The Bakersield Californian / Eye Street Entertainment / 9-8-11 by Matt Munoz

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, September 8, 2011

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

Index Village Fest 2011 ...................................... 17 43rd annual Wasco Festival of Roses...... 18 Arts Alive ..................................................20 FLICS .......................................................... 21 The Lowdown with Matt Munoz.............. 22 BC barbecue.............................................. 23 9-11 events................................................ 26 Calendar .............................................. 28-31

Opa! It’s finally Greek week Food fest one of top family events all year BY STEFANI DIAS Californian assistant lifestyles editor sdias@bakersfield.com

hile many of us will never set foot in the birthplace of Western civilization, we can still get a taste of it at the annual Greek Food Festival in downtown Bakersfield this weekend. Now in its 39th year, the twoday event is down to a science for the parish council at St. George’s Greek Orthodox Church. Danny Andrews, one of the organizers, said it’s a group effort. “We share the responsibilities. I’ve been with the festival about five years. Some members have been there over 20 years.” It’s that dedication of time that has led to a successful event, which drew about 8,000 people last year. “It was well-attended, thanks to nice weather. (This year) we’re glad it’s forecast in the double digits, not triple digits.” For attendees who still want to beat the heat, there will be an additional tent over the picnic tables to keep everyone cooler while they eat.

Let’s eat And there is quite a feast ahead of them. There are the usual favorites: gyros, $5; barbecue meal — $18 for a full plate with sausage, meatballs, rice, salad and bread; and a $12 Greek dinner (lemon chicken with rice), served inside the air-conditioned church hall. For families, (children under 12 get in for free) there are nonGreek items — hot dogs and snow cones — sure to please the pickiest palates. One thing that won’t be on the menu this year is the feta fries, which had been served since 2006. But if you’re feeling a little bitter about the loss of the chips tossed with cheese, there will be plenty of desserts to sweeten your meal. Andrews said the women from the church have been toiling for the last month baking a “wonderful selection of pastries,” including baklava and cookies rich with walnuts and cinnamon. The sweetest thing at the event, though, has to be the extremely popular loukoumades, honeypuffed doughnuts sprinkled with cinnamon and served hot in two

sizes — large and extra large. “By Saturday evening, they’re sold out. They always sell out every year.” If you’re worried that food will be scarce by Saturday afternoon, Andrews said not to worry. Although the Greek dinners are mostly gone late Saturday, the rest of the menu holds out, thanks to the planning of seasoned organizers who know their audience. “We get close, but don’t necessarily sell out. The chicken dinner cuts it the closest. After 7, it winds down.” For those looking to last all day, sweet Greek coffee and a selection of water, sodas and alcoholic beverages will help keep you going.

Festival fun Along with an exciting spread, the festival also hosts a selection of children’s activities. Andrews said there will be several bounce houses, live music and dancing and a rock-climbing wall, which is new this year. Parents will be able to purchase hourly or all-day bracelets for children, although Andrews said the pricing is up to the bounce house operator. Also out to entertain the kids are a couple of guys, friends of a St. George parishioner, who will be dressed as Greek soldiers. The pair will pose for photos with children and let them check out the accessories. If you’re feeling like you just waged war on a plate of souvlaki, students from the Milan Institute will ease your aches with $5 massages. Other booths will include Ben & Jerry’s with ice cream treats, women’s apparel and jewelry vendors and perhaps a couple of last-minute additions. (Andrews said he was in talks with a popcorn company.) Since the festival promotes awareness of the Greek Orthodox faith as well as food, this year the church will operate a booth providing information about the church and its ministry. You can also check in here to find out when Father Joseph Chaffee’s next church tour — held every couple of hours — will take place.

Return of the raffle The Greek Food Festival is known for the three Fs: food, fun and fundraising. The last is the driving force behind the event, which last year raised about $40,000. Andrews said, along with event

HENRY A. BARRIOS / THE CALIFORNIAN

Jason Carrillo helps with the cooking during the Greek Food Festival in 2010.

39th annual Greek Food Festival When: 4 to 11 p.m. Friday; 1 to 11 p.m. Saturday Where: St. George Greek Orthodox, 401 Truxtun Ave. Admission: $5 adults ($2 off with newspaper ad); children under 12 are free Information: 325-8694

costs, money raised goes toward three causes: general expenses, including paying pastors; capital improvements, which are necessary as the older building requires ongoing maintenance; and education, benefitting the church’s seven youth programs. Along with admission and food, the raffle will pull in needed funds. Returning after several years, the raffle is in full effect under the guiding influence of Pam Liascos, who’s co-chairing the Greek Market A La Carte Raffle booth along with Chaffee’s wife, Despina. The booth will sell both treats like spanakopita and dolmades as well as raffle tickets — six for $5. At the top of the raffle list are some big-ticket items, like a painting from Hamptons Interior Decorators, valued at $748. But the big draw is the grand prize basket, which includes $1,000

cash. Liascos was still adding to it as of Tuesday, but she said, along with the money, it will contain: a one-year Petroleum Club membership, four trips to McMurtrey Aquatic Center for lap swimming, package for four for skating at the Ice Sports Center, a $100 voucher for Papa Murphy’s Take ’n’ Bake Pizza, three months of Katie’s Sundae from Rosemary’s Family Creamery and a Spotlight Theatre flex pass. There will be more than 10 baskets raffled off, including from: Color Me Mine, with teapot, cup, saucer and voucher of two painting sessions; Bikersfield, with motorcycle-themed T-shirts and accessories; Cone’s Natural Foods, which comes in an octopus-decorated sand bucket with vitamins, T-shirts and tools for family beach fun; Glitz Salon, with Pureology hair products; Cafe Med, which filled a black top hat ice bucket with champagne, chocolates and a champagne flute. Once tickets are purchased, you can put them toward the drawing of your choice. Andrews said Tuesday that he was going to have to order more tickets for the raffle, which has presold 3,000 tickets already. With a growing raffle and public interest, it’s no wonder there’s been talk of expanding the event. Andrews said he hopes the next step is adding a third day (on Sun-

CASEY CHRISTIE / THE CALIFORNIAN

Bret Smith sits on the lap of his mother, Staci Cunningham, while enjoying the foods available at the Greek Food Festival.

day), if they can add volunteers. The church nets an 80 percent volunteer rate, Andrews estimates. Another event in the spring has also been discussed, although Andrews said scaling down an event like this is a feat in itself. Having the festival in September has become a real tradition that people have come to expect. “The weekend after Labor Day, people remember it’s the festival weekend.” Opa!

Thursday, September 8, 2011 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street

Great fun brewing for ‘party of the year’ Village Fest returns as a key social event of Kern’s fall BY MATT MUNOZ Bakotopia.com editor mmunoz@bakersfield.com

t’s the one time of the year where guiltfree indulgence and fall fashion meet to play in the park. It’s also a place where beer, wine and food connoisseurs gather to whet their appetites, all for a good cause. But even as the message of goodwill gets clouded in the rhythmic dance of mass alcoholic consumption, there’s no denying the charitable allure of Village Fest. Labeled “The Party of the Year,” Bakersfield calenders are marked for this weekend’s annual brouhaha. Returning this Saturday to the Kern County Museum for the 17th year, the event is expected to draw up to 4,500 paid attendees. “My gut feeling is we’re going to sell out this year,” said Rick Peace, co-founder of the event with Ralph Fruguglietti, of Frugatti’s restaurant. “Sponsorships and interest is really up this year.” At its inception in 1994, beer was the main attraction with a small number of craft brewers filling the drink menu along with big brand names. But as the years went on and restaurants became a big draw of the event, an equal emphasis on food and drink emerged. Today the event still boasts more than 60 breweries and 100-plus brews, but also features more than 25 Central Coast wineries with upwards of 50 wines, plus food from about three dozen Bakersfield restaurants. “The changes we’ve made are always done after our first meeting in November. We make a list of pros and cons, along with notes of improvement,” said Peace. “There are a number of factors which affect each year … a steady economy, local agriculture, etc.” Another highlight is the collection of musical talent being featured, with 17 local blues, rock, reggae, jazz and Latin bands performing throughout the grounds. Some of this year’s artists include Rick Reno Stevens, The Councilmen, Fatt Katt and the Von Zippers, Thee Majestics, Soulajar and The News Brothers, among others. Performing on five different themed stages matched to suit each lawn area, there’s music for every taste. “Our music community is so tied to this,” added Peace. “We make sure they have easy routes to each stage and ice chests full of water.” Bakersfield saxophonist Dennis Wilson, who pulls double duty on the Micro Blues Stage, performing with bands Foster Campbell and Friends, and Rough Edges, said it’s one of the best gigs in town for a band to score. “They go first rate on sound and stage,

CALIFORNIAN FILE

Village Fest, one of Bakersfield’s most popular social events, draws several thousand guests to sample beer and wine — and lots of food. Volunteers Rick Alvarado, left, and Richard Snow serve samples from Justin Vineyards and Winery.

Village Fest 2011 When: 6 p.m. Saturday Where: Kern County Museum, 3805 Chester Ave. Admission: $63 advance; $68 day of event. Tickets available at Frugatti’s, Lengthwise Brewery or Vallitix.com Information: 323-2739 or bakersfieldvillagefest.com Note: This is a 21-and-over-only event

the audience is always jumping, and it’s fun. I have so many memories from all the years I’ve played. Once we played in front of 1,500 people, just dancing and rockin’ out. We threw out so many beads, I bet there are probably still some in those trees,” he said with a laugh. Requiring 11 months of preparation, including hours of phone calls, lining up sponsors and keeping track of volunteer requests, a breakfast gathering the Monday before the event kicks off the big week for Peace and his crew. “A small group of us meet early at 24th Street Cafe, then start building Gilligan’s Lounge at the museum. Getting the grounds ready requires mapping, cleaning, a lot of decorations, so when you walk in, the whole place comes alive. We have 30 on our steering committee, over 400 volunteers and a list of 200 more volunteers on a waiting list.” First-time volunteer Mary Barron of Bakersfield said that while she has attended as a guest many times, this year she wanted to offer a helping hand. “I’ve been going since it was called Brews on the Roof. I’ve always gone for the

fun atmosphere and the good food. It’s not just a drinking fest. To me, it’s almost like a high school reunion, where you get to socialize with people you haven’t seen in a while. Raising money for charities just makes it that much more special.” Also returning is Rebecca Esparza, who always plans a big birthday date night with her husband, Anthony, around the event. Recalling a few of her favorite moments, Esparza said it was her “match-making year” that stands out “My best friend who lives in Fresno has always gone with us, and every time we always hoped to introduce her to a cool Bakersfield guy. Two years ago she met someone at Village Fest and danced to the song ‘Camisa Negra’ at the La Cantinaville area. Next thing you know, they fell in love and got married. It always lands on my husband’s birthday weekend, too, so that makes it perfect.” Since the festival’s inception, all money raised goes to benefit CARE (Children’s Advocates Resource Endowment), a nonprofit organization founded by Peace and Fruguglietti Some of the charities CARE has benefited include: Camp Blue Jay; the Society For Disabled Children; CASA of Kern; the Epilepsy Society of Kern County; Operation School Bell; and more. “We’ve allocated over half-a-million dollars to charities since our first year. The thank you letters we get make all the hard work worth it,” Peace said. Taxis will be out in full force throughout the evening, along with sober driving services offered by Village Fest. “If you haven’t been yet, you’ve missed out on almost two decades of fun,” Peace said. “We hope to see you there this year.”

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, September 8, 2011

Eye Street The Show Must Go On!

Opens July 22nd through Sept 10th 12748 Jomani Drive

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CASEY CHRISTIE / THE CALIFORNIAN

The Wasco Rose Festival parade, which starts at 10 a.m. Saturday, is a highlight of the annual weekend-long event.

Coming up roses in Wasco 43rd Rose Festival celebrates tradition, industry, family BY ASHLEY FISCHER Named Bakersfield’s Favorite Pizza in The Californian’s 2011 Readers Survey

Contributing writer

rose can mean many things to many people. In ancient Rome, a rose placed outside of a room meant a confidential conversation was taking place within. A Tudor

rose is the floral emblem of England, and a red rose has long been used as a symbol of love. But for Wasco, gearing up to celebrate the 43rd annual Wasco Festival of Roses, the flowers are much more than a nice gift to give your lover on Valentine’s Day. They’re an integral part of Wasco’s past, present and future, and every year, on the first Saturday after Labor

Day weekend, the community comes out in full bloom to celebrate these fabled flowers. “Roses are pretty ingrained within our community,” said Vickie Hight, office manager for the city of Wasco, and one of the many coordinators that help organize the event each year. “They’re a huge part of our identity Please see 19

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Learn how to shoot Trap & Skeet, all skill levels welcome. The program is open to boys and girls in Elementary, Jr. High and High School. Shooting days are the second Saturday of each month, September - May. Cost: One time fee of $75.00 per shooter. Includes instruction, ammunition, targets, and lunch.

Thursday, September 8, 2011 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street CONTINUED FROM D18

here in Wasco. Historically, roses have always been a part of our economy. We have a lot of longtime families here who have worked with roses, out in the rose fields, helping with the budding and the tying. “You’ll often hear kids saying, ‘My grandfather worked there, for this grower.’ It’s what a lot of our work force did. And I think they’re a part of our future. We’ll always have roses here.” While the actual Rose Festival takes place Saturday, there are two days of events preceding it, beginning tonight at 6 with the Rose Queen Pageant. There, 14 high school seniors will compete for college scholarships as well as the honored position of Wasco’s official Rose Queen. On Friday, the fragrant festivities continue with An Evening of Wine and Roses, taking place at the Valley Rose Championship Golf Course at 7 p.m. This relatively new addition to the festival has only been around for 10 years and will have you sniffing a different sort of bouquet. Tickets cost $30 per person, and, with them, attendees receive a complimentary wine glass, plenty of hours d’oeuvres and unlimited tasting from this year’s featured winery, Doce Robles. On Saturday, the main event starts early with a pancake and sausage breakfast from 7:30 to 9 a.m. The Rose Parade starts at 10 a.m., where you can see the newly crowned Rose Queen, more than 70 floats and, of course, lots and lots of roses. Nearly everything takes place either in

CASEY CHRISTIE / THE CALIFORNIAN

Robert Oropeza of Bakersfield and his son, Jacob, have a good time during the 2010 Festival of Roses.

or around Barker Park, where there will be more than a full day’s worth of activities dedicated to celebrating this pretty perennial, including a carnival, an art fair, and lots of great food. “I love the festival in the park. I love

meeting people and seeing old friends, and seeing people that my kids grew up with,” Hight said. “It’s really an in-gathering of our community, and also a welcoming for new visitors. It’s just a really positive day for our community. I love that aspect of it. It’s a busy day, but it’s also a really fun day.” One of the most popular attractions are the rose field tours, which only take place on Saturday. Every 20 minutes, bright yellow school buses will pick up groups at the south end of Barker Park and take them out to see the vivid rainbow of colors of Wasco’s many rose fields. Information is provided by one of the Rose Queen candidates, allowing visitors to learn a little more about Wasco’s long rose-growing history. You might not be hard pressed to find someone willing to recognize the loveliness of a single rose, but the true beauty of this festival is its strong sense of community, family and tradition. And as Wasco expands and changes, Hight is confident the Festival of Roses will grow along with it. “I’ve been in Wasco 25 years now — I grew up in a neighboring town, in Shafter — and I’ve always been familiar with the Wasco Festival of Roses. It’s an identifying time of year for us, for Wasconians. It’s a time for people who have moved away to return and see their family, and to return to see their friends. I think it’s important for our community to have this festival. “It’s tradition. We don’t want to see these things go away.”

43RD ANNUAL WASCO FESTIVAL OF ROSES Information: www.ci.wasco.ca.us or 758-2616

val Parade (D and Seventh streets to Poplar Avenue to Barker Park) Schedule 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Today Pit barbecue lunch (Barker Park, south Early evening: Tenend) nis tournament (Wasco High 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.: School) Art Show and Faire (Outdoor Art Faire 6 p.m: Rose Queen — Barker Park) Pageant (Wasco High School Audito- Noon: Parade rium) awards ceremony (Barker Park, enterFriday tainment stand) Early evening: TenNoon to 4 p.m.: nis tournament Rose Show (open to 7 to 10 p.m: Evening public — Veterans of Wine and Roses, Memorial Building) honored guest Noon to 4 p.m.: reception Rose Field Tours Saturday (Tours leave from 7:30 to 9 a.m.: Pan- Barker Park, south/west corner) cake Breakfast (First United 1 to 4 p.m.: Wasco Methodist Church, Historical Museum Seventh Street and (Open to public — Birch) 918 Sixth St.) Morning: Tennis Sunday tournament contin- Morning: Tennis ues tournament contin10 a.m.: Rose Festi- ues

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, September 8, 2011

Eye Street Camille Gavin CONTRIBUTING COLUMNIST

9/11’s terror through teen eyes Play based on high schoolers’ accounts

number of events around town this weekend are focusing on the 10th anniversary of the terrorist attack on the Twin Towers in New York. For me, one of the more unusual offerings is “With Their Eyes,” which opens Friday at Bakersfield Community Theatre. The play was developed by students whose high school was only a few blocks away from ground zero on Sept. 11, 2001. It grew out of a series of monologues written by members of a drama class at Stuyvesant High School and was first presented in February 2002. Given that the script reflects the impressions of teens and that it’s the first show in BCT’s current Youth Series, I figured the cast members were fairly young at the time of the disaster. David Lollar, the director, confirmed my assumption and said his actors range in age from 14 to 24. “Since it was 10 years ago, yes, they were very young,” he said. “They have very similar stories, being out here in Kern County and in — or on their way to — school when the news hit. The older ones seem to have been more affected by their teachers’ reactions than with the actual event.” To help his cast get a better idea of the scope and gravity of the disaster, Lollar showed them an HBO documentary called “In Memoriam.” He emphasized, however, that the play itself is not all gloom and doom. “This play is a lot more light and funny than you’d imagine because the reactions are those of teens, tough little kids with no idea of what it all meant at the time,” he said. “And that makes it so much more poignant as a celebration of life, hope, and belief in America’s spirit than you’d imagine.” Material for the monologues in “With Their Eyes” came from interviews the New York students did with fellow students, teachers, administrators, cafeteria workers, and custodians. The action takes place in a sparsely

GO & DO ‘With Their Eyes’ When: 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday Where: Bakersfield Community Theatre, 2400 S. Chester Ave. Admission: $12; $10, students; free to children age 5 or younger Information: 831-8114

‘Real Women Have Curves’ When: 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday Where: Spotlight Theatre, 1622 19th St. Admission: $25; $22, students and seniors Information: 634-0692

‘Surface’ exhibit Opening reception: 5:30 to 7 p.m. today Where: Jones Gallery, Bakersfield College, 1801 Panorama Drive Admission: Free Information: 395-4078

Auditions for ‘Hair’ and ‘A Christmas Carol’

PHOTO COURTESY OF DAVID LOLLAR

Kylie Adams turns around to tell her story to the audience while the others continue on in social studies class in this scene from BCT's “With Their Eyes.” Adams is a senior at Golden Valley High School.

When: Noon to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday Where: The Empty Space, 706 Oak St. Admission: Free Information: 327-PLAY

furnished classroom with two tall ladders representing the Twin Towers in the background. Although the cast is truly an ensemble with no one person playing a lead role, Lollar did list some members who are more well-known to local audiences. Among them are Ben Lejeune, a film and television actor who recently returned to Bakersfield; Kara McDonald, who starred in BCT’s “Seussical”; Hannah DiMolfetto, a Six Flags “Fright Night” actor; and Mike Bedard, who will be off to UCLA in a few weeks.

Latina drama at Spotlight Opening Friday at the Spotlight Theatre is “Real Women Have Curves,” a drama about Latina women working in an East Los Angeles sewing factory. It’s set in

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

Austin Still, foreground, and Vicky Lusk appear in a scene from BCT's “With Their Eyes.”

September 1987, a time when federal laws regarding some illegal immigrants were eased. “It was after the amnesty law was passed,” said Maria-Tania Becerra, the director. In one scene, she added, the women suddenly realize they don’t need to worry about immigration officers anymore and one says: “Wait a minute — we’re legal now.’ ” The story revolves around a character called Estela, played by Linda Lara, a senior English major at Cal State Bakersfield, who appeared last year in Spot-

light’s “Harvest Moon,” also directed by Becerra. Estela’s story is told through the eyes of her sister, Ana, portrayed by DeNae Brown, a CSUB theater arts student who also has been in shows at The Empty Space and Bakersfield Community Theatre. Also in the cast are Frances Quiroz, Monica Martinez and Alisha Mason. An interesting side note: The 39-year-old Becerra, who teaches theater at CSUB, told me she was born in Nicaragua and didn’t learn English until she came to the U.S. at age 13. She had no immigration problems, however, because her mother was born in New York City.

to the work of these particular artists because of the surface texture of their pieces. “Soffer’s and Sopczynsk’s (works) emphasize the twodimensional nature of painting and drawing,” she said. “In both cases you can see the movement of the tool that is dragged across the surface. Anderson’s work, although there is depth being portrayed, calls attention to the surface due to the nature of relief printmaking.” The exhibit can be seen at the gallery through Sept. 29. Regular gallery hours are 1 to 4 p.m. Monday-Thursday.

New art exhibit at BC

Double auditions this weekend

As its first exhibit of the 201112 school year the Jones Gallery at Bakersfield College is presenting “Surface,” the work of three out-of-town artists. Being shown are paintings by Ellen Soffer, who is based in Louisiana; drawings by Dennis Sopczynski, a Californian; and Oregon printmaker Brett Anderson. It opens this evening with a reception at the gallery, which is located inside the library building on the northwest side of the campus. Curator Margaret Nowling said in an email that she was attracted

Tryouts for two radically different shows, “A Christmas Carol” and “Hair,” are being held this weekend at The Empty Space. Brian Sivesind is directing the Charles Dickens’ classic, with performances scheduled for Dec. 9 to 24. Bob Kempf is doing the 1960s-era rock musical, slated for production Feb. 11 to March 3. Each director is asking potential actors to prepare certain material for the auditions, and appointments are requested. For details call the theater at 327PLAY or visit their website, esonline.org.

Thursday, September 8, 2011 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street

FLICS: A rags to riches story After a bumpy first few years, film society marks 30 seasons BY JENNIFER SELF Californian lifestyles editor jself@bakersfield.com

he lines were so long outside the Fox Theater at the FLICS season opener last year that the box office couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t keep up and crews were dispatched to sell tickets on the sidewalk. The final tally: 1,100 movie buffs filed through the downtown lobby for a screening of â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.â&#x20AC;? And while those numbers probably wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t even register on a Hollywood balance sheet, theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not bad for a Swedish film with English subtitles in Bakersfield. â&#x20AC;&#x153;That was our all-time, tip-top record,â&#x20AC;? said Phil Neufeld, who runs the international film society. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Before that it was â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Whale Rider,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; which was 772, I believe. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It was just so surprising and we actually held the film a few minutes just to make sure everyone got in. We were just overwhelmed.â&#x20AC;? The record turnout sets the bar high for Neufeld and his FLICS board as they launch their 30th season Friday (the math is a little fuzzy on that score: Neufeld said the series started in 1982, but FLICS had two seasons that year, so he counts the 2011-12 as the big anniversary year). â&#x20AC;&#x153;It wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t important to count seasons until we started hitting milestones,â&#x20AC;? Neufeld said with a laugh. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sort of like a kid when you grow up. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve had 21 seasons and can start drinking! But now that weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re 30, hopefully we wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t become an

FLICS 2011-12 season

In Fridayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Eye

Cost: $5 per movie or $50 for the 17film season When: The season premiere, which will feature â&#x20AC;&#x153;La Prima Cosa Bella,â&#x20AC;? is Friday; snacks and drinks at 6:30 p.m.; the movie starts at 7:30 p.m. Where: The Fox Theater, 2001 H St. Information: flics.org; 428-0354

Check out the full rundown, with synopses, of the 2011-12 FLICS roster of movies

old fogie.â&#x20AC;? A comedy kicks off the season Friday, which is a bit of a departure from most of the intense, thought-provoking fare the series usually features. The 2011 Italian film â&#x20AC;&#x153;La Prima Cosa Bellaâ&#x20AC;? is billed as â&#x20AC;&#x153;a comedy filled with emotions but free from sentimentalism, where tears and laughter go hand in hand.â&#x20AC;? Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no pop culture juggernaut like â&#x20AC;&#x153;Dragonâ&#x20AC;? to be sure, but Neufeld expects in the neighborhood of 600 people, who will snack on paninis and desserts created by Cafe Crepes. The $5 admission covers the food, but it does tend to run out, Neufeld warned, so come early if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like to snack. A subscription to the entire 17-film season is $50. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Usually, our opening night is our most attended event. We try to have a foreign language title for the first night. Of course now weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re trying to run close-captioning with English language films if theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re available on the DVD so that people can get a lot out of it. I find myself reading closecaptioning anyway, even if the film is in English because there can be a lot more in

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The 2011 Italian film â&#x20AC;&#x153;La Prima Cosa Bellaâ&#x20AC;? is billed as â&#x20AC;&#x153;a comedy filled with emotions but free from sentimentalism, where tears and laughter go hand in hand.â&#x20AC;?

close-captioning than on the soundtrack.â&#x20AC;? Some of the yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best-reviewed movies are on the roster, including two American films: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Meekâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cutoff,â&#x20AC;? the story of a wagon train on the Oregon Trail, starring Michelle Williams (Nov. 4); and â&#x20AC;&#x153;Beginners,â&#x20AC;? a comedy/drama starring Christopher Plummer and Ewan McGregor, who play a father and son coming to terms with each other after the elder man comes out of the closet at age 75. (March 30) Closing out the series, on May 11, is â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Trip,â&#x20AC;? the story of two English comedians who play versions of themselves in this irreverent film that has won raves. The films are shown on DVD, which is both good and bad for FLICS. On the plus side, the Fox has a high-dollar video pro-

jector, so the quality is first-rate (â&#x20AC;&#x153;I practically stuck my nose to the screen to see if I could see any pixelation, and I couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t,â&#x20AC;? Neufeld said). Plus, the format is easy for the distributor to deliver. But because the films are on DVD, you, the viewer at home, can pretty much watch it anywhere and anytime you want. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The only saving grace is that we have our niche in society who likes to sit in a great big dark room with other people and watch a movie on a 50-foot screen.â&#x20AC;? That desire to feel connected with other serious film lovers hasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t changed in the 30 years of the series, though much else has. In the ninth season, a particularly discourging time, Neufeld said the group had a total of $27 in the bank. But just as Bakersfieldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s appetite for artsy cinema has grown, so, too, has support for the nonprofit: Last year, FLICS donated $10,000, half to the Fox Foundation and the remainder split to fund library efforts. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Years ago we thought maybe we could do this, but we had no idea how long it would last, and there were many nights we were counting the people who came and thought if we had 30 people show up, we can pay for the film. And itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s gotten so much greater since. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I always joke around that Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m going to spend the evening with 400 to 600 of my closest friends.â&#x20AC;?

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The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, September 8, 2011

Eye Street The Lowdown with Matt Munoz

Legends and sound-alikes galore original members: vocalist and guitarist Frank Black, bassist Kim Deal, guitarist Joey Santiago and drummer David Lovering. Tickets for that show are $39 to $75. Tickets for both shows can also be purchased at all Vallitix outlets, including the Fox Theater, 2001 H St. or online at vallitix.com.

Great live acts head to Bakersfield stages

ven with one of the busiest weekends of the year upon us, there’s still plenty to plan for in the coming months. Whether you’re into country, classic rock, Latin or grunge, Bakersfield will play host to plenty of concerts and shows to suit everyone’s tastes. Here are some spotlight picks and info on some of the hottest tickets coming soon to a venue near you.

Pink Floyd Tribute returns to Fishlips

Haggard, Led Zeppelin Experience, and the Pixies at the Fox Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday for a Dec. 10 concert by country legend Merle Haggard at Bakersfield’s Fox Theater. After a health issue took him off the road a few weeks ago, the 74 year-old icon is back in the saddle to support the upcoming release of “Working in Tennessee” — a collection of new original material and standards out Oct. 4. You can get a free download of the title track through his official website, merlehaggard.com. It’s an upbeat country swinger showcasing Merle in fine form. Among some of the other tracks listed are a cover of “Cocaine Blues” and a duet with his wife, Theresa, on the Cash/Carter favorite “Jackson,” plus a revisit of his 1969 classic, “Workin’ Man Blues,” among others. The 11-track album also features members of the Haggard and Willie Nelson family throughout the record. Regular reserved seating prices range

ZUMA PRESS

Merle Haggard, seen performing at Mystic Lake Casino in Shakopee, Minn., in February, will be at the Fox Theater in December.

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.

from $35 to $85 and can be purchased beginning Friday at all Vallitix outlets, including the Fox Theater, 2001 H St., or online at vallitix.com. For more info call 324-1369. Also currently on sale at the Fox are tickets for the Oct. 13 multimedia rock spectacle “Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Experience,” which features live music from drummer Jason Bonham,

son of late Zeppelin drummer John Bonham. The show features a mix of rare vintage clips taken from the ’70s rock titans’ tightly guarded archive shown on a big screen, coupled with a psychedelic light show and music by Led Zeppelin. It’s received rave reviews from fans and critics. Plus with an all-star band led by Bonham on drums, this is about as close to a Zeppelin reunion you’ll get, at least in this lifetime. Tickets are $25 to $130. If grungy art rock is more your style, you can pick up your tickets to see the Pixies, who make their first Bakersfield appearance, also at the Fox on Nov. 13. The band influenced muliplatinum acts like Nirvana. The current 30th anniversary tour will focus on their groundbreaking album, “Doolittle.” The show features a combination of video, lights and of course music by the band’s

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.

Down the street and around the corner at Fishlips, the sounds of Pink Floyd Tribute band Which One’s Pink return on Sept. 24. These guys are amazing and should be mandatory viewing and listening for every true Floyd fan in Bakersfield. To be this up close and personal, you’re in for one heck of a musical trip. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at all Vallitix outlets, including the Fox Theater, 2001 H St. or online at vallitix.com. Fishlips is located at 1517 18th St.

Santana and Venegas at Rabobank A few days later, Carlos Santana and the Santana band will be rockin’ the roof off of Rabobank Arena on Sept. 27. Believe it or not this is Santana’s first show back in Bakersfield after passing us by for 22 years. But let’s not hold it against him. He’s outlived many of his peers from Woodstock and can still shred across those guitar frets. We’ll be featuring an interview with Carlos in The Californian, so stay tuned. Tickets are $28 to $88 and can be purchased at the Rabobank ticket office, 1001 Truxtun Ave. or at ticketmaster.com. For more information, call 8527777. The following month, multiGrammy winner Julieta Venegas will be appearing next door at the Rabobank Convention Center on Oct. 22. A multi-instrumentalist who can jump from guitar to accordion, plus keyboards, Venegas’ has been doing some tour catch up after the birth of her first child last year.

Free Johnny Mathis tickets Tune in to Californian radio next Thursday, Sept. 15, to win free tickets to the Johnny Mathis concert at the Fox Theater on Sept. 22. Also on the show, Californian Lifestyles Editor Jennifer Self and the Eye Street crew will preview the Kern County Fair, which kicks off Sept. 21. And be sure to pick up The Californian on Sunday, Sept. 18, for your complete guide to all the fun, food and new attractions at the fair this year.

This is a rare booking for Venegas, who is known for sticking to larger markets. Her latest record “Otra Cosa,” the follow-up to the brilliant “MTV Unplugged,” is another gem of a release and has all the makings of another Venegas classic. Tickets are $17.50 to $47.50 and can also be purchased at the Rabobank ticket office.

Matt’s pick Ghost in the Machine at Fishlips, 1517 18th St., Friday, 9 p.m., $10, 324-2557. I caught The Police in 1983 during their final “Synchronicity” tour, along with Oingo Boingo, Thompson Twins and The Fixx. When the band broke up, I swore I’d catch them again when they reunited. No chance. I couldn’t even afford the worst of the nosebleed seats at Dodger Stadium during their 30th anniversary tour a few years ago. Oh well, I still have my “Message In a Box” set. Better yet, this tribute performs all the hits faithfully, complete with a vocalist who sounds just like Sting. There are a few aesthetic inconsistencies, including their inclusion of a female singer and a total of six members, but after a few social Tecates, you’ll swear it’s the real deal. Visit their website at ghostinthemachineband.com.

Thursday, September 8, 2011 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street

BC alumni coming together for barbecue Event benefits college’s scholarship fund BY MIRANDA WHITWORTH Contributing writer

he Bakersfield College Alumni Association’s 57th Annual Barbecue takes place next Thursday and Mike Stepanovich, executive director of the Bakersfield College Foundation, said the event is joyride down memory lane. “This is a celebration of everyone who has attended Bakersfield College. It’s a chance for you to get out and see the grounds again, run into people you haven’t seen in years and really just catch up.” While catching up, attendees also have the chance to get in touch with what the college is offering students now. That includes a culinary program that will be putting the skills of its star chefs and pupils to the test as they roll out a gourmet barbecue for hundreds. Chef Pat Coyle, head of the culinary arts program, will be flanked by chef Suzanne Davis and chef Alex Gomez as they man the grill, turning out steaks, chicken and myriad side dishes from salads to desserts. It’s a feast that Stepanovich said is worth the price of admission alone. “You taste their creations and see what they do and you realize they could be executive chefs at any hotel or country club in the nation. But they love to teach and they are here because they love the students.” In addition to the chefs, Bakersfield College athletes will be on hand to help organizers keep the fun rolling. Stepanovich encourages attendees to take notice.

Bakersfield College Alumni Association’s 57th Annual Barbecue When: 5:30 to 9 p.m. Sept. 15 Where: Bakersfield College football practice field, 1801 Panorama Drive Tickets: $25; seniors $2; students $15; children 12 and under $5; available at the BC ticket office, foundation or at the gate Information: 395-4326 or 395-4800

“The person busing your table for you may be a star volleyball or football player. You never know.” In addition to the food, friends and athletes, classic rock and oldies cover group the Tony Ernst Band will be hitting the stage. Attendees are encouraged to dance the night away in the Bakersfield College Football practice field. Attendance for the barbecue averages between 800 and 1,000, so get ready for a party fueled by decades of tradition. Proceeds from the event go to the Bakersfield College Alumni Association and its scholarship fund. For decades the organization has been helping students keep up with the price of a higher education. With tuition at colleges and universities on the rise, the Alumni Association is in need of the community’s support, said Stepanovich. “It’s becoming more and more important as college costs increase. The more people that come out, the more funds we are able to raise and the more scholarships the association is able to provide.”

Mexican rockers to play Bako BY MATT MUNOZ Bakotopia.com editor mmunoz@bakersfield.com

Stopping in for a rare show this Friday night at La Fiesta Night Club is popular Mexican alt-rock band Zoé, which just hit double-platinum status with its latest release, “MTV Unplugged/Música de Fondo,” an album that bumped Britney Spears from the top spot on Mexico’s pop chart upon its release this year. Compared to fellow south-of the-border superstars Maná, who’ve broken just about every record for both sales and international tour receipts in the genre, Zoé seem poised for similar heights. It has perfectly crafted pop songs with a style that makes women love them — a big selling point — but they’re cool enough for the guys. Both grungy but refined enough for radio, it’s some passionate stuff. One of my favorite releases by the group is the AOL-produced “Dejando Huellas,” a seven-song collection that showcases exactly what this group is capable of live. I recommend it for fans of The Killers and Franz Ferdinand. Now, about this Friday’s show: What

PHOTO COURTESY OF ZOE

Multi-platinum Mexican rock band Zoe bring its “unplugged” show to La Fiesta Nightclub on Friday night.

puzzles me is the choice of venue. No offense to the La Fiesta Night Club, as it has consistently hosted some big-name regional Latin acts, but a band of this caliber should be performing at the Fox or Rabobank Convention Center. I caught it on the Coachella main stage last year in front of thousands of eager fans who stood in the 100-plus-degree heat and erupted as the band started. Let’s hope the Bakersfield experience is just as electric.

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, September 8, 2011

Eye Street

Spelling isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t just for kids at this bee Sponsored teams to put their knowledge to the test BY ASHLEY FISCHER Contributing writer

ow do you spell f-u-n-d-r-a-i-s-e-r? Need it in a sentence? Here goes: The Corporate Spelling Bee is back, and for the 22nd year in a row, this successful fundraiser will bring together talented logophiles to tackle those tricky â&#x20AC;&#x153;iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;sâ&#x20AC;? before â&#x20AC;&#x153;eâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;sâ&#x20AC;? and silent â&#x20AC;&#x153;pâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s,â&#x20AC;? all to benefit the Kern Adult Literacy Council. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Believe it or not, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been down here for 11 years, so this event has been around since long before I came here,â&#x20AC;? said Donna Hylton, executive director for the Literacy Council. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is just like a regular spelling bee, but for adults. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s one of the larger fundraisers that we do, and weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re still looking for teams of two to compete in this.â&#x20AC;? Any company that wishes to prove its employeesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; spelling skills reign supreme is welcome to sponsor a team of up to two members. There are three sponsorship levels to choose from: the â&#x20AC;&#x153;primer,â&#x20AC;? for $500, the â&#x20AC;&#x153;bookworm,â&#x20AC;? for $1,000, or you can

become a full-blown â&#x20AC;&#x153;scholarâ&#x20AC;? for $1,500. And during the competition, teams can put their money to good use, either by requesting a new word to spell, passing a word off to another team, or asking for a chance to re-spell a word. Once again, the competition will take place in the cafe at Barnes & Noble, where contestants will spell back words into a microphone, read to them by the official spelling bee â&#x20AC;&#x153;pronouncer,â&#x20AC;? Dr. Filmore Bender. All words will be taken from the Scripps National Spelling Bee official word list, and teammates will be allowed to consult with one another before spelling back their given word. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The store is just jammed,â&#x20AC;? Hylton said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Plenty of people come out to cheer their teams on and yell at them. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s always a good turnout, and a lot of people do come out and just watch.â&#x20AC;? And donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t worry, chances are you wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be asked to spell â&#x20AC;&#x153;xylocarp,â&#x20AC;? because, according to Hylton, all the words are â&#x20AC;&#x153;recognizable, normal words.â&#x20AC;? Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll also have a chance to study up before the big night, as the literacy council provides each competing team with a complete list of words.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE ADULT LITERACY COUNCIL

Donna Hylton, center, with the winners of last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s corporate spelling bee: Judy Castro and Gregory Panero, of Barnes & Noble, which hosts the event.

The winners will get to take home gift certificates to Barnes & Noble, and most importantly, earn their company the considerable bragging rights that come with having their name engraved on the Corporate Spelling Bee plaque, which the winner keeps until next yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s spelling bee rolls around. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Rotary West has won it seven of the 22 times. It is definitely a competitive-type thing. For example, the Kern River cogen plant, they make their team matching Tshirts each year. Some companies go way beyond the call of duty.â&#x20AC;? If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re on the shyer side, or, like so many of us these days, are the type that lives and dies by your spellchecker, direct donations are always welcome. Or, you can be a benefactor while improving your own literacy: a portion of the proceeds from any

22nd annual Corporate Spelling Bee When: 7 to 8 p.m. Sept. 15 Where: Barnes & Noble, 4001 California Ave. Cost: Free to attend Sponsorship levels: Primer, $500; bookworm, $1,000; scholar, $1,500 Information: dohylto@zeus.kern.org or 324-3213

Barnes & Noble purchase made that evening will go to the literacy council. So if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been looking for an excuse to buy the not-so-compact Compact Oxford English Dictionary, Sept. 15 would be a great night to do it.

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Thursday, September 8, 2011 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street

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Karla Bonoff performs at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville in 2010.

You just think you don’t know her Singer-songwriter Bonoff writes hits for others; now it’s her turn BY SUSAN SCAFFIDI Contributing writer

inger-songwriter Karla Bonoff shares the fate of a lot of musicians who made their reputations making other people sound good: Audiences don’t realize they know her. Bonoff and musical partner Nina Gerber will perform an all-acoustic concert this weekend at the Bright House Network Amphitheater. The concert marks the start of Bonoff’s fall concert season. “It will be pretty much an ‘unplugged’ set,” Bonoff said. “I’ll be doing music from all of my albums.” Those albums contain songs first made famous by her contemporaries: Bonnie Raitt, Wynona Judd, Lynn Anderson and especially Linda Ronstadt, to whom Bonoff bears a superficial physical resemblance and an eerily close vocal resemblance. These singers have scored hits with Bonoff’s “Home” (Raitt), “Tell Me Why” (Judd), “Isn’t It Always Love” (Anderson), “Someone to Lay Down Beside Me,” “Lose Again,” “If He’s Ever Near” and “All My Life” (all Ronstadt). “(Audiences) recognize most of the songs; they’ve heard them on the radio,” Bonoff said. “They don’t know who I am, but they actually do know me.” Bonoff began her career in her native Southern California, performing at such legendary venues as the Troubadour in those heady days of the 1960s when performers such as James Taylor, Jackson Browne and Elton John were also trying to establish themselves. Along with colleagues Wendy Waldman, Kenny Edwards and Andrew Gold, she formed the group

Karla Bonoff with Nina Gerber When: 8 p.m. Saturday Where: Brighthouse Networks Amphitheater Tickets: $10, plus service fee; Ticketmaster.com or 852-5777

“Bryndle,” which anticipated the original songwriting efforts of groups like Fleetwood Mac and Crosby, Stills and Nash. But the group couldn’t convince a label to sign them. “I think they really didn’t know what to make of it,” Bonoff has been quoted as saying. While Bonoff continued to work with her partners, the group did not stay together, and each of them pursued separate careers, most notably Andrew Gold of “Lonely Boy” and “Thank You for Being a Friend” fame. (Edwards died in 2010; Gold in June of this year.) Bonoff came to national attention performing with Ronstadt and has gone on to perform as a soloist, and as a vocalist and guitarist for Ronstadt, Judd, Christopher Cross, Melissa Manchester, The Charlie Daniels Band, J.D. Souther, Reba McIntire, Kathy Mattea, Kenny Loggins, Michael McDonald and many others. But Bonoff is first and foremost a songwriter, something so basic to her she can’t tell you how she does it. “Writing for me is something that comes from the subconscious,” Bonoff said. “I think the best work that I’ve done just comes out of me — I just do it.” While she also writes her own lyrics, Bonoff says she’s “no poet.” “I’m really a music person rather than a lyrics person,” Bonoff said. “I need the music to inspire me to write lyrics.”

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The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, September 8, 2011

Eye Street “It really is awe-inspiring to see that many bikes and that many cars together showing support for an event or cause. It also sounds amazing. It’s rolling thunder for quite awhile.” — Brian Miller, co-organizer of the 5th Annual Support the Troops Motorcycle Ride

Riders hit the throttle in reverence Motorcycle event honors military — lost and living BY ASHLEY FISCHER Contributing writer

With the wind in their face and a vast horizon to chase, motorcyclists know a little about freedom. But it’s not freedom itself that will be honored this Sunday at the fifth annual Support the Troops Motorcycle Ride. Rather, it will be the folks who fight to defend it. Taking place each year on Sept. 11 (the official “Patriot Day”), each ride is given a different theme. To commemorate the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, event creator and organizer Billy Pitcher has dubbed this year’s ride “Remember the Fallen.” “My friend and I were talking one day together about when the troops came home from Vietnam, and how badly they were treated,” Pitcher said. “The fact is we’ve still got two wars going on right now, and I don’t want that same thing

Fifth annual Support the Troops Motorcycle Ride When: Sunday Registration for riders begins at 9 a.m., ride starts at 11 a.m.; Car show at Chuy’s on Rosedale after the ride Where: 2622 Fairhaven Drive and Chuy’s on Rosedale Cost: $10 per person for the ride, $10 per person to enter car show Info: 319-2818

to happen for these guys when they come home. Our main motive this year is to commemorate the 10th anniversary for one. But it seems like people don’t realize, we lost 66 people in one day in Afghanistan alone. That’s something we need to pay attention to. As long as we have Americans fighting overseas, it’s our duty to remember them and support them.” Beginning at 11 a.m., the ride

route starts at 2622 Fairhaven Drive off Rosedale Highway. From there, hundreds of motorcycles and street rods will thunder down Highway 58 to Bakersfield National Cemetery, where the riders and drivers will pay their respects with the traditional taps and a 21-gun salute. Also there to pay homage to our country’s fallen soldiers will be guest speakers Mayor Harvey Hall and Supervisor Mike Maggard. Anyone who wishes to participate in the ride is welcome. Registration will be held that morning, beginning at 9 a.m., with a fee of $10 per rider. All proceeds from the ride and from the rest of the day’s events will go directly to organizations dedicated to helping local veterans acquire proper medical treatment, housing and other necessities: The Independent Living Center of Kern County, California Veterans Assistance Foundation, and Wounded Heroes Fund. “This event gets a little bit big-

ger each year,” said co-organizer Brian Miller. “Since it’s the 10th anniversary, we’re trying to make it a really special event. Last year, I wanna say we had about 380 bikes, and this year we’re anticipating closer to 500. It really is awe-inspiring to see that many bikes and that many cars together showing support for an event or cause. It also sounds amazing. It’s rolling thunder for quite awhile.” After the memorial ceremony, the event will move to Chuy’s on Rosedale Highway, where people can continue to celebrate the service of our men and women in uniform with food and drink specials, a raffle, and live music provided by local band The Usual Suspects. There will be a classic car and bike show, which, like the ride, is open to anyone willing to pay a separate $10 registration fee. If you can’t make the ride, or don’t have a set of wheels to show off in the car show, all of the benefiting organizations will have informational booths set up at

Chuy’s, where you can give donations directly or simply learn about the services they provide, while enjoying some lunch and voting on your favorite classic car or bike. And with an estimated number of more than 46,000 veterans in Kern County alone, both Pitcher and Miller are proud to be doing their part to help honor all the men and women who have served, or are still serving, as well as remember those who were lost in the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. “When something like the attacks on 9/11 are on the forefront of people’s minds, it’s a good opportunity to take some time to remember our troops, and think about how they can do their part and what they can do to help out,” Miller said. “It’s a day where we can take a little time to remember the people that gave their lives for us, and say thank you to the people who provided service for us. ... Once their service is over, we owe them a debt. A lifetime debt.”

9/11 wasn’t always known as a day of tragedy brotherhood. On that date in 1956, then-President Dwight D. Eisenhower challenged Americans to “help build the road to peace” by reaching across national borders to “learn a little

THE BAKERSFIELD CALIFORNIAN

It’s hard to believe now, but Sept. 11, a date that will forever be associated with destruction and despair in our collective memory, was once a day devoted to international peace and

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more about each other.” And with that, the Sister City program was born. In an attempt to honor the spirit of the program while remembering the sacrifices and heroism following the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, the Bakersfield Sister City organization is inviting the public to a free concert at Olive Drive Church on Sunday. “It’s not the events of 9/11 that we’re honoring,” said Susan Stone, president of the local Sister City chapter. “The whole point of the concert is to emphasize the unity people had after 9/11, the shared grief people felt, the way people joined together to help each other.” Speaking at the event will be Bakersfield Mayor Harvey Hall and Kern County Supervisor Karen Goh; former television news anchor Don Clark is master of ceremonies. The music will be provided by members of the Bakersfield Youth Symphony String Quartet, the Bakersfield Winds, and other local music groups. The performances, coor-

dinated by Sister City board member and PanamaBuena Vista Union School District music educator Regina Pryor, will be patriotic and inspirational, Stone said. Panama-Buena Visita Superintendent Kip Herron will perform the final piece of music, Alan Jackson’s stirring “Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning),” which has become something of a 9/11 anthem. In addition, there will be readings of the Gettysburg Address and the Statue of Liberty Poem by Emma Lazarus. Though admission is free, donations for the Wounded Heroes Fund will be accepted at the door. All are welcome; the church was chosen not for any religious considerations but because it houses the massive pipe organ that will be used during the concert. In other news, Stone reported that Bakersfield has a new sister city, its sixth: Amritsar, India, considered a holy city for Sikhs. Nazar Kooner, a local Sister City board member and a

9/11 EVENTS “United We Stand,” to honor those who lived and died to make America what it is today, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Shafter High School, Performing Arts Center, 526 Mannel Ave., Shafter. Free. 746-4961. 9/11 Tenth Anniversary Observance, with emcee Don Clark, speakers, reading of all 26 Kern County residents killed in Iraq and Afghanistan, 6 p.m. Sunday, Kern Veterans Memorial, 515 Truxtun Ave. 868-7303. Fifth annual Support the Troops Motorcycle Ride, lineup begins at 9 a.m., ride begins at 11 a.m. Sunday at Bikersfield, 2622 Fairhaven Drive, proceed to Bakersfield National Cemetery, Arvin, where a ceremony will honor local

leader of the local Sikh community, spearheaded the campaign, according to Stone, after acts of intolerance against Sikhs and other ethnic groups follow-

heroes, and will continue to Chuy’s, 8660 Rosedale Highway for a motorcycle and classic car show. $10 registration for bike ride; $10 for entering in motorcycle and car show. 3327524. Special Remembrance Concert of Peace & Hope, with patriotic and inspirational music, guest speakers, 4 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Olive Drive Church, 5500 Olive Drive. Free. 393-2972. “With Their Eyes,” the view from a high school at ground zero on Sept. 11, 7 p.m. Friday through Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday, Bakersfield Community Theater, 2400 S. Chester Ave. $12 adults; $10 seniors/students/military. 831-8114.

ing the Sept. 11 attacks. The local group is working on its first exchange with the Indian city, which might take place as early as December.

Thursday, September 8, 2011 The Bakersfield Californian

JOHNNY

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The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, September 8, 2011

Eye Street

Ignorance is the Bliss family Coward farce as relevant today as it was in the ’20s BY STEFANI DIAS Californian assistant lifestyles editor sdias@bakersfield.com

“ ... If you must have motivation, think of your pay packet on Friday.” oel Coward may have jokingly encouraged actors to look at the bottom line, but it’s a focus on farce that drives his play “Hay Fever,” which kicks off with a gala fundraiser at The Empty Space Friday. Director Jennifer Sampson describes the show as a “a comedy of bad manners.” “It’s really about the eccentricities of the characters. An eccentric family and their mishaps and adventures. Everything goes wrong in a really funny way.” The family in question is the Blisses: recently retired stage actress Judith and her novelist husband, David (played by reallife couple Jaclyn and Beigher Taylor), and their adult children, Sorel (Ellie Sivesind) and Simon (Paul Sosa). Adventures abound at a country home in England for the Bliss family and guests — a vamp (Chelsea Brewer), a diplomat (Jon Sampson), a fan of Judith’s (Conner Campbell) and a flapper (Amanda Monroe). Although the play was written in 1925, the themes still resonate, Jennifer Sampson said. “There’s a reason Coward has been popular for over 80 years. (This show) transcends time and location. There were a lot of plays written in the ’20s and we don’t see them at all. “We love watching bad behavior. It’s one of the reasons we read

GO & DO Today Red Cross New Volunteer Orientation, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., American Red Cross, Kern Chapter, 5035 Gilmore Ave. 324-6427. “Caring for Vets” Coat Drive, new and gently used coats are being accepted at the following locations: Volunteer Center of Kern County, 1400 Chester Ave., Suite J; California Veterans Assistance Foundation, 729 Decatur St.; American Sound Recording Studios, 2231 R St.; Ashley Furniture, 8915 Rosedale Highway, now until Oct. 12. 395-9787. Kern Leadership Alliance

‘Hay Fever’ When: Opening gala 7 p.m. Friday, shows 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16, 17, 23 and 24; 2 p.m. Sept. 18 Where: The Empty Space, 706 Oak St. Admission: $20 advance, $25 day of show for gala; other shows free with suggested donation of $15. Information: 327-PLAY or esonline.org

People magazine and watch entertainment news. ... Whether it’s ‘The Real Housewives’ or ‘South Park’ .... we love seeing people having, as Judith says, ‘disgracefully.’ We enjoy flirtations and intrigue and silliness, and we enjoy word play.” The show, based on a real family (that of playwright Hartley Manners and his unconventional actress wife, Laurette Taylor), is easy to relate to for Sampson, who has had firsthand experience with passionate performers. “I was a professional actor as well, so I know that artistic types can be extremely temperamental and eccentric. There is so much risk and emotionality involved with a life in the theater, it can’t help but bleed over into your private life. I could tell you lots of stories about green rooms and the off-stage drama that goes on.” Luckily, there is little drama offstage for Sampson, who’s directing her husband, Jon. The pair, who have been married five and a half years, met in grad school at the Old Globe Theatre/University of San Diego. She’s directed him previously in “True West” at the Spotlight Theatre, and said that these days they look for projects

Breakfast, with speaker Supervisor Karen Goh, 7 to 8 a.m., The Petroleum Club, 5060 California Ave. $15 advance; $20 at the door. 323-8002. KIPUG (Kern Independent PC Users Group), come and ask your questions of members from novice to expert computer users, 7 to 9 p.m., NOR Greenacres Community Center, 2014 Calloway Drive. kipug.org or 8311132.

Friday 39th annual Greek Food Festival, Greek music, dancing, food, children’s fun zone, games, vendor’s marketplace and shopping

they can work on together. “It’s not worth it to split up. We know it’s such a time commitment (to do a show).” And the Sampsons aren’t the only married couple working on the show. The Taylors star, and Ellie Sivesind’s husband, Brian, who founded the theater and now serves as its executive director, is running the lights. On directing the Taylors, Sampson said their comfort level together helped the cast jell. “It is vital that the actors behave as a real family with all their quirks and inside jokes. We’ve worked hard to create that atmosphere among the four of them (the Blisses), and it certainly helps that Jaclyn and Beigher are married. “Luckily, I didn't just get chemistry by casting Jaclyn and Beigher Taylor, I got a serious amount of talent and experience as well.” Along with a talented cast, Sampson has the benefit of having directed the play before in 2008. The production, at Fresno Pacific University, involved a frequent commute for Sampson, who was teaching a full load at BC. “It's a completely different experience directing students who are there to learn and grow as young actors rather than community actors who are volunteering and want to have fun and put up a great show with friends. “We’re all volunteering our time to The Empty Space because we enjoy each other and we enjoy this delightful play.” Support for The Empty Space will also be evident on opening night Friday with a gala fundraiser benefitting the theater. There will be live music, courtesy of Therese Muller, and refresh-

areas, 4 to 11 p.m. Friday; 1 to 11 p.m. Saturday, St. George Greek Orthodox, 401 Truxtun Ave. $5 adults; children under 12 are free. 325-8694. Dog Days of Summer Party, benefitting the AngelDogs Foundation, wine tasting, raffle, 3 p.m., Souza Family Vineyard, 26877 Cummings Valley Road, Tehachapi. $10. 822-9233. FLICS International Cinema Society, presents “La Prima Cosa Bella,” 7:30 p.m., Bakersfield Fox Theater, 2001 H St. $5. flics.org or call 428-0354. Ninth annual Alzheimer’s Disease Association of Kern County Golf Classic, 4 person scramble, shotgun

PHOTO BY MICHELLE GUERRERO

A weekend at home with the Bliss family — from left, Jaclyn Taylor as Judith, Beigher Taylor as David, Ellie Sivesind as Sorel and Paul Sosa as Simon — propels Noel Coward’s comedy “Hay Fever,” which opens Friday at The Empty Space.

ments, including wine, mini cupcakes, treacle tarts and rum balls. Brian Sivesind will give a preshow speech. Money raised from Friday night will go toward the theater’s general upkeep, repairs and a new AC unit. Sampson, who is currently teaching two introduction to theater classes at BC, joked that she has big plans of getting some

begins at 12:30 p.m., Rio Bravo Country Club, 15200 Casa Club Drive, Arvin. $125 per person; $500 per team. adakc.org or 393-8871 ext. 18. Outdoor Painting, with the Plein Aire Trekkers, 9 a.m., Jastro Park, 2900 Truxtun Ave. 869-2320.

Saturday 2011 Concert Series, with Karla Bonoff, 8 p.m., Bright House Networks Amphitheatre, 11200 Stockdale Highway. $10. ticketmaster.com or all Ticketmaster outlets or by calling 800-745-3000. 2nd annual Community Recycling Day, drop off your unused electronic waste, bicycles, new or gen-

sleep after the show wraps. But she also said that staying involved in local theater is something she’s fully behind. “As opposed to professional theater, community theater is a labor of love with plenty of sweat and elbow grease. Jon and I were used to full crews and a large budget, but that isn’t the case here. We rely on each other and the community.”

tly used household and building materials, and shredding, all food purchases proceeds to benefit BARC, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Kern Schools Federal Credit Union, administrative office, 9500 Ming Ave. ksfcu.org or 833-7900. 43rd annual Wasco Festival of Roses, parade, rose field tours, fun run, art show and faire, tennis tournament, rose show, golf tournament and more, 10 a.m. Wasco. www.ci.wasco.ca.us or 7582616. Bakersfield Art Association Meeting, 9 a.m. to noon, Bakersfield Art Association Art Center, 1817 Eye St. 869-2320.

BC Football vs. Saddleback, 7 p.m., Bakersfield College, 1801 Panorama Dr. $3-$12 depending on area of seating. 395-4326. Book Signing, with author Nora McFarland of “Hot, Shot, and Bothered,” 2 p.m., Barnes & Noble, 4001 California Ave. 631-2575. Certified Farmers Market, 8 a.m. to noon, next to Golden State Mall, 3201 F St. Democratic Women of Kern, breakfast meeting with speaker and senator Michael Rubio, 9:30 a.m., Garden Spot, 3320 Truxtun Ave. $5 members; $7 nonmembers. 322-7411. Please see 29

Thursday, September 8, 2011 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street CONTINUED FROM 28

Dr. Erylene Piper Mandy, Ph.D., will be discussing many topics such as reducing teen pregnancies and school drop-outs, alcohol and drug abuse transformation and more, 3 to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Pacific Health Education Center, 5300 California Ave. Free. Registration, 663-5300. Farmers Market, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Brimhall Square, 9500 Brimhall Road. International Festival, celebrating all abilities, communities and cultures, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Yokuts Park, 4200 Empire Drive. 3289055 ext. 257. Model Train Club Open House, hosted by the Golden Empire Historical and Modeling Society, will display two large model railroads, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., 1534 19th St., entrance in alley. 331-6695. Project Linus Community Make A Blanket Day, bring scissors/sewing machine and accessories, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Church of Latter-day Saints, 5500 Fruitvale Ave. projectlinus.org or 589-1854. Second annual St. Baldrick’s Foundation Fundraiser, volunteers collect donations and shave their heads in solidarity with children fighting cancer, 1 p.m., The Prime Cut, 9500 Brimhall Road. Funds benefit childhood cancer research at hospitals around the world. 496-4536. Star Party with Kern Astronomical Society, 8 to 10 p.m., The Marketplace, 9000 Ming Ave. 487-2519. Student Volunteer Orientation, 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Beale Memorial Library, 701 Truxtun Ave. 868-0745. Vendetta Pro Wrestling “September 2 Remember,” 7 p.m., The Dome, 2201 V St. 343-3330. Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10859 Rosedale & Ladies Auxiliary, meeting 9:30 a.m., Greenacres Community Center, 2014 Calloway Drive. 588-5865. Village Fest After Party, with Mento Buru and DJ Mikey, 10 p.m., Fishlips Bar & Grill, 1517 18th St. $5. 324-2557. Village Fest Party of the Year!, featuring 17 bands, 60 breweries, 20 Central Coast wineries and food from local restaurants, 6 to 10 p.m., Kern County Museum, 3801 Chester Ave. $63; $68 day of show at the gate. 21 and over only. Benefitting CARE. Includes 15 drink samples and unlimited food samples. bakersfieldvillagefest.com or vallitix.com or 322-5200. Walk to End Alzheimer’s, 9 a.m. to noon, the Park at River Walk, 11200 Stockdale Highway. 861-8628 . 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 3917080.

Sunday See a list of 9-11 events on page 26

ART All Media Class, by instructor Phyllis Oliver, all media welcome, with color theory stressed. For more information or to register, e-mail pegolivert@ix.netcom.com or call 348-4717. Art classes, beginning watercolor, beginning drawing, advanced drawing and watercolor painters’ group, taught by Carol Bradshaw. Call or e-mail for details and enrollment. bradshawartist@earthlink.net or 760376-6604. Art Exhibit on Display “The Abstract

Works of Jen Raven,” now until Sept. 24, The Empty Space, 706 Oak St. 327-PLAY. 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, 632-5747. Basic Beading & Wire Wrapping Workshop, with Susi Klassen, private instruction or by appointment, The Bead Hut, 610 18th St. To schedule 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. Free art classes, for home-school children, 11 a.m. Thursdays, Moore’s Art School, 8371037. Jim Bates, featured artist for the month of September, Dagny’s Coffee Co., 1600 20th St. 634-0806. Juliana’s Art Studio & Gallery, offers youth art, clay sculpture, stained glass, silver jewelry, voice lessons, Juliana’s Art Studio & Gallery, 501 18th St. For times and dates call 327-7507. 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, 589-7463 or 496-5153. Bakersfield Art Association Meeting, 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Bakersfield Art Association Art Center, 1817 Eye St. 869-2320.

THEATER “A Fair Lady,” doors open at 6 p.m., show at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday, Stars Dinner Theatre, 1931 Chester Ave. $45 to $55; show-only tickets $35; matinee $45 to $50. 325-6100. 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. Opening of “Hay Fever,” 7 p.m. Friday, The Empty Space, 706 Oak St. $20 advance; $25 day of show. 327-PLAY. “Real Women Have Curves,” 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday, Spotlight Theatre, 1622 19th St. $25; $22 students/seniors. 634-0692 or thespotlighttheatre.com. “The Night Time Show with Michael Armendariz,” 11 p.m. Friday, The Empty Space, 706 Oak St. $5. 327-PLAY. “The Show Must Go On,” followed by the vaudeville revue “Hot Summer Nights” 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Gaslight Melodrama Theatre & Music Hall, 12748 Jomani Drive. $12 to $23. 587-3377. Please see 31

SIDEWALK SALE SAVE UP TO

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8TH thru SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 11TH

Ming Avenue & Haggin Oaks

TheMarketplaceBakersfield.com

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, September 8, 2011

Eye Street CONTINUED FROM 29

“With Their Eyes,” 7 p.m. Friday through Sunday; 2 p.m. Sunday, Bakersfield Community Theater, 2400 S. Chester Ave. $12 adults; $10 seniors/students/military. 8318114. Auditions, for “A Christmas Carol,” and “Hair,” noon to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; “Hair” dance auditions, 3 to 4 p.m. Saturday, The Empty Space, 706 Oak St. Auditions are by appointment only, email brianjsivesind@gmail.com to arrange your appointment. “Hay Fever,” doors open at 7:30 p.m., show at 8 p.m. Saturday, The Empty Space, 706 Oak St. $15 general; $10 students/seniors. 327PLAY. 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.

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

Classic Rock Sandrini’s, 1918 Eye St., 3228900; The People’s Band, 9 p.m. Thursday. Diana’s Pit Stop, 10807 Rosedale Highway, 587-8888; No Limit, 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Banacek’s Lounge, 4601 State Road, 387-9224; Dirt Road Band, 9 p.m. Saturday.

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 Country George, 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. each Friday, Rasmussen Senior Center, 115 E. Roberts Lane. $5; $7 nonmembers. 399-3575 or 3321537. 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 every first, third, fourth and fifth Mondays, Park Stockdale Civic Association Community Center, 205 Rio Bravo Drive. whirlaways.org or 2133105. 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.

Comedy Night with Chris Lopez, 8 p.m. Thursday, The Ice House, 3401 Chester Ave. $6 adults; $1 children 12 and under. 412-3242. Bellvedere Cocktail Lounge, 3090 Brundage Lane, 325-2139; Convict Comedy Tour featuring Chris Wivell, Stephen Jackson, Adam Feuerger, Dino Cruz, Kim and Time Dalone, 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday. $5. 325-2139. Elevation Lounge, 818 Real Road, 325-6864; Improv Tuesday - Live comedy with DJ after party, 9 p.m. Tuesdays.

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, 387-9224; with DJ Casey Overstreet, 9 p.m. Fridays. Tam O'Shanter, 2345 Alta Vista, 324-6774; DJ Frankie, DJ's Blowskee and Roule, 9 p.m. Friday. Le Corusse Rouge, 4647 White Lane, 834-1611; with DJ Chill in the Mixx, 5 p.m. every Friday until 2 a.m. Saturday. The Bull Shed Bar & Grill, at Hotel Rosedale, 2400 Camino Del Rio Court, 327-0681; with Meg, 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.

Country

Jazz

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 Kick’n, 7 p.m. Friday; Angels & Outlaws, 3 to 7 p.m. Sunday.

Cafe Med, 4809 Stockdale Highway., 834-4433; Richie Perez, 7:30 to 11 p.m. Thursdays. Imbibe Wine & Spirits Merchant, 4140 Truxtun Ave., 633WINE; live music & wine bar with featuring local artists, along with 24 wines, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Friday; featuring Jazz Connection, along with 24 wines, 7 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday. Imbibe Wine & Spirits Merchant, 4140 Truxtun Ave., 633WINE; live music & wine bar with featuring Jazz Connection, along with 24 wines, 6 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays.

Comedy

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

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; 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Thursdays and Sundays. Cactus Valley Mexican Restaurant, 4215 Rosedale Highway, 6331948; 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. Don Perico Restaurant, 2660 Oswell St., Suite 133, 871-2001; 7 to 11 p.m. Thursdays. Pour House, 4041 Fruitvale Ave., 589-9300; 9 p.m. Thursday through Saturday. T-Bones Steakhouse, 8020 District Blvd., 398-1300; with Irish Monkey Entertainment, 6:30 to 11 p.m. Thursdays. The Old River Monte Carlo, 9750 Taft Highway, 837-0250; 8:30 p.m. every Thursday. The Wright Place, 2695-G Mount Vernon Ave., 872-8831, 8 p.m. every Thursday. Corona’s Cantina, 9817 S. Union Ave., 345-8463; 7 to 10 p.m. 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, 3663261, 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. The Regent, 2814 Niles St., 8714140; 8:30 p.m. every other Friday. Chateau Lounge, 2100 S. Chester Ave., 835-1550; 9 p.m. every Saturday. Del Rio Cocktail Lounge, 5840 State Road, 393-0262; 8 p.m. every Saturday. Pyrenees Cafe, 601 Sumner, 3230053; 8 p.m. to midnight Saturdays. Rocket Shop Cafe, 2000 S. Union Ave., 832-4800; 8:30 p.m. to midnight Saturday. Sports & Spirits, 6633 Ming Ave., 398-7077; 9 p.m. Thursdays and Saturdays. The Playhouse, 2915 Taft Highway; 397-3599; 7 to 10 p.m. Sundays. Diana’s Pit Stop, 10807 Rosedale Highway, 587-8888; 8 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays. Rockstarz Party Bar, 7737 Meany Ave., Suite B5, 589-6749; 8 p.m. Mondays through Wednesdays. The Wrecking Yard, 9817 S. Union Ave., 827-9192; 7 to 10 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. Best Western , 2620 Owens Blvd., 327-9651; The Junction with host Mac Clanahan, 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays.

Cataldo’s Pizzeria, 6111 Niles St., 363-7200; 6:15 to 10:15 p.m. Tuesdays. City Slickers, 1001 W. Tehachapi Blvd., 822-4939; 7 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. DoubleTree Hotel, Club Odyssey, 3100 Camino Del Rio Court; 8 p.m. to midnight Tuesdays. Le Corusse Rouge, 4647 White Lane, 834-1611; A to Z Karaoke, 8 p.m. to midnight Tuesdays. Magoo’s Pizza, 1129 Olive Drive, 399-7800; 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Tuesday. McMurphy’s Irish Pub & Sports Bar, 14 Monterey St., 869-1451; 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. Tuesdays. Round Table Pizza, 2060 White Lane, 836-2700; 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday. The Bull Shed Bar & Grill, at Hotel Rosedale, 2400 Camino Del Rio Court, 327-0681; 7 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Trouts & The Blackboard Stages, 805 N. Chester Ave., 3996700; 7 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays, 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Ethel's Old Corral, 4310 Alfred Harrell Highway, 873-7613; 6 to 9 p.m. 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. 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.

Old school Que Pasa Mexican Cafe, 2701 Ming Ave., 832-5011; Al Garcia & the Rhythm Kings, 8 to 11 p.m. every Thursday. Tam O'Shanter, 2345 Alta Vista, 324-6774; The Press, 9 p.m. Saturday.

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

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

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

Open Mic Fishlips, 1517 18th St., 324-2557; Bakotopia Unplugged Open-Mic Night, 8 p.m., signups begin 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. B. Ryder's Sports Bar & Grill, 7401 White Lane, 397-7304; Rear View Mirror, 9 p.m. Friday; Viva Brother, Family Affair, 9 p.m. Saturday. $5 Friday; $10 Saturday. Jerry’s Pizza, 1817 Chester Ave., 633-1000, Casino Madrid, 6 p.m. Saturday; Get Scared-Dr. Acula, 5 p.m. Sunday; The Great Commission, To Speak of Wolves As Hell Retreats, Creations, 6 p.m. Wednesday.

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., 3228900; Trivia Night with Dave Rezac, 10 p.m. Tuesdays.

UPCOMING Monday 9/12 12th Annual Kern County College Night, provides information to high school students and their parents pursuing a college education, 6 to 8:30 p.m., Rabobank Convention Center, 1001 Truxtun Ave. 636-4330. Bakersfield Raider Nation Club, come out and watch the game, Raiders vs. Denver Broncos with special guest and Super Bowl champ Dokie Williams, 7:15 p.m., Round Table Pizza, 2060 White Lane. bakersfieldraidernationclub.com or 340-7167. CASA Kids Golf Classic, lunch, dinner, raffle, live and silent auction, shotgun 11:30 a.m., Seven Oaks Country Club, 2000 Grand Lakes Ave. $175 per person; $750 per team of four. 631-2272 or kerncasa.org. European Bike Night, join owners of Ducati, Aprilia, BMW, Triumph, MV Augusta and more, 7 p.m., The Moo Creamery, 4885 Truxtun Ave. 634-9200. Kern County Rose Society, The Little Rose and Arrangement show, socializing 6:30 p.m., meeting 7 p.m., Calvary Bible Church, 48 Manor St. 327-3228. 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.

Thursday, September 8, 2011 The Bakersfield Californian

Do You Have Hazardous Waste? … DON’T TOSS IT! The Kern County Special Waste Facility is the Solution!

FROM YOUR HOME • Automotive Products • Batteries (Auto & Home) • Cleaning Products • Expired Medications • Fluorescent Bulbs • Home Generated Sharps • Paint & Paint Products • Pesticides & Weed Killers • Pool Chemicals Transport no more than 15 gallons or 125 lbs. of waste per trip. (no containers over 5 gallons)

• Residential Waste Only • No Business Waste • No Leaking Containers • Label All Containers

4951 Standard St Bakersfield Thursday, Friday, Saturday 8am-4pm

FROM YOUR BUSINESS

If your business generates less than 220 pounds of hazardous waste per month, we can dispose of your waste! BY APPOINTMENT ONLY

CALL (661) 862-8922 A cost effective option for disposing of hazardous waste from your business! For more information, call the Kern County Waste Management Department at (800) 552-KERN, option 6 or check us out on the web at kerncountywaste.com.