Bakersfield Californian Eye Street / 7-7-11 by Matt Munoz

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, July 7, 2011

Eye Street

Index Monkees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 Sundai Love . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 Bunnell Strings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 Arts Alive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 ‘The Wild Party’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 The Lowdown with Matt Munoz . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 Art for Healing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23 Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26-29

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

Ax man still swinging away Teddy Spanke recalls vibrant nightlife BY MATT MUNOZ Bakotopia.com editor mmunoz@bakersfield.com

he golden era of honky tonkin’ kind of sounds like a scene from “The Blues Brothers”: Some of the best musicians in town — and these guys could play — would hit the stage every night of the week to entertain dancers, drinkers and brawlers, the air thick with country music and the smoke from 100 Marlboros. But the reality wasn’t all fists and whiskey in Bakersfield, according to guitarist Teddy Spanke. Still a familiar face on stages throughout the city, the veteran musician recalls a time when playing music afforded full-time employment. Today it’s a rare occupation in Bakersfield, even for the busiest of sidemen. “You could actually make a living like that, playing music five nights a week, 9 to 1:30 a.m.,” he said from his day job as a general contractor before hitting the road again. “We had a club scene. Places like Casa Royale on Union Avenue, the Country Star, Bakersfield Inn, Howdy House, the Funny Farm, Suds and Rockabilly’s.” A transplant from Vancouver, Wash., Spanke comes from a family of musicians well known in the Bakersfield music scene. “My dad, Ted, was a pianist, but he didn’t believe it was a trade. He came from a strict Catholic home — everyone had to learn to play an instrument. My mom, Bonnie, played stand-up bass in the USO. My brother, Roger, plays guitar, and my sister, Theresa, is a singer,” he said. Spanke said the music bug bit him relatively late, even after taking lessons from Mark Moseley, nephew of Mosrite guitar builder Semie Moseley. “I had my first guitar lesson when I was 15 years old from Mark. It just wasn’t my thing at the time. I was a studious kid. A troublemaker, but I was a straight-A student,” he laughed. Like most teens, the Bakersfield High School student was more interested in cruisin’ Chester with friends and chasing girls. But one late night during his junior year in ’79, Spanke nearly lost his life behind the wheel of his prized

FELIX ADAMO / THE CALIFORNIAN

Teddy Spanke plays a few licks on Dorothy. Spanke recalls the good old days when a musician could make a living playing on local stages.

1970 Oldsmobile 442. “It was a really fast car and I was being young and reckless, hot rodding down Truxtun Avenue. We had just come from cruising Chester. No drinking. It was about 2 in the morning and me and my buddies didn’t see anyone around. There was water in the street and I spun out in front near the old Hill House.” After suffering a broken neck, Spanke endured a lengthy recovery and began working at his father’s custom stainless steel business for a few years. Unsure of his future, the then20-year-old found renewed interest in music after meeting guitarist Eugene Moles for the first time. “I saw Eugene play at the Junction (now the Best Western) on Pierce Road back in ’81. I knew I wanted to be able to play like that — country rock. He was playing with someone I knew, so we became friends. Music actually

became secondary. We became inseparable.” That friendship would ultimately lead Spanke to the purchase of his first guitar — a ’61 Gibson SG. Soon, he began finding a way into the music scene thanks to Moles. “I would go out to Trout’s and it was busy all the time, rowdy and packed. It was stereotypical of a country-western bar. We didn’t have a mechanical bull though. Bobby Durham would play along with Eugene and his now-ex-wife, Sherry, was on the keyboards. When she took a break, I’d play guitar, keys. I became a hired gun.” In subsequent years, that hired gun status would help Spanke become a full-time ax man along with brother, Roger. “Roger was touring at the age of 17 with some local guys like Don Kidwell and others. They had a booking agent and were touring all over the place.”

‘Music has no color’ Spanke knew just how to make the most of a gigging opportunity in the busy scene of club life in the ’80s. After mastering country-style playing, he began experimenting with the rock, funk and soul being played in the multiracial club scene by bands like Straight Away, Street Legal, The Press and others. “Music has no color. I listened to everybody — Tower of Power, Eddie Van Halen, Frank Zappa, even Little River Band.” Because of that love of all styles, Spanke’s resume reads like a who’s who of heavy hitters of the Bakersfield music scene. “Monty and Tanner Byrom, Pat Bannister, Rick Reno Stevens, David Frizzell, Mark Yeary …” he said before stopping to share one of his favorite duets. “I got to jam with Buck once. He used to come in at noon to the Crystal Palace. He was sick one afternoon and there was a busload of Japanese tourists that came

through town. The place was closed, but Buck came out and asked if I had my acoustic guitar. So we sat in the mezzanine and we played to the people. He said, ‘These people came a long way …’ We played for about 45 minutes to an hour.” But Spanke’s talents haven’t been relegated to just local stages. Over the years he’s performed throughout Nevada, Nashville, along the East Coast and Europe. Today, the 49-year-old can be seen regularly with his band Teddy Spanke & The Tex Pistols, a group that goes back to the ’80s with Durham. He also plays at New Life Christian Center on Sundays. Making sure the next generation of Spankes carries on for the family, he’s shared his love of guitar with his two sons, Michael and Ryan. “I’m really proud of them both. They’re both great fathers and great players. I’ve been blessed,” he said.

Thursday, July 7, 2011 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street

Arts scene gets new advocate S. Clarita musician to lead Arts Council BY SUSAN SCAFFIDI Contributing writer sscaffidi@bakersfield.com

new actor has entered the Kern County arts arena, promising to be a strong advocate for artists, students and audiences. Actually, Michael Millar, the new executive director for the Arts Council of Kern, is a musician — a bass trombonist to be precise — but will be promoting all branches of artistic endeavor. “I believe if I'm doing my job, it's not about who I am as an artist,” Millar said. “I have a history of working with all kinds of artists.” The council’s most recent permanent director, visual artist Jeanette Richardson Parks, left the Arts Council earlier this year. Laura Lollar Wolfe, whose background is in fundraising, was named interim director after Parks’ departure but told The Californian in an interview in June that she decided against pursuing the permanent position because she herself is not an artist. “I was out of my comfort zone as director of ACK. I don’t have the tacit arts knowledge, and I was

not trained as an arts administrator and I don’t have art as an avocation,” Wolfe said. Millar was among two dozen candidates, including Arts Council employees, to apply for the position, said incoming Arts Council president David Coffey. “(Michael) has a unique blend of being an artist himself and also the Ph. D.,” Coffey said. “That was a very strong point for us. “It's a unique skill set that saddles both of those worlds,” Coffey said. That skill set came in part from Millar’s studies. The musician earned a bachelor of music degree from the University of Colorado, Boulder, a master's degree in music from Cal State Los Angeles, and a doctor of musical arts degree from the Peter Drucker and Masatoshi Ito Graduate School of Management at Claremont Graduate School. As a performing musician, he has played with the Grammy Award-winning Southwest Chamber Music ensemble (Millar has a Grammy medal and certificate), toured with trumpeter Harry James and his band and others, and has taught music at Cal Poly Pomona. Millar has also served as the development director for the Southwest Chamber Music ensemble, interim director of the Entrepreneurship Center for

Music at the University of Colorado, Boulder, and the chair and executive director for the Santa Clarita Arts Commission. The new director, who will commute from his home in Santa Clarita, listed among his strengths his ability to ask the right questions — something he learned from Drucker — and he intends to ask a lot of questions as he gets acquainted with the community. “What I bring to the table is that I have an ability to look at things with a fresh set of eyes,” Millar said. “And I have a lot of experience assessing situations in the arts, and facilitating a dialogue to make sure we continue to play to our strengths and respond to appropriate opportunities.” What that translates to, at least in part, is that Millar will be working on a steep learning curve for a good while, and will probably face some tough choices. “There are a lot of good ideas as to the kind of things that should happen,” Millar said. “But there are only enough resources to do a certain number and not everything. “We have a very diverse business (base) here, so that will be one of our challenges,” Millar said. Both Millar and Coffey praised the existing board of directors and the staff, which includes Wolfe, still with council in the role of

HENRY A. BARRIOS / THE CALIFORNIAN

Michael Millar is the new director of the Arts Council of Kern.

development officer. “She's looking at just the best way she can contribute to the Arts Council,” Coffey said. “So she's staying, and we're really excited about that.” Coffey said that the board has not given Millar any specific directives, except to help the Arts Council thrive in tough times.

“We have a very competent staff; it's not like anything was broken,” Coffey said. “(The council has) been on a pretty aggressive growth curve, and we just want it to continue on that path.” Coffey declined to comment on how much Millar will be paid. — Lifestyles Editor Jennifer Self contributed to this report

Silver Fox sign looks bright in new home New neon and paint bring a classic landmark back to life BY JENNIFER SELF Californian lifestyles editor jself@bakersfield.com

here’s been a fox sighting at the Kern County Museum, but we’re not talking about any run-of-themill kit fox. This little mischief maker has a certain gleam in his eye and a bushy tail that works overtime. And if the sight of him makes you yearn for a cold one, there’s a subliminal reason for that. As the mascot of the Silver Fox, a legendary though sadly defunct downtown watering hole, he beckoned to customers for decades from his 18th Street perch until the bar closed a year ago. So thank the neon gods for the Kern County Museum, which has found a place of honor for the glowing fox, alongside other iconic signs of yesterday. Lori Wear, curator of collections at the museum, emailed us this week to share the good news of the display of the Silver Fox sign and another neon masterpiece, the O.B. Nuzum sign, originally located at a tire shop on California Avenue.

See the neon The Kern County Museum is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday to Sunday. The museum lights up its neon signs occasionally for special events, but none are currently scheduled, Wear said.

“The museum staff does not actively seek out neon signs. We would prefer for the signs to remain in their original locations, but sometimes this is not possible,” Wear explained in her email. The signs join six others located in the Neon Courtyard. The museum’s first sign, which once graced the Unocal offices at 31st and F streets, was donated in 1998 and is in storage awaiting restoration, along with a portion of the Tejon Theatre marquee. More on each of the new signs from Wear’s email:

The Silver Fox Brenda Sharp donated the Silver Fox sign to the museum in June of 2010. The sign was restored prior to being donated to the museum, which paid to have the sign removed from its original location and for installation on the museum grounds. The cost to remove and install this sign was around $1,500. Buys Pipe

and Supply gave the museum a great deal on the two poles for the Silver Fox and O.B. Nuzum signs. This sign has a classic midcentury modern design with neon that “moves.” The tail of the fox appears to wag as three different elements light and go out in succession. This is the only sign at the museum of this type.

O.B. Nuzum Tire Service The city of Bakersfield donated the O.B. Nuzum Tire Service sign to the museum in 2008. The sign was originally located on the southwest corner of the tire company's store at 830 California Ave. (formerly Family Service Laundry and later Carriage Masters). The building (California Avenue and P Street) was designed by local architect Clarence Cullimore Sr. The sign was taken off the building and placed on the roof when Carriage Masters bought the building from Dirk Nuzum (O. B. Nuzum’s son). The sign remained on the roof until 2008. The paint was badly worn and most of the glass tubing for the neon was missing. Dirk Nuzum donated numerous copies of photographs of the sign and building to aid in the restoration of the sign. Center Neon restored the sign (paint and neon) for approximately $5,000.

CASEY CHRISTIE / THE CALIFORNIAN

Rob Findly, with Center Neon, prepared to move The Silver Fox sign to the Kern County Museum in this 2010 photo. The sign, featuring a fox with a hyperactive tail, is a unique addition to the museum’s collection.

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Hey, hey, they’re in town Monkees coming down the street to play at Fox BY GENETTA M. ADAMS Newsday

f you grew up a fan of The Monkees — who are celebrating 45 years with a stop at Bakersfield’s Fox Theater on Wednesday — then you might think you know everything there is to know about the band. You may know that 45 years ago, Davy Jones, Micky Dolenz, Peter Tork and Michael Nesmith were brought together for a TV show inspired by The Beatles’ “A Hard Day’s Night.” Sure, you may know that Nesmith, who hasn’t toured with the band since 1997, had the idea that spawned MTV or that his mom, Bette Nesmith Graham, invented Liquid Paper. And you may even know that Neil Diamond wrote the band’s greatest hit, “I’m a Believer,” which stayed at No. 1 for seven weeks. But there are still a few things you may not know about The Monkees. • The band has an FBI file. The agency, which recently made files available online at vault.fbi.gov, is known for keeping an eye on politically active performers, from folk singer Phil Ochs to John Lennon. But The Monkees? Really? Yup. The heavily redacted file details the band’s activities for three months in 1967 and describes them as “four young men dress as ‘beatnik types’” that perform as a “combo” in front of a screen during concerts. The file notes that during shows “subliminal messages were depicted on the screen, which in the opinion of (some) con-

DAVID J. HOGAN / GETTY IMAGES

The Monkees — from left, Peter Tork, Davy Jones and Micky Dolenz — bring their 45th anniversary tour to the Bakersfield Fox Theater on Wednesday.

The Monkees 45th Anniversary Tour When: 8 p.m. Wednesday Where: Fox Theater, 2001 H St. Tickets: $35 to $115, plus fee Information: Vallitix.com or 322-5200

stituted ‘left-wing innovations of a political nature.’” What where those “innovations”? Images of anti-war protests and riots at Berkeley and Selma, Ala. • Hip-hop artists love to sample

their songs. Probably the best-known sample is Run D.M.C.’s “Mary, Mary,” which was inspired by The Monkees’ own “Mary, Mary.” Perhaps not as widely known is that local hip-hop legends De La Soul also sampled The Monkees’ version on “Change in Speak,” from the classic 1989 album “Three Feet High and Rising.” • Their theme song never made the charts. The Monkees had six Top 5 singles (three of them reached No. 1), but what may arguably be the band’s most hummable tune, “(Theme From) The Monkees,” never cracked the charts in the United States.

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t takes a lady to make a ladies’ man — or so goes the thinking behind an episode of the MTV series “Made,” which airs today and features Bakersfield model/actress Sundai Love. “I was saying I wouldn’t do any more reality TV, but this show is really positive,” said the onetime “America’s Next Top Model” contestLove ant in an interview Tuesday. “It’s kids who hire a coach to help them reach their goal to be anything from an opera singer to a ballet dancer, and they win things and get lots of free stuff.” Love, a student at Cal State Bakersfield, spent the entire month of May in Chapel Hill, N.C., the home of her 15year-old protege, Jake Rohde. Her mission as coach: Transform the “awkward” high school sophomore with no friends

How to watch

“Made” at 1 p.m. today on MTV

into a popular chick magnet. “We had to go through everything, like he was a newborn or something,” said Love. “We had to work from the ground up. The last thing is we worked on his appearance. But to get started, we worked on his confidence, etiquette. Talking to girls was the hardest part for him.” One asset Love counted on was her age: At 20, it wasn’t so long ago that she herself braved high school, a minefield of taunts and casual cruelty that takes four years to get through and a lifetime to get over. Another advantage? She, too, was a dork. “I told him a story about how I wasn’t very popular in junior high school, so I knew exactly where he was coming from. Right off the bat, we were best friends,” said Love, who keeps up with Jake via Facebook. The challenge, Love discovered, was

to accentuate the great things about the original Jake — “he’s a brainiac” — while working on Jake 2.0. “The first week was very hard. Every time he saw me he said, ‘Great, here comes my daily tongue-lashing.’ But I was there for a reason, and he understood that. “He just wasn’t trying, basically. He was really fidgety and he’s in class eating carrot sticks with a juice box while everyone else is chilling. Then there were these nasty flipflops that he always wore.” Being cast on the MTV show, now in its 11th season, represented a bit of a coup for Love, who is trying to redirect her career from modeling to acting. She underwent a rigorous audition process to get the job, and though she called the shoot a collaboration between herself and the producer, the show used most of her ideas. “I’d say it was very successful. I came in there pretty doubtful. Our first meeting was terrible. I didn’t know what to do with this kid, but everything worked out for the best.”

Thursday, July 7, 2011 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street

Siblings tug at heartstrings

Presents

Warren Dobson’s

Star-Spangled

Musical quintet sticks together through loss

Patriotic Blast

BY SUSAN SCAFFIDI Contributing writer

Warren Dobson

ore than blood binds the five Bunnell siblings. The quintet, known professionally as the Bunnell Strings, share a story of love, tragedy and music. Keren, Kimberly, Corrie, Cara and Ross Bunnell have been performing together since they were very young, and the San Diego natives are still very young: The oldest, Keren, is 22, and Ross, the youngest, is 16. They are also on their own. The Bunnells lost their father to cancer in 2007 and their mother to cancer in 2010. Keren was given custody of Ross and Cara, who was 17 at the time. But the Bunnell siblings are more than their tragic loss. They are fine musicians and a close-knit family who are able to make a living and stay together because of gift their parents gave them. The Bunnell Strings will perform in concert in Bakersfield on Sunday at First Presbyterian Church. “There was a program at our church that was a string orchestra,” Kimberly Bunnell said. “And it had little kids in it and Mom got us started in that. “The teacher said to do this, and Mom made us do it,” Bunnell said. “We loved it.” Bunnell said the director of the orchestra also taught private lessons and started the children with the Suzuki instructional method, which, among other things, targets attempts to teach children as young as 3 to play an instrument the way children learn spoken language — by ear. “It’s really good because (the Suzuki method) starts with learning the instrument first and then reading music a little later,” Bunnell said. Educated at home, Bunnell said the siblings were also practicing as a quintet, and about 10 years ago discovered they could make money at it. “The first thing we did was a wedding for a friend,” Bunnell said. “And

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PHOTO COURTESY OF THE BUNNELL STRINGS

The Bunnell Strings, from left: Keren, Kimberly, Corrie, Cara and Ross.

Bunnell Strings When: 6:30 p.m. Sunday Where: First Presbyterian Church, 1705 17th St. Admission: Free; donations accepted

then we realized we had a lot of repertoire and we could do this a lot.” Bunnell said their mother acted as their manager, and soon the group was playing all types of services, mostly in the San Diego area, including corporate and civic events, fundraisers and other engagements. They also performed in the San Diego Youth Symphony and similar ensembles, and won awards in various music competitions. With the loss of their parents, the siblings have had to pull together, and have made performing a full-time occupation, even while the eldest have been attending a local community college. “We’ve always been close, playing together and practicing together,” Bunnell said. “And especially this last year.

“It’s drawn us even closer together,” Bunnell said. Their lives certainly are full. Bunnell said their weekly schedule is divided between lessons, coaching and rehearsals in the first part of the week and performances from Thursday to Sunday. Keren is the head of the family; Kimberly handles the bookings; and Corrie has proved to be a talented composer and arranger, writing the quintet’s original material, which the Bakersfield audience will get to hear. “We’re doing some classical,” Bunnell said. “The majority of the concert, we’ll be performing the things Corrie has done.” Bunnell said that will include pop songs, movie themes, original music and sacred hymns, all composed or arranged for the quintet. In the fall, the family will add another dimension to their lives. They will all be attending California Baptist University in Riverside, where the family will serve as quintet-in-residence. “We met the director at a concert and we talked to him,” Bunnell said. “He offered us this opportunity.” “We’ll be playing together all the time,” Bunnell said.

Encore for famed guitarist — and his tuba BY MATT MUNOZ Bakotopia.com editor mmunoz@bakersfield.com

he recent appearance by famed guitarist Freebo during the weekly Songwriters' Showcase at The Prime Cut was such a success that plans are already being arranged for an encore performance on July 13. "We've had some luck with different artists stopping by, but he was certainly one of the biggest," said host Chuck Seaton of the singer/songwriter, most notable for his work with Bonnie Raitt among others. “He's met a lot of new musicians

July 1st – 2nd July 8th – 9th All showtimes 7 p.m.

and made some new friends in Bakersfield. He's going to try and get Tanner Byrom on drums, Bunky Spurling on guitar, and horn player John Hollins to sit in this time around. He's got a really nice collection of originals that he delivers really well on acoustic and a tuba, which is odd to see walk in. He even played a Hot Taco song on tuba and rocked it really well." The weekly showcase, co-hosted by Bakersfield guitarist Billy Russell, features local and out-of-town artists. Musicians are welcome to perform original material, as well as share sto-

ries with the audience. Started last year by Seaton and Russell, the event has grown into a busy midweek gathering. “One of the things I'm observing are Wednesday nights kind of run themselves now. Before, we had to recruit players, but now we have people showing up. Freebo contacted us, and since he's been concentrating on songwriting, it worked out really well.” The Songwriters' Showcase is held every Wednesday and starts at 7 p.m. The Prime Cut is located at 9500 Brimhall Road. For more information call 831-1413.

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The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, July 7, 2011

Eye Street Camille Gavin CONTRIBUTING COLUMNIST

‘Silent’ pain expressed in art Dying for some mellow acoustic? Head to Tehachapi

“S

ilent All These Years” is the poignant title of a fundraising art exhibit that opened with a lively and well-attended reception last Saturday at The Empty Space. At least 50 visitors were on hand to view the art in the gallery and to take in a graceful performance by a group of nine dancers. The young women executed a combination of ballet and modern dance to a recording of the song “Too Proud.” Rachel Horner, the choreographer, teaches at Penn Point Dance Academy on 18th Street and moved here only a month ago. When she told me she was from Minnesota, I asked the blonde, fair-skinned Horner how she was handling the heat. She responded with a bright smile and said, “I’m always cold, so I like it.” I referred to the title of the art exhibit as “poignant” because it is, in part, a fundraiser for RAINN, the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network. Participating artists were asked to present their interpretations of the effects of various forms of sexual assault and violence. Support for organizations of this type isn’t unusual for The Empty Space. The nonprofit theater has been presenting “The Vagina Monologues” annually for the past several years and had events supporting the local Alliance Against Domestic Violence. The work of about 15 artists is being shown. Among them are Michelle Guerrero Tolley’s mixed-media “Muse,” an abstract that suggests a female figure created out of newsprint who appears to be clutching a dark curtain; “Black Dove,” a mixed-media landscape on wood by Sara Nafus that’s notable for its textured quality; “Thoughts,” an expressionistic collage by Tamara Martin; and “Window Pain: Before,” by Julie Jordan Scott, showing three small photos of a Raggedy Ann doll in different poses encased within a narrow and weathered 12-by-30inch glass-fronted cupboard door. All of the artwork is for sale. It can be seen 30 minutes before curtain time on Fridays and Saturdays. A closing reception will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. on July 30.

Art workshop for children Local artist Jesus Fidel says his “I Dream of Art” workshop at The Empty Space is designed to guide children, ages 5 to 17, through an arc of creativity that could lead to a monetary reward. “The point of the program,” he said, “is to show them the whole process — doing the art, how to save your art, and how to sell your art.” Over the course of four Saturday sessions at The Empty Space, students will

PHOTO COURTESY OF DEBORAH HAND

Wendy Waldman will perform at Fiddlers Crossing in Tehachapi on Saturday.

GO & DO ‘Silent All These Years’ What: Art exhibit for RAINN When: 7:30 to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday Where: The Empty Space, 706 Oak St. Admission: Donation Information: 327-PLAY

‘I Dream of Art’ workshop When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, July 16 and 23 and Aug. 6 Where: The Empty Space, 706 Oak St. Cost: $150 Information: 327-PLAY

Wendy Waldman concert When: 7 p.m. Saturday Where: Fiddlers Crossing, 206 E. F St., Tehachapi Admission: $15 Information: 823-9994

learn how to bring their ideas to life in a creative fashion using acrylics, spray paint, pastels and puff paint on paper. The $150 fee includes all materials needed as well as lunch. Fidel, 28, said he began drawing at an early age and is self-taught. An expressionist, he describes his own artwork as “taking nor-

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

mal, everyday things and turning them into something new and different.” This is the first time he has taught young people. His teaching experience includes a workshop for senior citizens, which he taught a few years ago at Cerro Coso College in Ridgecrest. He expects each participant to execute four pieces, which will be matted, framed and displayed at an art show and reception on Aug. 27. All of the artwork will be available for sale. In keeping with the theater’s gallery policy, 70 percent of the sales price will go to the artist and 30 percent to The Empty Space.

In addition, she teaches guitar and songwriting, is a classically trained pianist and a record producer. The Longhouse, Waldman’s studio in Los Angeles, is the home of the public radio music show “Folk Scene.” Well-known in her own right, she has a strong musical heritage. She is the daughter of composer Fred Steiner, who was 88 when he died on June 23, according to Variety. The trade newspaper noted that Steiner wrote the themes for the “Perry Mason” television series and “Rocky and Bullwinkle” and later became a respected film music historian and musicologist.

Waldman to perform solo

While I was on vacation I was surprised to get an email from former Californian staffer Mike Tasos, who left town in 1985 with his wife, Vicki, after working for several years in both the sports and lifestyle sections of the paper. Since 1991 he’s been living in the northern part of Georgia and is working for the Forsyth County News. But what really surprised me about Mike’s message is what he’s doing in his spare time. “I have been in four local theater productions,” he wrote. “I know you probably find that hard to believe. While doing the plays, I sometimes wondered: ‘What would Camille Gavin think of this?’” Knowing Mike’s lively, outgoing nature, I’m sure he’s a hit on stage. By the way, he was here in April to celebrate his grandmother’s 100th birthday and described his impression of the current state of our fair city with this cryptic comment: “Town has sure changed. It’s a little rough. Valley Plaza was downright scary.”

For those who yearn to give their eardrums a respite from over-amplified music, consider taking the short drive to Tehachapi on Saturday evening to hear singer-songwriter Wendy Waldman. “Fiddlers Crossing is dedicated to bringing a diversity of acoustic music to Tehachapi from some of the best performers in the music business,” said Deborah Hand, owner of the venue that offers an informal coffee-house atmosphere. “Wendy Waldman will bring much of that diversity.” Although Waldman frequently appears as a member of the trio The Refugees, her appearance on Saturday will be a solo gig, said Hand, who noted more than 70 artists have recorded Waldman’s songs. Among the best known are “Save the Best for Last” and “The Sweetest Days” by Vanessa Williams. Waldman writes and performs in multiple genres, including country, pop, film scores, jazz, children’s music, Latin, R&B and cowboy music.

Reporter turns to acting

Thursday, July 7, 2011 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street

Music, mayhem bring ‘Party’ to life Racy show a labor of love for couple BY STEFANI DIAS Californian assistant lifestyles editor sdias@bakersfield.com

he bathtub’s filled with gin and the girls are ready to vamp it up this weekend as The Empty Space kicks off “The Wild Party.” The musical, based on a 1928 once-banned narrative poem by Joseph Moncure March, follows the debauched exploits of a party of Manhattanites at the height of Prohibition. At the heart of the “Party” are feuding lovers Queenie and Burrs (played by Libby Letlow and Adam Calvillo). After years together, the couple are bored with each other and throw a party to settle the score. While a jaded couple sets the show in motion, this “Party” came about thanks to a happier couple: Calvillo and his wife, Meg, who co-directed the production. “I fell in love with this show about two years ago,” Meg Calvillo said. “My husband and I pitched the show to The Empty Space at their annual Pitch Day in mid2010.” Calvillo said the show is dark, but it reflects the time in which

‘The Wild Party’ When: 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday Where: The Empty Space, 706 Oak St. Admission: Free, suggested donation of $10 $8 for students/seniors Information: 327-PLAY or esonline.org

it was set. “‘The Wild Party’ sounds like your typical Broadway musical, but has a dark lyrical undertone, with a careful balance of love, lust, angst and jealousy. The show stays true to the time of the Roaring Twenties with a mixture of sex, drugs and alcohol, making it an adult-oriented show.” And attendees should have no doubt about the wildness of this party. With drinking, drug use, lingerie-clad women and brief nudity, this is not suggested for younger audiences. “We feel we have carefully and tastefully staged the content of this show, but still strongly recommend viewer discretion.” Conceding that most musicals staged locally are family-friendly, Calvillo said that “Party” is still a worthy contender, which has

found the right home at The Empty Space. “It is sometimes harder to market and promote (an edgier show) to the right crowd. There is definitely an audience and demand for it. The Empty Space is known for riskier fare shows, and has a great following, which makes it a perfect venue for this show.” The content was the right fit, but the actual fit of the theater posed an issue for “Party.” Much like “Stage Door” in May, which featured a cast of 27, this musical tests the limits of the theater with 15 actors, who are on stage for most of the show in choreographed musical numbers. “This musical is like an operetta, which means it is almost all music. There are roughly 20 full musical numbers. The cast is larger than most shows, and with the exception of a couple of minutes, the whole cast remains on stage the entire show. “This made staging, especially on such a small stage, a challenge. We had to carefully stage 15 people for every song, and moment, while still keeping the focus on the main characters, scene and story line.” Helping first-time director Calvillo keep things in line was Genia Owens, who co-directed the show.

PHOTO COURTESY OF KAYLEIGH PEAKER

A tense moment for revelers — from left, Justin Brooks, Libby Letlow, Adam Calvillo and Christina Teves — at “The Wild Party,” which opens Friday at The Empty Space.

“Through this process Genia has given me the opportunity to experiment with my directing ideas, and has been really great about stepping back, letting me make mistakes and triumphs, and correcting, teaching, and helping me when needed.” Also lending a hand is the community at large, which assisted with funding the show. Using online fundraising site ChipIn, the Calvillos sought to help shoulder the “Party” costs. “The theater relies solely on donations, and shows are funded by the people choosing to produce the shows, sponsors,

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and fundraising. “My husband and I have funded a lot of the show ourselves, and we are grateful for a few major donors, but we started the ChipIn site to cushion the evergrowing cost of the show.” Along with other local shows, which have used Kickstarter and PayPal, “Party” is part of a trend to reach out for fundraising with social media, Calvillo said. “It is an easy, and accessible way for people to donate. In the past year I have seen about four or five and I expect to see one for a lot of the shows coming up this season.”

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The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, July 7, 2011

Eye Street The Lowdown with Matt Munoz

Just as Warped as ever 17 years in Vans tour remains relevant

he scene at last Sunday's Vans Warped Tour had just about everything you'd expect from the traveling cavalcade of music and merchandise. With multiple stages erected in the cool overcast weather, the Ventura County Fairgrounds hosted thousands of fans bright and early. Now in its 17th year, the tour once again proved itself to be one of the summer's best concert deals. Originally a rag-tag punk rock lesson in all things DIY when it originated in 1995, today's Warped is big business, attracting everything from huge corporate energy drink sponsorships and condom manufacturers, to independent record labels and environmental groups. I entered the fairgrounds about 12:30 p.m., just over an hour after the gates opened, but had I not checked the time, I could have sworn it was 8 p.m. The crowd was thick, but the trash even thicker. Band set-time posters taped to the asphalt, fliers for upcoming shows strewn across the grounds in bundles, and of course reams of stickers — all welcome signs you're at the Warped Tour. After going through security, it was off to check the day's set schedules, most of which are chosen at random the morning of each tour stop. This year's line-up was filled with regulars from the last few years, including post hardcore rockers A Day to Remember, reggae purists The Aggro-

MATT MUNOZ / THE CALIFORNIAN

Matt Mihana of I Set My Friends on Fire performs at Vans Warped Tour in Ventura on July 3. See more photos and video at Bakotopia.com.

Pepper performs at the Vans Warped Tour in Ventura.

lites, electro-dance cheerleaders 3OH!3 and 75 other groups running the gamut of every alt music subgenre you've probably never

heard of. I'm always on the lookout for new discoveries, and while cutting through photo pit barricades to reach the press tent, I managed to get stuck in front of a set by Florida experimentalists I Set My Friends on Fire. Led by bushy-haired front man Matt Mihana, the band roared through a tight set of wild songs that, since checking in with the post-hardcore scene last year, sounded nothing remotely like this. Going from intense screams to high-pitched melodies and back, they helped set the tone for the rest of the day's acts — with a few exceptions. Over on the Tilly's-sponsored stage, The Aggrolites' brand of skinhead reggae soul music attracted a sizable crowd with mohawked punks dancing side by side with Chelsea-coiffed girls in Doc Martens boots. Not to be outdone was an early main stage appearance by Hawaiian trio Pep-

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.

per. No, they don't play ukuleles and wear grass skirts. Owing much to their mainland influence, Sublime, these reggae rockers have amassed more than just a cult-following, especially among screaming young girls. There were a few things I missed from this year’s line-up — mainly the absence of female- fronted bands, although Paramore is scheduled to appear on a series of future dates. Another was the Legends stage. One of the highlights of the trip has always been catching some of the pioneers of punk rock. In years past everyone from Circle Jerks to Fishbone has graced the “stage in the far corner,” but sadly not this year. According to a report from the Ventura County Star, attendance was estimated at a chunky 14,000 — up from last year's 11,000. At $40 a ticket, that's a lot of lost shoes in the mosh pit, and even more good times, Warped and all. Till' next year…

The Pixies Time to confirm the rumor: The Pixies are coming to Bakersfield’s Fox Theater on Nov. 18. Formed in 1986 in Boston, the quartet of vocalist and guitarist Black Francis, bassist Kim Deal, guitarist Joey Santiago and drummer David Lovering were responsible for creating some of alternative rock's most revered music, before an abrupt breakup seven years later. Their subsequent reunion in 2004 was captured in the excellent concert documentary, “loudQUIETloud: a film about The Pixies.” Since then, they’ve continued touring, mainly in the UK and Europe. Currently two years into a world tour to commemorate the 20th anniversary of their iconic '89 release, “Doolittle,” the band has named the fall leg of the trek “Lost Cities” in reference to stops overlooked during the course of their career. Described as a multimedia experience with split screens and surreal imagery, you don't want to

Bakotopia Unplugged Open Mic Night With host Matt Munoz When: 8 to 11 p.m. Wednesdays. Signups start at 7:30 p.m. Where: Fishlips, 1517 18th St. Information: 324-2557 or visit the Facebook page for updates.

miss this show. Before you start hyperventilating, make sure you read closely about how tickets will be sold. This Friday, a presale will be conducted for fans who subscribe to The Pixies' free email fan list, which you can sign up for at pixiesmusic.com. After you've signed up, you will receive special instructions on how to take advantage of the presale and all its perks. Public on sale will begin on July 15. For more information, visit vallitix.com or call 322-5200. As you can imagine, I'm already planning my pre-Pixie concert party mix. Let's start with “Come on Pilgrim,” followed by everything off “Surfer Rosa,” “Doolittle,” “Bossanova,” and “Trompe Le Monde.” Press shuffle. Repeat all.

Matt's Pick Jay Smith Trio with Andre Bush at The Padre, 1702 18th St., 7 p.m., Friday, Free, 427-4900. If you thought jazz goes into hiding after the CSUB Jazz Festival, you're wrong. Wildly energetic keyboardist Jay Smith, who mentors students weekly at the Bakersfield Jazz Workshop, has assembled a monster group of players for a special show up on the roof. Joining Smith is Grammy nominated guitarist Andre Bush, whose performing credits include stints with jazz heavyweights Nnenna Freelon, Carl Allen, Andy Narell, Liz Story among others. Also appearing will be Bakersfield bassist Jay Jay Hicks, and drummer Jonathan Weinmann. Highly recommended.

Thursday, July 7, 2011 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street

Terry & ’s Charlotte

The art is in the cards, notecards, that is

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BY CAMILLE GAVIN Contributing columnist

ince it began a year ago, the Art for Healing program at Mercy Hospital has offered a variety of creative activities to the public free of charge. And Sister Sherry Dolan, the founder, aims to keep it that way. An initial grant from the Sisters of Mercy got the program started. Now Dolan hopes to augment those funds with a sale of note cards printed with images painted by participating artists. She and Tom Webster, special projects coordinator at Mercy, came up with the idea. “This is our attempt to raise a little money for the Art for Healing program; we’d like it to be self-supporting,” Dolan said. “It’s an experiment to see if the cards will sell.” Currently, the colorful notecards, priced at $2.50 each, are being sold only at the gift shop run by volunteer members of Mercy’s Auxiliary at the hospital’s downtown location. The first edition includes five different images. Four feature work done by Dolan. The fifth is by artist Rose Lester, a marriage and family therapist and facilitator of several different workshops for the program. If sales are encouraging, Dolan plans to produce additional cards using images painted by participants in some of the workshops, such as those in Spontaneous Expression with Color and Praying in Color. “Some of them have done incredible work with tempera,” she said. “I can photograph (the artwork) and easily turn it into a digital image.” Overall, the purpose of the program is to provide creative activities in a peaceful environment where individuals who are dealing with an illness, loss of a loved one or other emotional challenges will be introduced to the skills of artful reflection and relaxation. Dolan said the program as a whole is “going great” although attendance at the open studio on Wednesday afternoons has been “a little light this summer.” Visual art is not the only thing offered, however. One of most popular springtime workshops was Laughter is the Best Medicine, which employs improvisational techniques as well as yoga. It will begin again in September. Facilitators include Anna Murillo, Anke Hodenpijl, Judy Long and Julia Heatherwick. Webster, who has his own marketing and public relations company, finished his stint as a program consultant on July 1 but spent his last day selling note cards at last week’s First Friday event. He first learned about Art for Healing from his mother, Jan Webster, who

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PHOTO COURTESY OF SISTER SHERRY DOLAN

An image of praying hands is one of the images on the Art for Healing notecards sold at the Mercy Hospital giftshop.

July programs During July, several different Art for Healing programs for the general public will be offered by other qualified facilitators. The schedule includes: Creative Clay Series, 1 to 4 p.m. Monday Your Creative Muse, 9:30 a.m. to noon July 16 Time to Write, 1 to 3:30 p.m., July 16 Spontaneous Expression with Paint, 9:30 a.m. to noon July 23 Praying in Color, 6:30 to 8 p.m. July 26 All programs are free and are held in the Art and Spirituality Center which is next to Mercy Hospital’s MRI building at Truxtun Avenue and A Street. To register, call 324-7070.

has served as a volunteer for many years at Mercy. “Mercy and Sister Sherry have addressed the spiritual aspect of healing in a way that hasn’t been done in Kern County until now,” he said. “Everything’s free and you don’t have to be recovering from an illness. It can be any kind of loss; it’s very broadly defined.” A 1993 graduate of West High School, Webster returned home in 2008 after attending UC Berkeley and taking part in “Death of a Salesman” and several other productions at the Pacific Conservatory of the Performing Arts in Santa Maria. Webster’s involvement in Art for Healing was intentionally short term.

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On the other hand, Lester has been active in Art for Healing for about seven months and her responsibilities have increased over time. In fact, Dolan considers her a partner in the program. “I did a visioning workshop in January for Art for Healing and I’ve been very passionate about (the program) ever since,” Lester said. “Sherry Dolan contacted me to do other things and it was a perfect fit.” Lester focuses on the nurture of individuals who are caregivers for others in either a professional or personal setting. She uses a number of modalities, including collages to help give visual expression to their emotions. Her next workshop, Creative Self Care for Caregivers, is slated for 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Aug. 1.

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The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, July 7, 2011

Eye Street

Cowboy up for youth rodeo this weekend

TICKET ROUNDUP Bakersfield Fox Theater 2001 H St. vallitix.com or 322-5200. July 19: Allstar Dance & Gymnastics Recital, doors open at 6 p.m., show at 7 p.m. $15 adults; $8 children under 12. 872-9077. July 28: Options Music Festival with Sheryl Crow, 8 p.m. $55 to $99. Aug. 7: Cristian Castro, 7 p.m. $35 to $75. Aug. 16: Barney Live in Concert — Birthday Bash!, 3 and 6:30 p.m. $15 to $33. Sept. 2: My Only Vice: Vice Ganda, doors open at 7 p.m., show at 8 p.m. $32 to $82. Sept. 7: Monstrose, with Michael Lee Firkins, 8 p.m. $19.50 to $25.50. Sept. 17: Anjelah Johnson, doors open at 7 p.m., show at 8 p.m. $28.50. Sept. 22: Johnny Mathis, 7:30 p.m. $47.50-$135.50. Oct. 9: Jo Koy, 7 p.m. $29. Oct. 13: Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Experience, 8 p.m. $25 to $130. Oct. 19: Billy Idol, 8 p.m. $42.50 to $80. Nov. 18: The Pixies, 8 p.m. $39-$75. Dec. 8: Joe Bonamassa, doors open at 7 p.m., show at 8 p.m. $49 to $79.

BY ASHLEY FISCHER Contributing writer

G PHOTO COURTESY OF JOHNNY MATHIS

Johnny Mathis will appear at the Bakersfield Fox Theater on Sept. 22.

Aug. 25-28: Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus: Fully Charged, animal open house, an hour and a half before show starts; show 7:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday; 11:30 a.m., 3:30 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, $10-$65. Sept. 16: Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra, with Mariachi Los Camperos, 8 p.m. $25-$95. 323-7928. Sept. 27: Carlos Santana & the Santana Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace Band, 8 p.m. $28-$88. 2800 Buck Owens Blvd. vallitix.com Oct. 27: Los Angeles Lakers vs. Los or call 322-5200. Angeles Clippers, 7 p.m. $10 to $275 July 26: Heidi Newfield, 7 p.m. $17.50 plus fee. to $25.50 plus fee. Nov. 1: Riverdance — The Farewell July 28: Cody Canada & The Departed, Tour-Broadway in Bakersfield, 7:30 p.m. $30 to $60 plus fee. 7 p.m. $12.50 to $18.50 plus fee. Nov. 16: Monty Python’s SpamalotAug. 20: Randy Rogers Band & Reckless Kelly, 7 p.m. $20.50 to $28.50. Broadway in Bakersfield, 7:30 p.m. $30 to $60 plus fee. Dec. 14: Colt Ford, 7 p.m. $17.50 to Nov. 22: Yo Gabba Gabba! Live! It’s $25.50. Time to Dance!, 6 p.m. $28.50 to $40.50 plus fee. Kern County Fairgrounds Jan. 10: My Fair Lady-Broadway in 1142 S. P St. 833-4900. Bakersfield, 7:30 p.m. $30 to $60 plus Aug. 7: 14th annual Lowrider Nationals, fee. featuring urban cars, dubs, euros, Jan. 13: Disney’s Phineas & Ferb: The imports, lowriders including Best Live Tour Ever!, 4 and 7 p.m. $18motorcycles, bicycles and hoppers. 11 $50 plus fee. a.m. to 5 p.m. $20; children 7 to 11 $7; Jan. 24: Rodgers and Hammerstein’s children 6 and under free; $3 parking. lowridernationals.com or 818-810-9072. South Pacific-Broadway in Bakersfield, 7:30 p.m. $30 to $60 plus fee. Aug. 21: 17th annual Kern County Feb. 20: Damn Yankees-Broadway in Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Bakersfield, 7:30 p.m. $30 to $60 plus Consumer Trade Show, with exhibit fee. booths, food vendors, kids camp, entertainment, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. 633March 8: Mamma Mia!-Broadway in 5495. Bakersfield, 7:30 p.m. $30 to $60 plus Aug. 27-28: Central Coast Gun Show & fee. Sale, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday; 9 a.m. Kern County Museum to 4 p.m. Sunday. $9; children 13 and under are free; $3 parking. 805-4813801 Chester Ave. 852-5000. 6726. Oct. 30-31: Safe Halloween 2011, for Sept. 4: Viva Mexico Festival, 11 a.m. to ages 3 to 12, with over 35 trick or treat 8 p.m. Free. 327-9711. stations, costume contest, school-type Sept. 21-Oct. 2: 2011 Kern County Fair, carnival, food and beverages for sale, 5:30 to 9 p.m. Sunday and Monday. $8. “It’s Magic!” featuring carnival rides, vallitix.com. entertainment, concerts, food, exhibits and more, Sept. 21 to Oct. 2. Dec. 3: Holiday Lamplight Tours, with old west encampments and costumed Rabobank Convention Center interpreters, minstrels, carolers, bell 1001 Truxtun Ave. ticketmaster.com choirs, horse-drawn wagon rides and more, 3 to 8 p.m. $3-$10. or call 800-745-3000. Dec. 11: Cookies at the Clock Tower, Aug. 16: WWE Smackdown Live, with Randy Orton, Ezekiel Jackson, Sin Cara, enjoy cookies, hot drinks, family activities, crafts, games, Santa, 11 a.m. The Great Khali and more, 6:45 p.m. to 2 p.m. $5 adults and children 3-12; $15-$60 plus fee. members and children under 3 are free.

et along, little doggies! The Antelope Valley Youth Rodeo Association’s first Junior Rodeo at the Tejon Ranch Equestrian Center will feature two full days of family-friendly goat-pulling, pole-bending, barrel-racing excitement. The association holds eight junior rodeos a year, open to young cowgirls and cowboys from 2 to 18 years of age. This weekend’s rodeo marks the first year the organization has hosted a rodeo at Tejon Ranch’s equestrian center. Even though the registration deadline has passed for this event, they’re hoping holding a rodeo at this new location will help wrangle up a few more families from Kern County. And if there are any budding buckaroos in the family, the rodeo is a perfect opportunity to learn more about the association, pack a picnic and spend a day outside on the beautiful 240,000-acre property of one of California’s largest working ranches. “It would be great to see people from your area who have some interest or some questions come out and watch,” said Ritchie Copenhaver, the association’s publicity and membership officer. “This is the closest rodeo we’re going to have to Bakersfield, and all of that southern Kern County area, so it’d be great to have those kids and their parents come out. They can visit with me — I’ll be out there — but anybody’d be willing to talk to them about what we do here.” All AVYRA rodeos feature 26 events, divided among four age divisions: Little Britches (4 and under), Pee Wee (4-7), Junior (8-13) and Senior (14-18). And no matter what size your britches are, with this many options, there’s bound to be an event to tickle any young rider’s fancy — even if they aren’t quite ready to handle any real bulls or bucking broncos. “We have something called goat ribbon jerking for our Little Britches,” said Copenhaver. “For that one, the kids run across a line, pull a ribbon off of a very docile goat’s tail, and run back across the line. There’s also barrel racing and pole bending, and those are all done on a stick horse. It’s pretty cute.” There are plenty of familiar rodeo events as well, like team roping and steer riding. No matter what they’re riding, or what event, few of the kids will go home empty-handed. There will be trophies and ribbons for all the young’uns and cash payouts (they awarded $96,000 in prizes in 2010) for the more seasoned cowboys and cowgirls. Perhaps most important of all, the senior division riders are vying for points totaled throughout their association rodeo career at the end of each season in January, which can win them generous amounts of scholarship money. Last year, one young participant received nearly $2,000 to put toward college. As a volunteer organization run by families for families, the association’s crew dedicates the majority of its time to tracking down sponsors, raising money and recruiting new members from across Southern California. For Copenhaver, however, actively participating as an AVYRA member is more than holding up his end of the membership bargain; it’s his attempt to help preserve a family tradition.

PHOTO COURTESY OF BRANDI COPENHAVER

Emma Copenhaver, 7, will compete in Antelope Valley Youth Rodeo Association’s Junior Rodeo this weekend.

After attending Arizona State University on a rodeo scholarship, Copenhaver traveled around the West working on various ranches and participating in rodeos whenever time, or his bosses, would permit it. After moving to California from Wyoming, Copenhaver also worked as a stuntman in western films for 20 years. But like any good cowboy, he saves the success stories for the women in his life. “My wife and mother-in-law are the famous ones. My wife has won something like 50 saddles competing in junior rodeos, and my mother-in-law is a barrel racer and a trick horse trainer. She comes from a long legacy of that; she learned from the same man who trained Trigger.” And in a time when most of us are surrounded more by strip malls and Starbucks than open plains and homes on the range, Copenhaver feels it’s important to work doubly hard to ensure the rodeo lifestyle is around for future generations to enjoy. “Both of my daughters will be participating in the rodeo. I think that our kids enjoy it. My wife and I — we all come from a ranching background, and a rodeo cowboy background. I’m anxious to see that lifestyle and that history live on. I know that if I don’t participate in it actively, that’s not gonna happen. It’s something we’re teaching our kids, and they’re the ones carrying it on.” Both of Copenhaver’s daughters — Emma, 7, and Allie, 13 — are participating in the upcoming rodeo, and last year, Emma was named the National Barrel Horse Association’s Pee Wee California State Champion. For more information about the AVYRA’s upcoming rodeos, or about the Junior Rodeo, visit the AVYRA’s website at avyrarodeo.org.

Antelope Valley Youth Rodeo Association Junior Rodeo When: 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday Where: Tejon Ranch Equestrian Center, 1401 Crane Canyon Road, Lebec Admission: Free Information: avyrarodeo.org

Thursday, July 7, 2011 The Bakersfield Californian

TICKETS GO ON SALE MONDAY AT 10AM! F I R S T- E V E R B A K E R S F I E L D A P P E A R A N C E !

J O H N N Y M AT H I S

JOIN THE GREAT JOHNNY MATHIS MAKING HIS FIRST-EVER BAKERSFIELD APPEARANCE FOR A SPECIAL EVENING OF ENDLESS CLASSIC HITS. YOU’LL HEAR “CHANCES ARE,” “MY LOVE FOR YOU,” “GINA,” “STARDUST,” AND MANY MORE!

T HURSDAY , S EPTEMBER 22, 2011 7:30PM

TICKETS AVAILABLE AT THE FOX THEATER BOX OFFICE, ALL VALLITIX LOCATIONS, 661-322-5200 888-825-5484 FOXTHEATERONLINE.COM

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The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, July 7, 2011

Eye Street GO&DO Today

Two hours of air-conditioned fun with food. And one lucky person will win this great portable ice chest, filled with some of the day’s goodies!

Saturday, July 9th; 1–3pm

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Concerts by The Fountain, great blues with The Fat Daddy Blues Band, 7 to 9 p.m., The Marketplace, 9000 Ming Ave. Read the Classics, for young readers ages 8 to 12, 4 p.m., now through Aug. 11, Barnes and Noble, children’s department, 4001 California Ave. 631-2575. Roaming Reptiles, 4 to 5 p.m., Beale Memorial Library, 701 Truxtun Ave. Free. 868-0750. Bakersfield Club of the Deaf Meeting & Potluck, 6 to 9 p.m., East Bakersfield Veterans Hall, 2101 Ridge Road. Email BCODeaf@gmail.com. Bookseller’s Book Group, 7 p.m., Barnes and Noble, in the cafe, 4001 California Ave. 631-2575. Parents, Families & Friends of Lesbians & Gays Meeting, with speaker, civil rights attorney, and author Abby Dees, who wrote “Queer Questions Straight Talk,” 7 p.m., First Congregational Church, 5 Real Road. 6322510.

Get more details from the Events tab at Urner’s Facebook Page

Movies in the Park, with “Despicable Me,” begins at dusk Friday, Bright House Networks Amphitheatre, Stockdale Highway and Buena Vista Road. Free. bhnamphitheatre.com or 852-7777. African Animals — Stories & Crafts, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., Beale Memorial Library, 701 Truxtun Ave. Free. 868-0750. Dog Days of Summer Party, benefitting the Doberman SOS Rescue, wine tasting, raffle, 3 to 7 p.m. Friday, Souza Family Vineyard, 26877 Cummings Valley Road, Tehachapi. 822-9233. Fantastic Friday Storytime, with Miss Olivia, 10 a.m. Friday, Barnes and Noble, 4001 California Ave. 631-2575. Teen Gaming, Wii Kinect, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., Beale Memorial Library, auditorium, 701 Truxtun Ave. Free. 868-0750.

Saturday Twilight at CALM, with a wildlife presentation, scavenger hunt, 5:30 to 8 p.m., CALM, 10500 Alfred Harrell Highway. Regular admission prices apply; CALM members are free. calmzoo.org or 872-2256. Antelope Valley Youth Rodeo Association Junior Rodeo, Saturday and Sunday, Tejon Ranch Equestrian Center, indoor arena, 1401 Crane Canyon Road, off I5 and the Lebec Exit 207, Lebec. Visit avyrarodeo.com or 305-4347. Aquathon 2011, teams of two to four persons of all ages swim laps, swimmers receive free continental breakfast or lunch, goody bags, chances to win prizes, 8 a.m.; free kids swim for children with special needs, noon to 1 p.m., Adaptive Aquatics Center, 1800 Westwind Dr., Building 500. 322-9411. “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” Cinema Saturday, begins at sundown, Valentien Restaurant & Wine Bar, 1310 Truxtun Ave., Suite 160. 864-0397. Community Resource Fair, hosted by the Avon Foundation, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., 1410 Wible Rd. 599-4274. Presentation on The Oaks of the Tehachapi area, by Jon Hammond, 6 to 8 p.m., Beekay Theatre, 110 S. Green St., Tehachapi. $10. Reservations needed, email rsvpmuseum@gmail.com or 822-8152. Book Signing, with author James Newsom of "Area 51 The Final Days," 10 a.m. to 4

GO & DO Star Party with Kern Astronomical Society, 8 to 10 p.m. Saturday, The Marketplace, 9000 Ming Ave. 487-2519. p.m., Costco, 3800 Rosedale Highway. 8522643. Spanish Storytime, with Clara Castillo, 3 p.m., Barnes and Noble, 4001 California Ave. 631-2575. Star Party with Kern Astronomical Society, 8 to 10 p.m., The Marketplace, 9000 Ming Ave. 487-2519. Street Teams, opportunity to reach the hurting and needy parts of our community with food, love and prayer, 10:30 a.m., Jesus Shack, 1326 30th St. jesusshack.com or call 324-0638. Yokuts Park Fun Run, practice racing and earn points, 7 a.m., Yokuts Park, Empire Drive off Truxtun Avenue. No fee. bakersfieldtrackclub.com or 203-4196 or 391-7080.

Sunday Bakersfield Rescue Mission Back to School Supply Drive, donations of school supplies, including paper, pencils, pens, glue, notebooks, and more can be brought to seven different locations, now through Aug. 10: KAXL 88.3 FM, 110 S. Montclair St., Suite 205; Hope Christian Store (two locations), 7850 White Lane or 3000 Mall View Road (East Hills Mall); Kern Security Systems, 2701 Fruitvale Ave.; Dream Maker Bath & Kitchen, 5880 District Blvd.; Marcy Parmley Farmers Insurance Agency, 3612 Coffee Road; Bakersfield Rescue Mission, 816 E. 21st St.; Color Me Mine, 9000 Ming Ave. and Account Control Technology Inc., 5531 Business Park South. 325-0863, ext. 219. The Bunnell Strings concert, 6:30 to 8 p.m., First Presbyterian Church, 1705 17th St. Free, love offering will be taken. 3253200.

THEATER “Curtains,” doors open at 6 p.m., show at 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, Stars Dinner Theatre, 1931 Chester Ave. $45 to $55; show-only tickets $35; matinee $46 to $50. 325-6100. “Dreamgirls,” 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday, Spotlight Theatre, 1622 19th St. $20; $15 students/seniors. 634-0692 or thespotlighttheatre.com. Improv Comedy Show, with Center For Improv Advancement, 8 to 9:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, Ice House, 3401 Chester Ave., Suite M. Adults: $5 on Friday and Saturdays, children under 12 are $1 every day. ciacomedy.com.Comedy. “Star Spangled Patriotic Blast!,” 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Gaslight Melodrama Theatre & Music Hall, 12748 Jomani Drive. $12 to $23. 587-3377. “The Nighttime Show with Michael Armendariz,” variety show featuring guests from local places in theater, music and comedy, 11 p.m. Friday, The Empty Space, 706 Oak St. $5. 327-7529. “The Wild Party,” 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, The Empty Space, 706 Oak St. Free, suggested donation of $10, $8 for students/seniors. 327-PLAY. Major League Improv, improvisational comedy show, appropriate for families, 6 p.m. Saturdays, The Empty Space, 706 Oak St. Free but donations are accepted. 327PLAY. Please see PAGE 27

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“Breakfast at Tiffany’s” Cinema Saturday, begins at sundown, Valentien Restaurant & Wine Bar, 1310 Truxtun Ave., Suite 160. 864-0397. Songwriters’ Showcase featuring Freebo, 7 p.m. Wednesday.

Best Day Care Facility

Alternative Little Red School House

4601 California Ave. • 4601 Fruitvale Ave.

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State Licensed • Phonics • Science • Reading • Music/Art • Writing • Computer • New Math • Spanish • Social Studies • Sign Language

Elevation Lounge, 818 Real Road, 3256864; Improv Tuesday - Live comedy with DJ after party, 9 p.m. Tuesdays.

FALL REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!

Comedy

LITTLE RED SCHOOL HOUSE

Lone Oak Lounge, 10612 Rosedale Highway, 589-0412; No Limit, 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Bellvedere Cocktail Lounge, 3090 Brundage Lane, 325-2139; Usual Suspects, 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

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Classic Rock

Pyrenees Cafe, 601 Sumner, 323-0053; Swamp Katz, 8 p.m. Friday Fat Daddy Blues Band, 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday. Kern River Blues Society Jam, 2 to 8 p.m. every second Saturday, Trout’s, 805 N. Chester Ave. 872-7517. Sinaloa, 910 20th St., 327-5231; Glenda Robles & The Bandoleros, 8 to 11 p.m. Saturday. $5.

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B. Ryder’s Sports Bar & Grill, 7401 White Lane, 397-7304; Alien Ant Farm, 7 p.m. Saturday.

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324-5774 4601 California Ave.

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

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The Prime Cut, 9500 Brimhall Road, 8311413; Chuck Seaton and Billy Russell’s

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We appreciate the trust you have placed in us for the past 44 years.

I Dream of Art, youth art workshop, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 9, 16 and 23 and Aug. 6, gallery reception on Aug. 27, The Empty Space, 706 Oak St. $150, includes supplies, lunches and instruction. Register at esonline.org.

Acoustic

For voting Little Red School House one of the best day care facilities.

Trouts & the Blackboard Stages, 805 N. Chester Ave., 399-6700:, offers karaoke, line dancing, West Coast Swing among other various activities. Call for times and days. Buck Owens Crystal Palace, 2800 Buck Owens Blvd., 328-7560; Buddy Alan & the Buckaroos, 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Ethel’s Old Corral, 4310 Alfred Harrell Highway, 873-7613; Twang Bangers, 7 p.m. Friday; McKruat, Al Hendrix and Six Gun Romeo, noon to 4 p.m. Saturday. Tejon Club, 117 El Tejon Ave., 392-1747; Crossroads, 6 to 10 p.m. Sunday.

7463 or 496-5153.

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“Connections,” an exhibition of works by artists participating in the visual arts festival, on display until August 28, The Bakersfield Museum of Art, 1930 R St. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday-Friday; noon to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Closed Mondays. 323-7219. “The Making of an Artist,” reception, 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Bakersfield Art Association Art Center, 1817 Eye St. Free. 869-2320. 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 email for details and enrollment. bradshawartist@earthlink.net or 760-376-6604. Art Classes, stained glass, clay sculpture, oil painting, youth art and silver jewelry, Juliana’s Art Studio & Gallery, 501 18th St. For times and dates call 327-7507. Art for Healing program, of Mercy Hospitals of Bakersfield has many unique classes that may help alleviate stress and anxiety resulting in illness, loss, grief or caring for another. All classes are free but some suggest a donation and are held at Mercy Hospital, Truxtun Campus, Truxtun and A St. Visit mercybakersfield.org/art or to register, 324-7070. Basic Beading & Wire Wrapping Workshop, with Susi Klassen, private instruction or by appointment, The Bead Hut, 610 18th St. To schedule an appointment, call 324-0975 or 706-6490. Beginning Oil Painting, with instructor Glen Jelletich, classes held 1 to 3 p.m. Mondays. Call 399-3707 for more information or to register. Beginning, Intermediate and Advanced Drawing, by instructor Nina Landgraff, series of five two-hour classes. Call for more information or to register. 304-7002. Framing Clinic, with Toni Lott, for artists who want to frame their work, began April 7, running noon to 4 p.m. Wednesdays. Call 205-3488 for more information or to register. Free art classes, for home-school children, 11 a.m. Thursdays, Moore’s Art School, 8371037. Native American Arts Association, meets to learn basketry, beadwork and more, 9 a.m. to noon each Thursday, The Stockdale Moose Lodge, 905 Stine Road. 852-5050. The Art Center, 1817 Eye St., 869-2320; offers a variety of painting and drawing classes. Call for details. The Art Shop Club, 9 a.m. to noon each Thursday, Friday and Saturday, The Art Shop, 1221 20th St. All mediums. 322-0544, 589-

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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. Mavericks Singles, ballroom and country dancing with music by Western Connection, 7 to 10 p.m. Friday, Kern City Town Hall, 1003 Pebble Beach Drive. $6 member; $8 guest. 831-9241. Dancing. Pairs and Spares Dance, with Crossroads, 7 p.m. Friday, Rasmussen Senior Center, 115 E. Roberts Lane. $5; $7 nonmembers. 3993575. Dance classes, beginning west coast swing, intermediate/advanced west coast swing with instructor Mimi Johanson, at 8214 Mossrock Drive. Call 927-7001 for details. Whirlaways Square Dance Club, has workshops/classes every first, third, fourth and fifth Mondays, Park Stockdale Civic Association Community Center, 205 Rio Bravo Drive. whirlaways.org or 213-3105. African Dance for Fitness, taught by national touring artists, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays and 1 to 2 p.m. Saturdays, Su Studio Dance Academy, 1515 21st St. $5-$7 per class. africandanceclasses.com or 760917-3685. Beginner Belly Dance Lessons, 8 p.m. every Tuesday, Centre Stage Studio, 1710 Chester Ave. 323-5215.

DJ Rockstarz Party Bar, 7737 Meany Ave., Suite B5, 589-6749; DJ James, 9 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays. Free. Banacek’s Lounge, 4601 State Road, 3879224; with DJ Casey Overstreet, 9 p.m. Fridays. Le Corusse Rouge, 4647 White Lane, 8341611; with DJ Chill in the Mixx, 5 p.m. every Friday until 2 a.m. Saturday. Sandrini’s, 1918 Eye St., 322-8900; Beat Surrender featuring DJ Mustache, 9:30 p.m. Friday. The Bull Shed Bar & Grill, at Hotel Rosedale, 2400 Camino Del Rio Court, 3270681; with Meg, 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.

Jazz Cafe Med, 4809 Stockdale Highway., 8344433; Richie Perez, 7:30 to 11 p.m. Thursdays. Padre Hotel, Prairie Fire, Roof Top, 1702 18th St., 427-4900; Mauro and Rico Velazquez, 7 p.m. Thursday. Imbibe Wine & Spirits Merchant, 4140 Truxtun Ave., 633-WINE; live music & wine bar with featuring Mike Montano, along with 24 wines, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Friday; featuring Jazz Connection, along with 24 wines, 7 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday. Jazz at the Nile, open to all jazz artists, bring your instrument, 6 p.m. every Sunday, The Nile Theater, 1721 19th St. $10. Imbibe Wine & Spirits Merchant, 4140 Truxtun Ave., 633-WINE; live music & wine bar with featuring Jazz Connection, along with 24 wines, 6 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays. Intimate Theatre & Music Hall, 2030 19th St., 323-1976; Ron Christian and his Big Band, 5:30 p.m. Tuesdays. Padre Hotel, Prarie Fire, Roof Top, 1702 18th St., 427-4900; Jazz & Martinis, 6 to 10 p.m. Tuesday.

GO & DO

UNIVERSAL PICTURES

Gru, voiced by Steve Carell, is shown with two of his minions in a scene from “Despicable Me.” Movies in the Park, with “Despicable Me,” begins at dusk Friday, Bright House Networks Amphitheatre, Stockdale Highway and Buena Vista Road. Free. bhnamphitheatre.com or 852-7777.

Le Corusse Rouge, 4647 White Lane, 8341611; Bakersfield Jazz Workshop, 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. every Wednesday.

Karaoke B. Ryder’s Sports Bar & Grill, 7401 White Lane, 397-7304; 8 p.m. Thursdays and Tuesdays. Bellvedere Cocktail Lounge, 3090 Brundage Lane, 325-2139; Bellvedere Idol Karaoke Contest, prizes for winners, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Thursdays and Sundays. Cactus Valley Mexican Restaurant, 4215 Rosedale Highway, 633-1948; 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Thursday; beer pong and happy hour all day Sunday. Cataldo’s Pizza, 4200 New Stine Road, 397-5000; 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Thursday. Corona’s Cantina, 9817 S. Union Ave., 3458463; 7 to 10 p.m. Thursdays. Don Perico Restaurant, 2660 Oswell St., Suite 133, 871-2001; 7 to 11 p.m. Thursdays. Pour House, 4041 Fruitvale Ave., 5899300; 9 p.m. Thursday through Saturday. T-Bones Steakhouse, 8020 District Blvd., 398-1300; with Irish Monkey Entertainment, 6:30 to 11 p.m. Thursdays. The Old River Monte Carlo, 9750 Taft Highway, 837-0250; 8:30 p.m. every Thursday. The Wright Place, 2695-G Mount Vernon Ave., 872-8831, 8 p.m. every Thursday. Tomi’s Cowgirl Cafe, 1440 Weedpatch Highway, 633-1949; Karaoke King Show, all ages, 7 to 10 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays. Julie’s The Branding Iron Saloon, 1807 N. Chester Ave., 6 to 10 p.m. every Friday. Maria Bonita Mexican Restaurant, 10701 Highway 178, 366-3261, 7 to 11 p.m. Fridays. All ages. The Pourhouse, 4041 Fruitvale Ave., 5899300; 9 p.m. every Friday. The Prime Cut, 9500 Brimhall Road, 8311413; hosted by Ed Loverr, 9 p.m. to midnight Friday. The Regent, 2814 Niles St., 871-4140; 8:30 p.m. every other Friday. Chateau Lounge, 2100 S. Chester Ave., 835-1550; 9 p.m. every Saturday. Del Rio Cocktail Lounge, 5840 State Road, 393-0262; 8 p.m. every Saturday. Pyrenees Cafe, 601 Sumner, 323-0053; 8 p.m. to midnight Saturdays. Rocket Shop Cafe, 2000 S. Union Ave., 832-4800; 8:30 p.m. to midnight Saturday. Sports & Spirits, 6633 Ming Ave., 3987077; 9 p.m. Thursdays and Saturdays.

Tejon Club, 117 El Tejon Ave., 392-1747; 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday. The Playhouse, 2915 Taft Highway; 3973599; 7 to 10 p.m. Sundays. Diana’s Pit Stop, 10807 Rosedale Highway, 587-8888; 8 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays. Rockstarz Party Bar, 7737 Meany Ave., Suite B5, 589-6749; 8 p.m. Mondays through Wednesdays. The Wrecking Yard, 9817 S. Union Ave., 827-9192; 7 to 10 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. B. Ryder’s Sports Bar & Grill, 7401 White Lane, 397-7304; 8 p.m. Tuesday. Best Western , 2620 Buck Owens Blvd., 327-9651; The Junction with host Mac Clanahan, 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays. Cataldo’s Pizzeria, 6111 Niles St., 3637200; 6:15 to 10:15 p.m. Tuesdays. DoubleTree Hotel, Club Odyssey, 3100 Camino Del Rio Court; 8 p.m. to midnight Tuesdays. Le Corusse Rouge, 4647 White Lane, 8341611; A to Z Karaoke, 8 p.m. to midnight Tuesdays. Lone Oak Inn, 10612 Rosedale Highway, 589-0412; 8 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday. Magoo’s Pizza, 1129 Olive Drive, 399-7800; 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Tuesday. McMurphy’s Irish Pub & Sports Bar, 14 Monterey St., 869-1451; 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. Tuesdays. Round Table Pizza, 2060 White Lane, 8362700; 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday. The Bull Shed Bar & Grill, at Hotel Rosedale, 2400 Camino Del Rio Court, 3270681; 7 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. 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. Ethel’s Old Corral, 4310 Alfred Harrell Highway, 873-7613; 6 to 9 p.m. every Wednesday.

Latin/Salsa Latin Salsa Dancing, 8 p.m. Thursdays, DoubleTree Hotel, Club Odyssey, 3100 Camino Del Rio Court. 323-7111. Tam O’Shanter, 2345 Alta Vista, 324-6774: Salsa dancing, 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. B. Ryder’s Sports Bar & Grill, 7401 White Lane, 397-7304; Vanity Ave. and Latin Breeze, 9 p.m. Saturday. $5. DoubleTree Hotel, Club Odyssey, 3100 Camino Del Rio Court, 633-1949; various levels, 3 to 9 p.m. every Sunday. $5 per person, per lesson.

Mariachi Camino Real Restaurant, 3500 Truxtun Ave., 852-0493; Mariachi Imperial, 6 to 9 p.m. Sundays.

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

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

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

Pool Tournament Bellvedere Cocktail Lounge, 3090 Brundage Lane, 325-2139; 7 to 10 p.m. every second Monday. $5 buy-in. $2 goes toward Relay for Life.

Rock Rockstarz Party Bar, 7737 Meany Ave., Suite B5, 589-6749; live bands, 9 p.m. every Thursday. Sandrini’s, 1918 Eye St., 322-8900; C.P.A., Holy Beast and Love Revolution, 9:30 p.m. Thursday. B. Ryder’s Sports Bar & Grill, 7401 White Lane, 397-7304; Andreas Fault, Kaladium, 9 p.m. Friday. $5. Sandrini’s, 1918 Eye St., 322-8900; Back Up Johnny, 9:30 p.m. Saturday.

Ska/reggae Narducci’s Cafe, 622 E. 21 St., 324-2961; Summertime Skachanga with Mento Buru with Velorio, 9 p.m. Friday. $7. The Prime Cut, 9500 Brimhall Road, 8311413; Summertime Skachanga with Mento Buru with Velorio, 8 p.m. Saturday. $7.

Songwriters The Prime Cut, 9500 Brimhall Road, 8311413; Chuck Seaton and Billy Russell’s Songwriter’s Showcase, 7 p.m. Wednesdays.

Top 40 DoubleTree Hotel, Club Odyssey, 3100 Camino Del Rio Court. 323-7111; 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. every Friday.

Trivia night Bellvedere Cocktail Lounge, 3090 Brundage Lane, 325-2139; 7 p.m. Tuesdays. Chuy’s, 2500 New Stine Road, 833-3469; 7 p.m. every Tuesday. Sandrini’s, 1918 Eye St., 322-8900; Trivia Night with Dave Rezac, 10 p.m. Tuesdays.

Variety Crest Bar & Grill, inside Bakersfield RV Resort, 5025 Wible Road, 833-9998; Richie Begin, 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday. Golden State Mall, 3201 F St., Dance to Joe Loco, 2 to 5 p.m. Sundays.

UPCOMING EVENTS Monday 7/11 American Girl Book Club, 7 p.m., Barnes & Noble, children’s area, 4001 California Ave. 631-2575. Cardio Kickboxing Classes, with heavy Muay Tai bags, 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 7 a.m. Saturday, Kickboxing Bakersfield, 9601 S. H St. 374-5728. Cartooning & Scrapbooking with Jeanie Truitt, for ages 7 to 12, 10 a.m. to noon, Bakersfield Art Association Art Center, 1817 Eye St. Free, materials provided. 869-2320. Disney Musical Revue Summer Workshop, featuring songs from “Aladdin,” “Brother Bear,” “Beauty and the Beast” and more; for ages 6 to 16, Mondays and Wednesdays, 6 to 8:30 p.m., now through July 20, YMCA of Kern County, 5880 District Blvd., #13. $75 plus $25 deposit. 837-9622. “Extreme Bathroom Makeover” Tweens Workshop, for kids who have completed the fourth grade, 2 to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday, Color Me Mine at The Marketplace, 9000 Ming Ave. $165. bakersfield.colormemine.com or 664-7366.

Thursday, July 7, 2011 The Bakersfield Californian

OUR DOCTORS. YOUR NEIGHBORS.

From left to right Roxanne L. Aquino, MD Endocrinology Fernando Fan, MD Pediatrics Janet L. Barnes, RN Care Coordinator Cordell W. Watson, DO Family Medicine

You might run into them at the local farmers market, or at the park playing with their kids. They’re your Kaiser Permanente physicians. And, like you, they’re proud to call Kern County home. For more than 20 years, our physicians have been providing care in the area. And together with our specialists, nurses, and health educators, they’re dedicated to making sure you get the right care for you. You can visit your Kaiser Permanente health care team at one of our eight medical facilities conveniently located throughout Bakersfield. Our doctors are right here, and here for you. To find a Kaiser Permanente facility near you or to learn how to become a member, call us at 661-334-2005 or visit kp.org/kerncounty.

kp.org/kerncounty