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

16

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, September 9, 2010

But wait! There’s more!

Museum unveils festival The reception for Eye Gallery is only part of what’s happening this evening at BMoA. For a preview on the always-popular Visual Arts Festival, turn to 21.

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

SEAN WORK / THE CALIFORNIAN

“Tejon Twilight” by Barbara Reid is the last of 14 pieces featured in our annual art series, which goes on display today with a public reception at the Bakersfield Museum of Art.

Eye Gallery reception When: 6 p.m. today Where: Bakersfield Museum of Art, 1930 R St. Admission: Free to members; $10 for nonmembers. Light appetizers and a nohost bar will be available.

A sampling of other works by Barbara Reid. Far left: “Stalwart”; center: “Cocoon”; right, “Labeled.”

THE CALIFORNIAN

17

Thursday, September 9, 2010 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street

Art is the place where pain, healing intersect

BY JENNIFER SELF Californian lifestyles editor jself@bakersfield.com

B

ack and forth, up the Grapevine and down again. It’s a drive Barbara Reid has taken more times than she cares to count and for a reason still too raw at times to remember. Her young son, Danny, required medical care in Los Angeles, so for a five-year period in the late 1990s, the two trudged south down the 5, putting as many miles on a worried mother’s strained nerves as it did the car.

It’s no wonder then that Reid did all she could to avoid that route when her son lost his battle with leukemia.

But eventually, with time and perspective, that changed and she even used a familiar sight on those trips as inspiration for “Tejon Twilight,” her stunning Eye Gallery piece.

“Recently I started driving to L.A. again, sometimes a few times a week,” Reid said via e-mail. “I decided to make it meditation time. I memorized each bank of golden hills and framed them with an imaginary viewfinder. Eventually I began pulling over wherever and stuck my head out of the sunroof to shoot photos. The golden hills of Lebec/Tejon are my beacon as I return home. Taking photographs throughout the day makes my trip an art excursion with exciting stops instead of a hassle.”

Her art has provided solace time and again for Reid, who has devoted herself to her craft in earnest for the last 10 years, leaving a successful career in accounting and health care administration along the way.

“Creation of art can happen anytime, anywhere,” said Reid, 50. “The end result may surprise and delight a group of viewers, or perhaps only me. I entertain myself with my camera. I have done this in hospitals, standing in line, when bored or worried. Art and beauty are anywhere that you focus your attention — even on a subject thought to be repetitive or unpleasant.

“I have an entire series of photos entitled ‘A Day in the Life.’ These are groups of 2550 photos per day taken ‘en route’ during my daily activities, of nothing or anything special. Cast shadows, trees, clouds, sky, coffee cups, cracks in the sidewalk. These are my favorite things.”

More or our chat with Reid, who came to Bakersfield from Houston 28 years ago when her then-fiance was transferred here.

Which piece of work are you proudest of in your career?

Two pieces come to mind for completely different reasons. “Degradation to Delicacy” is one of my favorite examples of being in the creative moment and letting go after planning my steps during a monoprint process. “Yielding” brought farmers and water board members up close to look at detail of buried text and talk about the piece at a recent show. It was very fulfilling to see a piece of my art engage experts on a topic I had only recently began to study.

SEAN WORK / THE CALIFORNIAN

Barbara Reid with “Sticks, No Stones.”

If you could have a conversation with any artist, living or dead, who would it be and what would you say to him or her?

Georgia O'Keefe. Thank you; you were such a trailblazer for women artists, heading out into the New Mexico desert by yourself in the late 1920s. Were you lonely?

What was going on in your head? At what point did you quit caring what other people thought, or did you ever?

You had a very successful career before devoting yourself to art. What advice would you give someone who wants to get serious about art?

Get classes in the fundamentals and ask around for the best instructors. Art can be very solitary if you are used to the regular feedback and camaraderie of the workplace. I experience growth every time I get out of my comfort zone, which usually means working with other artists. There is no substitute for passion. Do not worry about marketability too much. Paint for yourself — this will produce authentic works.

Who are some local artists you

admire?

Art Sherwyn for range, spirit and integrity. His zest for life comes through in the work and the way he teaches. I am currently learning a lot from Claire Putney — she possesses amazing drawing and interpretive skills.

A quote or philosophy you live by: “Honesty and transparency make you vulnerable. Be honest and transparent anyway.”

— Mother Teresa

I value authenticity in myself and others more than anything. Second is a good sense of humor. Both contribute to good art.

Do you have a five-year plan?

Right now I am a member of Artists Creating Community, a group of five artists in a program conceptualized by Nicole SaintJohn at the Kern Arts Council. The group combines advocacy with art and is smart, compassionate and open-ended. It has opened my mind and heart to exciting possibilities for the future. I like art for aesthetics, but I revel in art that makes you think.

18

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, September 9, 2010

Eye Street

Pretty people, booze ... a coincidence?

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

B

38 ANNUAL TH

September 10th and 11th 4:00 - 11:00 PM on Friday 1:00 PM on Saturday until 11 PM

Donation: $5.00 Adults Kids under 12 free.

401 Truxtun Ave., Bakersfield, Ca Join us for live music, Greek dancers, Kids Fun Zone, lots of vendors & great Greek food! Many food booths or a full plate sit down dinner in Hall.

See you there. Opa!

Good for September 10-11 $2 Off Admission St. George Greek Orthodox Church with this coupon.

Greek Food Festival 2010 Limit one per person.

eer, wine, food and “more beautiful people in one location than anywhere else in Bakersfield?”

Where is this place, you breathlessly ask.

If you have to ask, you’ve probably never been to Village Fest (or to either of the annual festival’s predecessors: Brews in the Village and Up on the Roof).

Now in its 16th year, Bakersfield’s most anticipated social fiesta of the year returns to the Kern County Museum on Saturday.

Village Fest founder Rick Peace is the guy promising all the fabulous faces and, considering the festival draws 4,500 paid attendees, the law of averages has got to be on his side.

Originally called Up on the Roof because of its location atop the downtown Bank of America parking structure from ’94 to ’96, Peace and co-founder Ralph Fruguglietti, of Frugatti’s restaurant, decided to move it to the warmth of September and out of downtown. Changing the name to Brews in the Village, the annual event grew within the wide open spaces of the Kern County Museum. Since then, it’s been one of the city’s most popular social and fundraising events.

“It was great when it was downtown and in October, it had its own aura,” said Peace. “You never saw downtown rock the way it did — but it rained on us twice. The museum is an amazing home for us, and the weather is always great in September.”

After a successful run as Brews in the Village, Peace and other coordinators decided it was time for another name change to better reflect the experience. And in 2009, it was renamed Village Fest.

No longer a beer-only event (it still boasts more than 60 breweries and 100-plus brews), Village Fest also features more than 20 Central Coast wineries with upwards of 50 wines, plus food from more nearly three dozen Bakersfield restaurants.

“It’s been great to see it evolve, since starting as a beer festival then becoming ‘the event’ of Bakersfield.”

To keep you sampling in step, 18 local rock, Latin, reggae, soul and jazz bands will be performing throughout the grounds. Some of this year’s artists include Monty Byrom, Fatt Katt and The Von Zippers, Mento Buru, Thee Majestics, Soulajar, Lawanda Smith, and the News Brothers, among others.

Plus, to commemorate the lives of those lost during the attacks of 9/11, there will be a special tribute display by the Kern County Fire Department.

“What you get is six different stages of simultaneous music with six different themes,” said Peace. “Once you

CALIFORNIAN FILE

Several thousand guests came to sample beers and wines — and lots of food — at the 2007 Brews in the Village. One of Bakersfield’s most popular social events, the gathering is now called Village Fest.

Village Fest 2010 When: 6 p.m. Saturday Where: Kern County Museum, 3805 Chester Ave. Admission: $63 advance; $68 day of event. Tickets available at Frugatti's, Lengthwise Brewery, or through Vallitix.com Information: 323-2739 Website: bakersfieldvillagefest.com *This is a 21 & over only event

walk into a new lawn area, you get a brand new feeling and sound.”

According to Peace, the massive undertaking to organize Village Fest requires about 11 months of preparation. From making phone calls, gathering volunteers, permits and vendors, every day leading up to the final big week is important. Then, the Kern County Museum transformation begins.

“That Monday morning, we start with a crew of six people to set up Gilligan’s Kon Tiki Lounge, then we keep going until that Saturday afternoon.”

Since the festival’s inception, all money raised goes to benefit CARE (Children’s Advocates Resource Endowment), a non-profit organization also started by Peace and Fruguglietti in ’99.

Peace explained that while other charitable organizations use much of their funds to pay for administrative costs, all the money raised for CARE is spent on those in need.

“We’d like to inspire others to donate,” he said. “We’re seeing big results with the Village Fest fundraiser, and all the money is staying in Kern

County.”

Some of the charities CARE has benefited include: The Society For Disabled Children’s Camp Blue Jay; CASA of Kern; the Epilepsy Society of Kern County; and Bereavement Camp, where children who’ve lost a parent can receive peer counseling.

Praising the works of volunteers donating their time to these causes, CARE President Jim Luff has witnessed the good works of his organization in the community. In 2009, CARE fundraising campaigns helped set up the Southwest Bakersfield Boys and Girls Club with a new CARE Computer Center.

“It’s important for us to share our accomplishments,” Luff said. “These kids can now get help with their homework, plus get valuable life and job skills. We’re making miracles happen in Bakersfield.”

Looking to assure everyone enjoys themselves, Peace points out a common sight he felt compelled to change this year. While recommending attendees dress sharp, Peace is trying to avoid any footwear foul-ups.

“Women dress to impress at Village Fest, but one thing we see every year are gals stuck carrying their high heels around. So, this year we’ll be selling flip-flops!”

Also stepping up this year as the designated driver is Limousine Scene.

General manager Luff said his company will again offer attendees a free safe ride home aboard the company’s large multi-passenger vehicle, beginning at 9 p.m.

“Get your safe ride home ready before you head to the festival — your mom, dad, whoever your can trust, we want people to get home safely,” said Peace.

19

Thursday, September 9, 2010 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street

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Celebrating Greek culture Two-day annual festival has lots of food, fun

BY HILLARY HAENES Californian staff writer hhaenes@bakersfield.com

O

pa! Live music and dance, shots of ouzo (a Greek alcohol with a licorice-like taste), delicious pastries and food is how the Greek community likes to party.

St. George Greek Orthodox Church will host its 38th annual Greek Food Festival on Friday and Saturday in downtown Bakersfield. Each year, the two-day Greek fest attracts thousands of families and friends who gather to learn about and celebrate the Greek culture.

“We started (planning) a little early this year so we wouldn’t have to plan during crunch time. I was adamant at getting things started early,” said Danny Andrews, parish council treasurer.

It’s a good thing the festival committee planned ahead because there will be 500 chicken dinners served, and Mary Mekhel baked 40 trays of baklava, cut into 4,000 pieces.

There will be four kinds of cookies — 1,000 total — and about 5,000 homemade dolmades (hand-rolled grape leaves stuffed with meat, onions and rice). A couple of weeks before the

38th annual Greek Food Festival When: 4 to 11 p.m. on Friday and 1 to 11 p.m. on Saturday Where: St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 401 Truxtun Ave. Tickets: $5 adults, free for children 12 and under Information: Call the church at 325-8694

festival, the pastries were baked, packaged and labeled, said Andrews, who has been on the festival committee for three years.

More traditional Greek cuisine will include gyros and Loukoumades (a honey-puffed doughnut sprinkled with cinnamon) that pair well with Greek coffee. Hot dogs and barbecue plates are options for kids or those who don’t want to go Greek.

“It’s kind of a toss-up. ... My personal favorite is the a la carte dining. I have three little kids I have to chase after so I can’t have a sit-down dinner. I’m running from the hot dogs to the bounce house,” Andrews said about the popular festival food.

The event is the church’s main fundraiser. Last year, about $50,000

was collected to support general expenses, maintenance and about seven youth programs.

Besides the food aspect of Greek culture, a couple of men are hired to dress in authentic Greek warrior costumes.

“They’ll be stationed in a nice shady spot and explain all the ancient dress of the time of the Greek soldiers for some historical perspective,” Andrews said.

There will also be bounce houses and a variety of games for the kids and dancing for adults and children. Synthesis, a small Greek band from Los Angeles, has been entertaining the crowds the last several years.

“We try to motivate those who are new to the experience to just do a couple steps forward and a couple steps back and make a circle and hold hands,” Andrews said of the dancing.

For visitors interested in viewing the church, the pastor will offer tours and give a basic history of the symbolic icons and architecture.

To prepare for a potential heat wave (it is September), the committee added a canopy with misters for shaded seating. A la carte items range from $5 to $20, a barbecue plate with sides is $20, a chicken dinner costs $12 and soft drinks are $1. Wine, beer and hard liquor vary in price.

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20

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, September 9, 2010

Eye Street Camille Gavin CONTRIBUTING COLUMNIST

The Bard lives on in our county Love of Shakespeare goes on despite festival’s end

W

ith a respectful nod to the lyricist Oscar Hammerstein II, it appears to me that Shakespeare is bustin’ out all over Kern’s hills and plains these days.

This unusual boom — or maybe boon is a better word — is grounded in four different productions of the Bard’s work scheduled this year.

First on the list is “As You Like It” which opens with a pre-party — champagne, sparkling cider, hors d’oeuvres and desserts — on Saturday at The Empty Space. The comedy is part of a revival of the Kern Shakespeare Festival, or KSF, which began 26 years ago at Bakersfield College.

“KSF is back in a new home,” says Guinevere PH Dethlefson, who acted in several of the BC productions. “We now put the ‘Kern’ in Kern Shakespeare Festival as the show begins its run in Bakersfield and then hits the road to Shafter.”

Bob Kempf, a founding member of KSF — which was the brainchild of Randy Messick — is the director.

Kempf, according to Dethlefson, directed and acted in 30 festival productions over the years. But wait, there’s more.

Porter Jamison, who’s been involved in local theater for many years, is readying a production of “Taming of the Shrew” at Bakersfield Community Theatre.

Presenting the two shows back to back is a kind of a tag-team approach as a way of filling the gap left by the closure of KSF, he said, and added, “As You Like It,” closes on Oct. 2 and

PHOTO BY RUTHANNE JENNINGS

David Siler and Madelyn Perez in Tehachapi Community Theatre’s season-opening show, “Proof.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF KAYLEIGH PEAKER

Tessa Ogles as Celia, Lorenzo Salazar as Touchstone and Amy Hall as Rosalind in “As You Like It.”

GO & DO ‘As You Like It’ Gala opening: 7 p.m.

Saturday Where: The Empty Space, 706 Oak St. Admission: $20 Information: 327-PLAY

Tehachapi Community Theatre What: Season opener “Proof” When: 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday Where: Bee Kay Theatre, 110 S. Green St., Tehachapi Admission: $15 Information: 822-4037

“Shrew” opens on Oct. 8 at BCT. Then in March 2011, Spotlight is doing “Hamlet,” and in June, Tehachapi Community Theatre will close its season with its version of “Shrew.” Neither Spotlight’s

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

nor TCT’s shows are part of the KSF series, however.

Now back to “As You Like It,” which is a merry romp of mistaken identities, battles over inheritance, and mixed-up love affairs. Kempf has set it in California in the 1960s but I’m assuming the lines being spoken are as the Bard wrote them including one of my favorites: “All the world’s a stage and men and women are merely players ...”

The play tells the story of Rosalind, played by Amy Hall, who falls in love with Orlando, portrayed by Matthew Borton, at a wrestling match. Later, disguised as a boy, she ventures into a forest with her cousin Celia, played by Tessa Ogles, who is accompanied

by Lorenzo Salazar, a jester called Touchstone.

Then things get even merrier, or, as Dethlefson puts it, “Rosalind’s arrival in the forest seems to provoke even more romance, as various couples discover the transformational quality of love.

(The play) runs the glorious gamut of love and lust, betrayal and redemption, and humor both high and low.”

Like most Shakespeare plays, this one has a large cast. Among those in supporting roles are Nor-

man Colwell, Corey Skaggs, Lexie Watkins, Justin Thompson, Gregory McDonald, Duke Frederick, Jay Campbell, Matt Mizell, Meg Calvillo and Mariah Bathe.

Arrangements with Messick for continuing the festival were made

by Ron Warren, an independent producer, and Jason Monroe, executive director of Empty Space Productions. Both are long-time KSF company members.

“As You Like It” will have four more performances at the Empty.

And then at 8 p.m on Oct. 1 and 2, it will be presented at the Shafter High School auditorium.

‘Proof’ in Tehachapi “Proof,” a sensitive and intriguing drama about a daughter and her father, a mathematical genius, is Tehachapi Community Theatre’s first offering of the season. Lead actors are Madeline Perez, David Siler, Jonathan Hall and Aubry McDonald. Mark Fisher directs.

Playwright David Auburn won the 2001 Pulitzer Prize for the play.

Four years later, it was made into a film starring Gwyneth Paltrow, Anthony Hopkins and Jake Gyllenhaal. Karl Schuck, who provided the listing of TCT’s shows for 201011, included this comment in his e-mail.

“Isn’t it interesting that in Kern County we have two extremely old community theaters? We are entering our 42nd year, which is

nothing next to BCT…” which was founded in 1927.

Schuck goes on to say he appreciates reading about theater in both The Californian and the Tehachapi News. And judging from his mention of a former TBC editor and columnist, he’s obviously been around these parts for some time.

“When I was a whippersnapper,” Schuck said, “The Californian had no coverage (of theater) to speak of. The best you could hope for was a mention in Jim Day’s column — which he was generally very kind about.”

Tehachapi Community Theatre’s 2010-11 season begins with “Proof.” Performances start Friday and continue weekends through Sept. 25. Other shows scheduled are: “It's a Wonderful Life,” Nov. 19 to Dec. 4 “A Funny Thing Happened on the way to the Forum” Jan. 28 to Feb. 12 “Foxfire,” March 18 to April 2 “Taming of the Shrew,” June 10 to 25 All shows performed for three weekends at the Bee Kay Theatre, 110 S. Green St. in Tehachapi.

The season ticket price of $65 includes advance ticket exchange and discounts at selected restaurants for a meal on the day of show attended. For more information, call 822-4037.

21

Thursday, September 9, 2010 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street

Architect opens own studio New business helps him rediscover his passions

BY CAMILLE GAVIN Contributing columnist

A

rt Knight, a professional architect for most of his life, has rediscovered his love for fine art and has opened Flying Moose Studios next to Dagny’s in downtown Bakersfield.

Although he’s lived in California since an early age, Knight traces his roots to northern Minnesota.

Thus, the woodsy name for his new business.

His newfound inspiration arose three years ago by way of a side trip he took after attending a conference in Arizona.

“I went to Sedona for a couple of days,” he explained. “I saw all those galleries there and got all turned on.”

Knight, 61, said he did a lot of painting in the 1970s but set that interest aside after earning his degree in architecture from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. He first worked for Bechtel in Norwalk, then came to Bakersfield and for 23 years designed buildings and other projects for the Klassen Corporation.

However, with the present decline in the construction industry, he said there’s not much work for an architect these days so he’s decided to return to fine art.

Prominently displayed in his front window at last week’s First Friday event was an inviting seascape done in cool colors. Titled “Tacking at Morro Bay,” it shows a boat in full sail skimming across the water. On opposite sides of the background are Morro Rock and a pair of power-plant towers, both shrouded in a wispy mist that adds a sense of the surreal.

Artwork by his sister-in-law Sheryl Knight also is displayed in the gallery. A Santa Maria resident, she specializes in plein air paintings, mainly landscapes.

Paintings by Patti Doolittle and Greg Frazier are being shown and Knight said he’s open to showing the work of other artists as well.

Knight gives lessons for $20 to $25 a session, mostly on a one-to-one basis and for all ages.

He also does free critiques but warns that he’s very candid.

“I don’t cherry-coat it — I’m honest,” he said. “I tell them what’s wrong with it and how to fix it.”

Flying Moose Studios Hours: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday to Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and noon to 8 p.m. Saturday Where: 1602 20th St. Admission: Free Information: 395-9121

Art museum kicks off annual Visual Arts festival A

wide variety of interesting and compelling artworks will go on display this evening when the Bakersfield Museum of Art kicks off the annual Visual Arts Small Works Festival, plus three other new exhibitions. The Visual Arts Festival is expected to draw artists from around Kern County and California who have submitted works for the juried competition. Awards will be presented at the event.

“Vessels,” the theme of the festival, is a concept with a broad variety of meanings, said curator Vikki Cruz. The idea is for artists to work with a uniform format of 12-by-12 inches or less to explore the depths of the theme. Cruz said a vessel can be perceived as a craft for traveling on water, a hollow or concave container, a tube or duct, an artery or vein, or a person regarded as a holder.

More than 150 entries were submitted, from which 63 pieces from 44 artists were selected. Some 17 entries came from outside of Bakersfield. Juror and artist Aron Wiesenfeld, who selected the show, will present the awards at 7 p.m. and make remarks about the pieces.

“Choosing the winners for this year’s Visual Art’s Festival was not an easy task,” Wiesenfeld said. “Not only was there a lot of really good work; there was such a variety of styles and mediums that it was like choosing between apples and oranges. How does one decide which piece is best when there is such an array of intentions? One quality that stands above all others is the ability to communicate, and each of the works in this show communicated to me, regardless of whether that was quiet, shocking, cerebral, or whimsical.”

The Visual Arts Festival is one of the museum’s major fundraising events each year. The 63 artworks, in a variety of mediums, will fill the Cunningham Gallery and all works will be for sale. Proceeds go to various museum education programs.

Also opening tonight is “Forty Years in the Making: 2010-1970, The Ceramic Art of David Furman.” Furman is professor emeritus at two of the Claremont Colleges in California. His work has been included in exhibitions at the Whitney Museum in New York, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art and the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C., among others.

“Pamela Hill Enticknap: Currents” also opens tonight. Enticknap has a studio in Carpinteria, where she paints in oil on canvas with a focus on figurative work. Her work is inspired by lyrical rhythms, patterns, a sense of time and place, and the human form. Using her extensive drawings to compose the figurative paintings, she paints the attitudes and energies of the people she observes.

“My paintings reflect my own times, what I see and experience. I fill my work with the fascinating characters and attitudes that catch my eye,” she said.

“Currents” is a body of work about the characters who inhabit the beaches near her home, which she sketches and then composes into paintings in her studio. She approaches the work with characteristic

PHOTO COURTESY OF BAKERSFIELD MUSEUM OF ART

“Six Figures with Blue Umbrella” by Pamela Hill Enticknap will be among the works on display tonight in an exhibition at the Bakersfield Museum of Art.

robust energy dense with emotional richness.

Eye Gallery, The Californian’s annual art project, which featured 14 local artists and their work over the past several weeks, also will premiere tonight. The paintings will be on exhibition in the Chevron Gallery and will be for sale. Participating artists are: Hank Washington, Alison Beitzell, Barbara Reid, Matthew Slominski, Samantha Purdy, Norma Savage, Chris McKee, Nicole Saint-John, Nancy Merrick, Larry Jason, Lila Martin, Mel Paleo, Brian Demarest and David Gordon.

— Bakersfield Museum of Art

GO & DO What: Opening reception, featuring works in the Visual Arts Festival, Eye Gallery and the art of David Furman and Pamela Hill Enticknap When: 6 p.m. today Where: Bakersfield Museum of Art, 1930 R St. Admission: Free to members; $10 for nonmembers. Light appetizers and a no-host bar will be available.

22

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, September 9, 2010

Eye Street The Lowdown with Matt Munoz

Eli Young & the Restless Oscar for his song “The Weary Kind” from the movie “Crazy Heart,” singer/songwriter Ryan Bingham is finally coming home.

His killer new CD “Junky Star” is out now with more future hits.

During a recent interview, I asked Ryan what we can expect from his show. His first response was, “Oh, we like it a little rowdy.” Opening the show will be local alt-country legends, The Wichitas.

Band antsy to lay something new on us

T

he Eli Young Band is an anxious bunch. Appearing tonight at Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace, the Denton, Texas, quartet of Mike Eli, vocals; James Young, guitar; Chris Thompson, drums; and Jon Jones, bass, have been touring nonstop since the release of 2008’s “Jet Black & Blue.”

Currently in the middle of switching record labels, the band is eager to give Bakersfield country fans just what they crave: new music.

“We’ve been waiting to put this new record out,” said bassist Jones of their as-yet-untitled new CD via telephone from Pittsburgh aboard the band’s tour bus. “We just got the mixes, and can’t wait to introduce ourselves to new fans.”

Originally a duo featuring members Mike Eli and James Young in 2000, they soon grew to a four-piece during their college days at North Texas University, where they all attended. Performing on the weekends in town, they kept the original surname combination and stayed busy through graduation as The Eli Young Band.

“It took me the longest to graduate with my psychology degree,” Jones admitted. “Six years, but once the last person graduated, we knew music was the way for us to go. Mike has a business degree and, during those early years, it really helped us out.”

Releasing their first CD themselves post graduation, they were signed to independent label Carnival in 2002, before being picked up

PHOTO COURTESY OF RON KEITH

Southern Culture On The Skids will appear at Fishlips on Sunday.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE ELI YOUNG BAND

The Eli Young Band, from left: James Young, Jon Jones, Mike Eli and Chris Thompson.

by Universal Records. Dropping their first single, “When It Rains,” in 2007, their full-length major label debut was being primed for success.

Upon its release the following year, it produced two more charting singles, including “Radio Waves” and “Guinevere,” a song that helped establish the band’s reputation as rising stars.

“We’ve been working non-stop, and we really don’t have a formula to base that on,” said Jones. “But the fans seem to like what we’re doing. That’s good enough for us.”

Winding up the last leg of their tour before heading into another phase of band business, Jones also says they’ve already received a vote of confidence from listeners on the road.

The Eli Young Band When: 7 p.m. today Where: Buck Owens' Crystal Palace, 2800 Buck Owens Blvd.

Admission: $15 Information: 328-7560

“The minute you play a new song in concert, a video comes out online and the next day people know the lyrics. I think it’s great.”

It’s that type of interaction that Jones also believes will keep audiences from losing interest, until the ink on their upcoming contract dries.

“In a lot of ways those videos

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.

help us get immediate feedback, before we decide on a final recording. It’s one of those things that can go terribly wrong or right.

There’s an excitement in it.”

Matt’s picks Village Fest at Kern County Museum, 3805 Chester Ave., 6 p.m. Saturday, $63, 323-2739.

The biggest annual gathering of Bakersfield socialites, it’s also quite the rager. During its original years atop of the Bank of America parking structure, the entire structure used to shake. If you miss this year’s party you have only yourself to blame. Please make sure you have a sober driver before you head into downtown where the festivities continue at Fishlips.

Ryan Bingham and The Wichitas at B Ryder’s, 7401 White Lane, 8 p.m. Sunday, $20, 397-7304.

I can’t recommend this show enough. After winning a 2010

Southern Culture On The Skids at Fishlips, 1517 18th St., 8 p.m., Sunday, $12, 324-2557 Straight from Chapel Hill, N.C., this hillbilly trio of rockabilly pranksters write songs about dancing, sex, and fried chicken.

Checking out the band’s tour rider, they request a bucket of KFC and bananas for use onstage.

Don’t ask me why, just get ready to have a Bakersfield-style hoedown with every Bakobilly scene crasher in town.

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 Lotus Veil Local music promoter Cody Anderson from The Dome A preview of Pato Banton show at Fishlips Sept. 16

23

Thursday, September 9, 2010 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street Tap, Ballet, Acrobatics, Hip Hop and Jazz Ages 2-Adult

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Cool show alert: You can’t miss Ryan Bingham I

first heard of Ryan Bingham in 2007 on the great PBS show “Austin City Limits.” I tune in to every episode I can. It’s a great showcase for established bands, and a really great place to spot new talent. I knew that the Drive-By Truckers were on that night, so I was already locked in. The other act was Ryan Bingham.

It took less than half a song for me to be hooked. I looked up the album, “Mescalito,” called Pat at World Records, and had the CD the next day.

I played it nonstop for about a week.

Every person I played it for loved it. I played some songs on my show as bumper music, and got a few calls from music fans around town wanting to know who the artist was. Those are my favorite calls, by the way.

Here’s how I would describe his music — beautifully crafted, roughedged songs with a country sensibility that Nashville has long forgotten.

Amazingly lyrical, but infused with top-flight instrumentals, most notably the guitars — from vintage Telecaster twang to perfectly crunchy rock riffs.

In short, my kind of music.

The funny thing is, great as Bingham’s songs are, I don’t know that they would have the same impact if sung by anyone else. The guy has the perfect voice for these songs, and he knows how to use the combination very effectively. Vocally, if you draw a line from Hank Williams to Tom Waits, Ryan Bingham will be somewhere on that line, and obviously it doesn’t matter where. It’s a nice neighborhood.

Country songs are

WIKIPEDIA.COM

Ryan Bingham performs in Jacksonville, Fla.

supposed to be raw and emotional, and Bingham’s voice just sounds like he has lived through some stuff that gives his songs old-school street cred, and that is in very short supply these days. He sounds like really good tequila tastes.

Another interesting component of Bingham’s work is his collaboration with former Black Crowes guitarist Marc Ford. He’s the guy who turned “Mescalito” from a cookie-cutter record into a work of art. The story of how this happened just might say the most about what kind of artist Bingham is. He had just signed with a label, and while they were blown away by his talent, they wanted him to make a record that Nashville would embrace.

You can’t blame them — they are in the record-selling business after all. But the labels demand a very specific formula, and Bingham’s music just doesn’t work that way. So he took his record back and started again from scratch with Ford producing, and the results were spectacular. I’m serious. Buy that record today.

Also worth a listen or 100 is his sophomore effort, “Roadhouse Sun.” While less dark and brooding than “Mescalito,” it’s every bit as good. While you’re at the record store/iTunes/Rhapsody, or whatever, by all means get his new release, “Junky Star.” I’ve only had time to listen to it a few times (I’m playing it on the computer as I write this), but so far it seems like it’s just as good as the previous two. By now, you’ve probably heard “The Weary Kind,” the theme from “Crazy Heart.” At least I hope you’ve seem the film, because it’s great.

That song is on the new record, and by itself it’s worth the price of admission.

Ryan is even in the film. He’s the guy who sings when “The Dude” is too drunk to perform. (Note: Jeff Bridges is referred to as “The Dude,” from “The Big Lebowski,” no matter what the movie or role). That tune netted Bingham an Oscar, and should get him a Grammy as well.

The best news of all: Ryan Bingham is coming to Bakersfield! He’ll be at B Ryder’s Sunday. I would’ve expected this show to be at Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace or maybe Fishlips. But I suppose you never can tell. I’m just glad that someone had the sense and taste to book him at all.

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‘Junky Star’ ★★★ (out of four) Ryan Bingham & the Dead Horses (Lost Highway) Bingham will play B Ryder’s on Sept. 12. Doors open at 7 p.m., B. Ryder’s Sports Bar & Grill, 7401 White Lane. Tickets are $20 (includes service charge) and can be purchased at World Records, Mainland, Impact Streetwear, Fatal Impact, Styles, Wavelengths or at timgardeapresents.com.

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BY MARGARET WAPPLER Los Angeles Times

In “Strange Feelin’ in the Air,” a crooked guitar riff stalks, offering a feeling of apprehension as sure as the shifty outsider bursting through the swinging doors of the townie saloon.

It’s pure Ryan Bingham, a conjurer of atmosphere, a gift that he put to good use for “The Weary Kind,” his Oscarwinning song featured in “Crazy Heart.”

The Topanga Canyon troubadour wrote the movie’s theme with roots maestro T Bone Burnett, who also lends his production skills to “Junky

Star,” Bingham’s third album of dirtyfingernail Americana. Unlike Bingham’s last outing, “Roadhouse Sun,” in which his native windswept Texas dominated the proceedings, California creeps up in the margins. In the ragged, heartfelt “Depression,” the Golden State might be an escape from a wasteland, but it’s not that simple; on the title track, he’s “sleeping on the Santa Monica Pier, with the junkies and the stars.”

Whatever specter California casts, thank heavens it doesn’t add polish.

Bingham’s voice still sounds like a gutshot animal dragging itself across the

road. It can bend toward a moment of relief, like when he sings “Hallelujah,” or it can fold into sorrow, as it does on “Yesterday’s Blues.” Burnett wisely stands back and lets Bingham, the former bull rider, bleed or buck in the spotlight.

The only quality that’s sorely missed on “Junky Star” is Bingham’s sense of adventure. There’s nothing on here that approaches the meltdown of “Change Is” or the spitfire of “Hey Hey Hurray” on “Roadhouse Sun.” Bingham, no stranger now to the Hollywood circuit, might be in a new land but he shouldn’t forget his pioneer spirit.

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The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, September 9, 2010

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I

f you’re heading south out of Bakersfield at night, you may want to plug your nose to avoid smelling our beloved dairy industry. But if you’re traveling north, take some time to literally stop and smell the roses.

And if smelling them isn’t good enough for you, head to Wasco for the 42nd annual Festival of Roses, a weekend-long event celebrating one of Wasco’s most prosperous crops.

Beginning this evening with a tennis tournament and ending Saturday evening with the close of the art show and fair, attendees will have the chance to learn more about Wasco’s history in the rose industry as well as celebrate this lucrative agricultural staple.

A little-known fact about Wasco’s agriculture industry is that the rose bushes from Wasco comprise around 40 percent of the nation’s rose bushes, and around 50 million of the plants are grown in the North Kern area.

Festival manager Vickie Hight says the reason for Wasco’s near-dominance of the rose industry is the result

of Wasco’s possession of the three perfect elements for growing rose bushes.

One of those elements is the soil.

The type of soil found there is so highly regarded that it was named after the city — Wasco Sandy Loam Soil — and is good for growing because of its ability to drain water.

The second element is the water, which has a very low salt concentration and comes mostly from state canals or wells.

The mild climate also makes roses thrive. Wasco boasts at least 325 frostfree days a year, giving the roses the best chance at thriving.

And though tule fog is not fun to drive through, it’s helpful during harvest time because it helps to keep the plants moisturized.

Visitors will have the opportunity tour some of the nursery rose fields to learn even more about the growing process and history. Buses on loan from the elementary school will take groups through the fields. A volunteer docent will narrate. In addition to roses, visitors will see other agricultural staples as well, such as almonds, pistachios and carrots.

The festival will feature traditional elements such as the Rose Queen pageant, and the parade through the main streets of town. The Evening of Wine and Roses will also return, with Still Waters winery from Paso Robles

serving as the evening’s chosen vintner.

Attendees may purchase arts and crafts at the outdoor fair, sing karaoke at the festival’s barbecue, eat pancakes at the pancake breakfast, and purchase rose bushes donated by Wasco’s own Week’s Nursery.

Children will also play a key role in the weekend’s festivities, as one of the most popular events is the Rose Show.

For this event, children are given different themes for different age groups and are asked to submit an entry that depicts whatever that theme means to them.

This year also marks the return of an old favorite: the Fun Run. Though it’s been absent from the agenda for the last three or four years due to lack of funding and manpower, a local nonprofit in town called The Net Ministry is sponsoring it this year, with the event’s proceeds being put to use within the ministry. Hight says this is one of the most anticipated and popular events of the weekend.

About 40 people start work on the festival in April every year. Each committee is made up of volunteers who work to make the entire event (other than food and crafts for purchase) free to the public. Hight says, “We just want everyone to feel welcome to come to enjoy the (events). Everyone is welcome.”

Visit singer ... and grab some Funyuns

BY JENNIFER SELF

GO & DO

Californian lifestyles editor jself@bakersfield.com

Gretchen Wilson will be in the area for two appearances Sunday.

Autograph-signing: 1 p.m. at TravelCenters of America, 5552 Wheeler Ridge Road (from Bakersfield, take Interstate 5 south; exit at Laval Road, 219 A).

Concert: 7 p.m. at Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace, 2800 Buck Owens Blvd. Tickets are $51.50 to $61.50 and can be purchased at vallitix.com or 322-5200.

L

et me get a big hell yeah from the fans of “Redneck Woman” Gretchen Wilson, who will sign autographs at a TravelCenters of America store at the base of the Grapevine at 1 p.m. Sunday.

Wilson, who seemed to speak for life-of-the-party gals everywhere when she roared on to the country scene a few years ago with spitfire anthems like “Redneck Woman” and “All Jacked Up,” will be in the area for a concert at Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace later that day.

B. Craig Campbell, who handles publicity for the star, said it was unusual for Wilson to make an appearance at what amounts to a convenience store. But then she did make a name for herself by connecting with regular folks, and convenience stores are where regular folks tend to go. As TA manager Dina DeLeon pointed out, the Lebec area store, located near the always-packed Starbucks, gets a lot of traffic.

DeLeon has been such a blur of activity since she learned of the special guest about a week ago that she hasn’t had time to get acquainted with the singer or her work. At all.

“I didn’t even know who she was,” said the un-starstruck manager. “But I did see some pictures and saw her CD and I know people are excited.”

TMS

Gretchen Wilson is an ex-waitress who burst on the country music scene with her songs “Redneck Woman” and “All Jacked Up.”

The store has ordered about 200 copies of Wilson’s latest album, “I Got Your Country Right Here,” which will be available for $14.99.

DeLeon said it was her understanding Wilson would autograph only copies of the new CD, but Campbell said his client is a pretty good sport and will sign anything — within reason, that is.

“She will stay until everything is signed,” Campbell promised.

Wilson’s career has quieted down a bit since her 2004 debut, but Campbell said it’s an exciting time for the singer, who parted with former label Sony last year and has started her own record company, called — what else — Redneck Records.

“She’s loving that part, mainly because she knows what’s going on.

A lot of times, there were decisions made she didn’t know about,” he said.

As for DeLeon, between getting the store ready and making sure the singer’s demands are met (just requests for water and refreshments — no diva behavior here), will she make time to study up on the singer’s hits?

“That’s correct. I have to know something about her.”

25

Thursday, September 9, 2010 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street

Back-To-School

Specials

Museum still has much to offer despite loss

BY ALLIE CASTRO Californian staff writer acastro@bakersfield.com

I

n the swirl of confusion that surrounded the swift departure of the Buena Vista Museum of Natural History’s Miocene fossil collection, it’s easy to forget the abundant resources it has to offer.

However, just like every third Thursday of the month, today is a free admission day to the museum, providing kids and adults alike the opportunity to check out all the museum has to offer in the 16,000-square-feet of exhibit space currently being used.

Koral Hancharick, executive director of the museum, weighed in on some of the must-see exhibits: “Our African and Asian animals are always a huge hit.”

The Native American exhibit — which includes an interpretive village — is also a crowd-pleaser, she says.

They also have a hands-on interactive science center dedicated to kids.

The center includes the new Oh! Zone exhibit.

A renovation of the dinosaur exhibit is expected to be complete by October or November, with fossils, large replicas and a new timeline display. The exhibit also features an anatomy sec-

Free Admission Day When: Noon to 4 p.m. Sept. 16 (free admission day is the third Thursday of the month) Where: Buena Vista Museum of Natural History, 2018 Chester Ave. Information: 324-6350

tion that details how the human body works and displays the lowest life form all the way up to humans. In this area kids can get their hands dirty using the microscopes and magnifying glasses the museum provides, and digging for fossils in a large sandpit.

The museum also boasts what Hancharick describes as a “pretty awesome” gem collection comprised of “a good diversified selection of gem and minerals … in their natural state and cut form.” The museum also has a display of the official rocks and minerals of all 50 states.

Though the Miocene collection is gone, there are plenty of fossils on display, and through the efforts of the community and spirited fundraising by the museum, officials hope to buy back at auction some of the most beloved fossils from the Miocene col-

lection.

Among the fossils the museum has on the top of its wish list is the allodesmus, an ancient sea lion around 14 million to 15 million years old. This allodesmus is the most complete in the world, and unlike many skeletons, it was fully intact when it was found as opposed to being reconstructed using composites of multiple animals.

Hancharick says its important to the museum to try to get some of these fossils back as “they (are) Kern County’s history. They were found here in Kern County and it’s very significant for our schoolchildren to be able to see these fossils, and (for us) to keep them here where they were originally found.”

However, focusing on the loss of a small (though rightfully treasured) part of the collection wouldn’t do the museum justice.

Hancharick hopes that some of the publicity surrounding the fossil issue will help people realize what the museum has to offer.

“I hear all the time ‘I had no idea that was here!’ So the one thing I really wish everyone in Bakersfield knew is that this huge educational resource is right here in Bakersfield.”

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Original members reunite for Showcase THE BAKERSFIELD CALIFORNIAN

T

he original lineup of popular Bakersfield band Hot Taco will reunite for a rare show Wednesday to celebrate the six-month mark of the weekly Songwriters Showcase headed by Hot Taco frontmen Chuck Seaton and Billy Russell.

Melanie Hengtgen, who handles publicity for Seaton, said in an e-mail that it’s been about a year since all four guys have played in public together. In addition to Russell on lead vocals and guitar and Seaton on guitar, the original lineup consists of Tanner Byrom on drums and Ron Mitchell on bass.

Russell and Seaton have played with other rhythm sections over the years under the Hot Taco name.

The band will play a one-hour set of the songs they wrote on their 2004 self-titled album.

In addition, the band has written material for a sophomore album and is looking to get in the studio soon to record it, according to Hengtgen.

PHOTO COURTESY OF HOT TACO

Hot Taco in 2006, from left: Tanner Byrom, drums; Ron Mitchell, bass; Billy Russell, vocals and guitar; and Chuck Seaton, guitars.

GO & DO What: Songwriters’ Showcase sixmonth anniversary, featuring Hot Taco When: 7 p.m. Wednesday

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26

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, September 9, 2010

Eye Street Wine-tasting event raises money for needy kids

BY ALLIE CASTRO Californian staff writer acastro@bakersfield.com

Bakersfield Elks Lodge #266 is trying something new to add life to a century-old tradition. The group will host a wine-tasting Saturday to raise funds for the annual holiday luncheon the lodge hosts for underprivileged kids.

All proceeds from the event will go toward the Christmastime event. Vintners from Grizzly Republic winery in Paso Robles and Las Flores winery in Terra Bella will be on hand to pour samples of the wines they have donated and provide information on their wine clubs. Samples from cases of donated by Firestone Vineyards, Brutocao Cellars, Hope Family Wines and Sculpterra Winery will be available for tasting as well.

Local restaurants and stores such as RJ’s, Chuy’s, Chili’s, Trader Joe’s and Albertsons have also pitched in, donating appetizers for the event.

Wine-tasting benefit When: 6 p.m Saturday Where: Bakersfield Elks Lodge #266, 1616 30th St. Admission: $25 per person; only 100 tickets will be sold Information: 323-7536

The wine-tasting is just one of three major fundraisers that will enable the lodge to host the luncheon for underprivileged first- through third-graders from throughout Kern County.

The children are escorted by their teachers and volunteer parent chaperones to the Elks lodge, where they are given as many hot dogs as they can eat, chips, milk and ice cream. They also have the opportunity to meet Santa and are given toys and a goodie bag.

The Elks Leading Knight Juanita Ream says of the event, “All of the schools can’t wait. It’s really cool to see the principals and superintendents want to come” because of the joy the event brings to the kids.

She says she was a bit concerned when someone from another lodge warned her she might not be able to get anything donated during tight budget times. However, she was pleasantly surprised by the willingness of the wineries and local restaurants to participate.

“It’s amazing that during our hard times we’re still able to raise money. And I’m getting two (vintners) and cases here and there. The outpour is great.”

Annual BC barbecue returns to ... BC

BY ALLIE CASTRO Californian staff writer acastro@bakersfield.com

F

or the first time in six years, the Bakersfield College Alumni Association’s 56th annual barbecue on Sept. 16 will be held on the Bakersfield College campus.

Headlining the social will be the BC cheerleaders and crowd favorite the Tony Ernst band (comprised of BC alum). Also on the agenda is an introduction of the coaches and players of the BC sports program.

A barbecue dinner will also be served by BC chef and culinary arts instructor Pat Coyle, with the help of BC food services staff, headed by chef Alex Gomez. Coyle’s culinary arts students will be on hand gaining experience while assisting with dinner preparations.

A few added attractions this year include the drum line, which will lead the parade of athletes.

There will be a raffle for Carrie Underwood tickets that, along with 100 percent of the admission money, will benefit the Alumni Association, which provides scholarships to students and supports the athletic programs.

The event returned from Stramler Park

BC Alumni Association 56th annual barbecue When: Social begins at 5:30 p.m., dinner from 6 to 8 p.m. Sept. 16 Where: BC football practice field, 1801 Panorama Drive Tickets: $25 adults, $20 seniors 65 and up, $15 students, $5 children under 12. Tickets can be purchased at the BC ticket office, 395-4326; BC Foundation, 395-4800; or at the gate.

to the BC campus for several reasons, said donor relations coordinator Hannah Egland.

“Nothing really screamed that this is BC’s barbecue, so having it back on campus screams ‘This is BC’s barbecue, come join us!’ We’re also hoping that this way we’ll get a lot of students involved, revitalize the barbecue, and get more people involved whether it’s community members, alumni, staff, faculty or students.”

The event serves as one of the three biggest fundraisers of the year for the alumni association, and they’re hoping for at least 1,000 attendees this year.

SALAD BOWL FESTIVAL Sun. Sept. 12, 2010 • 8AM-5PM Le Roy Park, 4630 11th Street, Guadalupe, CA

www.SaladBowlFestival.com

Green Thumb Sponsors: Freshkist Produce, LLC., JAS Pacific, Inc., Rabobank, Santa Maria Fairpark, Santa Maria Signs, Staples Energy Marketing Services, Teixeira Farms Inc. TWIW Insurance Services, LLC.

27

Thursday, September 9, 2010 The Bakersfield Californian

8 CONCERTS FOR $60.00 MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2010

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2010

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2010 MATINEE 3:00 PM

The Lowe Family

Quartetto Gelato

Masters of Harmony

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 12, 2011

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2011

THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2011

Franc D’Ambrosio

100 Years of Broadway

The Diamonds THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2011

SUNDAY, APRIL 10, 2011 3:00 P.M.

CONCERTS START AT 7:30 PM except as noted

SPECIAL TIME - 7:00 P.M.

Doors open one hour earlier The Mikado

Jim Witter-The Piano Men

For Information Call: (661) 205-8522 • (661) 589-2478 • www.bakersfieldcca.org Make Checks payable to: B.C.C.A., P.O. Box 11929 Bakersfield, Ca 93389 Name _________________________________________________ Street _________________________________________________

Type Number Adult ________________________ Full-Time College Student _______________ Students (through High School) ___________

Price $60.00

Subtotal $_______

$30.00

$_______

$20.00

$_______

City _______________ Zip_________Phone __________________

❏ Visa ❏

Total

MasterCard

Credit Card Number __________

__________

__________

__________

Expiration date: Month _______________ Year ________________

_______

28

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, September 9, 2010

Eye Street GO & DO Today Eli Young Band, 7 p.m., Buck Owens Crystal Palace, 2800 Buck Owens Blvd. $15 plus fee. vallitix.com or 322-5200.

42nd annual Wasco Festival of Roses, featuring Rose Queen pageant, parade, rose field tours, art show and faire, barbecue, tennis tournament, rose show, golf tournament and more, today through Saturday. Wasco. www.ci.wasco.ca.us or 758-2616.

"Better Cooking for Better Living,” with health screenings, vendors, cooking demonstration and dinner, doors open at 3:30 p.m., cooking demo at 6 p.m., DoubleTree Hotel, 3100 Camino Del Rio Court. $35. Visit SJCH.us/bettercooking for tickets.

Native Daughters of the Golden West — El Tejon Parlor #239, will have a 160th birthday celebration luncheon honoring California Admission Day, 11:30 a.m., Hungry Hunter Restaurant, 3580 Rosedale Highway. $16. 5880036.

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.

CSUB 60 Plus Club, offers “Possibilities Day,” 9 a.m., CSUB, Student Union, Multipurpose Room, 9001 Stockdale Highway.

Free. 654-3211.

Mystery & Adventure Book Group, with host Marcia Stephens, 7 p.m., Barnes & Noble, in the cafe, 4001 California Ave. 631-2575.

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

13. 837-9622.

Friday Greek Food Festival, Greek music, dancing, food, children’s fun zone, games, vendor’s marketplace and shopping areas, 4 to 11 p.m. Friday; 1 to 11 p.m. Saturday, St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 401 Truxtun Ave. $5 adults; children under 12 are free. 325-8694.

Kevin Hart, with special guest, 8 p.m. Friday, Fox Theater, 2001 H St. $39.50 plus fee. vallitix.com or 322-5200.

“Using Information Technology for Gaining Competitive Advantage” Seminar, presented by author and professor Dr. Hossein Bidgoli, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., CSUB, Dezember Leadership Center, 9001 Stockdale Highway. $325. Includes copy of MIS, breakfast, lunch, snack, certificate

of participation. 654-2441.

Eighth annual Golf Classic, benefitting Alzheimer’s Disease Association of Kern County; 4 person scramble, silent auction, shotgun at 12:30 p.m., Rio Bravo Country Club, 15200 Casa Club Drive. $100 per person. Includes green fees, cart, dinner and goodie bag. 393-8871 or 319-8873.

Hectic Films presents “The Grip,” featuring independent and short films, 8 to 10 p.m. every Friday, Caffeine Supreme, 2000 F St. caffeinesupreme.com or 3219097.

Pottery Wheel Class, 10 a.m., The Ceramic Shop, 2550 E. Belle Terrace, Suite 300. $28. 834-1000.

Skating, 7 to 10 p.m. Fridays, 1 to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, Rollerama West, 7850 Brimhall Road. $6 per skater; $3 rental.

589-7555.

“Tee It Up For the Troops” Golf Tournament, registration begins at 11 a.m., shotgun at 1 p.m., Bakersfield Country Club, 4200 Country Club Drive. $200 per person. Includes green fees, cart, balls, prizes, lunch and dinner. $175 per person w/military ID. All proceeds benefit veterans and their families. teeitupforthetroops.com or 8714121.

Wine Bar Flight, featuring the best of 2008 California Pinot Noir, Drew Valenti Vineyard, Melville Terraces, Roar and more, 4 p.m., Imbibe Wine & Spirits Merchant, 4140 Truxtun Ave. Tastes, $4 to $6. 633-WINE. Wine Tasting Event, with appetizers, 6 p.m., Elks Lodge, 1616 30th St. $25 per person. All proceeds support the annual Elks Underprivileged Children’s Luncheon. 323-7536.

Saturday 21st annual Fairlane Club of America Car Show, begins at 8 a.m., Fruitvale-Norris Park, 6221 Norris Road. E-mail sharbert@harberroofing.com or 530-223-3251.

Fourth annual Support the Troops Ride, help escort the “Support Our Troops” sign to the Bakersfield Airport to display for all returning heroes to show that Bakersfield supports them, leaving Chuy’s at 3 p.m. to head over to the airport, meet at Chuy’s, 8660 Rosedale Highway. Free. 332-7524.

Village Fest Party of the Year!, featuring 17 bands, 60 breweries, 25 Central Coast wineries and food from local restaurants, 6 to 10 p.m., Kern County Museum, 3801 Chester Ave. $60; $68 day of show at the gate. 21 and over only.

Benefitting CARE. Includes 15 drink samples and unlimited food samples. bakersfieldvillagefest.com or vallitix.com or 322-5200.

Village Fest After Party, with Mento Buru and DJ Mikey, 10 p.m., Fishlips Bar & Grill, 1517 18th St. $5; 21 and over. 324-2557.

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

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

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

Free How-to-Work Workshops, Saturday classes: 10 to 11 a.m. “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”; 2 to 3 p.m.

“Maintaining your Driveway”; Home Depot. homedepot.com or call 800-430-3376.

Kings, Queens, Knights & Pawns, learn the game of chess, 11 a.m., Beale Library, Tejon Room, 701 Truxtun Ave. 868-0770.

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

Street Teams, opportunity to reach the hurting and needy parts of our community with food, love and prayer, 10:30 a.m., Jesus Shack, 1326 30th St. jesusshack.com or call 324-0638.

Vintage Auto Racing Association’s Oktoberfest, Saturday and Sunday, Buttonwillow Raceway, 24551 Lerdo Highway, Buttonwillow. vararacing.com or 764-5333.

Yokuts Park Fun Run, practice racing and earn points, 7 a.m., Yokuts Park, Empire Drive off Truxtun Avenue. No fee. bakersfieldtrackclub.com or 2034196 or 391-7080.

Sunday Ryan Bingham & the Dead Horses, doors open at 7 p.m., B. Ryder’s Sports Bar & Grill, 7401 White Lane. $20 includes service charge and can be purchased at World Records, Mainland, Impact Streetwear, Fatal Impact, Styles, Wavelengths. timgardeapresents.com.

Southern Culture on the Skids, with special guests, 8 p.m., Fishlips Bar & Grill, 1517 18th St. $12 plus fee; 21 & over only. vallitix.com or 322-5200.

Chumash Journey to Mount Pinos Hike, this easy to moderate hike will meet at Mil Potrero Highway and Mount Pinos, Frazier Park, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., $10 adult suggested donation; $5 children.

Donations are not required, Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Bring 1 quart of water per person, wear weather protective clothing, snacks and first aid kit. E-mail jrobinson@naturalist-for-you.org or 714-649-9084.

Viva Mexico Festival, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Kern County Fairgrounds, Budweiser Pavilion, 1142 P St. Free.

327-9711.

Duncan Certification Classes, taught by David Hoff who will cover brushwork, sgraffito, waxresist and more, 101 class at 9 a.m.

Sunday; 102 class at 9 a.m.

Monday, The Ceramic Shop, 2550 E. Belle Terrace, Suite 300. $44 per day, includes paint. 834-1000.

Hike to Frazier Mountain, this 4 to 5 mile round trip moderate to strenuous hike will meet at Ridge Route Communities Museum, 3515 Park Drive, Frazier Park, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Bring 1 quart of water per person, wear weather protective clothing, snacks and first aid kit. E-mail jrobinson@naturalist-for-you.org or 714-649-9084.

Italian Catholic Federation’s Pancake Breakfast, Branch 281, will serve pancakes with eggs, sausage and beverages, 8:30 to 11 a.m., Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Parish Hall, 124 Columbus St. $5; $3 under 12. 872-0511.

Launch of NFL Football Season Celebration, with drink specials and happy hour all day long, 10 a.m., Replay Sports Lounge & Grill, 4500 Buck Owens Blvd. 324-3300.

NFL ticket, 9 a.m. Sunday, B. Ryder’s Sports Bar & Grill, 7401 White Lane. 397-7304.

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.

Auditions for “A Christmas Carol” & “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” for NOR Junior Theatre, for kindergarten through sixth grade, 9 to 11:30 a.m. and seventh through 12th grades, 1 to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Rasmussen Senior Center, 115 E. Roberts Lane. $75 registration fee, $60 resident.

392-2000.

“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.

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.

Special Gala Preview of “As You Like It,” doors open at 7 p.m., show at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, The Empty Space, 706 Oak St. $20, includes beverages, hors d’oeuvres, dessert. 327-PLAY.

Auditions, for “MeshuggahNuns,” noon to 3 p.m. Sunday, Stars School of Fine Arts, 1927 Eye St. Be prepared to do a reading and dance from the show. 8722737.

“Gregory Wilson: Master Deception” Magician, 7 p.m.

Sunday, Gaslight Melodrama Theatre & Music Hall, 12748 Jomani Drive. $20. 587-3377.

ART Visual Arts Festival “Vessels,” awards will be given to artists, also opening reception featuring exhibits of The Ceramic Art of David Furman: “Forty Years in the Making: 2010-1970,” Pamela Hill Enticknap: “Currents,” and Eye Gallery: “Close to Home,” 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Bakersfield Museum of Art, 1930 R St. Members free, nonmembers $10; students $5. 323-7219.

“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.

Artwork on display, by Sarah Clayton, Lewis Rogers and Miranda Barker, The Dream Center & Coffee House, 1212 18th St. 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. 3242402.

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.

29

Thursday, September 9, 2010 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street Cherice Hatton, featured artist for September, Bakersfield Mazda, 3201 Cattle Drive. 328-8000.

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.

Roberta Jean Owen, featured artist for the month of September, Bakersfield Art Association Art Center, 1817 Eye St. 869-2320.

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, 5897463 or 496-5153.

Pottery Wheel Class, 10 a.m.

Friday, The Ceramic Shop, 2550 E. Belle Terrace, Suite 300. $28 per day. 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.

Duncan Certification Classes, taught by David Hoff who will cover brushwork, sgraffito, waxresist and more, 101 class at 9 a.m.

Sunday; 102 class at 9 a.m.

Monday, The Ceramic Shop, 2550 E. Belle Terrace, Suite 300. $44 per day, includes paint. 834-1000.

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

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

Pyrenees Cafe, 601 Sumner, 323-0053; Lil Mikey & the Blues Hammers, 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday.

Classic Rock Iron Horse Saloon, 1821 S. Chester Ave., 831-1315; Midnight the Rocker Brothers, 9 p.m. Friday and 8 p.m. Saturday.

Lone Oak Lounge, 10612 Rosedale Highway, 589-0412; Left Coast Groovies, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Friday and Saturday.

B. Ryder’s Sports Bar & Grill, 7401 White Lane, 397-7304; Blue Mountain Tribe, 9 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.

Bellvedere Cocktail Lounge, 3090 Brundage Lane, 325-2139; Angels & Outlaws, 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Fishlips Bar & Grill, 1517 18th St., 324-2557; Teddy Spanke and the Tex Pistols, 9 p.m. Friday.

Iron Horse Saloon, 1821 S. Chester Ave., 831-1315; Midnight After Band, 2 to 6 p.m. Saturday.

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

Sunday.

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.

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; Bunky Spurling, 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Wine & Cheese Cellar, 695 Tucker Road., Suite C, Tehachapi, 822-6300; Richie Perez, 6:30 to 10 p.m. Saturday.

Live Jazz & Wine Bar, featuring Jazz Connection with Paul Cierley, Rick Lincoln, Mark Meyer, along with 24 wines, 6 to 8:30 p.m.

Saturday, Imbibe Wine & Spirits Merchant, 4140 Truxtun Ave. 633WINE. 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 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

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

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

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

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

Sundays.

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

Sundays.

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

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

Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.

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

Tuesday.

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

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.

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, Los Moonlighterz featuring Juan and the gang, 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 Larry V. and Benny and the gang, 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.

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

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

Friday.

Vinny’s Bar & Grill, 2700 S. Union Ave., Divergence Point, Meditated Assault, Love Society Rejects, 9 p.m. Saturday. $5; 21 and over. myspace.com/ vinnysbarandgrill.

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.

UPCOMING EVENTS Monday 9/13 11th Annual Kern County College Night, provides information to high school students and their parents pursuing a college education, 6 to 9 p.m., Rabobank Arena, 1001 Truxtun Ave. 636-4330.

31st annual Arthritis Association Golf Tournament, four-person scramble and modified Calloway handicapping, 11 a.m. complimentary range, noon lunch, 1 p.m. shotgun begins, Bakersfield Country Club, 4200 Country Club Drive. $150 per person. Includes green fee, cart, balls tee prizes, lunch, on-the-course beverages, awards dinner. 322-9411.

Back to School Night, 6 to 8:30 p.m., North High School, 300 Galaxy Way, Oildale. kernhigh.org or 399-0271.