Eye Street Entertainment / 6-7-12

24

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, June 7, 2012

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

“But What If I’m a Mermaid” by Jesus Fidel. The artist describes his style as “reckless, where I just go at everything, not worrying about anything else.

But at the same time letting my art and inner being take over perfecting how they should be.”

ALEX HORVATH / THE CALIFORNIAN

25

Thursday, June 7, 2012 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street

For artist, joy is in the colors Bakersfield painter sees art as unifying force

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

F

or Jesus Fidel, art education starts with parents.

“I don’t think Bakersfield provides enough of that (encouraging young artists). ... I think it’s up to the parents of the kid. It all starts with their family.”

That is how it began for the 29-year-old artist, whose first inspiration was his mother, Kassandra.

“My mom is who encouraged me from day one. One time when I was 7, sitting down doing arts and crafts, my mom sat down next to me, taught me how to draw palm trees with a sun. ... That’s when it hit me.

“She doesn’t consider herself an artist, but I do, because she is so unbelievably creative. She thinks she’s just a normal creative person. (But) she is definitely an artist, and that’s where I get it all from.”

That creativity shows in his Eye Gallery piece, a colorful acrylic that takes its title, “But What If I’m a Mermaid,” from a Tori Amos song.

Fidel said the message he wanted to convey was of “leaving your past problems behind you and using your passions to move forward.”

Elaborating on the subject, Fidel said, “I feel that mermaids are able to swim free from anything sinking them down in life.”

The Long Beach-born artist, who has lived in Bakersfield since he was 5, has quite the artistic resume, with works shown at the Bakersfield Museum of Art, Metro Galleries, The Foundry, The Empty Space Gallery and Todd Madigan Gallery.

Fidel also has participated in the annual street painting festival Via Arte since 2002.

Despite having so many art venues, Fidel said the local art scene is at a critical stage.

“We all need to work together as a team.

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

We’re very vulnerable right now because we have a lot of people who could give up or just keep going.

“Right now in Bakersfield in order to sell the art, you have to push, display yourself.

A lot of artists blame Bakersfield because they don’t want to put forth the effort. You either have to push forward or sit back and watch everything happen without you contributing.”

Along with his personal work, the artist, who works as a server, also curates The Empty Space Gallery, proudly noting it is booked through the end of the year.

Fidel shared more about his work in an interview.

Your work is extremely colorful.

What is it about color that speaks to you?

My color expresses the great happiness I have inside me; that’s the only way I can get it out from me — through my paint.

What kind of art speaks to you?

All art speaks to me in some kind of way.

What speaks to me the most is art that shows time and quality. When I see a piece of art that I can tell the artist took a great

deal of time on, I always wonder what kind of relationship they built with the piece during the long hours of just the artist and the art. Because I know when I am working on a time-consuming piece, my mind goes everywhere in life and during the painting, I’m thinking about my past, present and future. I can’t help but to fall in love with art at moments like this.

Who is your favorite artist?

Vincent Van Gogh.

When did you know art would be your profession?

Since the day I was able to comprehend what a profession was, I knew that art was going to be my career.

What work are you proudest of?

I’m most proud of my work when it brings people together for a cause other than ourselves.

I really feel that the ultimate goodness for art is to paint things and bring people together in the name of art. That’s the greatest thing you can do with your art.

I find it easier to create art when it involves someone else other than yourself.

It’s so much easier to get it on the canvas.

The only thing that I feel passionate about (currently) is The Empty Space. We provide so much art and theater to the community. Everybody on the board who volunteers, they do it just in the name of art.

How hard is it to show your work publicly?

It’s not hard for anyone to show their art publicly. For me, I’ve learned that all I have to do is step up and actually do it. That’s really all it takes.

Memory of the first time you sold a piece of work: I was 14. My confirmation facilitator commissioned me to build five wood crosses that hung by braided hemp and beasts, along with a drawing of an angel that she turned into a rubber stamp. It was

ALEX HORVATH / THE CALIFORNIAN

Along with painting, the 29-year-old artist also includes cooking and being a good friend, son and brother among his passions.

really awesome to make $40 on my art as a young teenager.

What does your art say about you?

My art says that staying strong and focused, we can do anything.

Who is your most supportive mentor and why?

My art is my mentor. When I’m going through something emotional, whether it be happy, sad, or numb, putting my paint and brush to the canvas gives me everything I’m looking for, and it forces me to find answers to the most tough questions in my life.

Coming Friday Seeking answers with Scott McDonald.

Pull up some lawn and see Willie Nelson under stars

BY JENNIFER SELF Californian lifestyles editor jself@bakersfield.com

Local fans will have the opportunity this summer to appreciate Willie Nelson the way the legendary performer was meant to be seen: picnic-blanket style, under the big Bakersfield sky.

Nelson will perform at Bright House Networks Amphitheatre on July 20. Tickets, which range from $25 to $75, go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday.

The icon is by far the biggest name ever booked at the outdoor venue, an undeniable coup for SMG, the company that schedules summer concerts at the Stockdale Highway location.

“It’s Willie Nelson in Bakersfield,” said Christy Collet, SMG marketing manager.

“This is just the kind of show our town loves.”

Because of Nelson’s expected drawing power, SMG will handle ticketing differently than it does for other amphitheatre shows, offering a mix of reserved and general admission seating. SMG hopes to strike a deal with one or more food and beverage vendors, limiting the space for seating to about 3,000 tickets, Collet said Tuesday. By way of comparison, the recent concert by ’70s-era band Firefall sold 602 tickets, she said.

Nelson, whose long list of hits include “On the Road Again,” “Whiskey River” and “Always on My Mind,” is touring in support of his new album, “Heroes.” A cut from that release is generating a lot of buzz for the singer: “Roll Me Up” is an ode to

Willie Nelson in concert When: 8 p.m. July 20; tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday Where: Bright House Networks Amphitheatre Cost: $25, $40, $50 and $75; tickets available at all Ticketmaster outlets, at ticketmaster.com or 800-745-3000

marijuana, with which the outspoken singer has had a long and well-publicized relationship. He was set to perform the song with a lineup of superstars on the “CMT Music Awards” Wednesday and reportedly has been closing recent shows with it.

As a fan, Collet said she was looking for-

ward to seeing the singer in concert for the first time, but she’s even more excited about the impact Nelson’s appearance could have on SMG’s ability to book other acts of his caliber.

“We’re definitely trying to get acts that Bakersfield wants to see as opposed to bringing anybody out there and crossing our fingers.”

SMG General Manager Scott Neal said he and the promoter had been in talks on whether to hold the concert at the SMGmanaged indoor Rabobank Theater or amphitheatre and ultimately opted for the open-air setting.

“We’ve been working on it for a while. I think it’s a great atmosphere for it,” he said. “I don’t predict what shows will do. I know what I hope they will do.”

26

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, June 7, 2012

Eye Street Saturday June 9th, 1-5pm 6700 General Beale Road

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Author hopes first novel kicks off successful series

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GENERAL MATINEES ADMISSION BEFORE ONLY 6PM ONLY

Childhood nightmares give life to writer’s dream

Showtimes Valid Only 6/7/12

BY ASHLEY FISCHER Contributing writer

Childhood nightmares usually are better forgotten than remembered, but a Bakersfield mother has mined the dark fragments of her subconscious to achieve a different kind of dream: becoming a published author.

“My mom would tell me that I’d grow up to be Stephen King because I had these really strong, violent nightmares,” said Allie Jean Battan, 32. “I don’t know why exactly — I didn’t have a troubled childhood at all. I got scared really easily when I was a kid; I couldn’t watch scary movies. I didn’t need to. My scary movies were my dreams.”

Last summer, Battan entered a contest sponsored by a small Australian publisher, The Writer’s Coffee Shop Publishing House. Her young adult novel, appropriately titled “Legacy of a Dreamer,” ended up beating out works submitted by nearly 50 other writers and was added to the publisher’s roster of 45 unique titles.

Jenny Pedroza, one of the three founders of The Writer’s Coffee Shop as well as its chief marketing officer, hails from the online fan-fiction community feeding the intense demand for the young adult and supernatural romance genres spawned by author Stephenie Meyer’s “Twilight” juggernaut. (In fact, The Writer’s Coffee Shop was the initial publisher of the “Twilight”-inspired sensation “Fifty Shades of Grey” before it was picked up by a larger company.)

“When we selected the winners for our contest,” Pedroza said, “we asked ourselves: Is it a marketable book?

Does it have continuity? Does it have good flow? And most importantly, can you invest in the characters? And the answer was yes on all counts with Allie Jean’s novel. It had a very good storyline; we actually polled our readers, and they got to submit which stories they liked the best, and hers won overall.”

Battan’s novel focuses on a supernatural conflict between angels (albeit fallen ones) and the forces of ultimate evil. Her story chronicles the adventures of an 18-year-old girl, Chantal Breelan, who, after moving to Manhattan, seeks respite from her loneliness and nightmares by talking to a shadow she calls Nick.

Her shaded confidant turns out to be a real man named Mathias, one of a set of ancient warriors bred by fallen angels. Chantal is then sucked into her warrior guardian’s shadowy, twodimensional realm, a world that lies in the dark crevices, which Battan dubbed “The Shade.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF KELSEY EIBEN

Allie Jean Battan, center, with a copy of her recently published novel, “Legacy of a Dreamer.” She credits the love and support of her family for helping her finish the book. At left is her sister Kelsey Eiben, who is helping promote the young adult novel, and at right is her sister Marissa Cannon, whose photo graces the cover of the book.

Book-signing by author Allie Jean Battan When: 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday Where: Russo’s Books, 9000 Ming Ave. Information: 665-4686 The book: “Legacy of a Dreamer” is available for $14.99 at Russo’s.

Copies also can be purchased at amazon.com or from The Writer’s Coffee Shop website

Nightmares play a central role in the story, and many of Chantal’s dreams, along with other key elements of the story, are directly inspired by Battan’s own childhood.

“The idea for this book has been kicking around in my head for a very, very long time,” she said. “A lot of the nightmares that I wrote in there were inspired by the dreams I had as a kid.

Even Nick, when he was a shadow, that was something from my childhood.”

Battan said she and her younger sisters enjoyed a carefree childhood, performing plays she had written or racing one another up and down the steep slopes of Panorama Drive near their northeast Bakersfield home.

Her parents — a journalist and an elementary school teacher — both valued and encouraged their daughter’s creativity from an early age.

“I was always creating stories in my head, and they were always encouraging me to write them down,” she said.

After graduating from East Bakersfield High in 1998, Battan took a year off before attending Cal State Bakersfield, where she studied as a biology

major. Just shy of completing her bachelor’s degree, Battan left CSUB in 2004 for the nursing program at Bakersfield College.

For many years, Battan allowed her writing to take a back seat to the responsibilities of completing school, raising a family with her husband of 11 years and working part time as a registered nurse.

Yet despite those demands on her time, it doesn’t surprise those closest to her that Battan found a way to finish the book.

“If there’s one thing my sister has, its perseverance,” said Kelsey Eiben, who is helping promote Battan’s novel. “She had all four of her kids while she was in school. I remember, when she had her second daughter, she had her on a Thursday and she had a final on the following Monday.

But she was there, ready to go. That takes some strength.”

Eventually, once most of her children were settled in school, Battan found herself writing regularly. After keeping her characters locked in her head for so long, she was ready to bring them out and frequently found herself scribbling down ideas anywhere and on everything. She’s now writing the sequel to “Legacy of a Dreamer,” the second book in what she hopes will be a seven-part series.

“Fortunately, I can write just about anywhere. Most of the time, I just write here and there. Even if I’m, like, outside watching the kids swim, I’ll sit out there and write by the pool. If I was at a soccer practice, I would bring a notebook with me — when I got a laptop I started bringing that around.

I write anywhere, and wherever I can.

Sometimes, the characters just won’t be quiet.”

27

Thursday, June 7, 2012 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street

Pickin’ up a little bluegrass Hay bales, open air perfect setting for down-home music

BY CAMILLE GAVIN Contributing writer

Take a couple of mandolins and banjos and a whole lot of pickin’ and pluckin’ and you’ve got bluegrass, a style of music that’s truly American.

Throw in a fiddle or two and a few bales of hay, set it all down in a place in the country and it turns into a family friendly event, which is what’s happening on Saturday afternoon at the Farmyard Bluegrass Festival at Murray Family Farms.

“Bluegrass is such fun music,” said Shari Fortino. “When you put it together with a family farm it’s a great marriage.”

Fortino, a well-known local dancer, guitarist and singer, is coordinator of the festival. Vickie Murray, co-owner of the farm and — with her husband, Steve Murray — said she’s delighted to be a sponsor of the event.

“I’m a fan of Shari’s; she’s a friend and so talented,” she said. “Our regular admission price is $5.99 and that’s all we’ll take out of the ($15 to $20) tickets; the rest is hers.”

Well, not exactly, because it’s not going into the pocket of Fortino’s jeans. She

Farmyard Bluegrass Festival When: 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday Where: Murray Family Farms, 6700 General Beale Road Admission: $15 in advance, $20 at the door; $5.99 children ages 4 to 12; free to 3 and under Information: 330-0100

came up with the idea of having the festival as a fundraiser for the Center for Spiritual Living, where she serves as music director. The proceeds will be used to pay for educational workshops and lectures the non-denominational church periodically offers to the public.

“We would like to have a yearly festival to give to the community,” she said, “and to enlighten folks about a wonderful local family farm.”

A stage in a structure Murray calls the “pole barn,” will be the setting for the musicians. As the name indicates, it’s a large roof held up by tall poles.

“It’s in the shade and the sides are open so the breeze blows through,” she said.

“We’ll have hay bales and chairs for people to sit on and some picnic tables and benches.”

Three different groups will each play a

45-minute gig at one-hour intervals starting at 1 p.m. The final segment, which begins at 4 p.m., is what Fortino calls an “All-Star Jam Session.”

First on the program is Out of the Blue.

Fortino describes the group as musicians who started at a young age and have been influenced by a range of styles — folk, bluegrass, country, rock and jazz.

Next up are The Drillers, a band made up of four musicians that have played and toured with some of best bluegrass bands on the West Coast, she said. They are known for powerful picking and tight vocal harmonies.

The Brothers Barton consists of Paul Barton on mandolin and Loren Barton on guitar. Composers as well as performers, the brothers play and sing traditional songs as well as ones they have written and recorded in recent years. The Bartons, said Fortino, “have performed with a veritable “who’s who of bluegrass greats.”

Included in the price of admission are the farm’s ongoing attractions, such as hayrides and the petting zoo. Visitors can buy Okie Fried Pies home-cooked in the farm’s Cal Okie Kitchen. Also available for purchase are peaches, pluots, plums, nectarines, apricots and cherries freshly picked from the Murrays orchards.

The farm is located about 20 miles east of Bakersfield via Highway 58.

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28

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, June 7, 2012

Eye Street Camille Gavin CONTRIBUTING COLUMNIST

Strike up the summertime band Free outdoor concert series starts Sunday

I

f I were to list my favorite summertime traditions, the Bakersfield Municipal Band concerts at Beale Park would be at the top of the list, closely followed by outdoor picnics.

You can enjoy both activities on Sunday evening at the tree-shaded park on Oleander Avenue. The concert starts at 8 p.m. but many listeners gather as early as 6 on the lawn near the amphitheater or at nearby picnic tables.

Usually there’s a breeze that blows from the northwest in the evening. That may help to cool those who sit inside the semienclosed theater. But what’s the temperature like on the concrete stage where the musicians play? I posed that question to Doug Kelley, the band’s leader, during a phone conversation a few days ago.

“Yes, the cement really holds the heat,” he said. “But for the love of music in the park, we play.”

Kelley lived about a block away from Beale Park during his growing-up years and has fond memories of attending the band concerts. He was named conductor of the Municipal Band in 2006.

During the school year he teaches instrumental music at Frontier High. A trombonist, he occasionally plays with the school’s jazz band at basketball games.

“Sometimes I get to hang out with the group and be a kid again,” he said. “But at the Sunday concerts, all I get to do is wave my baton.”

Each concert begins and ends with a march, with music from various styles and periods in between. Among the selections on Sunday’s program are a 1970sera medley from Earth, Wind and Fire and a lively piece by Percy Granger, called “Molly on the Shore” that Kelley said presents a challenge for some of the musicians.

“It will especially challenge the clarinets,” he said. “They have to play a lot of notes in a very short time.”

Historically, as far back as the 1930s or ’40s, the park concerts were paid for by the Musicians

GO & DO Bakersfield Municipal Band When: 8 p.m. Sunday Where: Beale Park, Oleander Avenue and Dracena Street Admission: Free Information: 323-7928

“The Last Romance” When: 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday Where: Stars Theatre Restaurant, 1931 Chester Ave. Admission: $50 to $54; $30 students Information: 325-6100

Carousel horse When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily Where: 101 E. Tehachapi Blvd. in Tehachapi Admission: Free Information: 822-5242

“Sleeping Beauty” When: 4 p.m. today Where: Beale Memorial Library, 701 Truxtun Ave. Admission: Free Information: 868-0750

COURTESY OF MEL WHITE

An antique carousel horse restored by Pete Algra and painted by Al Davis.

Union Trust Fund. When the union money ran out, the city provided a majority of the money for the concerts until about five years ago when the economy plummeted.

Kelley credits Cyndi Hicks, a percussionist who serves as the band’s manager, with “doing a yeoman’s job” in getting donations from individuals and businesses so the concerts can continue to be offered.

Hicks told me she’s raised about $5,000 for the current series of four concerts. The total, minus the payroll taxes which are handled by the Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra, will be divided among the 38 to 40 band members.

“Every penny I raise, except for the payroll taxes, goes into a musician’s pocket,” she said. “We just make do with what we have and divide it up between everybody — and they’re OK with that.”

Ideally, Hicks would like to have a budget of about $2,200 for each concert. That would allow each musician to receive about $40 instead of the $20 they’ll get this summer.

Donations are welcome.

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

Checks should be made out to the Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra, with the notation “Park Band” on the memo line.

The symphony address is 1328 34th St., Suite A, Bakersfield 93301.

Meanwhile, the band plays on.

Poignant comedy at Stars If you like fast-paced comedy that’s just a bit on the sentimental side, I’m happy to recommend “The Last Romance,” playing at Stars through June 16. I attended last Sunday’s matinee and Virginia Lenneman, as the bossy sister of 80-year-old Ralph, played

by Jim Fillbrandt and Kathleen Shaffer, his love interest, did a bang-up job delivering some snappy repartee.

Theatergoers old enough to collect Social Security will appreciate a lot of the lines, including one that goes: “He’s a real catch — he can still drive at night.”

Although “The Last Romance” isn’t a musical, the show has music by way of Fred Cremer, who sings brief passages from “Pagliacci” in a series of flashbacks that help to explain how Ralph missed an opportunity to sing with the Metropolitan Opera as a youth.

Carousel horse on display A horse that once rode — or

maybe I should say was ridden — on a merry-go-round is on display this month at CrossRoads Gallery in Tehachapi.

Made of wood, it was restored

by Pete Algra, a retired Kern High School District administrator, and painted by Al Davis, who taught art at Bakersfield College.

Algra, an antique collector, was introduced to carousel horses by Linda Friend of Friendly Antiques in Taft.

“I’ve been doing this off and on for about 40 years,” he said.

“Most of them are 50 to 60 years old, all beat to pieces because they’ve been kept in poor storage conditions.”

At one time, he said, a restored horse or other carousel animals — tigers, for instance — fetched as much as $150,000 at auction.

These days, the going price averages about $10,000. The horse that’s been on display since June 1 isn’t for sale, however.

“I put it there mainly to promote attention to the First Friday (events) they have in Tehachapi,” he said. “And to show what Al Davis can do; he’s my neighbor and a lot of his students remember him.”

Both men are residents of Hart Flat, a mountain community east of Bakersfield via Highway 58.

Davis still teaches art workshops, and several pieces of his wall art

also will be on display at the gallery.

Puppetry at the library “Dream Big” is the theme of this year’s summer reading program at all county library branches. In keeping with that idea, “Sleeping Beauty,” as conceived by the Omnipresent Puppet Theatre, will be one of the programs featured.

The puppet show and other programs being offered this summer are paid for by the Friends of the Kern County Library. Sherry Kelley, president, said the money comes from used book sales the Friends held in March, July and October, as well as books they sell on the Internet. Funds provided by the organization also are used to give each child who completes the reading program a paperback book to keep as his own.

“Sleeping Beauty” will be presented today at 4 p.m. at Beale Memorial Library; at 3:30 p.m.

Friday at Rathbun branch; and at 2 p.m. Monday the library on Baker Street.

For information about performances at other branches, call library headquarters at 868-0700 or go to kerncountylibrary.org and click on “news and events.”

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

29

Thursday, June 7, 2012 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street

Glennville: This ain’t their first rodeo Tiny mountain town has it down for 64th annual rite of spring

BY MIRANDA WHITWORTH Contributing writer

The tiny town of Glennville is about to get a lot bigger.

Nestled in the mountains 45 minutes northeast of Bakersfield, Glennville regularly boasts a population of 131. But the 64th Annual Glennville Rodeo, which kicks off today, is expected to attract 4,000 people to the community during the four days of festivities. Whether attendees are cowboys or cowgirls in search of hefty cash prizes, or Bakersfield families looking to enjoy a beautiful day in the mountains, Glennville Rodeo Quartermaster Erin Rogers promises the crowds will be satisfied.

“All weekend we have our concession stands open with our famous Glennville Rodeo hamburger,” she said. “It’s a huge half-pound burger and it’s amazing. We also have chili, barbecue and anything else you could want. We will also have 25 different vendors selling everything from cowboy gear to home decor and jewelry.”

The Glennville event is the biggest oneday PRCA rodeo in the country. With two days of events for competitors leading up to the official rodeo on Sunday, scores of cowboys descend on Glennville with rigs in tow looking for a place to stay. The eightroom Bunkhouse Motel in Glennville fills up fast, so Rogers and her crew offer onsite camping and security on a 20-acre campground.

“In the old days people used to come up on Monday or Tuesday and circle their

The 64th Annual Glennville Rodeo Roundup When: Today through Sunday Where: Highway 155 and Pascoe Road in Glennville Admission: Free on Friday and Saturday; $12 in advance Sunday; $15 at the gate; $8 in advance for children; $10 at the gate. Advance tickets are available at the Emporium Western Store, 1031 19th St. Information: glennvillerodeo.org or 536-8941

wagons, making a big area in the middle.

We just can’t do that anymore. We have security lining people up and showing them where to park. We give everyone the same amount of space, and that’s just what we have to do."

In addition to three full days of roping and riding, camping, eating and shopping, another type of entertainment is in store Saturday: The GMVA Rodeo Dance starts at 8 p.m. at the Greenhorn Mountain Veterans Association Hall. It’s $5 to attend, and a cash bar will be set up for those looking to indulge. Up-and-coming country band Chapparal will be headlining the all-ages show. Rogers is looking forward to the dance and sees it as a great way to get all walks of rodeo life under one roof.

“It starts out early with kids and families and then as it gets later, the adults take over. Then around midnight we start clearing everyone out so we can sweep up and sanctify the building in time for cowboy church the next morning.”

JACLYN BOROWSKI / THE CALIFORNIAN

A cowboy competes in the bareback bronc-riding event at the Glennville Rodeo in 2011.

Tuba, trombone duo get a little experimental

BY SUSAN SCAFFIDI Contributing writer

Metro Galleries is again the focal point for what’s new and experimental, with another music concert this Sunday at 2 p.m.

The musical duo, Chobraty, is the featured act, along with music by local composer James Sproul, in a concert produced

by Kris Tiner as part of Tiner’s ongoing new music concert series and recording project.

“We’re kind of going in the direction of incorporating chamber music with James’ two pieces and the brass duo as they combine classical music with improvisation and the spoken word,” Tiner said.

Chobraty is William Roper on tuba and Michael Vlatkovich on trombone. Both performers are recognized instrumentalists, composers and arrangers in their own right, but as a duo, the pair have earned praise for the original, experimental style.

“You wouldn’t think that trombone and tuba together would be too interesting,” Tiner said. “The first time I heard them I was blown away.”

“They really just entertain the unexpected,” Tiner said.

Composer Sproul, a graduate of CSUB with a master’s of music degree in compo-

Concert featuring Chobraty and music of James Sproul When: 2 p.m. Sunday Where: Metro Galleries, 1604 19th St. Admission: $5

sition from Oklahoma City University, has been gaining recognition for a growing body of work of instrumental and vocal works for ensembles of all sizes. Now teaching in the Panama Buena Vista School District, Sproul’s compositions are being performed at new music festivals in major venues around the United States.

Two of Sproul’s works will be performed on Sunday: “Winds of Another Planet,” featuring Roper, Vlatkovich and Tiner; and the piano cycle “Because of Morton Feldman,” featuring Sproul among the performers.

Tiner has been producing and recording new music concerts of various styles for the last few months, with the intention of releasing the recordings under the Epigraph label, which Tiner started in collaboration with Ronald Ramirez, owner of Going Underground Records. Tiner said this concert features acoustic music, in

contrast with digitized, amplified and other media in previous events.

“It would be nice to be able to produce a cross-section of all the things that are available,” Tiner said.

Behind all of the music activity is gallery owner Don Martin, who has become a major sponsor of concerts of all types since first opening the gallery in 2006.

“It’s always been part of my business plan to sponsor concerts,” Martin said.

Martin said the concerts are a part of his gallery slogan “The Fine Art of Living.”

“I was just looking for additional uses of art,” Martin said.

Martin moved the gallery to its current location on 19th Street in 2007, and has hosted House Concerts, KLLY Lounge concerts as well as some of Tiner’s events, without much financial reward, something he hopes will change as he completes an expansion of the gallery by early fall.

“We’re adding 1,200 square feet to include a stage and a coffee and wine bar,” Martin said.

The expansion in space will go along with an expansion of business hours to include evenings, Martin said.

“Then we can (offer more concerts) and then I can make some money on it and hopefully pay for it,” Martin said.

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30

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, June 7, 2012

Eye Street The Lowdown with Matt Munoz

Ready for rockin’ at Roots fest LA reggae group heads for new venue Get your sunscreen ready and lace your shoes tightly before entering the mosh pit: Rockin’ Roots returns to Stramler Park on Saturday.

Rockin’ Roots is seen as a primer of sorts for the Vans Warped Tour, which kicks off at the end of this month. But for local kids looking to blow off some steam, our local shindig offers an equal amount of youthful chaos, and this year it’s all crammed in to one day rather than the traditional two-day festival.

Headlining Saturday’s event will be post-hardcore heroes Falling in Reverse and Pierce the Veil, Of Mice and Men, Dr. Acula, ’80s skate punk legends Suicidal Tendencies, electro sister duo Millionaires, and dozens of other bands, all scheduled on eight strategically placed sound stages.

If you’d rather root for the home teams, there will be plenty of local bands, including 2 Faded, Landen Belardes, The Aviators, Terra Alive, Of Athena, Kaptain Krunch and the Cereal Killers, Dead Ashling, DV8RZ, Big Deal Fair

Trade, A Day Of Atonement, Hannah Di Molfetto, Fading Out Silence and others, with vendors selling snacks, water, soda and beer.

The gates open at 11 a.m. Tickets are $30 in advance or $35 at the gate and are available at several Bakersfield outlets or from any of the local bands performing. Stramler Park is located at 3805 Chester Ave. For more information, visit timgardeapresents.com.

Aggrolites represent for reggae On Friday night, traditional skinhead reggae band The Aggrolites rolls into town for a show at On the Rocks. This will be the first time the Los Angeles-based quintet will be visiting our neck of the woods. It’s a long time coming for many local fans, given the solid reggae fan base we boast.

Lead vocalist Jesse Wagner recalled the band’s debut in 2002, when they formed as a live backing band to tour the U.K. with reggae icon Derrick Morgan. Following the success of that project, the band decided to keep the going full time.

The Aggrolites released their debut album, “Dirty Reggae,” the following year, with each song recorded in one take and with many lyrics improvised on the spot.

“The Europeans are a lot more knowledgeable when it comes to

PHOTO COURTESY OF JEREMY GONZALEZ

A Day to Remember performs during 2011’s Rockin’ Roots Festival at Stramler Park.

the different styles of reggae music that we’re influenced by.

Most Americans only know Bob Marley and ‘Legend,’ and that’s about it. Even with our name, the Euros know that ‘Aggro’ is a term used in a lot of skinhead reggae titles, ‘Lites’ is a reference to the Skatalites, and so on. It just made sense for us to go there first.”

Skinhead reggae is generally considered to be the period from 1968 to 1970, just before the Rastafari movement entered mainstream Jamaican music.

The music’s sound is distinguished from other early Jamaican sounds like ska and rocksteady by the slightly faster beat, marked out by the drummer using the hi-hat, heavy organ lines, lower mixing of the bass, and electronically doubled rhythm guitar stroke. It met with great success in the U.K., especially with the skinhead subculture. Major artists include John Holt, Toots & the Maytals, The Pioneers and Symarip, all of whom the Aggrolites cite as big

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.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE AGGROLITES

Los Angeles skinhead reggae quintet The Aggrolites appears at On the Rocks on Friday.

influences.

“If anything, it’s enlightening to inform people on the whole about original skinhead culture.

Skinheads have gotten such a bad rap for so many years because of all the racist boneheads. We call our music dirty reggae. Nobody’s going to play skinhead reggae like the Jamaicans did. It should be known that skinheads were a working-class subculture from the U.K., and the music they lis-

tened to was reggae. It’s not a racist thing,” Wagner said.

The band’s latest CD, “Unleashed Live: Vol. 1,” captures the group in front of an adoring audience, singing and stomping along to every song. Free downloadable tracks are available at the band’s website aggroreggae.com.

If you’re a parent, you may want to look up the band’s video Please turn to 31

31

Thursday, June 7, 2012 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street

FELIX ADAMO / THE CALIFORNIAN

Michael Chavez and the band Otanthea rocked the crowd on the main stage at the Rockin’ Roots 2010 festival at Stramler Park. This year the event has gone from a two-day affair to a Saturday-only music fest.

Continued from page 30 of “Banana,” taken from its appearance on “Yo Gabba Gabba.”

“Doing ‘Yo Gabba Gabba’ was probably one of the best things we could have done for our band. We’ve done punk rock shows, hip-hop festivals. It’s a feel-good kind of music that fits with anything. People like to dance,” Wagner said. “Our music has always fit in anywhere, even ‘Yo Gabba Gabba.’”

Friday’s downbeat is 9 p.m. Admission is $10. Also appearing is Amity Flow and others. On the Rocks is located at 1517 18th St. For information call 327-7625 or visit tgptix.com.

Rapper goes MIA Last Saturday’s concert in the basement of Jerry’s Pizza featuring veteran gangster rapper Brotha Lynch Hung (no relation to William) ended up being a big downer for many local concertgoers.

According to some emails I received on Sunday morning, the rapper was a noshow. Confirming this was Richard King, aka Riddya, a member of Bakersfield rap group Dirthead, who opened the show.

After inquiring about the incident on Facebook, King shared a message he received from Brotha Lynch Hung via Twitter later that evening. Basically, Brotha Lynch blames the no-show on what he termed a shady promoter. The rapper has vowed to return for a free show.

No word on what exactly happened or whether refunds will be granted.

“We rocked the opening though, set the

place off and then everyone started getting weary and waitin’ on Lynch,” Riddya said.

“Some of Madesicc (Brotha Lynch Hung’s extended artist crew) made it to Jerry’s and apologized on Brotha Lynch’s behalf also.”

Matt’s picks Beat Surrender DJ Night at Sandrini’s Bar, 1918 Eye St., 10 p.m., Friday, free, 3228900. Local vinyl junkie Alex Rodriguez, aka DJ Moustache, provides the best in ’60s/’70s funk and soul.

He’s a serious music man, ready to be hit up by anyone on his latest selection of rarities, including your missing Mandrill album. He takes requests within reason and blends it like a true mixologist.

Come as you are, free your mind and let your booty lead the way to the dance floor.

Highly recommended.

Mike Pinto at On the Rocks, 1517 18th, 9 p.m., Saturday, $10, 327-7685.

Raised on a steady diet of soulful sounds emanating from his hometown of Philadelphia as a teen, laid-back vibe maestro Mike Pinto credits California’s punk scene, along with the reggae flavor of Sublime vocalist Bradley Nowell, with inspiration to start his own musical solo project. Now residing in sunny San Diego, Pinto has released three independent, tropically influenced CDs and tours incessantly wherever his fan base reaches, even if it means a last-minute backyard barbecue like the one he did in Bakersfield a few years ago.

Win on ‘Californian Radio’ Join the Eye Street crew of Jennifer Self, Stefani Dias and Matt Munoz for a lively chat about the week in entertainment this morning on “Californian Radio.” We’ll offer up our picks for how to spend your hard-earned dollar from the list of events lined up for this weekend.

The trio also will give away some goodies: two pairs of tickets to The Aggrolites show at On the Rocks Friday and two

pairs of tickets to Rockin Roots at Stramler Park Saturday.

Listen for your cue to win the tickets, and feel free to call in with questions, comments or your own recommendations of what’s worth doing, seeing, eating or drinking in town.

“Californian Radio” airs from 9 to 10 a.m. weekdays on KERN-AM, 1180. Call 842-KERN.

32

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, June 7, 2012

Eye Street Scott Cox CONTRIBUTING COLUMNIST

Hanging out with an icon, Texas-style I

had been invited to Kinky Friedman’s ranch several times. The first was years ago after his show at Fishlips.

We were sitting at a booth at Zingo’s at 1 in the morning, eating chicken-fried steak and bemoaning the current state of politics and country music — Kinky being an expert on both counts, as a performer and one-time candidate for the highest office in the Lone Star state.

Kinky suggested that the next time I was in his neck of the woods, I should come by and say howdy. And when Texans say that, they mean it. But being the full-time musician/writer/philanthropist/legend/tequila maker that he is, it wasn’t possible to catch up with him on my last two visits to Texas. I had mentioned last year that I would be returning in May — and this should tell you something about Kinky Friedman — so he called me just a few weeks ago to ask if my trip was still on. He instructed me to call him when I arrived, and we made arrangements to meet the next day.

Holy cow. It was finally happening.

Setting the mood in Kinky country He told me to call when I got to the Cracker Barrel in Kerrville.

I guess it’s something of a landmark. I had not rented a car because the trip to Kinky’s was really the only road trip that I could foresee, and I knew that finding a volunteer to drive me from among the musicians I was staying with would be the easiest thing ever. Which it was. Kinky Friedman is a celebrity anywhere but, in Texas, his legendary status is clearly amplified to Texas-sized proportions.

Kerrville is about 90 minutes from New Braunfels, where I was staying, but Texans don’t really calculate that kind of thing. Things just are where they are. I suppose it’s part of living in such a big place. Like the nerds we are, we listened to a medley of our favorite Kinky Friedman songs on the iPod as we went.

We made it to Kerrville right on time, and I rang Kinky for further instructions. I was a little surprised that the ranch was another 30 minutes up the road, in Medina, Texas. He gave me the precise directions, and asked, “How many are you?”

“We are two,” I replied in kind. “I am traveling with John Boyd, my driver and manservant. He’s from San Antonio.”

That was apparently good enough for Kinky. “Come ahead.” Click.

The 30-minute drive from Kerrville to Medina covers some of the most gorgeous scenery in Texas, if not the world. It’s green and rocky, and the hills are tall and close together. The winding road heading through the area is one of those 20-mph things. You hate to go that slow, but you’re gawking at the majesty of the scenery anyway, so you don’t really mind. We arrived at the sign directing us to Echo Ranch, and the Utopia Animal Rescue Ranch.

It might as well be Friedman Road, because Kinky owns everything on it, pet rescue facility and all.

The “driveway” to the ranch is four miles of onelane road. There are two creek crossings, one of which is about 18 inches deep. And that’s in spring. But I guess if you don’t have a pickup or SUV, you probably don’t belong out this way in the first place. It was also hard not to notice the dozen or so horses that are just walking around everywhere.

After the scenic road to the ranch, we made it to the last fork in the road. To the right, Utopia Rescue Ranch, one of the largest facilities in the world dedicated to the care and feeding of

SCOTT COX / SPECIAL TO THE CALIFORNIAN

Kinky Friedman and Scott Cox hang out at the performer’s Texas ranch.

abused, aged and abandoned animals. It covers several acres of the most beautiful real estate I’ve ever seen. The left fork took us to our destination: Kinky’s Echo Ranch.

Before you get to the house, there’s a private lake, a huge bunkhouse and several other outbuildings. Then, at the base of a hill, is the house of the man himself, complete with a sign out front that says “The Friedmans.” Odd choice of words for a lifelong bachelor, but it made plenty of sense soon enough, as we were greeted at the gate by Kinky’s immediate family: his three dogs, Winston, Chumley and Sophie.

Kinky in Crocs? Believe it Every time I’d seen Kinky before, he was in his full Texas regalia: black hat, black cowboy dress coat, the boots. But at home, it was all about jeans, Crocs and a Billy Joe Shaver T-shirt. Awesome. I introduced my friend John, who was clearly in awe of the whole situation, and we sat down on the front porch to catch up.

We talked about California and Texas, and how politicians were ruining both. We talked about cigars and why I don’t care for them, and tequila, and why I do care plenty for it. He told us the story of his dogs, and how he’d acquired them from his animal rescue. We talked about animal welfare in this country, and I realized just how much it meant to Kinky. It occurred to me that this was an old man who lives in an 850-square-foot house on this giant ranch, but the Utopia Rescue Ranch facilities were far larger and more well-appointed. And Kinky doesn’t live in this tiny house (purchased with the land in 1953) because he has to. He actually built a bigger house behind this one a few years ago, but he never really felt comfortable in it. It’s got hardwood ceilings, a corrugated metal roof and a small window-mounted air conditioner that made me happy that I hadn’t stopped by in August. There’s one tiny bedroom, an even tinier bathroom, and one medium-sized office.

And what an office: all the clutter and stacks of books that one would expect of any great mind and as many pictures as can fit on the walls, most of them sent to him by friends and admirers.

There are pictures of Kinky with three presidents and many of him with his friends from the entertainment biz, including Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard and Dwight Yoakam. There are campaign signs tacked to the walls from his various runs for office, and newspaper clippings from the same.

It took a good 20 minutes for all this to sink in. I asked Kinky if we could get a picture inside the office. He smiled and said, “Not without my hat.”

We sat in the living room and Kinky laid out his plan to run for governor of Texas again. I can’t say much about the plan, as I’ve decided that I’m a self-appointed political adviser and I shouldn’t leak any details just yet. I must say that Kinky’s couch, while not that comfortable, does offer the benefit of having been sat, slept or passed out on by a huge number of very influential people. The last guests at the ranch were Robert Duvall and Billy Bob Thornton. Wow. Kinky asked if we were hungry, the way Southern folks always do. We told him that we were fine, but he made dinner anyway. And so it was that I found myself in Kinky Friedman’s kitchen, with a plate of cold fried chicken, beans and jalapenos. I could get used to this. After dinner it was time to walk, out past the bunkhouse and down a narrow dirt path through the woods. The first creek crossing explained Kinky’s choice of footwear: He just plodded across the knee-deep water with all three dogs in tow.

They’d swim along behind him, letting the current carry them a few yards off course, only to catch back up when their feet got back to land. I think that the best thing in the world you could be is one of Kinky’s dogs.

Wet dog smell and good conversation After another mile or so of hiking, it was back to the porch to watch the sun set. The dogs that were snarling at us earlier were now curled up in our laps. Ahh, wet dog smell. It was perfect. Kinky explained that we’d gotten there just in time, as the next day the property would be overrun by 100 or so underprivileged kids from around the state. He hosts these camps six to eight times a year, and picks up the tab for the whole thing. As cool as the whole visit was, the best part was realizing that this epic old dude, this Texas legend, has dedicated his time on earth to the things that he cares about most: kids and animals in need. He has his own cigar company, his own salsa and now his Man in Black Tequila, and the proceeds all go toward the camp and the animal rescue. This land he lives on — all 500 acres of it — is ridiculously valuable. He could sell off a few acres to some yuppie from California and build himself a proper mansion, but that’s not his style.

I told Kinky that I’d stay at the ranch when I’m back next year. He extended the invitation to the governor’s mansion in Austin should he be living there. But now that I think about it, I don’t want Kinky to be governor of Texas.

I want him to be governor of California.

— Scott Cox hosts a show weekdays on KERN-AM, 1180

33

Thursday, June 7, 2012 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street

Still here — and that’s something World Records defies trend of indie stores by surviving

BY PAT EVANS Contributing writer

World Records turns 30 this Saturday.

Bands will play from 9 to 11 a.m. to mark the occasion. It’s a good time to look back on where we came from and look forward to a new decade.

In February 1982, Scott Schwebel and I, who had been close friends since fourth grade, went out in search of an album. We drove to each of Bakersfield’s five record stores. None of them had the album. And worse, none of them cared. Not cool.

By the time we got back to his house, Scott said we had to open our own store. I said, “No … OK.” After four months of construction, with immense help from family and friends, World Records opened on June 12, 1982, at Oswell and Columbus.

Scott and I were 22 and 23 years old and had a record store. We thought that was pretty cool.

We kept our “real” jobs, thinking the store would be profitable on its own. Not quite. That September, Scott went out to dinner with his fiancée Linda, said good night, and died in a wreck on the way home. I spent four months trying to figure out which way was up. The store was adrift and the staff ready to move on. I coped by quitting my financial analyst job to focus on making Scott’s idea succeed.

CDs began showing up in the mid-1980s and eventually squeezed out LPs and cassettes. Because CDs were more expensive,

A good record store is a cool, disarming place to be. It houses the collective spirit of artists that created masterpieces as well as artists that flashed for only a moment. customers wanted a way to make sure they were buying something they would like. In 1992 we moved to Stockdale and Coffee in order to showcase an addition to our business model three years before it started showing up at other stores: headphone stations so customers could listen to anything we stocked. More customers. More friends.

By the mid-’90s several factors led us to make another addition to our model: putting on concerts, especially for artists that are highly respected but not well-known in Bakersfield. Showcasing people, not products, therefore never resorting to ticketing service charges or commercial sponsors.

Regularly partnering with local causes.

More customers. More friends.

But then the ground began to shift around 2003. Recorded music was now digital and easy to pirate. Baby boomers already owned most of the music they wanted. And the general economy was in the tank. CD sales plummeted. Record labels desperate to move inventory cut deals with major retailers so that CDs were selling up the street at far below our cost.

By 2007 most record stores in America had closed. If we were just a business, we, too,

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would have closed. But we weren’t. So we didn’t.

In 2008 we decided to move downtown to save on rent and get further away from the Rosedale strip. By phone and by foot we were inundated with people telling us how much the store means to them. Most prefaced their remarks with apologies for not shopping at World Records like they used to.

Our “closet” of a store on G Street gave us a chance to assess our position. Let’s see: We’ve made tons of friends over the years. They think our store is very cool.

They respect what we stand for. They tell us we make this community a better place to live. They hope we’re doing really well and don’t want us to close. But they no longer have a reason to visit.

A good record store is a cool, disarming place to be. It houses the collective spirit of artists that created masterpieces as well as artists that flashed for only a moment.

We’ve spent years watching people come to our store to take a break and relax in the company of music and people who believe music matters.

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With the record store as the backdrop, the Dream Theater will be a center where people can break bread and immerse themselves in music. To be fully infused, a center must be created by its community.

Therefore the Dream Theater remodel project will be made possible by “bricks,” $100 contributions that get paid back after four years; 202 people have their brick already. The ambitious remodel begins with the 500th brick.

This letter arrived Saturday: “You don’t know me, but my wife was a frequent customer in your shop for many years. Like you, music was one of the most important things in her life. She despised “big box” music stores, and much preferred to go to places like World Records, where she could talk to like-minded people like yourself.

Sadly, we lost Jane three years ago to cancer. I have enclosed her obituary to help you remember who she was.

In reading your emails, I’ve followed with interest your desire to establish the Dream Theater. This is the kind of place Jane would love, and I know she would support your efforts if she could. So, in lieu of Jane, I thought I would send a gift in her memory.

This is not a loan, as your notes suggest.

But rather, please accept this as a voluntary gift toward achieving the dream.”

Scott got it started, and people like Jane helped it keep moving forward. No doubt, they think this new phase for World Records is pretty cool.

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The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, June 7, 2012

Eye Street

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Bakersfield percussionist Louie Cruz Beltran appears in the lineup at this year’s Playboy Jazz Festival at the Hollywood Bowl on June 16.

Registration now open and available at www.bakersfieldspca.org or call 323-8353 ext. 2

Boom! Can’t beat this gig Percussionist Beltran to play big-time jazz festival in LA

BY MATT MUNOZ Californian staff writer mmunoz@bakersfield.com

18th Street

Chester

Eye Street

19th Street

It’s been a long and winding road of rhythm for Louie Cruz Beltran, who’s worked the restaurant and latenight club circuit for years to make a living.

But then he got the call of a lifetime recently to perform at the prestigious 34th Annual Playboy Jazz Festival at the Hollywood Bowl on June 16, and the Bakersfield percussionist plans to take full advantage of the career exposure the gig offers.

“My manager was doing some financial stuff for a rehearsal studio in Burbank. She just walked up and goes, ‘Guess what?’ I said, ‘What?’ She said, ‘You’re doing the Playboy Jazz Festival.’ I said, ‘Cool, man … All right.’ I canceled rehearsal and went partying,” Cruz recalled during a recent phone interview in Bakersfield.

Beltran, who commutes frequently between his homes in Bakersfield and Los Angeles, is a familiar face to local music lovers. His playing days reach back to the ’70s, when he fronted several funk and Latin groups in the area.

In the decades since, his fiery drum-

34th Annual Playboy Jazz Festival When: 3 p.m. June 16 and 17 Where: Hollywood Bowl, 2301 N. Highland Ave., Los Angeles Tickets: $20 to $160, plus service charge Information: playboyjazzfestival.com

ming and smooth vocal stylings have been in demand alongside pop singer Rita Coolidge, R&B/disco group DeBlanc in France and many others.

He continues writing, performing and recording, mostly in Southern California, where he’s built an impressive following.

“There’s only so many clubs to play in Bakersfield. It took three to four years to work my way into Los Angeles, and that’s when people started calling me more for shows. It’s fate mixed with a resume for them to book you,” he said. “Especially for the Playboy Jazz Festival. You have to stay conscious to the fact that as a professional musician, all of these avenues are roads to the next level.”

Beltran has three full-length CD releases to his credit, including his latest, “Paint the Rhythm.” He

describes the project, featuring 12 tracks of originals mixed with reinterpretations of some of his favorite songs, as the culmination of his ongoing evolution and experiences. He assembled some well-known players in the Southern California and coastal jazz scene he’s befriended over the years to back him in the studio: pianist Joe Rotondi, saxophonist Justo Almario, plus notable guests like saxophonist Hubert Laws, acclaimed percussionists Poncho Sanchez and Giovanni Hidalgo, drummer Peter Michael Escovedo, bassist Abraham Laboriel, and on backing vocals he recruited brother Robert — whom many know as Commander Chakotay from the “Star Trek: Voyager” TV series.

“When you finally have an opportunity to do a project like this, you wanna make sure you work up to it and get the army together. I’d always had this dream of getting guys like Poncho and Giovanni together to do some percussion. I’m a percussionist by nature — that’s what I do. These two guys are innovators for me. To actually record with them. …One is to dream, the other thing is to wake up and do it,” said Beltran. “To have those guys in the studio, you know you’re going to have something spePlease turn to page 35

35

Thursday, June 7, 2012 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street

Bloody Marys and sausages on tap at Amestoy’s Sunday is a day of recovery — from your work week or your weekend. If you’re overcoming the latter, spice things up at Amestoy’s on the Hill for its first Bloody Mary & Sausage Fest.

Mixologists, amateur and master, will shake things up for a chance for top honors, a commemorative plaque and naming right for the winning drink, which will appear on the bar’s menu for a year.

Known for its popular chile verde cookoff, Amestoy’s was ready to dish up a new contest, said manager Mike Miller.

“We’re just trying to create another event. This is a simple thing to do,” Miller

said. “They need to bring their mix. I’m providing them with the bottle of Absolut vodka,” which is helping promote the event.

As of Monday, 11 competitors had entered but Miller is aiming for 20. Hopefuls have until Friday to call the bar to sign up.

If you’re more interested in sitting at a

bar than behind it, spectators are encouraged. For $10, guests can enjoy the sounds of classic rock band Mystic Red and get a sample cup to judge for themselves.

“They can get (small) samples. Sipping like at a wine tasting, get an idea of what everybody’s tastes like.”

Sausage — 200 pounds! — also tops the menu, with meats from Wood-Dale Market and Prime Cut set for the grill.

Among the eight varieties being sliced up for the crowd are jalapeno cheddar, beer brat, Cajun spice and two mild ones.

For those thinking this contest encroaches on Prime Cut’s own bloody Mary contest, Miller had it covered.

“One reason I’m having it now is I don’t

Continued from page 34 cial. They’re all good carpenters who know how to build a house of music.”

Another big name that stands out in the credits is legendary Cuban saxophonist Paquito D’Rivera, who assisted with an arrangement of the Cal Tjader Latin jazz standard, “Soul Sauce (Guachi Guaro.)”

Beltran described D’Rivera’s creative input as that of a wise sage.

“Paquito doesn’t have to say much. He just says to add this horn line and spice it up,” Beltran recalled. “When you work with cats of this caliber, one of the things I noticed is that they really don’t give you advice; they see it as your baby. They walk in and work as part of the overall picture.

Bottom line is, it’s your band. You can hear people talk and hear the thumbs up. There was complete respect for my music and compositions.”

“Paint the Rhythm” is an accessible and consistently entertaining collection of

songs that harkens back to ’70s-era crossover offerings of Latin rock and jazz percussion icons Coke Escovedo and Willie Bobo. Opening with the original cha-cha “Chili Caliente,” the album draws listeners in by the boogaloo-inspired piano intro and convinces them to stick around for the rest of the party with fun vocals by Beltran, who even throws in a kitschy “shimmy shimmy cocoa pop.”

Next up is a silky mid-tempo cover of Burt Bacharach’s “The Look of Love,” also sung by Beltran, who adds a cool, soulful touch to the lounge classic.

The tempos pick up from there with the title track, more catchy originals and covers from Santana and Tito Puente.

Some are faithful to the original arrangements, others offer new touches, heavily leaning toward traditional Afro-Cuban stylings.

“I’ve always wanted to play timbales on Tito Puente’s ‘Ran Kan Kan.’ To have it

recorded in the studio with a full horn section was unbelievable. My song ‘Rumba Chula’ was a song I wrote about 10 years ago. I also had to pay tribute to my Chicano brother, Carlos Santana, because, wow, what an influence he was with many musicians and understanding the crossover concept. I didn’t want to veer too much away from my vision of keeping the Latin/Afro-Cuban percussion in and not bring in a drum set for our version of ‘Black Magic Woman.’”

Beltran is never shy about sharing life anecdotes and, in conversation, is always full of wit. That type of positive energy resonates throughout. Behind the congas and timbales, he shines when it’s his turn to solo.

And, like his influence, Poncho Sanchez, who helped introduce new fans to Latin jazz, Beltran should have no problem doing the same with “Paint the Rhythm.”

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

Bloody Mary & Sausage Fest When: 11:30 a.m. Sunday Where: Amestoy’s, 2303 River Blvd.

Cost: $10; $40 to compete Information: 871-2303

want to compete with Merv (Crist),” who holds his restaurant’s battle in October.

Selected by a panel of judges in a blind tasting, the top drink, which the winner is allowed to name, will appear on Amestoy’s menu for a year.

But don’t expect Miller to try it.

“Tomato juice, I can’t stand it. I was sick when I was a little kid and this medicine I couldn’t get it down. The doctor said to mix it with tomato juice. I did that for about six months. Now I want nothing to do with it.”

Regardless, those recovering from a long weekend will be able to enjoy the libation on future Sundays with a hearty brunch of eggs, meat and biscuits and gravy, which is free with purchase of a drink.

Beltran said he appreciates all the support he’s received from his hometown on his Playboy Jazz Festival honor, with special shout-outs to his patient wife, Christina, and loving mother, Aurelia.

“This is a great thing. I really feel that I have my hometown with me. It’s wonderful to have a great relationship like that. It’s nice to go with friends and family in your heart. We all do it together. I carry my roots with me no matter where I go, right here in my corazon.”

Also appearing with Beltran on June 16 are the Christian McBride Big Band, Boney James, Ozomatli, Sheila E., Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings, The Soul Rebels, Global Gumbo All Stars, Cos of Good Music, The LAUSD/Beyond the Bell All City Jazz Band, and master of ceremonies Bill Cosby. The June 17 line-up features Ramsey Lewis Electric Band, Robin Thicke, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Keb’ Mo’, Terri Lyne Carrington’s Mosaic Project, and more.

NEW LOCATION IN SHAFTER NOW OPEN Kathleen Schaffer, Virginia Lennemann and Jim Fillbrandt

MAY 25, 26, 27, JUNE 1, 2, 3, 7, 8, 14, 15 and 16

Purchase tickets online, by phone, or at the Theatre Box Office

STARS THEATRE RESTAURANT 1931 CHESTER AVENUE

325-6100 bmtstars.com

For Contest Information contact

AMESTOY’S 2303 River Blvd.

(661) 871-2303

LIVE MUSIC Come enjoy the festivities!

$10

NORTHEAST

NORTHWEST

3615 Mount Vernon Ave.

4750 Coffee Road

(661) 871-3556

(661) 588-4700

CENTRAL

SHAFTER

4130 California Avenue

300 Lerdo Hwy.

(661) 325-4717

(661) 746-9244

voted Best Pizza in Bakersfield!

www.tonyspizzabakersfield.com

36

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, June 7, 2012

Eye Street Go & Do Today 64th annual Glennville Roundup Rodeo, (more on Page 29).

Bookseller’s Book Group, 7 p.m., Barnes & Noble, in the cafe, 4001 California Ave. 631-2575.

Concerts by The Fountain, American music with Chesterfield King, 7 to 9 p.m., The Marketplace, 9000 Ming Ave. CSUB Guitar Recital, solos, duets and ensemble pieces, 4 to 6 p.m., CSUB, Music Building, Room 127, 9001 Stockdale Highway.

Free. 654-2511.

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

See Me LEARN Drawing Club, for kindergarten through eighth grade, theme “Mario and Friends,” 2 to 3 p.m., now through June 28, Friendship House, 2424 Cottonwood Road. Free. Visit seemelearn.org or 369-8926 or 949-9235456.

Sudden Cardiac Arrest Association, presents a countywide sidewalk cardiopulmonary resuscitation day (CPR), 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., The Marketplace, 9000 Ming Ave. Free. Visit suddencardiacarrestbakersfield.org.

Taft Certified Farmers Market, 5 to 8 p.m., 5th St. Plaza, Taft.

765-2165.

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

395-9787.

Friday Concerts, Good Question and The Aviators, 6 p.m., 6th and Main Street, Taft. $5. 765-2165.

CSUB Concert Band, 7:30 to 9 p.m., CSUB, Music Building, Room 127, 9001 Stockdale Highway. $10; $5 students/seniors; CSUB students with ID are free. 654-2293.

Float-In Movie, watch “Finding Nemo,” doors open at 7:30 p.m., NOR Pool, 401 Galaxy Ave. Free.

392-2000.

Kern County Rugby Dinner, silent auction, awards, 6 p.m., Seven Oaks Country Club, 2000 Grand Lakes Ave. $50. 281-9899.

Teen Challenge Barbecue, choir, hear testimonies, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Teen Challenge Men’s Ranch, 650 Riverside Ave., Shafter. $15. 399-2273.

Yard Sale Fundraiser, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Center for the Blind & Visually Impaired, 1124 Baker St. All proceeds go to Center for the Blind & Visually Impaired. 322-5234.

Saturday “Little Miss Sunshine” Cinema Saturday, sundown, Valentien Restaurant & Wine Bar, 1310 Truxtun Ave., Suite 160. 864-0397.

Author Lecture by Rachel Swirsky, 5 to 6 p.m., Beale

Memorial Library, auditorium, 701 Truxtun Ave. Free. 868-0770.

Bakersfield Club of the Deaf Annual Picnic, 3 to 10 p.m., Silver Creek Park, 7011 Harris Road. $5 members/visitors; $3 for children under 3.

BCODeaf@gmail.com.

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

Saturdays or by appointment, Petco, 8220 Rosedale Highway. $65 for spay/neuter, vaccines and leukemia testing. 327-4706.

Farmers Market, 8 a.m. to noon, 3201 F St., and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Brimhall Square, 9500 Brimhall Road.

Democratic Women of Kern, breakfast meeting, 9 a.m., Garden Spot, 3320 Truxtun Ave. $5, 3227411.

Electronic Waste Recycling Events, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 1900 Baker St., and Valley Achievement Center, 1400 Stine Road. Free. nlagness@yahoo.com or 8734011.

Farmyard Bluegrass Festival, (more on Page 27).

FLICS International Cinema Society, presents “A Dangerous Method,” 7:30 p.m., Bakersfield Fox Theater, 2001 H St. Free. flics.org or call 428-0354.

Jazz Ensemble & Jazz Singers, 8 to 9 p.m., CSUB, Doré Theatre, 9001 Stockdale Highway. $10; $5 students/seniors; CSUB students with ID are free. 654-3093.

Kern Audubon Society, birding field trip to Paradise Valley Road in Tehachapi, meet at 6:45 a.m. at the Stockdale Park n’ Ride, between Highway 99 and Real Road. Bring water, snacks, binoculars. $5. 322-7470.

Rails to Trails Classic, Car, Truck & Motorcycle, food, beer garden, entertainment, registration from 7 to 9 a.m., judging begins at 10 a.m., at 6th Street between Main and Supply Row, Taft. Free for spectators. $25 advance entry fee; $30 day of event. 765-2165.

Rockin’ Roots Festival 2012, (more on Page 30).

Fit for Business Run/Walk, 5K/10K, 8 a.m., The Park at River Walk, 11200 Stockdale Highway. $30 advance; $40 after June 1.

Visit kedf.org or 862-5163.

SPCA Microchip Your Pet, with pet adoptions, pet products, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., 9500 Brimhall Road, Suite 705. $20 microchip.

323-8353 or 829-2288.

St. Jude Dream Home, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday; noon to 5 p.m.

Sunday, which is the last day, 13501 Da Vinci Drive. stjudedreamhome.org or 1-800-3859134.

The Butterfly Lovers Violin Concerto, of “The Butterfly Lovers Violin Concerto,” 4 p.m., Ridgeview High School theater, 8501 Stine Road. Tickets at the door, $10 adults; $5 students.

203-2233 or 319-9658.

Veterans of Foreign Wars Post

10859, Rosedale & Ladies Auxiliary, 9:30 a.m., Greenacres Community Center, 2014 Calloway Drive. 588-5865.

World Records 30th Anniversary, with music by J.T. Butler & The Horizon Blues Band, 9 to 10:30 a.m., World Records, 2815 F St. Free. 831-3100.

Yokuts Park Fun Run, 7 a.m., Yokuts Park, Empire Drive off Truxtun Avenue. Free. bakersfieldtrackclub.com or 203-4196 or 3917080.

Sunday Beale Band Concert, (more on Page 28).

Car tour of Tule Elk Park State Natural Reserve, 10 a.m. to noon, meet for carpool in the parking lot of Camino Real Restaurant, 3500 Truxtun Ave. $2. Bring water and lunch. 323-5569.

Chobraty Concert, (more on Page 29).

CSUB Chamber Music Orchestra, featuring works by Vivaldi, Rossini, Mendelssohn, Davis and Arutiunian, 4 p.m., CSUB, Doré Theatre, 9001 Stockdale Highway. $10; $5 students/seniors; CSUB students with ID are free. 6542541.

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

THEATER “Avenue Q,” 8 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday; 11 p.m. Friday, The Empty Space, 706 Oak St. Suggested donation: $15; 10, students/seniors. 327-PLAY. “The Last Romance,” 7:30 p.m.

Thursday through Saturday, Stars Dinner Theatre, 1931 Chester Ave. $45 to $55; show-only tickets $35; matinee $45 to $50. 3256100.

“Trouts The Musical,” 7 p.m.

Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday, Gaslight Melodrama Theatre & Music Hall, 12748 Jomani Drive. $12 to $23. 587-3377.

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

ART “A Time to Write,” part of the Art for Healing program, 1 to 4 p.m. every second Saturday, Mercy Art & Spirituality Center, 2215 Truxtun Ave. 324-7070. Register online at mercybakersfield. org/art or 632-5747.

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

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

Artwork on Display, featuring students of Iva Fendrick, now through June, Bakersfield Art Association Art Center, 1817 Eye St. Free. 869-2320.

Bakersfield Art Association Meeting, annual potluck, installation of the new 2012-13 board, 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Bakersfield Art Association Art Center, 1817 Eye St. Free. 869-2320.

Rose Lester, featured artist for the month of June, Dagny’s Coffee Co., 1600 20th St. 634-0806.

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

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

Free.

Blues Kern River Blues Society Jam, 2 to 8 p.m. every second Saturday, Trout’s, 805 N. Chester Ave. 8727517.

Classic Rock Bellvedere Cocktail Lounge, 3090 Brundage Lane, 325-2139; Blond Faith, 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

On The Rocks, 1517 18th St., 3277685; Elevation 406, 7 p.m. Thursday. $5.

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

Saturday.

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

Country Buck Owens Crystal Palace, 2800 Buck Owens Blvd., 3287560; Monty Byrom Band and the Buckaroos, 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. $5.

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

Wednesdays.

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

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

Greenacres Community Center, 2014 Calloway Drive, offers ballroom dance, East Coast swing

(jitterbug) and Argentine Tango dance classes; $35, $45 for nonmembers. 322-5765 or 201-2105.

Joaquin Squares, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Thursday, Rasmussen Center, 115 E. Roberts Lane. $5. 324-1390, 325-3086 or 399-3658. Mavericks Singles, with music by Bluetooth Cowboys, 7 to 10 p.m. Friday, Kern City Town Hall, 1003 Pebble Beach Drive. $7 member; $9 guest. 831-9241.

Pairs and Spares Dance, with CRS Riders, 7 p.m. Friday, Rasmussen Senior Center, 115 E. Roberts Lane. $7; $9 nonmembers. 399-3575.

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

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

DoubleTree Hotel, Club Odyssey, 3100 Camino Del Rio Court. 323-7111; live in the mix: old school, ’80s, & ’90s music, 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. every Saturday.

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

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

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

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

Imbibe Wine & Spirits Merchant, 4140 Truxtun Ave., 633WINE; live music & wine bar with featuring local artist and Jazz Connection, along with 24 wines, 6 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday; 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

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

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

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

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

Thursday through Saturday. Free.

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

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

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

37

Thursday, June 7, 2012 The Bakersfield Californian

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wednesday.

Ethel’s Old Corral, 4310 Alfred Harrell Highway, 8737613; 6 to 9 p.m. every Wednesday.

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

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

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

Lone Oak Inn, 8 p.m. every Tuesday and Thursday at 10612 Rosedale Highway.

589-0412.

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

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

McMurphy’s Irish Pub & Sports Bar, 14 Monterey St., 869-1451; 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. Tuesdays.

Pizzeria, 4200 Gosford Road, 397-1111; 6 to 9 p.m.

Wednesdays.

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

Pyrenees Cafe, 601 Sumn-

er, 323-0053; 8 p.m. to midnight Saturdays.

Replay Sports Lounge & Grill, 4500 Buck Owens Blvd., 324-3300; 8 p.m. every Wednesday.

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

Rockstarz Party Bar, 7737 Meany Ave., Suite B5, 5896749; 8 p.m. Mondays through Wednesdays.

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

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

Round Table Pizza, 2620 Buck Owens Blvd., 3279651; The Junction with host Mac Clanahan, 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays.

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

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

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

Thursdays and Saturdays.

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

T-Bones Steakhouse, 8020 District Blvd., 3981300; 7:30 to 11 p.m. Thursdays.

Tejon Club, 6 to 10 p.m. every Saturday at 117 El Tejon Ave. 392-1747.

The Bull Shed Bar & Grill, at Hotel Rosedale, 2400 Camino Del Rio Court, 3270681; 7 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays.

The Junction Lounge, 2620 Buck Owens Blvd., 327-9651; 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays.

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

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

The Playhouse Lounge, 7 to 10 p.m. every Sunday at 2915 Taft Highway. 3973599.

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

The Regent, 2814 Niles St., 871-4140; 8:30 p.m. every other Friday.

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

The Wright Place, 2695-G Mount Vernon Ave., 872-

8831, 8 p.m. every Thursday.

Tomi’s Cowgirl Cafe, 7 to 10 p.m. every Tuesday and Thursday at 1440 Weedpatch Highway. 363-5102.

Trouts & The Blackboard Stages, 805 N. Chester Ave., 399-6700; 7 p.m.

Mondays and Thursdays, 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Vinny’s Bar & Grill, 2700 S. Union Ave., 496-2502, 7 p.m. Thursdays. 21 and over.

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

Tam O’Shanter, 2345 Alta Vista, 324-6774; Rock-AMole, 8:30 p.m. Saturday. $5.

Mariachi Camino Real Restaurant, 6 to 9 p.m. every Sunday at 3500 Truxtun Ave. 8520493.

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

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

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

Tam O’Shanter, 2345 Alta Vista, 324-6774; The Press, 8:30 p.m. Friday. $5.

Open Mic Fiddlers Crossing, 206 E. F St., Tehachapi, 823-9994; 7 p.m. Wednesdays. $5.

’80s rock B. Ryder’s Sports Bar & Grill, 7401 White Lane, 3977304; Glam Cobra, 9 p.m.

Friday. $5.

Rock B. Ryder’s Sports Bar & Grill, 7401 White Lane, 3977304; Good Question, 9 p.m. Saturday. $5.

On The Rocks, 1517 18th St., 327-7685; Aggrolites, Amity Flow, The Easy in, Kaptain Crunch and the Cereal Killers, 7 p.m. Friday. $5; Vanity Avenue, 9 p.m.

Saturday. All ages. $10.