., Crossroads to Recovery, parking lot, 201 E. Brundage Lane. 4878682. FACT Open House, 1 to 4 p.m., CSUB, Facility for Animal Care and Treatment, 9001 Stockdale Highway. 664-3167. Free Comic Book Day, with costume contest, Darkstar Records & Books, next to Ben & Jerry’s inside the East Hills Mall, 3000 Mall View Road. 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. Great Spirit Lodge’s First annual Mother’s Day Fundraiser, spaghetti dinner, 5 to 9 p.m., Knights of Columbus Hall #977, 108 Goodman St. $8 adults; $5 children. 243-6367. Kern Audubon Society, field trip to Waste Water Treatment Ponds, with Michael McQuerry, meet 8 a.m., take Mt. Vernon exit of Highway 58, go south, follow Mt. Vernon until it ends at the gate where we will meet. kernaudubonsociety.org or 832-1820 or 342-9309. Kings, Queens, Knights & Pawns, learn the game of chess, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Beale Library, Tejon Room, 701 Truxtun Ave. 868-0770. Merle Haggard, 8 p.m., Bakersfield Fox Theater, 2001 H St. $35 to $85.

Terry & ’s Charlotte

vallitix.com or 322-5200. Model Train Club Open House, hosted by the Golden Empire Historical and Modeling Society, will display two large model railroads, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., 1534 19th St., entrance in alley. 589-0391. Mother’s Day Bazaar, face painting, fashion show, 11 a.m., East Hills Mall, Center Court, 3000 Mall View Road. 302-1878. Psychic Faire, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Jackie’s Magical Treasures, 616 Jackson St. $20 for 15-minute reading. 328-0661. 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 12, in the Tiburon subdivision community in northwest Bakersfield, 14206 Sante Fe Court. stjudedreamhome.org or 800-385-9134. Tae Ryong Taekwondo School presents “Board Breaking” event, benefitting Child Guidance Clinic, 9 a.m. to noon, Frontier High School, 6401 Allen Road. $10 to break a board. 589-5425. Third annual Health Extravaganza, with health screenings, informational booths, door prizes and more, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Advanced Spinal Clinic, 1001 Tower Way. Free. First 150 people receive a goody bag. 327-7074. Watch & Wager, The Kentucky Derby, gates open at 9 a.m., Kern County Fairgrounds, Sports Pavilion, 1142 S. P St. $4; free parking. Must be 18 or older. 833-4929. Please see PAGE 32

May Special

Buy 1 Dinner & Get 1

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

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

Fri & Sat, 5-10:30

Dine In Only Expires 5-31-11 Maximum value of $10.95 only. One coupon per table or party. Not valid with any other offers or Holidays.

Terry & ’s Charlotte

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

May Special

Buy 1 Lunch & Get 1

FREE FREE

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

Dine In Only Expires 5-31-11 Maximum value of $6.95 only. One coupon per table or party. Not valid with any other offers or Holidays.

Thursday, May 5, 2011 The Bakersfield Californian

PHOTO BY CONTRIBUTOR CHRIS FENISON

GOOD PHOTO? THINK YOU CAN DO BETTER? If so, we want to see your photos! The Bakersfield Californian is excited to announce a new photography contest, Capture Kern County. Later this year, we’ll be publishing a coffee-table art book on the best of Kern County in photography! We want your help. If you have photos that capture Kern County, upload them and you could end up in the book. We’re giving away tons of prizes too! The best part is, your votes determine which photos will be published in the book, and which photos win prizes. Your photos. Your votes. Your book. It’s the best of Kern County in photos, and you are in control. So login at capturekerncounty.com and start shaping the Capture Kern County photo contest. It’s all free, it’s all easy, and it’s all in hopes of finding the best photos of Kern County!

GO TO: capturekerncounty.com

Submit your photos of Kern County. Vote for the photos you think are the best. Win prizes, get published, and shape the Capture Kern County contest. PRESENTED BY:

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, May 5, 2011

Eye Street CONTINUED FROM PAGE 30

Wine, Women & Shoes, fashion show, auction, wines from more than 10 wineries, 2 to 6 p.m., at a private residence. $125 per person. Proceeds benefit CASA of Kern County. 631-2272.

Sunday CALM’s Mother’s Day Special, mothers and grandmothers will be admitted at half price, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., CALM, 10500 Alfred Harrell Highway. You’ll have a chance to win a free CALM family membership. calmzoo.org or 8722256. Mother’s Day Brunch with Live Music, non-buffet brunch with French toast, leek and mushroom tart, asparagus and parmesan omelet, wild game sausage, ahi tuna and more, while listening to gentle guitar sounds by Mauro, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Valentien Restaurant & Wine Bar, 1310 Truxtun Ave., Suite 160. $6 to $25. 864-0397. Mother’s Day Jazz Tribute Concert, 6 p.m., The Nile Theater, 1721 19th St. $25 advance; two tickets for $50; four tickets for $100. 1-877-738-8320. Mother’s Day Music Fest, noon to 7 p.m., Kern County Fairgrounds, Budweiser Pavilion, 1142 P St. Free admission and parking. 327-9711. Vicente Fernandez, 7 p.m., Rabobank Arena, 1001 Truxtun Ave. $48 to $169 plus fee. ticketmaster.com or 800-7453000.

THEATER “West Side Story,” 7 p.m. today and Friday, Ridgeview High School, 8501 Stine Road. $7; $6 students, children under 5 are free. 3983100. “Back to the Future,” followed by the vaudeville revue “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. “The Mikado,” 6:30 to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Liberty High School, Performing Arts Center, 925 Jewetta Ave. $7. 587-0925. “Stage Door,” 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, The Empty Space, 706 Oak St. Free but donations accepted. 327-7529. “The Night Time Show with Michael Armendariz,” variety show with guests Amy Hall, Kristina Saldana and Therese Muller, 11 p.m. Friday, The Empty Space, 706 Oak St. $5. 327-7529. “The Producers,” 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday, Spotlight Theatre, 1622 19th St. $20; $15 students/seniors. 6340692 or thespotlighttheatre.com. “Hairspray,” 8 p.m. Saturday, Bakersfield High School, in Harvey Auditorium, 1241 G St. $30-$35 adults; $15 students/children. 3256100. Improv Comedy Show, with Center For Improv Advancement,

8 to 9:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, Ice House, 3401 Chester Ave., Suite M. Adults: $5 on Friday and Saturdays, children under 12 are $1 every day. ciacomedy.com. 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.

ART Artist Reception & Show, featuring the work by artist Lila Martin, 6 p.m. Friday, Bakersfield Art Association Art Center, 1817 Eye St. 869-2320. All Media Class, by instructor Phyllis Oliver, all media welcome, with color theory stressed. 3484717 or pegolivert@ix.netcom.com. Art classes, beginning watercolor, beginning drawing, advanced drawing and watercolor painters’ group, taught by Carol Bradshaw. 760-376-6604 or bradshawartist@earthlink.net. Art Classes, stained glass, clay sculpture, oil painting, youth art and silver jewelry, Juliana’s Art Studio & Gallery, 501 18th St. For times and dates call 327-7507. Art for Healing program, of Mercy Hospitals of Bakersfield has many unique classes that may help alleviate stress and anxiety resulting in illness, loss, grief or caring for another. All classes are free but some suggest a donation and are held at Mercy Hospital, Truxtun Campus, Truxtun and A St. 324-7070 or mercybakersfield.org/art. Basic Beading & Wire Wrapping Workshop, with Susi Klassen, private instruction or by appointment, The Bead Hut, 610 18th St. 324-0975 or 706-6490. Beginning Oil Painting, with instructor Glen Jelletich, classes held 1 to 3 p.m. Mondays. 3993707. Beginning, Intermediate and Advanced Drawing, by instructor Nina Landgraff, series of five two-hour classes. 304-7002. Framing Clinic, with Toni Lott, for artists who want to frame their work, began April 7, running noon to 4 p.m. Wednesdays. 2053488. Free art classes, for homeschool children, 11 a.m. Thursdays, Moore’s Art School, 837-1037. Native American Arts Association, meets to learn basketry, beadwork and more, 9 a.m. to noon each Thursday, The Stockdale Moose Lodge, 905 Stine Road. 852-5050. The Art Center, 1817 Eye St., 869-2320; offers a variety of painting and drawing classes. Call for details. The Art Shop Club, 9 a.m. to noon each Thursday, Friday and Saturday, The Art Shop, 1221 20th St. All mediums. 322-0544, 5897463 or 496-5153.

Golden Acrylic Demonstration & Workshop with Chris Cozen, “Faux Encaustic Techniques,” demonstration 9 a.m. to noon, workshop 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Bakersfield Art Association Art Center, 1817 Eye St. Free demonstration; $60 members; $70 nonmembers for workshop. 8692320.

MUSIC Acoustic Kern River Brewing Company, 13415 Sierra Highway, Kernville, 760-376-2337; Mike Fleming, 8 to 10 p.m. Friday.

Blues 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; Twang Bangers, 9 p.m. Friday; live music, 9 p.m. Saturday. Lone Oak Lounge, 10612 Rosedale Highway, 589-0412; Mike Montano Band, 9 p.m. Saturday. Pyrenees Cafe, 601 Sumner, 3230053; Usual Suspects, 1 p.m. Saturday.

Comedy Tam O’Shanter, 2345 Alta Vista, 324-6774: Open mic, 7:30 p.m. Thursdays. 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. Ethel’s Old Corral, 4310 Alfred Harrell Highway, 873-7613; Crossroads, 7 to 11 p.m. Friday. Tejon Club, 117 El Tejon Ave., 3921747; Crossroads, 6 to 10 p.m. Sunday. Sandrini’s, 1918 Eye St., 3228900; Vince Galindo, 9 p.m. Wednesday.

Dancing Joaquin Squares, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Thursday, Rasmussen Center, 115 E. Roberts Lane. $5. 324-1390, 325-3086 or 399-3658. Folklorico Classes, advance dancers/performing group 6 to 8 p.m. Fridays; and beginners, all ages, 10:30 a.m. to noon Saturdays, Fruitvale-Norris Park, 6221 Norris Road. $22 per month for beginners; $25 per month for advance dancers. 833-8790. Pairs and Spares Dance, 7:30 p.m. each Friday, Rasmussen Senior Center, 115 E. Roberts Lane. $5; $7 nonmembers. 399-3575 or 332-1537. Dance classes, beginning west coast swing, intermediate/ advanced west coast swing with instructor Mimi Johanson, at 8214

Mossrock Drive. Call 927-7001 for details. Whirlaways Square Dance Club, has workshops/classes every first, third, fourth and fifth Mondays, Park Stockdale Civic Association Community Center, 205 Rio Bravo Drive. whirlaways.org or 213-3105. Whirlaways Square Dance Club, workshop/class with caller Rick Hampton every second Monday, Greenacres Community Center, game room, 2014 Calloway Drive. whirlaways.org or 213-3105. African Dance for Fitness, taught by national touring artists, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays and 1 to 2 p.m. Saturdays, Su Studio Dance Academy, 1515 21st St. $5$7 per class. africandanceclasses.com or 760917-3685. Beginner Belly Dance Lessons, 8 p.m. every Tuesday, Centre Stage Studio, 1710 Chester Ave. 3235215.

DJ Rockstarz Party Bar, 7737 Meany Ave., Suite B5, 589-6749; DJ James, 9 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays. Free. DJ. Banacek’s Lounge, 4601 State Road, 387-9224; with DJ Casey Overstreet, 9 p.m. Fridays. Le Corusse Rouge, 4647 White Lane, 834-1611; with DJ Chill in the Mixx, 5 p.m. every Friday until 2 a.m. Saturday. The Bull Shed Bar & Grill, at Hotel Rosedale, 2400 Camino Del Rio Court, 327-0681; with Meg, 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Sandrini’s, 1918 Eye St., 3228900; DJ Aaron and Flex, 9:30 p.m. Saturday.

Jazz Cafe Med, 4809 Stockdale Highway., 834-4433; Richie Perez, 7:30 to 11 p.m. Thursdays. Crest Bar & Grill, inside Bakersfield RV Resort, 5025 Wible Road, 833-9998; Kama Ruby, 6 to 9 p.m. Friday. Imbibe Wine & Spirits Merchant, 4140 Truxtun Ave., 633-WINE; live music & wine bar with featuring local artists, along with 24 wines, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Friday; featuring Jazz Connection, along with 24 wines, 7 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday. Imbibe Wine & Spirits Merchant, 4140 Truxtun Ave., 633-WINE; live music & wine bar with featuring Jazz Connection, along with 24 wines, 6 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays. Intimate Theatre & Music Hall, 2030 19th St., 323-1976; Ron Christian and his Big Band, 5:30 p.m. Tuesdays. Le Corusse Rouge, 4647 White Lane, 834-1611; Bakersfield Jazz Workshop, 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. every Wednesday.

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

Cactus Valley Mexican Restaurant, 4215 Rosedale Highway, 633-1948; 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Thursday; beer pong and happy hour all day Sunday. Cataldo’s Pizza, 4200 New Stine Road, 397-5000; 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Thursday. karaoke. 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., 398-1300; with Irish Monkey Entertainment, 6:30 to 11 p.m. Thursdays. The Old River Monte Carlo, 9750 Taft Highway, 837-0250; 8:30 p.m. every Thursday. The Wright Place, 2695-G Mount Vernon Ave., 872-8831, 8 p.m. every Thursday. Tomi’s Cowgirl Cafe, 1440 Weedpatch Highway, 633-1949; Karaoke King Show, all ages, 7 to 10 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays. Julie’s The Branding Iron Saloon, 1807 N. Chester Ave., 6 to 10 p.m. every Friday. Maria Bonita Mexican Restaurant, 10701 Highway 178, 366-3261, 7 to 11 p.m. Fridays. All ages. The Pourhouse, 4041 Fruitvale Ave., 589-9300; 9 p.m. every Friday. The Prime Cut, 9500 Brimhall Road, 831-1413; hosted by Ed Loverr, 9 p.m. to midnight Friday. The Regent, 2814 Niles St., 8714140; 8:30 p.m. every other Friday. Chateau Lounge, 2100 S. Chester Ave., 835-1550; 9 p.m. every Saturday. Del Rio Cocktail Lounge, 5840 State Road, 393-0262; 8 p.m. every Saturday. Pyrenees Cafe, 601 Sumner, 3230053; 8 p.m. to midnight Saturdays. Rocket Shop Cafe, 2000 S. Union Ave., 832-4800; 8:30 p.m. to midnight Saturday. Sports & Spirits, 6633 Ming Ave., 398-7077; 9 p.m. Thursdays and Saturdays. Tejon Club, 117 El Tejon Ave., 3921747; 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday. The Playhouse, 2915 Taft Highway; 397-3599; 7 to 10 p.m. Sundays. Diana’s Pit Stop, 10807 Rosedale Highway, 587-8888; 8 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays. Rockstarz Party Bar, 7737 Meany Ave., Suite B5, 589-6749; 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, 397-7304; 8 p.m. Tuesday. Cataldo’s Pizzeria, 6111 Niles St., 363-7200; 6:15 to 10:15 p.m. Tuesdays. Please see PAGE 33

Thursday, May 5, 2011 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street CONTINUED FROM PAGE 32

DoubleTree Hotel, Club Odyssey, 3100 Camino Del Rio Court; 8 p.m. to midnight Tuesdays. Le Corusse Rouge, 4647 White Lane, 834-1611; A to Z Karaoke, 8 p.m. to midnight Tuesdays. Lone Oak Inn, 10612 Rosedale Highway, 589-0412; 8 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday. Magoo’s Pizza, 1129 Olive Drive, 399-7800; 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Tuesday. McMurphy’s Irish Pub & Sports Bar, 14 Monterey St., 869-1451; 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. Tuesdays. Round Table Pizza, 2060 White Lane, 836-2700; 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday. The Bull Shed Bar & Grill, at Hotel Rosedale, 2400 Camino Del Rio Court, 327-0681; 7 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Trouts & The Blackboard Stages, 805 N. Chester Ave., 3996700; 7 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays, 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Ethel's Old Corral, 4310 Alfred Harrell Highway, 873-7613; 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays.

Latin/salsa Latin Salsa Dancing, 8 p.m. Thursdays, DoubleTree Hotel, Club Odyssey, 3100 Camino Del Rio Court. 323-7111. Sandrini’s, 1918 Eye St., 3228900; Velorio, 9:30 p.m. Saturday. Tam O’Shanter, 2345 Alta Vista, 324-6774: Salsa dancing, 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.

Mariachi Camino Real Restaurant, 3500 Truxtun Ave., 852-0493; Mariachi

Imperial, 6 to 9 p.m. Sundays.

Top 40

Oldies

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

KC Steakhouse, 2515 F St., 3229910; Jimmy Gaines, Bobby O and Mike Halls, 6:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday. Que Pasa Mexican Cafe, 2701 Ming Ave., 832-5011; Mario the Rockin’ Elvis, 8 to 11 p.m. Thursday.

Old School B. Ryder’s Sports Bar & Grill, 7401 White Lane, 397-7304; Thee Majestics, 9 p.m. Thursday. $5. Que Pasa Mexican Cafe, 2701 Ming Ave., 832-5011; Al Garcia & the Rhythm Kings, 8 to 11 p.m. every Thursday. The Nile Bar & Grill, 1721 19th St., 323-8575; The Press, 7 p.m. Thursday. Iron Horse Saloon, 1821 S. Chester Ave., 831-1315; Lost Vinyl, 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

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

’80s B. Ryder’s Sports Bar & Grill, 7401 White Lane, 397-7304; Dub Seed, 9 p.m. Friday. $5. B. Ryder’s Sports Bar & Grill, 7401 White Lane, 397-7304; Members Only, 9 p.m. Saturday. $5.

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

Rock Rockstarz Party Bar, 7737 Meany Ave., Suite B5, 589-6749; live bands, 9 p.m. every Thursday. B. Ryder’s Sports Bar & Grill, 7401 White Lane, 397-7304; The Barstool Saints CD Release Party, with Backlight Revelation, Meditated Assault, 9 p.m. Friday. The Prime Cut, 9500 Brimhall Road, 831-1413; Chuck Seaton and Billy Russell's Songwriter's Showcase, 7 p.m. Wednesdays.

Bellvedere Cocktail Lounge, 3090 Brundage Lane, 325-2139; 7 p.m. Tuesdays. Sandrini’s, 1918 Eye St., 3228900; Trivia Night with Dave Rezac, 10 p.m. Tuesdays.

Variety

Open mic

Songwriters

Trivia night

UPCOMING EVENTS Monday 5/9 Comedy with Eric Buss, 7:30 to 8:30 p.m., Intimate Theatre & Music Hall, 2030 19th St. $15. 809-4826. Farmer’s Insurance 2011 March of Dimes Golf Tournament, benefitting March of Dimes, 8 a.m., Rio Bravo Country Club, 15200 Casa Club Dr. $110 per person; $440 per team. Includes breakfast, lunch, cart. $10 per person for lunch only. 588-4883 ext. 114. Kern County Rose Society, with Chuck Hobbs discussing roses, socializing 6:30 p.m., meeting 7

p.m., Calvary Bible Church, 48 Manor St. 327-3228. 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 Rd, Ste., 113. bakersfieldspca.org or 323-8353.

Tuesday 5/10 California Writers Series, with authors Mona Simpson and Samara Kanegis, 7 to 10 p.m., CSUB, Walter Stiern Library, Dezember Reading Room, 9001 Stockdale Highway. Free; parking in Lot D is $2. 654-6503. Creative Corner Bazaar, featuring handmade items such as fabric art, kitchen accessories, quilts, children’s items and more, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., The Villas at Scenic River, 4015 Scenic River Lane. 871-3340 or 619-4153. International Coin Collectors Association, will examine your rare coins, silver coins, collections, gold bullion, proof sets, investment gold and more, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, Four Points Hotel by Sheraton, 5101 California Ave. Free. Visit thrassociates.com or 217-7267590. League of Women Voters, meeting; 6:30 p.m., UC Merced Center, 2000 K St. 634-3773. Sierra Club Conditioning Hikes, three to five miles, 7 p.m., meet at corner of Highways 178 and 184. 872-2432 or 873-8107. Social Media: How to Protect your Kids & What to Know, with The Californian’s Community Engagement Coordinator Jamie Butow who will give tips on ways

Join us for our 3rd Annual CHINESE • AMERICAN • JAPANESE CUISINES

Health Extravaganza!

ALL YOU CAN EAT

SATURDAY, MAY 7TH 2011 9:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M.

TAKE O AVAIL UT ABLE

ADULTS

Mon - Fri 10AM - 3:30PM Must Bring in Coupon Expires 6/05/11

5 $ 99 7 $

Reg. $6.39 Ages 3 - 8 Half Price

ADULTS

Mon - Fri 3:30PM - 9:30PM Sat., Sun, & Holidays All Day Must Bring in Coupon Expires 6/05/11

2309 Brundage Lane, Bakersfield 93304 (661) 631-0680 • 10AM - 9:30PM 7 Days a Week

to keep your kids safe from social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Google and more, 6 to 7:30 p.m., Four Points Hotel by Sheraton, 5101 California Ave. Free. 322-5204. Zonta Club of Bakersfield annual Luncheon, guest speaker Sherri Bergamo, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., The Petroleum Club, Fifth floor, 5060 California Ave. $20 per person. Reservations needed by May 6, 201-3505.

Wednesday 5/11 75th annual Kern County Women’s Amateur Golf Championship, two-day event: registration 7 a.m. Wednesday and Thursday; shotgun begins at 8:30 a.m. both days. First day event is held at Sundale Country Club, 6218 Sundale Ave., second day event is held at Kern River Golf Course with a luncheon immediately following tournament. $120 includes green fees, cart, balls, prizes for two-day event. (Luncheon Thursday only). 587-1077 or 832-6639. Day of the Teacher Community Celebration, games, raffles, dinner, 4 to 7 p.m., Yokuts Park, 4200 Empire Drive. Reservations needed by May 6, visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/s /dayoftheteacher. Ladies Night, learn about stretching, bike fit, bike repair, nutrition and more, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., Action Sports, 9500 Brimhall Road, Suite 400. 833-4000. “Public or Privacy Information? Right to Know vs. Right to Privacy,” hosted by the Kegley Institute of Ethics and Kern Press Club, 7 p.m., CSUB, Doré Theatre, Albertson Room, 9001 Stockdale Highway. Free. 654-2555.

Give Yourself A Beach Body Summer Look!

HEALTH INFORMATION, SCREENING, PRIZES & MORE FOR THE FAMILY!

Health gs! in Screen • • • • • • •

NO COST!

Stroke Screening Blood Pressure Screening Glucose Testing Body Composition Testing Spinal Evaluations Nutritional Screening Houchin Blood Bank On-Site!

Pilates Reformer

Ra P r i zf f l e es! • Improve Flexibility • Relieve Stress • Create A Strong & Lean Body • Develop A Strong Core

Mat Classes Are Now Available! Reformer Personal Training Instructions By Appointment Only.

Reg. $8.99 Ages 3 - 8 Half Price

1001 Tower Way • (661) 327-2622 (Off Mohawk St., behind Stockdale Tower Bldg.)

www.advanced spinalhealth.net

1405 Commercial Way, Ste. 110 • 661-324-7848