Matt Munoz / Entertainment Features / 2016

THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2016 | Editor: Jennifer Self • Phone: 395-7434 • Email: jself@bakersfield.com

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Eye Stre reet

AT A GLANCE Stefani Dias on the arts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Celtic Woman coming to Rabobank. . . . . . . . . . . . 21 First Friday . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 CALM gears up for Beastly Ball . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

The Lowdown with Cesareo Garasa . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Walk for a Lupus Cure makes its debut. . . . . . . . . 25 Ticket roundup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30-31

PHOTO COURTESY OF JIM SCULLY

Grammy Award-winning musician Brian Lynch will lead the “Unsung Heroes” project, featuring Ralph Moore, at the 30th annual Bakersfield Jazz Festival.

What do they do for encore?

As Bakersfield Jazz Festival enters 30th year, organizers planning for the future

BY CESAREO GARASA For The Californian

F

or Jim Scully, jazz is a very big tent, one that blankets different influences, sounds and inspirations and that doesn’t — and shouldn’t — follow any rigid definitions or restrictive paradigms.

As it turns out, the same can be said for the Bakersfield Jazz Festival, INSIDE which Scully Meet the performers: has helped coordinate for Brian Culbertson, 19 the past three Tito Puente, Jr., 19 years with mentor and festival Aubrey Logan, 19 founder Doug Mike Stern, 28 Davis.

It’s still all about the Now in its scholarships, 28 30th year, the festival is in change mode. After this year, Davis will no longer have an official role and with a slight dip in ticket sales last year, the new organizers are looking ahead at what the festival might be in the future.

But first, Scully wants to give credit to the festival for what it’s been — to fans, students and to him personally.

“I started as a student in 1991, and kinda figured out what I wanted to do around 1995,” said Scully, 42, who teaches music

30th annual Bakersfield Jazz Festival When: Friday and Saturday Where: Cal State Bakersfield, 9001 Stockdale Highway Two-day pass: $65, $40 for students; free for children under 12.

Friday only: $40, $26 for students in advance; $50, $30 for students at the gate.

Saturday only: $45, $29 for students in advance; $55, $35 for students at the gate.

Tickets available: vallitix.com Friday lineup (gates open at 6 p.m.): 7 p.m., Doug Davis; 8:05 p.m., Mike Stern Band; 9:40 p.m., Brian Culbertson Saturday lineup (gates open at 3 p.m.): 4 p.m., Kern County Honor Jazz Band; 5:10 p.m., Tony Rinaldi; 6:20 p.m. Aubrey Logan; 7:40 p.m. Brian Lynch’s “Unsung Heroes” project, featuring Ralph Moore; 9:15 p.m., fireworks show; 9:20 p.m., Tito Puente Jr. Orchestra

at Cal State Bakersfield. “I switched majors from concentrating on choral music to instrumental music, specifically on composing and playing guitar, after watching Mike Stern and Bob Berg play at the festival. After the set was over, I looked at Doug and said ‘So, that’s jazz?’”

The freedom, diversity in types of jazz

CASEY CHRISTIE / THE CALIFORNIAN

Doug Davis, right, appears with “First Look” host Scott Cox in 2013. Davis will end his official role with the Bakersfield Jazz Festival this weekend.

and other hallmarks of the festival will be on full display this milestone year.

“I didn’t want to change a thing this year for the 30th anniversary,” Scully said. “It felt like the wrong time to make any changes, so everything is kind of as it’s been: the fireworks (on Saturday), the side stage, the traditional artist placements throughout the nights.”

But like the music form the festival celebrates, a little experimentation couldn’t hurt, Scully said.

For years now, the festival — affectionately nicknamed “the Rite of Spring” — has been running with an almost elegant efficiency, thanks to Davis and his wife, Adele, the longtime volunteer coordinator Please see JAZZ / PAGE 28

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Thursday, May 5, 2016 The Bakersfield Californian

Father or son, there’s Puente of excitement

BY MATT MUNOZ For The Californian

Jazz impresario Brian Culbertson and his band will perform at the 30th annual Bakersfield Jazz Festival.

Culbertson bids to bring festival fans to their feet

BY MATT MUNOZ

The mambo by any other name would have to be Tito Puente.

Nobody knows that better than Tito Puente Jr., son of the late great Latin percussionist.

“I’m gonna take you on a journey back to the era of the 1950s, when mambo was king, with my father of course being a part of that,” said Puente in a recent phone interview during a show break in Miami.

Puente, 44, plans to shake up the audience with all the heat of a night at the New York Palladium after the fireworks light up the sky at the Bakersfield Jazz Festival on Saturday.

The Puente name is synonymous with Latin music, especially in the dance-oriented sub-genres of mambo, cha-chacha, and salsa, but also in the jazz world.

“My father’s big band arrangements from the 1940s and 1950s brought the horn sections and combined them with the Afro-Cuban sounds of the conga, timbale and the bongo. He wrote the

tunes with five trumpets, five saxes, and five trombones. That’s 15 horn players, a lot of cats up on stage.

“He was also the first one to bring percussion to the forefront of the orchestra. Bebop, cool bop, and of course big band swing music combined is what made the Palladium sound, and my father was the innovator of that entire sound.”

For many listeners, the gateway into the musical world of Puente was through the song “Oye Como Va.” Originally released in 1963, it was picked up and recorded by guitarist Carlos Santana in 1970.

The popularity of the song helped boost both careers.

“Carlos was much younger and my father was like, ‘Who’s this guitar player from San Francisco playing my music?’

He made fun, but then a couple months later, the record went number one worldwide platinum, over 10 million sold and my dad was like, ‘I like him now.’ It’s one of the first crossover Latin rock songs ever, and one of the top 100

PHOTOS COURTESY OF JIM SCULLY

Following in the footsteps of his father, Tito Puente Jr. brings jazz to life with his band, which will perform at the 30th annual Bakersfield Jazz Festival.

songs of the century.”

When Tito Puente died in 2000, his son launched a mission to preserve and promote the music by performing original Puente arrangements, with some of his own flavor added in.

“He’s sorely missed. A lot of people ask why I don’t pave my own way. I have the rest of my life to do that, but right now I think the youth of today need to be reminded of what he did for Latin music, the Latin community and American music. I’m just very appreciative and I’m gonna bring that whole vibe to Bakersfield.”

For The Californian

There will be no parking allowed in the audience once Brian Culbertson hits the jazz festival stage on Friday, so be prepared to rise up from those blankets and lawn chairs.

Known for his groove-oriented compositions and engaging live shows, the multi-instrumentalist plans to provide a hearty helping of funk to those eager to kick off the weekend in rhythm.

“The current show is definitely a mix from a lot of my stuff. Once we get going, everybody should get ready to move,” said Culbertson. “It’s really fun.”

Learning piano at the age of 8, Culbertson went on to master a number of instruments: drums, trombone, bass, trumpet and more.

Throughout his life, he’s delved into every genre imaginable. His first release, “Long Night Out,” in 1994 helped introduce his talents to jazz and R&B audiences.

“Growing up, I was playing along with my favorite records like Earth, Wind & Fire, Toto, trying to play those grooves. Then I joined the school band, but there’s no piano. I picked up the trombone and that was it. I was a sponge for learning music and instruments.”

Acquiring a taste for the funk music genre early on, Culbertson has worked with icons like the late Earth, Wind & Fire bandleader Maurice White, who produced Culbertson’s 2008 album, “Bring Back the Funk.” Culbertson also has worked with Sly Stone bassist Larry Graham, James Brown saxophonist Maceo Parker and to jam alongside Prince.

“I knew one of the guys in Prince’s band and he invited me to come and sit in on one of his after-party jam sessions. I show up, hanging out all night long until 4 to 5 in the morning. That night I also met Larry Graham, who was playing bass. I was so inspired to make that a funk record. It was just unbelievable.”

In addition to selections from throughout his career, Culbertson will offer a preview of his upcoming album, simply titled, “Funk!” to close out Friday night’s lineup.

She’s not one to toot her own horn, but Logan can play it the streets. She belts out re-worked jazz covers of “Can’t Hold Us” and “Thriftshop” by rapper Macklemore and Ryan Lewis, Jazz singing, trombone-slinging pop chanteuse Aubrey songs by Michael Jackson, the Lumineers, Rodgers and Hart, Logan may be just what the jazz world Taylor Swift and more. Her latest upload: a touching medley of needs right now.

Prince’s “Kiss” and “Purple Rain.”

Injecting an invigorating shot of “The first thing you do when you make any youth into jazz tradition, the Seattleart is you put it on the Internet. born wonder is almost impossible to That’s what I’ve always done. categorize. Don’t believe me? Wait The Internet is not only how I until she kicks off her highly anticirun my business, it’s also how I pated set during the Saturday learn music in general. I grew up evening portion of the festival. in the Internet age, which is prob“When you play trombone, you ably why I love so many types of kind of gravitate towards jazz,” said music and I find they’re all kind of Logan, 28. “At least I did when I branches of the same tree.” started out. I started singing jazz Logan’s advice to current and and I saw that a lot of music that future CSUB jazz students: study, had been adapted for jazz was all practice, repeat. the Cole Porter music that had “It’s essential and necessary. I’m a come from theater. I was also scholarship recipient myself. I went to into pop music and considered school on a full ride scholarship myself a pop artist. I still do, myself and I wouldn’t have been able but there’s so much jazz influto attend school without it. It’s imporence and I developed such a tant for the jazz language to be kept passion for jazz that it’s either alive. It’s important for students of pop and jazz-infused or jazz music to learn in a classroom and uniand poppy. It depends on who Awardversity setting how chords work, how to winning singeryou ask.” play over them, how to write over them. trombonist Aubrey Logan will Call it what you want, but Knowing all these jazz chords and workperform at the Bakersfield Jazz Festival. we’ll go with all of the above ing in the pressure cooker of a university after checking out her series setting has helped me to have the freedom of YouTube videos captured in the studio, on the stage, and on to write and arrange whatever I want quickly.”

BY MATT MUNOZ For The Californian

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The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, May 5, 2016

Eye Eye Street Street

Stern knows the right strings to pull Acclaimed guitarist to play at jazz festival

BY MATT MUNOZ For The Californian

PHOTO COURTESY OF JIM SCULLY

Esteemed electric guitarist Mike Stern will perform with his band at the 30th annual Bakersfield Jazz Festival.

JAZZ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 18

who died weeks before last year’s festival (her duties are now handled by Robin Cierley).

“Doug, in all of his wisdom, three years ago started the process where the festival would be handed off to multiple people. He knew there was no way one person could take over the gig, especially at the outset, and keep it the same, so he started finding ways to divvy it up amongst many people.

“He knows the inner workings so well, that he had my back big time with any little thing I missed. We were about 60/40, me, but that 40 on him made sure that all the little details got taken care of. He’s still going to be who I call when I need to ask about something. He’s a light that kind of never burns out.”

Scully knows the key to the festival’s longevity lies in expansion — both for the event and the campus — and striking a balance between tradition and innovation, especially with younger musicians, whom the festival has championed since the beginning.

“If we’re going to think longterm,” Scully said, “my goal is to create a ‘jazz week’ so that on the Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday before the festival, I have middle schools and high schools — local and regional — coming down to the campus to have adjudicated performances where one of the artists from the jazz festival is here to talk to them and clinic them.”

Along with plans of fostering young talent, the festival spotlights local talent on both the

main stage (the Kern County Honor Jazz Band and pianist Tony Rinaldi and his group) and side stages (Therese and the Sweetness and student combos). The showcase keeps the proceedings fresh while affording former students of note an opportunity to perform on the same platform as the headliners.

“Adaptation is undeniable,” Scully said. “As the festival moves forward, it gets younger and it’s willing to adapt in ways that it wasn’t susceptible to adapt before. The festival will have legs as long as the ones running it are willing to be creative and interested in the end result being new and inventive and not bogged down in nostalgia. It can have a nostalgic element, but it has to have room to grow and move.”

Attendees are welcome to bring food and glass-free drinks in coolers. Alcoholic beverages are not permitted into the festival but can be purchased there. Early arrival is suggested to get a good patch of grass, and lawn chairs, blankets and umbrellas are recommended.

Even with the changes that Scully and the rest of the festival’s coordinators see in the near future, the essence will remain.

“It’s about promoting, championing and supporting the artists that blur the lines,” Scully said. “It’s finding the groups that are willing to take a step outside what’s expected.

“People all over the country know about the event. It’s been an eye-opening experience of seeing how well known this festival is. I already have people contacting me about next year’s festival now.”

Count Jim Scully among the musicians who have guitar great Mike Stern to thank for their career choices.

It was at a Bakersfield Jazz Festival in the ’90s that Scully, then a Cal State student, had his mind permanently blown after seeing Stern play.

He immediately switched majors and got serious about the guitar.

“It was rocking and I was blown away that it was as inclusive as it was, and that’s the moment I realized that I could do

what I wanted to do,” Scully recalled of the life-altering moment.

Now Scully runs the Bakersfield Jazz Festival — where Stern will return for a third time, as coheadliner Friday evening.

“I’m always learning from other musicians. If somebody gets some inspiration from me, I’m honored. I’ve been fortunate to be able to do the same thing I’ve been doing for the past 35 to 40 years, and getting better. I’m very lucky.”

The collaborations on Stern’s impressive resume read like a who’s who of music royalty: jazz rockers Blood, Sweat and Tears, jazz drummer Billy Cobham, the late Miles Davis, and the Brecker Brothers, to name a few.

Recognized as one of jazz

music’s great guitarists, Stern has released more than 16 studio albums as a bandleader, not to mention countless recording credits and years of touring.

“I had this great teacher who said, ‘No matter what, if you have music in your heart and you get to a point where you’re practicing and playing and you really start loving that part of it, and learning music, you’ve got that forever as a gift. No one can take that away from you, unless you don’t water the flowers and don’t practice.

That’s the only guarantee you have as a musician.”

Joining Stern on drums Friday night will be Kim Thompson, whose credits include tours with Beyonce and Kenny Barron; Bob Franceschini, saxophone; and Azerbaijan bassist Teymur Thell.

Memory of mom lives on in jazz festival scholarship Susan Scaffidi

T

his weekend, my family will mark the 20th anniversary of the Mary Osborne Memorial Scholarship at the Bakersfield Jazz Festival.

My mother, Mary Osborne Scaffidi, was a wonderful woman (I think she was perfect) who also happened to be a celebrated jazz guitarist. As a guitarist, she made a lot of great music, and quite a bit of history, in her lifetime during the Golden Age of jazz and swing.

She died March 4, 1992, after a 17year battle with leukemia, an illness she never let stop her from performing and teaching until just shortly before her death.

Thanks to jazz festival founder Doug Davis, my brothers and I and several musicians who had worked with her performed a set of music dedicated to my mom at the jazz festival that spring, and in July of that year, Davis and my family founded the scholarship.

It took four years for enough donations to build and form the corpus of an endowment from which scholarships could be awarded.

Since 1992, it has been a wonderful experience to see how the memory of her lives on,

PHOTO COURTESY OF RALPH P. SCAFFIDI

Jazz guitarist Mary Osborne in July 1973 at the Concord Boulevard Neighborhood Park in Concord, Calif. Osborne played the festival with her quartet.

not just among her family and friends, but with many fans, old and new. So much material about her has surfaced — radio programs, videos, magazine articles, chapters in encyclopedias and textbooks, record collections — and it is gratifying to see that she is still appreciated.

But my mother wasn’t just a performer. She was also a dedicated teacher. She had private students; she taught guitar classes at the YWCA, at Bakersfield College, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help School.

She even developed a special class for blind students.

She also taught at CSUB for several years, which was the impetus

for creating the scholarship for CSUB music students.

My mother loved teaching; she loved sharing what she knew and seeing students improve and achieve. Maybe that’s because so many people shared what they knew with her. My grandfather, Elvy, was her first teacher, and she learned music in school in her hometown of Minot, N.D. Famously, she learned the art of singlestring guitar playing from swing era giant Charlie Christian, only a few years older than she was, and who generously shared his musical approach during a stint playing in Bismarck in 1939.

My mother was at the top of her game in the early 1960s, a celebrated artist who by then had performed with the greatest names in the jazz world, an experience she regarded as “going to school.” Nevertheless, she chose that time to study formally with classical guitarist Alberto Valdes Blain, himself a protégé of Andres Segovia, to improve her technique and add classical finger-style to her jazz playing.

Because of her own passion for learning, I think the scholarship, and more importantly, the success of the students who have earned it over the last 20 years, is the tribute that would mean the most to my mother.

So where are they? What has happened to them since they stood on the jazz festival stage and received their award?

I was able to contact or track Please see PAGE 29

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Thursday, May 5, 2016 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street Street TICKET ROUNDUP Bakersfield Music Hall of Fame 2230 Q St. bakersfieldmusichalloffame.com or 864-1701.

May 18: Kris Allen, 7:30 p.m., $25.

May 19: Guitar Masters: Frank Vignola and Vinny Raniolo, 7:30 p.m., prices TBA. June 23: Guitar Masters: Tuck & Patti, 7:30 p.m., $35.

Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace 2800 Buck Owens Blvd. vallitix.com or 328-7560.

June 2: Craig Morgan, 7:30 p.m., $35-$43 plus fees.

June 3: John Berry, 6 p.m., $20-$25.

June 11: The Bacon Brothers, 7:30 p.m., $45-$55. On sale 11 a.m. April 16.

California Living Museum (CALM) 10500 Alfred Harrell Highway. vallitix.com.

May 7: Beastly Ball, 6 p.m., $125 per person.

Cal State Bakersfield 9001 Stockdale Highway. vallitix.com or eventbrite.com.

May 6 and 7: Bakersfield Jazz Festival, 7 p.m. Friday and 3 p.m.

Saturday. $36.50 Friday; $41.50 Saturday; $61.50 2 day pass.

May 12: CSUB Athletics 44th Annual Spring BBQ, 5:30 p.m., $25.

May 28: Bakersfield Craft Beer Festival, noon, $59-$100.

Bright House Networks Amphitheatre 11200 Stockdale Highway. axs.com.

May 19: Lynyrd Skynyrd, 8 p.m., $30$125.

June 2: Ziggy Marley with Steel Pulse, 7 p.m., $30.50-$78.50.

July 1: Kenny Rogers with Linda Davis, 8 p.m., $27.50-$97.50.

Aug. 4: UB40 Featuring Ali Campbell, Astro and Mickey Virtue, 8 p.m., $27.50-$47.50.

Sept. 9: The Beach Boys, 8 p. m., $27.50$77.50.

Eagle Mountain Casino 681 S. Tule Reservation Road, Porterville. 559788-6220.

May 21: Little Joe Y La Familia & War, 8 p.m., $30; $40.

Fox Theater 2001 H St. etix.com or 489-4369. Prices listed are for the box office window only.

May 7: Steve Trevino, 8 p.m., $36.50.

May 14: Paul Rodriquez and the Latin Kings of Comedy, 8 p.m., $20-$100.

May 15: Keith Sweat, 8 p.m., $50-$120.

June 3: Paquita La Del Barrio, 8 p.m., $55$175.

June 10: Colleen Green, 7 p.m., $18.

July 30: Jim Jefferies, 7 p.m., $39.50.

Aug. 4: Boz Scaggs, 7:30 p.m., $35-$100.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 28

down all but two of the recipients. They start with Jim Scully, who received the first award in 1996, to Nicole Nalupa Russell, who won last year. Some of the recipients are old enough to have known my mother personally.

The youngest weren’t even born when she passed away, but receiving the scholarship not only helped finance their studies, it introduced them to Mary Osborne.

“This scholarship, when I first received it, helped provide for the next couple of quarters at CSUB,” wrote Alejandro Arvizu. “However, when I took the time to investigate who Mary Osborne was and what her legacy (was), it

tival, 8:30 p.m., $20$95.

Kern County Fairgrounds 1142 S. P St. vallitix.com May 6-7: 31st Annual PRCA Stampede Days Rodeo, 6 p.m., $30 VIP; $18 at the door; $16 advance; $10 children 6-12; $5 parking.

The Padre Hotel 1702 18th St. thepadrehotel.com May 20: Power of Higher Education Benefit, 6 p.m., $45-$80.

May 21: 1st Annual Rooftop Gala, 7 p.m., $75 general; $125 VIP. May 23: Brews & Bites Beer Dinner Series with Mission Brewing Company, 7 p.m., $65.

Rabobank 1001 Truxtun Ave. rabobankarena.com, axs.com or 1-888-9297849. (Listed ticket prices do not include fees.)

May 9: Stringfever, 7:30 p.m., $40 adult; $10 college student; $5 high school.

May 14: Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra, 7:30 p.m., $20-$45.

May 17: Celtic Woman, 7 p.m., $45$105.

May 24-25: Sesame Street Live "Make A New Friend," 6:30 p.m.

Tuesdays and 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, $10$60.

May 28: Ramon Ayala, 8 p.m., $30-$75.

June 10: The Groove 99.3 Summer Jam, 7:30 p.m., $30.50$69.50.

June 17: Mariachi Fes-

meant more to me than most of the scholarships I’ve received because of what she did.”

“I knew of Mary Osborne and her amazing history in the realm of American jazz music before receiving the scholarship,” wrote Amanda Tiner Sproul. “I remember listening to a ton of Mary’s recordings after being selected and I was so inspired by her ability to take a melody line and create her own twists and turns to make it truly unique … something I took with me anytime I performed.”

Of the 18 winners I could find, all are performing; virtually all compose or arrange music as well. Twelve are teachers, either privately, or at local junior high

July 21: Chase Rice, 8 p.m., $27.50.

Sept. 9-11: Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey presents Out Of This World, 7 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday, 1 and 5 p.m. Sunday, $10$65.

Sept. 13: Carrie Underwood, 7 p.m., $44; $74. On sale soon.

Sept. 29: Chris Young with Dan + Shay and Cassadee Pope, 7:30 p.m., $39.50; $55.

This painting by Debb Campbell is part of the exhibit “A Sense of Place” opening Monday at Valentien Restaurant and Wine Bar.

Seven Oaks Country Club

ARTS

2000 Grand Lakes Ave. vallitix.com June 18: The Patricia Jean Memorial Scholarship Gala, 6:30 p.m., $125 plus fees.

Stramler Park 3805 Chester Ave. eventbrite.com May 21: 2016 Summer Kick Off, 3 p.m., $15 adult; $10 children.

Temblor Brewing Co. 3200 Buck Owens Blvd. temblorbrewing.com.

June 16: Laughs and Drafts: Rick Gutierrez.

8 p.m., $20.

Woman’s Club of Bakersfield 2030 18th St. eventbrite.com May 20: Kern Literacy Council 50th Anniversary Celebration, 6 p.m., $100.

schools, high schools and even at the college level. And they are all grateful for the recognition, the financial help and the encouragement.

“I remember graduating high school (Go West!) and September was quickly approaching,” wrote Luis Lenzi. “I was feeling so discouraged and defeated because of poor grades, finances, etc.”

Lenzi said Doug Davis helped him find scholarships to attend CSUB; the Mary Osborne Scholarship was one of the first.

“All I can say is that it gave me some hope that there was someone out there willing to believe in me,” Lenzi wrote.

“This scholarship, in particular, gave me confidence at a time

PHOTO COURTESY OF JENNIFER SANDERSON

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 20

locations: in town, a house, a gymnasium, a bridge and a train.

Designing a visiting wagon was another hurdle, all accomplished despite a shortened rehearsal schedule.

“Rehearsing for just four hours a week is difficult but our students really shine,” Dethlefson said.

Show times are 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday.

Buying tickets in advance at tonicism.com is recommended as some shows sell out with no tickets available at the door. Admission is $10, $5 for children 18 and under.

Art at Valentien Friday is the last day to view artist Julia Heatherwick’s “Interwoven,” a collection of collage work, at Valentien Restaurant and Wine Bar. The eatery will begin its summer hours that night, staying open until 9 p.m., or a bit later for First Friday crowds.

Stepping into the space next is painter Debb Campbell, the first non-resident to show work at the restaurant. Her show, “A Sense of

when I needed it,” wrote Jim Scully. “I was a fourth year student who just figured out what I wanted to do within music.”

Scully went on not only to play guitar, but to compose music for many ensembles, and has had his works performed and recorded nationally. He is now part of the full-time music faculty at CSUB. “I felt like I was ‘allowed’ to do this, in part because I was told that what I was doing had merit,” Scully wrote.

Encouragement, history, a role model. My mother provided all of these things as a teacher. But for those who were lucky enough to know her, she provided what I think was the most valuable thing: herself.

Place,” opens Monday.

Campbell’s local connection runs deep: Her father, the late Harvey Campbell, was wellknown in the cotton industry; her mother, Phyllis, still lives in town.

Her mom brought the artist’s work to the attention of Valentien owners Jennifer Sanderson and Jeramy Brown.

After relocating from the valley to the eastern Sierra, Campbell took up plein air in oils and watercolors. After retiring from College of the Sequoias in 2013, she took up oil painting in earnest.

Bolstered by her parents and husband Jim, she continued to capture scenic vistas, some of which will be featured in this show.

Of the exhibit, she wrote in her artist statement: “I have attempted to evoke the natural beauty I see onto paper and canvas with watercolors, oils and with handmade prints. My father Harvey was especially encouraging and was essential in making this show a reality.”

An opening reception will be held for Campbell on Monday from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. with complimentary hors d’oeuvres. A nohost wine bar will also be available.

“The first time I met her at CSUB, we had a jam session,” wrote Kyle Burnham. “I couldn't believe she was interested in giving up her time just to play a little jazz with me. She was very encouraging even though I was nowhere near her level of musicianship at the time.”

“When I received the scholarship in her honor, I felt her continual encouragement to pursue my education in music,” Burnham wrote. “Her willingness to share her time and knowledge has helped shape my teaching philosophy. I make it a priority to have JAM SESSIONS with my students whenever possible.”

Yes, my mother, Mary Osborne, would be very pleased.

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The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, August 4, 2016

Eye Street The Lowdown

Spears to turn up comedy heat ‘MADtv’ alum brings show to Mill Creek

Matt Munoz

T

his year’s comedy heat wave of laughs continues when funnyman Aries Spears brings his raucous mix of uncanny impressions and socially conscious humor to the Gardens at Mill Creek on Saturday.

Headlining a multi-performer bill of stand-up featuring local comics Eric Siefert, Brodi Harris, Ryan Bell, Daniel Betts, Tyson Paul and Jim Trino, the show also marks the second anniversary of the popular First Friday Funnies comedy series.

“It’s great,” said Paul, who kicked off the series two years ago with fellow comics Ernesto Gomez, Brodi Harris, Ryan Bell, JT Williams and Laura Val Verde at the Nile theater.

(In February, the group relocated its Friday events to Elements Venue after Hingepoint Church took over the theater.)

The shows have been regular sell-outs. And Paul said he hopes the trend

continues, bringing exposure to local comics that he’d put up against the best the country has to offer.

“We can stand toe-to-toe with your Kevin Harts, Amy Schumers, and Carlos Mencias, because if you can make them laugh in Bakersfield, you can kill anywhere. That’s how tough this town is.”

Stand-up comedy bookings in Bakersfield have been on the rise over the past year. From the independent and underground, to the commercial and mainstream headliners, chalk up Spears’ appearance as a solid score for First Friday Funnies.

The comedy show has grown this year, spurred by having to relocate.

“Our last show at the Nile (in December) was a pretty emotional one for us and we really didn’t have anywhere to continue the shows yet,” said Tyson.

“But after the show people just kept coming up to us saying, ‘No matter where you guys go, we’re gonna follow you because we love this show.’ Not only did they follow us, they brought more people.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF ARIES SPEARS

Comedian and “MADtv” alumnus Aries Spears will perform Saturday at the Gardens at Mill Creek.

Known as a longtime featured cast member on the acclaimed “MADtv” comedy sketch show, which ran for 15 seasons on the Fox and CW networks, Spears remains one of the show’s most recognized talents.

Driving between gigs during the phone interview, the busy 41-year-old comic reflecting on his “MADtv” years and the fierce rivalry with “Saturday Night Live.”

Even though“MADtv” often seemed like a disrespected Cinderella compared to the career-making NBC powerhouse, Spears

said he was glad for the opportunities he was afforded.

“I’m grateful to ‘MADtv.’ It certainly served some purpose in my life and helped pave the way for some things in this business and in life that I probably wouldn’t have had otherwise.

“You know, there’s a difference between the minor leagues and majors. Would I have loved to be on ‘SNL’?

Sure. But, it didn’t happen and sure gotta respect it for what it is. They did pave the way for everybody else.”

Spears added he will be making some appearances on the upcoming “MADtv” revival.

“Just to know that I was part of a show that just for a minute stood toe-to-toe with the champ, and gave them a bloody nose or a black eye, I guess there’s something to be said for that.”

Since his “MADtv” days, Spears hasn’t stopped working. From movie roles to voiceover work and numerous live appearances, he remains one of the show’s busiest alumni creating big laughs at website ariesspears.com and on Twitter (@ariesspears).

“I have no idea what I’d be doing if it wasn’t for comedy,” he said. “But whatever it is, I’d probably be the worst at it, because everything about it would be about making people laugh.”

Adapting to the YouTube generation and the online sharing of his work in grainy videos, Spears said nothing compares to being in the room, person to person, live with just a mic. “... There’s no experience like the live experience.”

Saturday’s show is just a preview of things to come according to Paul, adding Bak-

ersfield can always use a good laugh during these heated political times. In fact, it’s mandatory fun.

“It’s a special show outside under the stars and we have comedy icon Aries Spears headlining the show. It doesn’t get any bigger or more special than this.”

Aries Spears, performing as part of the First Friday Funnies comedy series, 7 p.m. Saturday at The Gardens at Mill Creek, 712 19th St. $35 to $50, plus fees, available at eventbrite.com. 18 and over only. 304-4320 or bakocomedyontherocks@gmail.com.

Contributing columnist Matt Munoz is a Bakersfield musician who writes about music, pop culture and life. He brings you “The Lowdown” every other Thursday.

The fun’s downtown for First Friday THE BAKERSFIELD CALIFORNIAN

Those braving the heat this First Friday will be rewarded with a look at some cool art.

Besides the robust Art Walk of local artists and vendors, here’s a look at what’s on tap: The Bakersfield Art Association Art Center (1607 19th St.) will host the group show “Vine to Wine,” with work by 13 local artists. The reception runs from 6 to 8 p.m.

Patti Doolittle will have a solo show of oil and pastel paintings titled “People I Have Met.” The reception runs from 6 to 8 at Dagny’s, 1600 20th St. The group show “Summer Fun” also remains on display at Dagny’s.

And JC’s Place (1901 Chester Ave.) continues its First Friday fun with a Pokemon Family Night at 5 p.m. for players of “Pokemon Go” and music and dancing at 8 p.m.

IMAGES COURTESY OF STELLA MULLINS

ABOVE: This photo by Martin Varga is part of “Vine to Wine,” opening Friday at the BAA Art Center.

RIGHT: A painting of a cowboy by Patti Doolittle, part of her show opening Friday at Dagny’s.

21

Thursday, April 21, 2016 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street

Hey, Joe: Where you goin’ ... ... with that guitar in your hand? Bonamassa is headed to Bakersfield

BY MATT MUNOZ For The Californian

T

here’s the blues, and then there’s Joe Bonamassa blues.

The winning formula mixes reverence for the genre’s rich traditions with the showman’s unique talent for house shakin’ grit and soul. Bakersfield will get a dose of Bonamassa’s traveling rock and blues experience at Rabobank Theater on April 25.

His new collection of originals, “Blues of Desperation,” debuted at No. 12 on the Billboard Top 200 last month, the latest in a string of successes that keep the guitarsmith in perpetual tour mode.

“I must say that with over 100 tour dates and being on the road around 200 days a year, the only thing that really helps is routine,” said Bonamassa in a recent interview conducted via email. “I have the same boring routine every show day and that helps get me through those long six- to sevenweek stints on the road. About 30 minutes to showtime, I put on my game face, and the on-stage persona is on and ready to go.”

Bonamassa is like a rock star overseas, where he regularly sells out venues across Europe and in the UK. His 2009 concert film and recording from Royal Albert Hall helped establish him as a blues rocking tour-de-force. Still shown regularly on public television, the all-star concert

Joe Bonamassa When: 8 p.m. April 25 Where: Rabobank Theater, 1001 Truxtun Ave. Tickets: $125 to $69, plus fees; available at the Rabobank box office, at 888-929-7849, and online via AXS.com.

proved to be more than just an average career boost.

“That was truly one of the best moments of my life and such an honor to play with Eric Clapton. That performance helped push my career to the next level and I am so glad that the fans can share in that moment with me on public television,” he said.

Today, Bonamassa’s status as one of the world’s premier guitarists continues to grow.

While electrifying performances have been his bread and butter, the guitarist stressed the importance of fine tuning his songwriting, as well as collaborating with some of the industry’s best.

“I would say that over the last five years, I have focused more on the songwriting aspect of my career as my way to really push myself to the next level for my fans.

My last two studio albums have been all original material that I spent a lot of time working on. I just got to thinking that I wanted my legacy of music to be more than just covers and I wanted to really focus on getting in the right creative headspace with writing new songs. Of course I had a lot of help from my friends in

XINHUA / SIPA USA

Blues rock guitarist and singer Joe Bonamassa performs in Jahrhunderthalle in Frankfurt, Germany, in 2014. Bonamassa is considered one of the greatest guitar players of his generation, regardless of genre.

Nashville.”

On “Blues of Desperation,” his 12th solo album, Bonamassa enlisted the help of some of Music City’s top songwriters to craft one of his most potent releases to date.

Bakersfield will get an opportunity to see

Ser Pro vin ud 77 g Yo ly Yea u F rs. or

Bonamassa fresh and ready before he sets off across the country, ocean and back again through the end of the year.

“It is because of the fans that I work so hard and push myself to the limits worldwide and won’t slow down any time soon.”

24

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, April 21, 2016

Eye Eye Street Street

It’s a great wall of entertainment Shen Yun Performing Arts offers elaborate show at Rabobank

BY MATT MUNOZ For The Californian

T

he wonders of ancient China promise to captivate Bakersfield audiences when Shen Yun returns to Rabobank Theater next week.

On tour since 2006, the production offers a mix of ancient Chinese classical dance, Chinese ethnic and folk dances, bel canto-style singing, and instrumental solos. The mission: Revive the essence of traditional Chinese culture in the world.

“That’s what sets it apart from any other Chinese shows that come from China these days,” said Shen Yun spokeswoman Simone Gao. “You do see a lot of Chinese culture through dances and other forms of

PHOTOS COURTESY OF SHEN YUN

Shen Yun Performing Arts combines ancient Chinese folk dance and music with an elaborate stage show.

presentations, but when I see it, they just don’t have the spirit.”

The Shen Yun show

moves quickly through a variety of regions, dynasties and legends. Ethnic and folk dances fill the stage

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with color and energy. A groundbreaking digital backdrop expands the stage in space and time.

Tremendous athleticism, thunderous battle drums, and vocalists are presented before animated backdrops designed to transport audiences to another world.

Bilingual emcees introduce each act.

“Chinese culture has been around for almost 5,000 years, and it’s a culture based on faith. Buddhist, Taoist, and Confucius are the main three throughout the entire history of China, so this is a culture that is deeply spiritual, and culture believed to be transcended by the divine,” said Gao, adding that every detail bares some form of deep spiritual significance.

“Shen Yun teaches classical training dance. If you look at classical Chinese dance, it is different from ballet. Ballet is very open and straight. Classical Chinese dance moves in circles. Why do they move in circles? Because of its relation to Taoism. Taoism believes in harmony in circles. Harmony in circles is a way to express that between heaven and earth and humans. Everything is related to the cultivation of faith and spirituality, and that essence of the Chinese culture is totally lost. What you see today is a shell of what it once was.”

To ensure the ancient

Ethnic and folk dances fill the stage with color and energy during the Shen Yun Performing Arts show.

Shen Yun When: 7:30 p.m. April 27 and 28 Where: Rabobank Theater 1001, Truxtun Ave. Admission: $60-$120, plus fees; tickets available at the Rabobank box office, at 888-9297849, and online via AXS.com.

traditions of China remain alive through cultural outlets such as Shen Yun, Gao said younger generations’ youth have begun carrying the flame.

“It’s growing and continues to pick up. For the past 60 years during the communist rule, there’s a gap.

People don’t really understand Chinese culture any-

more.

Now, through groups like Shen Yun, people are beginning to look back more. They find it to be so great and profound with wisdom within the culture.

They start to have that drive to learn about the Chinese culture. I think it will change China in a very significant way in the future.”

Gao added children 4 years and older are welcome.

“There are a lot of story dances that are very attractive and humorous to kids.

The elegant dancers interact on stage with backdrops. Many of these are ancient stories. The kids will love them very much.

It’s like a Chinese banquet with something for everyone.”

23

Thursday, March 17, 2016 The Bakersfield Californian

Thrash with the devil you know

BY MATT MUNOZ Special to the Californian

I

f the four horsemen of the apocalypse had a soundtrack, its composers would be thrash metal icons Slayer.

Still creating some of heavy rock’s most sonically brutal and technically vicious music, Slayer will headline a full night of thrash — with Testament and Carcass — at Rabobank Arena on March 25.

Several decades in to a pulse-pounding career, Slayer notched a milestone with the 2015 release of “Repentless,” the band’s highest-charting album to date. That success is due to the band’s unholier-thanthou fan base, said drummer Paul Bostaph, who will take the stage with Tom Araya (vocals/bass) and guitarists Kerry King and Gary Holt.

“As a fan, when a new Slayer album would come out, my friends and I always knew they would deliver the goods,” said Bostaph during a recent phone interview.

“They never let us down on record or live.

You always knew when you bought a Slayer record there wasn’t going to be a ballad.”

Bostaph, 51, has had a long run with Slayer following the on-again, off-again tenure of founding drummer Dave Lombardo, who last departed the band in 2013.

“Being a member of the band, there’s nothing in my wildest dreams that would have made me believe that I would be a member of Slayer. Definitely an unprecedented experience,” Bostaph said.

Formed in Huntington Park by King and late guitarist Jeff Hanneman in 1981, Slayer is credited with helping to popularize thrash metal alongside other giants of the genre like Metallica, Anthrax and Megadeth. Characterized by lightning-fast guitar riffs, quick tempos and distinctive double-bass drumming, the sound was louder, harder, faster.

Many of the band’s early releases, notably “Reign in Blood” and “Seasons in the Abyss,” are considered classics among metal fans.

On “Repentless,” the band doesn’t deviate from the dark commentaries, imagery and antihero status that have cultivated a rabid fan base.

“I’m too close to it to rank it against the others. I have other Slayer records that I like, so it’s one of those things where I just leave it up to the fans. It ranks as the newest Slayer record to me.”

The music video for the album’s title track is a gore hound’s dream come true.

Starring actors Danny Trejo (“Machete”),

PHOTO BY ANDREW STUART

Slayer — from left, Tom Araya, Gary Holt, Paul Bostaph, Kerry King — will perform at Rabobank Arena on March 25.

Slayer, Testament, Carcass When: 7:30 p.m. March 25 Where: Rabobank Theater 1001, Truxtun Ave. Tickets: $39.50 to $49.50, plus fees; available at the Rabobank box office, at 888-929-7849, and online via AXS.com

Vernon Wells (“Mad Max 2”) and others from the horror and action movie genre, the video also prominently features Bakersfield actor Derek Mears, who played hockey-masked maniac Jason Voorhees in the “Friday the 13th” reboot.

Filmed at a now-closed Los Angeles County jail, the video shows the band performing in the yard during a brutal riot. It’s an all-out, bash-’em-up, over-the-top gory metal fest.

COMING IN EYE In a week or two, if things go right, Dionysus Brewing will open to the public. But on a recent visit, just after 7 a.m. on a cloudy Friday morning, owner Kyle Pittser was trying to perfect a batch of Super Funkadelic Gose — and succeeded only in making the floor sticky. There is a lot of work involved in getting a brewery up and running, not the least of which is making the beer itself, a messy and imperfect task. But Bakersfield has a thirst for the stuff, so Pittser will figure it out. Learn more about the status of Dionysus on Sunday.

“She’s gonna need more cheese.” Those were the prophetic works of a father giving his order at Blaze Pizza recently. But when the joint specializes in putting whatever you want — and presumably however much of it you want — on your special pie, it’s all good. Californian restaurant critic Pete Tittl checks in on the assembly-line operation and also reports to readers on his visit to a pho restaurant in a Dining Out two-fer Sunday.

“It was super cool, but it was also one of the hottest days of the summer,” Bostaph said of filming. “We were out in the sun all day long with all the guys you saw in the video.”

No stranger to the genre, Bostaph has played with Exodus, Testament and others, though he said performing with Slayer is incomparable.

“The level of intensity in the music, also how dark the music can be. From every project that I’ve done, this is the most extreme of all of them. All of their songs are pretty intense for different reasons.

‘Raining Blood’ is a favorite to perform.

When you hit that first riff when the whole band comes in, with the double bass and the pit just goes off. I love playing ‘South of Heaven,’ but it’s hard to just single one favorite out.”

And just how does Bostaph keep himself in prime Slayer condition while on tour?

Don’t expect any traveling yoga gurus on

the bus.

“I usually ride my bike for about 30 minutes before I get on the drums. I keep my heart and my lungs active. I don’t smoke cigarettes. It’s a very cardiovascular thing playing drums, especially this style of music.”

As for the set list, the fans can expect the classics along with potential favorites.

“We don’t want people to see the same set list all the time, so Kerry usually puts it together,” Bostaph said. “He’ll go to websites and see what we’ve played in those towns when we’ve visited or nearby and try to give the fans something different each time. We have a pretty extensive list of songs we all know now, so we can pretty much drop a new tune that’s not in the set into a set that afternoon if we want to.”

Practice your devil horn salute and mind your mosh pit etiquette. Or not. It is a Slayer party, after all. (Fun fact: Slayer’s last Bakersfield appearance was in 2001.)

Kyle Pittser, co-owner and brewer of Dionysus Brewing Company, is hard at work making a unique array of beers.

The brewery is hoping to be open to the public in a week or two.

CASEY CHRISTIE / THE CALIFORNIAN

THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2016 | Editor: Jennifer Self • Phone: 395-7434 • Email: jself@bakersfield.com

18

Eye Stre reet

AT A GLANCE First Friday . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Stefani Dias on the arts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 The Lowdown with Matt Munoz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Ticket Roundup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

SHINE helps girls succeed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Camellia show . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 High school plays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26-27 Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30-31

Spring Fling has Silversun lining Indie bands combine forces for concert at Rabobank Arena

BY MATT MUNOZ For The Californian

PHOTO BY CLAIRE MARIE VOGEL

Los Angeles altrock quartet Silversun Pickups will appear with Cage The Elephant and more on March 13 at Rabobank Arena.

T

he highly anticipated Spring Fling Rock AF tour, rolling into Rabobank Arena on March 13, brings together some of rock’s most creative songwriting collectives from over the past decade.

Grammy-nominated alternative rock outfit Cage the Elephant headlines the tour, which also features SoCal indie heroes Silversun Pickups, acclaimed UK quintet Foals, and East Coast post-punk act Bear Hands.

“All of us are pretty linked,” said Silversun Pickups vocalist and guitarist Brian Aubert during a phone interview about the ambitious cross-country trek.

“We took Cage out on the road a long time ago and we’ve become really close with them ever since. Same with Foals, and we just met Bear Hands. We all swim in the same universe, but none of the bands sound the same, which I think is such a pleasure. The fact that we were able to pull this off with all of our friends is just a joy.”

Coming into their own in the close-knit Echo Park and Silver Lake music scene of the early 2000s, the band benefitted from changes in the recording industry, which was moving to digital formats, allowing independent labels to flourish. At the same time, corporate terrestrial radio, hoping to lure back disenfranchised listeners, scrapped the formats and playlists for a more experimental approach.

The band’s debut EP, “Pikul,” in 2005, couldn’t have come at a better time, Aubert said.

“It was this thing, where it was just this hot spot, all this interesting music, all these clubs where people would just go to grab a drink and watch a band. We were playing a lot,” he recalled. “But what happened is that stations outside of Los Angeles, in Seattle and San Francisco, started playing our stuff. That got us started playing cities around the United States.”

In 2006, Silversun Pickups released its first full-length album, “Carnavas,” on indie label Dangerbird. The midtempo Please see FLING / PAGE 23

Spring Fling Rock AF Tour “We took Cage out on the road a long time ago and we’ve become really close with them ever since.

Same with Foals, and we just met Bear Hands. We all swim in the same universe, but none of the bands sound the same, which I think is such a pleasure.”

— Brian Aubert, Silversun Pickups vocalist and guitarist

What: Concert featuring Cage the Elephant, Silversun Pickups, Foals, Bear Hands When: 7:30 p.m. March 13 Where: Rabobank Arena, 1001 Truxtun Ave. Tickets: $29.50 to $39.50, plus fees Ticketmaster.com or call 852-7777

23

Thursday, March 3, 2016 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street Street FLING CONTINUED FROM PAGE 18

groove of the first single, “Lazy Eye,” ignited a fiery level of optimism within the Silver Lake scene.

Aubert’s vocals slow burn into a climax of guitars, distortion and screams, making the single a millennial mixtape essential. With “Well Thought Out Twinkies,” the rockier followup that also became an alternative radio staple, the band hit the festival circuit, including a stop at Coachella.

“We just never put any calculation into it,” Aubert said.

“When we played in Los Angeles, we played live for four years in the clubs before we released an album. We were trying to be a decent live band and find a sonic identity by playing shows without the thought that anybody would be interested in hearing from us. We were just trying to be the best that we could be.

“When we do the big radio festivals, it feels good

PHOTO COURTESY OF CAGE THE ELEPHANT

Grammy-nominated alternative rock outfit Cage the Elephant headlines the Spring Fling Tour.

to be like the strange people at the prom. We are totally the kids in the corner, secretly happy to be there, but we’re spiking the punch being naughty, because we’re freaks.”

Subsequent releases have allowed the band to continue to straddle the pop and alt indie worlds.

“We kind of birthed in a universe where bands never got played on the radio really,” Aubert said.

“You had to really be big to do that. Once you start designing things for other purposes other than creating things for what you’re into I think you start fumbling.”

The most recent release, “Better Nature,” was produced on New Machine, a label created by the band, which in addition to Aubert features drummer Christopher Guanlao, bass player Nikki Monninger and gui-

tarist Joe Lester.

Aubert said the decision to branch out suited the band’s forward-minded direction.

“We thought, why not tighten it up even more where now it’s really us and the people that we work with and nobody else and see what happens. We have no one else to go to or blame but ourselves. When you’re with a label, they’re investing something into what you’re doing, so you have to go through them a little. It was time to not go through anybody.”

Tourmates Cage the Elephant are no strangers to radio, with the hit singles “Ain’t No Rest for the Wicked,” “Shake Me Down,” “Aberdeen,” and “Come a Little Closer,” among other singles in heavy rotation. The group’s latest album, “Tell Me I’m Pretty,” was produced by The Black Keys’ Dan Auerbach. Cage lead singer Matthew Shultz is one of alt rock’s most dynamic performers. (Fun fact: Cage the Elephant last performed in Bakersfield at B Ryder’s in 2009.)

PHOTO COURTESY OF FOALS

Foals appear with Cage The Elephant and Silversun Pickups on March 13th at Rabobank Arena.

TICKET ROUNDUP Bakersfield Music Hall of Fame 2230 Q St. bakersfieldmusichalloffame.com or 8641701.

March 17: Guitar Masters: The New West Guitar Group, 7:30 p.m., prices TBA. May 19: Guitar Masters: Frank Vignola & Vinny Raniolo, 7:30 p.m., prices TBA.

Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace 2800 Buck Owens Blvd. vallitix.com or 328-7560.

March 29 and 30: Aaron Lewis, 7:30 p.m., $49.50$55.50.

Eagle Mountain Casino 681 S. Tule Reservation Road, Porterville. 559-7886220.

March 18: Funk Fest, 8 p.m., $30; $45. Tickets on sale Feb. 6.

Fox Theater 2001 H St. etix.com or 489-4369. Prices listed are for the box office window only.

March 5: Who Framed Roger Rabbit, 7 p.m., $8;

$5.

March 18: Rebelution Winter Greens Tour, 9 p.m., $25.

March 26: The Jungle Book, 7 p.m., $8; $5.

April 9: Cinderella, 7 p.m., $8; $5.

April 22: California Beach Boys, 7:30 p.m., $25-$50.

April 23: Jackson Browne, 7 p.m., $51-$76.

April 28: Clint Black, 8 p.m., $39.50-$59.50.

May 5: The Three Amigos, 7 p.m., $8; $5.

May 8: Shatner’s World, 7:30 p.m., $30-$145.

May 15: Paul Rodriquez and the Latin Kings of Comedy, 8 p.m., $20$100.

Bakersfield College 1801 Panorama Drive. vallitix.com Planetarium Shows, 7:30 p.m., $8 adults; $6 seniors/kids March 3: Supervolcanoes March 17: Black Holes April 7: Earthquakes April 21: Dynamic Earth

Kern County Fairgrounds 1142 S. P St. vallitix.com

March 12: Team G.E.E.K. Craft Show, 10 a.m., $5 parking.

May 8: Mother’s Day Music Fest, 2 p.m., $10 admission; $5 parking.

March 12: Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra, 7:30 p.m., $20-$45.

March 13: The Spring Fling Rock AF 2016 Tour, 7 p.m., $29.50; $39.50.

March 25: Slayer, 7:30 p.m., $37.50 April 6: Blue Man Group, 7:30 p.m., $35-$65.

April 9: Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra, 7:30 p.m., $20-$45.

April 22: Chris Stapleton, 8 p.m., $35-$45.

April 25: Joe Bonamassa, 8 p.m., $89-$125.

April 27-28: Shen Yun, 7:30 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, $60-$120.

May 14: Bakersfield Symphony Orechestra, 7:30 p.m., $20-$45.

May 17: Celtic Woman, 7 p.m., $45-$105.

May 26: Mamma Mia, 7:30 p.m., on sale TBA.

Rabobank

Temblor Brewing Co.

1001 Truxtun Ave. rabobankarena.com, axs.com or 1-888-9297849. (Listed ticket prices do not include fees.)

March 10: Ragtime — The Musical, 7:30 p.m., $25-$55.

3200 Buck Owens Blvd. temblorbrewing.com.

March 3: Kevin Heffernan & Steve Lemme of Broken Lizzard, 7 p.m., $30 presale; $35.

March 5: David Bowie Tribute Concert, 7 p.m., $5.

March 12-13: Model Train Show and Sale, 10 a.m. both days, $7 admission; $5 parking.

April 2-3: All Breed Dog Show and Obedience Trials, 8 a.m., $5 adult; $4 seniors.

April 15-16: Horseless Carriage Club of America Auto Expo, 7 a.m., $2; $parking.

April 16: 21st Annual Scottish Games, 9 a.m., $3-$28; $5 parking.

April 29-May 1: 40th Annual Western Street Rod Nationals, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Sunday, $6-$15; $5 parking.

Ser Pro vin ud 76 g Yo ly Yea u F rs. or

Jimmy Gaines, formally Gaines Peay & Johnson The Great Bobby O & Special Guest: Glenda Robles

18

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, June 23, 2016

Eye Street

It’s a Mexican combo plate of flavors Different styles to mesh at show

BY MATT MUNOZ For The Californian

Few groups can strike a chord among loyal fans like Los Tigres del Norte and Cafe Tacuba — but they don’t usually strike those chords at the same concert.

Spawned from two very different genres — Mexican norteno and Latin alternative rock — it’s anybody’s guess what level of pachanga will result when they make a rare appearance together at Rabobank Theater on Friday.

You read correctly, it’s a billing almost too amazing to be true, but one that Los Tigres member Luis Hernandez is confident fans will embrace with open arms and moving feet.

“It’s a big opportunity for us to join those types of bands in concert, because it gives us another way to expose our music and messages,” said Hernandez during a recent phone interview. “Their audiences identify with us a lot, so I think there’s maybe a lot of fans that may be fans of Los Tigres music but have not had the opportunity to see us perform.”

EXPERIENCE

PHOTO COURTESY OF CAFE TACUBA

Tickets are currently on sale for a Friday concert featuring acclaimed Mexican Latin alternative quartet Cafe Tacuba (pictured above) and Los Tigres del Norte at Rabobank Theater.

Los Tigres del Norte and Cafe Tacuba PHOTO COURTESY OF LOS TIGRES DEL NORTE

Norteno music icons Los Tigres del Norte will perform with Cafe Tacuba at Rabobank Theater on Friday.

Lead vocalist and accordionist Jorge Hernandez formed Los Tigres del Norte (the Tigers of the North) with his brothers and cousins in their home state of Sinaloa, Mexico, in the late 1960s. Traveling to the U.S. with only talent and survival instincts to their name, the youths eventual-

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ly landed in San Jose, where they began making their mark.

Perpetually touring, they’ve recorded more than 50 albums that have sold upwards of 32 million units. They’ve managed to last for decades without major changes in the family lineup; Luis Hernandez replaced his older brother Raul, who left to pursue a solo career in 1996.

“Being a family involves more responsibility. You have to be more comprising, and work on doing things better to make sure the message of making music is clear,” Luis Hernandez said.

“We want to show the people that as a family we can do these things together. That’s one thing Mexican and Latin families have in common. We are very united and unique in that respect. Whatever we do, whether it involves music or business, we all share what we do.”

Los Tigres del Norte were early pioneers of the controversial narco-corrido (drug ballad), a sub-genre of the traditional corrido folk song that blends cautionary tales of crime and Robin Hood-like figures into songs such as “Contrabanda y Traicion” (Contraband and Betrayal). The group has also been called the righteous voice of the immigrant experience

When: 8 p.m. Friday Where: Rabobank Theater, 1001 Truxtun Ave.

through songs such as “De Paisano a Paisano” (From Countryman to Countryman), “Mis Dos Patrias” (My Two Homelands) and “La Jaula de Oro” (The Golden Cage), which tells of an undocumented farm worker who longs to return to Mexico, but whose family refuses after adapting to American life.

“We’ve been singing those types of songs for a long time and I think that it comes out naturally. I don’t want to sound like Los Tigres are above what other bands are doing, but I think right now in the market, there’s no other band that can sing these types of stories.

“My brothers came here in 1968. They were little kids, no papers. They’ve been through a lot. Me being the youngest, I’ve been through a lot also. I think they relate to the problems that our people are having in the United States in the past or present. When someone comes to you with those types of songs and you really identify with the message, it’s very easy to believe when you are singing it.”

The group also received recognition from the LGBTQ community last year with the song “Era Differente” (She Was Different), about a young girl’s love for her best friend. The topic was uncharted terri-

Tickets: $40 to $130 (fees may apply). Available at axs.com or the Rabobank Arena box office

tory for Los Tigres.

“We’re not the type of band that wants to just be popular on the radio. When we decide that we want to record a song with a particular message, we want to make sure that people can relate to it and that it will encourage them to do better,” said Hernandez. “It comes natural. The goals that we have as brothers are similar. We may have different ways of thinking, but at the end we all have the same purpose.”

Bakersfield business owner and longtime fan Martin Guerrero bought tickets for Friday’s show well in advance.

“Los Tigres del Norte music means much to me in that it unites individuals such as myself, a MexicanAmerican born in America, with people born in Mexico because we share a common love and joy for their music. My favorite songs are ‘Jefe de Jefes’ (Boss of Bosses), ‘Los Hijos de Hernandez’ (The Sons of Hernandez) and also ‘Mi Soldado’ (My Soldier). I know Café Tacvba will be great. I am expecting an awesome show from both groups.”

To keep up with fan requests and dedications, Hernandez said the group uses the same method they always have.

“We don’t have a set list.

What we do is collect all of the requests from the audi-

ence handed to us on little pieces of paper and dedicate them. We keep all the papers and at the end of the tour, we have someone make a list of the most requested songs and plan for next time.”

Café Tacuba, meanwhile, is credited with helping legitimize the Latin alternative rock scene far beyond Mexico in the ’90s. Indeed, the experimental quartet is responsible for some of the genre’s most brilliant releases.

Mixing American alternative rock with some traditional sounds of Mexico, the band’s music is a little bit of the Beatles and Los Tigres, some Depeche Mode, Ramon Ayala, and Pink Floyd. They’ve performed at every major music festival, including Coachella, and have fans of every tongue who share an affinity for the eclectic.

For Hernandez, the combination of both groups is an investment in the future of Mexico’s colorful musical imprint on the world.

“We want to have that opportunity to interact with people, and show them what we do and to set a good example for new generations. It’s very interesting how you can mix these two different audiences and in the end they are familiar with your songs. It’s a very good feeling.”

17

Thursday, July 7, 2016 The Bakersfield Californian

Parris finds path back home New album ‘Makin’ My Way’ marks a return to singer’s country roots

BY MATT MUNOZ For The Californian

F

rank Sinatra recorded there, as did the Beach Boys and Pink Floyd.

But when Visalia singersongwriter Rudy Parris had the opportunity to record at the iconic Capitol Studios in Hollywood, he was hoping to soak up a little magic from two of the label’s other legends: Buck Owens and Merle Haggard.

“I specifically recorded there for that reason,” said Parris, a member of Team Blake Shelton on season 3 of “The Voice.”

“They asked me to go to Nashville and I said no. It was a dream come true.”

The release of his long-awaited full-length album, “Makin’ My Way,” on Warrior Records, marks a return to Parris’ country roots.

“I stopped playing country music when Buck Owens died. It was already getting crazy with all that ‘Honky Tonk Badonkadonk’ and all that stuff that I started getting really uncomfortable with it,” he recalled.

Parris and his brother, drummer Abel Parris, performed in a house band at Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace for years before Owens’ passing in 2006.

“To me it was pretty much like ‘The Day the Music Died.’ I walked out of that funeral for Buck Owens, drove away out of the parking lot and my brother and I turned our backs on it.

“Losing Buck and seeing what country music was turning into, it just wasn’t for me anymore. So I hadn’t been writing any country songs. I was writing songs in the style of John Mayer and Stevie Wonder, but the country was always there. People used to say, ‘You still got some of that twang in your voice.’ You can’t take 30 years of that out of your voice overnight.”

The 14 tracks featured on “Makin’ My Way” were part of a batch of more than 50 original songs written for consideration.

Each composition had its own distinct feel, but with a focus on what he says is “real country music.”

“It’s not the kiddie stuff that you hear nowadays that, to me, is just a step above nursery rhymes.”

To bring his vision to life, Parris assembled an impressive team of collaborators on “Makin’ My Way” that includes guitarist Pete Anderson (Dwight Yoakam, Buck Owens), veteran country session player Wanda Vick (Wild Rose, “The Ralph Emery Show”), steel guitarist “Cowboy” Eddie Long

PHOTOS COURTESY OF RUDY PARRIS

Rudy Parris, who performed in a house band at Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace for years before Owens’ passing in 2006, returns to his country roots on his new album.

Rudy Parris’ new album: “Makin’ My Way.”

(Hank Williams Jr.), Nashville vocal icon Wes Hightower, Pat Vegas (Redbone), Tejano music legend Little Joe, and country/metal rebel Hank III, to name a few.

“I had some lead guitar parts that were missing some lead character, and the sound I heard in my mind was Pete Anderson,” Parris said.

“So it just so happened that I read the newspaper and he was playing at the Burbank Moose Lodge; he’d been playing there every Monday at that time. I went and sought him out, and he says, ‘You guys look familiar.’ I said, ‘Yeah, we played at Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace for years.’ He came into the studio and did exactly what I thought he was going to do. Pat Vegas (Redbone) is from Fresno, and I loved their music. I had to include them. I used to play at a casino in Fresno and all the family used to come see me play.”

Another pair of guest names in the studio credits are sure to raise a few eyebrows: Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith and actor Michael Madsen.

“Chad came in because he’s on the same label as me with his band Chad Smith’s Bombastic Meatbats. My producer asked him and he said, ‘No problem.’

The one thing that people don’t know about Chad Smith is that he does do country records. He worked with the Dixie Chicks on ‘Taking the Long Way.’ He plays all styles. He came in and I didn’t have to tell him anything. He was perfect.”

Actor Madsen, who contributed his voice to a pair of spoken-word interludes and backgrounds on “Makin’ My Way,” sounds like he could have been pulled from the set of a Tarantino flick.

“We have the same publicist.

My label got that all together, Michael heard a couple of my songs and really liked what I was doing and asked, ‘How could I be a part of this?’ My producer asked him to write a couple spokenword pieces and I’d drop some music behind it and we’ll throw it on the record.”

Content with the result after two years of patience and the plodding production that comes

with the business of music, Parris invites listeners to look below the surface.

“The beautiful things that I loved about early ’90s country, the orchestration and the production from guys like George Strait, I brought that to my music.

No one’s really bringing that back, with the exception of guys like John Pardi, who also happens to be from California.”

Opening with “Party Out Back,” a driving summertime anthem, Parris wanted to make his intentions clear about having good clean American fun.

“I heard a lot of songs on the radio about partying and sex, and I said, ‘There’s good all-American people who like having a good time in our backyards with family and friends.’ I wrote about that and it’s G-rated for the whole family.”

Parris’ vocals are in prime form, without any overproduction, on his second song, the strong “Cowboy Cry,” a tune perfect for honkytonk two-steppin.’

Fans of his previous singles released during his time on “The Voice” won’t be disappointed.

“I will never forget ‘The Voice’ and I’m very proud of that,” he said adding he no longer performs any songs related to his stint on the show. “I still get recognized today by fans of the show. Out of all the thousands, maybe up to a million people have tried out to be on it, and I was one of those who made it.

That was nothing short of a miracle.”

In addition to the album’s title track, other standouts on “Makin’ My Way” include the ballad “Angels Can Fly,” Southern rocker “Miles Away,” the radio-primed “If I Could Have You,” and the poppy “Sho Is Fine” a personal top pick shared by Parris.

“I think it’s my best job at creating an atmosphere in a song.

You can imagine everything in your mind. It’s all about celebrating life. It also has a double meaning. My girl sho is fine and life sho is fine. I love that song.”

Parris plans an intense promotional trek that will take him to markets across the country, including Bakersfield.

“Our last tour outside of California, people can’t help but stare at me, then they hear this voice and they’re like, ‘What’s going on?’ They love the energy my brother and I have. Talent is talent, entertainment is entertainment. It doesn’t matter what you look like or how old you are.”

Physical copies of “Makin’ My Way” can be purchased in Bakersfield at FYE Music & Movies, at 4676 Ming Ave., 834-8003, and available for digital download at iTunes and more.

For more information, visit rudyparris.com.

23

Thursday, June 2, 2016 The Bakersfield Californian

The Pulse of a new generation Iconic band finding new fans as it tours with Ziggy Marley

BY MATT MUNOZ For The Californian

I

f your knowledge of reggae extends only to the laidback and the feel-good, you’ve never listened to the politically charged message of Steel Pulse.

Formed in 1975 in Birmingham, England, Steel Pulse was embraced both by devoted Rastafarian believers as well the rebellious punk rock movement.

Quite a distance literally and figuratively from the tropical vibes of Jamaica, the band was born of England’s turbulent political and social climate.

More than four decades later, over a career that has brought the band acclaim and controversy, David “Dread” Hinds remains adamant about his group’s beliefs. The lead singer and rhythm guitarist shared his feelings on the state of the world and reggae and his love for Ziggy Marley, who will co-headline a concert with Steel Pulse tonight at Bright House Networks Amphitheatre.

The show marks the first time either act has performed in Bakersfield, and for those who possess the essential reggae releases in their collection, it’s been a long time coming.

“We’ve all witnessed cases and trials around the world,” said Steel Pulse vocalist David Hinds during a phone interview. “These kinds of things have been mentioned in Steel Pulse music for years since the beginning. It’s given us a reason to keep on going. Our message hasn’t really changed.”

And neither has the world, Hinds said.

“The present day, let’s face it, prophecy is being fulfilled. All that Steel Pulse has been talking about back in the day, like the song ‘Blues Dance Raid,’ was really about police harassment and brutality. You have other songs from the band’s line-up that involves racism, songs like ‘Ku Klux Klan’ and ‘Rock Against Racism,’ all these types are the types of things America is facing right now. It hasn’t gone away.

It’s still there, because people have put a Band-Aid over it from their first-aid kit, instead of putting the proper healing measures to the wound.”

Hinds also acknowledged the importance of reaching out to young listeners as a vital way of keeping in tune with the times.

“We just kept saying to ourselves, ‘How do we say the same message that the youths of today can relate to?’ It’s the same sub-

PHOTO COURTESY OF STEEL PULSE

David Hinds and Selwyn Brown formed Steel Pulse to embrace both devoted Rastafarian believers as well as rebellious punk rockers.

Ziggy Marley with Steel Pulse When: 7 tonight Where: Bright House Networks Amphitheatre, 11200 Stockdale Highway Tickets: $30 to $50 (fees may apply). Available at axs.com or the Rabobank Arena box office

ject matter, but we’ve made a variation on the delivery.”

One way is by aligning themselves with the new wave of younger California-based reggae bands, whom Hinds credits with helping give Steel Pulse a much needed boost.

“I’m supportive of the California roots-reggae movement. I’m happy that someone’s taken reggae, embraced it and have done something constructive with it regardless of race, color or creed.

At the end of the day, music needs to be established. Let’s face it: There’s a strong faction of reggae fans that are not familiar with the hardcore reggae bands that have existed for quite some time. So, to know that we’ve been invited by these acts — The Expendables, Slightly Stoopid, Rebelution, all these kind of acts that have respected the origins of the music which is coming from

bands like ourselves — has given us a new lease on life to be exposed to an audience that normally wouldn’t go check us out.”

When asked about the close relationship between Steel Pulse and Ziggy Marley, Hinds said it stems from the history they share with the late Bob Marley.

Over the past five years, the two have shared the road as ambassadors of reggae.

“Ziggy has always had a special admiration for Steel Pulse, and so does his entire family, including his mother. I think that acknowledgment comes from knowing his father had us under his wing for a brief period while on tour. I think just as much as we think it is an honor to be out on tour with the son of Marley, I think he’s probably feeling honored that we come from an era that his father came from.”

While plans for a Steel Pulse career-spanning documentary and new album await, Ziggy Marley continues releasing new music. His latest, self-titled album was released earlier this year on the family-owned Tuff Gong Worldwide record label.

“We admire the fact that Ziggy wanted to carry his father’s mantle as far as trying to keep his image upright, the Rastafarian community, and go out there producing music where it’s not harming anyone,” Hinds said.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ROXANNE HAYNE

Ziggy Marley, son of reggae music icon Bob Marley, appears tonight with Steel Pulse at Bright House Amphitheatre.