The Bakersfield Californian 'Eye St.' Entertainment / 9-2-10

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The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, September 2, 2010

What is Eye Gallery?

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

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

ALEX HORVATH / THE CALIFORNIAN

“Beat the Heat” by Alison Beitzell for Eye Gallery. The 16-by-20-inch acrylic, along with 14 other pieces featured in the annual art series, will go on display at the Bakersfield Museum of Art beginning Sept. 9.

Where you can see Alison Beitzell’s art Narducci’s Cafe, 622 E. 21st St.: “I have a Basque pinup painting that I painted especially for Julie Shine, who runs the cafe.”

Pretty In Ink Tattoo Studio, 1660 Oak St.

In “Irish Eye Patch,” Beitzell gives her husband a shiner — in the painting, not real life.

Beitzell says this portrait, called “Bark,” is one of her favorites and always makes her smile.

EYE GALLERY SATURDAY: MATTHEW SLOMINSKI TAKES THE LONG ROAD HOME EYE GALLERY SUNDAY: NICOLE SAINT-JOHN AND HER FAVORITE PEOPLE

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Thursday, September 2, 2010 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street

Making faces: Portraits reveal the soul within

BY JENNIFER SELF Californian lifestyles editor jself@bakersfield.com

W

hen does an artist know she’s got it?

The day she figures out that’s not the question she should be asking in the first place.

Or so it was with Alison Beitzell, a Bakersfield artist, wife and mother who radiates vitality and warmth but was plagued as a young woman by the nagging doubt that her work wasn’t good enough.

“I should have gone to art college, but I was not confident enough,” said Beitzell, 32. “All I could think about was how everyone was going to be better than me. I see art so differently now. ... Now when I see an amazing artist I am inspired to go home and paint!”

We were struck by Beitzell’s unique, whimsical style earlier this year when she came up with a knockout piece for a project at the now-defunct Surface Gallery.

When we followed up, we discovered that painting is only one of Beitzell’s creative outlets.

Her main business is creating a line of purses called HOBags, which adorn hundreds of fashionable shoulders around town. She also counts pinup and tattoo models as fans.

“My custom painting business has dwindled since last year,” Beitzell said. “People just don’t seem to have the money for luxuries like a HOBag. On the other hand, my painting seems to be booming. I am so excited about this because my lifelong dream has always been to paint what I want and make a living.”

Beitzell has an amazing support system, and practically vibrates with love for her family. In fact, she brought her two small children, Parker and Stella, and mother, Margie Pritchard, to the Eye Gallery photo shoot. (“My parents were always over-encouraging. Bragging on me right and left!)

But her main inspiration — and a portrait subject himself — is her husband, Jeffrey. She brought a painting she did of him to the recent photo shoot, but was quick to point out she took a little artistic license by giving him a shiner around his eye that he didn’t actually have.

She said her husband, a pinstriper who goes by the profes-

sional handle Foureyes, is “always pushing me and showering me with strength to keep creating.”

With a home that happy, you can understand why Beitzell didn’t go far for the subject of her painting: her now-4-yearold daughter back when she was a toddler “trying to beat the heat of Bakersfield summer by swimming in Nanny’s pool.”

Beitzell took time out of her hectic life to answer more of our questions via e-mail: What message did you intend to impart to the viewer of your Eye Gallery work?

In this work you get an idea of my specialty, which is people. Faces, in particular. I love to capture their character and add color to their presence.

This is just an example of what I do best.

If you start a painting and hate it, is it common to cast it aside and try again?

It’s hard to paint over a painting. Even when someone gives me a painting they don’t want, with intentions of me painting over it. I have paintings that I hate and every once in awhile someones comes around and falls in love with it! “I have to have that!” That’s when I say “TAKE IT! Get it out of my life!”

As long as I don’t have to look at it every day, I don’t mind having a less-than-perfect piece of art out in the world. I’m here to paint things that make people feel something. If I can make someone happy with a painting that I’m not thrilled with, then so be it. Note, I always try my hardest!

You have young children.

How difficult is it to make the time to be creative when they’re running around?

Well, it’s definitely easier to make excuses about art when you’ve got children. The truth is, my children are amazing.

When I’ve got a deadline and really get down to business painting, I amaze myself at how much my children let me get away with! Most of the time, I work right aside them. They are my little muses running amok!

Are they artistic?

My son had his own art show in kindergarten last year. He built the Titanic out of a diaper box and toilet paper rolls! He is such an old soul. ... He’s already got the blueprints in his mind for the beach house he promises he’s going to buy me some

Alison Beitzell with “Shelia,” painted on a skateboard deck.

day. Heart of gold!

My daughter expresses her creativity through fashion (and personality). Yes, it’s because of me that she has rockin’ clothes, but it is her mix-matching that makes her look so avant-garde.

Who are some local artists you admire?

Jeff “Foureyes” Beitzell, Claire Putney, and Nick Manning and Adam “Boy Wonder” Sweet from Pretty in Ink Tattoo.

Claire and I are working on a project together that I expect will be remarkable!

How cool is it, among your all-time cool list, to know your work is going to hang at the Bakersfield Museum of Art? Having art hanging in the Bakersfield Museum of Art is an honor. I feel fantastically fortunate to be among the artists chosen for this project.

Alison Beitzell’s “Butoh: Ghost Line.”

A quote or philosophy you live by: I definitely live by the Golden Rule. There are several ways that it is put, but they all mean the same thing: “Do unto others as you want them to do to you.” ... I believe in karma.

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The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, September 2, 2010

Eye Street

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A

lessandra Posada recalls growing up in Bogota, the capital city of Colombia. The foods that make the region famous and the small decorative buses that scoot through the city’s streets are some of the snippets of her fond memories. They are also the themes of two paintings she has entered into the Latination II show at Metro Galleries in downtown Bakersfield.

The monthlong juried show will open Friday with a party featuring food, live entertainment and the excitement of First Friday, a monthly festival that showcases downtown galleries, restaurants and stores.

This is the second year for owner Don Martin to feature a Latin-inspired show at his gallery. Last year’s show attracted more than 100 entries. “We got amazing work,” Martin recalled.

Latination II promises to be even better.

Lisa Kimble Edmonston, who returns this year to the panel of community members who judged the entries, called this year’s submissions “terrific,” even exceeding those in the inaugural show.

“There are more entries from a broader cross-section of genres,” she said last week after judging the show.

“You just say ‘Wow!’” Best of show, as well as first and second place, and student category winners will be announced Friday night.

Acrylic artist Posada moved to Bakersfield three years ago, when her husband was transferred to the community by his employer, an oil company.

Her interpretation of Latination, the theme of the Metro Galleries’ show, is an “expression of Latin culture, folklore in Latin countries, relationships and music.”

Liberty High School teacher Linda Brown views Latination in the context of issues and politics.

She has entered a mono-print depicting the doorways of Mazatlan, Mexico, that she said reflect the contrast in the country between its beauty and poverty.

Her entry was inspired during her summer participating in a printmaking workshop conducted by a Bay Area friend, who now lives in Mazatlan. Brown grew up in the Bay Area, but moved to Bakersfield 10 years ago.

ALEX HORVATH / THE CALIFORNIAN

Artist and photographer Tanya X. Leonzo, who was born in Guatemala.

GO & DO What: Latination II opening reception, with music by Mento Buru and Velorio When: 5 to 9 p.m. Friday Where: Metro Galleries, 1604 19th St. Admission: Free Food: Hors d’oeuvres and no-host bar provided by El Pueblo restaurant After party at the Padre Hotel’s Prairie Fire bar, featuring music

by Kelulu; 9 p.m. to closing; $10 cover charge

Her stay in Mazatlan was her first trip to mainland Mexico, beyond those she took to border towns.

She said she was struck by the neglect, crumbling infrastructure and lack of social services in such a beautiful country.

Bakersfield photographer Tanya X. Leonzo took a very personal approach to Latination in the four photographs she has entered into the show.

“Latination to me is ‘La Expresion Latina,’” explained Leonzo, who was born in Quetzaltenango, Guatemala,

A photo by Tanya X. Leonzo that appears in Latination II, opening Friday.

and moved to Bakersfield with her family in 1990. She said the show gives Latino and Latina artists the opportunity to “express themselves, embracing our culture, our roots, our ancestors, our path, our past, present and future.”

“It’s a great show,” said Leonzo, not-

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Thursday, September 2, 2010 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street

Tanya X. Leonzo returned to her homeland of Guatemala for inspiration for her Latination II photos.

ing it brings people of “different cultures and backgrounds together to admire and enjoy the Latino culture in Bakersfield. The pieces that I entered this year are very meaningful to me because they represent who I am and where I come from.”

Two of the images Leonzo entered were taken in Quetzaltenango. The other two are photographs that experiment with 3D presentation.

A freelance photographer, More on First Friday Leonzo graduated from BakBakotopia.com editor ersfield High School, attended Matt Munoz previews Bakersfield College and a much-anticipated Brooks Institute of Photograshow at Fishlips phy in Santa Barbara, and downtown, 22 earned a bachelor’s degree in art, with a concentration in photography, from Cal State Bakersfield.

Martin said he had long considered featuring a Latininspired show at Metro. But a brainstorming session with friends and supporters last year led to the creation of the first Latination show.

Associated with the monthly downtown First Friday celebration, Latination was one of the most highly attended events in 2009.

As Friday’s Latination II will be, the first event was more than an art exhibit. It was a community celebration with food and live entertainment. Martin said more than 4,000 people attended the first show and its First Friday festivities.

Sponsors of Latination II include The Californian’s MAS magazine, Bakersfield Heart Hospital, Grimmway Farms, Dr. Luis Cousin of Premier Medical, attorneys David Torres and David Leon, Westamerica Bank and the Padre Hotel.

Food will be provided by Lamont’s El Pueblo restaurant, with live entertainment and bands, including a Mariachi band, adding to the festivities.

The show is a celebration of Latino art, culture, heritage and history, explained Martin.

The definition of Latination is found in the eyes of the artist and art patron. To Martin, Latination is defined by brilliant colors.

Others define Latination by themes, history and political struggle.

Visitors to Metro Galleries, as well as the diverse group of community people invited to judge the entries, recognize and reward Latination when they see it.

Theirs is a very personal response.

Alessandra Posada captures the riot of color and information emblazoned on buses in Colombia.

The food and drink of her native Colombia are never far from Alessandra Posada’s thoughts.

Artist Alessandra Posada moved to Bakersfield with her family three years ago.

20

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, September 2, 2010

Eye Street Camille Gavin CONTRIBUTING COLUMNIST

Dancing into the Spotlight Lenore Smith.

After getting experience as head cheerleader at East Bakersfield High and Bakersfield College, he then went on to do it professionally with a company called USA, which did entertainment at sports events.

“I cheered for the ’49ers in Super Bowl IX and I’ve done spirit rallies for the L.A. Dodgers, and at Disneyland, and half-time at NBA games,” he said. “I did that for seven years.”

And then, like many others, he came home to Bakersfield.

Choreographer fits big numbers on venue’s small stage

I

t seems to me that designing dance numbers for the limited area of the Spotlight Theatre must be challenging.

Yet veteran choreographer Marvin Ramey handles it with ease, even though one of the actors, Alex Neal, sails across the stage in roller skates in “The Drowsy Chaperone,” which opens Friday.

While Ramey agrees it’s a small stage, he says, “We made it work; at one point I’ve even worked Bryan Maddern into the action — he plays the Man in the Chair, the character who’s imagining the musical.”

Abby Friedman stars as the female lead and Kathryn Clowes is the cocktail-sipping chaperone.

Hal Friedman directs and Jarred Clowes designed the set and lighting.

Although Ramey also teaches dance privately, he’s been doing choreography for Spotlight almost exclusively for several years. For me, his most memorable work was the lovely, ethereal dance — a combination of ballet and modern dance — he created for the black chiffon-clad dancers in “A Song for Vanya” in 2007.

For the current production, which moves back and forth between present time and the Jazz Age of the 1920s, the dancing is a lot snappier — think jazz and tap, which Ramey says are his favorite types of dance.

Ramey is using the

Sierra Arts and Crafts

PHOTO COURTESY OF MARVIN RAMEY

“The Drowsy Chaperone”choreographer Marvin Ramey, seen here at the Bakersfield College homecoming game in 2008, also lists BC head cheerleader among his credits.

GO & DO ‘The Drowsy Chaperone’ When: 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday Where: Spotlight Theatre, 1622 19th St. Admission: $25; $22, seniors and students Information: 634-0692

48th annual Sierra Arts and Crafts Festival What: Reception, 5 to 8 p.m.

Friday; festival, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Monday Where: Odd Fellows Hall and Circle Park, Kernville Admission: Free Information: 760-379-2844

choreography Casey Nicholaw created for the original Tony

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

award-winning Broadway production but has added a “twist.”

The most frenetic dance, in his view, is a number called “The Toledo Surprise.”

“All 17 (actors) are on stage at the same time, all dancing,” he said. “It starts off with two gangsters and then the whole cast joins in. It’s very energetic and fast paced.”

Of course, not every actor Ramey must train is an experienced dancer. So how does he go about teaching the novices?

“If they don’t get it at first, I put them to work,” he replied.

Then, he added, “If it’s too hard, I try to make it a little easier for them.”

At age 50, Ramey has had his share of being on stage and now is content to work behind the scenes.

He got his start in show business at the old melodrama in Oildale.

He learned to dance when he was a teenager by imitating the dancers on Dick Clark’s “American Bandstand.”

And then, when he was in his 20s, he took tap lessons from

Even though this is Labor Day weekend, the 22-inch-high cowboy boots on sale at the Sierra Arts and Crafts Festival in Kernville aren’t meant for working — or for walking either.

I doubt you’d want to put your foot in one anyway, despite the generous wiggle room.

Each boot measures 19 inches from toe to heel and 61⁄2 inches across, and the whole thing is made of fired clay.

And forget about trying to lift one, says Shirley Davis, of the sponsoring Kern River Valley Art Association.

“Each boot weighs 80 pounds and the artists can’t even lift them,” Davis said. “They have to be on a turntable so they can paint them.”

The fancy foot-ware is an ongoing fundraiser for the association’s after-school art education program. Cost is $150 for a single boot, $250 a pair. Custom designs are also available. The boots look realistic. Each has a wrinkled texture that makes it look as if it had been worn by a working cowboy.

“We hope some of the business owners will buy them and display them,” she said.

So far, the artist has painted three, including one with a “Pussin-Boots” theme that’s bordered at the top by delicate paw-prints.

Davis, whose husband, Jim Davis, is president of the association, said the group would have

PHOTO COURTESY OF SHIRLEY DAVIS

A boot for the Sierra Arts & Craft Festival.

liked to have purchased larger and more elaborate sculptures.

“We’re not rich up here, so we bought what we could afford,” she said. “And the boots do fit the ambience of the valley.”

But boots aren’t the only things being sold at the 48th annual festival.

Judy Wolford Deems, show coordinator, said about 40 vendors will offer visitors a variety of items: jewelry, fabric art, oil, acrylic and watercolor paintings, wood-crafting and carving, birdhouses, books by local authors and children’s toys.

Kids can get their faces painted and there will be workshops for youngsters as well.

Shakespeare lives on After 400-plus years, we should know by now that you just can’t keep Shakespeare down.

The proof lies in an e-mail message I got from Bob Kempf: “After the demise of the Kern Shakespeare Festival in 2009, the executive director of Empty Space Productions, Jason Monroe, sought out the blessing of KSF founder Randy Messick to continue the tradition of Shakespeare in autumn in Bakersfield. Blessing bestowed, the Kern Shakespeare Festival lives on!”

I’ll have more about this revival in next week’s Eye Street.

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Thursday, September 2, 2010 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street

PHOTO COURTESY OF ASIA

Asia, from left: Carl Palmer, John Wetton, Steve Howe and Geoffrey Downes.

Past, present mix in Asia Reteamed 1980s supergroup brings show to Fox tonight

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

R

eunited rock supergroup Asia will be appearing in Bakersfield tonight. Formed in 1981, the England-based quartet came onto the music scene during the dawn of MTV and the video music revolution.

Members John Wetton (vocals, bass), Steve Howe (guitar), Geoffrey Downes (keyboards) and Carl Palmer (drums) — all former members of various ’70s progressive rock bands, including Emerson, Lake and Palmer, Yes and King Crimson — managed to strike the right chord outside of their

Asia When: 8 p.m. today Where: Fox Theater, 2001 H St. Admission: $15 to $45 Information: 324-1369

jam-heavy early works.

Their 1982 self-titled debut shot to No. 1 on the Billboard charts, producing two popular radio singles — “Heat of The Moment” and “Only Time Will Tell.” Both songs were accompanied by music videos that became synonymous with the decade of new wave.

And although their appearance didn’t seem to fit the times, the group’s crossover appeal kept them going strong for their sophomore album,

“Alpha.”

Although not selling nearly as well as their debut, the band continued to sell and tour successfully until Wetton’s exit in 1983. Subsequent lineup changes continued in following years with no original members touring and recording as Asia. Though it retained a cult-like following through the ’90s while producing new material, the group seemed to have been forgotten.

But on the heels of a memorable scene in 2005’s comedy hit “The 40Year-Old Virgin,” where the lead character is mocked for having a framed Asia poster, the band coincidentally re-formed the following year.

Bakersfield fans will now get a chance to relive the band’s early glory and also hear new music from the band’s latest CD, “Omega.”

REVIEW: RE-FORMED ASIA SOUNDING BETTER THAN IT SHOULD An excerpt from a review of Asia’s show Sunday in Phoenix, written for the Arizona Republic.

Asia shouldn’t be this good at this point in the band’s career. The reformed supergroup, whose shortlived run in the early ’80s has come to define the arena-rock cheese of the era, played to an adoring, if small, crowd. But rather than tread on past glories, the band, which features progrock luminaries Carl Palmer (Emerson Lake & Palmer), Steve Howe (Yes), John Wetton (King Crimson) and Geoff Downes (Yes and the Buggles), wowed the audience with a brace of new tunes and plenty of taut playing.

Opening the show with “I Believe,” a track from the band’s latest CD, “Omega,” Asia made it clear that this show wasn’t simply an exercise in nostalgia. Four tunes from “Omega” were featured, as well as two from the 2007 reunion album “Phoenix,” all of which fit nicely next to such well-worn hits as

“Only Time Will Tell.” “Holy War” and “Through My Veins” particularly stood out, thanks to some fine keyboard solos from Downes. The group didn’t ignore its hits either, “Don’t Cry” and “The Smile Has Left Your Eyes” were given stripped-down treatments by Wetton and Downes. And of course “Heat of the Moment” closed the evening in bombastic fashion. The band even dusted off a couple of lesser-played tunes from the ’80s — “Open Your Eyes” from 1983’s “Alpha” closed the first set in epic form, and the band even dug out “Days Like These,” a minor radio hit from a brief, Howe-less reunion in 1990.

The star of the evening was Howe.

The 63-year-old guitarist may look like he is 90, but he played with the energy of a man half his age, jumping around the stage while playing tight, precise solos on tracks like “Time Again.” He also showed off his acoustic prowess with a medley that included the

“Brother of Mine” from the Yes spinoff Anderson Bruford Wakeman Howe as well as his own country-flavored “Intersection Blues,” which was reminiscent of the Yes classic “Clap.”

Palmer also shined during his drum solo, an over-the-top affair involving one-handed drum rolls, balancing drumsticks on cymbals and banging gongs. But while his thunderous soloing and nimble fills were exciting and his enthusiasm was infectious, his tempo through the rest of the show was a little shaky, constantly speeding up, slowing down and ending up nowhere near the beat. This was especially evident on “Only Time Will Tell.”

Despite the on-again off-again status, the squabbles and recriminations, the four musicians genuinely seem to finally be having a great time, and seem intent on making up for 25 years of missed opportunities to work together.

— Michael Senft

W W W. F O X T H E A T E R O N L I N E . C O M

22

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, September 2, 2010

Eye Street The Lowdown with Matt Munoz

Go underground with Fischel was a crazy night,” said Gardea.

“That’s all I can remember and am going to say.”

Going on to become a multiplatinum-selling rock act a year later, rumor has it the band vowed to never play Bakersfield again. If there is any truth to the story, maybe fans should think about making “Welcome Back Deftones” signs, or maybe deliver a box of Dewar’s chews to the band’s tour bus? I’m just sayin’.

Tickets for the Oct. 13, all-ages show are available now for $32. For a list of outlets, visit: timgardeapresents.com.

Soulful performer set for Fishlips

F

irst time I met Long Beach underground music legend Josh Fischel was at the Bakersfield Reggae Fest back in 2000.

A last-minute addition to an already exhausting day, he showed up late and was forced to set up on the grass with his band, Bargain Music. Not guaranteed any performance time, the band plugged in and started to perform anyway with a back-up horn section that included me on sax and local trombonist Joe Vazquez. Dancing up a nice-size crowd, we managed to make it through about three songs before the power was cut.

Fast forward to a few months later, a bootleg recording of that impromptu performance ended up on the band’s 2001 CD, “Cook the Beans,” as “Roastfish Medley.”

Locals later informed me that Fischel’s cult-like following was an extension of fellow Long Beach music brethren, Sublime. Tapped as director for three of the band’s music videos, “Date Rape,” “Doin’ Time” and “Wrong Way,” Fischel has made a name for himself behind the camera and as a music producer. Switching from guitar, keys, and even melodica, his latest musical project, The Fiction, picks up where Bargain Music left off.

Still writing and recording soulful reggae, ska, and rock originals, fans should shout for his cover of Prince’s “The Beautiful Ones,” when he appears at Fishlips at 9 p.m. Friday. Tickets are $10 and opening the show will be Bako’s own Dub Seeds.

Bakotopia Radio 9 to 10 p.m. Sundays on 106.1 FM. KRAB Radio Hosts: Matt Munoz and Miranda Whitworth This Sunday: In-studio performance by Bakersfield’s The Bird Channel.

Preview of Village Fest, happening Sept. 11 at the Kern County Museum.

Interview with singer Ryan Bingham, who will be at B Ryder’s Sept. 12.

Matt’s picks PHOTO COURTESY OF DEFTONES

Sacramento’s Deftones will appear at Stramler Park on Oct. 13.

PHOTO COURTESY OF IRIEAZ

Josh Fischel and his band, The Fiction, perform live at Fishlips Friday night.

Rocktoberfest is coming Question: What do you get when you cross Sacramento rock quintet Deftones with a German drinking festival? Answer: Bakersfield Rocktoberfest happening Oct. 13 at Stramler Park. Promoter Tim Gardea never has a shortage of “original” concert plans on offering adult concertgoers a way

to avoid pre-show boredom.

Beginning at 4 p.m. the day of the show, early arrivals will be able to enjoy a mini-Oktoberfest at Metro Park, a small area next to the main Stramler Park grounds. According to Gardea, there will be a beer garden for those 21 and over, along with “Oktoberfest”-type food vendors.

“We’re going to trick it out with some Oktoberfest maidens dressed up greeting people,” said Gardea. “It will be nice to be able to walk right in after the main gates open feeling pretty good.”

Believe it or not, it’s been nearly 16 years since Deftones have performed in Bakersfield. According to one often retold story, the band’s last local performance at the old John Bryan’s Tavern on California Avenue (now Flame & Skewers) ended badly. Gardea, who at the time was working as a bartender at John Bryan’s, didn’t book the show but recalls some of the incident that ended in a broken arm for Deftone’s drummer Abe Cunningham.

“That was a long time ago and it

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.

MATT MUNOZ / THE CALIFORNIAN

Ed Kowalczyk, former Live lead vocalist, stopped by KRAB Radio last week.

Kowalczyk’s Live surprise One of the coolest things about hosting Bakotopia Radio every Sunday on KRAB is having a surprise guest.

While the show does focus on local and unsigned acts from the Bakersfield and national scene, this past week we were visited by former Live lead vocalist and Ojai resident Ed Kowalczyk. Arriving with just an acoustic guitar, he performed two incredible renditions of his band’s radio hits “I Alone” and “Lightning Crashes.”

Check out video from the show at our official YouTube channel: Youtube.com/bakotopia. Kowalczyk’s new solo CD, “Alive,” is instores now.

The Hollow at Rockstarz, 7737 Meany Ave., 9 tonight, 589-6749.

It’s always a shame when promising bands with so much talent dissolve early, but everyone loves a comeback. After a disastrous show earlier this month that led to lead vocalist Valerie “Tink” Porter to announce she was “leaving the band” via Facebook, Bako electrorockers The Hollow are back. Give them a listen at: myspace.com/hollow13.

Voodoo Glow Skulls and more at The Dome, 2201 V St., 7 p.m.

Friday, $10, 327-0190.

A Voodoo Glow Skulls show is always worth revisiting. Making a few slots on this summer’s Warped Tour, the brothers Casillas — Frank, Eddie and Jorge — keep their ska/punk sound fast and loud. Opening the show is local band Kaptain Krunch and The Cereal Killers, who just released a fun EP of original tunes in the vein of their Voodoo heroes.

The Afterparty at B Ryder’s, 7401 White Lane, 9 p.m. Saturday, $5, 397-7304.

Re-formed and ready to rock, Afterparty members Zakk Magnum, Rikki Styles, Nikki Faith and Troy Thunderz offer up a hilarious musical tribute to ’80s hair metal.

Plucked directly from the era that gave us Poison, Cinderella and Motley Crue, they’ve found a niche among local rockers looking for “nothin’ but a good time!”

23

Thursday, September 2, 2010 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street

Back-To-School

Specials

Bakersfield-bred actress in Drew Barrymore film

BY CAMILLE GAVIN

Coming in Eye Street

Contributing columnist

L

ike the principals in “Going the Distance,” Bakersfield native Kelli Garner is doing a lot of traveling these days.

Shortly after Garner was photographed walking the red carpet at the movie’s premiere at Grauman’s Chinese Theater in Hollywood she was driving back to Texas to continue her work on the ABC-TV series “My Generation,” which starts on Sept. 29.

In between, she took time off to visit her parents, former Bakersfield residents Dawn and John Garner, who now live in the Canyon Hills area of Riverside County.

“The premiere was fascinating with all that glamour,” the actress said in a phone interview.

Not that she isn’t accustomed to glamour. Now 26, Garner recalled her role as a 1940s movie star in “The Aviator,” a 2005 film starring about eccentric millionaire Howard Hughes.

“Here I am, 19 years old and I’m in Montreal on a Martin Scorsese set with Leonardo DiCaprio and wearing $100,000 worth of jewelry,” she said. “It was jolting — you don’t know if it’s really happening or not.”

“Going the Distance,” on the other hand, is a more down-to-earth romantic comedy starring Drew Barrymore and Justin Long, who portray a couple trying to keep their love life going although one lives in Chicago, the other in Los Angeles.

“It’s a long-distance relationship

Read a review on Friday of Kelli Garner’s new movie “Going the Distance,” starring Drew Barrymore and Justin Long.

PHOTO COURTESY OF KELLI GARNER

Bakersfield native Kelli Garner has a role in “Going the Distance,” opening Friday.

between the two of them,” Garner explained. “I play a cute, sweet and very charming girl who works for Justin’s character.”

She’s returning to a much different role in “My Generation,” which takes a look at how world events have impacted the lives of nine high school seniors since their graduation in 2000. Billed as a docu-drama it includes actual news clips of world events.

“It’s about what we’ve lived through in the last 10 years — 9/11, the war in

Iraq, Katrina — and how it’s changed us,” she said. “I play the ‘Punk,’ a girl in a short, black pixie wig with a ring in my nose in the 2000 (version).”

Yet in 2010 she’s become a blonde and is married to the boy who was a jock in high school but is now serving as a soldier in Afghanistan.

“It’s a complicated love triangle,” she explained. “I’m pregnant and living with my ex-boyfriend, the ‘Nerd.’”

Without giving away any secrets about how the plot progresses, Garner said she doesn’t wear padding to make her appear like she’s about to give birth in all the episodes.

“ABC got my figure back quick — very quick,” she said, adding that the cast has finished five episodes and has seven more to go.

Garner said she enjoys living in Austin, where her apartment is in “a glass-cube building overlooking Lady Bird Lake” and plans to remain there until the end of the production.

Kelli and her family moved to Southern California when she was an infant.

However she visits Bakersfield several times a year.

Her grandparents, Ray and Bettye Garner, and Jody Crosthwaite are still here.

Ketchum (if you can) at Fishlips Acclaimed guitarist’s tasty licks to back country artist The Bakersfield Californian

C

ountry music singer Hal Ketchum and acclaimed guitarist Johnny Hiland will be making a rare local appearance this Saturday. Ketchum, who made his major label debut in 1991 with “Past the Point of No Return,” became a fixture on country radio throughout the decade with songs country chart hits, “Small Town Saturday Night,” “Past the Point of Rescue.” Inducted into the Grand Ole Opry in 1994 as its 71st member, Ketchum has released 10 albums to date, including his latest “Father Time,” in 2008.

Hiland, who joins Ketchum for the show, is rated as one of traditional American music’s most technical and skilled guitar pickers. Legally blind since the age of 8, he’s travelled the world performing with major bluegrass, jazz, blues, and rock artists. In addition to his music career, he’s also

PHOTO COURTESY OF JOHNNY HILAND

PHOTO COURTESY OF HAL KETCHUM

Hal Ketchum will perform with Johnny Hiland at Fishlips Saturday.

toured as a motivational speaker and children’s book author.

Dubbed the “Runnin’ and Gunnin’” tour, the Bakersfield stop is one on an extensive trek that will keep them on the road through the remainder of the year into 2011.

Johnny Hiland is rated as one of traditional American music’s most technical and skilled guitar pickers.

Hal Ketchum with Johnny Hiland When: 8 p.m. Saturday Where: Fishlips, 1517 18th St. Admission: $20 Information: 324-2557

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The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, September 2, 2010

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rizona Cardinals linebacker and Bakersfield philanthropist Joey Porter is bringing six of his all-star teammates — including quarterback Matt Leinart — to Bakersfield for some elbow-rubbing and fundraising Friday night. The public is invited, but reservations — at $125 a pop — are due by noon today.

The Hot Summer Nights Dinner & Auction will benefit BARC and the Jasmine Nyree Day Center, a facility run by the Porters and named for their autistic daughter.

The highlight of the evening will be a live auction officiated by Porter, who has Porter done the honors before at his annual charity golf tournament.

“He was really energetic; he enjoyed himself and got everyone excited (at the prior auctions),” said BARC Foundation assistant Nicolas Peraza, who said this marks the second event — besides the golf tournament — on which his organization and the Porters have teamed. The Nyree Day Center reaches out to children with disabilities like autism, Down syndrome and seizure disorders, while BARC helps adults with the same conditions.

Among the items up for grabs in the silent auction are signed NFL footballs and jerseys, BC season tickets, a Fendi bag and shoes and a shopping package from Christine’s/Lolo’s. Live auction items include tickets to an Arizona Cardinals home game and hotel accommodations and a New Year’s Eve Las Vegas package, according to Lisa Plank, BARC’s vice president of public relations.

Dinner, catered by the Petroleum Club, will have a Caribbean theme and be served in the Porters’ backyard. Sweet Surrender will whip up ice cream bars, and jazz musician Darren Gholston will entertain.

As of Tuesday, 260 of the 340 tick-

BEN NOEY JR. / FORT WORTH STAR-TELEGRAM

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Matt Leinart passes in the fourth quarter against the Dallas Cowboys in 2006.

GO & DO

Confirmed Cardinals

What: Hot Summer Nights Dinner & Auction, to benefit the Jasmine Nyree Day Center and BARC; When: Cocktails start at 5:30 p.m. Friday; dinner at 7 Where: Home of Joey and Chrisy Porter Cost: $125 per person Reservations: Due at noon today Information: lhartman@barcinc.org or 834-2272 ext. 268.

Arizona Cardinals players confirmed to attend the fundraiser: Joey Porter Matt Leinart Larry Fitzgerald Allen Faneca Clark Haggans A.J. Jefferson Steve Baggs

ets BARC would like to sell for the event had been taken.

In other BARC news, Peraza said the organization is getting into high gear for the Kern County Fair, which runs Sept. 22-Oct. 3. The organization has a food booth that sells hamburgers and New York steak sandwiches. Also coming up is the fifth annual Magical Forest, BARC’s biggest fundraiser of the year. Peraza noted that attendance was down in 2009, the first year the holiday attraction moved from a parking structure near Stockdale Towers to the BARC campus on South Union.

“The economy did change,” Peraza

Source: Nicolas Peraza

noted. “But we’re improving on things that we neglected last year.

For example, it was not emphasized from Union Avenue it was here, so we will light up the trees to let people know.”

The Magical Forest takes up much of the 35-acre complex during its run, from Dec. 4-23 this year. The attraction includes train rides, Santa, carolers, a Grinch-mobile, cafe and store, where the little ones can purchase presents for the family outside of the prying eyes of mom and dad.

In addition to BARC’s recycling program, the organization staffed two fireworks booths this year and “nearly sold out,” Peraza said. BARC serves more than 500 clients.

Play guitar? CSUB may be looking for you

C

al State Bakersfield’s Department of Music is forming its first formal guitar quartet. Participation is open to current CSUB music students and graduates of the CSUB music program.

The first round of auditions will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 17, in Room 127 of the Choral Arts Room in the Music Building.

Roger Allen Cope, music studio faculty instructor of guitar, will direct the

quartet and says the ensemble will become the premier guitar performance unit of the department. Ultimately, the quartet will perform at the direction of the university and department as needed and will be available to the greater regional community for appearances.

“For the past few years there have been performing guitar quartets established on a term-by-term basis,” said Cope. “This is the first time a for-

mal, for-credit chamber music guitar quartet has been created as part of the music curriculum at CSUB.” Interested guitar players should contact Cope at 378-0791 to arrange an audition time or to find out more about the ensemble.

For additional information regarding guitar study at CSUB, please contact Jim Scully, director of guitar studies, at 330-9304.

— Cal State Bakersfield media release

25

Thursday, September 2, 2010 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street

FELIX ADAMO / THE CALIFORNIAN

La Galeria owner Marisela Oropeza with a work of hers called “Three Women,” which was part of the 2009 Eye Gallery series.

Artist brings gallery to Delano

BY CAMILLE GAVIN Contributing columnist

W

hen I think of Delano, my mind’s eye sees grape-laden vineyards.

Art galleries don’t even enter the picture — at least they didn’t until now.

Mariela Oropeza aims to change that image with new business, La Galeria, which opened Saturday.

The gallery occupies a 1,800-square-foot building on High Street, a block south of Cecil Avenue. The former tenant was a realestate agency that divided it into several individual offices.

“As soon as I saw it I could see art in each of those small rooms — it’s just right for a gallery,” Oropeza said. “And there’s a big space in the back that we’ll use for a workroom.”

Introducing children to the world of art is one of her main goals. In addition to displaying fine art, she’ll provide instruction for children as young as 5 years old.

“I’ll be offering classes to students at the gallery,” said the frequent participant in Eye Gallery, The Californian’s annual art series.

“A special feature will be an exhibit of children’s art and we’ll sell it too.”

Oropeza, whose painting style tends to be either cubist or abstract, plans to show her own work as well as that of other professional artists along with pieces that represent her Hispanic culture.

Six visual artists are showing their work in the current exhibit. They are Gabriel Aceves, Deon Bell, John Moore, Hope Henderson, Connie Aguilar, Ricardo Gallardo and Fernando Linares.

In the coming months each exhibit at La

La Galeria 1414 High St. in Delano Hours: 2 to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.

Admission: Free Information: 444-1564

Galeria will have a major theme on a rotating basis. Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, will be the focus for a show opening on Nov. 2.

Although she is a Delano High School graduate, Oporeza has spent many years of her life in other places. Now 30, she was born in Indiana and spent much of her childhood in the Mexican state of Michoacan.

“My parents were always migrating,” she explained. “We moved around a lot.”

The artist spent her teen years in Delano.

Then she married and returned to Michoacan for several years before returning here in 2006.

Oporeza, the mother of a 10-year-old boy, has a bachelor’s degree in art from Cal State Bakersfield. Currently she is employed by the Arts Council of Kern as an artist-inresidence at two Delano elementary schools. She teaches six different classes daily, giving lessons on art concepts and art history.

“I carry around a little cart with all the materials in it and the kids are always so good,” she said. “They go right to the cart and get what they need; they know those 45 minutes just fly by.”

26

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, September 2, 2010

Eye Street

A gourmet meal for about $10 W

hile culinary delights like goat cheese ravioli and red snapper with black bean cake may seem as though they would only be found at the country’s finest four-star restaurants, they are actually right here in Bakersfield at the county’s largest community college.

Bakersfield College’s Renegade Room restaurant opened for the fall season on Wednesday and is serving these feasts for the body and soul on Tuesday and Thursday nights, as well as Wednesday lunches.

Prepared by students in Bakersfield College’s Culinary Arts Department under the skilled tutelage of chefs Pat Coyle and Suzanne Davis, guests of the Renegade Room can enjoy fine dining cuisine at home-cooked prices. The Renegade Room restaurant offers gourmet dinners on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 5:30 to 7 p.m. each evening, and lunches on Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday evenings feature themed buffets, while meals on Tuesdays and Wednesdays are a selection of two to three dishes. The Renegade Room will be open through Dec. 2 before closing for the holidays.

“Renegade Room patrons become part of the educational process,” Coyle said. “At the beginning of the year, the students appear

scared and unsure. By the end of the semester, they are confident in their meal preparation and service techniques. The Renegade Room is a hands-on experience that the classroom can’t teach.”

The Bakersfield College Culinary Arts program offers associate degrees in food service management and child nutrition management, with certificates in culinary arts, child nutrition management and dietetic services.

The menu is elegant and the experience is one that will be remembered, according to Coyle. Dinners are $10.95 per person, plus tax. Lunches start at $7.50 per person, plus tax. The atmosphere is relaxed and the dress is casual. The current menu can be viewed online at bakersfieldcollege.edu/ renegaderoom.

The Renegade Room Restaurant at Bakersfield College is located in the Family and Consumer Education Building at Panorama Drive and Mount Vernon Avenue. Free parking is available near the restaurant. The Renegade Room is available for large parties on regular business days and takeout meals are always available. Reservations are highly recommended and can be made by calling 395-4441.

— Bakersfield College news release

WHAT’S ON THE PLATE AT THE RENEGADE ROOM (Menus may be subject to change)

Tuesday dinners (5:30 to 7 p.m.)

Sept. 14: Braised lamb shanks with vegetables or citrus chicken with rice pilaf Sept. 21: Red snapper with black bean cake or veal chop with garlic mashed potatoes Sept. 28: Grilled shrimp with polenta or roasted New York steak with au gratin potatoes Oct. 5: Tea-brined chicken breast with risotto or pork chops with white beans Oct. 12: Catfish with heirloom tomatoes and corn or tarragon chicken with wild rice Oct. 19: Petite lamb chops or chiliglazed salmon Oct. 26: Beef tenderloin with dauphinois potato or salmon en croute Nov. 2: Chicken roulade with orzo pasta or chops and polenta Nov. 9: Herbed pork or smoked chicken Nov. 16: French chicken or breaded pork chop Nov. 23: Halibut en papillote or pistachio chicken Nov. 30: Sauteed shrimp with grapefruit or chicken roulade with roasted red pepper

Wednesday lunches (11 a.m. to 1 p.m.)

Sept. 1: Pork cutlet with apple-pear glaze; slow-roasted beef sandwich; Renegade Room chicken caesar salad Sept. 8: Rancho Mirage beef short ribs;

seafood omelet; Renegade Room chicken fajita salad Sept. 15: Fish and chips; Renegade Room cobb salad; smoked turkey club sandwich Sept. 22: Home-style chicken pot pie; Santa Fe barbecue ranch salad; hot pastrami sandwich Sept. 29: Goat cheese ravioli; broiled portabello mushroom sandwich; Chinese chicken salad Oct. 6: Sauteed shrimp with grapefruitfennel slaw; taco salad with chili verde; French dip sandwich Oct. 13: Chicken piccata; grilled steak salad; smoked turkey wrap Oct. 20: Baked meatloaf with garlic mashed potatoes; chicken Waldorf salad; Reuben sandwich Oct. 27: Tequila lime chicken; pulled pork sliders; executive chef salad Nov. 3 to Dec. 1: Student-planned menus

Thursday dinners (5:30 to 7:30 p.m.)

Sept. 23: Hawaiian cuisine Sept 30: French cuisine Oct. 7: Oktoberfest Oct. 14: Tuscany cuisine Oct. 21: Mediterranean cuisine Oct. 28: Taste of New Orleans Nov. 4: Pacific Rim buffet Nov. 11: Closed for holiday Nov. 18: Basque buffet Nov. 25: Closed for holiday Dec. 2: Holiday buffet

27

Thursday, September 2, 2010 The Bakersfield Californian

‘Diabetic Chef’ to teach healthy cooking What: Health screenings and vendors, cooking demo and dinner served by Chef ChrisSmith. Presented by the San Joaquin Community Hospital’s Wellness Center When: Doors open at 3:30, cooking demo at 6 p.m. Sept. 9 Where: DoubleTree Hotel, 3100 Camino Del Rio Court.

Admission: $35 Information: Visit SJCH.us/bettercooking or call 869-6580 for tickets.

W

PHOTO COURTESY OF CHRIS SMITH

Chef Chris Smith, aka The Diabetic Chef, will be teaching visitors how to prepare a healthy and delicious meal at the Better Cooking for Better Living event, presented by San Joaquin Community Hospital’s Wellness Center on Sept. 9.

while in culinary school.

Now, “The Diabetic Chef” uses his influence to teach people that they can eat healthy and still enjoy great tasting food.

“For so many people, being told to go on a restrictive diet is like being told they can never again eat food they enjoy or eat a regular meal with their family,” Smith said. “In my workshops and cooking classes, I educate people on how to cook healthy meals full of flavor. I am personally committed to sharing my professional experience as

a chef and my personal experience as a son, brother, husband and father with people who have a need or desire to eat healthy.”

While Smith takes center stage at 6 p.m., there’s plenty of excitement preceding the cooking demonstration.

Beginning at 3:30, there will be health screenings, information and lifestyle tips available from the various vendors in attendance. At 5:30 p.m., Dr. Joan Ying from Kaiser Permanente will share a presentation.

“We wanted to create an event that would have something for everyone,” said Kira Wiggins, director of The Wellness Center at SJCH. “I think we’ve been able to put together a program that will help inform and inspire our community to live healthier lives.”

— San Joaquin Community Hospital news release

A SAMPLING OF RECIPES FROM CHEF CHRIS SMITH Brussels sprouts with toasted almonds Note: You can toast the almonds in advance and store in a Zip-Lock bag until needed. It is not necessary to add salt.

1 lb. brussels sprouts, cleaned, stem removed 1 tbsp olive oil 1 cup chicken broth 1/2 tsp salt 1/2 tsp pepper fresh ground 1 tbsp butter, unsalted 1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted Slice brussels sprouts and set aside.

In a saute pan, add oil and then add brussels sprouts. Cook on medium heat coating and slightly wilting leaves.

Add chicken stock and bring to a simmer, reducing liquid to almost dry. Season with salt and pepper.

Add butter and sliced almonds and combine thoroughly; serve immediately. Can serve 6-8.

Fresh strawberries with toasted angel food cake croutons and low-fat creme anglaise 1 whole angel food cake 4 pints strawberries, washed, dried, quartered, tops removed 1 pint fat free half and half 3/4 cup Splenda Blend 6 egg yolks 1 tsp vanilla extract Fresh mint, as needed For the croutons: Cut angel food cake into half-inch croutons and place onto a baking pan. Pre-heat oven to 225 degrees and bake croutons to a light golden brown, 30 to 45 minutes. Remove croutons from oven and allow to cool, reserve for service.

For the anglaise: In a medium size pot, combine half of the Splenda sugar blend and all of the fat free half and half and heat until steam begins to rise.

In a small bowl, add the egg yolks and the rest of the sugar and whisk until smooth. Using a large spoon drizzle the warm fat-free half and half into the yolk/sugar mixture, tempering the mixture as you whisk.

Add the yolk mixture to the fatfree half and half liquid and continue cooking at a low heat, stirring constantly. The liquid will slowly thicken. When creme anglaise is thickened, remove from stove and place into a clean container and cool liquid overnight. The liquid will continue to thicken as it chills.

To assemble: Place diced croutons into a parfait glass, add diced strawberries and pour 2 oz. of creme anglaise over strawberries.

Garnish with a fresh sprig of mint and serve!

N Ming

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Session sponsored by local hospital e all want to eat better. Sure, the clown, the king and the colonel beckon from drivethroughs on your way home, but who doesn’t want a healthier alternative?

The Wellness Center at San Joaquin Community Hospital will share some of those good and tasty ideas at its Better Cooking for Better Living event at the DoubleTree Hotel on Sept. 9.

Known in previous years as the Day of Hope, the event catered specifically to those suffering from diabetes. With a new name and fresh agenda, Better Cooking for Better Living — which is being put on in conjunction with Kaiser Permanente, KERO ABC 23 and Lifescan — has something for anyone interested in learning how to live and cook healthier.

The highlight of the event is a cooking demonstration with worldrenowned Chef Chris Smith that begins at 6 p.m. During his demonstration, Chef Smith will teach attendees how to make a healthy dish that the whole family will enjoy. Furthermore, the audience will each be treated to a full-course dinner featuring the recipe the chef is showcasing. (For a taste of what to expect, check out the recipes in the sidebar.)

For Smith, teaching people how to live healthier by improving their diet is a personal passion, one that was born out of being diagnosed with diabetes

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4915 Stockdale Highway • 661-834-3068 Monday - Friday: 10-6 • Saturday: 10-5

28

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, September 2, 2010

Eye Street GO & DO Today Asia, 8 p.m., Fox Theater, 2001 H St. $15 to $45 plus fee. vallitix.com or 322-5200.

Back to School Night, 6:30 to 8 p.m., Foothill High School, 501 Park Drive. kernhigh.org or 366-4491.

Back to School Night, 7 to 8 p.m., South High School, 1101 Planz Road. kernhigh.org or 831-3680.

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

City of Bakersfield Department of Recreation & Sports, offers a wide variety of lessons, sports, classes and more. For more information, call 326-3866.

Improv Comedy Show, with Center For Improv Attitude group, 7 to 9 p.m., Rocket Shop Cafe, 2000 S. Union Ave. $3 adults; $1 for children under 13. 832-4800.

YMCA Co-ed Soccer in Arvin, for ages 5-12, season begins Sept.

13. 837-9622.

Friday Smokie Norful, gospel recording artist, 7 p.m., St. John Missionary Baptist Church, 1401 E. Brundage Lane. $20 plus fee. vallitix.com or 322-5200.

48th annual Sierra Arts & Crafts Festival, with artists selling their artwork, workshops, entertainment, begins with an artist reception, 5 to 7 p.m. Friday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday, at Circle Park and Kernville Odd Fellows Hall, Kernville. Free. 760379-2844.

Bakersfield Blaze vs. Stockton Ports, 7:15 p.m. Friday through Monday, Sam Lynn Ballpark, 4009 Chester Ave. $5-$9. bakersfieldblaze.com or 716-HITS. CSUB Men’s Soccer vs. UC Davis, 7 p.m., CSUB campus, 9001 Stockdale Highway. $4 to $10.

654-2583.

CSUB Women’s Soccer vs.

Tennessee-Martin, 5 p.m., CSUB campus, 9001 Stockdale Highway. $4 to $10. 654-2583.

“Curiosity Day,” a story time with a visit from Curious George, includes coloring and other related activities, 10 a.m., pajamarama story time with Curious George, 7 p.m., Barnes & Noble, children’s area, 4001 California Ave. Free.

631-2575.

First Friday Downtown, featuring live music, art openings, specialty shops, galleries and boutiques, artists will set up their artwork, 5 to 9 p.m., Downtown Arts District. 634-9598.

Hot Summer Nights Dinner & Auction, to benefit the Jasmine Nyree Day Center and BARC; with members of the Arizona Cardinals, including Joey Porter, Caribbean dinner, live and silent auction and raffle, 5:30 p.m. cocktails and mingling, 7 p.m. dinner, at the home of Joey and Christy Porter. $125 per person. Summer casual attire. E-mail lhartman@barc-

GO & DO Smokie Norful, gospel recording artist, 7 p.m. Friday, St. John Missionary Baptist Church, 1401 E. Brundage Lane. $20 plus fee. vallitix.com or 322-5200. inc.org or 834-2272 ext. 268.

Pottery Wheel Class, 10 a.m., The Ceramic Shop, 2550 E. Belle Terrace, Suite 300. Free but registration required. 834-1000.

Wine Bar Flight, featuring 2007 Big Dog Cab — Flight II, Quivet Fenefick Ranch, Tamber Bey Oakville, Myriad and more, 4 p.m., Imbibe Wine & Spirits Merchant, 4140 Truxtun Ave. Tastes, $5 to $16. 633-WINE.

Saturday Hal Ketchum, with special guest Johnny Hiland, 8 p.m., Fishlips Bar & Grill, 1517 18th St. $20 plus fee; 21 & over only. vallitix.com or 3225200.

Central Coast Gun Show & Sale, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Kern County Fairgrounds, 1142 S. P St. $9; children 13 and under are free; $3 parking. 805-481-6726.

E-Waste/Donation Drive, bring your unwanted electronics or other donations for the Salvation Army, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. the first Saturday of every month, Olive Drive Church, 5500 Olive Drive. 8583474.

Free How-to-Work Workshops, Saturday classes: 10 to 11 a.m. “Fall Face Lift: Interior and Exterior Painting”; 11 a.m. to noon “Decorating Flooring Solutions”; 1 to 2 p.m. “Save Energy, Save Money”; and Sunday classes: 1 to 2 p.m. “Fall Planting and Maintenance”; “Maintaining your Driveway”; Home Depot. homedepot.com or call 800-4303376.

Kern River Valley Hiking Club, trip to Big Meadow to Manter and Little Manter, leave at 6:30 a.m., from Chevron, junction of highways 178 and 184 (Weedpatch). Bring lunch and 2 quarts of water. Dress appropriately. For directions, visit lakeisabella.net/hiking or 747-5065 or 778-3453.

Sierra Club-Buena Vista Group Program & Brunch, with Ara Marderosian discussing “Solar Project in Weldon — A Chapter Perspective,” 10 a.m., Camino Real Restaurant, 3500 Truxtun Ave. Program is free but you can purchase brunch for $7.60. 2466195.

Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 97 Steak Dinner, with a DJ, 6 p.m., VFW Post #97, 5350 S. Union Ave. $10. 304-5654.

Sunday “Guelaguetza,” presented by Oaxacan Indigenous Culture Committee; with dances, live music, bands, clothing, food and drinks, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Stramler Park, 3805 Chester Ave. $7, children under 12 are free. 3793485.

THEATER “Once Upon a Mattress,” doors open at 6:30 p.m., show at 8 p.m. today through Saturday, Stars Dinner Theatre, 1931 Chester Ave. $50 to $55; show-only tickets $30.

325-6100.

“My Big Fat Oildale Wedding,” followed by the Vaudville Revue, “Everything and the Kitchen Sink — The Greatest 38 Shows of All Time,” 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. matinee Sunday, Gaslight Melodrama Theatre & Music Hall, 12748 Jomani Drive. $9 to $20.

587-3377.

“The Killing Ghost,” 8 p.m.

Friday and Saturday, The Empty Space, 706 Oak St. Suggested donation $15 adults; $10 students/seniors. 327-PLAY. Major League Improv, improvisational comedy show, appropriate for families, 6 p.m.

Saturdays, The Empty Space, 706 Oak St. Free but donations are accepted. 327-PLAY. Omnipresent Puppet Theatre, presents “Jack and the Beanstalk,” 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday, Gaslight Melodrama Theatre & Music Hall, 12748 Jomani Drive. $6.

587-3377.

ART “Latination II” Opening Reception, with Mento Buru, Velorio, hors d’ouerves, no host bar, 5 p.m. Friday, Metro Galleries, 1604 19th St. 634-9598.

“Artistic Chaos” Art Exhibit, by appointment only, on display until Oct. 8, The Micro Gallery, 6300 Coffee Road. 301-3283.

“Ebb and Flow Kern’s Vanishing Water” Art Exhibit, on display until Oct. 3, JP Jennings Gallery, 1700 Chester Ave. 3231622.

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

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

Call or e-mail for details and

enrollment. bradshawartist@earthlink.net or 760-376-6604.

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 Street. Visit mercybakersfield. org/art or to register, 324-7070.

Basic Beading & Wire Wrapping Workshop, with Susi Klassen, private instruction or by appointment, The Bead Hut, 610 18th St. To schedule an appointment, call 324-0975 or 706-6490.

Beginning Oil Painting, with instructor Glen Jelletich, classes held 1 to 3 p.m. Mondays. Call 3993707 for more information or to register.

Beginning, Intermediate and Advanced Drawing, by instructor Nina Landgraff, series of five twohour classes. Call for more information or to register. 3047002.

Framing Clinic, with Toni Lott, for artists who want to frame their work, began April 7, running noon to 4 p.m. Wednesdays. Call 2053488 for more information or to register.

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., 8692320; offers a variety of painting and drawing classes. Call for details.

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

Pottery Wheel Class, 10 a.m.

Friday, The Ceramic Shop, 2550 E. Belle Terrace, Suite 300. Free but registration required. 834-1000.

Ceramic Group Project Workshop, for items that will be entered into the Kern County Fair; also, a pottery wheel class will be held in conjunction with the group workshop, both at 10 a.m.

Saturday, The Ceramic Shop, 2550 E. Belle Terrace, Suite 300. Free but registration required. 8341000.

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

Saturdays. Call to reserve your spot. Moore’s Art Studio, 10205 Hurlingham Drive. 588-7769.

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

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

B. Ryder’s Sports Bar & Grill, 7401 White Lane, 397-7304; No Limit, 9 p.m. Friday.

Lone Oak Lounge, 10612 Rosedale Highway, 589-0412; Mike Montano Band, 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Pyrenees Cafe, 601 Sumner, 3230053; Mike Montano Band, 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday.

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.

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

Sunday.

Sandrini’s, 1918 Eye St., 3228900; Country Club, 9 p.m.

Wednesday.

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, 7:30 p.m. each Friday, Rasmussen Senior Center, 115 E. Roberts Lane. $5; $7 nonmembers. 399-3575 or 332-1537.

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

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

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

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

822-3998.

Whirlaways Square Dance Club, with caller Rick Hampton, 7 to 9:30 p.m. every Monday, Veteran’s Hall, 400 W. Norris Road. whirlaways.org or 398-3394.

Dance Drill Classes, beginning belly dancing, 8 p.m. every Tuesday; advanced belly dancing, 7 to 9 p.m. every Thursday, Centre Stage Studio, 1710 Chester Ave. $5 drop-in fee for beginning belly dancing; $15 for advanced belly dancing. Bring knee pads and yoga mat to advanced class. 323-5215.

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

Thursday.

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

Thursdays.

29

Thursday, September 2, 2010 The Bakersfield Californian

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

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

Fridays and Saturdays. Free.

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

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

Live Jazz & Wine Bar, featuring Jazz Connection with Steve Eisen and Mark Meyer, 6 to 8:30 p.m.

Saturday, and with Paul Cierley and Rick Lincoln, along with 24 wines, 5 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Imbibe Wine & Spirits Merchant, 4140 Truxtun Ave. 633-WINE. Le Corusse Rouge, 4647 White Lane, 834-1611; Bakersfield Jazz Workshop, 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. every Wednesday.

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

Cactus Valley Mexican Restaurant, 4215 Rosedale Highway, 633-1948; 6 to 10 p.m.

Thursday; beer pong and happy hour all day with karaoke 3 to 6 p.m. Sunday.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ENTER EYE COOK FOR A $1,000 PRIZE Calling all local amateur How to win cooks: Do you want a chance at a What we want: We’re looking $1,000 Urner’s gift card and bragfor original recipes in one of three ging rights as a top local cook?

Well, then The Bakersfield Cal- categories — main dish, appetizifornian’s Eye Cook competition er/side dish or dessert.

How to enter: Submit your is for you! recipe (with your name and phone number) via e-mail to eyeWhat you can win cook@bakersfield.com or mail Grand prize: $1,000 Urner’s entries to Eye Cook 2010 Attn: Stegift card fani Dias, P.O. Bin 440, Bakersfield Top runners-up: $500 Urner’s CA 93302. (All entries become gift card property of The Bakersfield Californian.)

Third-place winners: $200 Olcotts gift cards Eligibility: You must be availJust for attending the Eye Cook able for the semifinals on Sept.

25 and the finals on Oct. 30 to finals at Urner’s on Oct. 30, you’ll qualify. Employees of The Calihave a chance at any of the $600 in door prizes from DreamMaker fornian and Urner’s, plus their families and any vendors or affilBath & Kitchen! iates, are not eligible.

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

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

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

Del Rio Cocktail Lounge, 5840 State Road, 393-0262; 8 p.m. every other Saturday.

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

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

Sundays.

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

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

Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.

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

Tuesday.

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

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

Tuesdays.

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

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

Tuesday and Thursday.

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

Tuesday.

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

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

Tuesday.

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

Trouts & The Blackboard Stages, 805 N. Chester Ave., 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.

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

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

Fridays and Saturdays.

Tam O'Shanter, 2345 Alta Vista, 324-6774; The Latin Breeze featuring Richard Deval, 8:30 p.m.

Saturday.

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

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

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

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

Tam O'Shanter, 2345 Alta Vista, 324-6774; The Press featuring Benny and the Bunch, 8:30 p.m.

Friday.

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

Reggae Sandrini’s, 1918 Eye St., 3228900; Mento Buru, DJ Mikey, 9:30 p.m. Friday. $5; 21 & over only.

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

Sandrini’s, 1918 Eye St., 3228900; The People’s Band, 9 p.m.

Thursday; and Eken is Dead, Black Sails Western Shores, 9:30 p.m.

Saturday.

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

Friday.

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

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

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

Golden State Mall, 3201 F St., Dance to Joe Loco, duet every Sunday, 2 to 5 p.m. ’80s B. Ryder’s Sports Bar & Grill, 7401 White Lane, 397-7304; The After Party, 9 p.m. Saturday.

UPCOMING EVENTS Monday 9/6 Recreational Swim Team, for ages 5 to 18, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. or 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, Bakersfield College, 1801 Panorama Drive. Open enrollment.

395-4663.

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.

Tuesday 9/7 Back to School Night, 5 to 8 p.m., Arvin High School, 900 Varsity Road, Arvin. kernhigh.org or 854-5561.

Back to School Night, 5:45 to 8:30 p.m., East Bakersfield High School, 2200 Quincy St. kernhigh.org or 871-7221.

Back to School Night, 6 to 8 p.m., Golden Valley High School, 801 Hosking Ave. kernhigh.org or 827-0800.

Culinary Arts Program Gourmet Meals, by BC’s culinary students, dinner 5:30 to 7 p.m.

Tuesday and Thursday, lunch 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesdays, now until Dec. 2, Bakersfield College, Renegade Room, 1801 Panorama Drive. Dinners $10.95 plus tax, lunches $7.50 plus tax; take-out meals available. Reservations required, 395-4441.

Farmers market, 4 to 7 p.m., now through November, Central Park at Mill Creek, 21st and R streets.

Kern Audubon Society, meeting with Bob Barnes discussing “Kern River Valley/Southern Sierra Birds

and Birding,” 7 p.m., Kern County Superintendent of Schools, 1300 17th St. 587-6323.

Oildale Farmers Market, 3 to 6 p.m., northeast corner of North Chester Avenue and Norris Road, Oildale. 868-0328.

Sierra Club Conditioning Hikes, three to five miles, 7 p.m., meet at corner of highways 178 and 184.

872-2432 or 873-8107.

Toddler Time, parents are invited to accompany their children of 18 months through 2 years, come join in on music, nursery rhymes, stories and play, 11 a.m., Beale Library, Arkelian children’s library, 701 Truxtun Ave. 868-0770.

Wednesday 9/8 Bargain Night, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Rollerama West, 7850 Brimhall Road. $5 per skater; free rental.

589-7555.

Dinner & Concert with Recording Artist Doyle Dykes, steak dinner at 6 p.m., concert at 7:30 p.m., American Sound Recording Studios, Studio A, 2231 R St. $10 concert only; $75 for dinner and meet and greet artist.

Tickets can be purchased at Rosedale Music, 10715 Rosedale Highway. Limited tickets available.

588-8885.

Fall Organ Recitals, with Dr. Joseph Simms, lunch at noon, recital from 12:30 to 1 p.m., First Presbyterian Church, 1705 17th St. Lunch available for $6 before recital or feel free to bring your own lunch. 325-9419.

Farmers Market, 3 to 6 p.m., Kern County Department of Public Health, 1800 Mt. Vernon Ave. 8680328.

Food & Wine Pairing Nights, featuring six wines paired with a plate of small bites tied together for a delicious tasting theme, learn how food interacts with wine, 6 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays, now until Oct. 27, Imbibe Wine & Spirits Merchant, 4140 Truxtun Ave. $25 per person, per session. 633-WINE. Ladies Night, learn about stretching, bike fit, bike repair, nutrition and more, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., Action Sports, 9500 Brimhall Road, Suite 400. 833-4000.

Songwriters’ Showcase, hosted

by Chuck Seaton and Billy Russell, 7 p.m., The Prime Cut, 9500 Brimhall Road. 831-1413.

Thursday 9/9 Back to School Night, 6 to 8:30 p.m., Stockdale High School, 2800 Buena Vista Road. kernhigh.org or 665-2800.

Back to School Night, 4 to 6 p.m., Vista Continuation High School, 200 P St. kernhigh.org or 327-8561.

Bakersfield British Car Club, 7 p.m., Carrow’s Restaurant, 2673 Mt. Vernon Ave. 872-4715 or 8229588.

City of Bakersfield Department of Recreation & Sports, offers a wide variety of lessons, sports, classes and more. For more information, call 326-3866.