Bakersfield Californina Eye Street Entertainment by Matt Munoz

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, June 17, 2010

Eye Street

Index Anthony Bourdain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 Book discussions at the Beale . . . . . . . . . . . .19 Neon Night . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 The Lowdown with Matt Munoz . . . . . . . . . . .22 Arts Alive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23 Battle of the Salons finale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26-27

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

Eddie Montgomery and Troy Gentry of Montgomery Gentry got the party started early by hanging out with customers at the Tilted Kilt in Rosedale on Tuesday. Good times!

Country Throwdown Music festival of this caliber a rare event for Bakersfield BY MATT MUNOZ Bakotopia.com editor mmunoz@bakersfield.com

A country festival modeled after a long-running alternative music tour is something that Bakersfield, quite frankly, just doesn’t see every day. But a brand new experience is what the ambitious Country Throwdown tour hopes to deliver, with an impressive list of young artists who range from soulful upstarts to mainstream hit-makers. Each exemplifies — or tries to — the current outlaw resurgence in country music. The mere fact that Bakersfield fans will see the festival at all is something of a triumph, considering the tour’s bumpy start: canceled shows, juggled dates and the

defection of at least one artist. The Throwdown kicks off at Rabobank Convention Center at 1 p.m. Friday. The traveling cavalcade of rockin’ country jams promises to get a little rowdy at 6 p.m., when the whole shebang moves into the adjoining arena for the headliners’ shows. That raucous, outlaw vibe is just what country acts Montgomery Gentry, Jamey Johnson, Little Big Town, the Eli Young Band, along with Heidi Newfield, Eric Church, Jack Ingram and a host of others plan to bring to local music fans. “My shows tend to be live and in your face,” said Throwdown promoter Kevin Lyman, organizer of the Please see / 17

“It’s a real killer concept and it’s working. I’m seeing the crowds build and build, and it’s something good coming outside the box for country music fans.” — Heidi Newfield

Jamey Johnson is a leading voice in the outlaw comeback.

COUNTRY THROWDOWN TOUR When: 1 p.m. Friday Where: Rabobank Convention Center, 1001 Truxtun Ave. Admission: $30 to $33.50 Information: 852-7777

Thursday, June 17, 2010 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street HEIDI NEWFIELD’S KERN CONNECTION

Heidi Newfield makes sure to tip her hat to pioneering women of country like Loretta Lynn. CONTINUED FROM 16

annual VANS Warped Tour, whose youthful, untamed exuberance has provided inspiration for the country tour. “Fans have really been enjoying the shows,” he said. “We’re going to build a little festival ground in the Convention Center building with vendors and stages, then everyone can move into the arena for the evening program.” Tour date cancellations aside, for Lyman it’s all about making first-time connections in crucial cities like Bakersfield, whose date was abruptly changed from a Wednesday to Friday. “When we had that opportunity to take it to Friday, we thought it would be more advantageous for people to ditch out early and head out to the show,” he said. “I believe a tour like this can develop in markets like Bakersfield that don’t necessarily get all the superstar acts sometimes.”

‘Outside the box for country’ Early arrivals can expect a fair share of new talents like Walker Hayes on the The Blue Bird Café Stage or familiar hitmakers like Heidi Newfeld on the Outlaw Stage. “You don’t wanna miss early bands on the sidestage — artists like Jonathan Singleton or Heidi. Last week Jamey Johnson had Little Big Town, Eric Church, and Heidi up on stage

together in the evening,” said Lyman of the surprises fans can expect. “It’s a real killer concept and it’s working,” said Newfeld, formerly of Trick Pony. “I’m seeing the crowds build and build, and it’s something good coming outside the box for country music fans.” If you’re looking for something a little more soulful, both Newfield and Lyman agree that The Bluebird Café Stage — named after an influential Nashville club of the same name — is one of the day’s real treats. Artists like Brad Tursi (former guitarist of Army of Me), Ashley Ray, Dave Pahanish, Heather Morgan and more play for crowds in an unplugged setting. While the performers aren’t household names, many of their songs have become hits for stars like Tim McGraw and Keith Urban. Plan on being well-rested the night before; the festivities start early and end late with Montgomery Gentry and Jamey Johnson capping a full day of country the likes of Bakersfield rarely get a chance to see. But depending on attendance, should fans look forward to more next year? “If I can figure out how to make this an annual event the way I make Warped Tour happen in a place like Boise, I’d love Bakersfield to become a great annual stop,” Lyman said.

Known to throw down musically onstage as a multi-instrumentalist and performer, Heidi Newfield, drawing raves for her solo output after a hit-making run with Trick Pony, credits her rebellious onstage nature to her California roots. “California is very rich in country music tradition,” said Newfield who originally hails from the fertile wine capital city of Healdsburg. “When I was a baby, I remember listening to Merle Haggard, Buck Owens, Johnny Cash, Patsy Cline, and all the traditionalists. As I went on into my teenage years, my sisters would bring home the great rockers like The Stones, AC/DC, Aerosmith, and The Beatles. My influences run pretty wild.” Ready to belt out some new material for fans, plus hits from her Trick Pony days — Newfield also looks forward to returning to some familiar Central Valley turf. “My dad’s side of the family has been living in the outer Bakersfield areas like Shafter for many, many years,” she said. “I was raised in a very agriculturally based lifestyle, of which I’m very proud of.” Paying her dues in a male-dominated industry since leaving home for Nashville after high school, Newfield sees this opportunity as another way of showing off her solo strengths. Mindful of her roots, she always tips her hat to other country music pioneers she respects and covers regularly. “Singers like Loretta Lynn, Reba McEntire, and others … I’m proud of us girls. From day one, we’ve always been an important presence in country music,” she said. “I hope that when people leave my show, they realize a chick can get up there, sing really strong, write a lot of her own material, and be a musician at the same time, be a triple threat, and deliver. We can be pretty on stage, but we can also kick ass.” — Matt Munoz, Bakotopia.com

ERIC CHURCH: ‘10 ROWS OF GUYS WITH THEIR FISTS IN THE AIR’ Traditional Nashville wisdom would dictate that Eric Church — whose rowdy live show conjures the best of Waylon Jennings and Hank Williams Jr. — not tour until he had a top 10 hit. But the country rocker and his team saw things differently. His 2006 debut single, “How ’Bout You,” had peaked at No. 14 after 25 weeks on the chart. Controversial second single “Two Pink Lines,” which dealt with teen pregnancy, barely cracked the top 20. As if that weren’t enough, the independent-thinking Church, 23, had been famously fired from the Rascal Flatts tour for not sticking to his set length. “The career got a little squirrely there,” Church says. So Church, along with his manager and agent, hatched a plan. The artist was going to

hit the road playing small rock clubs. “Everybody thought we’d lost our minds,” Church says. “We got kicked off the biggest tour and we had a teen pregnancy single out there. We went from those big arenas back to the small clubs.” But a funny thing happened along the way. Playing to progressively larger crowds, Church found his fans. “We didn’t find them on the big arena tours,” he says. “We found them in these little sweatbox clubs. “We found a fan base that maybe country wasn’t talking to at the time: young males,” Church continues. “Most artists go onstage and they’ve got pretty girls in the front row. Not us. We’ve got 10 rows of guys with their fists in the air.” — Ken Tucker, Billboard

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, June 17, 2010

Eye Street Beautiful Smiles

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Adv. Tix on Sale TOY STORY 3 Adv. Tix on Sale GROWN UPS Adv. Tix on Sale TWILIGHT SAGA: ECLIPSE THE KARATE KID (PG) (945 1245 115 345) 645 715 945 THE A-TEAM (PG-13) (1000 1030 130 415 445) 730 1015 1045 MARMADUKE (PG) (1215 230 440) 700 915 SPLICE (R) - ID REQ'D (1210 245 530) 800 1030 GET HIM TO THE GREEK (R) - ID REQ'D (1045 145 500) 745 1040 KILLERS (PG-13) (1145 215 515) 740 1000 PRINCE OF PERSIA: SANDS OF TIME (PG-13) (1020 120 420) 720 1010 SEX AND THE CITY 2 (R) - ID REQ'D (1230 330) 710 1020 SHREK FOREVER AFTER IN REALD 3D EVENT PRICING (PG) (1025 1100 100 200 400 430) 635 705 845 920 SHREK FOREVER AFTER (PG) (1130 AM) LETTERS TO JULIET (PG) (140 410) 645 910 ROBIN HOOD (PG-13) (1250 350) 650 950 IRON MAN 2 (PG-13) (1200 315) 615 930 THE SPY NEXT DOOR (PG) (1000 AM) TALE OF DESPEREAUX (G) (1000 AM) TOY STORY 3D IN REALD 3D - EVENT 1201 AM PRICING - MIDNITE (G)

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Celebrity chef cooks up fascinating show at Fox BY PETE TITTL Contributing columnist ptittl@bakersfield.com

A mere 10 years ago Anthony Bourdain was a veteran chef standing next to a fryer in a French restaurant, working long hours in a physically demanding profession and deep in personal debt. But he had written a story about the real world of restaurant kitchens that was published in the New Yorker and turned into a best-selling book, “Kitchen Confidential: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly.” His world has never been the same. “Now I fly all around the world, first class, eat what I want, have total creative control of my show, and I write,” he said in a phone interview. “I didn’t even have health insurance. My life has changed incredibly in the past 10 years. Being the father of a 3year-old girl has made me incredibly philosophical about things.” Bourdain, who has a series on the Travel Channel called “No Reservations,” will share some of that experience in an appearance at the Fox on Friday. He also has a new book to sell — “Medium Raw: A Bloody Valentine to the World of Food and the People Who Cook.” He said he needed a nice span of time to think about how the restaurant business and his life have changed before writing what might be considered a sequel. “I poured 44 years of my restaurant life into the first book,” he said. “I needed some time to pass, and really wanted to comment on how the restaurant business has changed in the past 10 years. It’s completely different now, much more professional. Chefs have prestige. We used to be the Lost Boys. Now people care what the chef thinks. We are living in a golden age of the restaurant industry. “There are so many reasons. Chefs started to travel, we had the celebrity chef phenomenon, people ate outside their comfort zone. Really, America started moving closer to the way the rest of the world thinks about food — France, Italy and Asia. Julia Child was a tectonic shift, but there was really a lot of things happening all at once.” Bourdain said the exact reason for the shift is complicated, ranging from increased travel, trailblazing personalities like Child and more daring behavior by American eaters. “The dining public today is a lot more educated, more willing to try new things. Eating out became a popular form of entertainment in America. Even with the hard economic times, there’s never been a better time to be a cook or in the restaurant business.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF MILLS ENTERTAINMENT

Chef Anthony Bourdain’s life changed dramatically with his best-selling book “Kitchen Confidential: Adventures the the Culinary Underbelly.”

NO RESERVATIONS — AN EVENING WITH ANTHONY BOURDAIN When: 8 p.m. Friday Where: Fox Theater, 2001 H St. Admission: $51 to $98. vallitix.com or 324-1369.

‘Now everybody’s afraid to order the fish special’ The chef has gone on to write other books in the meantime, including “A Cook’s Tour: Global Adventures in Extreme Cuisines,” “No Reservations: Around the World on an Empty Stomach,” “The Nasty Bits: Collected Varietal Cuts, Used Trim, Scraps, and Bones,” cookbooks and even a novel, “Bone in the Throat.” But none had the impact that his first book did. People constantly mention it to him, even though he thinks so many of the things he wrote about were obvious or have changed. “Anyone who spent a summer working in a restaurant knew what I said about the bread basket bread (being reused),” he said. “Now everybody’s afraid to order the fish special on Mondays, but chefs tell me they took it as a challenge. The cool thing has been how many young chefs told me that the book inspired them to go to cooking school.” Bourdain also noted America’s influence on world cuisines is strong. “I was over in Paris and some chefs there were trying to imitate what was going on in New York and Brooklyn,” he said. “Years ago that would’ve

never happened.” What to expect at the Fox? Bourdain said there won’t be any “T-shirt cannons or smoke machines, no audio visuals. I just walk out and talk for an hour, kind of like a long standup routine, and then I take questions from the audience. It’s great, it really gives me a chance to try out new material, meet the public, get immediate feedback from people.” Bourdain said the show (he does about 40 a year) grew out of his work with a speaker’s bureau, which sent him out on corporate appearances. He hopes to continue writing, speaking and doing his TV shows (which premiered in 2005) as “long as they’ll have me. I’m having fun, and I’ve got more creative control than anyone in the history of television.” One job he won’t return to is restaurant chef. “I’m 54, and it’s a young person’s game,” he said. “It’s been nine years since I did that, and I’d be kidding myself if I thought I’d be any good at it. I miss the adrenaline and the camaraderie, but I did it for 28 years and I don’t want to romanticize it. “If you’re 32 and thinking of going into this as a career change, I’d rethink it.”

Thursday, June 17, 2010 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street

LIONSGATE

Gabourey Sidibe in a scene from “Precious.” The film is based on “Push: A Novel.”

Beale Library wants to talk books — are you free? BY CAMILLE GAVIN Contributing columnist gavinarts@aol.com

A meager turnout for the first “Let’s Talk” book discussion at Beale Memorial Library hasn’t dampened Andrea Apple’s enthusiasm for the new program for adults. “I am so passionate about this,” said Apple, the branch’s head librarian. “I’m hoping that it will grow as the summer goes on — maybe as the weather gets hotter, more people will come.” While admitting her disappointment at the attendance on June 10 — three people for the discussion of “Julie & Julia” and eight for the film — Apple expects a bigger crowd for today’s subject, “Push: A Novel,” by Sapphire. Brenda Scobey of the Beale staff will lead the discussion of “Push,” which was made into an Oscar-nominated movie titled “Precious.” It is the story of a pregnant illiterate teen living in Harlem who makes a new life for herself when she enrolls in an alternative school. The discussions take place in the Lake Room on the library’s first floor. Unlike “Julie & Julia,” there won’t be a public showing of “Precious,” Apple said, but it is available on DVD for home viewing and can be borrowed from the library’s audio-visual collection. “Dead until Dark,” a vampire-themed book, is scheduled for June 24, with Apple guiding the discussion. The book, part of the Sookie Stackhouse mystery series, is the basis for HBO’s “True Blood,” which began its third season Sunday. Book discussions continue on Thursdays through July 29 at Beale. “The Lovely Bones” is one of those scheduled during July, and Apple said the film will be shown as well.

Teen programs Making ice cream is easy, says David Meeks, who will show teens how to do it Friday in the Tejon Room on the second floor at Beale. “All you need is a coffee can, some rock salt and the ice cream mix,” Meeks said. “Then you put duct tape on it — to seal it — and shake it back and forth like crazy for a couple of minutes.” He noted, however, that should the coffee can method fail to turn out as expected,

BOOK DISCUSSION On: “Push: A Novel” by Sapphire When: 11:15 a.m. today Where: Beale Memorial Library, 701 Truxtun Ave. Admission: Free Information: 868-0745

Teen summer reading program On: “Ice Cream Creator” When: 3 to 4 p.m. Friday Where: Beale Memorial Library, 701 Truxtun Ave. Admission: Free Call: 868-0745

those attending will get free scoops of previously made ice cream. Teen Talk, book discussions and activities designed for that age group, continues with “Hunger Games,” on June 23, “Make Waves with Water Colors” on June 25 and ideas for creating your own book reviews of favorite titles on June 30.

‘Make a Splash’ The annual summer reading program for children is under way at Beale and all Kern County Library branches. Those who read 10 books by July 31 get to take home a free paperback published by Scholastic. A number of different activities are planned in keeping with the theme, “Make a Splash.” Each involves something to do with water and things that live in it. For example, Omnipresent Puppet Theatre will present “The Fisherman’s Wife” at 11:30 a.m. today at Holloway-Gonzales Branch, 506 E. Brundage Lane, and at 4 p.m. at Rathbun, 204 W. China Grade Loop. “Roaming Reptiles,” a program about snakes, takes place at 4 p.m. today in the Arkelian Children’s Room at Beale. All summer programs for children are free and are paid for by Friends of the Kern County Library. For a complete list of activities and a suggested reading list, visit the Beale or any branch library.

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, June 17, 2010

Eye Street

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The Wool Growers sign is as old as the restaurant itself, which dates to 1954, according to Mayie Maitia, who started the business with her husband. The family took the sign with them 34 years ago when they moved from the Metropole building on Sumner Street to the current location at 620 E. 19th St.

Cay Health Foods’ sign is in need of repair, said owner John Harrer, who maintains it himself, citing the expense of professional restoration. He painted the sign awhile back but noticed that it started peeling in January. He plans to repaint soon and hopes to repair the neon portion. Harrer, who has owned the store since 1984, doesn’t know the age of the sign but notes that the store has been at 902 18th St. since 1948. Harrer hopes to donate the sign to the museum some day.

City lights Annual celebration of neon illuminates Kern museum BY HILLARY HAENES

BAKERSFIELD’S BEST AND BRIGHTEST

Californian staff writer hhaenes@bakersfield.com

Get ready to turn back the hands of time to the days when neon signs gave character to downtowns across America. Oldies from the 1950s will set the mood at the third annual Neon Night and sock hop at the Kern County Museum tonight. Dust off those saddle shoes and poodle skirts, ladies, and tell your fella to grab a white T-shirt and a pair of cuffed jeans for a night of nostalgic Americana fun. Tasty diner delights — hamburgers or hot dogs, chips, chili beans and a soda pop — will be served with purchase of admission. Ice cream and Italian ice, as well as cold brewskies and wine are available for purchase separately. A collection of classic cars will be on display in the Neon Courtyard. Neon signs, which still dot the boulevards of Kern County, peaked in artistry and popularity in the 1950s

We asked Lori Wear, curator of collections at the Kern County Museum and Nancy Carter, chairwoman of Center Neon, which neon signs around Bakersfield light them up: Lori Wear: 1. Andre’s Drive-In 2. Wool Growers Restaurant 3. Trout’s Cocktail Lounge 4. Seven-Up Royal Crown Bottling Co. 5. Cay Health Foods

and ’60s. Back in its heyday, neon illuminated buildings on prominent streets with ruby red, hot pink and turquoise hues. But municipal restrictions on signage and ever-changing tastes have made the brilliance and prevalence of neon a thing of the past, according to Lori Wear, curator of collections at the Kern County Museum.

Nancy Carter: 1. Aldo’s Night Club at 19th and Union 2. Mauricio’s Mexican Restaurant 3. Guthrie’s Alley Cat 4. Bakersfield Fox Theater 5. Rusty’s Pizza

The first neon lamp was unveiled in 1893 when Nikola Tesla’s creation was displayed at the Chicago World’s Fair. Several years down the line, Georges Claude, a French chemist, introduced the first neon sign at the 1910 Paris Exposition. Nancy Carter, chairwoman of longPlease see / 21

GO & DO Neon Night 3 — 1950s Sock Hop What: Local neon signs exhibit, 1950s diner food and classic cars When: Tonight from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Where: Kern County Museum, 3801 Chester Ave. in the Neon Courtyard

Cost: $12 for museum members; $15 at the gate Admission cost covers a dinner plate that includes (a hamburger or hot dog, chips, chili beans and drink). Mr. Big Stix will provide ice cream for $2 each and Goodfellas will provide Italian ice for $3 a piece. Also available to purchase is beer for $3 and wine for $4.

Information: Call the museum at 852-5000 or visit kcmuseum.org.

Get your neon on — literally Neon merchandise can be purchased from the Kern County Museum website at cafepress.com/ KCMuseumNeon. The very cool swag

boasts pictures of the popular neon signs in the museum’s collection. Merchandise includes several styles of men’s, women’s and kids’ Tshirts, baby bibs, a tote bag, an apron, a mousepad, a wall clock, greeting cards, coffee mugs and even a dog Tshirt.

Thursday, June 17, 2010 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street CONTINUED FROM 20

time Bakersfield family business Center Neon, said customers’ inquiries about neon usually display an ignorance about how it works. Carter’s brother, Dave McNamee, who has repaired neon signs for more than 30 years, said that light is produced when an electric current is sent through a glass tube filled with neon and another inert gas. Different hues in tubing render unique colors. The museum has six signs on display, all of which have been donated and restored: The entrance to the Bakersfield Inn Annex, Tops Market, Jim Baker Electrifier, Far East Cafe, Saba’s Men’s Wear and Shafter Rexall Drugs. “It depends on the overall condition, the cost to restore, history of the sign and whether it is an iconic piece that people will remember,” said Wear about what the museum looks for when seeking signs. Signs can take hours, days and even months to repair, depending on the shape, size and condition, said Carter, whose company has restored the museum’s neon. A few of the signs the museum has on display didn’t need much work because they were wellmaintained. The Far East Cafe sign was the most expensive to date for Center Neon to repair because it is so large and wasn’t in the best condition. “It was the most satisfying because we ate there as a kid,” Carter said. All of the signs are a permanent exhibit at the museum, but this once-a-year electrifying event is the best way to check out the memorable signs.

About the museum’s neon The Bakersfield Inn opened in 1929, and

later expanded across Union Avenue. In 1948, the entrance sign was built to show travelers the way to the new annex. The sign was donated by Center Neon Co. Inc. and cost about $2,000 to restore and install. Tops Market was built circa 1958 and was located on 7th Street in Wasco. The square shape of the sign was odd; Center Neon was able to make a new one that was identical to the original. The sign was donated by Center Neon Co. Inc. and cost about $1,800 for restoration and installation. Jim Baker Electrifier was purchased in 1946 by Raymond F. Vinson, who had the neon sign built to promote his new business, located at 19th Street in Bakersfield until 2000. The sign was donated by Allene Stanton and Margaret Vinson Dye. Before the Far East Cafe, Chinese Village Cafe occupied the downtown Bakersfield building from 1942 to about 1951. The large sign was originally built in 1942 and was later remodeled to advertise for the popular Chinese restaurant until about 2000. Center Neon had to gut and strip the sign to its bare skeleton, a two-month process. The sign was donated by John J. Ulman Construction and cost more than $4,500 to fix and install. Saba’s Men’s Wear was opened during the 1930s by Mike Saba on Baker Street. The store provided clothes for men working on a nearby railroad. A 1952 earthquake destroyed the original building, so a new store and a Saba’s sign were both built in 1953. The sign was donated by Jack Saba. Shafter Drugs Rexall was established in 1919. A new store was built in the town’s business district in the late 1930s. The neon sign was installed in the late 1940s and stayed in place until 2005. The sign was donated by the Shafter Historical Society.

STILL DIM — FOR NOW Three signs sit tucked away in storage at the museum, awaiting donations for their restoration and installation: The Tejon Theatre marquee sign was donated by Bethany Ministries and will cost an estimated $5,000 to restore and about $2,000 to install. The 1945 Unocal gas station sign was donated by Terry Kloth and is thought to be the most expensive sign to restore and install. The cost to restore is an estimated $7,000 and about $2,500 to install. The O. B. Nuzum Tire Service sign was donated by the city of Bakersfield and will cost approximately $6,000 to restore and about $4,500 to install. To make donations for neon sign restorations at the museum, visit kcmuseum.org or call 852-5000.

HELLO, GORGEOUS If you’ve driven by the museum recently, you probably did a little rubbernecking at the main building — so spruced up that it shines like a jewel along Chester. It’s just stunning. The museum painted the interior and exterior of the former Chamber of

Commerce building — which went up in 1938 — to reflect the original colors. New interior lighting and windows were installed on the east side of the building. The project took approximately a year and three months to complete and cost about $285,000.

CARNIVAL SUMMER FUN DAY It’s a red-letter day today at the museum, not only for nostalgia lovers, but for children as well. Families are invited to explore the museum, which will host information stations, activities and entertainment. Admission is $3 per person and includes all activity stations and six bounce house-area tickets. Members of the museum and children ages 3 and under get in free. Additional bounce house-area tickets are 50 cents each and a hot dog lunch can be purchased for $3. The event is held today from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Kern County Museum.

BECOME A MUSEUM MEMBER Visit kcmuseum.org/membership and download the museum’s benefits chart for price information. Some of the perks of being a member include free daily admission for certain numbers of people, discount tickets for Safe Halloween, 10 percent discount in the Museum Store, full color newsletter, invitation to opening exhibits and events, advance tickets in the mail for Wine Fest, discounts on summer day camps and free admission to Cookies at the Clock Tower, as well as other

science and children museums. Admission: Members: Free Adults: $10 Seniors (60+): $9 Students, ages 13-17: $9 Students, ages 6-12: $8 Children, ages 3-5: $7 Children under 3: Free Tickets are sold until 3 p.m. each day.

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The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, June 17, 2010

Eye Street

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akersfield hosts some musical legends both in-person and in tribute this week. Tonight's big reggae show at Fishlips featuring The Original Wailers is a biggie. Yes, those Wailers of Bob Marley fame. Guitarist/vocalists Al Anderson and Junior Marvin who performed with the mighty dreaded one during the ’70s and ’80s are on the road again. From classics “Natty Dread” to “Uprising,” the two have been performing non-stop since Marley's passing in '81 — touring alongside artists like Lauryn Hill, Ben Harper and others. Today, they still provide the righteous roots. The show lights up at 8 p.m. with local openers Dub Seeds and Vanity Ave. Call Fishlips at 324-2557 for info. Get up, stand up and be there. Local '80s tribute band Members Only has been popping up around town a lot. Inspired by the decade that brought us Madonna and Devo, their wacky tacky costumes and set lists are a blast. Featuring a cool lineup that includes Backup Johnny's Joey Romley, Adema's Dave Deroo, and drummer Cesareo Garasa, you can catch them free tonight at The Marketplace at 7 p.m. Bring your kids, sport your old Cavaricci shorts and Jellies sandals, and be prepared to dance like a “totally bitchin' dork.” On Friday, Jerry's Pizza basement hosts UK punk marvels GBH. I still own my original vinyl of '84s “City Baby's Revenge,” and musically it holds up really well. I caught them live at the Warped Tour a couple years back and they tore up the place. “This one's for all the 40-year-olds out there — we rock,” yelled spiky vocalist Collin Abrahall. And rock they did. Show starts at 7 p.m. and costs a very punk $15. Equipment theft seems to be an epidemic with many of our local musicians lately. Guitars, drums, and yes, even DJ turntable needles can disappear within seconds. Try these

Al Anderson and Junior Marvin of The Original Wailers

headache-saving tips: 1) Hire a trusting friend/roadie to pack up and deliver your gear safe and securely after a show. 2) Don't leave your equipment outside in your car overnight — especially if you have a hatchback. 3) If you can't take your equipment with you after a show — ask the club owner nicely if you can store it somewhere safely, and not onstage. 4) Don't leave your gear unattended for too long at a venue. I've had my share of laziness after a gig, but when you've invested a lot of money, plan ahead. Although the police and local pawn shops can sometimes help in reclaiming your stolen gear, don't hold your breath.

Matt’s picks Country Throwdown at Rabobank Convention Center and Arena, 1 p.m. Friday, $30 to $33.50, 852-7777. Headliner Jamey Johnson, who bears a strange resemblance to both Rob Zombie and Bakersfield's Dustin “Catfish” Meridith, is a bad mofo. It's hard to imagine that this is the same guy who co-wrote, “Honky Tonk Badonkadonk,” but I doubt anyone

will laugh to his face. Be prepared to have your faith in country music restored. Punk VS Ska at The Dome, 5 p.m. Saturday, $10 to $12, all ages, 3270190. Whether you're into punk or ska music, this all-ages show is a bargain. L.A.'s Banda Skalavera and The Briggs are worth the price of admission alone, and never fail to get the crowds wound up. Mind your circle pit etiquette and be nice, boys and girls.

BAKOTOPIA RADIO 9 to 10 p.m. Sundays on 106.1 FM. KRAB Radio Hosts: Matt Munoz and Miranda Whitworth This Sunday: Preview of Jeffree Star show at Jerry’s June 24 In-studio performance by Age of Trinity Local comedians Joe Alaniz, Brian Ross and Dane Forst

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.

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, June 17, 2010

Eye Street Stefani Dias ASSISTANT LIFESTYLES EDITOR

Which hair beyond compare? Find out tonight BY STEFANI DIAS Californian assistant lifestyles editor sdias@bakersfield.com

It wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be long, yeah, yeah, it wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be long until a winner is crowned tonight at Bakersfieldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Battle of the Salons finale. Finalists Atomic Kitten and Rendezvous Salon face off, paying tribute to the Beatles, in the battle to decide the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top salon. For the last five weeks, 12 local salons have taken it to the runway, competing with a variety of themes from â&#x20AC;&#x153;Alice in Wonderlandâ&#x20AC;? to natural elements. Feats of extreme hair and makeup have dazzled sold-out audiences at Metro Galleries with each week getting more competitive and frenzied. The finale will keep the high-energy pace, according to Sean Fairies, the creator of the competition. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The finale is always the best show. Salons go all out and put it all on the line. The competition is fierce and anything can happen.â&#x20AC;? What we know will happen is a fullscale battle with

eight models per salon (previous battles only had five), dolled up to pay tribute to the Beatles. This bout also has no costume restrictions, which had been a factor earlier in the competition. Faries said that salons were required to keep the costumes basic in order to keep the focus on the hair and makeup. With a broader theme, costume freedom and more models, the finale offers the salons more control (and pressure), Faries said.

Rendezvous: Teamwork is the secret The team at Rendezvous Salon is definitely feeling the pressure. After having three weeks to plan the first battle (mechanical), then two weeks for the second (zodiac), the stylists were faced with one week to get together the looks for the finale. Stylist Estela Aguilar, who, along with Adriana â&#x20AC;&#x153;Nanâ&#x20AC;? Chavez, has been heading up the designs for the eight-person team, says they start with a sketch. A lifelong artist, Aguilar sketches the looks before the team brings them to life. And it takes some work to bring those looks together. For the zodiac Scorpio concept, Aguilar says it took three attempts to get the look shaped up the way she wanted. Along with the value of hard work, the competition has shown the Rendezvous stylists the importance of teamwork and respect-

ing one anotherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s vision. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Everyone has an opinion, but they need to listen because everyone has talent.â&#x20AC;? She says there has been plenty of conflict in the preparation, but also a lot of love.

Atomic Kitten: Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all about pretty hair Teamwork and planning have also been key to Atomic Kittenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s success. Co-owner Ramona Potts says the team had a pre-battle routine down: Planning on Sunday, practice on Monday and refining the looks the rest of the week before the Thursday battle. The routine was tweaked this week, though, as Monday was a model call to match the right models with the songs for the runway. In terms of overall vision, the team has sought not only to push creative looks but also beautiful hair. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve tried not to make a whole piece of art and throw it on someoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s head,â&#x20AC;? Potts said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;(With the looks,) weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve tried to create a pretty hairstyle out of it.â&#x20AC;? The price of that beauty is time, with stylists taking home labor-intensive braided pieces â&#x20AC;&#x201D; like the strawberries made of hair extensions for the candy battle or the elaborate showgirl headdress for the Moulin Rouge battle â&#x20AC;&#x201D; which take days to finish. But Potts has plenty of experience creating

BATTLE OF THE SALONS Battle of the Salons is a six-week competition in which 12 local salons face off in battles based on a different theme. The top salon wins a $2,000 cash prize and a trophy. The final battle: Atomic Kitten vs. Rendezvous Salon (Theme: Tribute to the Beatles) â&#x20AC;˘ Doors open at 7 p.m. today for a one-hour social with no-host bar. Competition starts at 8 at Metro Gallery, 1604 19th St. â&#x20AC;˘ Awards and check presentation to follow directly after at Prospect in the Padre Hotel, 1702 18th St.

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Thursday, June 17, 2010 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street Camille Gavin CONTRIBUTING COLUMNIST

Baka Beyond fuses Celtic, African music W

hen I first heard the name Baka Beyond, I thought it was a play on words, as if someone had given a slang-like spelling to the phrase “back of the beyond.” Instead, thanks to Jill Egland of the Arts Council, I learned it’s the name of a multi-cultural band that will perform on Monday at the River Valley Community Church. Even more interesting, their music is a fusion of Celtic and West African melodies and rhythm. The Baka part of the name signifies the rhythms and melodies of the Baka Pygmies of the Cameroon rain forests. The band was formed in 1992 after two British musicians, guitarist Martin Cradick and his wife, vocalist Su Hart, visited the area for three months and joined the forest people in performing their songs and music. As a result, a mix of the two different types of music was recorded in an album, “Spirit of the Forest.” I’ve listened to a couple of tracks from the album and the music does have a distinct quality. One of the things I find appealing is the echoing sounds of the vocals, almost as if birds in various parts of the forest were speaking to each other across an expanse of space. Following the album’s release in 1993, the group gained international attention. Since then it has evolved into a live stage show featuring musicians from at least six different countries. The lineup for Monday’s concert features performers from Sierra Leone, Congo, the United Kingdom, and Brittany, the Celtic region of France. In addition to a guitar, a bass and various kinds of drums, their instruments include a violin, whistle and bombarde, a double-reed woodwind.

Padre paintings Artists who entered their work in a new exhibit at the Art Center found a variety of ways to interpret the theme, “The Padre Hotel, Inside and Outside.” Several focused on the exterior decor and signage. For example, Floyd Dillon’s sophisticated cameo of a potted plant, a pillar and a blue awning, Carole Cadle’s close-up view of one the cornices and Stephan Lem-

GO & DO Baka Beyond When: 7 p.m. Monday Where: River Valley Community Church, 5131 Office Park Drive Admission: $20; $18, Arts Council members; $12, students Information: 324-9000

‘The Padre Hotel, Inside and Outside’ On display: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday to Saturday, through June 26 Where: Bakersfield Art Association Art Center, 1817 Eye St. Admission: Free Information: 869-2320

‘SIX DEGREES’ CANCELED Bob Kempf, artistic director of The Empty Space, announced early this week that the June production “is no longer part of our season.” He went on to say: “Six Degrees of Separation is a unique play, witty and darkly powerful, and it requires a strong ensemble of actors, which was in place for our production. A member of that ensemble unexpectedly dropped out of the play and at such a late date, proved to be impossible to replace. We at The Empty Space are disappointed that “Six Degrees of Separation” is no more, and we apologize to you, our kind and generous patrons, for this situation.”

minn’s extremely large sign, “The Padre Overhead.” Iva Fendrick and Charlotte White chose to depict street scenes. Fendrick’s is an impressionistic watercolor showing a red motorcycle and a stubby gray sedan parked at the curb; White’s, titled “Breakfast at the Padre,” pictures a group seated at a table within a wrought-iron fence on the 18th

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

Street side of the building. As for the interior scenes, Michelle Leggett’s “Boys Night Out” is a colorful acrylic showing a group of men wearing cowboy hats and boots shooting pool. Several artists presented different versions of the lobby area’s oversized wing chairs. Jeanie Truitt, who happened to be at the Art Center the day I visited, commented that she titled her watercolor “Dream Big.” Because “I was thinking of Alice in Wonderland — I could just see her sitting there.” Sherry Dolan placed a lady who’s wearing a red hat in an oversized chair in the center of her colorful collage that incorporates several other textures and details. Phyllis Oliver did what I would call a mood piece or a narrative. The watercolor, titled “Expectations,” shows two casually dressed young people one looking out of a glass entrance-exit door, the other several feet away, looking inward at an unseen spot beyond the border of the picture. It made me wonder what each was thinking, what they are hoping for — and that they would find it. I didn’t get to see two of the paintings — one by Don Trainor, the other by Alexandra Ortiz — as they had been sold at the opening reception, said Norma Neil, one of the volunteers on duty. Other artists whose work appears in the show are Elleta Abuliel, Judy Blackledge, Norma Eaton, Julie Fleming, Lila Martin and Cindy Stiles.

KernCOG art contest Kern Council of Governments, better known as KernCOG, has announced an art contest as part of its 40th anniversary celebration. Entrants are being asked to incorporate the agency’s logo with the theme “The Bicycle as a Means of Transportation.” Prize money contributed by private donors will be awarded at a reception on Oct. 28 at the Petroleum Club. Best in Show will receive $1,000 and other winners will get from $300 to $500. The contest is open to Kern County residents 18 or older. Artwork is due on Aug. 26 and 27 and must be shipped or hand-delivered to the Arts Council of Kern’s Younger Gallery, 1430 Truxtun Ave. For details, call the Arts Council of Kern at 324-9000 or visit kerncog.org.

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The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, June 17, 2010

Eye Street GO&DO Today Organ Recital celebrating Jim Stockton's 90th birthday, with performer Marijim Stockton Thoene, 7 p.m., Olive Drive Church, 5500 Olive Drive. Free. The Original Wailers, featuring Al Anderson and Junior Marvin, 8 p.m., Fishlips Bar & Grill, 1517 18th St. $25 plus fee. vallitix.com or 322-5200. $1 Skate Night, Rollerama West, 7850 Brimhall Road. $1 per skater; $1 rental. 5897555. Adult Book Discussion, on “Push,” 11:15 a.m., Beale Memorial Library, 701 Truxtun Ave. 868-0745. Bakersfield Raider Nation Club, meeting to discuss upcoming events, 6 p.m., Jastro Park, 2900 Truxtun Ave. bakersfieldraidernationclub.com or 3407167. Bunco Fundraiser, benefitting Love In the Name of Christ, with drinks, appetizers, prizes, 6 p.m., Christine's, 4915 Stockdale Highway. $25 per person. Reservations, 325-6838 or 444-2463. Carnival Summer Fun Day, with information stations, activities and entertainment, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Kern County Museum, 3801 Chester Ave. $2; members free. Additional game/ride tickets, 50 cents; $3 hot dog lunch. Reservations requested. Web site www.kcmuseum.org or call 852-5050. Concerts by The Fountain, 80s and new wave with Members Only, 7 to 9 p.m., The Marketplace, 9000 Ming Ave. Downtown Street Faire, “Go Green at the Home and Garden,” barbecues, arts and crafts, farmers market, free wagon rides, historic trolley tours and more, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., downtown, Chester Avenue. 3255892. Hooters “Summer Car Nights,” open to all car and truck enthusiasts, 6 to 8 p.m., Hooters, 4208 Rosedale Highway. 327-9711 ext. 242. Kern County Mineral Society Annual Lapidary Auction, 7:30 p.m., East Bakersfield Veterans Hall, 2101 Ridge Rd. 589-3348. “Make A Splash” Summer Reading Program, at all Kern County Libraries, kerncountylibrary.org. Neon Night 1950s Sock Hop Theme, see neon signs from the past that have been

restored, with music, classic cars, food, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., Kern County Museum, 3801 Chester Ave. $12 advance; $15 at the gate. 852-5000. New Student Orientation, with advising for students, 6 p.m., CSUB, Student Union, Multipurpose Room, 9001 Stockdale Hwy. $35. Sign-up at csub.edu/admissions/orientation/. S.I.R. (Sons-In-Retirement), for retired men, with lunch and speaker Kirsten Hoffman, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Hodel's, 5917 Knudsen Drive. $15 buffet. 837-2164. Summer Camp, “Crime Scene Investigation,” 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. or 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday, Kern County Museum, 3801 Chester Ave. Half day: $115; $90, members. Full day: $200; $160 members. kcmuseum.org or 8525050. “The Fisherman's Wife,” presented by the Omnipresent Puppet Theater, 4 p.m., Rathbun Branch Library, 200 W. China Grade Loop. 858-0831. YMCA Accepting Outdoor Soccer Registrations, for children kindergarten through third grade. Season is from Aug. 2 to Oct. 2. Location of practice and games will be announced at a later time. $75 per child. Copy of birth certificate required at registration. 837-9622.

Friday Country Throwdown Tour, featuring Montgomery Gentry, Eric Church and more, 1 p.m., Rabobank Convention Center, 1001 Truxtun Ave. $30-$33.50 plus fee. ticketmaster.com or call 800-745-3000. Magic Chef Show with Gus Flamingo, for all ages, 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, The Empty Space, 706 Oak St. Free but donation suggested. 327-7529. No Reservations: An Evening with Anthony Bourdain, doors open at 7 p.m., show at 8 p.m., Fox Theater, 2001 H St. $51 to $98. vallitix.com or 324-1369. “The Fisherman's Wife,” presented by the Omnipresent Puppet Theater, 11:30 a.m., Buttonwillow Branch Library, 116 Buttonwillow, Buttonwillow. 858-0831. Vase Artwork, with David Hoff, learn to paint a majestic eagle, 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., The Ceramic Shop, 2550 E. Belle Terrace, Ste. 300. $30 includes paint, vase not included. 834-1000. Wedding Gown Blow-Out Event, featuring brand new designer wedding gowns, accessories and more, 10 a.m. to 6

p.m. Friday and Saturday; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, American Cancer Society Discovery Shop, 5420 California Ave. 324-1359.

SATURDAY ANRA Spring Nationals, Saturday and Sunday, Famoso Raceway, 33559 Famoso Road, McFarland. anra.com or 667-0030. Bonfire, a tribute to AC/DC, 9 p.m., Fishlips Bar & Grill, 1517 18th St. $15 plus fee. vallitix.com or 322-5200. Bakersfield Diamond Divas vs. Port City, Roller Derby, doors open at 5:30 p.m., bout at 6 p.m., Skateland, 415 Ming Ave. $10 adults; $5 children and seniors. Proceeds benefit Bakersfield Ronald McDonald House. 831-5567. Bakersfield Green Thumb Club, meeting with Betty Finch sharing her gourds, 9:30 a.m., Church of the Brethren, in the social hall, 327 A St. 393-3657. Certified Farmers Market, 8 a.m. to noon, next to Golden State Mall, 3201 F St. Certified Organic Farmers Market, Artisan and Merchant Fair, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Caffeine Supreme lawn area, corner of F and 20th streets. 805-0430. Free Adult CPR Training, no preregistration required, English begins every 30 minutes, Spanish begins every hour on the hour, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Rabobank Convention Center, 1001 Truxtun Ave. Also available: child/infant CPR, $25; first aid only, $25; child/infant CPR & first aid combined, $40, adult CPR certificates only, $5. kernredcross.org or 324-6427. Free How-to-Work Workshops, Saturday classes: 10 to 11 a.m. “Interior Paint,”; 11 a.m. to noon “Live Goods and Potting,”; 1 to 2 p.m. “Installing a Programmable Thermostat,”; and Sunday class: 1 to 2 p.m. “Installing a Ceiling Fan,” Home Depot. homedepot.com or call 800-430-3376. Kern County European Travel Club, will have an orientation and registration for “The Footsteps of Apostle Tour,” traveling to Greece/Turkey, call Jim Engel at 399-6507. Kids Discover Music, classically trained musician performs, reads a story and lets the kids learn up close and personally about the music and the instrument, 11 a.m. to noon, Russo's, 9000 Ming Ave. 665-4686. Model Train Open House, hosted by the Golden Empire Historical and Modeling Society ; with various model trains on display, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., 1534 19th St., entrance in alley. 589-0391 or 331-6695.

Competitive sign holders point way to fair BY MIRANDA WHITWORTH Contributing writer

There’s nothing wrong with a little healthy competition and that’s just what you’ll find at the “Go Green at the Summer Home and Garden” Street Faire today. The street fair promises to take the finest directional sign holders the city has to offer and put them head to head in a battle where your votes decide who reigns supreme. Competition organizer Rick Keel says it’s time these street performers get some recognition. “I see these guys working hard and I thought to myself they need a contest. They spend so much time out in the heat and there is so much energy built up behind them it inspires me.” The competition begins at 7 p.m. on the

corner of 18th Street and Chester Avenue with professional directional sign holders demonstrating their moves. Prizes for best entertainer and most unusual costume will be awarded based on voting by the crowd. Those wishing to cast a vote may do so by making a small donation to the Golden Empire Gleaners. In addition to the professionals, real-estate agents from Bakersfield will be competing in their own directional sign holder’s competition. They will strut their stuff at 8 p.m. and will show the crowd that their sales talents extend beyond the housing market. Sponsored by The Bakersfield Association of Realtors, PG&E, Golden Empire Transit, Golden West Casino and KERO-TV, Channel 23, this month’s fair will focus on environ-

mentally friendly items for the home and garden while providing attendees with food, music and entertainment. Oldies band Blue Mirror will perform along with The Wasco Steel Drum Band, members of E3 Performing Arts at Garden Pathways and Stars Dinner Theatre. Cathy Butler, president of the Downtown Business Association, said tonight’s event is the final street fair of 2010. If you’ve missed the others, she said, be sure to make it out to this one. “There is something for everyone. Golden West Casino will be there with card tables. There will be a farmers market, barbecue, crafts for the kids and a petting zoo. It’s really a family event.” Once again, Gaslight Melodrama, in part-

“Need for Speed” Muscle & Sports Car Show, with a chili cook-off, beer garden, live entertainment, food booths, petting zoo, craft fair, 50/50 drawing and more, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., in downtown Tehachapi. $25 pre-registration, must be postmarked by June 9; $30 thereafter. Entry fee includes one adult T-shirt. 823-9641 or 822-6519. “Spontaneous Expression with Paint,” an Art for Healing program of Mercy Hospitals of Bakersfield; 9:30 to noon, Mercy Hospital, Truxtun Campus, Truxtun and A streets. Free. mercybakersfield.org/art or to register, 3247070. St. Jude Dream Home, open to the public 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays; noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, 600 Bora Bora Lane. stjudedreamhome.org or 1-800-385-9134. Story Time & Card Making, for Father's Day, 11 a.m. Saturday, Barnes & Noble, 4001 California Ave. 631-2575.

Sunday Bakersfield Auto Swap Meet, with automotive parts and accessories, gates open at 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Kern County Fairgrounds, 1142 P St. Free. bakersfieldswapmeet.com or 399-7088. Father's Day Barbecue, with entertainment saluting Gene Autry, 12:30 p.m., Carriage House Estates, 8200 Westwold Drive. 663-8393. Music in the Park, with Brass a la Carte, 8 p.m., Beale Park, Oleander Avenue between Dracena and Palm streets. Free. 323-7928.

THEATER Seussical Jr., for ages 6 to 18, morning session from 9 a.m. to noon Monday through Thursday, now until July 15; afternoon session from 1 to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday, now until July 8; Bakersfield Music Theatre School of Performing Arts, 1927 Eye St. 716-0316 or 325-6100. “The History of Bakersfield, Part V” Fundraiser Show, with community leaders such as Joe Drew, Shannon Grove, Bill Bruce and more who will be singing, dancing and improvising, a live and silent auction, dinner, 6 p.m., Stars Theatre, 1931 Chester Ave. $100 per person; $700 for table of eight. 325-6100. “23rd Annual Original One Act Play Festival,” 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Bakersfield Community Theatre, 2400 S. Chester Ave. $12, $15. 831-8114.

GO & DO ‘Go Green at the Summer Home & Garden’ Street Faire With directional sign holders’ competition, wagon and trolley tours, food, vendors, music and theatrical performances. When: 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. today Where: Chester Avenue, between 18th and 21st streets Information: bakersfielddba.net

nership with Vision 2010, will offer free trolley tours of downtown Bakersfield. In addition, Bakersfield Carriages will be on the street with free wagon rides. Both tours start at 18th Street and Chester Avenue with a drop-off point at 21st and Chester.

Thursday, June 17, 2010 The Bakersfield Californian

CASH 4 GOLD UP TO $27 A GRAM PLUS 10% ADDITIONAL with this ad

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The Rendezvous Salon team and models after the Week 5 zodiacthemed battle.

COURTESY OF RICHARD FUSILLO PHOTOGRAPHY

The Atomic Kitten team and models after the Week 2 candythemed battle.

AND NO COMPROMISE COURTESY OF RICHARD FUSILLO PHOTOGRAPHY

CONTINUED FROM 24

fantastical and involved looks. For the past five years, she has been designing looks to display on her website, via Model Mayhem (a social-networking site for stylists and models) and the Art of Eric James site, a photographer whose work is displayed in the salon. The salon’s stylists have also shown their skills at themed theatrical and fetish fashion shows as well as Thunder Run and Howcool.com events. She and the Atomic Kitten team know they must bring their all to the finale tonight against Rendezvous. “We’re competing against the salon we thought was the best,” said Potts, who referenced Rendezvous’ camouflage helicopter look, with functional propellers, as a standout. That’s a surprise to Aguilar, who may be feeling as if the salon is David to Atomic Kitten’s Goliath. She says she’s excited to battle the well-known salon. Aguilar said they weren’t sure they’d make it past the first battle, much less to the finals, because of the caliber of salons competing. “Each win was a blessing,” she said. The outcome of the event is in

God’s hands, Aguilar says. If Rendezvous wins, she says the $2,000 cash prize will go into the remodeling of the new location in the Stockdale Fashion Plaza, which they hope to move into in the next couple of weeks. Potts says if Atomic Kitten wins the money will fund a television commercial made by Eric James. Along with the prize money and photo rights for the models, the winning salon tonight will have bragging rights as Bakersfield’s best salon, having triumphed at the well-attended competition.

Promoter wants to come back Faries says the Bakersfield event has been an amazing success that “exceeded our expectations in many different areas.” The overall success is judged by ticket sales, online traffic (on the battleofthesalons.com site) and media attention. Most impressive has been the traffic on the site, which has had 15.9 million impressions — when a specific site has been viewed by a user — for advertiser sites and directed 11,500 visitors to those sites since May 1. Local sponsors include Enjoy Hair

Care and Salotto Hair Designs, Metro Galleries, Harbor Lending and the Padre Hotel, which has hosted all after-parties at its Prospect Lounge. After the finale, Prospect will host the awards ceremony, which will honor the top four salons and recognize the other participants, and the check presentation for the winning salon. With a lot of demand in Southern California and plans in the works for Fresno, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo, the question is will Battle of the Salons return to Bakersfield? Absolutely, said Faries. “We’ve gotten such a great response from the community and look to return next year with a bigger production.” As to what that would entail, Faries isn’t sure, although he’s interested in being able to accommodate more viewers and more salons. The salons that competed this year would be invited back, with their seeding determined by how they placed in the first event. Given the response this year, it’s likely local salons will be lined up for a chance to have their hard work publicly recognized. As Rendezvous’ Aguilar said, “It’s hard to be good at what you do and get credit for it.”

“Tony’s Pizza really piles it on!” -Pete Tittl 2 LOCATIONS TO SERVE NEW

4750 COFFEE ROAD • 588-4700 4130 CALIFORNIA AVE • 325-4717

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Thursday, June 17, 2010 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street Magic Chef Show with Gus Flamingo, for all ages, 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, The Empty Space, 706 Oak St. Free but donation suggested. 327-7529. Rats Presents “Dos Suxxis,” 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, The Empty Space, 706 Oak St. 327-7529. Major League Improv, improvisational comedy show, appropriate for families, 6 p.m., The Empty Space, 706 Oak St. Free but donations are accepted. 327-PLAY.

ART All Media Class, by instructor Phyllis Oliver, all media welcome, with color theory stressed. For more information or to register, e-mail pegolivert@ix.netcom.com or call 348-4717. Art classes, beginning watercolor, beginning drawing, advanced drawing and watercolor painters' group, taught by Carol Bradshaw. Call or e-mail for details and enrollment. bradshawartist@earthlink.net or 760-376-6604. “Art Inspired by the Padre Hotel, Inside & Outside,” The Art Center, 1817 Eye St. Open Tuesday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. 869-2320. 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. 399-3707 . Beginning, Intermediate and Advanced Drawing, by instructor Nina Landgraff, series of five two-hour classes. 304-7002. Berta Blackburn, featured artist for the month of June, Dagny's Coffee Co., 1600 20th St. 634-0806. Exhibit on Display, “The Masterworks of Western Paintings,” “Best of the West: Bakersfield Collects,” and paintings by Aron Wiesenfeld, Bakersfield Museum of Art, 1930 R St. bmoa.org or 323-7219. Framing Clinic, with Toni Lott, for artists who want to frame their work, noon to 4 p.m. Wednesdays. 205-3488. Leslie Vo Villa, is the artist for the month of June, The Curiosity Shop, at the Art Express, 1607 19th St. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. 324-7112. Mary Lou Slinkard, featured artist for June, Russo's, 9000 Ming Ave. russosbooks.com or 665-4686. Native American Arts Association, meets to learn basketry, beadwork etc., 9 a.m. to noon Thursdays, Kern County Museum, 3801 Chester Ave. 852-5050. “On the Road Again,” group art show, Bakersfield Mazda, 3201 Cattle Drive. 3288000. 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, 589-7463 or 496-5153. West High School student artwork on display, The Dream Center & Coffee House, 1212 18th St. 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. 324-2402. Reception, for group art show “On the Road Again,” 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Bakersfield Mazda, 3201 Cattle Drive. 328-8000. Vase Artwork, with David Hoff, learn to paint a majestic eagle, 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Friday, The Ceramic Shop, 2550 E.

Snoop Dogg at the Fox Snoop Dogg and Ice Cube will bring their “How the West was One” tour to the Fox Theater at 8 p.m. July 18. Doors open at 7 p.m. Ticket prices are $43.50, $60.50, $68 and $106.50 and can be purchased at vallitix.com beginning at Snoop Dogg noon Friday or call Fox Theater at 324-1369. Belle Terrace, Ste. 300. $30 includes paint, vase not included. 834-1000. Free art classes, for home-school parents, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays. Call to reserve your spot. Moore's Art Studio, 10205 Hurlingham Drive. 588-7769. Opening Reception, of “Fashion Forward” art exhibit, with champagne and light hors d'oeuvres, 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, The Micro Gallery, 6300 Coffee Road. Free. 301-3283. “Spontaneous Expression with Paint,” an Art for Healing program of Mercy Hospitals of Bakersfield; 9:30 to noon Saturday, Mercy Hospital, Truxtun Campus, Truxtun and A streets. Free. mercybakersfield.org/art or to register, 3247070. Traditional Glass Painting Class, sixweek class, noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, Juliana's Art Studio & Gallery, 501 18th St. Space limited, enroll now, 327-7507.

UPCOMING EVENTS Monday 6/21 Kids Cooking Camp for ages 12 to 17, 9 a.m. to noon Monday through Friday, Cafe Med, 4809 Stockdale Highway. $190 per week; $170 for second child. 834-4433. Recreational Swim Team, year round swim team, learn to develop swimming skills, strokes, techniques, abilities, 4 to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, McMurtrey Aquatic Center, 1325 Q St. $60 per month. www.bakersfieldswim.us or 852-7430. Recreational Swim Team, for ages 5 to 18, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. or 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, Bakersfield College, 1801 Panorama Drive. Open enrollment. 395-4663. Senior Discovery Days, each Monday for seniors 60 and older receive 50 percent off admission, 10 percent discount in the gift store, CALM, 10500 Alfred Harrell Highway. 872-2256. Summer Camp, “You Can Build It,” 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. or 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday, Kern County Museum, 3801 Chester Ave. Half day: $115; $90, members. Full day: $200; $160 members. kcmuseum.org or 852-5050. Summer Day Camp, for ages 4 to 12, from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, now until Aug. 20, Suburu School, 7315 Harris Road. $25 per day/per child. ymcaofkern.org or 837-9622. The Afro Celtic Sounds of Baka Beyond, 7 p.m. Monday, River Valley Community Church, 5131 Office Park Drive. $12 students, $18 ACK, $20 general. 324-9000.

Farmers market, 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesdays, now through November, Central Park at Mill Creek, 21st and R streets. Sierra Club Conditioning Hikes, three to five miles, 7 p.m. Tuesdays, meet at corner of Highways 178 and 184. 872-2432 or 8738107.

“The Fisherman's Wife,” presented by the Omnipresent Puppet Theater, 3 p.m. Friday, Tehachapi Branch Library, 1001 W. W. Tehachapi Blvd., Ste. A-400, Tehachapi. 858-0831. Wine Tasting, includes 15-20 different wines and appetizers, 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Cafe Med, 4809 Stockdale Highway. $25 per person. 834-4433.

Wednesday 6/23

Saturday 6/26

Bargain Night, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Rollerama West, 7850 Brimhall Road. $5 per skater; free rental. 589-7555. Korean War Veterans Appreciation Luncheon, celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Korean War, noon to 2 p.m. Wednesday, Hodel's Country Dining, 5917 Knudsen Dr. Reservations, 703-5957. Pee Wee Fitness Play Days, for ages 3 to 5, consists of jogging, stretching, games and use of sports equipment, 9 to 9:45 a.m. Wednesdays, June 23-July 7, Saunders Recreational Facility, 3300 Palm St. $25 for five classes. 326-3866. PINK Day, recognizing breast cancer survivors, with a fashion show and lunch, noon Wednesday, Columbus Estates, 3201 Columbus St. 872-5855. Skating, 1 to 4 p.m. Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, and 7 to 10 p.m. Fridays, Rollerama West, 7850 Brimhall Road. $6 per skater; $3 rental. 589-7555. Songwriters' Showcase, hosted by Chuck Seaton and Billy Russell, 7 p.m. Wednesdays, The Prime Cut, 9500 Brimhall Road. 831-1413. “The Fisherman's Wife,” presented by the Omnipresent Puppet Theater, 3 p.m. Wednesday, Southwest Branch Library, 8301 Ming Ave. 858-0831.

18th annual Mud Volleyball Tournament, begins at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, Stramler Park, 3805 Chester Ave. $350 per team; $375 per team after June 16. epilepsysocietykc.org or call 634-9810. 2010 Caring for the Caregiver, hosted by Alzheimer's Disease Association of Kern County; for caregivers, professionals and family members, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Olive Drive Church, Building #9, 5500 Olive Drive. Free. Lunch will be served. 393-8871 ext. 14. Bike Ride, for ladies, all levels, go at your own pace, 7 a.m. Saturday, Finish Line Bicycles, 8850 Stockdale Highway. finishlinebikes.com or 833-6268. Book signing, with author Christopher Farnsworth of “Blood Oath,” 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Russo's, 9000 Ming Ave. 6654686. Certified Farmers Market, 8 a.m. to noon Saturdays, next to Golden State Mall, 3201 F St. Certified Organic Farmers Market, Artisan and Merchant Fair, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays, runs through December, Caffeine Supreme lawn area, corner of F and 20th streets. 805-0430. Family Skate Night, 7 to 10 p.m. every Saturday, Rollerama West, 7850 Brimhall Road. $30 includes admission for four (two adults/two children), skate rental, one pizza and pitcher of soda. 589-7555. Free How-to-Work Workshops, Saturday classes: 10 to 11 a.m. “Interior Paint,”; 11 a.m. to noon “Live Goods and Potting,”; 1 to 2 p.m. “Installing a Programmable Thermostat,”; and Sunday class: 1 to 2 p.m. “Installing a Ceiling Fan,” Home Depot. homedepot.com or call 800-430-3376. Introduction to Therapeutic Lifestyle, with a class being offered and low impact exercise program, on Saturdays, now through September, Natural Options, 2020 20th St. 327-4220. Kern County European Travel Club, will have an orientation and registration for “The Footsteps of Apostle Tour,” traveling to Greece/Turkey, call Jim Engel at 399-6507. Kern River Valley Hiking Club, Telescope Peak Death Valley National Park, Saturday is a travel day to the campsite, hike Sunday. Bring lunch and 2 quarts of water. Dress appropriately. For directions, visit lakeisabella.net/hiking or 760-379-1933. Kids Free Day, last Saturday of every month, CALM, 10500 Alfred Harrell Highway. 872-2256. NOR Neighborhood Flicks, “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs,” rated PG, 8 p.m. Saturday, North Meadows Park, 3300 McCray St. Free. 392-2000. NOR Neighborhood Flicks, “The Blind Side,” rated PG, 8 p.m. Saturday, Greenacres Park, 2014 Calloway Drive. Free. 392-2000. 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 20, in the Sydney Harbour community in southeast Bakersfield, 600 Bora Bora Lane. stjudedreamhome.org or 1-800-385-9134.

Tuesday 6/22

Thursday 6/24 Adult Book Discussion, on “Dead Until Dark,” 11:15 a.m. Thursday, Beale Memorial Library, 701 Truxtun Ave. 868-0745. An Evening with Les Dudek, 8 p.m. Thursday, Fishlips Bar & Grill, 1517 18th St. $20 plus fee. vallitix.com or 322-5200. Bakersfield Blaze vs. Visalia Rawhide, 7:45 p.m. Thursday through Sunday, Sam Lynn Ball Park, 4009 Chester Ave. $5-$9. bakersfieldblaze.com or 716-HITS. Concerts by The Fountain, favorite Beatles hits with The Beagles, 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, The Marketplace, 9000 Ming Ave. Hooters “Summer Car Nights,” open to all car and truck enthusiasts, 6 to 8 p.m. every Thursday, now until Aug. 26, Hooters, 4208 Rosedale Highway. 327-9711 ext. 242. “Make A Splash” Summer Reading Program, at all Kern County Libraries, now through July 31. kerncountylibrary.org. Mark Chesnutt, 7 p.m. Thursday, Buck Owens Crystal Palace, 2800 Buck Owens Blvd. $23.50 to $33.50 plus fee. vallitix.com or 322-5200. “The Fisherman's Wife,” presented by the Omnipresent Puppet Theater, 1 p.m. Thursday, McFarland Branch Library, 500 W. Kern Ave, McFarland. 858-0831. YMCA Accepting Outdoor Soccer Registrations, for children kindergarten through third grade. Season is from Aug. 2 to Oct. 2. Location of practice and games will be announced at a later time. $75 per child. Copy of birth certificate required at registration. 837-9622.

Friday 6/25