Bakersfield Californina Eye Street Entertainment / 9-22-11

18

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, September 22, 2011

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

Index Buck Owens: Bound for Bakersfield ........ 19 Salt-n-Pepa................................................ 21 Arts Alive .................................................. 22 Theater on Kern........................................ 23 The Lowdown with Matt Munoz ............ 24 Doobie Brothers ...................................... 25 Community Concert Series ......................26 Calendar .............................................. 29-31

“I’m not a little Mexican that’s just gonna play piñata music — that’s not gonna happen. I was never that. I love piñata music and I love being Mexican, but you can’t reduce me to that.”

— Carlos Santana

Santana’s still supernatural Guitar icon refuses conventional ways, ho-hum creations

BY MATT MUNOZ Bakotopia.com editor mmunoz@bakersfield.com

C

arlos Santana still travels like a rock ’n’ roll shaman guided by the powers of the universe.

After 40-plus years on the scene, his enigmatic presence resonates the same as it did at the original Woodstock, when the young teen from San Francisco was introduced to the world.

Invoking the gods of rhythm in front of a sea of psychedelic humanity, his show-stopping performance of “Soul Sacrifice,” captured in the landmark documentary film “Woodstock,” transformed him into an almost mythic figure. Fans continue to follow his every nomadic move.

Appearing Tuesday night at Rabobank Arena, the 64- year-old rock icon will be bringing all the colors of his life, his art and spiritual musings that have traveled to the ends of the earth and back.

“I follow the green light, and the green light has been taking me to Jerusalem and to Russia and other different places because my family has really grown — the family that I am,” he said during a telephone interview with The Californian. “Right now, the green light takes me to Bakersfield.”

Besides being heralded as one of the greatest rock guitarists, Santana enjoys one of the most enduring careers in music. He laid the foundation for Latin rock with reworked covers of Willie Bobo’s “Evil Ways,” Fleetwood Mac’s “Black Magic Woman” and Tito Puente’s “Oye Como Va,” early records that became big commercial successes. In the decades to follow, touring would become much of Santana’s bread and butter, with virtually none of his music heard on radio. Delving into jazz and experimental music, and teaming with artists John McLaughlin, Miles Davis and others outside of rock, he put out music that required something

Santana When: 8 p.m. Tuesday Where: Rabobank Arena, 1001 Truxtun Ave. Cost: $28 to $88 plus service charge Information: 852-7777 or ticketmaster.com

more from the average listener.

“I’ve been accused of committing career suicide at least seven times because of the people that I’ve chosen to play with,” he said.

“Whether it’s Miles or Alice Coltrane or John McLaughlin, but I need to grow. I’m not a little Mexican that’s just gonna play piñata music — that’s not gonna happen. I was never that. I love piñata music and I love being Mexican, but you can’t reduce me to that.”

All those years on the road have generated a rabid following of fans and, like fellow jam rockers The Grateful Dead, Santana has become something of a business and lifestyle brand himself.

“When people see who we are and what we do, it’s so different than with all respect to other bands. Because other bands, they don’t have as powerful passion for compassion, or passion for just, excuse the expression, ‘Whoopin’ some serious (expletive.)’ Because a lot of bands my age, and even bands half my age, they don’t play for three hours with that kind of intensity. You know, they do the rope-a-dope a lot and they kind of put it on cruise control. We like to put it on all cylinders hot.”

That commitment to the live experience may have been good enough to keep the artist going, but a meeting with music producer Clive Davis would prove to Santana that his life on the charts wasn’t over. Yet before he signed on for what would become the smash of his career, the megaselling “Supernatural,” he did some serious soul searching.

“Clive Davis was the first to tell me, ‘I’ve seen you live. You have something that is really incredible and we haven’t worked together in a long time. Do you have the willingness to go into a different

arena and invite and allow Rob Thomas, Lauryn Hill, everyone to write a song with you and for you?’ And I said, ‘Yeah.’ And he said, ‘OK, because what you do live, you’re incredible in the ring.

But there’s another ring — it’s called radio, and you haven’t been there since ’73 or ’72. And it has changed, so I wanna know if you have the capacity to have willingness to open yourself up to these new young writers and producers to come and share with you?’ And I was like, ‘Yeah, I have the willingness.’”

Upon the release of “Supernatural” in 1999, there was no escaping radio singles like “Smooth” and “Turn Your Lights On.” With the chart success and the nine Grammys the collection would win, Santana recalls the time as nothing short of otherworldly.

“It just happened — 25 or 27 times platinum. It’s the same thing that Cesar Chavez used to say, ‘Solo se necesitan ganas’ — ‘You only need willingness.’ With willingness you can create the miracle.”

Though his subsequent releases have enjoyed some success, nothing has lived up to the sensation of “Supernatural.” Still, some fans longed for the unpredictability of early albums “Caravanserai” and “Borboletta.”

“You know, from ’73 to ’99 I did all of that, so I’m not a water boy for people to tell me what to do. I have to follow my own voice.”

On a personal level, Santana has achieved peace with his recent marriage to drummer Cindy Blackman.

“I found this person — we both love the same things and we’re both serious musicians. But the reason I’m really happy is because I’ve accepted a whole different perception about my life than what I used to be. I used to think I had to fight really hard being a Mexican. I grew with a distorted way of looking at myself. I had to fight all the time, like the Black Panthers, or Cesar Chavez and Dolores (Huerta.) But you really don’t have to fight anything. All you have to do is accept that if you have hope, faith and trust, that you open your arms and your heart, and the universe is ready to give you way beyond

ZUMA PRESS

Besides being heralded as one of the greatest rock guitarists of all time, Carlos Santana enjoys the distinction of having one of the most enduring careers in music.

what you think that you can get.”

The new Mrs. Santana, who has worked with Lenny Kravitz, is expected to put in some time behind the drums at some point during Tuesday’s show, which will be one of the performer’s last of the year.

“The best is yet to come. I’m possibly doing a song with John McLaughlin and Jeff Beck. There’s also an album I wanna do with just my band, kind of electric jungle music. I’m gonna stay in the studio and just record a lot, possibly with Willie Nelson doing Bob Marley songs. And you know, I can play Norteno music, but I would have to put the ska in it.”

Win Santana tickets Tune in to Californian Radio from 10 to 11 a.m. today for the chance to win two pairs of tickets to Carlos Santana’s show Tuesday at Rabobank Arena. Lifestyles Editor Jennifer Self will also interview Buckaroo Jim Shaw on a new collection of the earliest recordings made by country music icon Buck Owens, and we’ll give that CD away to a lucky caller. Tune in to 1230 AM and call 631-1230 during the show with questions and listen for your chance to win.

19

Thursday, September 22, 2011 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street

Before he found his sound Rare Owens collection showcases early cuts

BY JENNIFER SELF Californian lifestyles editor jself@bakersfield.com

T

he Telecaster is turned down lower than we’re used to, there are no heavenly Don Rich harmonies, and the “freight-train” rhythm that would become the signature sound of his biggest hits? That train had not yet left the station.

But if you get past some of the polite, very un-Bakersfield Sound arrangements and erratic experimentation of a kid in search of a vocal style, you’ll swear that’s a young Buck “Buck Owens: Bound Owens hitting those high for Bakersfield notes on a (1953-1956)” new album set for release Suggested retail price: Tuesday. $14.98 As it turns Available at Buck Owens’ out, you Crystal Palace and rockwould be beatrecords.com right.

Liner notes written by With the respected West Coast full backing music historian Rich of the Owens Kienzle family and Buckaroo Jim Shaw, the official keeper of the legend’s flame, RockBeat Records is reissuing 24 singles and demos recorded by Owens before his big break in 1957, when he signed with Capitol Records, the launch pad for his prodigious career. The collection is called “Buck Owens: Bound for Bakersfield (19531956).”

“I think anybody who says, ‘Cool. I’m a huge Buck Owens fan and this is a chance for me to get something I haven’t heard’ — they could be disappointed if they’re not interested in the historic and behind-thescenes stuff,” Shaw said. “If they think they’re going to get ‘Act Naturally’ or ‘Crying Time’ with the Buckaroos, they’ll be surprised.”

Surprised, maybe, but the seeds of the definitive Buck sound are there on most of the songs, which include honky-tonk laments, a couple of rip-snorting rockabilly singles influenced by Elvis, even a credible blues number.

Most of the recordings include alternate takes, which yield a lot of interesting differences, chief among them that Owens vacillated between going full bore, unleashing the raw energy that distinguished his later work, and then reining in the gusto for a

more refined, radioready version.

But Shaw said the conflicting approaches might be due less to the artist’s experimentation or the producer’s calculation, than to the “doctoring” over the years of the early masters.

“It was a situation where those masters were passed around and sold and handed off to other people and it bothered him in later years,” Shaw said.

“A lot of that stuff came out bootlegged. When he became famous, people would misappropriate those cuts and make a buck off of them.”

The sting that accompanied that loss of control never eased for Owens, who was developing not just his artistry, but a deep distrust of record companies as well as his soon-to-be-legendary business acumen.

(Many years and millions of records later, Owens, still smarting over that early lesson, played hardball with Capitol, refusing to renew his contract unless ownership of his masters reverted to him. It was, at the time, rare for an artist to make such a demand, Shaw said. “He was a groundbreaker.”)

As the years went by, Owens simply lost track of any claims on his recordings from those murky pre-Capitol years. But about 10 years ago, he decided to test the waters by partnering with the Country Music Hall of Fame on “Buck Owens: Young Buck,” an album of his early recordings.

“Buck said, ‘I wonder what the deal is out there. I wish I knew if someone had a contract signed or had some claims,’” Shaw recalled. “And I said, ‘Why don’t we be proactive here?’”

No one came forward challenging Owens’ rights to the music, and the Hall of Fame sold the CD at its museum in Nashville. But Shaw felt an update was overdue and was eager to find partners with the skill to remaster the tracks to his satisfaction and the energy to market the album.

“This time we went back and tried to get the cleanest tape versions we could, because I’m afraid the first time some of the cuts were just transferred from the LPs,” said Shaw, who also relied on Bakersfield resident Jim Nelson to do the analog-todigital transfers.

Though “pleasantly surprised” by the sound quality, what stands out most to

Shaw when he hears the young Owens is the strength of his high tenor, particularly on “Down on the Corner of Love.”

“When I hear him sing the verse in that song, I’m thinking that’s so high, what’s going to happen on the bridge, which is even higher. And he gets there and goes soaring and I’m just, ‘Wow.’ “I don’t think he lacked in confidence in his singing. He was just humble about it. He always told me that he thought the best singer/songwriter ever born was Merle Haggard. And he wasn’t just blowing smoke when he said that.”

As for Owens’ own proudest moments from his fledgling recording career?

“He didn’t say he had a favorite of these early cuts or any that he hated. He was very matter-of-fact about it.

“People talk all the time about him being an artist, a creative guy and a singer, but he was also a great businessman. He had a left brain/right brain thing going. He wasn’t one of those ‘Artistes.’ He was searching for a way to be commercial.”

Though the tracks on “Bound for Bakersfield” didn’t do much for Owens at the time, the singer found chart success with several when he rerecorded them later.

It’s debatable whether the original version of “Hot Dog” beats the 1988 single, but that’s not really the point for Owens completists, who have the opportunity to go back to ground zero in the evolution of his career.

“I think it’s hard for me to say how successful this will be. We’ll just put it out there and see,” Shaw said.

“But people who are really a fan of somebody’s music, whether it’s Bruce Springsteen or Elton John or whoever — isn’t it interesting to see what they sounded like before they made it? It’s intriguing to me.”

Track list 1. “Blue Love” (with studio chatter) (1953) 2. “Down on the Corner of Love” (alternate take) (1953) 3. “Down on the Corner of Love” (1953) 4. “It Don’t Show on Me” (alternate take) (1953) 5. “It Don’t Show on Me” (1953) 6. “The House Down the Block” (alternate take) (1953) 7. “The House Down the Block” (1953) 8. “Right After the Dance” (alternate take) (1953) 9. “Right After the Dance” (1953) 10. “Hot Dog” (1955) 11. “Hot Dog” (overdubbed single) (1955) 12. “Rhythm & Booze” 13. “There Goes My Love” (alternate take) (1956) 14. “There Goes My Love” (1956) 15. “Sweethearts in Heaven” (alternate take) (1956) 16. “Sweethearts in Heaven” (1956) 17. “Honeysuckle” (1956) 18. “Country Girl” (Leavin’ Dirty Tracks) (1956) 19. “You’re Fer Me” (1956) 20. “Blue Love” (1956) 21. “Please Don’t Take Her From Me” (1956) 22. “Three Dimension Love” (1956) 23. “Why Don’t My Mommy Wanna Stay with Daddy & Me?” (1956) 24. “I’m Gonna Blow” (1956)

20

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, September 22, 2011

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No one gets her goat at milking contest Sole competitor for this round wins easily

BY SUSAN SCAFFIDI Contributing writer

W

hile most of us were getting ready for work or school and merely thinking about what we might do at the Kern County Fair on opening night, 16-year-old Ashly Bulford was already there, milking one of her goats in a competition that’s a side event in the fair’s annual Junior Livestock show.

Ashly is one of about 1,500 contestants between the ages of 9 and 19 who are showing between 6,000 and 7,000 animals. In addition to showing various breeds of goat, there are competitions for dairy cattle, beef cattle, swine, poultry, rabbits, horses and sheep. These contestants, who compete in various events year-round, started moving in earlier in the week, and will virtually live in the livestock pavilions for a good part of the fair, tending their animals and participating in various events until the final judging.

Ashly, a home-schooled student from Turner Christian Academy, and a member of the Heart ‘n’ Home 4-H club, is showing four goats this year, including her 18-month-old Swiss dairy goat.

“Her mother was a thoroughbred Alpine and her father was a thoroughbred Toggenburg,” said Harold Bulford, Ashly’s grandfather and her 4-H project leader. “She’s a mix, but she’s registered.”

“They’re experimenting with a new breed,” Bulford said.

On opening day morning, Ashly was the first entrant in the goat milking competition, one of those side events associated with the livestock shows. Another event this week is “Goats and Gold,” a costume competition for student and animal.

All the fun aside, Ashly, who has been raising and showing goats since she was 9 years old, said she’s learned a hard lesson over the years.

“That goats take a lot of responsibility,” Ashly said, while admitting she has sometimes had to be reminded of that fact.

Ashly said those responsibilities start at about 7 every morning when she feeds oats to her small herd, which includes three other goats still at home. She must milk the producing goats twice a day, clip hooves once a month, groom her animals and of course clean up the “pellets.”

“They’ve got to learn to take care of their animals before they take care of themselves,” Harold Bulford said.

“There’s a lot of maintenance, and we

CASEY CHRISTIE / THE CALIFORNIAN

Ashly Bulford, a member of Heart ‘n’ Home 4-H group, gets into the task during Wednesday's goat-milking competition at the Kern County Fair. She was able to fill half the pail with fresh goat’s milk. The event was part of the American Dairy Goat Association milking competition and Bulford will receive credit for participating. Her goat Licorice is used to being milked and was a good sport at the competition.

Today’s fair events

And the winner is — Ashly Bulford, right, as judge Rebecca Ludwig weighs the pail of fresh goat’s milk during the early-morning competition.

make the kids do everything.”

That includes administering vaccination shots for worms, tetanus and other disease, a task Ashly said was “the hardest thing to learn.”

The teen has even had a taste of entrepreneurship while raising goats.

Because she has a younger sister who is allergic to cow’s milk, not only is some of the milk used for drinking, but some is also made into soap, which the family sells. Ashly said when the herd gets too big, some are sold, and the remaining goats are used for breeding.

Harold Bulford said the livestock — the other side of the noisy, bustling fair — is its own community.

“These kids have all seen each

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

Advance tickets to the fair will be sold at Albertsons stores until Oct. 1 or until sold out. $6 adults, $3 children.

General admission: $8 adults, seniors (62+) $7, $4 children (6 to 12), free for active military w/ID, children 5 and under are free. $5 parking.

Fair hours: 3 to 10 p.m.

The Turtles featuring Flo & Eddie, 8 p.m., Budweiser Pavilion, Free with paid fair admission.

Kids Daze, children 12 and under are admitted free 3 to 9 p.m.

other at these things for years,” Bulford said. “It’s a real friendly competition.

“No one gets mad at the other person for winning because they’re all so friendly,” Bulford said.

Ashly will be able to compete until her 19th birthday, when she will no longer be eligible to compete at the junior level.

As to her future, she said she’s uncertain. She could follow her older brother, whose own career in raising goats inspired her to participate. He’s now studying animal science at UC Santa Barbara.

But college is still years away, and right now Ashly has to take care of her goat.

21

Thursday, September 22, 2011 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street

Salt-N-Pepa still mighty spicy Revolutionary duo back, playing Monday night

I

n a nice change-up from the typical classic rock and country acts booked every year, the Kern County Fair will present groundbreaking duo Salt-N-Pepa, who, since their explosive debut in the 1980s, opened the door for just about every female rapper since.

We asked a couple of fans — DJ Noe Garcia and Tai Coronado — to tell us what Salt-N-Pepa have meant to the scene and to themselves personally.

Noe Garcia I was in a store in town called Eastside Records when I first heard one of the first female rap songs called “Push It” by Salt-nPepa. I was amazed that the sound of what became a big club hit was actually produced by one of the first-ever female rap group artists.

The group, consisting of Cheryl James, Sandy Denton and Deidre “Dee Dee” Roper (DJ Spinderella), would go on to win Grammys

PHOTO COURTESY OF NOE G

Noe Garcia

and influence several other women, including Queen Latifah and Roxanne Shante.

When I heard they would be performing at this year’s Kern County Fair, I was so excited, knowing that a rap group I’ve been following since the ’80s and whose hits I still have in my playlist would be here.

It brought back many memories of all the house parties, clubs and weddings I deejayed at. I would mix the main song everyone knows, “Push It,” and watch all the people on the dance floor go nuts. In 2002, the group called it quits with no reason given. Salt had found God and Pepa kept it on the grind, appearing on season five of “The Surreal Life,” on VH1. It looks like they overcame their differences and are giving it another go at performing. Hopefully, God can keep these two talented female rappers together again.

So, twist and cut your hair on one side, get out your high-top sneakers and make sure you catch them live at this year’s Kern County Fair.

Salt-n-Pepa When: 8 p.m. Monday Where: Kern County Fair Budweiser Pavilion Cost: Free with fair admission Information: 833-4900 or kerncountyfair.com

PHOTO COURTESY OF TAI CORONADO

Tai Coronado

Tai Coronado

During a time when hip-hop was still finding its way, only a handful of females dared to enter the male-dominated industry.

MCs like Queen Latifah, Monie Love and Mc Lyte, came hard and held their own lyrically against their male counterparts. But it was Salt-N-Pepa that used their

femininity and sex appeal to make their mark on hip-hop.

As a product of the “Yo! MTV Raps” era, I was raised on the classics. Who can forget “Shoop,” “Let’s Talk About Sex” and my personal favorite, “I’ll Take Your Man.” Salt-N-Pepa’s contributions to

the hip-hop culture are undeniable. Not only were they the first female rap crew (can’t forget about DJ Spinderella) they were the first female hip-hop artists to win a Grammy.

Most recently the two appeared on their own reality show on VH1 called “The Salt-NPepa Show,” where viewers watched them as they hashed out their issues and reunited.

They are also currently touring on the the Legends of Hip Hop Tour with Doug E. Fresh and other legends.

Feeling a little nostalgic? Not to worry, fellow ’80s babies. You can see the legends of hip-hop in our own backyard on Monday at the Kern County Fair.

22

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, September 22, 2011

Eye Street Camille Gavin CONTRIBUTING COLUMNIST

Gaslight to scare up some laughs Melodrama does its take on ‘Phantom’

I

n a twist on the world-famous musical “Phantom of the Opera,” the Gaslight Melodrama has created its own resident ghost.

“It’s very tongue in cheek; we’re really poking a little fun at ourselves,” said Michael Prince, the writer and director of “Phantom of the Melodrama,” which opens Friday at the Gaslight.

Here’s the topsy-turvy plot: The owner of a fictional melodrama is weary of being told what he does is not “real” theater. Determined to be taken seriously, he decides to stage “Phantom of the Opera.” He fires his star funny man and hires a famous actor to play the part of the phantom. But the displaced comedian turns the tables on the owner and proves how important it is to make people laugh.

“Part of the show even includes a filmed fake newscast, where different members of the community express their concern with the (make-believe) melodrama going serious,” Prince said. “We got support from Michelle Guerrero Tolley and Bob Kempf from The Empty Space, Tom Rockwell from Trout’s, local attorney Bobby Cloud and many others.”

“Phantom of the Melodrama” features — live and in person — Ken Burdick, Jill Burdick, Jennifer Prince, Katie Metz, Jay Stodder, Matt Thompson, Charlie Gamble and Cody Huckabee.

The main show is followed by “Merry Ol’ England,” a vaudeville revue, written and directed by Warren Dobson. Performances continue through Nov. 12.

Guitar lessons at Beale If you’re going to play the guitar — or just about any other musical instrument — you better make sure it’s in tune before you start strumming.

And that’s the focus of a free guitar workshop being held this evening at Beale Memorial Library. It seems that Scott Frederick, a librarian who initiated the workshops, has noticed more than a few unavoidable sour notes from the attendees, most

PHOTO COURTESY OF MICHAEL PRINCE

Cody Huckabee and Charlie Gamble in a scene from “Phantom of the Melodrama,” which opens this weekend at Gaslight.

ing off of them,” Apple said. “It’s not your typical scene at a library, and I love that visual image.”

CSUB presents West African music

Matt Thompson is the ghost of Mr. Henry Jastro in “Phantom of the Melodrama.”

of whom are beginners.

“Scott realized a lot of the people that were attending came with un-tuned guitars,” said Andrea Apple, head of the library’s public services programs. “He was spending a lot of time helping them tune their instruments before the class even started.”

To remedy the problem, a representative from Guitar Center has volunteered to come to the meeting and show the would-be musicians how it’s done. A second workshop on Sept. 29 will be conducted by Frederick and will be devoted to learning how to play basic chords and songs.

By the way, if you’re a bookish person who’s concerned about the noise, don’t be. The workshop is being held behind closed doors in the Tejon Room, which is in a distant corner of the second floor at Beale.

“I just love to see folks walking into the library with guitars hang-

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

Drummer Lukas Ligeti and Burkina Electric, an ensemble the New York Times described as an “irresistible brew of West African music and electronica,” will perform Friday at the Dore Theatre.

Local trumpeter Kris Tiner, an adjunct lecturer with the Cal State Bakersfield music department, says it’s a “one-of-a-kind” concert. He’s familiar with the group’s music and has played with Ligeti.

“I have played with Lukas three times — in L.A., New York, and last January here at Dagny’s,” Tiner said. “He stopped in for a quick minute as he was on his way to accept the prestigious Alpert Award at Cal Arts (California Institute of the Arts). I’ve only heard recordings of Burkina Electric, but Lukas has been telling me about them for years. We are very excited to present them at CSUB.” The group originated in the interior of West Africa. Some of its members are based there while others live in New York and Dusseldorf, Germany. It includes four musicians and two dancers.

Tiner said the ensemble combines the traditions and rhythms of West Africa with contemporary electronic dance culture, as well as musical genres and sounds from throughout the world.

BMT musical at Harvey A lively and colorful Andrew Lloyd Webber musical with a fascinating name opens this weekend for three performances at Harvey Auditorium.

“Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” a humorous retelling of a biblical story, is the

season-opener for Bakersfield Music Theatre. It began as a production of the Stars School of Performing Arts’ teen workshop but the young actors’ record of presenting quality shows has moved them up in the world of local theater.

“Jim Fillbrandt (BMT/Stars executive director) and the audiences have been so impressed with our first two teen workshop performances — ‘Footloose’ in 2009 and ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ in 2010 — that we have been added as the first show in the regular 2011-2012 BMT Harvey season,” said Jennifer Resolme, the director of “Dreamcoat.”

And it’s definitely a youth-filled show. Cast members range in age from 12 to 19.

The musical is a version of a Bible story of Jacob and his 12 sons. It’s about the journey his favorite son Joseph, played by Stockdale High senior Daniel McDonald, takes to become the second in command to the Pharaoh, portrayed by Jacob Harmon, a junior at Ridgeview High.

For the BMT production, Resolme has divided the part of the narrator into six separate parts, so the role is shared by Carissa Alexander, Cassidy Fraley, Ally Bryant, Nicole Despain Chloe Dzierba and Julie Foth.

Potiphar will be portrayed by Evan Stevenson, who has appeared in several BMT shows.

Jordan Payne, who has performed with Civic Dance Center for more than 10 years, plays his wife.

Choreographer is Natalia Mallory, whose sister, Sasha, was runner-up on the recently concluded season of “So You Think You Can Dance.” Vocal director is Char Gaines and Resolme’s assistant director is Patrick O’Brien. The final performance is at 7 p.m. on Sept. 30.

Dukes concert series begins Sanctuary Jazz and Dr. D’s Debris will open the new season of the Fred and Beverly Dukes Memorial Concert series at First Congregational Church.

The group has performed together for 25 years and has won top honors in the Pacific Coast Jazz Festival in Berkeley.

As you may know, Dr. D is better known as Bakersfield Jazz Festival impresario Doug Davis, who’s back in the classroom at Cal State Bakersfield after taking a one-year sabbatical during which he found the time to compose some new music. We can expect to hear a few of those new tunes at the concert on Sunday.

For this concert the group includes Davis on piano; Ken

GO & DO Guitar Workshop When: 5 p.m. today and Sept. 29 Where: Beale Memorial Library, 701 Truxtun Ave. Admission: Free Information: 868-0760

‘Phantom of the Melodrama’ When: 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday Where: Gaslight Melodrama Theater & Music Hall, 12748 Jomani Drive Admission: $23; $21 seniors; $12 students and children 12 and under Information: 587-3377

Lukas Ligeti & Burkina Electric When: 8 p.m. Friday Where: Dore Theatre, Cal State Bakersfield, 9001 Stockdale HIghway Admission: $10, $8 seniors, faculty and staff, $5 students, free to CSUB students with ID Information: 654-3093

‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat’ When: 8 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday Where: Harvey Auditorium, 13th and G streets Admission: $20 Information: 325-6100

Sanctuary Jazz and Dr. D’s Debris When: 4 p.m. Sunday Where: First Congregational Church, 5 Real Road Admission: Free Information: 327-1609

Bausano, trumpet; Mike Raney, alto saxophone; Paul Perez, tenor sax; and Glen Fong on bass.

Dates and performers scheduled for the other four concerts in the 2011-2012 season are: Nov. 6: “The Earth Remembers,” poetry and music by Nancy Edwards and Howard Quilling; Feb. 6: “Duo Cantilena,” Laura Porter, harp; Nancy Ayala, flute; March 18: Bakersfield College Concert Choir, Ron Kean, director; April 22: Liz Cervantes & Company.

All concerts begin at 4 p.m. on the scheduled day and admission is free.

23

Thursday, September 22, 2011 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street

Couple turn yard into a stage Outdoor event benefits local theater troupes

Theater on the Kern

BY CAMILLE GAVIN Contributing writer gavinarts@aol.com

M

argaret Lemucchi, a member of the Arts Council of Kern board of directors, came up with the idea of hosting an event to benefit Bakersfield’s five nonprofit theaters, mainly out of gratitude for the entertainment they provide.

“I really believe in local theater; they do such amazing things,” she said in a phone interview. “I like how they’re becoming more diverse and I like that they’re doing more with youth theater, too — all those summer workshops.”

Both she and her husband, Tim Lemucchi, are regular attendees at just about every locally produced live stage show in town throughout the year.

I asked Margaret if there was one theater she preferred over the others and she answered with an emphatic, “No — we go to all five of them all the time.”

This is the second year the couple have hosted Theater on the Kern, which takes place Sunday afternoon in the spacious terraced gardens of their home, which overlooks the Kern River northeast of Bakersfield. It also includes brief performances from the theater folks.

“I appreciate them (actors) coming and giving up an afternoon to do this,” Margaret said. “It’s quite commendable.”

The purpose of the event is to raise money to pay for an advertising campaign to help build audiences for the five the-

When: 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday Where: 6501 Uplands of the Kern Drive Admission: $35; $30, Arts Council members Information: 324-9000

aters. As it did last year, proceeds will be used to pay for weekly advertisements in The Californian that will list the current shows at each playhouse.

Above all, though, Theater on the Kern is meant to be a party, and the hosts want to make sure everyone has an enjoyable time.

All of which takes a lot of planning and preparation, and the Lemucchis are handling a good part of it with the assistance of the Arts Council.

“We start with getting the gardening perfect, of course,” Margaret said. “We have terraces here, and Alex Neal from Spotlight was very helpful in helping me pick out a place with the best visibility so people can see (the performers) from above and below.”

Other tasks have included selecting the wines to be served, and I’m betting Margaret, who made Lemucchi’s Tam O’Shanter one of the most popular restaurants in town for the 18 years she owned and operated it, is an expert on the subject.

Then there’s taste-testing and finalizing the choice of hors d’oeuvres from Moo Creamery, as well as more mundane things like ordering chairs for 125 guests and even arranging for sanitary facilities.

“We’ll have an air conditioned Porta

FELIX ADAMO / THE CALIFORNIAN

Timothy and Margaret Lemucchi will open up their backyard on Sunday afternoon for Theater on the Kern, which benefits local nonprofit theaters.

Potty,” she said. “It’s a little building with a men’s side and a ladies’ side and it has basins and running water and everything.”

The party starts at 4 p.m., and the program is set to begin an hour later. It will include the title song from Stars’ “Cabaret”; selections from “Nine People’s Favorite Thing,” by The Empty Space; “Cell Block Tango,” sung by a chorus from Bakersfield Music Theatre’s “Chicago”; a medley from Spotlight Theatre’s “Sweeney Todd”; and a song from Bakersfield Community Theatre’s “A Light in the Piazza.”

After the 60-minute show, the actors will stick around and mingle with the guests on an informal basis.

Laura Wolfe, Arts Council development director, said the event was a sellout last year, so if you’re planning to go, she suggests contacting the council office as soon as possible.

The Lemucchis’ home is located off Round Mountain Road, on more than two acres of land along the banks of the Kern River north of Hart Park and three miles east of historic Gordon’s Ferry bridge.

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24

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, September 22, 2011

Eye Street The Lowdown with Matt Munoz

Guitarist getting his groove back Token Okies player back after stroke

I

t’s no fun discussing health problems among musicians, especially when the thing you love to do could be brought to a halt in a split second.

Over the course of my own musical career, I’ve known many musician friends who’ve fallen into hard times with their health.

That is scary, especially when things on the outside appear to be completely normal.

Such is the case with Robert Tidwell, guitarist for Bakersfield rockabilly blues quartet Token Okies, who suffered a debilitating stroke in April.

His medical setback is a reminder about the fragility of life, even when our artistic forces make us feel like we’re made of steel.

Tidwell, 51, agreed to share what happened to him with our readers: It was another quiet sunrise at the Tidwell residence the morning of April 5.

Back to the daily grind after a week of five consecutive shows, Tidwell was satisfied, knowing he’d rocked the roof off Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace and Pyrenees Cafe with his band.

“That week was a good run of shows. We had a blast and tore the place up. It was like we could do no wrong. People were dancing and singing. You got the momentum going and everything makes you feel unstoppable,” he said. “I was a little stressed by my job, but I was trying to relieve it by playing music like anybody else

PHOTO BY MICHAEL CHADBURN

Bakersfield guitarist Robert Tidwell of the Token Okies credits guitar playing with helping him recover from a stroke.

would.”

Looking forward to the weekend and another round of hellraising, he couldn’t ignore that there was something noticeably different about this day as he prepared to leave for his job as a security consultant. What would usually be a post-coffee swagger in his stride seemed annoyingly out of step.

“I get up at 6 a.m. and have to be at work at 7:30 a.m. every day,” he said. “I just put the coffee on, watch the morning news and take off. Sunday and Monday were both typical days. I felt good when I woke up on Tuesday, then I began feeling strange, kind of in a daze. My face was sagging. I couldn’t whistle and control my facial muscles. I sounded like I was talking with a mouthful of marbles.”

Tidwell’s wife, Angela, was soon driving her husband to the emergency room at San Joaquin Community Hospital.

After being examined by doc-

tors, he got the official word: He’d suffered a stroke sometime during his sleep.

Shocked by the news, anger and disappointment quickly set in along with a vision of his future. Fearing his motor skills would worsen, he thought he might not be able to play music again. He was laid up for two days in a hospital bed before being transferred to another facility to begin the rehabilitation process. Fortunate to walk and talk better than some of his fellow patients, Tidwell was still devastated.

“They describe the aftermath of a stroke as ‘the invisible injury.’

People told me how I looked physically fit, and I had good skin color,” he said. “No one in my family has ever had heart problems. It’s very depressing to be incapacitated. I was just mad and I wanted to get over this thing.”

After another few days, the ax man called for one of his guitars.

“The first time I played, it was like dead strings, no sound. I could feel it, and I didn’t lose control,” he recalled.

“My stroke was on the right temporal lobe, which affects the opposite side of your body. Oddly enough, it’s also the side that controls your artistic ability. My left hand wasn’t responding quickly enough and I realized I couldn’t play. When I got home, I tried and tried. I fell into a deep depression.”

For the next four months, Tidwell didn’t give in to the limitations imposed by his condition.

He followed doctors’ orders and formed his own regimen of exercises to bridge his senses.

“The brain is an amazing thing.

You find out how to deal with things. I knew I’d have to think about a pattern, and not just play chords on my guitar. I’ve been playing along with videos, downloading tablature. I was trying to

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.

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.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE 44’S

The 44’s — from left: Tex Nakamura, Jason Lozano, Johnny Main, Mike Turturro — perform tonight at Pyrenees Cafe.

work on my rockabilly and Western swing, the pulls and pushes.

The timing was bad. Playing ‘Tulsa Time’ is just two chords.

You laugh at how easy it is before, but now nothing is easy.”

Feeling his licks return at last, Tidwell still isn’t rushing things.

In August, he joined his bandmates for a show. But instead of jumping back to rockin’ till he drops again, he plans on giving family and friends a show of gratitude when he takes the stage with his band at the Crystal Palace on Wednesday and Thursday.

“Playing music and making friends over the years is something I cherish. I was left wondering if it was ever gonna come back. I especially appreciate the support I’ve received from the Crystal Palace. That goes a long way. I’m still not 100 percent quite at what I was, but I’ll try.”

Without wanting to get preachy to his fellow musicians, Tidwell said he has changed his lifestyle for the better. And, for him, the benefits have done wonders for his groove.

“I started working on an exercise program and lost 20 pounds.

I got a couple road bikes I ride a few hours a day. I can’t drink like I used to, only two drinks a day, beer or wine. No more liquor. I’m not trying to portray myself as a rock star; I just don’t take anything in life for granted.”

Joining Tidwell will be drummer Kirby Shropshire, bassist Mark Powell, and Geri Boyd on keyboards and vocals.

The Wednesday and Thursday shows begin at 7:30 p.m. Admission is free. Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace is located at 2800 Buck Owens Blvd.

Matt’s pick The 44’s at Pyrenees Cafe, 601 Sumner St., 9 p.m. today, free, 323-0053.

There’s blues, and then there’s the greasy kind of blues that make you wanna jump out of your seat and stomp out loud.

This L.A. quartet will have you doing that and more when they slide into town tonight. Featuring guitarist Johnny Main, former WAR harpist Tex Nakamura, drummer Jason Lozano — son of the Los Lobos bassist Conrad Lozano— and Mike Turturro on bass, this is a tight group of California bluesmen.

“We play in-your-face, gutbucket blues. We get there, plug in and tear people’s heads off,” said Main.

This will be the group’s second appearance since opening for Whiteboy James in August.

“We got a really good response, better than L.A., where people have their arms crossed,” added Turturro.

25

Thursday, September 22, 2011 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street

Grand Opening

Rockin’ down the highway to Bako Venerable Doobie Bros. are still going strong

Our New Address: 6801-B1 White Lane • 661-836-0070

BY MATT MUNOZ Bakotopia.com editor

www.RandDLeatherFurniture.com

mmunoz@bakersfield.com

T

he Doobie Brothers have always been a band that knows how to roll with the punches.

Starting as a power trio catering to biker crowds, they grew into an unstoppable super-group of the 1970s, featuring a revolving cast of distinctive multitalented songwriters, vocalists and musicians. Their first single, “Listen to the Music,” ushered in a Doobies decade of hits like “China Grove” and “Long Train Running,” securing a spot for themselves on every FM playlist in the country.

The Doobies’ American blend of Bay Area roots rock and country soul is reflective of their San Jose origins.

Still plugging away in an industry that barely resembles the music culture of those prime years, this older and wiser band of brothers take the stage of the Budweiser Pavilion at the Kern County Fair Friday night.

“The band is better than it used to be in the old days,” laughed singer and guitarist Tom Johnston during a telephone interview. “Because everyone is a lot more intent on practicing and there’s also the partying that’s not going on anymore. I think everyone is a lot more serious and proud of what we’re doing right now.”

Home on break from a summer tour in support of their 13th album, “World Gone Crazy,” Johnston’s voice is featured on the Doobie Brothers’ early run of hits. One of the founders of the group, he was a primary songwriter on most the band’s best-sellers.

“We’ve been out a lot lately. I don’t wanna use the word ‘brutal,’ but we’ve been through a lot of towns, doing a lot of dartboard touring, from East to West Coast,” he said.

If you follow the group’s history, you’ll know there are two eras of Doobie Brothers popularity: Johnston’s and the one featuring keyboardist Michael McDonald. The latter formation drew some heat from some fans, who criticized the group for becoming a glorified backup band for McDonald. Johnston, who had left the group in 1975, said his absence was out of necessity, not internal conflict.

“I had a bleeding ulcer, so I had no choice of the matter but to leave,” he said. “I came back after things had calmed down inside me. When I came back, touring resumed, but I was still having problems. I said, ‘You know what? I’m going to hang it up

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE DOOBIE BROTHERS

The Doobie Brothers appear Friday at the Kern County Fair. Pictured from left: John McFee, Tom Johnston, Patrick Simmons and Michael Hossack.

The Doobie Brothers When: 8 p.m. Friday Where: Kern County Fair Budweiser Pavilion Cost: Free with fair admission Information: 833-4900 or kerncountyfair.com

for a while.’ I went home and started playing softball and getting myself back in shape.”

After McDonald left for a solo career, the Doobie Brothers disbanded, leaving them to seek their own fortunes with moderate to no success.

As with all great rock stories, the breakup was not to last and seven years later, upon the request of drummer Keith Knudsen, they reunited with both vocalists for a concert fundraiser to benefit Vietnam veterans. After that show, the original lineup extended the reunion for a few more concerts.

“We needed a catalyst to bring everyone together,” said Johnston.

“Had Keith not called about doing that benefit, I don’t think we would have ever reunited. We did two more shows afterwards to pay for getting all of us together to rehearse.”

The following year, Johnston and bassist Patrick Simmons continued performing as the Doobies in various incarnations, but with the permanent return of guitarist John McFee and drummer Michael Cossack, the band was back to its core, minus the very distinctive voice of McDonald, who still is not touring with the band.

“I think we’re very fortunate to have a new album out and still be

around after 40 years and still have an audience. Airplay is what keeps bands around. We just dropped the new album and single, and that’s kind of what’s made the band continue to do as well as it does. If you go out and tour behind it, you’ve got that much more strength and it keeps you on the audience’s mind.”

Their first new collection in 10 years, “World Gone Crazy” features special appearances by Willie Nelson and Michael McDonald, and comes with a DVD documentary on the history of the group. It’s a fine representation of a band with a legacy few other groups can ever hope to achieve, even if the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame hasn’t come calling yet.

Not that Johnston cares.

“I don’t spend that much time on it,” he said, though the band was included in a list compiled by Time magazine of the top snubs by the hall of fame. “It’s kind of pointless. I know who runs it and that there’s a reason that this is going on. There’s much more things to worry about — what you’re going to do onstage, writing songs, then the ‘honey, do’ list — paying bills, fixing the refrigerator.”

For fans preparing for a big a singalong of their favorites on Friday, Johnston said to get ready for a little bit of the new and a lot of the old.

“We’re very grateful for those fans.

We hear from them on a regular basis and we see them at shows all over the country. We have a set list we wake up to every day and it’s up to us to deliver those 90 minutes of solid music to the best of our ability. No one’s complained yet and the people are up screaming and dancing every show.”

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26

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, September 22, 2011

Terry & ’s Charlotte

Eye Street

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The 34-year-old Michael Kaeshammer released his first album, “Blue Keys” at age 19, and has performed extensively throughout the United States and Canada, including performances at the Telluride Jazz Celebration and Tanglewood Jazz Festival.

Named Bakersfield’s Favorite Pizza in The Californian’s 2011 Readers Survey

Come out for season of jazz, pop and other favorites

BY SUSAN SCAFFIDI

Bakersfield Community Concert Association

Contributing writer

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single ticket price gets you a year’s worth of jazz-pop, John Denver songs, Christmas carols, Celtic and world music, Broadway favorites, tenor soloists and a tango dance revue in the Bakersfield Community Concert Association 2011-12 season.

Pianist-singer-songwriter Michael Kaeshammer and his sextet open the season Monday evening at the Rabobank Theater with a blend of boogie-woogie, jazz, blues, gospel, pop and jump tunes. Kaeshammer, an independent artist who has made his own way with several wellreceived recordings and an extensive international touring career, is an energetic and engaging performer with a diverse catalog of original compositions.

A native of Germany and a transplant to western Canada, Kaeshammer discovered American-style piano playing as a child, quickly mastered boogie-woogie and jazz styles and started performing at jazz festivals and other concert events. The 34year-old Kaeshammer released his first album, “Blue Keys” at age 19, and has performed extensively throughout the United States and Canada, including performances at the Telluride Jazz Celebration and Tanglewood Jazz Fes-

What: Season opener with Michael Kaeshammer When: 7:30 p.m. Monday Where: Theater at Rabobank Convention Center, 1001 Truxtun Ave. Admission: Season membership, $60 adults, $30 full-time college students, $20 high school students. Available by calling 2058522, online at bakersfieldcca.org, or at the door.

WWW.IMDB.COM

Jeri Sager has featured roles in such Broadway productions as “Fiddler on the Roof,” “Evita” and “Les Miserables.”

tival. Kaeshammer will have just performed in Shanghai and Beijing before performing in Bakersfield.

Musicians from CSUB will provide music before the concert.

Tribute artist Jim Curry will perform “Take Me Home: The Music of John Denver” on Nov. 20. Curry provided the singing voice of John Denver in the film “Take Me Home: The John Denver Story,” produced shortly after the singer’s death in 1997.

The men’s choir Men in Blacque will perform a concert of Christmas music on Dec. 4. Leading the choir, which is based out of UC Irvine, is Joseph Huszti, who directed the Bakersfield College choir in the 1960s.

The Celtic quartet Highland Way will mark the birthday of Scottish poet Robert Burns on Jan. 23. The group will also perform for local students during the day as part of the CCA’s student outreach program.

Broadway performer Jeri Sager brings a one-woman show to the Rabobank on Feb. 15. Sager, who has featured roles in such Broadway productions as “Fiddler on the Roof,” “Evita,” and “Les Miserables,” is a Please see 27

27

Thursday, September 22, 2011 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street CONCERTS CREATED DURING DESPERATE TIMES The idea of nonprofit, communitybased concert promoting came out of financial desperation. In 1920, two Chicago-based music managers, Dema Harshbarger and Ward French were frantically trying to find work for their artists.

Their idea: create a nonprofit group that would raise money in a short amount of time — a week — by selling inexpensive memberships to an entire concert season.

The idea was instantly successful, and quickly spread to other cities in the Midwest. By the time of the stock market crash of 1929, there were 42 community concert associations. In 1930, the giant agency Columbia Artists Management Inc. “adopted” the community concerts network. With the slogan, “A Carnegie Hall in every town,” CAM provided a steady stream of professional performers to the growing number of associations across the United States.

Despite the Great Depression of the 1930s, or perhaps in response to it, the idea of cheap, high-quality live entertainment caught on, and by 1940, there were 335 active associations often in small cities and towns such as Redmond, Ore.; Muskegan, Mich.; Payson, Ariz.; Brunswick, Ga.; Elko, Nev.; and Bakersfield. After reaching a zenith of more than 1,000 associations in the 1950s, the number of associations began to decline because of television, social change and easier travel to large cities — today there are about 400 associations in the United States, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean.

But these organizations are surviving, even thriving, during the current economic decline.

Part of the allure is the cheap price — in Bakersfield, $60 gets you eight concerts scheduled from September through May. The other part is the variety of performers and ensembles available in any one season, including singers, chamber orchestras, dance troupes, jazz bands, choirs, tribute shows and other ensembles.

The Western Arts Alliance is at the nexus of association and artist. According to executive director Tim Wilson, WAA represents a combined 600 associations, artists and agents in the western United States and Canada and brings them together at an annual conference that showcases talent to association board members.

“It’s a place where presenters or programmers can see artists or agents, to see work, to talk with other programmers about what they’re doing,” Wilson said.

Wilson said his organization helps artists keep working by giving them the ability to book full tours, and teaching them how to manage their careers.

“Especially for a self-managed artist, you really have to know what people are looking for,” Wilson said.

Wilson acknowledged the negative impacts of the financial decline since 2008, but in comparing community concert associations to other performing arts organizations, said the associations are faring much better.

“They’re not reliant on professional staff,” Wilson said. “They have a long track record of patronage and support, and it’s not because (they’re employed) but because they are committed to the mission.”

Locally, the 90-year-old Bakersfield Community Concert Association, with its all-volunteer board, boasts not only a long lifeline, but also a growing membership.

Last year’s membership subscription topped 2,200 people, and according to spokeswoman Felice Durazo, this year’s sales have already passed the 1,900 mark.

This comes at a time when other performing arts organizations have been cutting back.

Wilson said the current downturn actually has a silver lining.

“Organizations are recalibrating and adjusting to the ‘new normal,’” Wilson said. “Everyone’s making adjustments and re-thinking how they work, and that’s good.”

CONTINUED FROM 26

busy concert and cabaret performer.

Festival of Four performs a variety of “world music,” a blend of Spanish and Afro-Cuban music featuring flutes, guitar, mandolin and Flamenco, on March 14.

Darrell Hicks, Michael Toby and Mitch Seekins, performing as The International Tenors, follow on April 12. Mimicking other tenor trios, the singers will perform opera arias, musical theater pieces, “pop opera” and a tribute to three great tenors Enrico Caruso, Mario Lanza and Luciano Pavarotti.

The season concludes with “Rhythm and Passion,” a dance revue celebrating the tango, salsa and gaucho dances.

Dancers from the Otero Dance Company, the brainchild of Argentine siblings Gloria and Claudio Otero, a Los Angeles-based dance troupe.

Community concert associations such as the Bakersfield chapter are part of a international network of concert presenters staffed almost exclusively by volunteers. Members join by purchasing an annual season pass — the Bakersfield season of eight concert goes for $60 per adult, $30 for full-time college students and $20

WWW.TALENTBOOKINGUSA.COM

The International Tenors show features a stirring tribute to the famous tenors of the past: Enrico Caruso, Mario Lanza and, of course, Luciano Pavarotti.

for high school students.

According to spokeswoman Felice Durazo, the CCA sold 2,200 memberships this year, with this year’s ticket sales already approaching that mark. “They’re just selling so fast,” Durazo said.

“People really can’t believe you can get eight concerts for $60,” Durazo said.

While most memberships are sold at the beginning of the season, Durazo said memberships can be purchased any time during the season.

28

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, September 22, 2011

Eye Street

BRADLEY REESE

br@bradleyreese.com • 661-331-9090 Attend the Orientation Meeting for more Information

Monday, October 10th at 7pm Westside Church of Christ, 7300 Stockdale Hwy.

Miss Teen Bakersfield (Ages 14-17)

Miss Bakersfield (Ages 18-24)

Mrs. Bakersfield (23+ Married at least 6 months)

Applications are Available for the 2012 Bakersfield Pageant

www.thebakersfieldpageant.com

Contestants must Reside, Work or Attend School in Bakersfield Application Deadline: October 17th The Bakersfield Pageant has been Directed & Produced locally by GT Productions for the past 18 years

Catch this ‘Fever’ while you still can Comedy of bad manners is a good time at Empty Space

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

L

ike skilled magicians — who make the most complex tricks look like child’s play — theatrical comedy performers are best when they make the antics appear natural and spontaneous.

But for anyone who’s performed on a stage, it’s clear that the easier it looks, the harder it was to get there.

With that in mind, there’s no doubt that the cast of The Empty Space’s “Hay Fever” put more than a country weekend of blood, sweat and tears into the show, which closes this weekend.

This is the best production I’ve seen at the Oak Street theater. Full disclosure: I’m a sucker for comedies, and, with rapid-fire banter that shames “Gilmore Girls,” “Hay Fever” was a witty juggernaut that kept the audience riveted for the nearly two-hour show. (Obvious credit must be paid to playwright Noel Coward, whose snappy dialogue is an obvious forerunner of the WB mother-daughter dramedy.)

Catching a rare Sunday matinee (more on that later), the cast of nine was in its element with the classic 1924 play.

As any of the show’s characters would attest, things run smoothest when the focus is on the Bliss family, and that was evident in the first act.

Setting up the premise of too many guests invited for the weekend, Ellie Sivesind and Paul Sosa, as spoiled siblings Sorel and Simon, hit the ground running with a rapid-fire exchange of sibling rivalry and ribbing.

The melodrama builds with the arrival of matriarch Judith Bliss, the outstanding Jaclyn Taylor. As the aging former actress who refuses to be relegated to life in the country, Taylor conveyed a comedic pathos. Whenever she was on the stage, it was hard to wrest your attention away from her.

A particularly memorable moment is when Judith and her children re-enact a scene from one of her plays, “Love’s Whirlwind,” which she hopes will mark her return to the stage. The overly dramatic reading perfectly depicts the absolute theatricality of the Bliss family. The scene, when later revived as a performance for their house guests, leaves no doubt — for the guests or the audience — that this is a family of egotistical eccentrics.

A doorbell rings, ending the impromptu performance and marking the arrival of the four guests. Of those, the entrance of diplomat Richard (Jon Sampson) and shy flapper Jackie (Amanda Monroe) was a stunner. Where the Bliss family scenes are a whirlwind of dialogue and physical gestures, the silence is deafening for the two guests — invited by Sorel and father David (Beigher Taylor), respectively — who have nothing in common and, left to their own devices, are forced to make small talk.

PHOTO BY MICHELLE GUERRERO

Ellie Sivesind and Paul Sosa play siblings Sorel and Simon Bliss in Noel Coward's “Hay Fever,” at The Empty Space.

The awkwardness is only amplified as Judith waltzes in with ardent fan Sandy (Conner Campbell), completely ignoring the pair as she puts on boots and heads to the garden.

That evening, the guests are subjected to a beloved Bliss parlor game, Adverbs, which no one outside the family understands. Using it as a launchpad to turn against the visitors and one another, each Bliss exits with a guest other than their own for what leads to romantic entanglements. Being an artistic family, the tete-atetes are grounds for the proposed dissolution of David and Judith’s marriage and the engagement of Simon and Jackie. As emotions and misunderstandings run rampant, the Blisses revive the scene from “Love’s Whirlwind,” completely confounding the guests.

Like the arrivals, the mass exodus of guests in the final act is a mix of well-used silence and underplayed performances.

When the four slip out in the middle of a family row at the breakfast table about the location of Paris’ Rue Saint-Honoré and Place de la Concorde — which intersect in the final chapter of David’s newly finished novel “The Sinful Woman” — you can breathe a sigh of relief that they’ve escaped the Blisses.

As for the audience, however melodramatic and infuriating the Bliss family appears to be, it is a sad departure to leave their household for the real world.

‘Hay Fever’ When: Doors open at 7:30 p.m., show at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday Where: The Empty Space, 706 Oak St. Admission: Free, but donations accepted. Suggested: $15; $10 for students/seniors.

Information: 327-PLAY or esonline.org

29

Thursday, September 22, 2011 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street GO & DO Today Johnny Mathis, 7:30 p.m., Bakersfield Fox Theater, 2001 H St. $47.50-$135.50. vallitix.com or 322-5200.

The Turtles featuring Flo & Eddie, 8 p.m., Kern County Fairgrounds, Budweiser Pavilion, 1142 S. P St. Free w/paid fair admission. 833-4900.

Kids Daze, children 12 and under are admitted free 3 to 9 p.m., Kern County Fairgrounds, 1142 S. P St. 833-4900.

National Christian College Fair, more than 30 Christian colleges and universities will be present, financial aid seminar, 6 to 8 p.m., Bakersfield Christian High School, 12775 Stockdale Hwy. Free. 559-453-5584.

The Art of Living: One Breath at a Time, seminar and screening for Alpha 1-Antitrypsin Deficiency (AATD) and other respiratory conditions, 6 to 8 p.m., Clerou Lecture Center at Mercy Hospital, 2215 Truxtun Ave. Free. 324-7070.

Beginning Guitar Tuning Workshop, 5 to 6:45 p.m., Beale Memorial Library, Tejon Room, 701 Truxtun Ave. Free. 868-0770.

Applus RTD Valley Industrial X-Ray Demonstration & Dinner, presentation on new technology innovations in non-destructive examination techniques used in oil & gas business, 6 to 8 p.m., 254 E. Norris Road. Free. 399-8497.

Friday 20th annual Golf in the Sun & Under the Stars Tournament, hosted by Optimal Hospice Foundation, registration 3 p.m., dinner 6:30 p.m., Stockdale Country Club, 7001 Stockdale Highway. $150 per person.

Includes dinner, green fees, cart, balls, prizes, raffle ticket. 716-8000.

Cody Simpson, 6 p.m., Rabobank Arena, 1001 Truxtun Ave. $11 plus fee. ticketmaster.com or 800-745-3000.

Doobie Brothers, 8 p.m., Kern County Fairgrounds, Budweiser Pavilion, 1142 S. P St. Free w/paid fair admission. 833-4900.

Eager Breathers, meeting, with Dr. M. Ashraf, 11 a.m., Asmtha and COPD Education Center, 3300 Truxtun Ave. 319-2098.

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.

Follow Your Heart 2011 World Tour, founders Puran and Susanna Bair of Institute for Applied Meditation, 7 to 9 p.m. Friday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday; 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Four Points by Sheraton, 5101 California Ave. Free. Reservations, 520-2992170.

Senior Day, 10:30 a.m., Kern County Fairgrounds, 1142 S. P St. Free admission for seniors 55+. Parking is also free to seniors until 4 p.m. 833-4900.

Saturday BC Football vs. Citrus, 7 p.m., Bakersfield College, 1801 Panorama Dr. $3-$12 depending on area of seating. 395-4326.

Book signing, with author Delores Fischer of “When the Enemy Comes,” 1 to 3 p.m., Russo’s, 9000 Ming Ave. 665-4686.

Certified Farmers Market, 8 a.m. to noon, next to Golden State Mall, 3201 F St. Children’s Writing Workshop, hosted by Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, with facilitator Alexis O’Neill, 1:30 to 4:30 p.m., Fairview Baptist Church, 113 E.

Authentic Pepperoni • Whole Milk Mozzarella • Fresh Ingredients

Posting an event for our calendars: Go to bakersfield.com, click on the Kern Events box to head to kernevents.com. You will need to register in order to add events. Once you’re registered and logged in, you can begin submitting events.

Update your Web browser bookmark for kernevents.com to make sure your event goes through. Some older browsers do not work for the new kernevents.com, so please update your browser to the latest version.

Fairview Road. $5 members; $10 nonmembers. Email the4george@cs.com or visit scbwicencal.org/events/9.24.11.shtml.

Disaster Preparedness Training, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., The Friendship Center, 2424 Cottonwood Rd. 559-455-1000.

Evolution, 8 p.m., Kern County Fairgrounds, Budweiser Pavilion, 1142 S. P St. Free w/paid fair admission. 833-4900.

Farmers Market, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Brimhall Square, 9500 Brimhall Road.

Fifth annual Health & Safety Fair, with free haircuts, food, giveaways, entertainment and children’s activities, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Corporation for Better Housing, Camellia Community Center, 1760 Cheatham Ave. Free. 831-1643.

Geologic Car Tour of the San Andreas Fault from Cuddy Valley to Gorman, with geologist Tim Elam, 8:30 to 1:30 p.m., Ridge Route Communities, 3515 Park Drive, Frazier Park. $5. 245-7747.

Grand Opening of Bakersfield Vet Center, entertainment by The Latin Lobos and Vets Quartet, lunch, 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Bakersfield Vet Center, 1110 Golden State Ave. 323-8387.

Kern Audubon Society, field trip to Kern River Preserve Turkey Vulture Festival, meet at 7:30 a.m. at the Albertson’s parking lot on Mt. Vernon. Bring water, snacks and binoculars. kernaudubonsociety.org or 3227470.

Kids Free Day, CALM, 10500 Alfred Harrell Highway. 872-2256.

Local History Lecture Series, with house detective John May on tracing the genealogy of an old house, 11 a.m. to noon, Beale Memorial Library, Tejon Room, 701 Truxtun Ave. Free. 868-0770.

Ninth annual Celebration of Flight, presented by the Tehachapi Society of Pilots with aviation education, booths, aircraft displays, hot air balloon rides, car show, wine tasting, live music, 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Saturday; 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Tehachapi Museum, 310 S. Green St. Free.

289-2084.

Which One’s Pink?, a Pink Floyd Tribute band, 9 p.m., Fishlips Bar & Grill, 1517 18th St. $20; 21 & over only. 324-2557 or 8523238.

FREE PIZZA Buy Any Large Pizza at Regular Price and Receive a Free 1-Topping Large Pizza. + tax

FREE ORDER OF GARLIC STICKS WITH CHEESE OR POTATO WEDGES with any large pizza Plus tax. Valid at both Bakersfield locations. Extra charge for delivery.

Limited delivery area. Not valid with any other offer. One coupon per order.

Expires 10/15/11

Plus tax. Valid at both Bakersfield locations. Extra charge for delivery. Limited delivery area. Not valid with any other offer.

One coupon per order.

Expires 10/15/11

NOW AVAILABLE AT MOUNTAIN MIKE’S ORDER YOUR FAVORITE PIZZA FROM YOUR COMPUTER OR MOBILE DEVICE! www.mountainmikes.com

• Delivery Available • Happy Hour 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. $6.50 all pitchers • Watch your favorite NFL or MLB team on our 4 flat screen TVs

• Delivery Available • Watch your favorite NFL or MLB team on our 4 flat screen TVs

Hours: Monday -Saturday: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. • Sunday: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Sunday Restless Heart, 8 p.m., Kern County Fairgrounds, Budweiser Pavilion, 1142 S. P St. Free w/paid fair admission. 833-4900.

See You At The Pole Pre-Youth Rally, for junior high and high school students, with Amberly Neese and the Atmosphere Worship band, 6 to 8 p.m., First Assembly of God Church, 4901 California Ave. 323-9041 ext. 16.

Please see 30

LUNCH Monday - Friday 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

DINNER Wednesday 5 p.m. - 8 p.m.

30

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, September 22, 2011

Eye Street CONTINUED FROM 29

THEATER “My Fair Lady,” doors open at 6 p.m., show at 7:30 p.m. today through Saturday, Stars Dinner Theatre, 1931 Chester Ave. $45 to $55; show-only tickets $35; matinee $45 to $50. 325-6100.

“Hay Fever,” doors open at 7:30 p.m., show at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, The Empty Space, 706 Oak St. $15 general; $10 students/seniors. 327-PLAY. Improv Comedy Show, with Center For Improv Advancement, 8 to 9:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, Ice House, 3401 Chester Ave., Suite M. Adults: $5, children under 12 are $1. ciacomedy.com.

“Real Women Have Curves,” 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Spotlight Theatre, 1622 19th St. $25; $22 students/seniors. 634-0692 or thespotlighttheatre.com.

“The Phantom of the Melodrama,” followed by the vaudeville revue “Merry Olde England” 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m.

Sunday, Gaslight Melodrama Theatre & Music Hall, 12748 Jomani Drive. $12 to $23. 587-3377.

“Lonely Planet,” 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, The Empty Space, 706 Oak St. $5. 327-PLAY. “Joseph & The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” 8 p.m. Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday, Bakersfield High School, in Harvey Auditorium, 1241 G St. $20 adults; $10 students/children. 325-6100.

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. “Theater on the Kern,” fundraiser for the community’s five non-profit theater companies featuring live theater performances, wine and hors d’oeuvres, 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday, at private residence. $35 per person. 324-9000.

ART Closing Reception for “The Abstract Works of Jen Raven,” entertainment, refreshments, 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, The Empty Space, 706 Oak St. 327-PLAY. Photography Workshop with Felix Adamo, learn about the camera’s controls and how to improve your everyday shooting whether it be portraits, sports events, people, landscapes, 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Bakersfield Museum of Art, 1930 R St. $35.

Class limited to 16 people. bmoa.org or 323-7219.

Exhibits on Display, “Lethal Beauty: A Collection of Sumurai Weapons & Armor,” “Convergence: Work by CSUB and BC art faculty,” and “US: The Connecting Line by Art Sherwyn,” now until Nov. 20, Bakersfield Museum of Art, 1930 R St. bmoa.org or 3237219.

Jim Bates, featured artist for the month of September, Dagny’s Coffee Co., 1600 20th St. 634-0806.

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.

GO & DO

DJ PHOTO COURTESY OF DIRKBAG.COM

Paul Samarin and John Stack of Which One's Pink perform in a 2010 concert.

Which One’s Pink?, a Pink Floyd Tribute band, 9 p.m. Saturday, Fishlips Bar & Grill, 1517 18th St. $20; 21 & over only. 324-2557 or 852-3238.

Art for Healing program, of Mercy Hospitals of Bakersfield has many unique classes that may help alleviate stress and anxiety resulting from 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, 632-5357.

Juliana’s Art Studio & Gallery, offers youth art, clay sculpture, stained glass, silver jewelry, 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.

MUSIC Blues Green Frog Market, 3711 Columbus St., 872-7855; J.T. Butler and the Horizon Blues Band, noon to 2 p.m. Saturday. blues.

The Prime Cut, 9500 Brimhall Road, 831-1413; Electric Grease, 9 p.m. Saturday.

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

Comedy Elevation Lounge, 818 Real Road, 325-6864; Improv Tuesday - Live

comedy with DJ after party, 9 p.m.

Tuesdays.

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.

Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace, 2800 Buck Owens Blvd., 3287560; Buddy Alan Owens & the Buckaroos, 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

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.

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.

Pairs and Spares Dance, with Steve Woods, 7:30 p.m., Rasmussen Senior Center, 115 E. Roberts Lane. $5; $7 nonmembers.

399-3575 or 332-1537.

Dance classes, beginning west coast swing, intermediate/advanced west coast swing with instructor Mimi Johanson, at 8214 Mossrock Drive. Call 927-7001 for details.

Greenacres Community Center, 2014 Calloway Drive, offers a number of dance classes, which runs six weeks; $35, $45 for nondistrict residents. 322-5765 or 201-2105. The classes are: Ballroom dance classes, beginning I at 8 p.m., beginning II, 6:45 p.m. Mondays, and beginning I, 8:30 p.m. Wednesdays; East Coast swing (jitterbug), 6:30 p.m.

Wednesdays; Argentine Tango, 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays.

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.

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

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

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

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

Imbibe Wine & Spirits Merchant, 4140 Truxtun Ave., 633WINE; live music & wine bar with featuring local 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.

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, 633-1948; 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Thursday; beer pong and happy hour all day Sunday.

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

Thursday.

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 Buck Owens Blvd., 327-9651; The Junction with host Mac Clanahan, 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays.

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

Cataldo’s Pizzeria, 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.

Please see 31

31

Thursday, September 22, 2011 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street CONTINUED FROM 30

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.

GO & DO

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, 6331949; various levels, 3 to 9 p.m. every Sunday. $5 per person, per lesson.

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

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

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

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

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

Sandrini’s, 1918 Eye St., 3228900; Eken is Dead and Bridgework Device, 9:30 p.m. Friday.

PHOTO COURTESY OF JOHNNY MATHIS

Johnny Mathis, 7:30 p.m. today, Bakersfield Fox Theater, 2001 H St. $47.50-$135.50. vallitix.com or 322-5200.

Michael Kaeshammer, 7:30 p.m., The theater at Rabobank Convention Center, 1001 Truxtun Ave. $60; includes 8 concerts for 20112012 season. 205-8522 or 5892478.

Games Galore, doors open at 11 a.m., salad luncheon at 11:30 a.m., games such as bridge, bunco, Texan hold ‘em and others, Woman’s Club, 2030 18th St. Reservations not required but tickets can be purchased in advance or $5 at the door. 325-7889 or 412-4791.

Hypnotist Tina Marie, 6 and 9:45 p.m., Kern County Fairgrounds, Budweiser Pavilion, 1142 S. P St. Free w/paid fair admission.

833-4900.

Salt-N-Pepa, 8 p.m., Kern County Fairgrounds, Budweiser Pavilion, 1142 S. P St. Free w/paid fair admission. 833-4900.

Senior Discovery Days, for seniors 60 and older receive 50 percent off admission, 10 percent discount in the gift store, CALM, 10500 Alfred Harrell Highway.

872-2256.

Top 40

Tuesday 9/27

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

Carlos Santana & the Santana Band, 8 p.m., Rabobank Arena, 1001 Truxtun Ave. $28-$88. ticketmaster.com or 800-745-3000.

Crocheting at the library, 5 to 6 p.m., Beale Memorial Library, Tejon Room, 701 Truxtun Ave. Free. 868-0770.

The Colors of Fall with Phyllis Oliver, in all media, 9:30 a.m., Bakersfield Art Association Art Center, 1817 Eye St. $100 four lessons. 348-4717.

Uncle Kracker, 8 p.m., Kern County Fairgrounds, Budweiser Pavilion, 1142 S. P St. Free w/paid fair admission. 833-4900.

Trivia night Bellvedere Cocktail Lounge, 3090 Brundage Lane, 325-2139; 7 p.m. Tuesdays.

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

Chuy’s, 2500 New Stine Road, 833-3469; 7 p.m. every Tuesday.

Variety Sandrini’s, 1918 Eye St., 3228900; The Mothership, 9:30 p.m.

Saturday.

UPCOMING Monday 9/26 Bakersfield Community Concert Association, presents

Wednesday 9/28 Art Lessons, with Iva CrossFendrick, watercolor and ink, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Bakersfield Art Association Art Center, 1817 Eye St. Free. 872-2332.

“Faust,” 8 p.m. Wednesday

through Friday, The Empty Space, 706 Oak St. $15 general; $10 students/seniors. 327-PLAY. Fun with Watercolor with Iva Fendrick, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Bakersfield Art Association Art Center, 1817 Eye St. $100 four lessons; $25 per class. 872-2332.

Gloriana, 8 p.m., Kern County Fairgrounds, Budweiser Pavilion, 1142 S. P St. Free w/paid fair admission. 833-4900.

“Taking Back the School” Documentary, on the 1968 East Los Angeles Chicano student walkouts, 7:30 p.m., CSUB, Dorothy Donohue Hall, Room G102, 9001 Stockdale Highway. Free. 6542191.

Thursday 9/29 2011 Best in the West Jet Rally, come see radio controlled turbine powered jets, pyro technic show, vendors, prizes, 50/50, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday through Sunday, Elk Hills-Buttonwillow Airport, 3.5 miles south of Buttonwillow. $5; children 12 and under. 310-3501320.

Aces High Night, with Rudy Salas, cocktails 5:30 p.m., dinner buffet 6:30 p.m., Golden West Casino, 1001 S. Union Ave. $100.

375-7839.

Adult Ceramic Painting Class “More Pasta, Please!,” design on a large pasta server, 6:30 p.m., Color Me Mine at The Marketplace, 9000 Ming Ave. $40 prepaid reservations. bakersfield.colormemine.com or 664-7366.

Beginning Guitar, on chords and songs, 5 to 6:45 p.m., Beale Memorial Library, Tejon Room, 701 Truxtun Ave. Free. 868-0770.

Kids Daze, children 12 and under are admitted free 3 to 9 p.m., Kern County Fairgrounds, 1142 S. P St. 833-4900.

March of Dimes Signature Chefs Auction, an evening of world-class cuisine and live auction, 6 to 9 p.m., Marriott Hotel at the Convention Center, 801 Truxtun Ave. $100 or $1,200 for a table of ten. 369-1181.

Matthew West, 8 p.m., Kern County Fairgrounds, Budweiser Pavilion, 1142 S. P St. Free w/paid fair admission. 833-4900.

“My Fair Lady,” doors open at 6 p.m., show at 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, Stars Dinner Theatre, 1931 Chester Ave. $45 to $55; show-only tickets $35; matinee $45 to $50. 325-6100.

Friday 9/30 11th annual Boots & Bachelor Auction, benefits Bakersfield Homeless Center; featuring 18 eligible bachelors, live and silent auction, no host bar, 6:30 to 11 p.m., Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace, 2800 Buck Owens Blvd. $65, includes dinner. Tickets available at Crystal Palace. 378-5646.

Community Resource Fair, hosted by the New Life Training Center, 9 a.m. to noon, New Life Training Center, 3501 Edison Hwy. 366-8003.

History Forum, with Dr. Mario T Garcia, professor of History and Chicano Studies at UC Santa Barbara, and Mr. Sal Castro, an American educator activist, discussing “The Chicano Struggle for Educational Justice,” 4 p.m., CSUB, Dore Theatre, 9001 Stockdale Hwy. Free parking in Lot C. 654-2166.

“Joseph & The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” 8 p.m., Bakersfield High School, in Harvey Auditorium, 1241 G St. $20 adults; $10 students/children. 325-6100.

Kids’ Night Out “Animal House!,” for ages 7 and up, paint and design a dinner plate, pizza, and games, 6:30 to 9 p.m., Color Me Mine at The Marketplace, 9000 Ming Ave. $25; $19 for additional siblings. bakersfield.colormemine.com or 664-7366.

Leon Russell, 8 p.m., Kern County Fairgrounds, Budweiser Pavilion, 1142 S. P St. Free w/paid fair admission. 833-4900.

PRCA Rodeo, gates open at 6:30 p.m., begins at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Kern County Fairgrounds, Grandstand, 1142 S. P St. $9-$13. vallitix.com or 322-5200.

Talladega Frights Haunted Attraction, 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 11811 Rosedale Highway, between Jewetta Ave. and Old Farm Road. $15 to $25. talladegafrights.com, facebook.com/TalladegaFrights or 699-8633.

The Bakersfield Conference for Women, with 10 practical, ideapacked sessions and more, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Four Points Hotel by Sheraton, 5101 California Ave. $139 per person. skillpath.com or 800-873-7545.

“The Phantom of the Melodrama,” followed by the vaudeville revue “Merry Olde England” 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m.

Sunday, Gaslight Melodrama Theatre & Music Hall, 12748 Jomani Drive. $12 to $23. 587-3377.

Saturday 10/1 2011 Concert Series, with Lisa Haley and The Zydecats, 8 p.m., Bright House Networks Amphitheatre, 11200 Stockdale Highway. $10. ticketmaster.com or all Ticketmaster outlets or by calling 800-745-3000.

“A Night of Tango,” presented

by CSUB music faculty with guest performers from the Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra, 7:30 p.m., CSUB, Dore Theatre, 9001 Stockdale Hwy. $10, $5 seniors/students, free for CSUB students with ID; free parking in Lot B and C. 654-2156.

Book signing, with author Cherie Johnson “Around the World Twice,” 1 to 3 p.m., Russo’s, 9000 Ming Ave. 665-4686.

Certified Farmers Market, 8 a.m. to noon, next to Golden State Mall, 3201 F St. Eighth annual Walk to Defeat ALS, check-in at 8 a.m., walk begins at 9:30 a.m., The Park at River Walk, 11200 Stockdale Highway. walk.alsala.org or 664-1226.

Farmers Market, 9 a.m. to 1

p.m., Brimhall Square, 9500 Brimhall Road.

“Faust,” 8 p.m., The Empty Space, 706 Oak St. $15 general; $10 students/seniors. 327-PLAY. Fourth annual “Ride 4 Youth” Benefit Motorcycle Ride, with a barbecue, raffle, giveaways, bike show, registration at 8:30 a.m., the 50-mile ride begins at 9:30 a.m. and will end at Peacock Park, Valley Cycle & Motorsports, 3917 Buck Owens Blvd. $35 single rider, $50 for two. $10 for barbecue, children under 7 with a parent are free. yfcride4youth.com or 3239041.

Garden Project Community Meeting, learn how to plant your own vegetable garden, 10 to noon a.m., St. Luke Anglican Church, 2730 Mall View Road. 332-3204.

Hypnotist Tina Marie, 6 and 9:45 p.m., Kern County Fairgrounds, Budweiser Pavilion, 1142 S. P St. Free w/paid fair admission.

833-4900.

Just for Kids, 10:30 a.m. to noon, Buena Vista Museum of Natural History, 2018 Chester Ave. $7 adults; $5 students w/ID, seniors; $4 for children under 18; 5 and under are free. Members are free.

324-6350.

Kellie Pickler, 8 p.m., Kern County Fairgrounds, Budweiser Pavilion, 1142 S. P St. Free w/paid fair admission. 833-4900.

Lancaster Bark at the Park, splash dogs, disc dogs, lure coursing, agility, canine good citizen testing, games, crafts, food, raffle and more, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Lancaster City Park, 43011 10th Street, Lancaster. Free. lancasterbarkatthepark.org.

Murray Family Farms’ OctoberFest 2011, featuring Spookley the Square Pumpkin kiddie maze, wasp & spider game corn maze, pig and duck races, giant jumping pillow, pumpkin painting craft, ant farm, petting zoo and more, 12:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. daily, now until Oct. 31, Murray Family Farms, 6700 General Beale Road. Monday through Friday: $6.99 all ages; Saturday and Sunday: $10.99. Children 3 years and under free. murrayfamilyfarms.com or 330-0100.

Sierra Club-Buena Vista Group Program & Brunch, discussing “Fire & California Shrublands,” 10 a.m., Camino Real Restaurant, 3500 Truxtun Ave. 323-5569.

Third annual Bakersfield Oktoberfest, with German food, music, games, dancing, wine and beer, 3 to 10 p.m., Stramler Park, 3805 Chester Ave. $10 advance, $15 at the gate; “party pack” $40, $45 at the gate. Proceeds benefit M.A.R.E. Riding Center. bakersfieldoktoberfest.com. Tickets can be purchased at Lengthwise Brewing Co. 327-3825.

Sunday 10/2 Mariachi Los Camperos de Nati Cano, 7 p.m., Kern County Fairgrounds, Budweiser Pavilion, 1142 S. P St. Free w/paid fair admission. 833-4900.