Bakersfield Californian 'Eye St.' Entertainment - Aug. 12, 2010

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The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, August 12, 2010

What is Eye Gallery?

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

Eye Gallery is The Californian’s annual celebration of local visual artists. Along with The Bakersfield Museum of Art, our partner, we asked 14 artists to interpret the theme “Close to Home.” We will publish their work, and short biographies of each, on Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays through Sept. 9, when the museum will host a reception in their honor.

ALEX HORVATH / THE CALIFORNIAN

Hank Washington’s “JR,” acrylic on canvas, which measures 24-by-24. Washington is a 2010 Eye Gallery artist whose work will be displayed at the Bakersfield Museum of Art starting Sept. 9. “My message in this work is a father and son’s pride,” Washington wrote. “To me, the image shows how proud I am of him as my son. The image also shows JR’s own personal pride, confidence and strength.”

EYE GALLERY SATURDAY: LILA MARTIN INTERPRETS THE SIGN OF A BELOVED LOCAL RESTAURANT. EYE GALLERY SUNDAY: SAMANTHA PURDY FEATHERS THE NEST OF HER FAMILY TREE.

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The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, August 12, 2010

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wo years ago, I was at the River Road Icehouse in New Braunfels, Texas, waiting for Ray Wylie Hubbard to show up for soundcheck.

He’d invited us out to some shows so that my son could play guitar on a few Texas stages, which, according to Ray, makes you a better musician than playing on any other stages. Funny thing is, I believe that it’s true.

Ray came strolling in with a Gibson ES-335 and an old Hiwatt amp.

Beyond cool.

Cooler still was his T-shirt. It said “The Band of Heathens” and it caught my eye right away, as my dad referred to my brother and I as heathens since we were toddlers. In my case, he still does.

Well, I love a good T-shirt, so I asked him what The Band of Heathens meant, and he got that look in his eye that new parents get when you ask about their babies.

He told me that the Heathens were the hottest thing in Austin and destined for greatness. He had produced their latest record, and he couldn’t wait for us to hear it. I’m not kidding — that dude was fired up about this band.

We finished with soundcheck (a formality anyway since the Texas heat and humidity kept the guitars constantly out of tune), and he took us to Lone Star Music, where he scooped up the Heathen’s first two CDs — both live — and snuck us an advance copy of their first studio album, simply titled “The Band of Heathens.”

After the show, the family and I hit the road and in the 20 minutes it took us to get back to the hotel, we all became huge fans of the band. All four of us. That never happens.

The more clubs we visited, the more we heard about them. I decided that we had to see them while we were in town. After all, anybody can sound good on a record. I had to hear them play live.

I called Ray and asked him where they were booked that week. He said, “You’re not gonna believe this, but they’re in California all week.”

I still can’t believe it.

PHOTO COURTESY OF CONQUEROO

The Band of Heathens, from left: Colin Brooks, Seth Whitney, Gordy Quist, John Chipman, Ed Jurdi.

The Band of Heathens with special guests When: 9 p.m. Friday Where: Fishlips Bar & Grill, 1517 18th St. Tickets: $10 plus fee; 21 & over only. vallitix.com or 322-5200

These guys live and play around the Austin area probably 45 weeks a year, and while I’m in Texas, they’re in California.

Heck, we probably passed each other on the I-10 someplace.

I grumbled about my misfortune for a while (a year), but finally I got the news that they were coming back to California.

The closest venue was in Solano Beach, so I got tickets. I wanted to take everyone I knew, but the show was sold out and I had to pull some strings to get the ones I did. I did have to take Monty Byrom because he’d heard the buzz too, plus he’s a good guy to take to concerts if you don’t mind stopping at Starbucks.

A lot. Which I do.

But the show was just amazing. This is the best live band I’ve ever seen, and I’ve seen hundreds of them. The band essentially has three lead singers: Ed Jurdi, Colin Brooks and Gordy Quist.

They write great songs, which they deliver with amazing ability. There’s just not a weakness anywhere in that band.

There are a lot of great young bands around these days: Cross Canadian Ragweed Band, Reckless Kelly, The Mother Truckers, and a few others. The

Heathens are sort of a more refined version of those bands. A little more polished. A little less gritty, I guess. If Reckless Kelly is like barreling down a dusty country road in a Mustang on a Friday night, The Heathens are like doing the same thing in a BMW. Rowdy yet refined (which would make a great T-shirt, by the way …)

The best news of all is this: I get to see them again. In Bakersfield! At Fishlips, no less! My favorite band at my favorite venue. On a Friday night. Life is good.

I guarantee you will love this show.

Since I saw them last, they released another great record, “One Foot in the Ether,” which went to No. 1 on the Americana Charts, they appeared on “Austin City Limits” with Elvis Costello, and got themselves nominated for the AMA music award for best duo or group.

I guess the only way to top off a year like that is a trip to Bakersfield.

Grant Langston and The Supermodels are coming up from L.A. to open the show, and those guys alone are worth the price of admission. Just don’t yell “Freebird,” because they might play it.

So here’s the deal. You can A: Take my word for it and come to this show.

B: Ask any Americana music fan you know about the Band of Heathens. C: Go to Austin and check out the look on the locals’ faces when you tell them you’ve never heard of them. D: Heck, Google them.

Whichever option you choose, just don’t miss this show.

Scott Cox’s radio show can be heard from 6 to 10 a.m. weekdays on KERN-AM 1180

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Thursday, August 12, 2010 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Gallery

Art: Teaching it, living it South High teacher’s work a vivid snapshot of his world

BY JENNIFER SELF Californian lifestyles editor jself@bakersfield.com

H

ank Washington, who has worked in the trenches of public education for 36 years now, had the opportunity to live every teacher’s dream this summer when a student won national recognition for his talent.

In fact, the two recently returned from a whirlwind tour of New York City, where Washington and his student, Andrew Frausto, appeared on CBS’ “The Early Show,” visited the Statue of Liberty, saw “The Lion King” on Broadway, ate “real New York pizza” and toured the Museum of Modern Art — pretty heady stuff for Frausto, who had never been as far as Las Vegas before the trip.

“My most memorable moment was seeing the excitement in my student’s eyes as he was taking in all the wonderful and exciting experiences of being in and seeing New York for the first time,” said Washington, who grew up on Long Island and came to Bakersfield nearly 40 years ago to teach at South High, where his wife, Olivia, heads the math department.

It was through Frausto’s achievement that we stumbled on to the amazing work of his teacher. Though Washington’s talent is no secret to his friends and colleagues at South, he did admit that he flies a bit below the radar in terms of local art circles and that he doesn’t show his work much.

We were happy to fix that by introducing him to our readers in Eye Gallery 2010, The Californian’s annual series whose purpose is to give exposure to local artists.

Over the next few weeks, we will showcase the work of 14 artists, who were asked to interpret the theme “Close to Home.” The artwork and artist profiles will appear in Eye Street on Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays through Sept. 9, when the Bakersfield Museum of Art hosts a reception for the artists, whose works will grace the walls of the downtown gallery. Be sure to catch the exhibit while it’s up because though the newspaper photos certainly hint at the power of the art, the real beauty, detail and scale of the pieces are lost if you don’t see them up close.

More of our e-mail chat with Washington, 60, who truly did stick close to home with the subject of his painting: his son.

How did you go about choosing a subject for your Eye Gallery work?

The image is of my son. He had just flown in from Virginia Beach to attend the Hippocratic oath ceremony for his younger sister, Chantel, who was graduating from UCLA medical school. This was a very emotional weekend for me because as a dad I witnessed my daughter’s fulfillment of her childhood dream and the dreams of the family for her to become a doctor. Having my son home only made the moment that much sweeter. Here was a young man who was mak-

ALEX HORVATH / THE CALIFORNIAN

Hank Washington with a painting of his that incorporated tissue paper.

ing his own way in the world and is as successful as his younger sister in his chosen profession (computer science).

Here was my son — a strong, well-educated, self-confident, kind young man.

Some of the colors I have chosen reflect his softness and kindness. Whereas others colors reflect his strength and confidence.

Is art talent inherent or can you learn to be a great artist?

I believe it’s a little of both. Some people are blessed with an abundance of talent; others must work at it. I also believe that much of art is skill-based; therefore, a person can improve those skills just as someone learns how to swing a bat, or shoot a basketball. The more one practices those skills, the more adept one becomes.

A lot of people worry that the focus on testing at public schools robs kids of other opportunities, like an education

in the arts. But if a student is talented enough and has an interest in art, will that talent come through anyway?

It is true that we do not offer as many types of art courses as we had years ago, but the public has mandated that we produce a better product with regards to our students. Therefore, the number of course offerings in the visual and performing arts have decreased and the number of course offerings in the academic areas have increased. Even with the additional academic course offerings, all students within the Kern High School District have ample opportunity to experience the arts.

You said your favorite artist is Salvador Dali. Is there a local artist whose work you admire?

Yes, Keith Wicks, a student of mine during the late ’70s. He by far is the most talented student I have been privileged to work with in my career.

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Thursday, August 12, 2010 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street

Novel approach to summer fun Barnes & Noble book clubs offer escape, camaraderie

R

eady for that summertime getaway? Well here’s a secret that avid readers have long shared: You don’t have to go anywhere to escape.

Barnes & Noble provides the perfect venue in the form of two book clubs: Mystery and Adventure and Romantic.

Moderated by Marcia Stephens, the Mystery and Adventure Book Club meets the second Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. in the café.

There, attendees can enjoy their favorite caffeinated beverage while discussing the book that the group has chosen for the month.

At each session the members are encouraged to come in with book suggestions from which they will pick their next selection. Shirley Sadocchi, who attends with her sister and has been a loyal M&A member for 10 years, says that one of her favorite parts of the club is having the excuse to peruse the mystery and adventure bookshelves to try to find a “really different and interesting book” she hasn’t already read.

But selecting books is just a small order of business for this group, which spends most of the meeting discussing all aspects of that month’s book. Stephens says their discussion topics range from plot twists, characters, and — just to ensure things don’t get too cerebral — Stephens might throw out a few questions on who would play the characters in a movie version.

Though members love to mix it up and read books they might not otherwise read, they do have a few favorite authors — such as Janet Evanovich and Harlan Coben — they find themselves coming back to. In general, they look for authors who have what Stephen calls an “adult approach” to their books that keep the plots smart and intricate and the members guessing until the end.

If M&A isn’t your style, Rosa Couto moderates the Romantic Book Club, which meets the third Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. in the café. The group picks out their books from the Romantic Times Book Review based on a genre they want to focus on, such as a historical romance, inspirational romance, or — the group’s current favorite —

paranormal romance.

As in the M&A club, the romantic club has favorite authors like Christina Dodd and Christine Feehan. However, Couto says, “Sometimes I like to introduce a new writer that’s (up-and-coming) so we have more avenues.”

Though membership tends to be lower during the summer given the increase in vacations, the groups also are adjusting to the economic climate, which has affected the membership to varying degrees.

While the M&A club has remained mostly unscathed as of late, Sadocchi has noted that, “When we first started out, there was quite a nice group. But the past five years, because of the economy, it’s dwindled down.” However, club moderators are careful that the books they select are affordable for everyone.

Stephens says, “The only books I bring up are bargain books (which cost from $5.95 to $6.95) or paperbacks.”

If you’re looking for the fellowship and shared interest that keeps members coming back for more, head over to Barnes & Noble for some coffee, conversation and a great escape.

Barnes & Noble book clubs Mystery and Adventure Book Club When: 7 p.m. the second Thursday of the month Where: Barnes & Noble Café Book: Tonight’s book is “Flipping Out” by Marshall Karp; September's book is “Murder on Waverly Place” by Victoria Thompson

Romantic Book Club When: 7 p.m. the third Tuesday of the month Where: Barnes & Noble Café Book: August's book is “Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake” by Sarah MacLean

Pajamarama (storytime for kids, all are welcome to wear their pajamas) When: 7 p.m. the first Friday of the month Where: Stage in the Children's Department

American Girls Book Club When: 7 p.m. the second Monday of the month Where: Stage in the Children's Department Book: August's book is the second book in the Kirsten series; September's book is the second book in the Josefina series

CONGRATULATIONS to t o our o u r Northwest N o r t h w e s t Bakersfield Bakersfield Baseball B a s e b a l l All-Stars!

All-Stars!

• 12 Year Olds – • 11 Year Olds – • 10 Year Olds – • 9 Year Olds – • 8 Year Olds –

Pacific Southwest Regional Champions Pacific Southwest Regional Champions Pacific Southwest Regional Champions Pacific Southwest Regional Runners-up Pacific Southwest Regional Champions

Good luck to our World Series bound teams!

12 Year Olds at Aberdeen, MD Aug.14-22 10 Year Old at Ocala, FL August 13-20 Contributions for teams traveling to World Series – please email Kevin Charette at northwestbb@yahoo.com

Follow the Cal Ripken 12 Year Old World Series live on the MLB Network: U.S. Championship, Noon, Saturday, August 21 · World Championship, Noon, Sunday, August 22 Information on the World Series can be found on the Northwest Baseball website at www.nwbaseball.org

PLAY WITH THE BEST IN THE PACIFIC SOUTHWEST!

Registration now open for players aged 4-15 for the Fall 2010 season at www.nwbaseball.org Tryouts on Saturday, August 14 (9am - Noon), Sunday August 15 (5-7:30pm), and Wednesday, August 18 (6-8:30pm)

20

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, August 12, 2010

Eye Street Camille Gavin CONTRIBUTING COLUMNIST

Historical drama takes the stage Cute quotient goes way up at Gaslight

“H

arvest Moon,” a drama that’s very much a story of today’s world, is on stage this weekend at the Spotlight Theatre.

It concerns a family of MexicanAmerican farmworkers who live in California’s Central Valley, said Maria-Tania Becerra, the director, who in May directed Shakespeare’s “Merry Wives of Windsor” at Cal State Bakersfield, where she teaches.

“I love the story and I love the fact that it is so relevant to us in Bakersfield,” Becerra said. “It is a story that deals with serious issues like cancer, loss, the UFW (United Farm Workers), but most importantly, family and history.”

It was written by Jose Cruz Gonzalez, a theater professor at Cal State Los Angeles, who is affiliated with the Hispanic Playwrights Project at the South Coast Repertory Theater in Costa Mesa.

Becerra said “Harvest Moon” is truly an ensemble cast with no leading roles. She did mention audiences will be familiar with at least three of the actors who have been active at CSUB and on other local stages — namely, Michael Mejia, Miguel Torres and Nick Ono.

Gaslight’s children’s workshop “Wagon Wheels West” is classic melodrama, says Mendy Leyendecker, director of the Gaslight Summer Children’s Theatre Workshop.

“It’s got

GO & DO ‘Harvest Moon’ When: 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday Where: Spotlight Theatre, 1622 19th St. Admission: $22 to $25 Information: 634-0692

‘Wagon Wheels West’ When: 7 p.m. today and 1 p.m. Saturday Where: Gaslight Melodrama & Music Hall, 12748 Jomani Drive Admission: $13 Information: 587-3377

Fred Castillo: Landmarks and Landscapes When: 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. today Where: The Padre Hotel, Farmacy, 1702 18th St. Admission: Free Information: 634-9598

PHOTO COURTESY OF MICHAEL PRINCE

A scene from Gaslight Melodrama’s Children’s Theatre Workshop show, “Wagon Wheels West.”

‘Raw Visions’ When: 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Friday Where: Younger Gallery, 1430 Truxtun Ave. Admission: Free Information: 324-9000

heroes, villains, saloon girls and lots of music and dancing,” she said. “It’s set in the Vinegar Bottle Saloon and hotel.”

Leydendecker, who graduated from Cal State Bakersfield with a degree in child development and a minor in children’s theater, is a full time teacher in Gaslight coowner Linda Larma’s dance academy.

A total of 60 kids attended this summer’s workshop, which was

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

Linda Laura and Mike Trujillo in a scene from “Harvest Moon.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF ALEX NEAL

divided into two separate sections. They range in age from 4 to 15.

One group, with Katrina Cleave, Dru Cloud, Matt Chaffee and Tate Turner in lead roles, will present

Nick Ono heads up a scene of “Harvest Moon.”

final performances of “Wagon Wheels” this evening and at a Saturday matinee.

Last weekend, another cast of

30 headed by Emily Broom, Savanna Eckert, Victoria Lusk and Alex Henslee presented the show.

Please see 21

21

Thursday, August 12, 2010 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street CONTINUED FROM 20

Landmark photos at the Padre Architect Fred Castillo’s exhibit of local landmarks and landscapes opens this evening in Farmacy at the Padre Hotel.

In presenting the exhibit, he is returning to his roots. Castillo is a Bakersfield native who moved to San Jose at a young age. As an adult, he lived and worked elsewhere but members of his families have always made their home here and he visited often.

“I lived in L.A. while designing stores for Guess? Inc and BCBG (fashions) and then in New York while designing for Starwood Hotels,” he said.

“I moved back to California after 9/11 and to Bakersfield in 2004 as my father had become ill.”

Since his return he’s worked at local architectural firms and is pursuing a business architectural and landscape photography.

“I think my architectural training definitely influences my work, but people really need to pause and notice the beauty surrounding them,” Castillo said. “I try to capture this with my camera.”

About 14 prints are in the display.

Among them are a landscape featuring a brilliant orange sunset, a shot of the Fox Theater, probably taken at dusk judging from the golden glow in the background, and a group of five sunbursts against a backdrop of various outbuildings and an oil rig.

Castillo’s exhibit is co-sponsored by Metro Galleries.

‘Outside In’ art exhibit “Raw Visions,” an exhibit of artwork done by 20 participants in three visual arts workshops sponsored by the Arts Council of Kern will be opened at a reception at midday on Friday at the Younger Gallery in downtown Bakersfield.

The exhibit includes a highly

Back-To-School

Specials

detailed expressionistic painting called “Train of Thought” and several glazed ceramic pieces, including a group of tiny animals.

“Outside In,” as it is called, is a term used to describe art created outside the mainstream aesthetic. The Kern project was established in 2005. However this kind of art has been around for nearly a century.

It is a collaboration of the Arts Council, Kern Regional Center, DART (Desert Area Resources and Training) and the Kern River Valley Art Association.

Arts Council staff member Nicole Saint-John said experienced artists act as mentors for developmentally developed individuals.

They work one-on-one with participants, some of whom have no precious art training. The goal is to help them develop their creativity and refine their technical skills.

The exhibit will be on display through Aug. 27.

Fun way for kids to cap summer Back-to-school supplies given to those in need

BY MIRANDA WHITWORTH Contributing writer

T

he Children’s Guidance Clinic is giving kids a chance to have Fun in the Sun as they get ready for a year of fun in the classroom.

Friday’s event is aimed at putting new shoes and backpacks in the hands of children from more than 150 low-income families in north Bakersfield.

Program coordinator Joshua Sullivan says his organization decided to host the event because it was clear children in the community needed the support.

“We needed to make sure our kids were able to go back to school with confidence. They need to be able to focus on learning without having to worry about fitting into social standards.”

In addition to the giveaway, the event will feature a variety of games and activities, including a petting zoo,

Fun in the Sun What: Event featuring backpack and shoe giveaway, face painting, petting zoo, balloon art, sidewalk art, clown and raffle.

When: 9 a.m. to noon Friday Where: Children's Guidance Center, 2001 N. Chester Ave. Admission: Free Information or to make a donation: Call program director Joshua Sullivan at 393-5836

face painting, balloon art and a sidewalk art contest. Local band Alibi will perform.

“We really wanted to get kids excited about going back to school with a fun event. They can also get information about us and the services they can receive from us throughout the school year.”

As the Children’s Guidance Clinic prepares for the event, Sullivan says the organization could not have done it without the support of The Original Roadhouse Grill.

“The restaurant hosted a shoe drive bringing in many pairs of the shoes that will be given away during Fun in the Sun, in addition to the entertainment. They have paid for the petting zoo and the clown that will be out on Friday, they are a major sponsor and have helped us out so much.”

Also on board as sponsors are the Bakersfield Condors, the WWE, La Tapatia, the CSUB Roadrunners and Wells Fargo Bank.

Children served by the Children’s Guidance Clinic are members of lowincome families and have been referred to the organization through schools and other programs in Bakersfield. Families also may sign up for the clinic’s services. Sullivan says the group relies on private donations to make projects like Fun in the Sun a success and knows there will be families that need help for school long after the event is over.

“We are sure we are going to have more kids than we will have donations. We will make a waiting list at the event and any donations we take in afterwards we can distribute before the school year begins.”

EYE COOK GIVES YOU A CHANCE TO SIZZLE IN THE KITCHEN Calling all local cooks: Do you think you could out-fire Bobby Flay? Give Gordon Ramsey a run for his money?

Now would you be willing to put your mixing bowl where your mouth is for a chance at a $1,000 Urner’s gift card and bragging rights as a top local cook? Well, then The Bakersfield Californian’s Eye Cook competition is for you!

Now in its fourth year, we’ve pushed the annual contest back to the fall, which should help those who need to keep their dishes cool as the competition heats up.

So how do you enter? We’re accepting recipes now through Sept. 3. Enter in one of three categories: main dish, appetizer/side dish or dessert. Of the past three winners, two were main dishes and one was a dessert, but the real indicator of a champion is confidence, so enter whatever recipe you believe in — as long as it’s original.

Once we’ve got all the entries, we’ll select 30 to compete in the semifinals on Sept. 25. Finalists will then compete at the Eye Cook finals at Urner’s on Oct. 30. An overall winner selected by a panel of celebrity judges will win

a $1,000 Urner’s gift card. Runners-up will win a $500 gift card to Urner’s.

How to enter: Send us your original recipe (preferably typed) in one of three categories: main dish, appetizer/side dish or dessert. E-mail recipes to eyecook@bakersfield.com or mail them to Eye Cook 2010 attn: Stefani Dias, P.O. Bin 440, Bakersfield CA 93302.

When: Recipes being accepted now through Sept. 3.

Dates to remember: You must be available for the semifinals on Sept.

25 and the finals on Oct. 30 to qualify.

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22

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, August 12, 2010

Eye Street The Lowdown with Matt Munoz

Band gets creative about money Soulajar tries new online fundraiser

L

Bakotopia Radio

ocal band Soulajar is in need of some funky funding. Currently seeking donations to help finish their latest recording project, the band has chosen a more creative route to get the support they need through a campaign known as “crowdfunding.”

Hosted by Internet music site Kickstarter.com, it’s the latest in the quartet’s strategy to get its career back in tune.

Drummer Brian Boozer, who was responsible for getting the band involved in a 2007 online competition — Starbucks’ “Does Your Barista Rock?” contest, which they won — decided the band needed a new start. Doing some research for new ideas, he stumbled upon the Kickstart craze.

“I just started noticing other bands in bigger cities, heading toward the crowdfunding phenomenon. Kickstarter.com looked the most trusting place to try it out, so we decided to go with it.”

The funding process works like this …

Each artist must first pitch a project to the website to be screened by a Kickstarter panel. If approved, the band can then set up an artist “pledge page” where fans and supporters can interact and donate money.

“We waited around for about a week to get the approval, then we started working on a promo video with local videographer John Slagle. That took about 30 days to film and edit.

We had a

9 to 10 p.m. Sundays on 106.1 FM. KRAB Radio Hosts: Matt Munoz and Miranda Whitworth This Sunday: Interview with Rage Against The Machine guitarist Tom Morello.

Interview with Texas indie rockers Girl In A Coma.

Dicky Barrett of The Mighty Mighty Bosstones and Jimmy Kimmel Live.

band meeting and uploaded it early last week, making sure it streams well.”

Checking out the video at the artist page, the band gives a sincere plea on why they need your help and of course, money. Similar to a silent auction, each requested pledge amount is associated with various prize packages ranging from “Guest Producer listing,” “Limited Edition Vinyl,” to “Private Soulajar Performance.”

The band can choose a window of one to 90 days to meet their pledge goal. If within that time frame the band successfully reaches their goal, the band will hopefully see their plans come to fruition. If not, all pledges are dropped without penalty to band or supporter.

In the case of Soulajar, they’ve set a goal of $10,000 in 45 days to help with the release of their new CD, “Pipe Dream.”

“It’s a risk-free deal,” explained Boozer. “If you don’t reach your goal, then we don’t owe them anything, and nobody loses anything.

Kickstart takes only 5 percent of the total amount made for their services. If we make it, everyone gets to take some credit and a gift for its success.”

Boozer went on to explain that while the amount seems high, the

help it will provide goes beyond just the music.

“We’re going to use money to work with publicists. We’re trying to get our own set of people behind us, and making our own record deal with the money that we get from our fans.”

At press time, the band had already amassed $2,500 to their account with less than 40 more days left until the campaign expires. Boozer is optimistic that longtime fans and believers of “crowd funding” will jump aboard.

“We’re really respectful to Bakersfield for coming through for us during the Starbucks competition.

We hope we can get that kind of help again.”

Boozer also added that once the project is finished, the public will be invited to join them for a huge CD release party concert already in the works. Until then, “Soulajarheads” will have to make due with a few sporadic live shows, including a set at this year’s Villagefest on Sept. 11.

“We’re going to keep it low key until it’s all over.”

To check out Soulajar’s Kickstarter artist page and donate to the “crowdfund,” visit: www.kickstarter.com.

A rockin’ Roadshow Last Sunday’s Rolling Roadshow at the Kern County Museum was one of the city’s better midsummer events. With a few hundred in attendance, the giant inflatable screen was set up near the museum’s oil tower and derricks similar to those seen in Paul Thomas Anderson’s “There Will Be Blood,” shown that evening. Before the screening, Tim League of The Alamo Drafthouse, which cosponsored the event, greeted attendees and reminisced about his time running the old Tejon Theater in east Bakersfield in the ’90s. Kicking off the screening

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 HOLLY CARLYLE

Soulajar — from left: Ryan Fergon, Greg Bettis, Jim Ranger and Brian Boozer — is trying to kick-start its career with a creative fundraising campaign known as “crowdfunding.”

with some vintage movie trailers and the aptly titled “I drink your milkshake” contest, the night rolled on without a hitch.

Some local scenesters spotted in attendance were former Chaos Coffeehouse owner Rebekka Haas, photographer Kris Delano, musician Moe Adame, Inner Body Works’ Tara Aiello, filmmaker Matt Kieley, and many others.

My only suggestion is that next time the event be held on the large grassy area in the center of the museum. Sure, the derricks and tower were cool for effect, but one small section of grass located at the rear was not enough to set yourself up to get a good view should you choose not to be on the hard asphalt. Not to mention the number of high-backed chairs obstructing blanket-seated viewers. That aside, there should be more events like this! It was a blast!

Matt’s picks The Future Has-Beens at Fishlips, 1517 18th St., 8 p.m. today. $5. 324-2557.

It’s about time we started to see more shows like this. Usually held at 11 p.m. on weekends after local plays, downtown dwellers can get

some much needed laughs before Friday. Combining music and sketch comedy, the Future HasBeens make their debut with a cast of seasoned sillymen at the ’Lips. One of the show’s highlights is sure to be member Morgan S. Roy who can drop a tune about hemorrhoids and Reno in less than 16 bars.

Beat Surrender DJ Night at Sandrini’s Bar, 1918 Eye St., 10 p.m. Friday. Free. 322-8900.

Sporting Bakersfield’s best afro, local vinyl junkie Alex Rodriguez, aka “DJ Moustache,” provides the best in ’60s and ’70s funk and soul. A serious music man, you can also hit him up about his latest selection of rarities, including your missing Village Callers Live album.

The Ataris and more at B Ryder’s, 7401 White Lane, 7 p.m., Saturday. $10. 397-7304.

With a record 15 ex-members, Indiana’s The Ataris have figured out that if your own song can’t get you on the radio — head to cover land. 2003’s “So Long, Astoria” featured their rendition of Don Henley’s classic “Boys of Summer,” still heard on local rock radio. You’ve probably heard it, don’t lie.

23

Thursday, August 12, 2010 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street

Strollin’ on the river Sunday ‘Stress-free’ rapids perfect for the family

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

A

s the clock swiftly ticks down to the end of summer, families are cramming in a little more fun before school starts. For those looking to stick close to home (and support a good cause), head on out to the River Rafting for M.A.R.E. event Sunday.

If you think rafting isn’t for the family, think again. This run, organized by River’s End Rafting and Adventure Co., heads down a 3.5-mile stretch of the Kern River that sounds more like the river mild than wild. River’s End owner Darron Nilsson describes the Rio Bravo area as “stress free” whitewater because “you get all the bumps and splashes without the stress that you might have on a class IV (rapid).” Riders have ranged in age from 6 to 90 years old. The first run starts at 10 a.m. and more will be added based on the number of attendees. Along with a run down the rapids, riders can also expect some good-natured water fighting, swimming and a possible tree jump, Nilsson said.

River Rafting for M.A.R.E. What: Family friendly fundraising event for riders 6 and up. Bring a picnic and make a day of it.

When: 10 a.m. departure time (more runs as needed) Sunday.

Where: River’s End Rafting & Adventure Co., 15701 Highway 178.

Cost: $25 per person (must mention M.A.R.E. to get rate) Information: 866-360-7238

After you’ve had your fun in the water (and worked up an appetite), relax at the picnic area located at the rafting center. (Be sure to pack a lunch before you head out for the day.)

This is the second time that River’s End has teamed with M.A.R.E.(Mastering Abilities Riding Equines). Normally closed on Sundays (except holiday weekends), River’s End planned this as a “special day” with discounted rides to support the local program that “truly makes a positive impact on our community,” Nilsson said. He expects it to be one of the biggest fundraisers yet. M.A.R.E., which is celebrating its 20th anniver-

sary this year, offers therapeutic, equine-assisted activities tailored to individuals with physical, developmental and emotional challenges. The riding center, like with most nonprofits, is facing funding concerns.

“Budget cuts at the state level have hurt us quite a bit,” said Deborah Durkan, M.A.R.E. executive director.

But she said the real hardship is seeing the impact on the children. “Kids having to go without our services is the saddest thing,” Durkan said.

Funds raised will go to provide scholarships for students and horse care.

After the rafting trip, the center has planned a crop of other fundraisers, including Durkan’s favorite, Diamonds to Denim, which takes place Oct. 16.

She describes the event as “one of M.A.R.E.’s finest hours” when staff show off the spectacular facility and students display their skills in demonstrations.

Also in the works is Pennies for Ponies in November, Ride-A-Thon in April and a Bakersfield Condors jersey auction (date to be determined).

The center also offers a variety of volunteer opportunities for anyone “who likes kids and horses.” To learn more or volunteer, call 589-1877 or visit mareridingcenter.com.

Eagles organization trying to spread wings

BY ALLIE CASTRO Californian staff writer acastro@bakersfield.com

D

owntown Bakersfield is a mix of smells: You might catch the pungent odor of liquor wafting from one of the many taverns or perhaps a little wave of body odor if it happens to be midday in August. Every now and then, if you’re lucky, you’ll breathe in the scent of a young lady’s perfume or sniff the morning brew at Dagny’s or Farmacy.

But you smell none of those things on Friday night. The only thing anyone can detect within several city blocks of its origin at 17th and H streets is the scent of New York steaks sizzling on the grill at the Fraternal Order of Eagles. It’s a smell that any longtime Bakersfield resident can summon immediately from sense memory, a perfume so intoxicating it makes one pray in gratitude to the maker of his or her choice for the gift of a nose.

But the group does more than serve steaks. To prove it, the fraternal organization is inviting the public to a celebration Sunday meant to beef up membership.

For the fifth year running, the Eagles aerie 93 (the local men’s chapter) is hosting a Membership and Car Show, both as a way to provide entertainment and merchant opportunities for the community, as well as recruit members. The “mini-carnival” will feature face painting, snow cones, crafts, clowns, jewelry booths, karaoke, the club’s famous barbecue, and of course, cars. Attendees will have the opportu-

Eagles’ Membership and Car Show When: 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday Where: 1718 17th St. Admission: Free Information: 324-9684 or 93.foe.com

nity to get information about the Eagles and how to become a member.

DJ and entertainment chairman Joe Sanchez says that that the Eagles is a social club aimed at providing fellowship to its members as well as doing as much good for the community as possible.

Though chapters can be found internationally, the local chapter is the cream of the crop. Membership is a little low for right now — currently hovering around 500 — but the Bakersfield branch is still the largest club in Southern California, and has the best resources. Sanchez says, “They call our club the Million Dollar club” and Eagles from around the state come to look at the facilities and meet with members to see what the chapter is doing right.

True to its social club description, the Eagles host a variety of events for its members and their guests. There are home-style dinners on Monday night (for only $5) and of course Friday’s steak nights (where $10 will get you a 14-oz. slab of beef — beat that Outback!), to Monday Night football television viewings, to Saturday night

dancing. There’s also a full indoor gym featuring an indoor track, sauna, and racquetball courts, among other things.

The group is just as firmly dedicated to serving the community as it is to having a good time. As often as possible, the Eagles team up with local charities — such as the Bakersfield Chapter of the American Cancer Society and the local Ronald McDonald house — as well as national charities for fundraising events. They also try to involve local businesses in as many of their events as they can.

For example, local vendors are given a spot on the sidewalk at the Membership and Car Show to display and sell their items without having to pay a fee (though donations are always welcome to support the local chapter).

The organization also reached out to local clubs to provide the cars for the event. In addition to the cars provided by club members, the PT Cruisers of Bakersfield, the Lowriders, and Hardbody car clubs will be showing their cars.

The Eagles organization hopes to expand the show in the future to incorporate some of the other businesses downtown, making it a full-on block party. In addition to holding their own events, they also loan their building out for causes, such as veterans’ affairs, and welcome-home parties for soldiers. Though the Eagles aerie group is strictly for males, it boasts a 300-member women’s auxiliary club, with whom they share resources and facilities, and collaborate on events.

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24

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, August 12, 2010

Eye Street

Wrestling star back to support CSUB

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he gloves are coming off for a star-studded event aimed at keeping sports programs alive at Cal State Bakersfield. Proceeds from Saturday’s Fight for Wrestling Bakersfield will benefit CSUB's wrestling, tennis and men's and women's golf teams.

Expected to be in attendance at the fight is Ultimate Fighting Champion Tito Ortiz, who wrestled for Cal State Bakersfield before starting his professional career with the UFC. Ortiz's wife, adult film star Jenna Jamison, is also expected to be in the stands, along with UFC greats Chuck Liddell and Mixed Martial Arts champions Rafael Davis and Shane Carwin.

Event organizer Craig Tobin says it was the success of a similar mixed martial arts tournament that brought the 10-match charity fight to Bakersfield. “I went over to Cal Poly to help support an event to raise funds to keep their sports programs alive and I met a guy named Scotty Adams who is the co-founder of World Extreme Cage Fighting,” Tobin said. “The event was a success there and we started talking and texting. Before you knew it we had moved an event out to Bakersfield.”

Headlining the event is Brian Cobb, who, along with being Cal State’s assistant technique coach, is a professional MMA fighter. Cobb will be taking on Joe Carson in the pro lightweight bout.

Cobb says when it comes to his success in MMA it all started here in Bakersfield. “I wrestled at Cal State

FELIX ADAMO / THE CALIFORNIAN

MMA heavyweight title contender Shane Carwin made a stop in Bakersfield to help promote CSUB's upcoming show at the Icardo Center.

Bakersfield for three years. I started out on the smaller circuits after I finished my wrestling career. I have been fortunate enough to fight all over the world,” Cobb said.

Cobb is hoping to help keep the Cal State Bakersfield wrestling legacy alive in addition to the golf and sports programs, which are now relying on 100 percent funding through donations to remain sponsored by the university.

CSUB Assistant Sports Information Director Marshall Fey says this event

and events like it could make or break the programs.”

The sports must be financially selfsufficient a year in advance to remain sanctioned by the school,” said Fey, who is optimistic about the fight.

“Since the event made money in San Luis Obispo we were definitely on board to bring it here.”

Fight for Wrestling Bakersfield will be raising money for the 2011-12 school year.

When that period is fully funded, fundraising will begin again for 201213.

In addition to wrestling for Cal State years ago, Tobin says he worked for the Icardo Center's namesake, Jimmy Icardo, whom he thinks would have enjoyed the Fight for Wrestling. “I feel so fortunate that I was able to work for that man out in his agricultural fields and I think he would be proud that we are bringing such a high-profile event to his facility,” Tobin said.

Fight for Wrestling Bakersfield When: 5 p.m. Saturday Where: Icardo Center, Cal State Bakersfield, 9001 Stockdale Highway Admission: $35 to $150; valleytix.com or vbotickets.com.

(Proceeds from the event will benefit the 2011/2012 school year.)

Information: fightforwrestling.com

See the sweat fly at ‘Smackdown’ taping

BY JOSH BEDINGFIELD Californian staff writer jbedingfield@bakersfield.com

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hen Montel Vontavious Porter entered the WWE four years ago, he bragged he would become the organization’s MVP. At the time, fans saw the name as little more than the wrestler’s initials. Since then, the “ballin’” superstar has proved to be one of the most valuable performers, mixing a full-time in-ring schedule on “Smackdown” with coaching duties on NXT (the company’s competition to find it’s next breakout star). MVP will be on both shows when the WWE returns to Rabobank Arena on Tuesday for television tapings, and answered a few questions for The Californian.

You have recently added coaching duties on NXT to full-time duties on “Smackdown.” Is it hard to maintain such a busy schedule?

It’s become second nature to me.

I’ve been on the road with WWE for

WWE “Smackdown Live” with The Undertaker, Rey Mysterio, Jack Swagger, Matt Hardy, Kofi Kingston and more When: 6:45 p.m. Tuesday Where: Rabobank Convention Center, 1001 Truxtun Ave. Tickets: $15 to $60. ticketmaster.com or call 800-7453000.

about four years now, and I tell them to keep my plate full. I wouldn’t know what to do with myself if I had any free time.

Speaking of NXT, your rookie, “Showtime” Percy Watson, has no lack of charisma. What do you see for him in the future?

It remains to be seen. He is very charismatic and extremely athletic. He has loads of potential, but we’ll wait and see.

You had a cameo in the movie “MacGruber.” What was it like working with the likes of Will Forte and Val Kilmer?

That was a tremendous experience.

As a matter of fact it was such an awesome experience that I have been told by others in the industry not to judge future experiences on that one.

It’s not usually that fun. But I am looking forward to having more experiences.

What can fans expect at the show Aug. 17?

For anyone who has never been to a WWE TV taping, expect excitement. If you watch “Smackdown” on television it’s awesome. But to actually be in the arena to experience the lighting, the pyrotechnics, the sound systems, and if you get close enough to see the sweat fly and feel the impact, it’s like nothing you have ever experienced.

Even people who aren’t fans that attend the tapings will walk away having had a great time.

25

Thursday, August 12, 2010 The Bakersfield Californian

CASH CASH FOR FOR GOLD GOLD

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Drama stars real ex-cons

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“O

Shows: 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Empty Space, 706 Oak St.; 2 p.m. Saturday, Beekay Theatre, 110 S. Green St., Tehachapi Admission: $20 Information: 327-PLAY or visit www.brownpapertickets.com

ALEX HORVATH / THE CALIFORNIAN

Jonathan Esquerra, 19, plays Lucky in “Off the Hook.” He rehearses with Guillermo Willie, who plays Joker.

lot to me.”

For Tobola, the Poetic Justice Project is an extension of what she did during her working life. She retired last year after about nine years as an institutional artist facilitator. Some of that time was in local prisons.

In fact, the reason she wanted the play to have its premiere here is because, as she puts it, “Kern County is the prison capital of California, home to state correctional facilities in Wasco, Tehachapi and Delano, along with a federal prison in Taft and several private lock-ups.

“I taught creative writing at CCI and North Kern,” said Tobola, a published poet and author of children’s books.

“Every year we did an original play written by a prisoner.”

In her view the plays that were performed “inside” with prisoners as the actors and prisoners and staff as the audience, had a transformative effect, at least for the moment. “In prison it’s so segregated,” she said. “Sharing your meal with a black person is a death sentence. But during the play, racial barriers seemed to melt away.”

No formal studies have been done recently to measure behavioral out-

comes as a result of the in-prison performances. However, in Tobola’s opinion, for those who continued in the program, it did have a positive effect.

“Off the Hook” follows several different plot lines and all are resolved at the end, she said. In addition to the one about the fish and the shot-caller, one scenario deals with a staff member and a prisoner who have become too close; another concerns an inmate who’s a rat.

A key scene is an exchange between Sparrow Hawk, an Alaskan shaman played by Pius Savage; and Running Bull, played by Bull Chaney. In real life, according to information provided by Tobola, Savage, an Athabascan Indian, has acted in several motion pictures and in the 1970s served short stints in Alaskan jails for DUI and assault.

Chaney served a total of 17 years in Wasco, Soledad, San Quentin, Chino, CMC, DVI, CRC and Susanville for drug-related charges, including possessing stolen property, profiteering and weapons charges. He was paroled in 1996 and released from parole in 1999. Chaney now is executive director of Gryphon Society and Gate Help Inc., a group of sober living homes in San Luis Obispo.

The play is directed by Bill McLaughlin, a professional actor and director.

Poetic Justice is based in Santa Maria. It is a program of the William James Association of Santa Cruz.

Following their performances in Bakersfield and Tehachapi, the troupe will travel to Fresno, Sacramento, Redding, Los Angeles and San Diego. The tour is funded by grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, California Arts Council and the LEF Foundation.

Same great market-cooler, leafier location

BY ALLIE CASTRO Californian staff writer acastro@bakersfield.com

T

he weekly downtown farmers market is going all out in its last gathering before school starts, with a street-fair atmosphere and treelined surroundings.

Taking place in the much cooler venue of Central Park at Mill Creek, Tuesday’s event will have all of the traditional elements of the farmers market — fresh fruits, veggies, bread and food from the regular vendors — with additions including inflatable toys and a rock climbing wall in the Kids Corner, a live band, a reduced $1 admission to

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‘Off the Hook’

Contributing columnist

ff the Hook,” a musical drama that will have its debut performance at The Empty Space on Friday, takes a bold look at what goes on inside California prisons.

And to make it even more realistic, the entire 15-member cast is made up excons, men who have lived behind bars, where the threat of violence is constant and racism is the norm.

“They’ve all been incarcerated at one time or another — from one night to 38 years,” said Deborah Tobola, author of the play and artistic director of the sponsor, the Poetic Justice Project.

One of the youngest actors is Jonathan Esquerra, who turns 19 Friday. In his role as Lucky, he is a “fish,” a term used to define a new inmate who doesn’t know the rules and is being reeled in by a “shot-caller.”

“I’m the new guy in prison,” said Esquerra in a phone interview. “The main guy for the Mexicans, he’s manipulating me, telling me he’ll buy my parents a house and give them money. But he’s just using me.”

This is the second time Esquerra, who lives in the Santa Maria area, has been in a Poetic Justice play. The first time was in December; he enjoyed it so much he asked Tobola to let him have a bigger role in the current production.

“When I (first) got onstage, I was nervous but now it’s fun,” he said. “I kind of like everybody watching me.

I’m more social now.”

Esquerra said he served six months in juvenile detention for burglary.

“All the kids think they’re tough and they try to prove it,” he said. “It’s full of drama and tension all the time.”

He’s been out for more than a year and proud that he’s been clean and sober for 22 months. Since his release he has gone to school, earned his GED and is a certified medical assistant. He also completed a mentoring program that focuses on various issues such as anger management, getting a job and re-entering the community.

“I’m still in the program as a mentor for other kids,” Esquerra said. “Getting that positive feedback really means a

FABRIE JEWELERS

Downtown Faire in the Park Where: Central Park at Mill Creek, between 21st and 19th Streets, just east of R Street When: 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday.

(Farmers market runs 4 to 8 p.m.)

Admission: Free

the Bakersfield Museum of Art, artwork from local artists, performers from Stars melodrama, and horsedrawn wagon rides from Bakersfield Carriages.

The event, co-sponsored by the

Downtown Business Association, is sporting a “Salute to Healthy Living” theme and will have clean-air historic trolley tours of downtown to be conducted by members of the Gaslight Melodrama, as well as clean-air vehicles provided by GET. Depending on the interest shown in this inaugural event, the DBA would like to consider hosting the fair again.

DBA president Cathy Butler says the group loves being able to support Bakersfield Recreation & Parks’ farmers market, while also supporting the other downtown businesses, and this event provides the perfect opportunity.

PICNIC IN THE PARK California MENTOR would like you, your family & friends to join us for a fun filled day at the Carnival.

There will be games, prizes and food.

Saturday, August 14, 2010 Yokuts Park on Truxtun Extension, Area B 11:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

RSVP would be appreciated Call Bev @ 863-0350 x 5218

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26

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, August 12, 2010

Eye Street

Divas vow revenge after last year’s heartbreaker

BY MIRANDA WHITWORTH Contributing writer

R

evenge may be sweet, but is it also charitable? The Bakersfield Diamond Divas roller derby team hopes so and they are lacing up their skates in efforts to prove it.

The hard-rolling ladies will be hitting the rink at Skateland Saturday as they face Visalia’s V-Town Derby Dames in a highly anticipated rematch. Diva Natalie “Canadian Bacon” Bursztyn says this bout is a chance for the Divas to show the girls from up north just how much the home team has grown over the last 12 months.

“They were the first team we ever played a little over a year ago and they completely and utterly destroyed us,” Bursztyn said.

“But we’ve grown a lot as a team since then.

We’d like to show them what the Diamond Divas are really made of now.”

Saturday night’s rematch isn’t just about getting even. The Divas hope the hype of the match will boost their tickets sales, in turn boosting their donation dollars to The Heart Gallery, the team’s chosen charity for August.

The Heart Gallery is a photo exhibit put on by the Department of Human Services that highlights “hard to place” children in the Kern foster system. The faces of children seen in the photos are those of either teenagers, children with special needs or siblings looking to be placed in permanent family settings without being separated.

Diva Helen “Dutch Dynamite” Swall is proud to have teamed up with this particular charity.

The Bakersfield Diamond Divas vs. Visalia’s V-Town Derby Dames When: Saturday. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., opening scrimmage featuring the Roughcuts at 6 p.m., main bout at 7.

Where: Skateland, 415 Ming Ave. Admission: $10 (20 percent of ticket sales benefit The Heart Gallery) Information: 831-5567 or bakersfielddiamonddivas.com or heartgallerykc.com

“My parents adopted three children, two of which are special needs and all three are siblings. So this is really near and dear to my heart,” Swall said.

Twenty percent of the ticket sales from the match will benefit The Heart Gallery, but the giving doesn’t end there. “Skateland has donated the last Sunday in August to the children of The Heart Gallery and they will be invited to come and skate with the Diamond Divas,” said Swell. “We are really looking forward to that!”

But being a Diva goes beyond skates and sisterhood, Bursztyn said. “Our No. 1 goal is to give back to the community. We are doing that through the sport with women who are athletes and role models. It’s community first and derby second.”

To that end, every month the ladies select a different charity that will benefit from their bouts. Past partners include The Boys & Girls Club, American Lung Association, and the Wounded Heroes Fund.

San Diego teen takes state title

BY AMANDA C. HELVIE Contributing writer

Anisha Mudaliar of San Diego was named the first Distinguished Young Woman of California at the California Junior Miss scholarship program’s finals in Bakersfield on Saturday. Brittany Chiapa of Stockdale High School finished at the head of the pack among Kern County contestants, winning the $1,000 scholarship in the “Be Your Best Self” category.

California’s Junior Miss program also announced its official name change to “Distinguished Young Women of California,” capping the three-day showcase of talent, leadership and scholarship.

Five of the 40 young women competing, including Chiapa, were from Kern County: Lenea Lara of Shafter; Stephanie Caudle, from Bakersfield; Morgan Reimer of Tehachapi; and Priscilla Limcaco of Delano.

A total of $28,500 in college scholarships were awarded. Distinguished Young Women of California is the official preliminary of Distinguished Young Women of America (formerly America’s Junior Miss), the oldest and largest scholarship program for high school senior females of its type.

Since 1958, the program has awarded more than $92 million in cash scholarships and provided thousands of young women with college granted scholarships to col-

PHOTO COURTESY OF CAROL FELL

Brittany Chiapa won the $1,000 scholarship in the “Be Your Best Self” category at the California Junior Miss finals.

leges and universities across the nation.

To learn more, contact Shannon Caputo, Bakersfield’s program director, at 342-7622, or visit ajm.org.

Amanda C. Helvie is the public relations chair for California’s Junior Miss and founder of Public Relations and Integrated Marketing Expertise (PRIME).

27

Thursday, August 12, 2010 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street

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Today Concerts by The Fountain, blues, rock and oldies with the Mike Montano Band, 7 to 9 p.m., The Marketplace, 9000 Ming Ave. Splish Splash Summer Fun Day, learn about and play in water (wear your bathing suit), 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Kern County Museum, 3801 Chester Ave. $2; members free.

Additional game/ride tickets, 50 cents; $3 hot dog lunch. Reservations requested. kcmuseum.org or call 852-5050.

Hooters “Summer Car Nights,� open to all car and truck enthusiasts, 6 to 8 p.m., now until Aug. 26, Hooters, 4208 Rosedale Highway. 327-9711 ext. 242.

Mystery & Adventure Book Group, with host Marcia Stephens, 7 p.m., Barnes & Noble, in the cafe, 4001 California Ave. 6312575.

Child Vehicle Safety Expo, with the CHP, in conjunction with the weekly farmers market, 3 to 7 p.m., Medical Office Building, 8800 Ming Ave. City of Bakersfield Department of Recreation & Sports offers a wide variety of lessons, sports, classes and more. For more information, call 326-3866.

Friday Bakersfield Blaze vs. Visalia Rawhide, 7:15 p.m. Friday through Sunday, Sam Lynn Ball Park, 4009 Chester Ave. $5-$9. bakersfieldblaze.com or 716-HITS. The Band of Heathens, with special guests, 9 p.m., Fishlips Bar & Grill, 1517 18th St. $10 plus fee; 21 & over only. vallitix.com or 322-5200.

Dreyer's 2011 Relay for Life Book Fair Fundraiser, 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, noon to 6 p.m. Sunday, Ste. 113-114, 3501 Mall View Rd. Free ice cream with purchase. All funds raised go to relay team and American Cancer Society. Cash only for books. Hardback books are $2, paperback books are $1. 201-1232.

Wine Bar Flight, featuring 2007 Big Dog Cab — Flight I, Flora Springs Wild Boar Vineyard, Casa Piena and more, 4 p.m., Imbibe Wine & Spirits Merchant, 4140 Truxtun Ave. Tastes, $5 to $15. 633-WINE.

Saturday Fight for Wrestling, with Brian “The Bandit� Cobb, Jon “The King of Late Night�

Carson and many more, doors open at 5 p.m., fights begin at 6:30 p.m., CSUB, Icardo Center, 9001 Stockdale Highway. $35 to $150. All proceeds benefit CSUB wrestling. vallitix.com, vbotickets.com.

Bakersfield Speedway, Modifieds, Hobby Stocks, American Stocks, Mini Dwarfs, gates open at 4:30 p.m.; races begin at 6 p.m., Bakersfield Speedway, 5001 N. Chester Ave. $10; $5 ages 6-12; under 5 free. bakersfieldspeedway.com or call 393-3373.

Roller Skate for Ronald, fundraiser for the Ronald McDonald House; 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., Rollerama West, 7850 Brimhall Road. $10, includes admission, skate rental, one door prize ticket. 589-7555.

Wet ‘N’ Wild Woodland Waterfall Tour, with a professional naturalist, meet at the Pine Mountain Clubhouse parking lot, 26282636 Beechwood Way, Pine Mountain Club, this is a 1.5-to 2-mile round-trip tour, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Bring a picnic lunch in a backpack to enjoy at the waterfall. E-mail jrobinson@naturalist-for-you.org or 714-6499084.

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.

KRV Rotary Golf Tournament, four-man scramble, prizes, sign-in begins at 8:30 a.m., shotgun at 9 a.m., Kern River Valley Golf Course, 9472 Burlando Road, Kernville. $20 members; $50 nonmembers. Includes lunch.

E-mail pauljc1@mchsi.com or 760-417-1008.

Farmers markets: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Caffeine Supreme, on the lawn, corner of F and 20th streets. caffeinesupreme.com; 8 a.m. to noon, next to Golden State Mall, 3201 F St.; 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Brimhall Square, 9500 Brimhall Road; 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., “Nuui Cunni� Native American Cultural Center, 2600 Highway 155, Lake Isabella. 760-5490800.

Creative Corner Bazaar, featuring handmade items such as fabric art, kitchen accessories, quilts, children’s items and more, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., The Villas at Scenic River, 4015 Scenic River Lane. 871-3340 or 619-4153.

Family Skate Night, 7 to 10 p.m., Rollerama West, 7850 Brimhall Road. $30 includes admission for four (two adults/two children), skate rental, one pizza and pitcher of soda. 589-7555.

Free How-to-Work Workshops, Saturday classes: 10 to 11 a.m. “Decorative Painting Solutions�; 11 a.m. to noon “Do It Yourself Flooring Made Easy�; 1 to 2 p.m. “Small Bath Updates�; and Sunday class: 1 to 2 p.m. “Storage & Closet Organization Solutions�; Home Depot. homedepot.com or call 800430-3376.

Kern County European Travel Club will have a sign-up meeting at 10 a.m. for the Tulip Time River Cruise in Holland and Belgium to take place on April 16, 2011. Call Jim Engel at 399-6507.

Spanish Storytime, with Clara Castillo, 3 p.m., Barnes & Noble, 4001 California Ave. 631-2575.

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 River Rafting for M.A.R.E., fundraising event, departure time 10 a.m. (more runs as needed), River’s End Rafting & Adventure Co., 15701 Highway 178. $25 per person (must mention M.A.R.E. to get rate), children ages 6 and up encouraged to attend. 866360-7238.

Bakersfield Country Music Museum presents Geri Arnold & the Stars & Guitars Band, with dancing and raffles, 1 p.m., Trout’s & The Blackboard Stages, 805 N. Chester Ave. $10; BCMM members free.

366-6003 or 871-7073.

Eagles Fun Fair Membership & Car Show, for members, nonmembers and guests, 2 to 5 p.m., Eagles Hall, 1718 17th St. Free. Vendors welcome, 747-1628 or 3249684.

Hike to Lockwood Creek, Ventura County, will meet at least 15 minutes before start time at Chuchupate Ranger Station, 34580 Lockwood Valley Road, Frazier Park, this is a 1-2 mile round-trip hike, 9 a.m. to noon. Bring 1 quart of water per person, weather-protective clothing, snacks and first aid kit. E-mail jrobinson@naturalist-foryou.org or 714-649-9084.

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This weekend at Sam Lynn Ball Park www.bakersfieldblaze.com TICKETS-661-716-HITS

Friday August 13th @ 7:15PM

vs. Visalia

Hometown Hero’s Friday Presented by Tri Counties Bank All military, police, firefighters and paramedics receive a “Buy-One-Get-One-Free� ticket with I.D.

You wouldn’t believe the things we have found in the stadium over the years, and now you can own them.

Saturday August 14th @ 7:15PM

vs. Visalia Brighthouse Youth Sports Saturday “Tame the Beast�

Contest

All kids 12 and under wearing their team uniform receive $2 off tickets – kids 12 and under run the bases after the game

2010 Team Poster Give-A-Way The first 750 fans through the gates will receive a FREE 2010 Blaze Opening Day Team Poster . Limit one poster per person, per ticket.

While supplies last.

Sunday August 15th @ 7:15PM

5 lucky contestantss will have a chance to compete in the Jimano’s “Tame the Beast� Pizza Eating Contestt during the game. Entries begin at 6:15PM and contestants will be drawn at 7PM. Any contestant finishing a full 5 lb “Beast� stuffed pizza before the end of the 6th inning will win a pair of 2011 Blaze Season Tickets

vs. Visalia

The Californian Family Sunday The Californian Family Sunday Fans enjoy $1 hot dogs, popcorn, chips and fountain drinks Help Goodwill increase Donations by bringing a new Or gently used item to the Stadium and receive a FREE Ticket to any remaining Sun-Wed regular season home game. One ticket per person per donation.

29

Thursday, August 12, 2010 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street DJ B. Ryder’s Sports Bar & Grill, 7401 White Lane, 397-7304; 8 p.m. today.

Iron Horse Saloon, 1821 S. Chester Ave., 831-1315; 7 p.m.

Thursdays.

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; 9 p.m.

Fridays and Saturdays. Free.

Tam O’Shanter, 2345 Alta Vista, 324-6774: with DJ Escandalosa in the Mixx, 8:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.

Jazz B. Ryder’s Sports Bar & Grill, 7401 White Lane, 397-7304; Jazz, R&B, Funk with Groove Factor, 8 to 11 p.m. today.

Cafe Med, 4809 Stockdale Highway, 834-4433; Richie Perez, 7:30 to 11 p.m. Thursdays; Bunky Spurling, 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Le Corusse Rouge, 4647 White Lane, 834-1611; Paul Perez (sax) and Groove Factor, 8 to 11 p.m.

Thursdays; Bakersfield Jazz Workshop with Clayton Cameron, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Wednesday.

Live Jazz & Wine Bar, featuring Jazz Connection with Mark Meyer, Bob Beadling, Rick Lincoln, along with 24 wines, 6 to 8 p.m.

Saturday; featuring Jazz Connection with guitarist Paul Cierley and bassist Rick Lincoln, along with 24 wines, 5 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Imbibe Wine & Spirits Merchant, 4140 Truxtun Ave. 633-WINE.

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

Cactus Valley Mexican Restaurant, 4215 Rosedale Highway, 633-1948; 6 to 10 p.m. today; beer pong and happy hour all day with karaoke 3 to 6 p.m.

Sunday.

Crossroads Pizzeria, 4200 New Stine Road, 397-5000; 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. today.

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

Pour House, 4041 Fruitvale Ave., 589-9300; 9 p.m. Thursday through Saturday.

Que Pasa Mexican Cafe, 9000 Ming Ave., 664-1400; 9:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. Thursdays.

The Old River Monte Carlo, 9750 Taft Highway, 837-0250; 8 p.m. Thursdays.

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

Thursdays.

Tomi’s Cowgirl Cafe, 1440 Weedpatch Highway, 633-1949; Karaoke King Show, all ages, 7 to 10 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays.

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

UPCOMING EVENTS Monday 8/16 Senior Discovery Days, each Monday for seniors 60 and older receive 50 percent off admission, 10 percent discount in the gift store, CALM, 10500 Alfred Harrell Highway. 872-2256.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE ARTS COUNCIL OF KERN

These are some of the works being featured in the “Raw Visions” exhibit at the Younger Gallery.

GO & DO “Raw Visions” will be presented from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Friday at Younger Gallery, 1430 Truxtun Ave. Admission is free. For more information call 324-9000. myspace.com/vinnys_bar.

Banacek’s Lounge, 4601 State Road, 387-9224; 9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.

Casa Lopez, 8001 Panama Road, Lamont, 845-1000; 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

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

Pyrenees Cafe, 601 Sumner, 3230053; 8 p.m. to midnight Saturdays.

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

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

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

Camino Real Restaurant, 3500 Truxtun Ave., 852-0493; 9:30 p.m.

Sundays.

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

Sundays.

Schweitzer’s Pit Stop, 10807 Rosedale Highway, 587-8888; 8 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays.

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.

Buck Owens Crystal Palace, 2800 Buck Owens Blvd., 3287560; 7:30 to 10 p.m. Tuesdays.

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

Tuesdays.

Le Corusse Rouge, 4647 White Lane, 834-1611; Wild West Entertainment, 8 p.m. to midnight Tuesdays.

Lone Oak Inn, 10612 Rosedale Highway, 589-0412; 8 p.m.

Tuesday and Thursday.

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

Tuesday.

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

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

Tuesday.

The Prime Cut, 9500 Brimhall Road, 831-1413; karaoke with host Ben Lara, 8 p.m. Tuesdays.

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. Wednesdays.

Rockstarz Party Bar, 7737 Meany Ave., Suite B5, 589-6749; 9 p.m. Wednesdays.

Latin/Salsa Latin Salsa Dancing, 8 p.m.

Thursdays, DoubleTree Hotel, Club Odyssey, 3100 Camino Del Rio Court. 323-7111.

Que Pasa Mexican Cafe, 2701 Ming Ave., 832-5011; Al Garcia & the Rhythm Kings, 8:30 to 11:30 p.m. Thursdays.

Camino Real Restaurant, 3500 Truxtun Ave., 852-0493; Son Tropical, 7 to 10 p.m. Fridays.

Tam O’Shanter, 2345 Alta Vista, 324-6774: Salsa dancing, 7:30 p.m.

Fridays and Saturdays.

Chencho’s Bar & Grill, 2201 V St., 327-0190; Salsa Sundays, with a DJ, 3 to 10 p.m., salsa lessons are offered at 6 p.m. Sundays. $5 after 6 p.m.

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

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

Old School The Bistro After Dark, 5105 California Ave., 323-3905; Old School Saturdays with Noe G, 10 p.m. every Saturday. Ladies free/$10 cover.

Tam O’Shanter, 2345 Alta Vista, 324-6774; The Press featuring

Benny and the Bunch, 8:30 p.m.

Friday; Synergy featuring Joey ZaZa, 8:30 p.m. Saturday.

Open Mic Vinny’s Bar & Grill, 2700 S. Union Ave., hosted by Robert Spalding, 7 to 11 p.m. every Thursday. myspace.com/vinnys_bar.

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

B. Ryder’s Sports Bar & Grill, 7401 White Lane, 397-7304; My Dirty Little Secret, 9 p.m. Friday; The Ataris, 7 p.m. Saturday.

Elevation Lounge, 818 Real Road, 325-6864; Elevation 406, 9 p.m.

Friday.

Pyrenees Cafe, 601 Sumner, 3230053; Big Dawg, 8 p.m. to midnight Friday.

B. Ryder’s Sports Bar & Grill, 7401 White Lane, 397-7304; The Ataris, doors open at 7 p.m.

Saturday. $10.

Rockstarz Party Bar, 7737 Meany Ave., Suite B5, 589-6749; Tribute to AC/DC featuring Shoot to Thrill with special guest Nyceria, 9 p.m.

Saturday. $4 cover.

Sandrini’s, 1918 Eye St., 3228900; Almost Underground, 9:30 p.m. Saturday.

Rock remixes “Rock It Fridays,” 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. every Friday, DoubleTree Hotel, Club Odyssey, 3100 Camino Del Rio Court. 323-7111.

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

Variety Marriott Hotel at the Convention Center, 801 Truxtun Ave., 323-1900: In the Mixx with DJ Noe G., mixing all your feelgood music every Friday. 21 & over only.

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

Summer Camp, “2010: A Space Odyssey,” 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. or 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday, Kern County Museum, 3801 Chester Ave. Half day: $115; $90, members. Full day: $200; $160 members. kcmuseum.org or 852-5050.

Summer Camp at the YMCA, for ages 4 to 12, 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. $25 per child, per day. 837-9622.

Summer Day Camp, for ages 4 to 12, from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Monday through Friday, now until Aug. 20, Suburu School, 7315 Harris Road. $25 per day/per child. ymcaofkern.org or 837-9622.

Tuesday 8/17 Faire in the Park, with food booths, arts and crafts, entertainment, peddler’s faire, children’s corner and more, 6 to 9 p.m., Central Park at Mill Creek, 21st and R streets. 325-5892.

WWE Smackdown Live, with The Undertaker, Rey Mysterio, Jack Swagger, Matt Hardy, Kofi Kingston and more, 6:45 p.m., Rabobank Convention Center, 1001 Truxtun Ave. $15 to $60. ticketmaster.com or call 800-7453000.

Wednesday 8/18 Beer Tasting, with Allagash Brewing Company and Jeff Musial, 5 to 8 p.m., Imbibe Wine & Spirits Merchant, 4140 Truxtun Ave. $15 for tasting of six beers. 633-WINE. Bleeding Through, with The Ghost Inside, Terror, Suffokate, doors open at 8 p.m., Jerry’s Pizza, 1817 Chester Ave. $18. Tickets online at tgptix.com or World Records, Outer Limits, Impact Streetwear. 742-6306.

Optimal Hospice Basic Orientation & Patient Family Support Training Session, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., 4700 Stockdale Highway, Suite 120. Lunch provided. E-mail Kbudnick@optimalcares.com or 716-4000.

Songwriters’ Showcase, hosted

by Chuck Seaton and Billy Russell, 7 p.m. Wednesdays, The Prime Cut, 9500 Brimhall Road. 8311413.

Thursday 8/19 Concerts by The Fountain, old school and funk with Truce, 7 to 9 p.m., The Marketplace, 9000 Ming Ave. Meet, Greet & Eat, Charbay vodka, with Jenni Karakasevic, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Imbibe Wine & Spirits Merchant, 4140 Truxtun Ave. $25 includes tasting and appetizers. 633-WINE.

28

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, August 12, 2010

Eye Street Dust Bowl Fundraising Dinner, with dinner, entertainment, raffle, social hour 6 p.m., dinner 7 p.m. Aug. 20, David Head Center, 10300 San Diego St., Lamont. Tickets must be purchased by Sunday; no tickets will be sold at the door. $25 per person and can be purchased at Joronco Rental. Funds used for The Dustbowl Festival in October. 809-1393 or 3319136.

THEATER “Harvest Moon,” 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday, Spotlight Theatre, 1622 19th St. 634-0692 or thespotlighttheatre.com.

“Off the Hook,” musical drama about life in prison, 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, The Empty Space, 706 Oak St.; and 2 p.m. Saturday, Beekay Theatre, 110 S. Green St., Tehachapi. $20, buy tickets at brownpapertickets.com.

“The Villain of Mystery Island,” 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Gaslight Melodrama Theatre & Music Hall, 12748 Jomani Drive. $20 adults; $18 seniors; $9 children ages 12 and under. 587-3377.

Major League Improv, improvisational comedy show, appropriate for families, 6 p.m.

Saturdays, The Empty Space, 706 Oak St. Free but donations are accepted. 327-PLAY.

ART Artist Reception, for the artist Fred Castillo of “Landmarks & Landscapes,” no-host bar, hors d’oeuvres, live music with Isaiah Morfin, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. today, Padre Hotel, in the Farmacy, 1702 18th St. 427-4900.

“Beyond the Valley” Art Show, featuring artists Beverly Carrick, Elaine Collins, Sherry Dolan, Norma Eaton, Floyd Dillon, Lila Martin, Phyllis Oliver, Shirley Rowles and many more, now through Aug. 14, Bakersfield Art Association Art Center, 1817 Eye St. Open 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

869-2320.

Exhibit on Display, “The Masterworks of Western Paintings,” “Best of the West: Bakersfield Collects” and paintings by Aron Wiesenfeld, now on display until Aug. 22, Bakersfield Museum of Art, 1930 R St. bmoa.org or 323-7219.

“On the Road Again,” group art show on display through August, Bakersfield Mazda, 3201 Cattle Drive.

328-8000.

Shirley Rowles, featured artist for August, Russo’s, 9000 Ming Ave. russosbooks.com or 665-4686.

All Media Class, by instructor Phyllis Oliver, all media welcome, with color theory stressed. For more information or to register, e-mail pegolivert@ix.netcom.com or call 348-4717.

Art classes, beginning watercolor, beginning drawing, advanced drawing and watercolor painters’ group, taught by Carol Bradshaw.

Call or e-mail for details and enrollment. bradshawartist@earthlink.net or 760-376-6604.

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 twohour 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.

Making Flower Garden Yard Art, 10 a.m. today, The Ceramic Shop, 2550 E. Belle Terrace, Suite 300. $30, including clay. 834-1000.

Native American Arts Association, meets to learn basketry, beadwork and more, 9 a.m. to noon Thursdays, The Stockdale Moose Lodge, 905 Stine Road. 8525050.

The Art Center, 1817 Eye St., 8692320; offers a variety of painting and drawing classes. Call for details.

The Art Shop Club, 9 a.m. to noon each Thursday, Friday and Saturday, The Art Shop, 1221 20th St. All mediums. 322-0544, 589-7463 or 496-5153.

Free art classes, for home-school parents, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays.

Call to reserve your spot. Moore’s Art Studio, 10205 Hurlingham Drive.

588-7769.

Art for Healing classes: “Living with Feeling The Art of Emotional Expression,” 1 to 4 p.m. Monday, and “Spontaneous Expression with Paint,” 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday; Mercy Hospital, Truxtun Campus, Truxtun and A streets. Free. mercybakersfield.org/art or to register, 324-7070.

MUSIC Alternative Fishlips Bar & Grill, 1517 18th St., 324-2557; Joey Romley & Friends, 9 p.m. Tuesdays.

Blues Kern River Blues Society Jam, 2 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Trout’s, 805 N. Chester Ave. 872-7517.

Vinny’s Bar & Grill, 2700 S. Union Ave., jam session, 2 p.m. Sundays. 21 and over. myspace.com/vinnys_bar.

Classic rock Sandrini’s, 1918 Eye St., 322-8900; The People’s Band, 9 p.m. today; Beat Surrender with DJ Mustache, 9:30 p.m. Friday.

Bellvedere Cocktail Lounge, 3090 Brundage Lane, 325-2139; Mystic Red, 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

T-Bones Steakhouse, 8020 District Blvd., 398-1300; The Tony Ernst Band, 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. Friday.

Pyrenees Cafe, 601 Sumner, 3230053; The Usual Suspects, 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday.

Ethel’s Old Corral Cafe, 4310 Alfred Harrell Highway, 873-7613;

Token Okies, 3 to 7 p.m. Sunday.

Country Trouts & the Blackboard Stages, 805 N. Chester Ave., 399-6700, offers karaoke, line dancing, West Coast Swing among other various activities. Call for times and days.

Ethel’s Old Corral Cafe, 4310 Alfred Harrell Highway, 873-7613; Still Kickin’, 7 to 11 p.m. Friday.

Iron Horse Saloon, 1821 S. Chester Ave., 831-1315; Teddy Spanke and the Tex Pistols, 8 p.m. to midnight Friday; Two Timers Band, 2 to 6 p.m.

Saturday.

Tejon Club, 117 El Tejon Ave., 3921747; Crossroads, 6 to 10 p.m.

Sunday.

Sandrini’s, 1918 Eye St., 322-8900; Country Club, 9 p.m. Wednesday.

Dancing Joaquin Squares, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. today, Rasmussen Center, 115 E. Roberts Lane. $5. 324-1390, 3253086 or 399-3658.

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

833-8790.

Mavericks Singles, ballroom and country dancing with music by Jerry Hobbs, 7 to 10 p.m. Friday, Kern City Town Hall, 1003 Pebble Beach Drive. $6 member; $8 guest. 831-9241.

Pairs and Spares Dance, 7:30 p.m.

Fridays, Rasmussen Senior Center, 115 E. Roberts Lane. $5; $7 nonmembers. 399-3575 or 332-1537.

Ballroom Dance Party with The Dancesteppers, will hold their “Come as you Are Dance,” with music by Ted E Bear, 7:30 to 10:15 p.m.; pre-lesson from 6:45 to 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Rasmussen Senior Center, 115 E. Roberts Lane. $10 guests; free for members. 833-9568 or 322-5765.

Country Dance, with music provided Jerri Arnold & Stars & Guitars, jam session, all artists welcome, 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Le Corusse Rouge, 4647 White Lane.

Dance classes, beginning West Coast swing, intermediate/advanced west coast swing with instructor Mimi Johanson, at 8214 Mossrock Drive. Call 330-9616 for details.

Scottish Country Dancing, with the Kern County Scottish Society, beginners welcome, 7 to 9 p.m.

Mondays, Norris Road Veterans Hall, upstairs, 400 W. Norris Road. 8223998.

Whirlaways Square Dance Club, with caller Rick Hampton, 7 to 9:30 p.m. Mondays, Veteran’s Hall, 400 W. Norris Road. whirlaways.org or 398-3394 Dance Drill Classes, beginning belly dancing, 8 p.m. Tuesdays; advanced belly dancing, 7 to 9 p.m.

Thursdays, Centre Stage Studio, 1710 Chester Ave. $5 drop-in fee for beginning belly dancing; $15 for advanced belly dancing. Bring knee pads and yoga mat to advanced class. 323-5215.

TICKET ROUNDUP B. Ryder's Sports Bar & Grill 7401 White Lane $20 includes service charge and can be purchased at World Records, Mainland, Impact Streetwear, Fatal Impact, Styles, Wavelengths. timgardeapresents.com.

Sept. 12: Ryan Bingham & the Dead Horses, doors open at 7 p.m.

or 800-745-3000.

Buck Owens Crystal Palace 2800 Buck Owens Blvd. vallitix.com or 322-5200.

Oct. 6: David Allan Coe, 7 p.m., $25.50 to $35.50 plus fee.

Kern County Fairgrounds

1142 P St. Aug. 15: 16th annual Kern Fox Theater County Hispanic Chamber 2001 H St. of Commerce Consumer Trade Show, with exhibit vallitix.com or 322-5200. booths, food vendors, kid's Aug. 21: Bud Light Comedy camp, entertainment, 11 Jam with Darren Carter & a.m. to 5 p.m., 633-5495.

Joe Medina, 8 p.m., $20Sept.

4-5: Central Coast $30 plus fee.

Gun Show & Sale, 9 a.m. to Sept. 2: Asia, 8 p.m., $15 to 5 p.m. Saturday; 9 a.m. to 4 $45 plus fee. p.m. Sunday, $9; children 13 Sept. 19: Blue October, with and under are free; $3 special guest, 8 p.m., $20 to parking. 805-481-6726. $35 plus fee.

Sept. 12: Viva Mexico Sept. 23: Ralphie May, from Festival, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., NBC's “Last Comic Kern County Fairgrounds, Standing,” 7:30 p.m., $29.50 Budweiser Pavilion, 1142 P plus fee.

St. Free. 327-9711.

Oct. 7: Keith Sweat, doors Sept. 22-Oct. 3: 2010 Kern open at 7 p.m., show at 8 County Fair, “Best in the p.m., $35 to $55.

West,” featuring carnival rides, entertainment, Nov. 6: Ron Saylor, “An Evening of Magic & Illusion,” concerts, food, exhibits and more, Sept. 22 to Oct. 3, 7:30 p.m., $26.50.

Kern County Fairgrounds, 1142 P St. 833-4900.

Rabobank Convention

Center 1001 Truxtun Ave. $15-$60. ticketmaster.com or call 800-745-3000.

Aug. 17: WWE Smackdown Live, with The Undertaker, Rey Mysterio, Jack Swagger, Matt Hardy, Kofi Kingston and more, 6:45 p.m., $15$60 plus fee.

Sept. 21: Je'Caryous Johnson's Cheaper to Keep Her, 8 p.m., $31-$36 plus fee. (Theater) AND Rockstar Energy Drink presents UPROAR Fest, with Disturbed and Avenged Sevenfold, 6:30 p.m., $27.75-$47.75 plus fee.

(Arena) Sept. 29: Carrie Underwood “Play On Tour,” with Billy Currington and Sons of Sylvia, 7:30 p.m., $34-$54 plus fee.

Oct. 15: World Vision Presents “Make A Difference Tour 2010,” 7 p.m., $24.50-$49.50 plus fee.

Oct. 21-24: “Disney on Ice” Let's Celebrate, 7 p.m.

Thursday and Friday; 11 a.m., 3 p.m., and 7 p.m.

Saturday; 1 and 5 p.m.

Sunday, The theater at Rabobank Convention Center, 1001 Truxtun Ave. $16-$45. ticketmaster.com

Jerry’s Pizza 1817 Chester Ave. Tickets online at tgptix.com or World Records, Outer Limits, Impact Streetwear.

742-6306.

Aug. 18: Bleeding Through, with The Ghost Inside, Terror, Suffokate, doors open at 8 p.m., $18.

Taft Oct. 15-24: Taft Oildorado Days 100th Year Anniversary Party, with exhibits, oilfield tours, parades, hot air balloon festival, 5 and 10K run, food booths, demonstrations, car show, entertainment and more, at various locations throughout Taft.

OiloradoDays.com.

Kern County Museum 3801 Chester Ave. bakersfieldvillagefest.com or vallitix.com or 322-5200.

Sept. 11: Village Fest Party of the Year!, featuring 17 bands, 60 breweries, 25 Central Coast wineries and food from local restaurants, 6 to 10 p.m., $60; $68 day of show at the gate. 21 and over only. Benefitting CARE. Includes 15 drink samples and unlimited food samples.