The Lowdown with Matt Munoz / 2012

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The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, January 5, 2012

Eye Street The Lowdown with Matt Munoz

Breathing new life into Cidona Local band back with new lineup, CD, video

T

here’s never been a shortage of faith among the members of Bakersfield altrock quartet Cidona.

After dropping into the local all-ages music scene two years ago, the band became instant favorites, pulling in large crowds at most appearances. They were accessible to radio and benefited from being one of the only female-fronted rock bands in town.

But after a brief run as a main attraction, the group slowly began to fall apart, much to the dismay of fans, many of whom had just come aboard. It didn’t help that a promo video featuring the band advertising televised high school football games on Bright House Networks debuted just as Cidona lost lead vocalist Karrisa Jackson and keyboardist Elizabeth Reichelt.

But rather than call it a day, remaining members Mike Jameson, Brock Beeney and Josiah Frazier regained their momentum after meeting vocalist Melissa Lucas, who was just back from an appearance on “American Idol” last year.

Finding each other at similar crossroads, their teaming took off immediately. Embraced by old fans, a whole new audience eagerly caught on after Lucas’ debut at the KRAB Free 4 All in May, where she was introduced in front of thousands.

Now the band has reached another milestone with a new five-song EP, “Credulity,” and a music

Cidona CD/video release show When: 6 p.m. Saturday Where: The Gate, 2010 O St. Admission: $5 Information: cidona.net

video for the song “Falling.” To celebrate, the band is throwing a huge all-ages CD release and premiere party at The Gate Saturday.

“The band is one of the things I’ve wanted to keep in my life,” said bassist Beeney, who cofounded Cidona with guitarist Jameson. “Working hard at this has always made me happy.”

Maturing as a group, the dynamic has shifted from the happy, uplifting image of their past. With busy lives and responsibilities offstage, this isn’t the same band we encountered on MySpace pushing silly homemade videos.

Today, it’s all strictly business as they sit together attentively at their Rosedale area rehearsal space.

“It’s been crazy, very hectic,” said Lucas on being whisked from national TV to fill the post of lead singer in a busy rock band.

“None of this has been easy, but it’s always been fun.”

Frazier, who handles much of the band’s promotion online, isn’t saying much right now, but put him behind his drums and you’ll see him communicate loud and clear.

“This group has always run on pure adrenaline, no energy drinks,” he said.

On record, it would be unfair to compare the old Cidona to the new. Beginning with the improved yin-and-yang style of Jameson’s guitar leads and Beeney’s bass structure, Frazier’s solid pulse offers the perfect glue

PHOTO BY RYAN SANDERS

Cidona’s revamped lineup has been a hit with fans — both old and new. Members of the group are, from left, Mike Jameson, Brock Beeney, Melissa Lucas, Josiah Frazier.

for that cohesive unit. Topped with Lucas’ strong vocal abilities to rise above moments of chaos, they’ve officially shed their poppy-go-lucky former selves.

That proof and more is all over “Credulity.”

From the potent opening crescendo of “Maybe” to its follow-up track, “Hold Me Down,” showcasing Lucas’ vocal range and skills as a songwriter, things begin to lighten up on the Paramore-ish “Make Up Your Mind,” before heading into serious territory with “Falling,” a song about drug addiction. Chosen to be the song for the accompanying video, Lucas said it was also the hardest to write.

“I’ve never been in that situation, so you have to think about what you’d say to someone with

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.

that kind of problem. We really wanted to do something different with the lyrics. I originally had seven lengthy verses, but I narrowed it down to the ones that worked best.”

Jameson echoed Lucas: “It had the best storyline we could retell in a video.”

Written, directed and produced by local filmmaker Ryan Sanders, along with the group, the video is an independent triumph of sorts.

With sets built by the band, all available resources were tapped for use.

From lighting to makeup, even actors — Robert Bowman and former keyboardist Elizabeth Reichelt in starring roles — the short film looks and sounds polished with the occasional, love/hate youth drama cliché. If I were to make a prediction, expect it to be used by drug intervention programs in the near future. It’s that good.

“After filming for six hours, I

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had whiplash,” laughed Lucas. “I now know how hard major artists have to work. By 2 a.m. I wanted my bed.”

Frazier agreed: “I’ve played drums on and off for nine years, but I’ve never played as hard as I did for the video. It validated that we’re actually doing something and watching how it came out just blew me away.”

Also included is the song “Bitter Words,” which wraps up a strong outing and promising rebirth for Cidona.

“This is definitely the most work we’ve ever collaborated on as a band and it turned out better than we expected. None of us were giving up,” said Beeney.

Opening Saturday’s show will be acts Alex Mitts, Good Question, Streetside Vinyl, The New Post, and A Long Way From Stable. Copies of “Credulity” will be available for purchase at the show and will soon be available for download online.

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The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, January 12, 2012

Eye Street The Lowdown with Matt Munoz

Funeral Club show dead ahead Couple attracted to haunting sound

M

onday’s full moon fit the mood perfectly for my meeting with Bakersfield duo Funeral Club.

Haunting, dark, or romantic depending on your tastes, there are almost too many musical categories to file them under — gothic spaghetti western, chamber jazz, Euro. Whatever you call it, just don’t call it dead.

Despite what their name may conjure up, husband and wife Joseph and Jenny Andreotti don’t mind the labels, as long as you listen closely.

“We think of it more of like art — the whole package with music and imagery,” said Jenny, who sings while Joseph performs on a variety of instruments, ranging from banjo to accordion. “We’re two fans who want to put out something that reflects the things we really like.”

Among those things are classic film noir and vintage photography with no boundaries on experimentation. All of which can be found at their website, funeralclub.org. Evolving from previous projects Calico Sunset and Grizzly Owls in 2009, the two initially found success with their new direction in the ultra hip Silver Lake/Echo Park area of Hollywood. Now officially known as Funeral Club, they began making strides instantly.

“People in the Los Angeles Silver Lake scene have been very responsive to our music,” said Joseph. “And we’ve always said we were from Bakers-

PHOTO BY TY ROSE

Jenny and Joseph Andreotti like their new identity as Funeral Club, and say the response to their new name has been positive.

field.”

Like their new musical identity, Jenny said the response to their new name has been equally refreshing.

“We really wanted to try to find something that would fit along the lines of a band from the ’80s — Siouxsie and the Banshees, Nick Cave and Tom Waits — something from that era. We’re also big fans of The Gun Club, and the ring of their name. It’s an homage.”

Inspired by both the post-punk goth movement of the U.K. and L.A.’s pioneering underground scene, Funeral Club also touts some historical significance, going back to the Romans.

“There have been funeral clubs since ancient times,” Jenny said.

“People would get together and help pay for burials if a family couldn’t afford it. We’ve actually been approached by businesses advertising their crematorium services to us.”

As macabre as their name may sound, there is nothing bizarre and unusual about the couple in person. Artists with an attention to detail, their discography includes two full-length releases and a single, “Whiskey & Clyde,” also available for free download through their website.

Released last year, “In the Fire” is the perfect introduction for those unfamiliar with the band.

Opening with the abstract banjo strum on “No Trace of Me,” there is no formal arrangement, just loosely developing melodies with

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.

Ennio Morricone-style elegance.

Their writing process is simple and incorporates the unconventional instrumentation of Joseph’s parlor and baritone guitar, omnicord, synthesizer and percussion, with Jenny’s ethereal vocals on seven of the eight original compositions.

“I’ll write something, then Jen will come up with some lyrics. We collaborate on everything, and she’ll let me know if I need to change something to allow her idea to work,” said Joseph. “Since we’re married, it’s easy to work on music and practice.”

On the recording end, there’s no fancy studio work.

“We record to GarageBand (a Macintosh software program) then email it off to our bassist Raymond Richards in Los Angeles,” he added. “He’s got Pro Tools. We just keep sending the tracks back and forth until we’re happy with it.”

For their live show, expect all the Funeral Club elements to come together. From the vintage film clips taken from the public domain archive of avant-garde filmmaker Maya Deren projected behind them to the lighting and music, there’s much for the audience to absorb. Rounding out their onstage ensemble is saxophonist Josh Chamblee.

“This is what we’ve always wanted to convey, and making it very dynamic,” said Joseph.

You can catch Funeral Club at the upcoming Giving Tree Project Battle of The Bands at The Nile on Jan. 21, and at a CD release party in April at a local venue to be determined. “In the Fire,” is available for purchase at Going Underground Records in Bakersfield and for download at iTunes.

Matt’s picks Monster Ball II — Zombie Prom at B Ryder’s, 7401 White Lane, 8:30 p.m. Friday. $5. 3977304.

It’s considered the unluckiest of days, Friday the 13th, but don’t expect any bad times going down when local undead rise at this

PHOTO BY BRADY CABE

Bassist Dave Bullock performs with The JBombs, who will be appearing at the Monster Ball II — Zombie Prom on Friday.

dead man’s party. Co-hosted once again by local rat rockers the JBombs, who released last year’s hellraiser “Booze, Broads and Bombs,” they plan to outdo last year’s event. Advertised as an actual prom, there will be a king and queen crowned during the night, along with specialized vendors and music by Loner Troubadour, Dee-Jay Tucker, Ghost Town Hangmen and Jailbreak. There will also be a photographer and backdrop set up for you and your zombie date, if you wish to have your picture taken. Who knows?

In 30 years, you’ll look exactly the same. Formaldehyde not included.

Beat Surrender DJ Night at Sandrini’s Bar, 1918 Eye St., 10 p.m. Friday. Free. 322-8900.

Like the Mothership, you’re in good hands with local vinyl junkie Alex Rodriguez, aka “DJ Moustache,” who runs the monthly Beat Surrender night at Sandrini’s. Kicking down the best in ’60s and ’70s funk and soul, be prepared to work up a serious sweat. I’ve cut up the concrete a few times here and always have a blast. Rodriguez handpicks his singles as the night builds, and you rarely hear the same song twice. Expect a funky full house.

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The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, January 19, 2012

Eye Street The Lowdown with Matt Munoz

Country with no strings attached Indie band enjoying its artistic freedom

H

as Texas-style country music become the punk rock of the industry?

It has, if you ask unsigned phenom Josh Abbott, who has been proudly waving the flag as a fiercely independent artist along with his band of compadres for the past six years.

Making his Bakersfield debut at Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace on Saturday, the Lubbock, Texas, native considers the band’s status as free agents a badge of honor.

With no mainstream chart-topping hits or awards to his name as of yet, Abbott said sticking to your principles and watching your fan base grow is rewarding enough.

“We’re on a self-imposed promotional trail,” said Abbott of his group’s incessant touring, which keeps the guys away from home much of the year. “We love touring our butts off. It’s something we wanna do, not what a record company is making us do.”

Releasing music under the band’s own imprint, Pretty Damn Tough, Abbott’s success story is one of the many anomalies sprinkled throughout the country music world. Transcending the confines many young artists find themselves restricted by after becoming signed to a major label, Abbot said their story is proof that the DIY spirit is strong outside of Nashville.

“When you look at bands on the radio, we are one of the few independent country artists out there that are successful on our own.

That’s rare.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF JOSH ABBOTT BAND

The Josh Abbott Band will be having a free, all-ages show at the Crystal Palace on Saturday.

Abbott formed the band during his frat party days at Texas Tech.

His part-time hobby eventually pulled him away from his studies, forcing him to rethink his future with or without his original bandmates.

“I first started my band with guys in my frat. We did a few gigs and recorded a few demos to see what happens. As things began to move, some of the guys said they

couldn’t do it anymore. We reformed the band and took it in a new direction.”

Joining Abbott are Preston Wait, fiddle; Edward Villanueva, drums; James Hertless, bass; Caleb Keeter, guitar; and cofounding member Austin Davis, banjo.

“We’ve really jelled over the last few years. I couldn’t do anything without them around me.”

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.

Beginning their career at the bottom of the musical food chain, Abbott said they’ve seen it all, from average honky-tonk dive to “Urban Cowboy” deluxe.

“It’s kind of a myth that you can come to Texas and play to huge crowds in places like Austin or other cities. It’s not like that at all. What’s funny is Austin is more of a place for alternative bands, not country. We play honky-tonk dance bars. The world’s biggest is Billy Bob’s, which holds 5,500.

We’ve sold it out twice and almost a third.”

Switching back to the subject of Texas vs. Nashville artists on the radio, Abbott shared some surprising news most listeners may be unaware of.

“Texas country music has been ignored for a long time. What you hear on the radio is mostly out of Nashville, even here in Texas. But if anything, it’s gotten a little better because of singers like Randy Rogers and Pat Green, who’ve made it into regular rotation. We are also one of the few that have broken that barrier, too. That’s a big accomplishment. ” While music aficionados can argue the differences between the two, Abbott said the distinction is clear.

“To me, Texas country is a representation of our statehood.

Singing songs that just aren’t regular country songs or love songs.

These are songs that reflect our life here. Our song ‘Roadtrippin’ is about goin’ gambling in Nevada, which is what a lot of us do when we hit the road. We talk about goin’ to the lake or tailgating, and going to San Antonio with your lady.”

Abbott said many of the barriers for new artists are erected by the suits, who have a stranglehold on all aspects of the county music industry, including airplay.

“We got as high as 42 on the Billboard charts, but we still couldn’t get airplay in Georgia, Tennessee, and some other markets because we weren’t on a record label. They’re not the gate keepers to good music; the fans

are.”

Excited for the band’s Bakersfield show, Abbott said fans can expect a mix of familiar material, including their latest single, “Oh, Tonight,” from the CD “She’s Like Texas.”

“The show is mostly upbeat, a lot of energy. We communicate with fans, usually start strong, then a nice little cruise control, and end it hot. You don’t wanna hit that spell and bore people. My band is second to very few people.”

Despite his attitude toward the establishment, Abbott said he still wouldn’t mind fielding a few label offers in the future.

“We’re not saying we don’t wanna be on a label, but the great thing about being an independent artist is that there’s a whole world of possibilities out there.

You take the pros and cons and go with it.”

Saturday’s all-ages show begins at 7 p.m. Admission is free. Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace is located at 2800 Buck Owens Blvd.

For more information call 3287560.

Matt’s pick Giving Tree Project Battle of The Bands at the Nile, 1721 19th St., 11 a.m., Saturday, $15, 323-8575. This all-day fundraising fiesta of music and art spearheaded by local nature advocate Amber Beeson is massive. Fifteen bands, including a cross-section of the current Bako band scene, are in the mix: Funeral Club, The Aviators, Ruby Skye, Choirs, The Architecture along with DJ Josex.

There’s also a rare gathering of artists on the same bill like personal faves Jen Raven, Nyoka Jameson, and Guilli Munster Garcia and even more to be announced. Judging the band battle portion will be 800Lb. Gorilla lead singer Simon Faughn and former KRAB jock Jarad “Meathead” Mann. All money raised will benefit The Giving Tree Project at William Penn Elementary.

Sorry, kids — 21 and over only.

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The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, January 26, 2012

Eye Street The Lowdown with Matt Munoz

Jersey boys open up on screen for a TV show in 2000 and it didn’t work, but now with “South Park” on it can.

Will you ever retire the roles?

I think we’ve retired them in the sense of doing movies, but then we started doing the podcast we said, “Let’s call it ‘Jay and Silent Bob Get Old’” instead of just using our real names.

Cult film figures prep live show in theaters

J

ay and Silent Bob are coming to Bakersfield. Movie director Kevin Smith and actor Jason Mewes, who portray the lovable Gen X misfits, will be appearing on the big screen for a special one night in-theater event, “Behind Kevin Smith,” at Edwards Bakersfield 14 on Feb. 2.

But before you go “Wolvie berserk style,” be sure to read the following carefully to avoid getting your “snoochie boochies” in a bunch.

The three-hour event will begin with Smith (Silent Bob) and frequent co-star Mewes (Jay) hosting their highly rated podcast, “Jay and Silent Bob Get Old,” followed by a live interactive Q&A with theater audiences across the country. During the event, fans will have the opportunity to submit their questions directly via Twitter, using the hashtag #livefrombehind.

After being introduced to audiences in Smith’s directorial debut — the 1994 cult comedy “Clerks,” the two became recurring characters in many of Smith’s subsequent films, including their own, “Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back.”

Today they’ve become pop culture icons, referenced in trivia and advertising campaigns.

The Californian chatted with Jason Mewes, 37, by telephone to find out about the origins of Jay & Silent Bob, their home state of New Jersey and sobriety.

Who were Jay and Silent Bob inspired by?

Kevin based the Jay character on me. I met him when I was 13. When we shot ‘Clerks,’ I was 17, 18.

You enjoy doing the speaking engagements?

I love it. It’s like therapy for me.

I get to tell my stories and look back at where I don’t wanna be again. I’ve been sober for two years. I’ve kept in touch with one person on Twitter, who says she’s been a year sober and whenever she’s down or feels like using she listens to the podcast, and it cheers her up. I just feel grateful and blessed.

PHOTO COURTESY OF FATHOM EVENTS

Kevin Smith and Jason Mewes will be appearing on the big screen via a special live simulcast at Edwards Theater on Feb. 2.

Kevin Smith: Live from Behind When: 6:30 p.m. Feb. 2 Where: Edwards Stadium 14, 9000 Ming Ave. Admission: $15 Information: 663-3042

Those five years, that’s pretty much what I acted like, minus the weed selling. Kevin wanted to be on screen, but didn’t want to have to memorize a script and direct. Silent Bob was created to interact with me, so I could do all my stuff. He never needed lines.

Do impersonators freak you out?

The only time it was crazy was when Kevin and I used to go to

comic book conventions in the ’90s. It was almost like we were The Beatles walkin’ around.

A lot of people’s impressions of New Jersey come from Kevin Smith movies and “Jersey Shore.” What’s the more accurate portrayal?

It’s definitely two different spots. There are people like those from “Jersey Shore,” who come from the north part of Jersey near New York. They come and cause traffic jams and fights. Kevin’s Jersey is more central and south.

When will you stop exploiting the fact that Jay and Silent Bob are getting older? What more can they do?

I’d like to do some animation again with the characters. When we did it before, for five episodes

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.

What kind of experience do you hope fans will have after sitting for three hours in a movie theater watching you talk?

We’ve never done it before. My goal is to entertain the people.

Whoever came up with it — it’s a good idea.

What’s the longest story Kevin’s ever told onstage?

At least 45 minutes on just one.

I remember going to one show, where it was supposed to be a three-hour Q&A, and they started turning the house lights on. The employees wanted to go home because it had already been 7½ hours.

So long, Naked Al The local tattoo community is mourning the death of tattoo studio owner Alfonzo “Naked Al” Galindo Jr., 52, who was found dead in his shop at 1820 Eye St. last Saturday. His brother, Gordon Galindo, said the apparent cause was a heroin overdose.

“Al had an addiction for years,” said Gordon Galindo, who was in Florida on business when he got the news. “Growing up, Al would always push the envelope.”

Galindo opened Naked Al’s Tattoo in 1995 at a time when body ink and piercings were not as accepted as they are today. Gordon Galindo recalled the day his brother approached him about leaving his job as a cable installer to follow his dream.

“I couldn’t believe it when he came in and Galindo said he was going to do it. He had a good business sense and foresaw there was need for it. Socially, it was not being accepted yet. He knew a lot of artists and put together a plan to open a shop and hire artists.”

Galindo was nicknamed “Naked Al” because he had no ink on his own body, said friend Marc Deleon of Mad Dog Tattoo, who added that the loss is a great one.

“I’ve known Al since I was 14.

For someone who didn’t have tattoos, he was on the pulse of the business. He was very goodnatured and helping. Al was a mentor to a lot of people. I think it’s a major blow to every hometown shop.”

Despite struggling with demons of his past, including prison time, Galindo had been clean since opening the shop, his brother said.

“He was able to reach out to people there. It’s kind of that element. He had some phenomenal guys. Al had stipulations. Even if the artist was good, if he was high, he would give them his walking papers. If anyone comes in high or drunk, he wouldn’t tattoo them.”

The tattoo shop is closed pending the settlement of legal matters. According to his brother, Galindo left no will, and artists who were renting space have been unable to retrieve their belongings. Galindo’s wife, Heather, is trying to resolve the issues as she deals with her grief.

“It’s an awkward situation. She Please see 26

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Thursday, January 26, 2012 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street

Walk down aisle to Kern wedding show Nearly 80 vendors will be represented at this event

BY ASHLEY FISCHER Contributing writer

C

alling all you blushing brides of Kern County: It’s time to “say yes” to the Weddings 2012 bridal show and plan the fairest wedding of them all (no help from celebrity wedding planner David Tutera required).

This year’s show allows brides access to nearly 80 wedding vendors.

“There’ll be everything,” said Kyle Brown, longtime wedding DJ and executive director of the show.

“From wedding gowns, tuxedos, photographers, DJs, and reception halls, to coordinators, florists, videographers, cakes, caterers, photo booth rentals, hair stylists, and officiants. Anything you need to plan your perfect wedding, we’ll have it.”

Weddings 2012 also features a fashion show previewing the year’s latest wedding looks, lots of giveaways (including a minivacation), and the Weddings 2012 coupon book, which offers discounts to the majority of the vendors at the show.

“I tell brides to always bring their checkbooks. If there’s someone at the show you’re familiar with, or you’ve gone out and interviewed them already, just ask them, ‘Hey, if I give you a deposit right now, what kind of deal can you give me?’ Nine times out of 10, you’re going to get a deal that you wouldn’t get otherwise.”

Since he burst onto the bridal scene by founding his show back in 1994, Brown has become a walking guide to the wedding industry, though he admits his own big day was a pretty simple affair: the venue was the county clerk’s office and the menu consisted of hotdogs.

CONTINUED FROM 22

would love to get it resolved soon. She understands they have to get to work, but at the same time they have to understand the situation we’re in.”

Galindo also leaves behind three children. A public viewing will be held from 4 to 9 p.m. today at Basham Funeral Care, 3312 Niles St. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday at RiverLakes Community Church, 4301 Calloway Drive.

Battle of the bands Last Saturday’s Giving Tree Project Battle of the Bands at the Nile was a rousing success, according to organizer, Amber Beeson.

“It was a total team effort between everyone that participated with the event,” she said. “Everything ran according to schedule, no mistakes.”

After kicking off the daylong competition with the Candace Freeman Nujazz Trio at 11 a.m., attendees were treated to an eclectic collection of Bako’s current scene, including 15 local bands and 20 artists who lined the club’s lobby with their

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Wedding’s 2012 Bridal Show When: Noon to 3 p.m. Sunday; VIP access begins at 11:30 a.m.

Where: Kern County Fairgrounds, 1142 P St. Admission: VIP tickets are $10 and must be bought in advance; general admission is $5 in advance, $10 at the door Information: 633-9200

“My wedding was beautiful, and I never regretted it, but going through the things that I’ve gone through with weddings, and seeing what it could be, I wish I could go back and do it all over again. Let’s just say, my daughter is going to have one phenomenal wedding.”

Brown shared some insider tips and tricks for brides preparing to come to the show: Create an email account for your wedding: By doing so, personal inboxes won’t be muddled with emails and offers from potential wedding vendors in the months leading up to (or especially after) the main event.

Bring supplies to the show: A few pens, paper, a camera, comfortable shoes (remember, you’ll be doing a lot of walking), peel-and-stick mailing labels with your name, email address, and phone number printed on them, in order to register with vendors for contests and giveaways.

Don’t forget the groom: “Bring your groom, bring your maid of honor, bring your best man,” he said. “Bring some people who are going to be your confidants.

They’ll help make sure you’re not making a snap decision and give you an honest opinion when you need one. Most of all, they’ll make it a good time.”

wares.

“I kind of planned the jazz for the morning to be mellow for the early audience that may have been hungover. A lot of bloody Marys were served. Then things began to get progressively louder.”

Estimated crowd numbers ran from 300 to 400, with DJ Josex providing music during set changes.

“There was something for everyone to enjoy. All the bands and artists looked and sounded amazing. The best thing that really happened was that it was such a social experiment.”

By night’s end indie heroes of The Architecture were awarded the grand prize: A complete promotional package, compliments of Bakersfield’s Higher Definition Media, Rocket Ship Recording Studios and No Image Photography. Coming in second and third place were The Aviators, along with Kenny Reeves and The Clones, who also won promo packages.

Beeson added nearly $2,500 was raised to benefit The Giving Tree nature project at William Penn Elementary.

ALL CLOCKS Photo for illustration purpose only.

Actual clocks may vary.

Sales • Service • Repair Hours: Mon.-Fri. 10-6 pm

1905 23rd Street • Bakersfield, CA Corner of 23rd & F Street MADERA WINE TRAIL PRESENTS

Wine & Chocolate Weekend FEBRUARY 11 & 12, 2012 10 AM TO 5 PM BOTH DAYS TASTE OUR AWARD-WINNING WINES!

Wine Tasting at 10 Madera Wineries Chocolates, Delicious Food, Live Music, Local Art and Gift Shops $25 in Advance Online or at Participating Locations through February 10

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FOR TICKETS, MAP & MORE INFORMATION Visit www.MaderaWineTrail.com • (800) 613-0709

24

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, February 2, 2012

Eye Street The Lowdown with Matt Munoz

Going solo straight to Bakersfield Retro blues hounds ready to stomp

B

ako will be hosting two visiting acts from opposite sides of the spectrum this week: pop rocker Cassadee Pope and blues stompers 4onTheFloor.

Artistically, they’re miles away from each other. But beyond the aesthetics and sound, they both share a time-tested formula for success: hit the road and find an audience.

In the case of Pope, the sparkly singer-songwriter is already acquainted with extensive touring as the former lead vocalist for pop-punk quartet Hey Monday.

Now at age 22, Pope wants to retool her career as a pop singersongwriter beginning with her first solo acoustic tour, making a stop at Jerry’s Pizza tonight.

Discovered by Fall Out Boy guitarist Pete Wentz, Hey Monday went straight to the majors quickly after their formation in 2008.

But following the release of their full-length debut “Hold On Tight” and a few stints on various teen rock cavalcades, they lost steam, announcing their indefinite hiatus last year.

“I’ve grown up a lot since I was 18,” she said from the Los Angeles apartment she shares with other musician roommates with similar aspirations. “I really wanted to break out. I moved to L.A., got a new manager and put this tour together myself. I’m starting from the ground up.”

Originally showcased as a sweet-faced teen idol in videos to Hey Monday singles “I Don’t Wanna Dance,” “Homecoming,” and “Candles,” Pope now joins Paramore’s Hayley Williams and Gwen Stefani of No Doubt as someone with similar breakaway potential.

“I grew up being in a band situation like that. That’s all I’ve ever known. In L.A., everywhere I go there’s another singer in the room trying to make it somehow.

I will always have that same kind of rock edge. I’m not going into Ke$ha territory. It’s just gonna be something kind of funky and radio-friendly.”

Curious fans will have to keep their eyes

PHOTO COURTESY OF CASSADEE POPE

Former Hey Monday lead vocalist Cassadee Pope appears at Jerry’s Pizza tonight.

and ears on the Web for a preview of Pope’s new sound for review.

Recent YouTube searches offer mostly older clips.

“I’ve been trying not to say too much because I may give fans the wrong idea once I get too far into what I’m trying out. I don’t know if fans are going to be completely shocked, but the production will be different. I’m adding strings.

It’s a lot more epic and dramatic, not fast paced, pop-punk stuff.”

As for the future of Hey Monday, Pope says she prefers a realistic attitude about the group’s legacy.

“We’ve always said we’re on hiatus, because we wanted to see how our solo projects work out. I mean, let’s face it, we didn’t exactly change the face of poppunk.”

Tickets for tonight’s all-ages show are $10. Showtime is 7 p.m.

Also appearing will be Stephen Jerzak, Darling Parade, Cidona and Streetside Vinyl. Jerry’s Pizza is located at 1817 Chester Ave. For more information, visit timgardeapresents.com or call 6331800.

4onthefloor at B Ryder’s Much less shimmering are road dogs 4onthefloor, who stomp into B Ryder’s for a Friday night stand.

Formed three years ago, the whiskey-swiggin’ blues brothers from Minneapolis are ready to stomp their goodtime message into the ears of listeners through

PHOTO COURTESY OF 4ONTHEFLOOR

Minneapolis quartet 4onthefloor brings its brand of stompin’ blues rock to B Ryder’s on Friday.

an unconventional four-bass drum arsenal.

“When we first started, we just sat around on the back porch with our guitars,” said lead vocalist and guitarist Gabriel Douglas.

“I wanted to be able to control the tempos, so I said, ‘Well, I’m playing bass drum even if we get a drummer.’ After awhile, it became this thing where everyone started playing one.”

Like the legendary Replacements — also from Minneapolis — 4onthefloor’s Americana sound has been causing a buzz on the indie circuit since the release of their debut, “4x4,” last year. Not your average countryinflected roots offering, their heavy-footed melodies will appeal to fans of The Black Keys and early Kings of Leon.

“We’re lucky we’re kind of in the forefront of the revitalization of roots rock back home. There was a time where a lot of bands were sounding like post-Pearl Jam stuff. People eventually decided they no longer wanted to sing like Eddie Vedder anymore, so they started adding harmonies and other things. It was really funny, because before on some bills we’d be the back-porch roots band, then on other bills we’d be the poppiest group on some really harder bill. We have a great scene. Everybody stays to see every band.”

Douglas’ baritone voice on

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.

“Exile,” the opening track from “4x4,” sounds like he’s leading a chain-gang choir into another mile. Backed by a slow boomclap pulse, he’s got a ragged old soul style that commands attention. He then launches into 15 more barn burners, including, “Working Man Zombie,” “Junkie,” “Magic Trick” and “Cashillac.”

Bakersfield, prepare your livers. I foresee a wild night at B Ryder’s.

“Our live shows are very intense and energetic. A lot of hootin’ and hollerin’. We try to get the whole audience into it.

This is our first trek over the Rockies, so we plan to make it count once we hit Bakersfield.”

Friday night’s show is all ages.

Opening acts include locals Ruby Skye, The Bird Channel, Vlad Arthur and Hillsvainkill. Admission is $5. Doors open at 6 p.m. B Ryder’s is located at 7401 White Lane. For more information call 397-7304.

Jammin’ at The Frog Green Frog Market will be hosting a free show featuring Bakersfield blues act Deedra Patrick and The Swamp Katz as part of the store’s successful Saturday afternoon concert series.

Held inside the retailer’s community room, the free weekly concerts feature a mixed bag of talent ranging from jazz, blues, folk and more. According to Green Frog Market manager Tyler Hair, the shows were inspired after he saw Bakersfield’s Patterson Family band outside 24th Street Café on weekends.

“It started just as enjoyment for

the customers. They were the first act we booked. I saw potential with the Pattersons, who have their own little niche community that follows them every show. In turn they gave us some referrals for more acts.”

Launched in the fall two years ago, shows initially were staged between the Bernard Street and Columbus location, which closed last year. Past performers include Cruise Control, Love Society Rejects, Jimmy Narducci & John Hollins, Luther Davis’ Blue Jam, Bunky Spurling and others. In addition to the music, attendees can also chow on tri-tip sandwiches, barbecued chicken and ribs cooked right outside the store. Hair said crowds vary depending on a group’s following. Seating is provided.

“We advertise by putting it in our little market flier that goes out every week. The bands usually bring an entourage with them, so we don’t do too bad saleswise. Musicians call it the gig at ‘The Frog.’ We’re open to everybody.”

Plans for a larger-scale event featuring past performers are in the works once they reach their 100th show.

Interested bands can drop off their demos for future consideration at Green Frog Market. All performers are compensated for their appearance.

Shows are held every Saturday from noon to 2 p.m. Green Frog Market is located at 258 Bernard St. For more information visit greenfrogmarket.com or call 3228420.

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The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, February 9, 2012

Eye Street The Lowdown with Matt Munoz

You want the funk? Zapp to it Group returns to Bako for V-Day concert

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he legacy of the music of Zapp & Roger isn’t just about dancing.

Along with releasing a string of bumpin’ weekend jams for cruising and getting your most righteous groove in the ’80s like “Dance Floor,” “More Bounce to the Ounce” and “So Ruff So Tuff,” the group has a string of slow-jam hits: “Computer Love,” “I Want To Be Your Man” and “Slow & Easy,” to name a few.

After nearly 30 years of inspiring legions to bounce, rock, pop and lock, founding members and brothers Lester and Terry “Zapp” Troutman are ready to lay it down for another generation of funkateers when they return to Bakersfield to headline Art Laboe’s Valentine’s Super Love Jam at Rabobank Theater Friday night.

“Parents will tell me they were raised on our music,” said Lester Troutman during a telephone call from their home state of Ohio.

“That’s one of most incredible things to hear, that they’re passing it on. Sometimes it’s chilling when you think about it. You have three generations listening.”

Troutman added that, along with those accolades, they do on occasion get a little too much information from fans.

“In California, I’ve had quite a few people come to me and say they named one of their kids after one of our songs or after the band, because they were conceived while the song ‘Computer Love’ was on.

That’s crazy, but very cool.”

“We had a lot of luck,” added Terry

PHOTO COURTESY OF ZAPP

Legendary funk group Zapp headlines Art Laboe’s Valentine’s Super Love Jam at Rabobank Theater Friday night.

Art Laboe’s Valentine’s Super Love Jam with Zapp, Evelyn “Champagne” King, The Moments, Ray Goodman and Brown, Barbara Mason, Malo, MC Magic, Amanda Perez, Sophia Maria When: 8 p.m. Friday Where: Rabobank Theater, 1001 Truxtun Ave. Cost: $35 to $50 plus service charge Information: 852-7777 or ticketmaster.com.com

Troutman. “My brothers were always talking about something positive when it came to slow songs. ‘As We Lay’ (a song about infidelity they recorded with singer Shirley Murdock), I guess you can say that was really pretty and positive, depending on how you look at it.”

I’m going to date myself, but I’ve witnessed the Zapp concert spectacle a handful of times, going back to 1983 at the Civic Auditorium (now Rabobank Theater) after the release of “Zapp II.” The group’s late bandleader

Roger Troutman entered from behind the crowd, carrying his guitar to the tune of, “Do It, Roger.” They blew away The Gap Band, which was headlining the show. Then it happened again at the Fox sometime during the ’90s when Zapp appeared with Cameo and the Mary Jane Girls. I was working backstage, and Roger Troutman requested some fresh coffee before he went on. I had to stay, but a buddy of mine, Dale Ridenour, made a mad dash to Dagny’s. Upon his return, Roger took a few sips and said, “Thank you,” before the band kicked off a wild, non-stop danceathon for nearly 90 minutes straight.

There’s no denying that distinctive “boom-clap” Zapp beat sound, sampled on thousands of hip-hop records. Then there’s Roger Troutman’s electro talk box vocals, which for years had been associated with Peter Frampton’s “Show Me the Way.” “We were emulating what was popular at the time, which was George Clinton,” said Lester Troutman. “Bootsy Collins came to Cincinnati and saw us in a nightclub, and he took us to Detroit to meet George. We went into the studio, and he had those

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.

PHOTO COURTESY OF DAVID NAIL

Rising country artist David Nail will perform in front of a sold-out house at Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace Saturday night.

big handclaps on ‘Flashlight’ and ‘Tear the Roof Off.’ George showed us the formula. We worked on the handclap sound until we got it right. Roger was the producer, he was tight. We put the handclap and the funk in there, and that was it.”

He added they were crafting beats years before the introduction and rise of today’s studio wizardry.

“Young people today think we got those sounds with whatever new beat-making machine that is out there. That was me with a bass drum, a squeaky Ludwig speed king bass pedal, and wood chips all around the floor at the end of the session. The handclaps were just guys sitting around clapping, and the tape just ran.

We’d record 30 minutes clapping our hands straight sometimes.

There was no Pro Tools, loops or samples. It was human, all blood and meat.”

So, what’s the secret to formulating the perfect slow jam to get the mood going? Lester Troutman explained it explicitly: Guys pay attention. This is serious V-Day playlist advice coming from one of the masters of the genre.

“It’s about the tempo, mood and what you’d like the song to

do to a person. If you wanna bump ’n’ grind or you want the person to feel happy, or comin’ out of their clothes, you set that beat and tempo. I’m a drummer, I know. This is real. You get the beat, and you get the vibe right.

Then you lay down the bass and the vocal hook. You gotta know what you want your woman to feel.”

I can dig that.

Selling out Rising country singer David Nail can remember where he was the day he found out his latest single, “Let It Rain,” hit No. 1 on the Billboard country charts: Pacing frantically moments before the official reports were released last month, the 32-year-old Missouri native says he almost didn’t make it.

“We’d been following the chart closely days leading up to it. I was neck and neck with the Zac Brown Band,” he said via telephone from his current home in Nashville. “We knew we had a good chance, but the nervous energy was almost too much.”

After celebrating his milestone with a few cold ones, Nail said his elation was topped off with even Please see 29

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Thursday, February 9, 2012 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street CONTINUED FROM 24

more good news — he’d also just sold out a scheduled appearance at Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace within a few days of topping the charts. The show happens this Saturday night.

“I was really surprised. I’ve been to Bakersfield once for an acoustic radio show a couple years ago, but I vaguely remember it. When you haven’t been many places like myself, news like this is just huge.”

It doesn’t hurt that he’s had some heavy hitters on his production side, like Rolling Stones keyboardist and music director Chuck Leavell, plus platinum artists Miranda Lambert and Lee Ann Womack.

“With all of the things that have happened leading up to this show, I’m coming to Bakersfield at a prime time. I hope whoever’s reading this got some tickets.”

Saturday’s showtime is 7 p.m. Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace is located at 2800 Buck Owens Blvd. For more information call 328-7560.

Cheyanne video release party Aspiring 15-year-old local country starlet Cheyanne Welch will be celebrating the release of a new music video for her single, “Perfectly Imperfect,” at Round Table Pizza in Bakersfield tonight.

According to a press release, the video was directed by Bakersfield filmmaker Paul “Doc” Nigh of Futuristic Productions and features a cast of local extras. The video was unavailable for review; however, the single “Perfectly Imperfect” was. With its “you are beautiful inside and out” theme and Taylor Swift-ish pop arrangement, the single is as catchy and sweet as anything Swift has done to tug on the heart strings of teenagers. In addition to the debut of the video, there will be a Q&A session and CD autograph session with the singer, as well as a meet-and-greet with the cast. You can check out “Perfectly Imperfect” at

CONTINUED FROM 22

from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday that includes vendors, refreshments and entertainment.

Proceeds will benefit the local Alliance Against Family Violence and Sexual Assault. Up until now, said Guinevere PH Dethlefson, coordinator of the this year’s events, the theater has raised more than $22,000 for the Alliance from its V-day productions and fairs.

Eve Ensler’s “Vagina Monologues,” directed by Alison Martin, will be presented at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

“Herstory” is slated for the theater’s late show slot at 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.

“All of the monologues that will be in ‘Herstory’ will be original true stories about women, written and performed by the people that lived them,” said Michelle Guerrero Tolley, the director.

A new production, it was conceived by Tolley during her experience as co-director, with Martin, of last’s year’s “Vagina Monologues.”

“As an exercise for our actors we had each of them write their own monologues and then share them with each other, kind of like their very own ‘Vagina Monologues,’” she said. “The stories they came up with were so beautiful, poignant and sad that I wanted to bring those stories and others to as many other people as possible.”

Tolley said she also is encouraging men to take part in “Herstory,” perhaps writing

PHOTO COURTESY OF CHEYANNE WELCH

Local teen country singer Cheyanne Welch debuts her music video tonight.

myspace.com/PerfectlyImperfect96.

Tonight’s event begins at 7 p.m. Admission is free. Round Table Pizza is located at 4200 Gosford Road. For more information call 397-1111.

Welcome back, Hag Welcome news came down Wednesday from Merle Haggard’s publicist, Tresa Redburn, who reports the country legend will be back on the road Feb. 28 after being sidelined weeks ago with pneumonia. The first show of his 20-city tour will be in Tucson, Ariz.

“I’m feeling good and ready to get back on the bus,” Haggard said in the media release. “Thanks to all for their powerful prayers that led to my speedy recovery. I’m rehearsing with the band and looking forward to playin’ and singin’ again.”

stories about how women have affected their lives.

As of this writing, however, only women are scheduled to participate. They are Jan Hefner, Gai Smith, Caroline Clark, Kaitlin Hulsey, Martin and Dethlefson.

Weatherford paintings at CSUB Off and on for the past four months, Mary Weatherford, an artist who lives in Los Angeles, has been getting to know Bakersfield by visiting with an array of local residents and doing research in libraries and museums.

In recent weeks she has lived here full time as she created, with the assistance of students from Cal State Bakersfield, an exhibition that opens this evening on campus in the Todd Madigan Gallery.

“Mary makes paintings with vinyl paint on linen and gesso,” said Joey Kotting, curator. “And some of these particular paintings will have ‘slithers’ of neon lighting on them — they are really beautiful.”

Weatherford, who was born in Ojai, studied at Princeton for her bachelor’s degree in art history/visual arts and earned her master of fine arts at Bard College in upstate New York. She has exhibited internationally and in the United States. Her most recent solo show, “Cave at Pismo,” was held in 2011 at Brennan & Griffin, a contemporary art gallery in New York City.

The Madigan Gallery’s usual hours are 1 to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and 15 p.m. on Saturday. Admission is free.

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30

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, February 16, 2012

Eye Street The Lowdown with Matt Munoz

Can’t stop the music at Gate Local venue celebrating 15 years of fun, decibels

B

akersfield all-ages music venue The Gate buzzes on weekends with the sounds of punk, emo, ska, indie and acoustic music while groups of young musicians and fans line the walls, wearing brightly-colored rock T’s and trendy fashions. It’s a welcoming scene, where area youth have found a place to socialize, dance and flex their independent spirit among peers.

To commemorate the downtown venue’s 15th anniversary, the gang over at The Gate is planning a big two-day concert.

Owned by The Garden Community Church of Bakersfield, The Gate was the brainchild of director and associate pastor Rob Allison, who envisioned a musical outreach program for youth. A veteran of the local rock scene, Allison already had years of experience under his belt as bassist for Christian heavy-metal band Traxter in the late 1980s. But the group disbanded in 1991, and Allison abandoned all musical goals to focus on marriage, family and his burgeoning pool-cleaning business.

“I continued playing in church,” said Allison. “But music tastes were also changing, and my life was just moving in another direction.”

Allison actually has music to thank for making him the family man he’s become.

His met his future wife, Kathy, during their high school years at North High.

“I always liked that he was in a band, and I was always supportive,” she said. “I was the band girlfriend with big rock star hair. We had fun together.”

With his rocker past behind him, Allison never gave much

thought to returning to the stage, but after a heart-to-heart discussion with Garden pastor David Goh, he said the message was clear.

“Pastor Goh told me about a vision he had about a new venue for local musicians before I came here, and that someone with my background would be bringing it together,” Allison said. “I saw that as a sign to me from the Lord to get back involved in the music scene.”

While it was unclear at first exactly how he’d get started, Allison said things started to fall into place in 1994, when The Garden purchased the old YMCA building located a few blocks from the church grounds downtown.

“We had the space,” he recalled. “I went out and did some research, checking out shows at Jerry’s Pizza that was doing quite well, and some other places. My whole desire was to take my experiences with live music along with much of the basics of what it is being in a band: learning to tune your instrument, doing a proper soundcheck, promotion, help develop a business mindset if that was a goal, and pass it on to the kids.”

After a presentation to church elders, Allison was given the green light to begin the project, and on Feb. 21, 1997, The Gate was born with a debut featuring local bands Grean, Crushing Violet and Jumping Trains.

“The church trusted everything to my hands,” said Allison. “A lot of people had such a bad image of rock bands, but we had a plan.”

That plan included a series of rules, not meant to cramp the style of teenagers, but to ensure safety. No drugs or alcohol allowed on the property, and no profanity onstage.

“I always go over the venue’s policies before each show with the bands. The cursing is probably the hardest for the bands to handle, but they do pretty well.”

Over the years, The Gate has hosted not

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.

MICHAEL FAGANS / THE CALIFORNIAN

The Gate staff, left to right: Nate Wong; Mike Carlson, event director; Rob Allison, director; Kathy Allison, bookings; Emmanuel “Emanu” Fernandez, event director; and Cameron Warner. They stand on-stage before opening the doors for the audience on Friday night in Bakersfield.

only local shows, but big-name Christian and secular touring acts, including Unwritten Law, MxPx and Filter, and has been host to nearly every popular teen musical movement.

“The emo years in the ’90s were huge for us. The kids who came were so devoted to the bands and the sound of the music, they would stay inside the venue for the entire show. We also don’t let local bands play longer than 35 minutes, because audience attention begins to wander.”

Punk rock shows were also all the rage at The Gate.

“Lots of kids blowin’ off steam, moshing.

I draw the line at violence, but for the most part, the kids are very respectful. A lot of the bands, even the non-Christian bands, feel great playing here. They’re coming to a place with God’s presence.”

Allison added the state of the scene has always dictated what gets booked at the venue.

“It’s all about supply and demand. There are some years we’ve had three to eight shows a month, then some we have to find ways to fill in spaces.”

After a successful 10 years at the former YMCA location, The Gate moved to its current location, on the property of The Garden.

“We only stopped to remodel this space, but that’s all,” he said. “Our average crowds are still over 100 plus a show, and we max out at 200. Our sound has been upgraded, and the local community has helped buy all of it by supporting shows. A band’s pay scale is still determined by how

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE GATE

Local band the Lebecs perform at the The Gate’s original location in 1997. Pictured from left are bassist Dan Phillips and guitarist Nick Gonzales. The band will be reuniting to celebrate the venue's 15th anniversary on Saturday.

many people they bring in through the door. We always work with them.”

Allison has expanded his production team with help from event directors Emmanuel “Emanu” Fernandez and Mike Carlson. Kathy Allison, who works as a Please see LOWDOWN / 34

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The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, February 16, 2012

Eye Street MINTER: CONTINUED FROM 33

LOWDOWN: CONTINUED FROM 30

after a career as an accountant for the school district in Ontario.

But, like her sister pilots, she continued to feel the sting of her treatment by the military after WASP was deactivated. Although they flew alongside male military pilots, WASPs were considered “civilian employees.” Upon the organization’s deactivation, WASP records were classified and sealed, with only a few historians knowing about their existence and accomplishments.

“We never got into the history books,” she said, explaining that the pilots were denied veterans benefits for years.

Although they formed an association to keep in touch and held regular reunions, the women moved on with their lives. Judd said that in 1947, after restrictions on private aviation on the West Coast were eased, she went out to an airport with her flight logs to qualify to fly again.

“They didn’t believe them. They said I made it up because women didn’t fly twin engines; they didn’t have instrument ratings,” she recalled. “That really hurt.”

But former WASPs ended their silent suffering in 1974, when the military announced with great fanfare two aviation milestones.

Maj. Sally Murphy was heralded as the first woman to qualify as an aviator in the U.S. Army. Lt. Barbara Allen became the first Navy woman to earn her aviator’s wings.

The pilots’ outrage over being “hidden” for more than three decades was heard loud and clear. In 1977, President Jimmy Carter signed a bill recognizing WASPs as military personnel, which led to veterans benefits being granted. And in 2009, President Barack Obama awarded Congressional Gold Medals to the pilots. The WASP records and memoirs are now preserved in the archives of the Texas Women’s University in Denton.

During Saturday’s Founder’s Day Banquet, Marrett will share his experiences flying the A-1 Skyraider as a “Sandy” rescue pilot from bases in Thailand during the Vietnam War. The highly decorated pilot reportedly flew 188

receptionist at The Garden, also runs the concessions during shows, selling sodas and candy.

Friday’s show features bands Under City Skies, Promise of Restoration, The Rugged Spud, Running Scared and Kady! Danger. On Saturday, pop punk act the Lebecs will have a special reunion show along with Omagarp Miguel, Say Yes or Else, The Volume and Redadare.

Allison said the event is an opportunity for every part of the venue’s extended family to celebrate the accomplishments of the past 15 years.

Thousands of young people have used the facilities, and that kind of support helps provide even more opportunities for outreach within the community.

“With this anniversary, I think it’s time for another transition. A lot of bands are now able to book their own shows here, instead of just me and the crew. I also believe someone new will rise up to take The Gate into the future.”

Friday and Saturday’s shows both begin at 7 p.m. Admission is $7 on both days, and all ages are admitted. The Gate is located at 2010 O St. For more information visit Facebook.com/thegaterocks.

PHOTO COURTESY OF MINTER FIELD AIR MUSEUM

Decorated Vietnam-era rescue pilot and Air Force test pilot George Marrett kneels in front of an F-104 jet.

combat missions.

During his Air Force career, Marrett flew or tested nearly a dozen jets, including the F-104 Starfighter. Many of the flights were in the air over Edwards AFB. Later, he was a test pilot for Hughes Aircraft. Since retiring from Hughes in 1989, he has continued to fly private and corporate aircraft, and helped found the Estrella Warbird Museum in Paso Robles.

Minter Field Air Museum Founder’s Day Banquet When: 6 p.m. Saturday Where: Hodel’s Country Dining, 5917 Knudsen Drive Admission: $30 Reservations: MinterFieldAirMuseum.com

B Ryder’s to host reggae ska acts Santa Barbara reggae favorites Iration will be stopping by B Ryder’s on Wednesday. This will be the band’s first show back in Bakersfield since selling out Fishlips last year prior to the club’s closure. They’re an amazing live band with a faithful fan base who follow their every show. Their single “Turn Around” is still getting major airplay and will snap you out of your wintertime funk. Tickets are $12 and can be purchased at B Ryder’s, 7401 White

PHOTO COURTESY OF RODDY RADIATION

Tickets are currently on sale for a show with guitarist Roddy “Radiation” Byers of The Specials, appearing with his band, The Skabilly Rebels, at B Ryder’s on Feb. 25.

Lane, or at Vallitix.com.

Tickets are now available for a rare appearance by Roddy “Radiation” Byers, guitarist for UK ska band The Specials, also coming to B Ryder’s Bar on Feb. 25. Byers will be joined by his band The Skabilly Rebels and will be performing many of the songs he penned with The Specials, plus a collection of rockabilly originals. Also appearing will be locals Vanity Avenue, Kaptain Krunch and The Cereal Killers, Mento Buru and Big Deal Fair Trade.

Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at B Ryder’s only. For more information call 397-7304.

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30

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, February 23, 2012

Eye Street The Lowdown with Matt Munoz

Band ready to sing to the masses Choirs eager to drop newest collection

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he last time I sat down with Bakersfield alt-rock quintet Choirs, you could feel the anxiety in the room, and with good reason.

Not only were band members about to pack their instruments and head to San Diego to begin a weekend studio recording session lock-out, but they were sans their lead vocalist, who opted to stay home. Trusting their instincts on this most unconventional plan, they bade farewell to Bako.

And then here we were again, five months later, seated inside the Padre’s Farmacy Cafe. The mood was calmer as they opened up about the big party to celebrate the arrival of their new CD, “We All Need Closure,” happening at Riley’s Backstage on Saturday.

“We’ve had so much support going into this,” said Choirs drummer Cass Faulkenberry.

“None of this would be possible without the scene behind us.”

Formed a year ago, Choirs also features Tyler Slayton, guitar; Dax Dominguez, guitar; vocalist Joel Brewer; and bassist Michael Aguilar.

“He’s become Mr. Business,” said Faulkenberry of Aguilar, who was absent the day of the interview due to his day job. “That guy has been solid ever since he joined the band.”

As can be said of the rest of the members, who, after their debut, became an instant underground draw. Choirs’ mix is dynamically inventive, combining as it does elements from

PHOTO BY ALEX FARIS

Choirs celebrate the release the of their new CD, “We All Need Closure,” Saturday at Riley’s Backstage.

each of they guys’ former bands — Gramercy Riff, La Vie en Rose, Vanity Avenue, The Order of File & Claw, and Il Sogno.

“We’ve always wanted to give our music a cinematic scope,” said Dominguez.

Choirs are a live band. Having seen them on numerous occasions, I can say it’s obvious this is a group that feeds off audience energy. That was the case during last month’s “Giving Tree Battle of the Bands” at The Nile. They didn’t win the competition — that prize went to The Architecture — but judging by the size and reaction of the crowd during their rapturous performance, Choirs’ reward is mostly spiritual.

“This is the first time I’ve got to sit down with some really explicit concepts and develop them,” Brewer said. “This is an exploration of light and dark melodies.

No typical A-B-A-B rock structuring.”

Pre-production consisted of mostly extended weekly rehearsals until there was little left to polish, as the band hoped to recapture the overall feel of their live performance in the studio.

“I was making sure everything was as tight as possible and that

the essence of the band would be present at all times,” Slayton said.

After the guys researched a series of possible studio options, Capricorn Studios in San Diego made the final cut.

“I can remember the last two weeks before we headed over being the most stressful. We wanted the producer to be ambiguous and not be intent on taking us a particular direction,” said Faulkenberry. “They took the time to get to know us first.”

Capricorn’s list of artists is no joke, with previous clients including rap music heavyweight Rick Ross, electro artists Brazilian Girls, and R&B diva Toni Braxton to name a few. In-house producer Josh Mallit engineered and produced the record, which came together after a rocky start. But thanks to Mallit, tensions eased over time.

“We built up this anticipation to experiment and see what we were capable of doing,” said Dominguez. “The studio couldn’t have been better to work in.”

Back home, Brewer was kept in the loop as the sessions progressed.

“It was exciting to get updates,” he said. “Heading in, I knew this was going to be a big crap shoot,

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.

but I also felt good about not going with them.”

Once the band returned, Brewer proceeded to absorb all eight tracks of rough mixes with his own wine-induced lockdowns, before he and Faulkenberry made the trek back to record his vocals.

“I’m not the sappy type with candles around me. I wanted the relationships to be correct between songs. I did rewrites and changed some lyrics completely,” he said. “I never ask them to write around me and have the lyrics influence the song.”

“We All Need Closure” spends no time with introductions.

Opening with “The Cravers,” Brewer sings with abandon. The follow-up track, “Closing Remarks,” takes an impressive melodic turn mid-song that shows off Brewer’s ability to follow along without heading into predictable territory. “Kid’s” eerie interlude segues into an updated version of “Modus Operandi” from last year’s demo. “Do I Look Good in Desperation?,” is layered with some amazing guitar sweeps and strong arranging. “Robot Language” is another experimental brief leading into “Vaults,” a dramatic number that morphs into a three-minute ritardando of noise. The CD’s final track, “Shadows in Our Shadows,” is another abstract instrumental that could be some leftover studio debris, but it works in the context of the record.

On the poetic side, Brewer’s lyrics are strong with relationship and religious themes. It’s a timely, well-produced record with artwork by The Architecture’s Dane Forst that should also have no problem finding listenership outside Bakersfield.

Saturday’s show begins at 8 p.m. Admission is $5 and includes a free CD. Also appearing are The Architecture, The Volume and Catastrophist. Riley’s Backstage is located at 1523 19th St. “We All Need Closure” will be available for digital download soon. For more information visit choirsband.com.

Roddy Radiation’s Skabilly Rebels It’s the dawning of a new era for Roddy “Radiation” Byers, guitarist for legendary UK ska band The Specials.

On break from the iconic group’s ongoing reunion tour, Byers will be stopping by with his band, The Skabilly Rebels, at B Ryder’s on Saturday.

The Specials were at the forefront of the Two Tone music movement, along with bands like Madness, Bad Manners, The English Beat and The Selecter, which blended Jamaican ska and reggae with elements of punk. The Skabilly Rebels’ music is created in much the same spirit as that of their progenitors: politically driven songs with a pulse-pounding off beat.

“I formed the Skabilly Rebels about 10 years ago to perfect a new crossover of ska, punk, blues and rock ’n’ roll,” he wrote in an email. “Our live show consists of The Specials songs I wrote, ‘Concrete Jungle,’ ‘Rat Race,’ ‘Hey Little Rich Girl,’ and also features my new originals.”

Recalling his days as a young “rude boy” in England during the heyday of the ’80s ska revival, Byers is happy to see the impact he and his mates have had.

“The original movement was like a family or a Two Tone Army if you like — with like-minded musicians who cared about politics and life in general. All over the world from Japan to South America, ska bands have formed, citing The Specials as an influence — from No Doubt to Rancid and many, many UK artists.”

Joining Byers will be Danny Dean, guitar; Bob Crail, keys and sax, Dino Guerrero, drums; and Kevin Stewart on bass.

Tickets for Saturday’s all-ages show at $15. Doors open at 6 p.m.

Also appearing will be Vanity Avenue, Kaptain Krunch & The Cereal Killers, Mento Buru and Big Deal Fair Trade. B Ryder’s is located at 7401 White Lane. For more information call 397-7304.

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The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, March 1, 2012

Eye Street The Lowdown with Matt Munoz

Korn on heavy (metal) schedule Bakersfield rockers promote new album

A

t 4 p.m. Monday, Korn lead vocalist Jonathan Davis was slowly coming to life.

Two days after a sold-out show in Milwaukee, the band headlined Denver’s Fillmore Auditorium, then across the West, capping off the Cypress Hill Smokeout festival in San Bernardino this Saturday.

“How you doin’ brother?,” said Davis, 41, politely over the phone aboard the band’s tour bus. “I’m feelin’ it today.”

Exhausted, but not defeated, it’s the life he’s continued to embrace fronting one of heavy rock’s most enduring acts.

Whether you’ve grown up loving or hating them, there’s no denying Korn’s lasting impression. To their credit, they’ve outlasted the majority of their musical peers, despite losing two original members. But even with those combinations, there hasn’t been a force strong enough to keep the band from transcending the nu-metal sub genre they helped create nearly two decades ago.

Now with their latest release, “The Path of Totality,” the founding Bakersfield trio of Davis, guitarist James “Munky” Shaffer, bassist Reggie “Fieldy” Arvizu and drummer Ray Luzier have taken a decidedly big career risk exploring the dance/rave world of dubstep.

“I just felt like Korn has always been about doing different things and trying to experiment, and I just got really inspired by that type of music from the first time I heard it,” said Davis of the bass-heavy electro noise

PHOTO COURTESY OF ROADRUNNER RECORDS

Bakersfield hard rock band Korn will headline the Cypress Hill Smokeout festival Saturday in San Bernardino.

sound. “I’ve been a fan of it for a while, and I thought it would work for the band. I went to Munky and Fieldy, played them some songs and asked if they’d be interested in just trying to experiment and write some songs with some of these producers.

They really loved it.”

When news hit about the group’s new sound for the record, music blogs exploded, debating whether Korn was onto something innovative or had jumped the shark. Going into the project, Davis was eager to feed off critical response.

“Love it, hate it, there’s still passion. And just the fact that someone takes the time to go on a blog or something to say they hate it means they care. I love it, I think it’s good.”

If the band’s last record, “Korn III: Remember Who You Are,” was a return to the roots of their first two albums, Davis said “The Path” reaches back even further.

“I was a freestyle DJ in ’86. I started with The Baka Boyz — Eric and Nick Vidal — and DJ Choc during the old Vidal’s days (former all-ages Bakersfield

dance club). I was doing Highland dance parties, Foothill dance parties. I worked for Brent Milton at Pacific West Sound. I never lost my passion for electronic dance music.”

According to Davis, the elaborate production that went into “The Path” surpasses all of Korn’s previous nine albums. An extensive list of recording information notes resembles a world tour, beginning last August at the former Buck Owens Studios in Oildale — which the band now owns and does most of their recording at — to spots around the globe.

“It was hard and complex, very difficult. A lot of people think making electronic music is easy and talentless, but it’s the most difficult thing I’ve ever tried to make in my life that I’m doing now,” Davis said.

Collaborators recruited for the album include some of the top names currently buzzing in the underground world of EDM: Noisia, Excision, Kill The Noise and Feed Me. “I just put a wish list together of people I loved and respected in electronic dance music. I always

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.

go import looking and that’s how I discovered Excision, Noisia, and Skrillex. The thing about the EDM movement is — it’s just one big family, a brotherhood. The biggest thing was that I was surprised that all these people were huge fans of Korn,” he said.

Most listeners may be unfamiliar with these artists, except for Sonny “Skrillex” Moore, who scored big at this year’s Grammy Awards, winning three.

“The first time Sonny and I met, we did a Revolver magazine interview together back in the day when he was in his band From First To Last. They had this feature where an up-and-coming band guy gets to interview their idol. He chose me. Ever since then I’d been hearing tracks from him. I heard his EP, ‘My Name is Skrillex,’ and I’m like this is some crazy (expletive.) Then ‘Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites’ hit. I called him in 2009 before that blew up to ask if he would work with us and he was totally down. I see him as a little brother.”

This doesn’t mark the last of Davis’ electro projects either.

Expect an upcoming solo CD, released under his DJ alter-ego, J Devil, sometime this year. For a preview, check out the single to “Evilution,” a collaboration of his with Datsik & Infected Mushroom. It’s dark, noisy, and rumbles with dissonance.

“Dj C-Minus, also from Bakersfield is the one who got me spinning again. I just got signed to Dim Mak, which is Steve Aoki’s label. Once I have enough songs, I’ll pick the best ones and then it’ll come out.”

The band hopes to make a stop in Bakersfield sometime this year, and with the group’s 20th anniversary coming next year, expect more surprises.

“It’s gonna be crazy, bro. I love Bakersfield. Born and raised there. It’s an amazing place with amazing people. I’ve been all over the world, but this place is home to me. I just wanna say, ‘thank you,’ to all the fans for sticking by us all these years and I love ’em.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF EIRIK OTT

Former Bakersfield poet and author Eirik Ott will be appearing via Skype today at Nxcaffe Coffee Club & Arthouse.

Matt’s pick On The Fly at Nxcaffe Coffee Club & Arthouse, 2995 N. Baker St., 6:30 tonight, free, 301-1362.

Located on the upper eastside, the Nxcaffe continues its On The Fly art and poetry series with an art exhibit by Bakersfield visual artist Gita Lloyd, a special presentation titled “Willy Wonka and Monster Trucks,” and an open mic session.

But the special attraction will be a live web performance featuring former Bakersfield author and poet Eirik Ott. Now living in Austin, Texas, Ott was the Arts & Entertainment editor of the CSUB Runner in the early ’90s, as well as The Californian’s Under 21 columnist. During that time he also spearheaded various local music events, including the infamous Radio Rain Dance festival at the Kern County Fairgrounds, a show that introduced us to Jonathan Davis, a few years prior to the formation of Korn.

Since then Ott has appeared on HBO’s Def Poetry Slam, under his alter-ego Big Poppa E, plus he’s released poetry book collections and CDs all currently available at his website brokenword.org.

According to Nxcaffe owner LisaAnn LoBasso, Ott will be appearing on the venue’s portable screen in real-time via Skype, which has been tested and re-tested successfully. Highly recommended.

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The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, March 8, 2012

Eye Street The Lowdown with Matt Munoz

Videos mix monsters, puppets Local filmmaker adds to his portfolio

W

hat do you get when you mix puppets, creepy monsters, kidnapping and revenge?

You have yourself a pair of really inventive music videos from local amateur filmmaker Alejandro Tuesta.

Created as shorts for the song “Sangre de Pulpo” (“Octopus Blood”) by Bakersfield progressive indie rock quartet Holy Beast, the two-part video is one in a string of independently released web videos from Tuesta, 29, who also produces under the name Red Water Media.

“I’ve always liked video and photography,” said Tuesta, who was born in the metropolitan city of Trujillo, Peru, and grew up marveling at U.S. films like “Rocky” and works from his favorite directors: Kubrick, Tarantino, Alejandro Inarritu and Spike Lee. Not to mention action B-movies (“American Ninja”) that ignited the spark in his young mind.

“We always saw movies like that when we could. I loved them.

I used to surf and skate a lot too, always imagining different angles and what it would be like to throw myself into a shot I had in my mind for a video,” said Tuesta.

“My body just told me to ‘do it.’”

After breaking three of his family’s cameras experimenting with his new hobby, Tuesta said his parents, Enrique and Olinda, encouraged him and his older brother, Enrique Jr., to keep finding ways to be creative, as they were skilled musicians themselves. And while their

PHOTO COURTESY OF ALEJANDRO TUESTA

A scene from Alejandro Tuesta’s music videos for “Sangre de Pulpo” by Holy Beast.

PHOTO COURTESY OF MICHAEL CHADBURN

Bakersfield filmmaker and musician Alejandro Tuesta.

home was short on money, it was rich with love for the arts.

“My mother is a great pianist, and my grandparents were musicians. They just always encouraged us to exercise our minds and pushed education. When my brother and I were 7 and 8 years old, we made our first camera out of paper and built our own toys,” he said. “Our clothes were reversible, so it looked like we

had more clothes than we really did.”

After relocating with his family to Miami when he was 17, Tuesta’s adventurous side drew him all the way to Los Angeles, where he enrolled himself in the Art Institute of California to study film. Although he only stayed for three months, he absorbed numerous techniques, including scriptwriting. While there, he also jumped into the area rock scene, playing drums and touring with various indie and heavy rock acts.

It was a move that ultimately led him to Bakersfield to reunite with his family. Tuesta now attends CSUB, majoring in business administration. Never giving up on his passion for film, he upgraded his gear from a Hi8, 8millimeter film camera with fisheye lens to his present HD Canon model.

“I’ve been filming ever since,” he said. “A lot of local skateboarders, family events, I just kept going.”

The subsequent formation of Holy Beast evolved after Tuesta placed an ad looking for local musicians to jam with in 2010.

“I never really claimed to make videos; we just started jamming.”

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.

Since his arrival, Tuesta has already produced more than 90 videos for his own musical projects, plus various bands, skateboarders, and a promotional video for Dagny’s Coffee, among other projects. His work can be seen online at YouTube.com/PakMachino, as well as on his official Vimeo page ( search ‘Redwatermedia’).

The two videos for “Sangre de Pulpo” stand out from his other shorts in that they are more conceptual with little human element and a loose storyline woven in. The videos were recorded following the band’s formation as a trio with bassist Carlos Contreras and guitarist Edy Hernandez.

After choosing “Pulpo,” Tuesta went in with only a few video ideas except that the theme would revolve around two of the sombrero-wearing marionettes he had hanging on his wall.

“When I was a kid, we always had these puppet shows at school,” he said. “They were a gift from a friend that reminded me of those days. I’ve had them hanging on my wall.”

He began collecting items for the shoot: toy car, bed sheets, pillow cases, paint, markers, fishing line. Next up, he scouted various set areas in Bakersfield and Shafter to fit his bizarre vision of puppet passion.

The storyline for “Sangre de Pulpo: Pt. 1” goes something like this: A sleeping couple named “Regis” and “Gregoria” are visited by a mysterious creature who snatches Gregoria away. Regis wakes to find she’s missing and proceeds to search for her. After finding her bound and surrounded by three monstrous beings (played by members of Holy Beast) in an abandoned warehouse, Regis plots a daring rescue.

“Part 2” continues the couple’s escape with a final face-off between Regis and another goblet-drinking monster played by Holy Beast lead vocalist Chanell Hall. The finale ends with Regis

walking into a room where Holy Beast can be found performing, fully costumed. For an avantgarde spin, Tuesta even added Portuguese subtitles to a few scenes. It’s almost too hard to describe what it all means, but who cares; it’s just too cool not to like. There’s action, a speeding car escape, slo-mo suspense, romance, and puppets — all obvious odes to Tuesta’s childhood film fandom. Following the completion of “Sangre de Pulpo: Pt. 2,” Tuesta did his own editing with help from fellow Bakersfield filmmaker Joseph Michael Ruiz, who offered EFX programs during the process. Each video clocks in at under four minutes a piece.

“It’s tough to say how much time I dedicated to them, because I have so many projects going on at once. I’m easily distracted.”

Tuesta said he plans to continue making more music and skateboard videos even after he finishes school.

“I don’t really want to aspire to be anyone in particular with films. I just want to be able to bring my visions today and 50 years from now.”

Holy Beast will be performing at Riley’s Backstage on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, and Sandrini’s Bar on March 18. For more information, visit holybeastmusic.com.

Matt’s pick Velorio at Sandrini’s Bar, 1918 Eye St., Saturday, 9 p.m., $5, 322-8900.

It’s been five rollercoaster years for Velorio, the Bakersfield Latin cumbia rocker quintet. They’ve survived member, sound and image changes, not to mention two tours, a nationally televised band battle, and even the destruction of their eco-friendly van named “Greaselda” on the Grapevine. If those aren’t reasons to have some celebratory shots of tequila in their honor, I don’t know what else to say. Happy anniversary, hermanos. Highly recommended.

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The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, March 15, 2012

Eye Street The Lowdown with Matt Munoz

Where’s the country? Good Question Band wants to revive local country groups

T

he members of Bakersfield/Taft country rock sensation Good Question aren’t your average good ol’ boys.

Hungry for a shot at national stardom, the quartet has already become a name to be reckoned with after winning last year’s Kelly 95 Battle of the Fans. It was a triumph that helped put their independent single “So They Say” into steady rotation and landed them a string of opening slots for some big names, including David Nail, Lee Brice and Chuck Mead.

Now Bakersfield has a chance to get reacquainted with this band on the rise when they hit the stage at Bakotopia’s St. Patty’s Day Shamrock Shindig at B Ryder’s on Saturday.

Band members say the show couldn’t have come at a better time. Not only will they be reconnecting with local fans, but they also get to show off some new material, including a sneak preview of their upcoming CD, in front of a few hundred of Bako’s wildest green day revelers.

“There’s no greater feeling than playing in your hometown and people know you, your music and sing-a-along during shows,” said guitarist Taylor Unruh. “Our fans are awesome.”

The story behind Good Question began four years ago, when Taft high school buds Ryan Coulter and Ethan Morris toyed with an idea to help Unruh for a senior project about the history of sound engineering.

Rather than do another ho-hum presentation, the trio decided to show off an example of the process

PHOTO BY SPENCER LAWHON

Good Question will be appearing at the Shamrock Shindig at B Ryder’s on Saturday.

The Shamrock Shindig What: No Duh — Tribute to No Doubt, Mento Buru, Good Question, Velorio, Mama’s Kitchin, Less Weight For Atlas, Joel Jacob, DJ Mikey When: 2 p.m. Saturday Where: B Ryder’s, 7401 White Lane Admission: $12 Information: 397-7304

by recording their own original tune. Soon, the popularity of that song, “Outlaw’s Creed,” made them big men on campus after it was circulated among classmates.

“I’d like to see that presentation,” said Alec Olivieri, the band’s guitar and piano player, who attended Stockdale High in Bakersfield.

“No you don’t,” laughed Coulter, the band’s vocalist. “Kids just kept burning the copy of the CD. We thought we were movie stars back then.”

Their school celebrity status ultimately led them to form a

band. Their first gig: a birthday party for Coulter’s stepmom.

“We only played about three or four songs, but the response we got there and for the project was a driving force,” Coulter added.

“We expected to be a garage band like knuckleheads, but we really felt we had something here.”

After graduation, the group continued performing and extending their local following to Bakersfield, filling up venues like B Ryder’s, Fishlips, The Marketplace and Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace, where Coulter and Unruh also both worked. Drawing in a healthy number of young country fans to shows, they’ve helped revive a local country scene that hasn’t had much juice since the Smokin’ Armadillos were huge in the ’90s. All under the age of 25, they may just be ready to teach the old school some new tricks.

“Our sound is progressive guitar-driven country,” said Olivieri.

“A lot of people think country does not have a lot of young listeners. That’s just not true. We have people from age 15 all the way to 80 at our shows.”

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.

PHOTO COURTESY OF MAMA’S KITCHIN

Frazier Park roots rockers Mama's Kitchin appear Saturday at B Ryder’s.

Unruh pointed to the noticeable lack of country bands coming out of Bakersfield, even with our reputation as a hotbed for the genre.

“We don’t think we need to go to Nashville first. Who says a country band can’t make it big out of Bakersfield again,” he said.

Starting out performing mostly country and rock covers, the band has finally accumulated an impressive number of originals, including “So They Say,” the song that helped spark their popularity.

It’s a catchy up-tempo number that easily ranks with the best new crossover country sounds on commercial radio. Comparable to the sounds of Eli Young Band and John Mayer, it’s a well-produced sample of what fans should continue to look forward to.

“We’d like to stay on mixed format radio stations,” said Unruh.

The band started recording at Bakersfield’s ASR studios last summer and hopes to finally release their long-awaited sixsong EP sometime this year. Local country singer-songwriter Rick Reno Stevens co-produced the

effort, and the band is confident about the sound.

“I can see a lot of things happening after the CD comes out,” said drummer Morris. “I’ve always wanted to be a successful in music. Just jump on that bus and go.”

Band manager Garret Tuckness, who took the band under his wing two years ago after hearing them live in Taft, said he believes in the group and is committed to helping them reach their goals.

“I love music, period,” said Tuckness, who by day works as a real estate agent. “But their music is that good that there’s no reason we shouldn’t make it.”

Time will tell if Good Question has what it takes to weather the climb to country greatness, but for now, they plan to shake up the room with a special St. Patty’s Day treat at Saturday’s show.

“No matter what kind of music you’re into, you’ll find something you like when you see us,” said Coulter.

“So They Say” is currently available for digital download at Please see 23

22

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, March 22, 2012

Eye Street The Lowdown with Matt Munoz

B-boys and b-girls break it down Breakdance event puts crews on floor

T

he survival of hip-hop culture in Bakersfield relies heavily on its fans.

And not just any fans, but the keepers of the flame first ignited in the streets of New York City, which spread all the way to the West Coast, where it evolved into a worldwide phenomenon. From the UK to Asia and beyond, there is no escaping its influence on everything from music to fashion and, of course, dancing.

Unfortunately, a lot of the movement’s original spirit has been lost over four decades, but not with hip-hop enthusiasts Omar Juarez and Sabrina Ramirez, two names you may already be familiar with as founders of the popular Mothership DJ Night at Sandrini’s.

Together, they plan to raise the bar with the return of the “Break ’Em Off 2” breakdance competition and after-party at The Garden and Jerry’s Pizza on Saturday.

Juarez, 29, who co-organized Saturday’s contest with friends and fellow hip-hop heads Jose Gonzalez and Joseph Hernandez, can still recall the impact breakdancing had on him growing up.

“I used to see it in magazines, not on TV when I was a kid. I was 8 when I first discovered it down in TJ (Tijuana) in person,” said Juarez. “It was dope.

“The story behind this culture from the Bronx — instead of gangs fighting, they danced. I really liked it because it was so aggressive. You can compete against each other. There’s no other type of dance

INMOTION.PRO PHOTOGRAPHY

Dancer JayD Cisneros competes during the first “Break ‘Em Off” event in Bakersfield in 2007.

like that: ballet, jazz. This is what I wanted to do. At the end, it’s all love and shaking hands,” Juarez said.

Unless you knew where to find it, the most mainstream exposure was through the occasional latenight MTV video, a time slot designated by the network, which avoided putting rap and hip-hop videos in regular rotation. There was also the New York-based USA cable network, which would broadcast obscure mini-docs about urban street art and music on the show “Night Flight.” Juarez may have been too young to remember those days, but by the time he hit his teens, the curiosity was too much to handle.

“When I was about 15, I went to a b-boy event out of town.

These guys were the real deal from way back in the day. You have to have the flow and passion. You have to do it with love, and it will show in the way you dance. When I first started, I didn’t know where to start, but luckily there were some guys in town, and they used to teach us some stuff.”

As he and his friends continued to seek out knowledge, they were eventually introduced to local crews. The scene was small, but the grass-roots vibe was something they could be proud of.

“There was only one crew in Bakersfield growing up. We used to look up to them, the X-Men. They were the only guys around here. There was nobody else.

Then my friends and I just started dancing. There was a group of about 20 of us.”

Like most styles of dance, breaking consists of four primary elements: toprock, downrock, power moves and freezes. It’s acrobatic, athletic, unconventional, and today has been integrated into many traditional and modern performance dances.

According to Juarez, while many TV shows have capitalized on the allure of breaking and attracting major talents, longtime dancers frown on its commercialism.

“I don’t wanna say they’re selling out, but those dancers are not doing what they wanna do. That’s not the real deal. B-boying wasn’t created to perform for people. It’s

Matt Munoz is editor of Bakotopia.com, a sister website of The Californian that devotes itself to promoting Bakersfield’s art scene. Matt’s column appears every Thursday in Eye Street.

about competing. You have to have flavor and originality. All that stuff on ‘America’s Best Dance Crew’ has already been done for years. You can do those old moves but you have to change it up, twist it and make it look good.”

Saturday’s event isn’t Juarez’s first round at event organizing, but “Break ’Em Off 2” is the official brand he plans to keep building for many of the younger dancers who now look to follow his lead. The first “Break ’Em Off” was held five years ago and followed up with smaller events.

“We had more low-key events to see what was up. We’re all a little older and we work, but we still love the culture, watch videos and stay updated with who’s dancing now.

There’s a whole new generation of kids dancing like we used to.”

For Saturday’s event, DJs will spin after doors open at 2 p.m.

Crews can sign up and showcase themselves in front of spectators an hour before the first round of battling begins at 6 p.m. Organizers will call out each crew individually to show their stuff and are given either the green or red light to continue. Only eight crews will be chosen into the main threevs.-three battle, before the final elimination round where dancers will put forth their best moves for the night’s $2,000 cash prize.

Following “Break ’Em Off 2,” the after-party will continue downstairs at Jerry’s Pizza at 10 p.m. DJ Sabrina Ramirez, aka Sabretooth, will be joined by fellow mix masters Chito, B Kutz, Qwiz, and others who will keep the body rockin’ till the break of dawn. Ramirez is one of the few female DJs in Bakersfield, but don’t think she can’t hang with the guys.

“The girls have styles. Some of them are better than the guys.

When it comes to dancing they’re small and throw their body into it. It’s been awhile since I’ve seen it as a male-dominated thing. I’ve had a lot of young girls ask me how to mix.”

Ramirez, who also happens to

be Juarez’s cousin, recalls her own memories of growing up in east Bakersfield, surrounded by local hip-hop. She understands the allure with the younger set.

“We’re a small town, so a lot of us kind of need some kind of culture here. Anytime we start any kind of scene like punk rock, there’s always going to be someone drawn to it. In Bakersfield you have to start things yourself; that’s why I get excited about these events. It’s a way to wind down from everyone being competitive, hanging out in their habitat and just relaxing.”

The Garden is at 900 22nd St. Jerry’s Pizza is at 1817 Chester Ave. bboysbreakemoff.com.

Matt’s picks Jared Michael and The Bar Room Riot at Amestoy’s Bar, 2303 River Blvd., Friday, 9 p.m., free, 871-2303.

Singer/songwriter and guitarist Jared Michael has already made some noise within the edgier side of the local roots music scene with his former group, Gallows to Graves. Now he’s assembled another group of capable musicos as The Bar Room Riot. Without much fanfare, the band has just released a new CD, “Wasting All These Years,” just in time to kick off the spring season. I haven’t had time to absorb it all, so I may be revisiting it for a full review in a future column. From what I’ve heard so far, there is a lot of Old ’97s influence. Opening will be 800 Lb Gorilla.

Jay Smith Group at Sandrini’s Bar, 1918 Eye St., Friday, 10 p.m., $5, 322-8900.

Trust me when I say there’s never a dull moment when Bakersfield jazz keyboardist Jay Smith is onstage. This show marks the long-awaited release of his new CD, “Unashamed Portrayal,” a manic exploration into the depths of jazz’s most experimental eras. It’s free-sounding, at times exhausting, but something fans of ’70s Miles Davis and Zappa’s jazz excursions will eat up.

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The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, March 29, 2012

Eye Street The Lowdown with Matt Munoz

A real-life ‘School of Rock’ ‘Band-Aid’ to benefit budding guitarists

B

akersfield guitarist Ray Vargas believes in the power of rock ’n’ roll.

Standing in front of a full class of bright-eyed future shredders during his after-school guitar class at Washington Middle School, he knows exactly how to hold their attention: keep it interesting, timely and avoid sounding too old.

It’s a lesson learned 18 years ago as a beginning student of music, holding his bright, shiny axe with glistening strings. Vargas is eager to share his musical knowledge with his students, but there always seems to be one problem at every class: not enough guitars. To help his school of young rockers get going, Vargas has enlisted several local bands for “Band-Aid,” a daylong benefit concert Saturday at B Ryder’s.

Vargas’ idea for the afterschool program came to him at the end of 2010, while working at Washington as a campus activities team leader for programs sponsored through the Boys & Girls Clubs of Bakersfield. Unable to get his vision off the ground due to lack of funds, he found an ally in site coordinator and Washington staffer Norma Berisha, who helped secure enough money to purchase a set of five new guitars.

The following January, Vargas debuted his first guitar class to a group of 30 kids.

“She (Berisha) is really artistic and helped get things done,” Vargas said. “She was always the one to say,

PHOTO BY ROBERT BEJIL

Students from the Washington Middle School guitar program, top row, from left: Christopher Luna, Dylan Parada, Daniel Alvarez, instructor Ray Vargas, Camelia Gonzalez, Chris Edwards. Bottom row: Andrew Tecione, Zach Parada, Yesenia Tirada, Adrian Estrada.

‘We need more art for these kids.’”

Vargas’ lack of instruments required that all students share in 10-minute intervals, which taught them patience. He said he modeled many of his techniques after the film “School of Rock,” starring Jack Black. In the film, Black uses classic rock, not classical music during lessons.

Instead of Andres Segovia, he uses Kurt Cobain and Rivers Cuomo as his foundation.

“I don’t wanna sit here and bore them with music theory. I wanted to show them chords and scales they can use. When they call out ‘Sweater Song’ by Weezer, I say, ‘OK, here’s G, C, D.’ From there I show them songs that relate within that structure. I try to tell them to focus on something that’s going to get them somewhere. They have to practice, too. I don’t believe in naturals. They may be inclined to have rhythm in their fingers, but you don’t become Eddie Van

Halen overnight.”

Vargas described an example of how he demonstrates the seamless nature of many iconic rock songs.

“The first couple of weeks of class is just about chords. I’ll show them basics like G, C, D mi, on the fretboard, and finger placement,” he said. “I’ll then show them that with G, C, F, you have ‘La Bamba.’”

“La Bamba”?

“You’ll be surprised at the songs they want to learn, they want the real guitar jams,” he added. “Turn the Page” by Bob Seger, “Sweet Child of Mine” by Guns N’ Roses” and “About a Girl” by Nirvana.

Vargas credits the popularity of videogames like “Guitar Hero” and “Rock Band” with introducing kids to most of the songs before they signed up for the 90minute class.

“They all really like ‘Wanted Dead or Alive’ by Bon Jovi. Kids are even asking me if I like Slayer.

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.

I thought they’d wanna play Paramore.”

To demonstrate to parents and teachers the significant progress of the students, Vargas introduced the class during a nighttime concert in front of parents and teachers. Playing the role of back-up band along with fellow musicians Kris Borbon on drums and Bryant Borbon on bass, he said the reaction was phenomenal.

“It’s cool for them to see and experience. One of the things a lot of music teachers do is not teach kids how to be in a band: how to give cues, taking the lead, and about the camaraderie that comes with it. They love the big rock endings.”

After a year of constant playing, Vargas said the wear and tear on the instruments is becoming more noticeable, but securing repair funds isn’t easy.

“If the kids get passionate about something like this it could become something very positive in their lives. It’s really important to support them.”

What better way than with a mammoth rock spectacle? Saturday’s line-up includes 15 acts from every genre and sub-genre currently making local heads bounce, rock and skank: Memoirs of a Blackened Sky, Less Weight for Atlas, Vlad Arthur, Nada Rasta, Crooked Folk, The Ease, Kenny Reeves and the Clones, With My Resent, The Easy In, Kelli Aparicio, The Aviators, Never See Death, Ticking Time Bombs, Kalladium, plus Vargas’ band, Vanity Avenue.

In addition to the music, there will be a gear drive, where musicians are welcome to stop by and drop off any slightly used, working guitars, strings and accessories to be donated to the Washington Middle School Guitar Program.

“It’s going to be a day of giving back to music and the arts, and a great way to see bands you haven’t seen before. I’d like to get a total of at least five to six new

PHOTO COURTESY OF MACEO PARKER

Headlining Friday’s lineup for the 26th annual Bakersfield Jazz Festival is legendary saxophonist Maceo Parker.

guitars, plus a bass and drum set to form a complete student school band. That’s my main goal.”

Jazz fest lineup announced The 26th annual Bakersfield Jazz Festival lineup has just been announced, with famed James Brown band saxophonist Maceo Parker headlining on Friday, May 11, along with Steve Cole and The R & B Bombers. Performing on the festival’s entry stage will be local Latin rockers Velorio. On Saturday, former Tower of Power saxophonist and smooth jazzer Richard Elliot will cap off a day that also features pianist Amina Figarova, drummer Alphonse Mouzon, Cuban percussionist Melena, Ray Zepeda with Jamael Dana Dean, the Jim Scully 4tet, the Kern County Honor Jazz Band, plus the big fireworks display and more.

Friday’s showtime is 7 p.m., and Saturday’s show starts at 2 p.m. Tickets are on sale now.

Prices and packages vary with senior and student discounts available. For more information, visit Bakersfieldjazz.com or call Vallitix at 322-5200.

24

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, April 5, 2012

Eye Street The Lowdown with Matt Munoz

First Hag concert: I get it now a punk rock concert, but it almost was. The band smoked through 23 songs in under 70 minutes, switching gears and whoopin’ it up. Merle never slowed down, even trading off some solos with his son Ben, who can pick with the best of them. He hit mostly all the right notes, with the occasional flub few would notice.

By the time he closed with “Okie from Muskogee,” I felt redeemed, but I will keep kicking myself in the head for not catching him sooner. Friday is Haggard’s 75th birthday, and I wish him nothing but the best.

Appreciation gets up close and personal

U

ntil last Friday, I’d never seen Merle Haggard in concert.

By admitting that fact, I know I’m setting myself up for ridicule from the local country music powers that be. In my defense, let me just say I haven’t been ignoring the Hag all these years. It’s just that like our esteemed music icon, I, too, have a busy band schedule and it’s often difficult to make plans.

Now that we have that out of the way, let me say that Merle’s first of two soldout shows at the Crystal Palace last weekend was a bit of a life-changing occasion for me.

When I arrived at 6:45 p.m., the tour buses were parked, the lot was full, and downbeat was getting close. There was no line, and the crowd was seated and ready to get going. Though I’ve been to the Palace dozens of times, I always find something new to admire while walking by the museum cases. This time, the dirty, autographed Chuck Taylors belonging to “Jackass” star Johnny Knoxville greeted me from behind the glass.

Besides the cool décor, another thing I like about shows at the Palace is that unless you make group table reservations, you never know who you’re going to be seated with. Fortunately, Chuck Hobbs and Peggy Bryson, the couple seated next to Eye Street Editor Jennifer Self and me, were big Merle fans.

Hobbs even went to school with the country-legend-tobe.

After some

Morrissey returns to Bako

HENRY A. BARRIOS / THE CALIFORNIAN

Merle Haggard performs at Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace on Friday.

warm conversation with our tablemates, the lights dimmed and out walked good ol’ Red Simpson to warm up the crowd.

Simpson is always a character.

I’ve caught him a few times onstage at Trout’s, but to see him at the Palace was something else.

He may be getting up there in age, but hand him a guitar and a mic and he lights up like a honkytonk misfit. We didn’t get hits like “Highway Patrol” or “I’m a Truck,” but we did get a couple of fun tunes, including a waltz about “Bakersfield,” of course.

After Simpson left the stage, the intro was cued segueing into the man of the hour, Merle Haggard, looking like a proper country gent in his suit and white boots. I’m no authority on his music or history, but I do know enough to get by. Yes, I’m aware he’s had health issues and, according to a lot of critics, has slowed down. But I wasn’t there to be a critic. I’m a serious music lover who pays attention to those fine details the average concert-goer usually

couldn’t care less about. I took this opportunity to get the full experience of what I’d only heard about from hardcore fans.

Haggard and I actually spoke on the phone once for an interview last year, but being in the same room blew my mind. I was rooting for Merle like I knew him personally. Could be a weird connection we have, being from the same area as musical comrades.

Launching into song after song with no set list, he led the band with opening riffs and a nod when it was someone’s turn to solo. There was a large lyric prompter at his feet — cued up by son Noel — which wasn’t a big deal. Michael Stipe from R.E.M. used to flip lyric pages onstage in front of arena-sized crowds.

As the show progressed, I recognized a few of the classics like “Mama Tried” and “Twinkle, Twinkle Lucky Star.” The arrangements were all perfectly clocked at a tight 2 to 3 minutes, with some great stories in between. I wouldn’t want to compare this to

Matt Munoz is editor of Bakotopia.com, a sister website of The Californian that devotes itself to promoting Bakersfield’s art scene. Matt’s column appears every Thursday in Eye Street.

Tickets go on sale next Thursday for a May 25 concert by influential ’80s British singer/songwriter Morrissey, at Rabobank Theater. Still the sensitive bloke fans have become obsessed with since his years with The Smiths, he hasn’t wavered from his outspoken ways. He’s fiercely vegetarian, as was witnessed when I saw him at Coachella in 2009.

During his performance of “How Soon Is Now?,” he stopped the show to rail against food vendors selling what he described as “burning flesh.” Plus, he’s had some legendary public spats with Madonna and Elton John. Moz hasn’t released any new material since he included a new track “(“Glamorous Glue”) on his latest greatest hits collection last year, but it doesn’t matter. Between his Smiths and solo works, fans have enough material to wallow in their beautiful sorrows for hours.

Opening will be Kristeen Young.

Tickets range from $39.50 to $79.50, plus service charges. Ticketmaster.com; 852-7777.

The Underground opens New all-ages venue The Underground opened last month inside the Golden State Mall. According to local promoter Tim Gardea, the section of the former Montgomery World Plaza can hold a crowd of 500. This weekend the venue will host shows from Upon a Burning Body, The Breather,

PHOTO COURTESY OF MORRISSEY

Tickets go on sale next Thursday for a May 25 concert by British singer/songwriter Morrissey at Rabobank Theater.

and Betraying The Martyrs on Friday, followed by a Saturday show with Texas in July and others. Also to come are shows by all-female heavy metal band Kittie, on April 28, and Disney kid act R5 on May 4. Golden State Mall is located at 3201 F St. For more information, visit timgardeapresents.com.

Matt’s Pick Gregg Ginn and The Royal We at Sports & Spirits, 6633 Ming Ave., Friday, 9 p.m., free, 398-7077.

Guitarist Greg Ginn is probably best known for his work as one of the founders of LA punk legends Black Flag and for releasing some of the genre’s most iconic works from bands like the Minutemen, Bad Brains, and Husker Du in the ’80s on his SST label. Since then he’s explored everything from country to jazz in his solo works. With his latest project, The Royal We, the elusive 57-year-old artist explores electronic music as a one-man band on his new Zappa-esque album, titled “We Are Amused.” I gave it a listen.

It’s bizarre and inventive, much like all of his previous music.

Don’t miss this rare opportunity to catch him up close before he heads to Coachella next week.

24

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, April 12, 2012

Eye Street The Lowdown with Matt Munoz

Hard out there for truly hardcore Title Fight scores big gig as opening act

T

he fast and rebellious world of hardcore music has a wild history of churning out some of punk rock’s most memorable acts as far back as the ’80s, with the likes of Black Flag, Dead Kennedys and Bad Brains to name a few. The shows were always a communal experience, where chaos ruled and getting bruised up was considered a badge of honor. Nearly 30 years later, new bands continue thrashing around the globe, drawing together a new generation of fans, both on a grassroots and mainstream level.

Among those rising acts is Title Fight, who scored a major gig opening for fellow punk patriots Rise Against at the Rabobank on Monday.

Lead vocalist and bassist Ned Russin, who, with his twin brother, Ben, formed Title Fight in 2003, said carrying the hardcore torch does mean some pressure, given the genre’s long road to acceptance.

“To me, hardcore is a feeling, an attitude. Somebody who was around when this was all starting may say, ‘This isn’t what hardcore was to me,’ and that’s cool. It’s evolved, but we’re just doing what we wanna do and that’s what hardcore really is: doing what you wanna do on your own terms, and if you don’t like it, you don’t have to be a part of it.”

Like the forefathers of punk, Title Fight earned their stripes staging their own shows at the local rental hall in the band’s hometown of

PHOTO BY JOHNNY BOUCHARD

Pennsylvania hardcore quartet Title Fight will open for Rise Against on Monday at Rabobank Theater.

Kingston, Pa., where Russin, 21, recalls finding his passion for the raggedly energetic sound.

“I was 7 and I went to a benefit that my brother had helped organize. It was a bunch of local bands. It was one of those things where I knew it was different and weird. Nobody else was experiencing this the way I am, especially at such a young age. When I turned 13, we started Title Fight.

It just went from something I listened to, to going to shows every weekend since then.”

Russin described the suburban city of Kingston as a city similar to Bakersfield, where staying entertained required patience or a good old DIY effort.

“A good show has always been with about 200 kids, put together by a teenage promoter. No big rock and roll clubs. The older guys started moving on, getting on with their lives and we kind of started taking over. It’s just a tight-knit community, run by

people who really like music.

That’s how we’ve always grown up.”

Spending most of their years touring, the band has released a collection of demos and 7-inch vinyl EPs, helping get their name established in the underground.

Their first full-length CD, “Shed,” released last year, further pushed the band into new territory, making booking shows easier than before. But with that newfound recognition comes new obstacles, namely where they fit in with loyalists.

“I think there’s a problem with the hardcore scene being split into so many subgenres: melodic, beatdown, post hardcore, and all these barriers being put up,” said Russin, adding that even he has a hard time following trends. “The thing is — people are trying to act like everyone is too different. That can be a problem.”

Time will tell if hardcore ever reaches the radio heights of Mon-

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.

day’s headliners Rise Against, but in true punk fashion, Russin said it won’t hinder their collective drive. This summer, they’ll be a featured act on the Vans Warped Tour.

“I think I worry about how people perceive us more than anything else. At the end of the day, we’re in charge of everything we do. People have these different perceptions of what selling out is, and I don’t think kids in the hardcore community have anything to worry about, unless there’s someone in it for all the wrong reasons.

If nobody cares and nobody listens, then we’ll be just doing this on weekends. We just love playing music and that’s the main point for us.”

Monday’s show starts at 7 p.m.

Also appearing is A Day to Remember. All tickets are $33.50, plus service charge. Rabobank Theater is located at 1001 Truxtun Ave. For more information visit Ticketmaster.com or call 852-7777.

Funeral Club has new EP Funeral Club, one of my favorite Bakersfield bands, have just released a new three-song EP titled, “Waves & Waves,” and will be celebrating with a special performance during this month’s “Heresy: Black Celebration Midnight Masquerade Ball” at Riley’s Backstage on Saturday.

The CD features the songs “The Love of Lee,” “Shadows,” plus “Waves & Waves.” Like their previous offerings this is another collection of darkly romantic compositions written and performed by multi-instrumental husband and wife duo, Joseph and Jenny Andreotti. It complements last year’s full-length “In the Fire,” with some noticeable refinements, especially on the arrangement side.

Heresy club night promoter and DJ Mike Fowler says the group’s live music addition adds a whole dimension to the event.

“I saw them during an Indie Mash-Up event here and they really stood out. They were unlike anything I’ve heard in Bakersfield

PHOTO BY TY ROSE

Jenny and Joseph Andreotti of Funeral Club.

before. I got all their music and listen to it just about every day,” he said. “It goes perfect with our night.”

Also spinning throughout the evening will be resident DJ Thad, plus visitors from the popular Los Angeles underground nightclub Club Terminal, offering the best of the ’80s to the present. This will be Fowler’s fifth Heresy event since debuting in December. He said local response has surpassed his expectations. According to the event’s flier, guests are encouraged to wear “Gothic, and dark alternative attire with Victorian beauty for our Masquerade Ball theme,” though there is no mandatory dress code.

“People are still saying they’re surprised as I am that this is still going on in a public club. The vibe is different and welcoming.

I’m glad about that,” he said. “It’s not the typical Bakersfield nightclub experience. This is just something a little different and they can expect darker music.”

Saturday’s event begins at 10 p.m. Admission is $5. Riley’s Backstage is located at 1523 19th St. Copies of “Waves & Waves” will be sold at the show, and also available for download at iTunes.

Visit the band at funeralclub.org.

22

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, April 19, 2012

Eye Street The Lowdown with Matt Munoz

Soulajar taps into inner-twang And country looks good on local band

B

akersfield soul/funk/jazz quartet Soulajar have decided to tap into their Bakersfield roots with a new countrified single, titled “Love’s a Funny Thing,” released today.

According to Soulajar drummer Brian Boozer, the inspiration for the song came after a headlining gig at Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace in June last year. Hoping to surprise the audience, the band launched into “Love’s a Funny Thing” to an appreciative crowd that took to the floor in a linedancing spectacle. Following that show, the band made plans to record the song as a special single, following the release of their latest CD, “Pipe Dream.”

“The whole song was based on this riff that we had for a while.

We joked around that it may be a country song for our show at the Palace. Within one rehearsal, it went from being a novelty to something serious, and we liked it. It wouldn’t fit on one of our records, but we had this idea to release it as a single. We just didn’t know when or how.”

Through the remainder of April and the month of May, the band will be donating all proceeds from the single to the local chapter of the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life event, which the band is scheduled to headline on May 5.

According to Boozer, the inspiration for the charitable idea came in January, from a story published in The Californian on Jose Gamero, a man stricken with terminal cancer.

PHOTO BY DAVID KARNOWSKI

Soulajar is releasing a new country single today to benefit Bakersfield Relay for Life. Pictured above from left: Greg Bettis, Ryan Fergon, Jim Ranger, Brian Boozer.

Gamero had been recording himself telling stories about his life at a local recording studio so that his children would remember him. Gamero died in February.

“I just stared at the cover photo. I couldn’t even fathom the thought as a father myself. The decision happened really quick that weekend.”

As for the single, though it’s a departure for the funky boys of Soulajar, country may very well be the sound they’ve been looking for all these years. I may get some flak for saying that, but the organic flow on the track couldn’t sound more natural. From Jim Ranger’s stylized Nashville soul to the band’s slick performance and production, this is no novelty.

If KUZZ is reading: Put this song into rotation.

Special guests on the song include former Smokin’ Armadillos fiddle player Jason Theiste and Bakersfield’s Chris Pederson, on piano and organ.

“Love’s a Funny Thing,” is available for download at iTunes, Amazon.com and Google Play.

The band will have download cards available for purchase at the KUZZ booth during Relay for

Life on May 4 and 5. For more information visit soulajar.com.

Dirthead reps for Oildale I’m trying to remember the first time I heard about Bakersfield hip-hop trio Dirthead.

It may have been a post-show email rant from a local fan who wrote something along the lines of, “Yo, you gotta check out Dirthead” or “When are you gonna give Dirthead some love?” Whatever it was, the mission was clear to these devotees that I had to find these guys.

So, off I went in search of the reclusive rhymers, who, up until last week, existed only via the Web. Their area of origin: Oildale, an area that over the past few years has been buzzing not just with the sounds of true country, but rap music.

Composed of brothers Richard King, aka “Riddy,” Joseph Skaggs, aka “Mista Fista,” and Jason Skaggs, aka “J.V.,” the group has made some impressive local strides in the indie scene as grassroots underdogs. They plan to continue that streak Sunday when they open for “Because I Got High” comedy rapper Afroman at B

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.

Ryder’s.

“We rap about all kinds of things,” said King. “We do mention Oildale in our music, the environment and the people, but we rap about Bakersfield, too, and things beyond our city.”

Formed four years ago, they began with the basic ingredients most aspiring rappers do: a basic home computer setup along with plenty of time to entertain themselves. Their oldest brother Jason, who grew up playing drums in school, had already been schooling his younger siblings in all the latest urban sounds. Soon, the interest turned to beat-making by King, who figured out a way to produce with few resources.

“A mic and a mixer into a PC laptop is all we’ve ever used,” said King, 21, who today handles most of the group’s production.

“It’s really about the computer program. The computer we have just slows things down.”

What they’ve managed to create under those circumstances is worthy of a listen at their website Reverbnation.com/dirthead. A combination of ’90s hardcore, ala Tech N9ne and the obvious Kottonmouth Kings party style, their method is unapologetic, said Jason Skaggs, 24.

“Our lyrics are based around how we’ve grown up. We keep it real, not some fake mumbo jumbo. We don’t rap about money, because we don’t have it.

We’re three brothers that came from nothing and we’re just trying to make it with our music. It’s always been in the family.”

After releasing their first CD, “Blood Brothers,” in ’08, they’ve continued releasing head-bobbing singles to stay on the radar.

Titles include “Going Psycho,” “Slippin’” and “Brainwashed,” and the boys hope to have another full-length CD ready in a few months. Sensitive listeners should use caution, but for those with a taste for the down and dirty, feel free to add Dirthead to your party playlist.

“We’re not gangster rappers, and I don’t like labels. We’ve seen

a lot of scandalous people, drugs, violence, and we try to shed light on that. We just speak from life’s experiences, being a good person and looking at life in a positive way.”

Joseph Skaggs, 29, who currently commutes from his home in Trona to perform with the group, said looking back at how far they’ve come in the past few years still amazes him.

“The group’s success has exceeded my expectations. We feed off each other when we’re recording and when we hit the stage. It’s a feeling you can’t really describe. Sometimes we do get on each other’s nerves, but you can’t always connect with a friend like you do with a family member. Our show’s gonna melt your face off.”

Also appearing at Sunday’s allages show will be Bakersfield rap rockers 2 Faded and Universal Prophets. Showtime is 7:30 p.m.

Admission is $13. B Ryder’s is located at 7401 White Lane. For more information, call 397-7304.

Matt’s Pick Ramones Relay for Life tribute at B Ryder’s, 7401 White Lane. Friday, 9 p.m., $5, 3977304.

Ridgecrest rockers The Barstool Saints, Bakersfield’s the JBombs and Crooked Folk will be performing hits by the legendary punk band along with blazing originals, all for a great cause.

According to organizer Patrick Spurlock, he chose Ramones music as the theme for the event, since both the late Joey and Johnny Ramone both lost their lives to cancer.

“The Relay for Life event in Bakersfield is the biggest in the country. I am hoping this show will provide a great night to help the fight against cancer and give everyone in Bakersfield that donates their time, money and efforts a fun way to celebrate.”

Tickets will be sold for a giant gift basket with loads of cool band merch to be raffled off at Relay for Life in May.

28

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, April 26, 2012

Eye Street The Lowdown with Matt Munoz

Coachella evolves with the times Don’t forget to get your beer on Saturday

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espite an encore appearance by the Tupac hologram, last weekend’s Coachella Music & Arts Festival belonged to the new kids.

The festival no longer is dominated by long-lost indie and postpunk/new wave reunions, and it may be that organizers have come to the realization that while you shouldn’t forget your roots, don’t rot in the process.

This is my fifth return to the festival, which has become comparable to a trip to Mecca for me and 78,000 other world travelers.

We come from distant lands in search of music, surrounded by desert and the inescapable elements. We arrive smiling and, in many cases, leave in agony but always return because there’s nothing quite like the sights, sounds and smells of Coachella.

The repeat weekend two lineup was a cross section of some of the best of the present crop of sonic talents, including: L.A. rising stars Grouplove, the artsy St. Vincent, gritty rocker Grace Potter & The Nocturnals, electro folkies Beirut, and others. Together they rubbed shoulders with many who paved the way decades before, like reggae icon Jimmy Cliff, UK ska misfits Madness, goth romantics Mazzy Star, hip-hop titans Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg, and of course, the band responsible for inspiring most of Bakersfield’s current downtown band scene, Radiohead.

Among my personal standout moments: watching CCR’s John Fogerty make a special appearance with

PHOTO BY JEREMY GONZALEZ

Saturday’s Festival of Beers at Stramler Park officially kicks off a string of popular spring social events in Bakersfield.

MATT MUNOZ / THE CALIFORNIAN

Grace Potter & The Nocturnals perform during weekend two of this year’s Coachella Music & Arts Festival on April 21.

The Black Keys to sing The Band classic “The Weight” in tribute to drummer/vocalist Levon Helm, who passed away the day before.

Then there was the space invasion by Friday’s electro headliners, Swedish House Mafia, who, in my opinion, have reached the pinnacle of the genre. I usually avoid house music and techno, but the sensory overload of lasers, lights and a perfectly synced wave of people bouncing in unison was jaw-dropping.

Another of Sweden’s greatest exports, The Hives, shook up the outdoor main stage in the middle of the scorching Sunday heat with one of the wildest sets ever.

Frontman Per Almqvist jumped, shouted, rattled and rolled his way through an hour-long set of sweaty power pop hits, even commanding a large portion of the crowd (including myself) to

lay down. I did, only to leap to my feet covered in dirt and grass. It was beautiful.

One noticeable omission during the weekend was that not even a peep was made over the loss of Dick Clark. It may be a generational thing, but I did find it curious that a festival of this magnitude couldn’t find a way to honor one of popular music’s original visionaries.

That being said, there’s really no way to accurately describe the entire Coachella experience in a few paragraphs. My suggestion would be to add it to your bucket list and start tucking away some funny money now. To see more photos, visit Bakotopia.com.

Bakersfield Festival of Beers The 20th Annual Festival of Beers returns this weekend looking to retain its title as the official

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.

kick-off to the summer party season.

Part fundraiser and dance party in the sun, the festivities take over the Stramler Park event complex from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday.

With this year’s party comes a few changes, namely the absence of a theme.

Festival chairman Blake Palla who’s been working feverishly to get every detail tightened up, says the choice to simplify the brand name made better sense.

“We’re moving away from the themes — and trying to get more of a brand image, so when people see the logo, they know exactly what to expect. It was also too hard dealing with the marketing end of things, getting new logos every year. Let’s take this into a different direction and have more of a corporate theme.”

While you won’t see any beach balls, tie-dyes or safari décor as in years past, what hasn’t changed are many of the event’s regular offerings, namely sudsy beer and food samplings from popular local and national chains.

“Beer, food and good weather, why would you not wanna go?” added Palla.

The Bakersfield chapter of the Active 20-30 Club, which hosts the event, is a volunteer service

organization that provides assistance to local charities through fundraising. Planning the Festival of Beers takes six months, with all money raised going to children’s charities.

Among this year’s beneficiaries are M.A.R.E. (Mastering Abilities Riding Equines), the Police Activities League, Boys & Girls Club of Bakersfield and Kern County Special Olympics.

Advance tickets are $30, or $40 at the gate. For the price of admission, you get food and plenty of beer, plus local bands Dub Seeds, Members Only and Velorio, and live DJ music all day with Sound Choice.

The VIP section is back, with more than 10 restaurants inside, and more beer. There are limited VIP tickets available at $100, which allow access to an exclusive gourmet food and drink area.

Stop by the Bakotopia booth while you’re there and check out even more music and art displays

by Bakersfield art gallery The Foundry.

According to Palla, there will be enough security provided to ensure everyone has a peaceful good time throughout the day.

The event is for those 21 and over only. For more info, visit bakersfieldfestivalof beers.com, or call 477-5521.

30

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, May 3, 2012

Eye Street The Lowdown with Matt Munoz

A step slower, but he’s still got it “Thank God and Greyhound” and “Yesterday, When I Was Young” — it was all a big love fest. There was no reason to be overly critical at this point. It was all about enjoying some time with good ol’ Roy Clark.

For the show’s big closer, Clark stood up, took a jab at Charlie Daniels with fiddle in hand and blazed impressively through “Orange Blossom Special,” bringing the crowd to its feet for a standing ovation. And with one big final bow, no encore, he made his exit, leaving us all to wonder why this show hadn’t happened back in, say, the ’90s?

At 79, Clark knows wit, charm go a long way

T

here was a lot to “Hee Haw” about at the Crystal Palace when Roy Clark took the stage Tuesday night.

“Hey, Buck, guess who showed up?” said KUZZ radio jock Chris Connor, looking up just before the band kicked in to the obligatory country intro.

The 79-year-old country performer entered the Crystal Palace waving to the near-capacity crowd as he gleamed with that shiny man-in-the-moon smile of his. He walked slowly up to the mic as the audience — a mix of old-timers and middle-aged fans — applauded politely as if welcoming a long lost brother. This was Clark’s Palace debut and his first visit back to Bakersfield since 1977, so anticipation was high leading up to the show.

I’m not going to lie: As the band jumped into the hillbilly pop standard “Alabama Jubilee,” Clark’s appearance had me just a little worried. Maybe I’d spent far too much time watching YouTube videos of Clark in his prime, but the man I saw before me had me doubting. But in no time at all, my skepticism was dispelled by Clark’s sheer showmanship.

Just as self-effacing as he was on “Hee Haw,” Clark kicked off the show joking about his hipreplacement surgery and medication deliveries. We all laughed along, and not just out of respect.

He may not be fast on his feet, but when a guy his age can talk that openly about the hallucinogenic power of capsules that cause you to speak in foreign lan-

Festival of Beers another success

HENRY A. BARRIOS / THE CALIFORNIAN

Roy Clark plays and speaks to his fans during a show at Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace Tuesday night.

guages, how can you not love the guy?

Following up the banter with one of his classic singles, “Love Takes Two,” Clark filled in the breaks with various words of wisdom like an old sage, before segueing into a cover of “What a Wonderful World.” His performance, similar to Louis Armstrong’s original, was perfectly matched with grandfatherly warmth, causing a wave of loving embraces throughout the room.

The show continued in much the same classic country theater style: song here, story there, along with a couple wisecracks. Clark’s lightning licks were sparse, but thankfully his back-up band was more than up to the task. Follow-

ing a few short intros, mandolin and fiddle player Justin David took over as one of the evening’s emcees and so began an energetic cutting session between various members. As Merle Haggard has done over the years with the Strangers, Clark has assembled a show-stopping group of talents to keep the pickin’ and grinnin’ going. There was a string of covers, including “Ring of Fire,” “Man of Constant Sorrow,” along with “Ghostriders in the Sky,” and always more onstage jokes at the expense of no one’s feelings.

To be honest, there were no low points in the show. Between the band keeping the momentum flowing and the presentation of his most recognized hits —

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.

If proof was necessary that Bakersfield loves a good party, it was produced in abundance at Saturday’s 20th Annual Active 2030 Club Festival of Beers at Stramler Park. Almost two hours before the event gates were scheduled to open, the line snaked through the venue parking lot as eager attendees applied sunscreen. Once the festivities began, it was a four-hour romp perfectly suited for Bakersfield.

According to festival chairman Blake Palla, attendance was slightly up from last year at more than 2,000 with no problems to report other than the occasional misfit.

“Things went great — no real snags,” he said. “We tried a lot of new things this year: electronic scanners for tickets, recycling the bottles and having Special Olympics cater the food. The recycling went well for our first year attempt at going green. I think there’s a few changes we can make for next year that will make it go a lot smoother, and all of the feedback regarding food was positive.”

On the outdoor stage, local Latin rockers Velorio launched into a cumbiafied set of originals and covers before ’80s tribute band Members Only had everyone doing the “Carlton” dance.

Then came reggae rockers Dub

PHOTO BY JEREMY GONZALEZ

Chris Taylor of the Bakersfield reggae band Dub Seeds performs at Saturday’s Festival of Beers at Stramler Park.

Seeds, who kept attendees in a mellow mood during the event’s final minutes. Our Bakotopia booth was another hit, thanks in part to music from DJ Mikey, plus local artists Christina Sweet and Jesus Fidel, who helped decorate our area with popular pieces from The Foundry art gallery. To see photos from the event, visit Bakotopia.com.

War headlines Latin Food Fest Tickets are on sale for the 14th annual Latino Food Festival and Menudo Cook-Off June 3 at the Kern County Fairgrounds. Part food competition and family affair, every year the event attracts thousands to bask in the sun to cheer on their favorite chefs. One of the big draws is always the music. Headlining this year’s entertainment will be legendary funk band War, along with my band, Mento Buru, Southern California dance bands Hind Site, The Company Band, and Bakersfield’s Mariachi San Marcos. Tickets are $8 in advance and $10 at the gate. For information on tickets or to sign up for the competition, call the Kern County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce at 633-5495, or visit kchcc.org.

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The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, May 10, 2012

Eye Street The Lowdown with Matt Munoz

Sky’s the limit for Tehachapi talent Singer finds focus in McDonald’s contest

I

t’s been two weeks, but Maureen Recalde can barely maintain her composure.

The Tehachapi resident and reigning regional champ in the Voice of McDonald’s national singing competition has just returned home from the finals in Orlando, Fla., where she joined 15 other winners from the U.S., Canada, South America, Europe and APMEA (Asia/Pacific/Middle East) for a shot at the title.

Though Recalde didn’t win the competition, she met some of the biggest names in the music industry and said the experience changed her life.

“I got to meet some amazing people who taught me incredible things about music, singing and life. We had schedules that were made for us each and every day.

We’d meet every morning bright and early, and start our daily rehearsals. The rehearsals were long, but not tough at all.”

Before taking the stage in front of judges and a crowd of 17,000, Recalde said she and the other contestants were given individual attention and instruction to help them polish on their technique and performance. Judging the final competition was a panel of entertainment heavyweights, including Grammy Award-winning R&B singer Toni Braxton, DreamWorks CEO Jef-

PHOTO COURTESY OF MAUREEN RECALDE

Tehachapi singer Maureen Recalde performs during the Voice of McDonald’s global finals in Orlando, Fla.

frey Katzenberg, music producers Ron Fair and David Foster, and entertainment attorney Ken Hertz.

“The coaches taught me so much about myself as a singer and performer. I sang the song ‘At Last’ by Etta James, and the coaches helped me portray the right message and connect to my audience. I felt so alive on the stage. I wasn’t nervous at all. I felt right at home.”

Beyond the competition, Recalde said the highlight was a private concert that included performances by Kelly Clarkson, Ruben Studdard, Keith Urban, David Foster, Enrique Iglesias and Seal, who got up close and personal with Recalde.

“He started singing my favorite

song, ‘Kiss from a Rose’ and — lucky me — I was in the front row at the private concert. He saw me jamming and brought me up on stage. He sang the song to me, and for some reason I couldn’t stop shaking. There’s even a YouTube video of it. Definitely one of the coolest moments in my life so far. Kelly Clarkson was super-chill, too.”

The final four contestants were Chrislyn Hamilton of Australia, Stephanie Savage of Canada, Dyscem Mueldener of Germany and Lyam Soto of Puerto Rico.

Hamilton took home top honors.

In the end, Recalde earned the title of top U.S. entry out of three national finalists. She walked away with a $3,000 cash prize, a $1,000 donation in her name to the Bakersfield Ronald McDonald House, an iPod Touch, a pair of Beats by Dre and a trip to Nashville, Tenn.

“Even if I didn’t place at all, I would still feel like a winner. All of the support and love has been overwhelmingly amazing.

McDonald’s treated us in the most amazing way possible through this incredible journey.”

Bakersfield can catch Recalde onstage when she performs for the Ronald McDonald House Charities Walk for Kids on June 2 at C.A.L.M. Recalde has a message for those who voted for her online during the first phase of the competition.

“I wouldn’t have made it without you. I hope I represented Kern County, California, and the United States in the best way possible. There will never be a day that I won’t sing or hum a tune.

Whether it’s singing while wrap-

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.

PHOTO COURTESY OF MAUREEN RECALDE

Pop singer Seal, who performed during the Voice of McDonald’s competition, poses with Maureen Recalde.

ping burgers or taking an order, or getting a standing ovation from 17,000 people, I’m lovin’ it.”

Burning Image lights up One of Bakersfield’s pioneering alternative bands from the ’80s makes its long-awaited return to the stage for a rare show during Saturday’s Heresy club night at Riley’s Backstage. It marks the first official show from the veteran goth rockers in over a year, after two shows in Los Angeles and San Francisco.

The story of Burning Image begins in 1982, at the dawn of

Bakersfield’s downtown punk and alternative rock scene. Lead guitarist and co-founder Moe Adame recalls the period as a turbulent but exciting time to be around his friends and bandmates: guitarist Joe Sparks, bassist Tony Bonanno and drummer Paul Burch.

“They didn’t know what to make of us,” he said. “Everything was new, especially with the introduction of the punk scene in town,” Adame said. “People around here were just getting used to bands like The Clash. By the time the Los Angeles sounds had reached Bakersfield, it just exploded with the kids.”

The shock factor has always been an important element in the rebellious spirit of punk rock, and for Burning Image, the idea of causing a stir would be taken to another level. Inspired by British bands like Siouxsie and the Banshees, Killing Joke and The Cure, Burning Image coined a sound that was a combination of those influences. Sporting ghoulish Please see LOWDOWN / 34

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The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, May 10, 2012

Eye Street LOWDOWN: CONTINUED FROM 28

white makeup, lipstick, black attire and crucifixes, the guys in Burning Image were an instant hit with teens.

But outside the venue, it was another scene altogether.

“We just took it in a different direction musically and with the look,” said Adame, 49. “You had people picketing our shows, while 300 to 400 kids would be packed inside the American Legion Hall or wherever we were allowed to throw a show ourselves. They thought we were devil worshipers. We weren’t, but at the time there was the whole child molestation/devil worship thing in the news, and everyone was going crazy.”

For the next five years, the group would make trips down south to record a series of independently produced 7-inch vinyl singles at Fullerton’s Casbah Studios, where Orange County heroes Social Distortion recorded their debut, “Mommy’s Little Monster.”

During one of their many treks, the band made contact with Art Morales, creator of the artwork for “Monster.” Morales offered to do the cover for the band’s single, “The Final Conflict.”

“Everyone knew someone and was accessible. Everyone just wanted to help each other out,” Adame said.

Following the release of the single, Burch and Sparks traveled north to Berkeley to promote the record on the college radio station KPFA, where Dead Kennedys lead singer Jello Biafra happened to hear the song. He liked the single so much that he invited Burning Image to open a show in San Francisco.

Familyed Own

“It was amazing,” Adame said.

“The Dead Kennedys have always been one of my favorite bands. Sitting on the side of the stage and watching the band play after they invited us to play — just incredible.”

Biafra’s friendship with the band would continue years after Burning Image dissolved in 1987. In fact, in 2003 he and Adame would reconnect at one of Biafra’s spokenword engagements in Hollywood.

“The first thing he asked was, ‘Do you have any more Burning Image music?’ ‘All I have is this tired old cassette,’” Adame replied.

“I said I have all the masters. So he asked me to make him a CD of all the music. He wanted artwork and said, ‘I’d really like to reissue this on my label.’ Needless to say, everyone in the band was shocked and gave their blessing.”

The 2004 release of “1983-1987” on Biafra’s Alternative Tentacles label is a collection of the group’s original catalog.

The band’s excitement spurred a full reunion for a one-time show, more for fans and themselves in celebration of the CD. The guys parted ways on friendly terms, and Adame continued to keep the band’s flame alive, releasing another CD, “Fantasma,” in 2009 with bassist Anthony Leyva replacing Sparks, who lives in San Francisco. Bonnano and Burch remain in the lineup.

Proving you can’t keep a dead band down, Burning Image is back with “Oleander,” a conceptual album loosely based on the “Lords of Bakersfield” series of stories on a shadowy cabal of power players in the city’s past, written by The Californian’s Robert Price, and the book “Lords: Part One,” by Nick

Belardes. Belardes makes an appearance on the recording for a spoken-word intro.

“It’s probably just local folklore, but you never know,” Adame said.

“Jello had asked my wife about ‘The Lords of Bakersfield’ after Sean Penn had given him a copy of the movie ‘Witchhunt.’ He had tucked it away for a while, but after he saw it, he asked me if we decide to record another album, he said ‘write about this.’ This material is just too good to pass up. You can hear the references to Bakersfield and what’s going on. I wanted it to sound as low-fi as possible. I wanted it to sound like an old Bad Brains album: strange, and stripped down.”

The festivities begin at 10 p.m.

Admission is $5 advance or $8 at the door. Riley’s Backstage is located at 1523 19th St. Copies of “Oleander” and “1983-1987” will be sold at the show, and also available for download at iTunes and Cdbaby.com. Visit the band at flavors.me/burning_image.

Matt’s pick Rachel Platten at B Ryder’s Bar, 7401 White Lane at 7 p.m.

Sunday. $10, all ages, 397-7304.

If mom looks bored this Mother’s Day, get her to this show, quick. Singer-songwriter Rachel Platten became a favorite of contemporary pop radio after the release of the single “1,000 Ships” last year.

Her latest single, “Work Of Art,” is quirky, sugary stuff and sure to be embraced by lovestruck ladies everywhere. Also appearing is rising starlet Madi Diaz, who, like Platten, writes perfectly crafted indie gems for prime-time TV.

COMING IN EYE FRIDAY: Johnny Depp sinks his teeth into the role of tortured vampire Barnabas Collins in a campy remake of the supernatural cult soap, “Dark Shadows.” But is it a funny horror story or a thrilling comedy? Check out the review in Eye Street Friday.

SUNDAY: When he’s not stirring the pot as The Californian’s Editorial Page editor, Robert Price is usually writing about a subject close to his heart: the Bakersfield Sound. He recently ventured to Nashville to tour a huge exhibit honoring the iconic style of music, and his full report appears in Eye Street.

• The Highland Cafe in Oildale, which has won rapturous praise from restaurant critic Pete Tittl in the past, has changed ownership. So how is the food now? The ruling in Tittl’s weekly Dining Out column.

Dennis Payne shows his appreciation at the Ford Theater during a performance by some of the musicians who laid the foundation for what would become the Bakersfield Sound. The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is showing an exhibit on the “Bakersfield Sound” that is scheduled to run through Dec. 31, 2013 in Nashville.

‘CALIFORNIAN RADIO’: WIN TICKETS! Join the Eye Street crew of Jennifer Self, Stefani Dias and Matt Munoz this morning for a chance to win tickets to the Bakersfield Jazz Festival and a concert by ’70s hit-makers Firefall. We’ll also chat with Bakersfield musician Paul Perez, who — his first time out — hit a home run booking talent for this year’s jazz fest. Get the inside scoop on what to expect at Bakersfield’s “party of the year.”

The show airs from 9 to 10 a.m. on KERN-AM, 1180. Listen for your chance to win tickets and call 842-KERN.

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The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, May 17, 2012

Eye Street The Lowdown with Matt Munoz

Weezer tribute set for encore Popular, some rarer tunes in the works for Saturday

M

issed the last Weezer tribute due to circumstances beyond your control? Then make plans to catch the encore Saturday at B Ryder’s.

The decision to bring back the wildly successful show staged at Sandrini’s back in December 2010 wasn’t easy, according to bassist Zachary Spier, as band members continuously shrugged off the idea of a possible second show. But then the band managed to capture the Weezer concert experience, making the choice easy.

“The first show was great, bigger than we expected and really cool to see. I think we were all surprised,” said Spier, who rejoins his fellow musicians in the project: singer/guitarist Pablo Alaniz, guitarist Sal Galindo; and drummer Evan Ware. “We just wanted to try something new and see if we could do it over there.”

On their last show, the band performed Weezer’s “Blue” and “Pinkerton” albums in their entirety, along with b-sides and rarities.

This time around, they plan to bring those back in addition to selections from later collections, namely the “Red” and “Green” albums that spawned radio hits “Hash Pipe” and “Pork and Beans.” Definitely not top picks of the Weezer faithful sworn to the band’s earlier works, but Spier recognizes the later material’s relevancy for the band’s lasting appeal.

“I’ve heard some of those later records, and they couldn’t hold a candle to the older material, but there are people who like those songs and like Weezer because of songs like ‘Pork and Beans’ and ‘Hash Pipe.’ I think we were being a little closeminded about it.”

So why stick with a Weezer tribute?

“I was 14 when the ‘Blue’ album came out, that perfect time for me,” said Spiers. “Their sound and honesty was fun, but serious at the same time. I couldn’t stop listening to them. It

ARTWORK BY ERWIN LEDFORD

Bakersfield artist Erwin Ledford specially designed the artwork based on Weezer’s “green album” for Saturday’s tribute show at B Ryder’s.

was all I would listen to. I felt like I could relate to Rivers (Cuomo) and the rest of the band. I felt like, ‘That’s me.’ Going into the show, we were huge fans of the first two albums. We knew them front to back, but fleshing them out we were surprised with the amount of work it was taking us to get the songs right.”

Reviled by most critics at the time of its original ’96 release, “Pinkerton” has become an essential part of any alternative rock collection. Spier recalls the public’s initial reaction.

“Pinkerton” was pretty polarizing when it first came out. To me, it was the best thing I’d ever heard, and still the best thing they’d ever done. It was just cool that they took that chance when everyone expected another ‘Buddy Holly’ or ‘Sweater Song.’”

Along with a marathon 35-song set list, the band has some added musical surprises in store for attendees, including Bakersfield musician Therese Muller who will join in on keyboards. Plus, artist Erwin Ledford, who designed the show’s flier, will be selling copies of his new comic book, “Plainest Pictorial Periodical Vol. 1.”

Saturday’s show kicks off at 8 p.m.

Admission is $5. B Ryder’s is located at 7401 White Lane. For more information call 397-7304.

Matt Munoz is editor of Bakotopia.com, a sister website of The Californian that devotes itself t o promoting Bakersfield’s art scene. Matt’s column appears every Thursday in Eye Street.

PHOTO COURTESY OF SAY ANYTHING

Say Anything headlines Saturday’s KRAB Free 4 All concert at Bright House Networks Amphitheatre.

KRAB Free 4 All Also Saturday is 106.1 KRAB Radio’s Free 4 All 5 outdoor concert at Bright House Networks Amphitheatre. This year’s lineup features: Say Anything, Imagine Dragons, Walk the Moon, and JJamz. Last year’s crowd of more than 5,000 enthusiastic teens crammed the theater’s seats and lawn to hear some of the best emerging acts in alternative rock, all at no cost.

KRAB radio’s Danny Spanks sees the free event as a way to show gratitude to loyal listeners and let the kids blow off some weekend steam.

“It’s an opportunity to give a bunch of up-and-coming bands a chance to play a free show for our listeners, and a fun way to kick off the summer. The show has basically gotten bigger each year. You can’t beat the price either.”

One of the highlights every year is finding out which lucky Bakersfield band is chosen to open. Previous Free 4 Alls have showcased popular local acts Vogue in the Movement and Cidona. This year Streetside Vinyl was presented with the golden ticket for the day’s opening slot.

“It’s crazy,” said Streetside Vinyl vocalist and guitarist Shawn Gough. “We used to joke about it that one of our goals was to

be on the Free 4 All. Then, it just happened.”

The story behind the Bakersfield quartet isn’t anything remarkable, yet. Currently riding a noticeable surge in popularity among young audiences, the band’s career is just beginning. After forming a year ago, the group has been building its way up through a series of live shows and wellexecuted marketing campaigns. All teetering at the end of their teens, their sound is a polished machine of current radio rock.

“We all would agree that we have straight-forward rock sound, kind of a modern take on classic tones.”

The band’s recently released seven-song EP, “If There’s a Hope,” available at iTunes and at the show, is a fine sample of the group’s capabilities. The first single, “Enough with the Tricks (Haha),” is currently getting KRAB airplay. The CD was produced by former Vogue in the Movement bassist Bryce Nichols, who, according to Gough, has been instrumental in helping steer the band’s direction.

“We all get what each other is trying to say and know each other’s vision. We have disagreements, but we get over it. This CD was written by the band as a whole, rather Please see LOWDOWN / 25

25

Thursday, May 17, 2012 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street

Headbanger’s ball at Trout’s? Believe it

BY MATT MUNOZ Californian staff writer mmunoz@bakersfield.com

T

he walls of Trout’s will be rumbling with the sounds of more than just a mechanical bull and two-stepping shuffles Friday night.

As part of the legendary honkytonk’s ongoing plan to expand its clientele, Trout’s will pay host to its first-ever weekend rock show, featuring local hard rockers Meditated Assault and indie trio Crooked Folk.

According to Trout’s manager Thomas Rockwell, Friday night’s event will give him an idea about possibilities for the future.

“When I have gaps late at night, no matter what the genre is, I’d like to help. There is the Bakersfield Sound, but there are also Bakersfield sounds.”

Before making the decision to move forward with the schedule addition, which follows regular country

LOWDOWN: CONTINUED FROM 24

than one person doing this song, and one person doing this song.”

It was good enough to catch the ear of Spanks, who, after a great rotation run on his show “Spank It Or Crank It,” informed the band they would open this year’s Free 4 All. “I think they’re one of the best local bands that we’ve heard over the past year. You can listen to their recordings and see that they’re headed in the right direction,” said Spanks. “They have their stuff together and also really fit our format.”

Joining Gough is: Silas Sproul, guitar, co-lead vocals; Justus Dixon, bass; Greg Bruick, drums. Also appearing throughout the day will be syndicated KRAB morning show host and former MTV VJ, Kennedy, and others.

Saturday’s all-ages show starts at 5 p.m. The Bright House Amphitheatre at The Park at River Walk is located at 11200 Stockdale Highway. For more information, visit krab.com.

Celebs in our fair city Celebrity watchers should have their cameras ready, starting today: The Amgen tour and the United Farm Workers 50th Anniversary Convention are rolling into town, and should bring some star power with them.

Kicking off this weekend’s UFW convention at Rabobank Convention Center tonight is the “Premios Aguila” red carpet event and awards gala, honoring actor and activist Martin Sheen, a longtime supporter of the UFW. Sheen’s attendance has been confirmed by the organizers, along with “Hotel Rwanda” screenwriter Keir Pearson, “A Better Life” director

sets by the Blackboard Playboys at 11 p.m., Rockwell did some research to observe the habits of his regulars.

“The older demographic usually don’t stay around that late on Friday, so I can let my band go early. We got two stages in-house to use here so I can keep the traditional going on the other stage, just in case.”

Both Meditated Assault and Crooked Folk have made appearances at local clubs. Rockwell said teaming the two made sense after he checked out their demos online.

“I heard samples of the band, but the deciding factor was that they were receptive to new ideas and up to working with us. All of Crooked Folk’s songs were also original. I liked that a lot.”

Rockwell added that more bands are already getting lined up to appear in coming weeks. Interested bands can drop off a demo with contact information at the club during business hours for booking consideration.

“I entertain all ideas here. I want Trout’s to be a department store of opportunity,” he said. “It doesn’t hurt

Chris Weitz, and actor Benito Martinez (“The Shield,” “Sons of Anarchy”).

The slate of honorary co-chairs tentatively scheduled to attend is another impressive list of A-listers known to support the UFW, beginning with “Desperate Housewives” actress Eva Longoria. Also listed are actor Edward James Olmos, Mexican actor Diego Luna, former “Ugly Betty” star America Ferrera, Jaime “Taboo” Gomez of The Black Eyed Peas, actors Danny Glover, Esai Morales, Tony Plana, Lupe Ontiveros, Ed Begley Jr., and singer Kris Kristofferson, who returns to Bakersfield in June for a benefit concert for the UFW at the Fox. Also performing during the evening’s festivities will be the Si Se Puede all-star band, featuring members of Latin rock’s El Chicano, Malo, War, Abel & The Prophets, and TexMex music icon “Little Joe” Hernandez. Tonight’s sold-out event starts with a red carpet arrival at 6:30 p.m., followed by dinner at 7:30 p.m.

Then bright and early on Friday, convention registration leads off three days of appearances by notable guest speakers, including current UFW president Arturo Rodriguez, UFW cofounder Dolores Huerta, state Sen. Michael Rubio, Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, playwright and film director Luis Valdez, among others. The convention runs through Sunday at Rabobank Arena and Convention Center.

Who knows? You might be enjoying tapas at Mama Roomba while Eva Longoria sips on a mojito two tables over, or an evening at the

PATHWAYS HYPNOSIS Vaughn Barnett C.Ht., NLP, BA Alpha Chi Honor Society American Hypnosis Assoc.

PHOTO COURTESY OF MEDITATED ASSAULT

Bakersfield heavy metal band Meditated Assault will perform at Trout’s on Friday night. Pictured above is guitarist Rico Ponce.

661.322.0077 PathwaysHypnosis.org

(661) 589-9900 Travis Thurman, DVM

us at all and plus it puts money in the artist’s pockets — creating jobs and artist options in the community.”

Friday’s show starts at 11 p.m.

Cover charge is $5 after 8 p.m., or $10 which includes two well drinks of choice. Trout’s is located at 805 N. Chester Ave. For more information call 399-6700.

Padre while Edward James Olmos and Luis Valdez share a game of pool in the lounge.

Now, if Martin’s Sheen’s son Charlie shows up to crash the party, call for backup and don’t forget to email us the photos. For information on this evening’s awards dinner and a complete schedule of weekend events visit ufw.org, or call 823-6105.

Rockin’ Roots is coming The partial line-up for this year’s Rockin’ Roots Fest, returning June 9 to the Stramler Park event complex, has been announced. Headlining the all-day bandstravaganza is Falling in Reverse, Pierce the Veil, Suicidal Tendencies, Of Mice and Men, The Ghost Inside, Millionaires, Mike Pinto Band and more. Advance tickets are available for $30 and available for purchase online at tgptix.com, all regular outlets, or through one of the many local bands scheduled to appear. For information and updates, visit timgardeapresents.com.

Matt’s Pick The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus at B Ryder’s, 7401 White Lane, 8 p.m.

Friday, $13, 397-7304.

Florida post-hardcore emo rockers, Red Jumpsuit Apparatus built their name using social media back when bands were still posting wheat paste fliers. After finally grabbing the attention of major labels in 2005, they released two solid records —”Don’t You Fake It,” and “Lonely Road,” before reaching back to their indie roots with last year’s “Am I The Enemy.” Also appearing Sparks the Rescue, Namesake, Of Athena.

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24

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, May 24, 2012

Eye Street The Lowdown with Matt Munoz

Laughs, yes; Shaq, not so much Mexican rockers headline jubilee

I

f you plan on checking out Shaquille O’Neal’s All Star Comedy Jam when it rolls into the Fox on Saturday, don’t be surprised when the big man himself doesn’t walk onstage.

According to promoter Erroll Jackson, whom I spoke with briefly on the phone, although Shaq’s name and likeness does appear on the advertisements, he will not be accompanying comedians Corey Holcomb (who is hilarious), Capone, recurring “Saturday Night Live” performer Finesse Mitchell and Robert Powell. The information was also confirmed by the Fox. In doing some sleuthing, I found there is an official website for the tour at shaqallstarcomedyjam.com.

There you’ll find a promotional video, which, when clicked, pops up with the message, “This video is private.”

There’s another video on a jump page featuring Gloria Govan of VH1’s “Basketball Wives” hosting a backstage soiree for a show at Oakland’s Paramount Theatre back in January.

After that, I gave up.

Let’s face it: The NBA playoffs are in full swing, and I doubt Shaq would jeopardize leaving his position as a commentator for TNT to pop into the Fox. Not that it wouldn’t be cool; just don’t kid yourselves, folks. Saturday’s show time is at 8 p.m.

Tickets range from $40.50 to $63. The Fox Theater is located at 2001 H St. For more information visit vallitix.com

PHOTO COURTESY OF JON HILL

Comedian Corey Holcomb appears Saturday at the Fox as part of “Shaquille O’Neal’s All Star Comedy Jam.”

or call 322-5200.

PHOTO COURTESY OF NACIONAL RECORDS

Silver Lake Jubilee

Mexican alternative rock quintet Kinky appears at this weekend’s Silver Lake Jubilee in Los Angeles.

As much as I love Bako, even I need a getaway to re-energize.

The Silver Lake area of Los Angeles is one of my favorite out-oftown getaways and, this Memorial weekend, I plan on enjoying the festivities at the Silver Lake Jubilee on Saturday and Sunday, beginning at noon both days.

Both a street fair and music festival, the event has drawn a line-up of eclectic musical tribes. Headliners range from rising soul singer/rapper Aloe Blacc, to Santa Barbara indie heroes The Black Watch, and current scenesters like The Soft Pack, La Santa Cecilia, Abe Vigoda, as well as comedy and local bands on six stages.

While many blossoming music festivals get overrun with corporate meddling or suffer from mismanagement (as was the case at last year’s Sunset Junction), the Jubilee has managed to retain its indie spirit, showcasing loads of undiscovered talent.

It’s a delicate balance that organizers and critics are monitoring closely as the festival heads into its third year.

Mexican Latin alternative rockers Kinky, who perform on the festival’s Sunset Stage at 10 p.m.

Saturday, emerged in 2002 in the wake of the Latin music explosion with a danceable electronic rock mix. Formed in the Mexican city of Monterrey, they’ve remained on the radars of listeners, singing both in Spanish and English. Now residing in Los Angeles, keyboardist and accordion player Ulises Lozano said the band’s sound remains a direct reflection of their regional roots and early experimental interests.

“Back in the mid-’90s there was a place in downtown Monterrey called ‘Barrio Antiguo,’ where many bands began experimenting with sounds. We were hearing heavy metal, rap, electronic and traditional Spanish music together. It was a very exciting time for us, because we stood apart from the crowd. Now, this new generation, they all find it very normal to listen to Los Tigres del Norte, then Iron Maiden.”

The music of Kinky has been

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.

heard everywhere from TV shows to scores of video games. With four full-length releases to their credit, they return July 15 with “Sueño de la Maquina,” on Nacional Records, an album that Lozano hopes will continue to expand their crossover fan base.

Joining Lozano are members Gilberto Cerezo, vocals; Carlos Chairez, guitar; Omar Góngora, percussion; and Cesar Pliego, bass.

“We will continue our making music based on our interests and things we’ve always been drawn to. We like to entertain people onstage, and not just be forgotten about during the music. Everyone will be dancing with us on Saturday.”

Tickets for the Silver Lake Jubilee are $20 to $35. For more info, visit: jubilee.is.

Weezer tribute encore In classic farewell fashion, last week’s Weezer tribute show at B Ryder’s returns for an encore presentation, this time at Sandrini’s. According to band members, they became overwhelmed with requests for another chance to catch the show from friends and fans who missed it again — like

me. Bless their hipster hearts. Friday’s downbeat is 9 p.m. Sandrini’s is located at 1918 Eye St.

Matt’s picks The Riverboat Gamblers at B Ryder’s, 7401 White Lane, 8 p.m.

Friday, $10, 397-7304.

Straight outta Denton, Texas, punk rock quintet The Riverboat Gamblers are every bit as potent as they were when they hit the scene in 2001 with their classic double-sided 7-inch “Mean Motormachine/Jenna (Is a No Show.)” It was loud and rowdy, and in complete contrast to the downer feel of emo. I’ve caught them opening up for Flogging Molly, onstage at the KRAB Free 4 All, and on the Vans Warped Tour.

They’ve killed it every time. Highly recommended.

The Mothership DJ Night at Sandrini’s, 1918 Eye St., 10 p.m.

Saturday, 322-8900.

This popular monthly gathering of vinyl junkies and Serato heads returns to the underground intimacy of Sandrini’s downtown.

House DJ reps — Sabretooth (one of the few local lady DJs), Chito, OMS, Qwiz and others spin everything from underground rap to rare groove and beyond.

24

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, May 31, 2012

Eye Street The Lowdown with Matt Munoz

Dub Seeds germinate to success Local bands unite for pre-tour performance

L

ocal clubs will be buzzing this weekend when three Bakersfield bands celebrate both an arrival and a send-off.

First up is reggae rockers Dub Seeds, anxious to get the brand new CD “Skunk Face” into the hands of fans at their CD release party Friday at Narducci’s Cafe.

The album’s release couldn’t be more perfectly timed for the trio.

Summer is knocking on our doors, swimming pools are filling up, bikinis are … you can figure out the rest.

“It’s gonna be a fun night,” said Dub Seeds guitarist and vocalist Chris Taylor. “We put a lot of time and effort into this album and we really wanna get it out to as many people as we can.”

Taylor and his bandmates — Gary Rink (bass) and Anthony “Gizmo” Rodriguez (drums) — continue a rock-steady run of music and good times that has become synonymous with the group, originally called Seed, since Taylor formed it in 2004.

After a few member and name modifications, the current trio was solidified and rechristened Dub Seeds, quickly becoming one of Bako’s most welcome party bands. I’ve attended many Dub Seeds shows and if you’ve had a bad week, you’ll be transported to the tropics in 16 bars or less.

They’ve also become known for plugging into any available outlet and jamming like it’s their last day on earth.

“Just put it on.

It’s really groovy and has a lot more variety than our last CD, ‘Feelin’ It.’ It’s got some

PHOTO COURTESY OF DUB SEEDS

Bakersfield reggae rock band Dub Seeds celebrate the release of the new CD, “Skunk Face,” at Narducci’s Cafe on Friday.

rock riffs to get you going in the morning, then flows into something mellow,” Taylor said.

Popular in the Central Valley, Dub Seeds is a mainstay on the crowded statewide reggae rock scene, which has grown considerably over the past two years, especially in Orange County where bands like Sublime and others helped create the subgenre in the ’90s.

“Because the sound is so popular, there are just so many bands.

At some places we play, we can read the crowd’s faces — ‘Yeah, we’ve seen this before, let’s see what they’ve got.’ We always try to outdo the band before us and bring something different. Some venues it’s hard to get a reaction

out of people, then others they’ll buy us shots all night long at the bar. We try to keep it busy with a few shows a month: At least half are out of town to get new listeners and audience.”

The demanding performance schedule has worked in their favor on “Skunk Face,” revealing a band in its prime. Produced by local musician Josh Burns at his home studio in east Bakersfield, it’s a tightly rolled collection of easy-grooving melodies and midtempo skanking. Choice tracks: “More Than Friends,” “Just Be Good,” “Groovin’ With You” and the instrumental strum, “Awake.”

“Make sure you’re in an enlightened state of mind when you listen,” Taylor said.

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.

Copies of “Skunk Face” will be sold at the show and are available for download at iTunes and all major digital media sites.

Friday’s downbeat is 9 p.m.

Admission is $5. Also appearing is Mah Op and DJ Katchafiya. Narducci’s Cafe is located at 622 E. 21st St. 324-2961 or dubseeds.com.

The Volume and Choirs The same night downstairs at Sandrini’s, Choirs and The Volume will be combining the release of The Volume’s new EP, “Modulator,” along with a tour fundraiser for both groups.

Choirs drummer Cass Faulkenberry and The Volume’s guitarist/ vocalist Colin Cook describe the project as an exciting way to explore the unknown, especially since the 17-day tour kicks off the following morning.

“We’d been talking about it for

over a year,” said Faulkenberry, who, with his four other bandmates, will hop into one van with Cook and two others. “Colin and I decided to book it and so far so good.”

You read that right: eight band members, one van, and lots of time.

“New crowds every night and building new relationships along the way. We’re all good friends, so it’s cool to be doing this together,” said Cook.

It may sound cool on paper, but it’s another thing to wake up two days later.

“Yeah, the smell. That’s not something we’re looking forward to, but we have a remedy for just about everything,” said Faulkenberry.

“Disposable underwear, Febreze, Axe, toothpaste,” said Cook, who has logged tour experience with one of his previous bands. “We’ll find out who the mechanic is depending on the problem we run into. I can fix the hell out of a spare tire, but don’t get me near the engine.”

“That’s OK — I got AAA,” added Faulkenberry.

Their first stop is the following night at The Heart and Palms in Oakland. Over the next two weeks, the band will head farther north through Portland and Washington, with shows along the way, before backtracking and making detours through a few California cities.

“I’ve never been to any of the cities on the tour. To be able to travel and do something you’ve always wanted to do is gonna be a blast,” said Faulkenberry.

Choir’s debut CD, “We All Need Closure,” has been out since February and continues finding its way onto the playlists of indie music fans via the Web, where the group has been receiving high download numbers.

The Volume’s just-released “Modulate” EP is so new the band was still awaiting the arrival of official pressings at the time of our interview.

The group’s sound is a catchy

25

Thursday, May 31, 2012 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street

PHOTO BY JOSEPH RUIZ

PHOTO BY JOSEPH RUIZ

Choirs will be joining The Volume on Friday before a tour that starts the next day.

The Volume will be releasing its new CD, “Modulate,” at Sandrini’s on Friday.

mix of well expressed musical ideas. The EP’s opening track, “What Are We Fighting For?” opens with some catchy, stylized riffs and beats currently popular on the indie scene, but no retread.

“She is the Remedy” and “The Long” both keep the momentum going with credit due to Cook’s vocals and guitar work, along with drummer Robert Morgan and bassist Blake Wise. Fans of early New Order to current sounds like The Rapture should add The Volume’s “Modulate” to their playlist.

“We’re extremely proud of it. Our friends and family seem to be pretty impressed with it too,” Cook said.

At Friday’s show, both bands will be accepting travel donations in the form of money and food. Fans can also help by purchasing the bands’ merch, which they’ll have all for sale at Sandrini’s. All funds will

rooms. I’ll sleep under the van if I have to,” said Faulkenberry.

“We’ll park by a lake or something,” Cook suggested.

Friday’s showtime is 9 p.m. Admission is $5. Sandrini’s is located at 1918 Eye St. 3228900. The Volume’s “Modulate” and Choirs’ “We All Need Closure” are both available for download and at all shows.

Matt’s picks PHOTO COURTESY OF CASH’D OUT

Tribute band Cash’d Out will present the music of Johnny Cash on Saturday night at B Ryder’s.

go toward their journey.

“Capri Suns, bologna sandwiches. We’ll be staying with friends for the most part.

Hotels are for emergencies only. With gas at $5 a gallon, it’s pretty tough to book

Cash’d Out at B Ryder’s, 7401 White Lane, 8 p.m. Saturday, $10, 397-7304.

Singer Doug Benson, who portrays the late Johnny Cash in this excellent tribute, has been called the closest thing to the real deal since his debut in San Diego in 2004, a year after the singer’s death. Bringing to life all of Cash’s hit songs, including “Boy Named Sue,” “Ring of Fire” and “Folsom Prison Blues,” among many others, the

homage goes deep. Benson also has the blessing of the Cash family estate and the late singer’s family members, many of whom were brought to tears when they caught his show. Opening are The Councilmen.

Abbey Roadies at Sandrini’s, 1918 Eye St., 10 p.m. Saturday, $5, 322-8900.

Bakersfield’s most devoted Beatles tribute band is about to tread where few groups have dared by tackling the mother of all Fab Four albums, “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.” They’ve already successfully performed both “Abbey Road” and “Rubber Soul” in previous shows, and always include a number of catalog extras.

According to Facebook updates from guitarist and vocalist Chris Carton, rehearsals have gone well and no hallucinogenic will be required to enjoy this experience. I’m kidding.

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30

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, June 7, 2012

Eye Street The Lowdown with Matt Munoz

Ready for rockin’ at Roots fest LA reggae group heads for new venue Get your sunscreen ready and lace your shoes tightly before entering the mosh pit: Rockin’ Roots returns to Stramler Park on Saturday.

Rockin’ Roots is seen as a primer of sorts for the Vans Warped Tour, which kicks off at the end of this month. But for local kids looking to blow off some steam, our local shindig offers an equal amount of youthful chaos, and this year it’s all crammed in to one day rather than the traditional two-day festival.

Headlining Saturday’s event will be post-hardcore heroes Falling in Reverse and Pierce the Veil, Of Mice and Men, Dr. Acula, ’80s skate punk legends Suicidal Tendencies, electro sister duo Millionaires, and dozens of other bands, all scheduled on eight strategically placed sound stages.

If you’d rather root for the home teams, there will be plenty of local bands, including 2 Faded, Landen Belardes, The Aviators, Terra Alive, Of Athena, Kaptain Krunch and the Cereal Killers, Dead Ashling, DV8RZ, Big Deal Fair

Trade, A Day Of Atonement, Hannah Di Molfetto, Fading Out Silence and others, with vendors selling snacks, water, soda and beer.

The gates open at 11 a.m. Tickets are $30 in advance or $35 at the gate and are available at several Bakersfield outlets or from any of the local bands performing. Stramler Park is located at 3805 Chester Ave. For more information, visit timgardeapresents.com.

Aggrolites represent for reggae On Friday night, traditional skinhead reggae band The Aggrolites rolls into town for a show at On the Rocks. This will be the first time the Los Angeles-based quintet will be visiting our neck of the woods. It’s a long time coming for many local fans, given the solid reggae fan base we boast.

Lead vocalist Jesse Wagner recalled the band’s debut in 2002, when they formed as a live backing band to tour the U.K. with reggae icon Derrick Morgan. Following the success of that project, the band decided to keep the going full time.

The Aggrolites released their debut album, “Dirty Reggae,” the following year, with each song recorded in one take and with many lyrics improvised on the spot.

“The Europeans are a lot more knowledgeable when it comes to

PHOTO COURTESY OF JEREMY GONZALEZ

A Day to Remember performs during 2011’s Rockin’ Roots Festival at Stramler Park.

the different styles of reggae music that we’re influenced by.

Most Americans only know Bob Marley and ‘Legend,’ and that’s about it. Even with our name, the Euros know that ‘Aggro’ is a term used in a lot of skinhead reggae titles, ‘Lites’ is a reference to the Skatalites, and so on. It just made sense for us to go there first.”

Skinhead reggae is generally considered to be the period from 1968 to 1970, just before the Rastafari movement entered mainstream Jamaican music.

The music’s sound is distinguished from other early Jamaican sounds like ska and rocksteady by the slightly faster beat, marked out by the drummer using the hi-hat, heavy organ lines, lower mixing of the bass, and electronically doubled rhythm guitar stroke. It met with great success in the U.K., especially with the skinhead subculture. Major artists include John Holt, Toots & the Maytals, The Pioneers and Symarip, all of whom the Aggrolites cite as big

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.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE AGGROLITES

Los Angeles skinhead reggae quintet The Aggrolites appears at On the Rocks on Friday.

influences.

“If anything, it’s enlightening to inform people on the whole about original skinhead culture.

Skinheads have gotten such a bad rap for so many years because of all the racist boneheads. We call our music dirty reggae. Nobody’s going to play skinhead reggae like the Jamaicans did. It should be known that skinheads were a working-class subculture from the U.K., and the music they lis-

tened to was reggae. It’s not a racist thing,” Wagner said.

The band’s latest CD, “Unleashed Live: Vol. 1,” captures the group in front of an adoring audience, singing and stomping along to every song. Free downloadable tracks are available at the band’s website aggroreggae.com.

If you’re a parent, you may want to look up the band’s video Please turn to 31

31

Thursday, June 7, 2012 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street

FELIX ADAMO / THE CALIFORNIAN

Michael Chavez and the band Otanthea rocked the crowd on the main stage at the Rockin’ Roots 2010 festival at Stramler Park. This year the event has gone from a two-day affair to a Saturday-only music fest.

Continued from page 30 of “Banana,” taken from its appearance on “Yo Gabba Gabba.”

“Doing ‘Yo Gabba Gabba’ was probably one of the best things we could have done for our band. We’ve done punk rock shows, hip-hop festivals. It’s a feel-good kind of music that fits with anything. People like to dance,” Wagner said. “Our music has always fit in anywhere, even ‘Yo Gabba Gabba.’”

Friday’s downbeat is 9 p.m. Admission is $10. Also appearing is Amity Flow and others. On the Rocks is located at 1517 18th St. For information call 327-7625 or visit tgptix.com.

Rapper goes MIA Last Saturday’s concert in the basement of Jerry’s Pizza featuring veteran gangster rapper Brotha Lynch Hung (no relation to William) ended up being a big downer for many local concertgoers.

According to some emails I received on Sunday morning, the rapper was a noshow. Confirming this was Richard King, aka Riddya, a member of Bakersfield rap group Dirthead, who opened the show.

After inquiring about the incident on Facebook, King shared a message he received from Brotha Lynch Hung via Twitter later that evening. Basically, Brotha Lynch blames the no-show on what he termed a shady promoter. The rapper has vowed to return for a free show.

No word on what exactly happened or whether refunds will be granted.

“We rocked the opening though, set the

place off and then everyone started getting weary and waitin’ on Lynch,” Riddya said.

“Some of Madesicc (Brotha Lynch Hung’s extended artist crew) made it to Jerry’s and apologized on Brotha Lynch’s behalf also.”

Matt’s picks Beat Surrender DJ Night at Sandrini’s Bar, 1918 Eye St., 10 p.m., Friday, free, 3228900. Local vinyl junkie Alex Rodriguez, aka DJ Moustache, provides the best in ’60s/’70s funk and soul.

He’s a serious music man, ready to be hit up by anyone on his latest selection of rarities, including your missing Mandrill album. He takes requests within reason and blends it like a true mixologist.

Come as you are, free your mind and let your booty lead the way to the dance floor.

Highly recommended.

Mike Pinto at On the Rocks, 1517 18th, 9 p.m., Saturday, $10, 327-7685.

Raised on a steady diet of soulful sounds emanating from his hometown of Philadelphia as a teen, laid-back vibe maestro Mike Pinto credits California’s punk scene, along with the reggae flavor of Sublime vocalist Bradley Nowell, with inspiration to start his own musical solo project. Now residing in sunny San Diego, Pinto has released three independent, tropically influenced CDs and tours incessantly wherever his fan base reaches, even if it means a last-minute backyard barbecue like the one he did in Bakersfield a few years ago.

Win on ‘Californian Radio’ Join the Eye Street crew of Jennifer Self, Stefani Dias and Matt Munoz for a lively chat about the week in entertainment this morning on “Californian Radio.” We’ll offer up our picks for how to spend your hard-earned dollar from the list of events lined up for this weekend.

The trio also will give away some goodies: two pairs of tickets to The Aggrolites show at On the Rocks Friday and two

pairs of tickets to Rockin Roots at Stramler Park Saturday.

Listen for your cue to win the tickets, and feel free to call in with questions, comments or your own recommendations of what’s worth doing, seeing, eating or drinking in town.

“Californian Radio” airs from 9 to 10 a.m. weekdays on KERN-AM, 1180. Call 842-KERN.

24

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, June 14, 2012

Eye Street The Lowdown with Matt Munoz

Electronic music lights it up Festival most ambitious to date for local promoter

B

akersfield’s electronic dance movement has been plugging away for some time, but unless you’re deep in the thick of things or know someone who is, you might not even know it exists.

Friday and Saturday, the serene Camp Okihi campgrounds will be overtaken by Poi Story, a two-day electronic music and arts festival.

It’s the most ambitious project to date from promoters Stereo Type Productions of Bakersfield, a company that formed three years ago and initially hosted warehouse parties and small club nights.

“We’ve never done an outdoor event or even a two-day event,” said Perry Gorham, who owns Stereo Type Productions. “We like doing shows once a month, but we don’t always do large events. You’re going to burn the people out.”

Operating as either Club Plush or The Pulse for smaller shows, the company specifically designs and scales events to meet the demand. The music, all in the electronic vein, features DJs and live performances with pulse-pounding heavy bass and manic waves of synthesizer sounds.

“We do small shows to give people a shot in the arm, then one big show. We’ll go to a local bar, or any other business establishment that will have us. We bring the people, and everyone has a good time.”

According to Gorham, attendance ranges from 200 to 400 people. For promotion, they use a mix of guerilla-style marketing and web postings — and not via a supermarket clerk as portrayed in the ravethemed comedy flick, “Go.” “We do online marketing on multiple sites, with a lot of word of mouth involved, and ticketing on the streets,” he said. “We just happened to find a niche in the market, but we never thought it would take off as fast as it did. Pretty soon, the people started coming

PHOTO BY ALLYSA JONES PHOTOGRAPHY

The DJs for Poi Story, standing left to right: Uplift, Raisuki, and Lewcid; bottom: Skydro and Psychobabble.

to us.”

Gorham said out-of-towners soon caught on and came to see what was all the rage in “rave” in Bakersfield.

“When you start making money, some of the out-of-town promoters will take interest in a piece of what we call the “time share.” That’s the crowd. The difference mostly is, we do events, where as they do more concert-esque events. It caught us by surprise, but we have a strong following. You just have to plan everything right.”

The fact is, the EDM scene can get territorial. I’ve seen this again and again during my visits to music festivals like Coachella and Outside Lands — both of which have featured artists such as Swedish House Mafia, Deadmau5, Skrillex, Tiesto and countless others on medium to large stages. Do some quick math and it’s going to equal some big money.

For Gorham, who was not interested in sharing figures, their events are not on par with many national EDM promoters who now boast major corporate sponsorships for events with names like Electric Daisy Carnival, Hard, and Monster Massive.

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.

“We provide the entertainment and giving the people what they want. We get all the volunteers to make all of it happen: set-up break-down, cleanup, dancers, we actually do our own fliers. It’s a very big operation for us as an independent. We pretty much own all our own gear and rent a trailer to deliver it.”

The crowds are a scene all their own, most wearing brightly colored outfits, dancing wildly in trance-like states and waving glow sticks for hours on end.

Gorham said the event’s “Poi Story” theme is very much in the spirit of previous events, but this time will focus more on the concept of “flow arts,” which he describes as an integral part of the movement.

“A lot of people don’t know what poi is.

It’s kind of hard to market. This event is more than just about music.”

“Poi” traditionally refers to both a style of Polynesian performance art and the equipment used in performances. As a performance art, poi involves swinging tethered weights through a variety of rhythmical and geometric patterns. Examples of this would be fire spinning. Poi can be made from various materials with different handles, weights and effects.

“There’s going to be a lot of that culture and art infused as they do at Burning Man and Lightning in a Bottle,” added Gorham.

Looking over the extensive weekend schedule for Poi Story, you’re going to need some time to figure it all out, but as I mentioned before, you probably already know what you’re getting into before you pay your admission.

Friday’s line-up kicks off at 2 p.m. with American Alternative & Sacred Gypsy’s Justin Foss on two stages. That will lead into a full day of more music from DJs Himoglephex, La Face, Lewcid, Emerge, Tails and more.

Saturday’s line-up begins at 11:30 a.m. with more DJs, including Circa Lunera, Josex, Mudkip, Keef Koded and others. On both days, there will be plenty of sights to see, courtesy of art from various local and visiting artists, fire spinning, plus dance workshops and more. In accordance with their sound permits, music of high decibels will end at midnight, making way for a less noisy, but equally rhythmic drum circle.

“It’s a different kind of feel and vibe. We have a motto of P.L.U.R. — Peace, Love, Unity, Respect. It’s an experience. You should come out and enjoy it,” said

PHOTO COURTESY OF MICHAEL PETERSON

Michael Peterson will appear at the ASR Master Songwriting Clinic II on June 30.

Gorham.

Admission is $15 per day. Camping is allowed on the grounds on both days for $25 per person each night, which includes admission to the event. Daily parking is $5.

All ages are admitted. Camp Okihi is located at 13277 Round Mountain Road. For a road map of information, rules and requests, visit the official website at stereotypeproductions.com, or call 472-5935.

ASR songwriting clinic The second edition of ASR Studios Master Songwriting Clinic series is scheduled for June 30 at American Sound Studios.

During the daylong clinic, aspiring songwriters will get advice and an insider’s look into the art of penning a hit song by acclaimed songwriters Michael Peterson, Jason Sellers and Tommy Simms.

Attendees also will receive some personalized instruction and a chance to perform a song for critique by one of the three clinicians. Michael Peterson has written hits for Travis Tritt, Ty Herndon, The Eagles’ Timothy B. Schmit, among others.

Sellers has written country singles recorded by Reba McEntire and Kenny Chesney. Multi-genre songwriter Tommy Simms has crafted tracks for everyone from Bruce Springsteen to Kelly Clarkson and Bonnie Raitt, plus earned a Grammy award with “Change the World,” recorded

by Eric Clapton.

Reservations for the clinic are currently being taken for $169, which includes lunch.

The clinic runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

American Sound Studios is located at 2231 R St. For more information visit asrstudios.com or call 864-1701.

24

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, June 21, 2012

Eye Street The Lowdown with Matt Munoz

It’s no catastrophe — it’s fate Band reborn with a softer, gentler sound

I

t’s never easy for a band to reemerge without shades of its past lingering.

In the case of Catastrophist, the latest addition to Bakersfield’s ever-evolving indie music scene, things have been pretty mum until now as the band prepares to makes its third live appearance, opening for Hawthorne Heights Saturday at On The Rocks.

While the name has been churning among those who’ve caught glimpses of the band live, or people like me who try to follow Facebook posting trails, it wasn’t until just before I sat down with three of the band members that I made a grand discovery: Catastrophist was once known to many as Mission Tonight.

Before you start making similar connections, the band would like fans to know that while there are certain truths afloat, its past in no way defines the present.

“There’s a lot of difference between the two groups,” said guitarist Jordan Rude. “Our sound with Mission Tonight was more centered around guitar riffs. Our sound now is much more textured and easy to listen to. I had to conscientiously step back from writing again after we ended.”

Along with Rude, Catastrophist is Elijah Jenkins, vocals; Matt McCoy, guitar and keys; Mikee Lee, bass; and Thomas Porter, drums. According to the band, Catastrophist’s formation sprouted from a renewed collaboration

PHOTO COURTESY OF LAURIN LEE

Catastrophist appears Saturday at On The Rocks. From left: Tom Porter, Mikee Lee, Elijah Jenkins, Matt McCoy and Jordan Rude.

between Rude and McCoy two years ago. The success of those early meetings ignited interest between the two, attracting Lee back to the fold. Next up was landing Porter back on drums, and finally a vocalist, which proved to be the most difficult to secure.

“We had so many auditions,” recalled Rude. “It’s especially hard when you have to tell a friend of a friend they’re not the one. One guy even said we were auditioning for him.”

After giving up on the audition process, the four found Jenkins to be the obvious fit.

“We have a kinship within the band,” said McCoy, adding he also has been able to contribute more to the creative side of band.

“Elijah writes about things I can identify with. All of us have come back with a different mindset.”

In comparison, Catastrophist’s recorded sound is nothing like Mission Tonight. Definitely more mellow and crafted with a style more tailored to roll with current indie rock, if their goal was a complete makeover, they’re on the right track. To prove that point, the group was courteous enough to drop off a demo in

progress, filled with a glimpse of exciting things on the way.

“We thought when we came back we’d be the quiet indie band of the scene,” said McCoy. “That’s definitely not the case.”

After a big debut as the opening band for Choirs’ packed CD release party in February, Lee said the response was reassuring.

“We came back at a perfect time in the local scene,” said Lee. “Mission Tonight was around when nu metal was still big. We used to be billed with all these metal bands at shows and get booed. We felt out of place then, and now we don’t.”

You’ll be hearing more from Catastrophist in the months to come. In the meantime, follow the band online at catastrophistmusic.com.

Also appearing Saturday with Hawthorne Heights and Catastrophist is Afterall. Admission is $10. Show is at 8 p.m. at On The Rocks, 1517 18th St. For more information, call 327-7625.

Louie Cruz at Playboy Jazz Festival The partylike atmosphere at day one of the 34th annual Play-

Matt Munoz is editor of Bakotopia.com, a sister website of The Californian that devotes itself to promoting Bakersfield’s art scene. Matt’s column appears every Thursday in Eye Street.

MATT MUNOZ / THE CALIFORNIAN

Percussionist Louie Cruz Beltran performs at the Playboy Jazz Festival in Hollywood June 16. To see photos, visit Bakotopia.com.

boy Jazz Festival Saturday could be felt all over Hollywood. This was my first time attending, and with only a few hours to spare, things couldn’t have gone more smoothly. My mission: catch Bakersfield percussionist Louie Cruz Beltran along with his Latin jazz ensemble perform in front of a sold-out Hollywood Bowl crowd.

This was kind of a big deal for me along with the noticeably enthusiastic and large party of Bakersfield music fans who made the trek. Longtime emcee Bill Cosby took to the stage as host for the last time to kick off the day’s festivities at 3 p.m. sharp.

Making my way around the venue, I couldn’t help but romanticize about the Bowl’s history as one of the world’s most iconic concert spots. That was easy to understand as the festival’s rotating stage at the Bowl helped ensure each set started as sched-

uled.

Beltran came on following a solid opening set by the LAUSD/Beyond The Bell All City Jazz Big Band. Opening with a rendition of Willie Bobo’s Latin jazz cover of Hugh Masekela’s “Grazin’ In The Grass,” followed

by Cal Tjader’s “Alonzo,” Beltran came out swinging on both congas and timbales to rousing cheers and shouts of “Louie!” in the crowd. You really can’t go wrong with Latin jazz in a festive atmosphere, and judging by the numerous rolling coolers in tow, there were plenty of party libations being served up, as the Bowl also allows outside alcohol and food.

Beltran’s monster backup band was a mix of Los Angeles jazz heavy hitters, including trombonist Eric Jorgenson, pianist Carlos Vivas, percussionist Chalo EduarPlease see LOWDOWN / 25

25

Thursday, June 21, 2012 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street

In Need Of Excellent Dental Work?

PHOTO COURTESY OF KARLING ABBEYGATE

Karling Abbeygate & The Atomics appear Friday at B Ryder’s Bar. LOWDOWN: CONTINUED FROM 24

do and others. The group was tight as can be, offering Beltran a chance to step up when it was his chance to burn during solos and vocals. Another crowd pleaser, the original “Chili Caliente,� off Beltran’s recently released “Paint The Rhythm,� kept the momentum going. Every minute remaining in his set was used wisely as the group blazed through more tracks from “Paint The Rhythm,� including “Esperando,� “Spooky� and the final scorcher “Timbalero y Bongo.� Overall, a tight set of tradition and originality, and a proud moment for Bakersfield musicians.

Bunky Spurling Bakersfield blues guitarist Bunky Spurling has been on a creative roll lately.

Recently signed to Southern California independent label Rip Cat Records in May, the ax man has also been busy making regular appearances around town.

If you’re interested in catching a glimpse of the man in action, catch him tonight and next Thursday at Skybar Lounge from 7 to 9 p.m., then again at Silver Creek Park at 7 p.m. Tuesday during the 2012 Music Fest.

Spurling has become one of Bakersfield’s most sought-out musicians since the ’80s, performing both as a soloist and with a variety of groups. He’s currently recording his upcoming CD debut for Rip Cat at ASR Studios in Bakersfield. Skybar

Lounge is located at 4208 Rosedale Highway; Silver Creek Park is located at 7011 Harris Road. For more information, visit ripcatrecords.com.

Matt’s picks Fortunate Youth at B Ryder’s, 7401 White Lane, 8 tonight, $10, 397-7304. Combining rootsy vibes and unique bass lines united with multiple harmonies, boisterous guitar solos and heavy keys, Fortunate Youth is not just another mainstream reggae band. A collaboration of South Bay reggae standouts, they’ve created a phenomenal, fiery show that should have dancers bouncing all night. Also appearing are Dub Seeds, Amity Flow and Tatanka.

Karling Abbeygate & The Atomics at B Ryder’s, 7401 White Lane, 9 p.m. Friday, $5, 397-7304. U.K. rockabilly queen Karling Abbeygate’s return to Bako is always a reason to hoot and holler. She has a charming British accent, vintage style, good music and an irresistible presence. Now residing in Los Angeles, she’s been visiting Bakersfield a little bit more lately, assembling a band of Bako musicians to form her latest band, The Atomics, featuring: Alex Lopez, bass; Cesareo Garasa, drums; Jenny Angel, keys; Brian Paxton, guitar; plus Abbeygate’s longtime compadre Donnie Whitbeck on guitar. Also appearing are The Dusk Devils and Mad Dog & The Smokin’ Js. Prepare to shake it up.

Local dentist, Dr. Kenneth Krauss, is looking for patients in need of cosmetic dental work and implants (including mini implants).

With over 10 years of experience Dr. Krauss is one of the most respected cosmetic dentists in the greater Bakersfield area. “My mission when opening my practice was to provide the very best dental care available in a compassionate and family type atmosphere. I feel we have held true to our standards since day one� explains Dr. Krauss.

New patients that respond to this offer will receive a fee consultation for complete dental work and implants, or mini implant dental work. Start smiling younger...Call Dr. Krauss today for your free consultation and to learn more about our current specials. This is your opportunity for excellent dental care at an affordable rate.

Several payment options are available, and Dr. Krauss’ experienced team is willing to work out a custom payment program just for you. Sedative dentistry is also available upon request.

Each new qualifying patient will also receive an added bonus simply by showing up to their appointment, FREE whitening

trays for yourself or a family member, a $300 value. Those who become patients will receive a Free in-office ZOOM whitening treatment, in addition to receiving the special offer, a $500 value. Please call (661) 323-8585 for details and to book your free consultation appointment.

"I smile a lot now, I'm very confident and it was the best thing I ever could have done on a personal level and I'm very happy with my decision" "I had spent thousands of dollars on my teeth in the past and it wasn't until I got to Dr. Krauss that I actually received the results I have been wanting for the 15 years prior. I had to re-teach myself how to smile again!"

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Calling all families for Third Thursday Summer’s just started, but Third Thursday is on point with its June theme of “Summer Home and Garden Spa.�

Along with arts and crafts, kids can play in the children’s area with activities offered from Jammin Jumpers.

Kids and families can also enjoy free horse-drawn carriage rides.

Central Park will host the Boot Scoot ’n’ BBQ — courtesy of Hot & Smokin BBQ — along with the Beer Garden from Bud Light and Lime A Rita.

The Bluetooth Cowboys will perform near the Mill Creek Bridge from 7 to 9 p.m.

Having hosted bands in previous months, Mill Creek Deli (700 18th St.) wants to make you the star this month

Third Thursday When: 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. today Where: Central Park at Mill Creek, 21st and R streets Information: 325-5892

with karaoke.

Mill Creek Art Walk is in full effect from 19th Street to 17th Street, with vendors from First Friday and more.

Vendors focused on the month’s theme of home and garden include Tholco Real Estate Group and event sponsor Bakersfield Association of Realtors. — Downtown Business Association

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28

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, June 28, 2012

Eye Street The Lowdown with Matt Munoz

Hard to pigeonhole this band SoCal’s Growlers defy categorization

E

very once in a while a band comes along that defies description.

In the case of Costa Mesa cosmic quintet the Growlers, the closest you can get to a category is the catch-all of Southern California-style experimentalism.

Wildly inventive and resembling a throwback to some ’60s cavalcade of far-out hipsters, the band and its music must be seen and heard to be believed.

Local fans will get a chance to catch the band tonight at On the Rocks, its first visit to Bakersfield.

“You guys have cool bars and antique stores downtown, right?” asked Growlers lead vocalist Brooks Nielsen. “Where’s the nearest lake?”

After firing off a few more questions, Nielsen said he sees the mystery surrounding the group as an alluring aspect of the Growlers’ ever-changing live experience. According to the band’s bio, written by pro surfer Alex Knost, they’ve been described as “groovy” and/or “sick” by their fans, with a perfectly “bent” sound. When I asked Nielsen if that was a fair depiction, he did what any other musical misfit would do: He laughed.

“We get a lot of that, ‘What is ‘bent sound?’ That’s just Alex having fun. That bio is a lot of drawn-out, colorful words. It’s pretty funny. It’s kind of hard to explain your own band’s sound and it’s weird just saying ‘rock and roll,’ because it’s changed so much. We’re really kind of tonguetied.

People

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE GROWLERS

The Growlers appear tonight at On the Rocks.

started calling us ‘beach goth,’ and we’ve just gone with it. We never wanted to be stuck in a genre. I don’t do a lot of explaining. I just kinda say, ‘You gotta hear it.’ There’s a bit of everything: country, a little surf with some reverb, a little reggae, some funk.”

Since hearing about the band for the first time earlier this year, I’ve become obsessed with finding out more.

The band has two superb fulllength releases to absorb: 2009’s “Are You in or Are You Out?,” and the latest, “Hot Tropics.”

Both recorded in the band’s signature surf/country/gypsy style, and the releases have a lowfi sound that seems to float in and out among the pulsating rock beats and reverb. There’s a hauntingly soothing feel to many

of their songs.

“We know it’s all over the place, but it started off from just being at the beach all the time and, I think, getting into that psychedelic ’60s stuff, surfing and exploring from there. It just goes from some pretty simple influences to really classic stuff,” Nielsen said.

Speaking of weird, you can always check out the band’s series of independently produced music videos at YouTube, including “Empty Bones,” “Gay Thoughts,” “Little Miss Jack” and others. Some are more conceptualized than others, but you’ll be as transfixed as you were the first time you ever caught a pre-“Hairspray” John Waters film.

“I just wanted to get weirder and weirder and get deeper into it. There’s no fear of anything; we’ll take whatever comes with

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.

that. We definitely wanna just go a little further, all over the world.

We’ll play with anyone and anywhere.”

And they have, once all the way to Brazil, where they performed during the massive Rock in Rio festival last October, an event normally reserved for veteran rock acts like Pearl Jam and Bon Jovi, who can still draw a half-million people at any stage of their career.

“The thing with Brazil is sometimes it takes so long for things to reach over there,” Nielsen said. “If you look at the line-ups of those shows, it’s usually filled with groups Americans are already tired of, but it’s still fun and new to them.

“To be invited there is impossible. Luckily for us, it happened through (acclaimed Brazilian singer) Marcelo Camelo. He took us under his wing and convinced the festival to pay to bring us out there to share the stage with him, song by song, back and forth, his

band and us. It was just crazy to be playing in front of that many people. Then there’s this language gap. We’d play a song, and for the first five seconds, they’re kind of quiet, like, ‘What is this?’

Then all of a sudden they start flippin’ out throwing blow-up dolls in the air, dancing like crazy.”

The band has a new album ready for release in October.

Titled “Hung at Heart,” it replaces a scrapped project with the Black Keys’ Dan Auerbach, a collection that didn’t sit completely well with the group.

“Dan contacted us to come make a record with him. So, last minute, we jumped on over to Nashville unprepared and tried to bang it out in 10 days. We gave it our all. Looking back on it, it sounds really cool, but there are some other issues, mixing being a problem and both of us being very busy,” Nielsen said.

Despite being aligned with one of the top rock acts in the country, a move that could easily catapult them beyond beaches and pubs, Nielsen said the band has no regrets.

“We feel kind of weird throwing that opportunity away, but you never know how these things work out. We’re sentimental to that time, being there for 10 days.

We had a lot of fun. We’re not saying those tracks are never gonna come out, but no near future plans of putting it out. We had a really good time with Dan, but we were just a little afraid of making that jump right away, and possibly blow up too soon. We do everything in-house, and have always been unsure about the whole rock star thing.”

Joining Nielsen are lead guitarist Matt Taylor; Scott Montoya, drums; Anthony Braun Perry, bass; and Kyle Straka, keyboards and guitar.

Also appearing are the Cosmonauts, the Nature, the Volume and DJ Moustache. Showtime is 8 p.m. Admission is $14.

On the Rocks is located at 1517 Please see LOWDOWN / 29

29

Thursday, June 28, 2012 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street “We kind of crawled our way into symphony status. We really are that good.”

— Gayel Pitchford, TSO concertmaster

Tehachapi musicians take game to new level

BY SUSAN SCAFFIDI Contributing writer

T

he orchestra musicians of Tehachapi are again presenting an Independence Day concert and celebration on July 4th, and they have much more to celebrate as this concert closes the orchestra’s 2011-12 season.

Without much fanfare, the Tehachapi Community Orchestra changed its name to the Tehachapi Symphony Orchestra right in the middle of the season. That might seem like a minor alteration, but to the orchestra, it marked a sea change in how the musicians saw themselves.

“Community orchestras are kind of regarded as somewhat lesser — anyone can play kind of orchestras,” said TSO concertmaster Gayel Pitchford.

Pitchford said the Tehachapi orchestra was just such a community ensemble when it started in 1999, but they have worked their way up.

“We just made us better,” Pitchford said.

“People took lessons, and they upgraded their skills.

“We kind of crawled our way into symphony status. We really are that good.”

The orchestra was started in 1999, with current conductor David Newby joining in 2000. Newby said he has heard the growth of the orchestra over his tenure.

“We have a lot of people who’ve been there since the start, and that’s very heartening,” Newby said.

“We do have a reputation — people say they hear good things about the concerts, they enjoy them.”

“With each concert we do I feel like it’s just a bit better than the one we did previously,” Newby said. “One way I can measure it is I can take a piece from the standard orchestra repertoire and they can sight read it, so we’re already starting at a certain level of quality.”

“That’s not something we could do when I first started rehearsals with them,” Newby said.

The symphony is still under the umbrella of the Tehachapi Community Orchestra Foundation, the nonprofit organization that sponsors the orchestra. The orchestra

BLAST: CONTINUED FROM 24

“At the first show, we sang ‘Star-Spangled Banner’ and everybody stood up, but there was no flag. The artistic director’s (Michael Prince) son came up and held the flag. He’s doing it again this year, and we told him he’d get credit in the program.”

The young Jack will enjoy a thrill — and so will audience members, thanks to a pair of giveaways at each show.

“We give three things away each time.

When I think of America, I think of Oprah and I give away stuff. But now she doesn’t have a show, she has a network that’s tanking, so I’ll call it a stimulus package.”

That package includes gift cards to Que

Tehachapi Symphony Orchestra Independence Day concert When: 7 p.m.; fireworks start at 9 p.m.

Wednesday Where: Coy Burnett Stadium, Tehachapi Admission: Free; guests invited to bring picnic dinner.

Information: tehachapiorchestra.com

is funded by volunteerism and donations, which cover the cost of the music director, Dr. David Newby, music rentals, programs and other expenses. Most musicians donate their services.

To keep the orchestra growing, Pitchford said the foundation also sponsors a “teaching orchestra,” the Tehachapi Strings Orchestra, of which she is the musical director. The strings orchestra is a student ensemble, where school-aged musicians get to hone their orchestral music skills.

“Eventually, when they’re good enough, they can audition for the symphony,” Pitchford said. “So we’re growing our own, and they’re just fabulous.”

More importantly, Pitchford said some of the students are learning enough to play their way into college. Pitchford said some students are auditioning for — and winning — sizeable scholarships.

“It’s really opened their eyes, because they’re able to go to college because of their music,” Pitchford said.

The Independence Day concert will feature the symphony orchestra, the Tehachapi Symphonic Chorus and soloists in a program of patriotic songs, marches, show and movie music and other orchestral pop favorites. Newby said selections will include John Philip Sousa’s “Stars and Stripes Forever,” “Night on Bald Mountain,” by Modest Mussorgsky, and the “Royal Fireworks Music,” by George Frederick Handel.

“I’m going to have some fun with that — explaining how we’re having ‘royal’ fireworks music for American Independence Day,” Newby said.

Pasa, Golden Corral, Cruz Thru Car Wash, boxes of Dewar’s chews and family fourpacks to a show at the Gaslight.

Even if you don’t win, you can enjoy treats courtesy of the Moosehead Lounge snack bar.

“We have everything, everything: popcorn, hot dogs, pulled pork sandwiches — did I say ice cream? — salad baked potatoes, pizza, big pretzels.”

Of course, the menu also offers those giant pickles, which may get a sales boost from a well-known American figure.

“I’m thinking of putting a pickle Uncle Sam next to the pickle barrel with a sign saying ‘I want you!’”

PHOTO BY JESSICA MONCRIEF

Tickets are on sale for a July 7 concert at On the Rocks by Adema.

LOWDOWN: CONTINUED FROM 28

18th St. For more information, call 3277625.

Adema returns to Bakersfield Tickets are on sale for a July 7 show featuring Bakersfield rock survivors Adema.

This will be the band’s second stab at a homecoming show following a stormy reunion with original vocalist Mark Chavez two years ago and the arrest of bassist Dave DeRoo during a tour stop in Connecticut last year.

Although both incidents hindered plans for a full-fledged comeback, the group has continued performing and touring successfully with original members Tim Fluckey on guitar and vocals; drummer Kris Kohls; DeRoo on bass; and veteran Bakersfield guitarist Marc DeLeon. Tickets for the show are $13 and available at On the Rocks or at tgptix.com.

In related news, former Adema guitarist Mike Ransom appears tonight at the Whisky A Go Go in Hollywood with his new band, Black Heart Vacancy.

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20

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, July 5, 2012

Eye Street The Lowdown with Matt Munoz

My bike, an iPod and a vacation Podcasts always a great relaxation tool

A

few vacation days off from work for me usually involves sleeping in, watching movies, and taking a dent out of the ever-growing mountain of laundry building up in my closet.

However, last week I decided rather than sleep all day and stink up my apartment, I should actually try and get some exercise in.

The weather’s been fairly nice and with the bike trail so close, I threw on my most comfortable exercise wear, grabbed my old school, 160 Gb iPod, and hit the road for a few hours of clarity.

I’m not one of those types of people who listen to techno while I work out, nor do I have carefully thought-out playlists with titles like, “Matt’s Jams,” “Clobberin’ Time” or “Namaste.” I’ve found there is no good way to tailor music playlists. Even the thought of it makes me exhausted.

I’m not into criticizing local radio. They get enough of that, plus they’re powerless to change anything you hear on the dial anyway. So what do I do? I hit the road with archived radio podcasts downloaded free off the web.

Among my favorite blasts from the not-so-recent past: the archived 2006–2009 “Jonesy’s Jukebox” shows hosted by Sex Pistols guitarist Steve Jones. Originally broadcast afternoons on Indie 103.1 FM in Los Angeles, before the station headed to webonly streaming three years ago, it’s one of the best shows of its kind, especially for music geeks like myself.

Jones has

PHOTO COURTESY OF STEVE JONES

Former Sex Pistols guitarist Steve Jones can be heard on “Jonesy’s Jukebox” on the Web.

been an Angeleno for years and can strike up a conversation with just about anyone he comes in contact with: Cheech & Chong, Duran Duran vocalist Simon Le Bon, Oasis, Eddie Money, Rage Against the Machine guitarist Tom Morello, and many others who have been guests. One of the best interviews features comedian Jim Norton, who shares in detail his many uses for Craigslist personal ads. It’s blue, off-thecuff entertainment from Jones, who besides being a member of one of music’s most iconic punk bands, is quite the music historian. The only parts of the show missing are the musical segments. Jones has some eclectic tastes and always handpicked his favorites, which never follows any particular genre. If you’re a KROQ.com listener, you can still catch the new Jonesy’s Jukebox Sunday evenings at 7 p.m. Those shows aren’t available to add to your iPod, but you can stream his music picks via their website.

Another interesting podcast is “Lyrics Undercover,” also available for free at iTunes. In a lengthy series of 10-minute episodes, you can find out the song meanings behind everything from Oingo Boingo’s “Dead Man’s Party” to They Might be Giants’ “Birdhouse

PHOTO COURTESY OF PETER MURPHY

Tickets are on sale for an August 19 show by goth music icon Peter Murphy.

in Your Soul,” and Death Cab For Cuties’ “I Will Possess Your Heart.”

Narrator Brian Ibbot of the Denver Post has an easygoing voice and shares a brief bio on the artist before chiming in bits of info about various lyrical passages.

You can download episodes free on iTunes or subscribe at lyricsundercover.com.

These are just two examples of what’s out there; there’s also the Kevin Smith Smodcast, the Adam Carolla podcast, etc. All free and legal to download for hours of listening. Not to sound like an Apple salesman, but if you don’t have iTunes yet, go download it — free.

Peter Murphy in Bako Tickets are currently on sale for an Aug. 19 concert featuring former Bauhaus lead vocalist and “Godfather of Goth,” Peter Murphy at On the Rocks.

In the late ’70s through the ’80s, Bauhaus helped popularize the goth music and fashion movement in England, with gloomy lyrics and a dark, theatrical stage show. Their influence eventually made it to the U.S. and still resonates today where Bauhaus “vampire bat” T-shirts have become an essential part of teen wardrobes, and Murphy’s

Matt Munoz is editor of Bakotopia.com, a sister website of The Californian that devotes itself to promoting Bakersfield’s art scene. Matt’s column appears every Thursday in Eye Street.

PHOTO COURTESY OF REVEREND HORTON HEAT

Reverend Horton Heat appears Tuesday at On The Rocks.

baritone voice style has become the standard for legions of imitators. Bauhaus released five albums over the course of its career in between breakups, and at one point even morphed into the group Love & Rockets. Since going solo, Murphy has never stopped performing and collaborating with artists such as Trent Reznor and even made a brief appearance in “Twilight: Eclipse” as, you guessed it, a vampire.

Today at age 54 he sounds and looks even more authentically goth — if there is such thing. By far one of the more interesting Bakersfield concert bookings, let’s hope he can stand the August Bako heat. Also appearing are the Ours and DJ Josex.

Advance tickets are $30 and can be purchased at the club or online at tgptix.com. On the Rocks, 1517 18th St. For more information call 327-7625.

Matt’s Picks Metalachi at B Ryder’s Bar, 7401 White Lane, 9 p.m., Friday, $10, 397-7304.

These loco bandidos continue building a massive fan base as the only group of its kind, even garnering a blessing from their idols Anthrax, Motorhead and Slayer.

Meshing Mexican mariachi music with the headbanging sound of heavy metal, the result is nothing short of bizarre. Onstage they

rock traditional mariachi outfits with wild makeup, covering classics by Metallica, Ozzy, Led Zeppelin, plus lots of extra cheesy covers from Europe, Poison and other hairy-fying acts from the ‘80s. According to the band, they were originally scorned by many of the longtime Los Angeles mariachi groups, who accused them of messing with tradition after forming last year. Don’t expect this loco train to stop anytime soon; they pack out every show.

Opening is local country metal hybrid Black Water Soul.

Reverend Horton Heat at On the Rocks, 1517 18th St., 7 p.m., Tuesday, $23, 327-7625.

Wild Texan Reverend Horton Heat to me is and will always be the king of modern-day rockabilly and its deranged cousin, psychobilly. I’ve seen the Rev at the Vans Warped Tour, The Hootenanny, and every dive bar up and down the West Coast. Every show has kicked, and he never disappoints. His 1994 CD “Liquor in the Front,” produced by Ministry’s Al Jourgenson, is still as fresh as it was the day I bought it.

This year the Rev celebrates 25 years of music and is about to release an anniversary box set titled “25 to Life” that features a live concert CD and DVD, plus a documentary on the band. Also appearing are Supersuckers and Goddamn Gallows.

23

Thursday, July 12, 2012 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street

PHOTO COURTESY OF FALSE PUPPET

Santa Barbara pop punk trio False Puppet perform at B Ryder’s on Friday.

LOWDOWN: CONTINUED FROM 20

owner Pat Evans, the 28th annual Scott Schwebel Memorial Golf Classic held two weeks ago helped raise $2,000 towards a character development program at Beardsley School. Shwebel co-founded the longstanding independent music store in 1982 with Evans, but died in a tragic car accident a few months after it opened its original storefront in East Bakersfield.

Matt’s picks Of Athena, False Puppet at B Ryder’s Bar, 7401 White Lane, $3, all ages, 7 p.m.

Friday, 397-7304; followed at 9 p.m. by Barstool Saints & Crooked Folk.

Instead of heading to Camp Crystal Lake in search of a machete-wielding lunatic on Friday the 13th, we suggest a safer form of mayhem. Santa Barbara pop punk trio False Puppet just performed in front of a wild Vans Warped tour crowd and have one of the most rabid fans on the coast line.

Their latest self-titled ep is catchy fun and perfect for the summertime blues. Opening are Bakersfield’s Of Athena. Stick around for a special evening rockin’ and rollin’ punk double bill with Crooked Folk and Barstool Saints at no extra charge.

What a bargain?

Dizzy Wright at B Ryder’s Bar, $12, all ages 7 p.m. Saturday, 397-7304. This Las Vegas rapper’s “SmokeOut Conversations” album hit number two on iTunes’ hip-hop chart upon its release in April, but refuses to embrace the mainstream.

Regularly boasting of his indie status on his desire to “edutain” his listeners Wright’s rare visit to Bakersfield should not be missed.

It’s not often our area gets a chance to catch new rap acts currently making waves. Also appearing are Jarren Benton, DJ Hoppa, and Irv Da Phenom.

“Troubadour Blues” screening at Bakersfield Museum of Art, 1930 R St., $5, 7 p.m. Tuesday, 323-7219. “Troubadour Blues” is a feature-length documentary that explores the fascinating world of traveling singer-songwriters where honest, authentic songs reflecting the human experience are still being sung on street corners and coffeehouses all over the world. The film features performances by Peter Case, Chris Smither, Amy Speace, Garrison Starr, Dave Alvin, Jeff Talmadge.

Special live opening acoustic set by Bakersfield’s David Nigel Lloyd prior to the screening. Presented by the Kern River Blues Society.

YOU CAN WIN TICKETS TO SEE DEMI LOVATO, YANNI TODAY ON ‘CALIFORNIAN RADIO’ Join the Eye Street team of Jennifer Self and Matt Munoz this morning as they chat with 2011 Road to the Fair karaoke winner Heath Hoeper and contest coordinate Kyle Brown on what it takes to win.

Also tune in for the chance to win tickets to the Yanni concert Tuesday at the Rabobank Theater and Demi Lovato’s show Sunday at the neighboring arena.

Listen for your cue to call and dial 842-KERN. ZUMA PRESS “Californian Radio” broadcasts Demi Lovato performs Sunday. Catch our interfrom 9 to 10 a.m. weekdays on view with the star in Saturday Eye. 1180-AM, KERN.

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The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, July 19, 2012

Eye Street The Lowdown with Matt Munoz

Singer adapts in digital music age Messina keeps busy with mommy blog

I

f there’s one thing the digital age has shown Jo Dee Messina, it’s that you don’t need massive radio play or major-label hand-holding to have a career these days.

“I talk to my 20-year-old nanny all the time about where she gets her music from,” said Messina, who broke out in the 1990s with a string of country power ballads like “I’m Alright” and “That’s the Way.” “She gets it from Pandora, Spotify, Facebook, and says, ‘I never listen to the radio. Everything is on my phone, my iPod. You plug it into the car and go.’ Radio used to be very personal, now it’s programmed. I dedicated a big portion of my life to getting to know people in radio, their families when I started. Now, it’s different.

Anyone can sell 100,000 units online now without commercial radio. I think it’s just amazing. No one needs a major record deal to have a career now.”

And how to get her music out there isn’t the only thing that interests the singer these days, as fans will learn Saturday at her show at Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace.

“I’m in the middle of a transition in my career,” said Messina during a phone interview from her home in Tennessee. “We do all the new songs live, but we haven’t recorded them yet. We get some bigger responses from the new material than the old songs, which is exciting. You normally get audiences that ask for only the old songs.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF JO DEE MESSINA

Country singer Jo Dee Messina appears Friday at Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace.

Messina, 41, has a lot to sing about these days. Not only has she proved her talents can withstand the changes overtaking the music industry, but she’s become quite the online entrepreneur, running her own mommy blog — fumblingmom.com.

“It’s really neat and amazing that people can make a living blogging. I never thought something like this was possible for me. I enjoy posting daily and finding new opportunities on the web. I always think about the future, like that quote from the movie ‘Moneyball’: ‘Adapt or die.’”

But Messina isn’t prepared to abandon the old way of doing things just yet, despite the ongoing slump in physical CD sales.

“I still love radio, but it’s interesting. One of my friends in the business was telling me that we as artists aren’t getting paid for radio play as much because advertisers are heading to the web. It’s crazy how all that’s working. I study all of that and follow the trends. Country music is a very grass-rootsy type of genre. People are sticking to the radio all over, but they’re also on their computers all the time.”

Messina hasn’t set a firm date for recording her new material; until then, she said fans will have to catch sneak previews at live shows and the occasional YouTube video leak, which she doesn’t mind.

“I used to get upset thinking about it, because the sound quality is usually going to be bad, but it’s all free web promotion and good fans will always want the official tracks. It’s like I said before, ‘Adapt or die.’”

Saturday’s showtime is 7 p.m.

Tickets are $32.50 to $41.50, Buck Owens Crystal Palace is located at 2805 Buck Owens Blvd. For more information call 328-7560, or visit Vallitix.com.

Thee Midniters at The Nile As the world embraced the Beatles and other British invasion acts of the 1960s, the barrio bands of East L.A. were busy carving out their own niche with young people.

Brown-eyed and bushy-haired, they adopted similar styles to their Brit counterparts with the hottest fashions of the day and a slick image to match.

Leading the way was Thee Midniters, a group of young musicians who became heartthrobs and tastemakers after forming in 1964. Their sound was hip, happening, full of shimmy shakin’, brass-powered arrangements, and balanced with silky smooth vocals. Original bassist Jimmy Espinoza remembers it as a bittersweet time when voices of unity filled the air together with psychedelic sounds. Kids were testing their freedoms on the street amid the civil rights movement.

The group appears at The Nile Saturday.

“We were a magical mystery, sizzling ’60s, Liverpool sister city,” said Espinoza of East Los Angeles during a recent phone interview.

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.

PHOTO BY KRISTA KAHL

Chicano rock pioneers Thee Midniters appear Saturday at The Nile.

Pictured is original bassist Jimmy Espinoza.

“What was happening in England was happening with us simultaneously. It was fashion, music, art, entertainment. East Los Angeles was not all MexicanAmerican, it was also Anglo, Russian, very mixed. We had a young middle-class Latino population. It was a very exciting time.”

With a reputation for packing dance halls two to three times a night every weekend, performing mainly covers of radio hits plus some originals, Espinoza says their ability to reinterpret was their key to success.

“The talent of Thee Midniters was the ability to play note for note what they heard. We were the best cover band and there was a lot of charisma, and we were destined to become who we were. We had a van and would travel all over the city, then the county, and eventually all across the state.”

More than just a cover band, the group helped pioneer a new sound referred to as “Chicano rock” that blended American rock ’n’ roll, R&B, with a big dose of

Latino spices. They released only a few recordings, among them many obscure soul ballads like “The Town I Live In,” and “Giving Up on Love,” but it’s their originals “Love Special Delivery” and “Whittier Blvd.” that have become standards of the subgenre. Today their legacy can be heard through bands such as Los Lobos, Tierra and Ozomatli.

Many Bakersfield bands have been touched by Thee Midniters’ lasting impact. Plus there isn’t a traditional Latino wedding that doesn’t get at least one request for their version of the lovers’ classic “That’s All.” “To know we’ve been influential is just one of those blessings that comes along with it after all these years. I’m proud and appreciate it.”

Opening acts are the Brothers of Latin Rock and The Press. Saturday’s showtime is 7 p.m. Tickets are $20 to $25 and can be purchased at the Nile or at Vallitix.com. VIP tables also available. The Nile is located at 1721 19th St. For more information, call 371-1434.

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The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, July 26, 2012

Eye Street The Lowdown with Matt Munoz

Laughing all the way to Bako On the Rocks picks up comedy acts

T

he last time we checked in with local funnyman Joe Alaniz he was pretty confident Bakersfield was ready for a stand-up comedy takeover.

That prediction, made in 2011, may have come to pass, but not in the way Alaniz might have expected: The abrupt closure of Fishlips late last year was a big blow to the local stand-up comedy scene. There are other venues, but there’s nothing like heading downtown for a live comedy show. Fishlips was the closest thing many comedians had to a fully operational stage.

Which is why the return of comedy to the 18th Street building (now housing On the Rocks) has already been welcomed back with open arms.

Held every other Thursday, including tonight, Comedy at On the Rocks will feature comedians Rob Silva, Tyson Paul, Reggie Gaines, Aaron Stewart and headliner Aurelio Miguel Bocanegra.

“With Fishlips, we had Open Mic and the venue was always open to comedians any night of the week,” said Alaniz, 26. “We’re really thankful the new venue has picked up where we left off and was open to hosting shows. It’s not always an easy sell.”

Tonight is the third edition in the new series, produced by Alaniz and a host of other local comics who’ve banded together.

“I spent a lot of time on the road since last year,” Alaniz said. “One thing I’ve found out is that 80 percent of comedians from smaller com-

PHOTO COURTESY OF AURELIO MIGUEL BOCANEGRA

Southern California comedian Aurelio Miguel Bocanegra headlines tonight’s Comedy at On The Rocks show.

munities like Bakersfield are more skilled than most of the people in Los Angeles. Down there, there’s such a time constriction you don’t have a chance to grow as a performer with five minutes every week. We may not have as many comedians, but we stack up against those in bigger cities.”

Along the way, Alaniz said he has made connections throughout California.

“I’ve heard so many people show up to Bakersfield (and) give us so many compliments that we are able to do shows like this. It’s cool to be able to share what we do with anyone with skills who’s eager to get on the mic after having to wait their turn so long.

Here, you can stretch out a little more than usual.”

Los Angeles-based comedian Bocanegra is accustomed to trekking long distances to lighten the mood. A U.S. Air Force veteran, the 36-year-old shiny-domed prankster said that while he never anticipated a career in stand-up,

PHOTO BY ADAM ELMAKIAS

We Came as Romans appears tonight at The Dome.

PHOTO BY ENTROPIC STUDIO

Tickets are on sale for an Aug. 25 show featuring the Salvador Santana band.

he’s a product of his surroundings.

“The first time I joined I was always cracking jokes, passing time and making people laugh.

The second time I went in, I started getting a lot of big reactions. I used to have sergeants drive to my post and ask me to me bag on the guys on the base just for laughs. This went on and on.”

After being honorably dis-

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.

charged, Bocanegra had an epiphany while watching the concert DVD “The Original Latin Kings of Comedy,” featuring Paul Rodriguez, George Lopez, Joey Medina and Alex Reymundo.”

“Watching them in action, I saw myself right there. From that point on, I knew I had to be a comedian.”

Following his debut in 2002, Bocanegra made quick strides, sharing the stage with Rodriguez and most of his idols. A selfdescribed “gentleman” of comedy, Bocanegra said his material can be previewed on YouTube.

“I don’t talk about religion or politics. I’ve got my views, but once you start talking about it, you’re always expected to, and then you get invited on shows to comment. I don’t wanna be Bill Maher. I blame my mother for this talent. She’s the life of every party. We go to a wedding and by the end of the night, everyone is around her instead of the bride and groom. She raised me all alone, so I guess it always helped to have a sense of humor. I don’t know. I would say some of the

things she says in person that will make you cry, but she made me promise I wouldn’t talk about her. She’s crazy and awesome.”

Tonight’s showtime is 8:30.

Admission is $5. On the Rocks is located at 1517 18th St. For more information, call 327-7625.

Salvador Santana at B Ryder’s Tickets are on sale for an Aug. 25 show featuring the Salvador Santana band at B Ryder’s. The son of guitar legend Carlos Santana, the younger Santana’s artistic similarities aren’t as close to his father’s as you’d think.

He’s already released two fulllength keyboard-heavy records and is currently touring to drum up some hype for an upcoming EP. The first single, “Into the Light,” is getting radio play and has a Black Eyed Peas vibe, featuring Fergie-licious-style vocals from singer Alex Nester. It’s an uplifting hip-hop soul track showcasing Santana’s talents Please see LOWDOWN / 27

27

Thursday, July 26, 2012 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street LOWDOWN: CONTINUED FROM 22

away from his father’s shadow.

You can check out the video online at salvadorsantana.com. Tickets for the Aug. 25 show are $10 and can be purchased at B Ryder’s Bar, 7401 White Lane.

The show is restricted to patrons 18 and over. For more information, call 3977304.

Matt’s picks We Came as Romans at The Dome, 2201 V. St., $13, 5 p.m., all ages, today, 327-0190. We Came as Romans, a posthardcore Michigan sextet, are back for a makeup show after abruptly canceling a March concert at Golden State Mall.

To sweeten the deal this time around, there will be indoor/outdoor staging featuring a batch of local and touring bands, including Fading Out Silence, Woe Is Me, Far from Forever, Designed to Entrap, Your Hero Is a Villain, and more.

There will also be a dunk tank and vendors to keep you cool in the middle of this summer swelter.

The Mothership DJ Night at Sandrini’s, 1918 Eye St., 10 p.m. Saturday, 3228900.

This popular monthly gathering of vinyl junkies and Serato heads returns to the underground intimacy of Sandrini’s downtown. House DJ reps Sabretooth (one of the few local lady DJs), Chito, OMS, Qwiz and others spin everything from underground rap to rare groove and beyond. We recommend you arrive early to find your spot on the dance floor for this special summer session.

Go & Do Today “In God We Trust” Eighth Anniversary, celebrating the 56th year of our national motto, keynote speaker Kenneth Copeland, VIP 6 to 6:45 p.m., dinner and program 7 to 9 p.m., Marriott Hotel, 801 Truxtun Ave. $56 dinner only; $125 dinner and program.

Reservations, 325-7601.

56th Annual Distinguished Young Women State Finals, 33 of the state’s top high school seniors will be competing for college scholarships, 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, Harvey Auditorium, 1241 G St. Tickets at the door, $10 Thursday and Friday; $15 Saturday. Girl scouts and troop leaders are free. Visit distinguishedyw.org/ca.

Concerts by the Fountain, the blues with 3 Guys Playin’ the Blues, 7 to 9 p.m., The Marketplace, 9000 Ming Ave. Farmer’s Market, 4 to 7 p.m., Tehachapi Blvd. and Robinson St., in downtown Tehachapi. 822-6519.

Guitar Class, taught by Mark Albert, for individuals or a group, Juliana’s Art Studio & Gallery, 501 18th St. $25. call 578-4570 or 327-7507 for class details.

Taft Certified Farmers Market, 5 to 8 p.m., 5th St. Plaza, Taft. 765-2165.

Voice Lessons, learn to improve your vocal range and breathing, one hour lessons for six weeks, Juliana’s Art Studio & Gallery, 501 18th St. $150. 889-5625.

Bingo, warm ups start at 5 p.m., with early birds at 6 p.m., regular games at 6:30 p.m. every Thursday, Volunteer Center of Kern

County, 2801 F St. From $20 buy-in to “the works.” 395-9787.

Friday 2012 Philippine Weekend, dance and singing contests, grand parade, cook-off, basketball tournament, entertainment, Bingo, Friday through Sunday, Cecil Park, 17th Ave., Delano. Free. Visit philippineweekend.org or 375-7177.

59th anniversary of Armistice that ends Korean War, with dinner, 6 p.m., Jastro Park, 2900 Truxtun Ave. Free. 589-2525.

Bakersfield Blaze vs. Stockton Ports, 7:30 p.m. Friday through Sunday, Sam Lynn Ball Park, 4009 Chester Ave. $7-$12. bakersfieldblaze.com or 716-HITS. Friday Night Street Legals, test and tune, gates 7 p.m., run 8 p.m. to midnight, Famoso Raceway, 33559 Famoso Road, McFarland. $15; kids 12 and under are free.

399-5351 or 399-2210.

Movies in the Park, presents “Kung Fu Panda 2,” begins at dusk, Beale Park, 500 Oleander Ave. Free. 326-3866.

Sugar with Mord Mustang, with Paul Ahi, 6 p.m., The Dome, 2201 V St. $15 online advance; $25 at the door; $25-$45 VIP. Tickets can be purchased at Wavelengths. Visit facebook.com/Sugarevents.

Saturday Fourth annual Tumbleweed Festival, horseshoe tournament, dunk tank, boxing, musical entertainment, vendors, food, mechanical bull, comedian Fredrick Reed, raffles, prizes and more, 8 a.m. to midnight,

Tumbleweed Cafe, 24870 Highway 33, Fellows (Derby Acres). Free. 768-4655.

“E.T. The Extra Terrestrial” Summer Movie Series, presented by PG&E, doors open at 10:30 a.m., movie 11:30 a.m., Bakersfield Fox Theater, 2001 H St. $1. 3241369.

“Yojimbo” Cinema Saturday, begins at sundown, Valentien Restaurant & Wine Bar, 1310 Truxtun Ave., Suite 160. 864-0397.

Cat Adoptions, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., or by appointments, Petco, 8220 Rosedale Highway. $65 includes spay/neuter, vaccines and leukemia testing. 327-4706.

Electronic Waste Recycling Event, bring unwanted electronic items, 5 to 9 p.m., Sam Lynn Ballpark, 4009 Chester Ave. Free.

Email nlagness@yahoo.com or 873-4011.

Farmers Market, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Brimhall Square, 9500 Brimhall Road, and 8 a.m. to noon, next to Golden State Mall, 3201 F St. Gurdas Maan, 7 p.m., Rabobank Arena, 1001 Truxtun Ave. $25-$150 plus fee. ticketmaster.com or 800-745-3000.

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

Star Party with Kern Astronomical Society, 8 to 10 p.m., The Marketplace, 9000 Ming Ave. 487-2519.

The Bakersfield Black Hole, vendors, jump house, food, raffle, local car clubs, music by Hazmat Boyz, Crisy Cruz, 4-Dub, DJ Epic One, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., El Atoron Billiards, 254 White Lane. Free. 706-9294 or 717-9250.

Please see GO & DO / 28

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Thursday, August 2, 2012 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street LOWDOWN: CONTINUED FROM 26

Jackson brother calls for peace Family’s feud has spilled into public eye

BY ANTHONY MCCARTNEY AP Entertainment Writer

Jermaine Jackson called Wednesday for an end to the feud that has embroiled his family for more than a week, saying issues over the care of his mother and with late brother Michael’s estate should be handled privately.

Jackson wrote in a statement first released to The Associated Press that he regrets the public turmoil that resulted from his mother Katherine’s 10-day trip to an Arizona spa. The trip sparked a missing person’s report and a driveway confrontation between relatives at the home of Katherine Jackson before a judge stripped her of guardianship duties.

“Mistakes have been made and irrational things have been said on both sides in a highly charged emotional environment,” Jermaine Jackson wrote. “It is time for us all to draw a line in the sand and move towards peace, co-operation, love and healing.”

The Jackson family is still

raw from the death of the pop superstar three years ago, Jermaine Jackson wrote, and his mother has endured incredible stress and pressures since then.

He said he remains concerned about his brother’s estate but is dropping support for a letter leaked two weeks ago that called on executors of the estate to resign.

Jermaine Jackson said his statement was prompted after his son asked if he could no longer visit Katherine Jackson at her suburban Calabasas home.

“After much soul-searching, it is clearly time for us to live by Michael’s words about love not war,” he wrote.

At the request of an attorney for TJ Jackson, temporary guardian of Michael Jackson’s children, the estate has acknowledged it has blocked certain relatives from visiting the home. The family members were not named.

Attorneys are still trying to untangle some of the issues that the family dispute has created. Katherine Jackson’s attorney Perry Sanders Jr. said attorneys will return to court today to

BASH: CONTINUED FROM 20

something. Austin is just chock-full of musicians. Everyone shows up, does one Buck song onstage and just keep going.”

For Bakersfield’s Aug. 16 celebration, Shaw will be joined onstage at the Crystal Palace by Owens’ sons Buddy and John, guitarists Monty Byrom and Chuck Seaton, drummer Dave Wulfekuehler, vocalists Kim McAbee and Jennifer Keel, and bassist Billy Haynes.

Performing together and in different variations, they’ll kick off the evening with many of Owens’ most beloved tunes.

“We’re not reinventing the wheel; everyone comes out to hear the classics and enjoy themselves, then we hand it over to our special guests,” Shaw said.

Noticeably absent will be the signature steel guitar sound of Buckaroo Terry Christoffersen, who left the group last year.

Shaw, who stays in touch with Christoffersen, said the group has never been able to find a full-time replacement.

“Terry’s doing all right. We’ve been friends since we were teenagers. The last time we played was the Jim Burke Ford picnic a few months ago. The steel guitar is a very complex and difficult instrument, and as far as I know there isn’t anyone in Bakersfield that can play it the way we need it.”

Meanwhile, Shaw said there’s been talk

ZUMA PRESS

Michael Jackson’s children, from left, Blanket, Paris and Prince, are seen with the grandmother Katherine at an appearance in January.

present an agreement to restore his client as a guardian.

The agreement would also call for TJ Jackson to remain a co-guardian, with control over the staff and day-to-day operations of the home where Katherine Jackson and her grandchildren Prince, Paris and Blanket currently live.

Sanders has said the arrangement will allow Katherine Jackson to focus on the children’s upbringing and not on other financial or logistics issues.

The co-guardianship arrangement would also allow either Katherine Jackson, 82, or TJ Jackson, 34, to serve as sole guardian if the other were no longer able to serve.

Jermaine Jackson’s statement offers a detailed account of why he, brother

of expanding the Owens celebration from a concert into a daylong community event, but once the reality check of summer heat sets in, they’d much rather stay inside.

“We’ve always thought about having another parking lot event like we did when we unveiled the statues, but it is in August and really hot. It could be a killer day. For now, we’ll probably keep it in the club, where Buck always held court for his birthday.”

Guitarist Byrom is looking forward to carrying on the tradition with Shaw and the Owens family with some added twists brought to the stage by Haynes, who’s also well-versed in funk and jazz bass style.

Together with Seaton’s unique guitar sound, Byrom anticipates a tribute unlike no other.

“It’s gonna be a little crazier this year, because I’m pushing the boundaries of this group. I do miss Doyle (Curtsinger on bass) and Terry Christoffersen, but I don’t think I’ve ever heard Jim sound better.

Those guys are his friends for life, but a little new blood and kick in the butt is good for you. Buck just didn’t listen to country.

He was into The Beatles, Ray Charles, Creedence Clearwater Revival. He influenced not just country music, but all kinds of rock and roll artists.”

Also appearing will be country newcomer Jon Pardi.

Randy and sisters Janet and Rebbie felt it was necessary to isolate their mother.

“We simply worried that a call home would first entail, or lead to, conversations with individuals we are in dispute with and that would, therefore, increase pressure on Mother — and pressure was what a doctor said she didn’t need,” he wrote.

He said by the time of the confrontation on July 23, “it was clear that mutual suspicions had allowed events to spiral out of control.”

that they were crazy enough to carry hundreds of records to every show they played. Soon their name changed to Beatnuts, and it stuck.

Over the years they began producing and became known for their remixing, working with the likes of Mos Def, Cypress Hill and a host of others. They’re revered in hip-hop circles as Latino rap pioneers, but also as one of the few lasting groups that has never stopped working and representing their brand of hardcore rap and inyour-face performance style.

Much of their musical catalog has been used by a host of singers over the years, including on Jennifer Lopez’s “Jenny from the Block,” that features a sample of The Beatnuts’ 1999 hit, “Watch Out Now,” as the song’s foundation.

I have to tip my hat to Bakersfield promoter Chuck “Tha Butcher” Arias, who has been hitting the pavement, passing out promo compilations to hype the show for over a month.

Packaged in both jewel cases and slip covers, the 10track CD also comes with a flier about the show. It’s rare you see this type of dedicated street promotion rather than the usual Facebook invite, and very much in the original spirit of hip-hop culture.

Saturday’s all-ages show starts at 9 p.m. Admission is $15 pre-sale and $25 at the door. Also appearing is Gob Goblin. Jerry’s Pizza is located at 1817 Chester Ave. 6331000. Highly recommended.

ZZ Top sells out Fox If you’ve been procrastinating about buying tickets to see legendary Texas-rock trio ZZ Top at the Fox on Aug. 14, you’re out of luck. According to the Fox Theater, the show sold out almost as quickly as it was announced, with only a few final seats released for ZZ Top fan club members this earlier this week. There’s always a chance the Fox may release any unsold seats to the public on the day of the show. For inquiries, call the Fox box office at 324-1369.

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The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, August 9, 2012

Eye Street The Lowdown with Matt Munoz

If there’s a gig, there’s a way Trio willing to go anywhere for show

A

fter two years of performing at any local venue with an available power outlet, Bakersfield folk-rock trio Kenny Reeves & the Clones have decided it’s time to hit the road.

But before they gas up and go, they’ve got some last-minute planning that includes a special mini-tour kickoff show tonight at Sandrini’s.

I got to know the boys when Bakotopia Unplugged Open Mic Night at Fishlips was still around.

Every week, they faithfully showed up in various incarnations, ready to play. (Members are Kenny Reeves, guitar and vocals, and brothers Kris Borbon, drums, and Bryant Borbon, bass.)

“Kris just emailed a bunch of venues and asked if they would let us play,” said Reeves, 23, outside Starbucks, where he works as a barista. “They would usually say, ‘We got an opening here and there.’ We just took whatever we could get.”

Looking at their confirmed schedule of shows, they haven’t done too badly: This Saturday they head north to Sacramento for a trio of shows during the week, before doubling back to play Anaheim and Santa Monica.

Along the way they may pick up more shows, in modern-day troubadour style.

“Our style is real coffee-house stuff. That’s the cool thing about our setup. We don’t have to bring much equipment. Electric bass and small amp, acoustic guitar, and a small drum

kit. That’s probably taking up most of the space wherever we go. We asked the venues a lot of questions, and most had sound systems,” Reeves said. “When we booked The Dollhut in Anaheim, we got a little freaked because that place is known for hard-core punk shows. I could just imagine what would happen. We still don’t know who we’re playing with, but I think we’ll be OK.” After I inquired about their chosen mode of transportation, Reeves suddenly paused.

“We’re not sure yet. We’re running around trying to figure it out. We may just sell my truck and try and buy a van. If we can’t get it sold by Friday, we’ll rent a van,” he said with a laugh.

As ludicrous as that sounds, I wouldn’t put it past them. One thing I’ve learned after years of interviewing bands at various stages of their careers: If there’s a gig, there’s a way.

“I think it’s going to bring us together closer as a band if we pull it off. These guys are my best friends already, but honestly, I think this will help us find our groove. Meeting new people and playing music to a completely new crowd. My family comes to all our shows in town, but as supportive as my family is, I don’t think there’s anything new I’m not looking forward to.”

Joining them on their trek as an opening act is Bakersfield singersongwriter Nathan Zuniga, who goes by the stage name With Eyes Set Forward. Singer Therese Muller will be dropping in on select dates to lend a hand on vocals.

All of tonight’s attendees will be able to snag a copy of the band’s catchy first demo, recorded live at Fishlips last year during open mic. It’s been circulating for some time now and helped bring valuable exposure to the band.

PHOTO COURTESY OF BRADY CABE

Bakersfield alt-folk trio Kenny Reeves and the Clones appear tonight at Sandrini’s.

Reeves added that while the Sandrini’s show and demos are free, donations are being accepted to help with meals and gas.

Upon their return they plan to release a new five-song EP, engineered by local musician Jason Grooms.

“We started recording these songs awhile ago, but life got in the way and didn’t allow us to finish. Most of our material is inspired by different things in my life, just fun music that people can bounce their head to. We have so many new songs, and we’re ready to get them tightened up, recorded and leave town again. Keep the momentum going.”

Godspeed, fellas.

Today’s free show kicks off at 9 p.m. Sandrini’s is located at 1918

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.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THREE BAD JACKS

Punkabilly heroes Three Bad Jacks appear Friday at B Ryder’s.

Eye St. For more information call 322-8900.

Matt’s picks Three Bad Jacks at B Ryder’s Bar, 7401 White Lane, 9 p.m., Friday, $10, 397-7304.

While use of the word “mature”

may contradict Three Bad Jacks international reputation as rock ’n’ roll wild men, the trio’s mix of traditional rockabilly with gratuitous Southern California punk is undeniably smokin’. According to their bio, the trio has managed to Please see LOWDOWN / 27

26

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, August 23, 2012

Eye Street The Lowdown with Matt Munoz

Santana has music in his DNA Son of guitar legend brings act to B Ryder’s Saturday

W

hen your father is one of the most iconic guitarists in the history of rock ’n’ roll, there are almost certain expectations from the musical public.

In the case of Salvador Santana, son of Latin rock icon Carlos Santana, it’s a reality he’s become accustomed to addressing every time he steps onstage.

But while the 29-year-old keyboardist and vocalist carries the spirit of his family’s legacy in his music, don’t expect a tribute to famous father’s illustrious career when he appears with his band Saturday at B Ryder’s.

“I’m the type of person that’s more honored and grateful for the lineage and the history that comes with representing this last name and the lineage, on both sides of my family,” said Salvador Santana during a recent phone interview from his home in Los Angeles.

“Both of my grandfathers were also musicians,” he said, referring to maternal grandfather Saunders King, a blues pioneer, and paternal grandfather Jose Santana, celebrated violinist and mariachi bandleader. “Both my mother and father have always said that whatever I choose to do with my life, that I never forget who I am and where I come from, and give it my all. And I never forgot that, and it’s allowed me to stay humble in most situations and enjoy it. It’s not about the destination, it’s about the journey and how you get there.”

Currently touring in support of his latest single, “Into The Light,” both of Santana’s previous full-length releases showcase an artist whose California hip-hop, funk and rock roots are sonically visible.

“When I was growing up, having the honor and opportunity to grow up in the San Francisco Bay area, it’s so multicultural and so diverse out there, especially musically and in the arts. I really was kind of influ-

PHOTO BY ENTROPIC STUDIO

The Salvador Santana band will perform Saturday at B Ryder’s.

enced by my surroundings. The debut record ‘SSB’ is very festive, hip-hop and very Bay Area. My second record, ‘Keyboard City,’ working with producer Money Mark of the Beastie Boys, was all about exchanging ideas. Now with ‘Into The Light,’ it has that conscious hip-hop sound. You can listen and nod your head or take the time and listen to the lyrics.”

Santana says his decision to hit the promotional trail with a single rather than another full-length CD is a strategy he’s formulated after a few years observing the listening habits of today’s overly techsavvy music fan.

“Right now, even though I’m 29 and considered part of the youth, I still got some old school in me where I’m the type of person where I can listen to an entire album if it’s good. I would prefer that, but I understand that the majority of the listeners don’t have quite the same type of attention span we collectively used to have. However that has evolved, it is what is. I keep my ear to the street.”

The lyrically conscious vibe of “Into The Light” is accentuated by the accompanying music video that also features vocalist and keyboardist Alex Nester. Comparable to the Black Eyed Peas’ “Where is the Love?,” the song is full of hope and urgency, but sans any Fergie-licious sweetness.

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.

“I want it to showcase what’s happening currently: the wars in the Middle East and around the world, juxtaposed, but also displaying the similarities and the parallels of the wars happening in the streets in the main cities in America. Yes, as a human race we’ve been on this planet for a long time, but look how far we’ve come and look how much further we have to go. It’s come off very dark and emotional, but the message is really — in a world full of darkness, let’s focus on the light.”

Joining Santana and Nester onstage will be guitarist Jared Meeker, drummer Blake Collie and Itai Shapira on bass.

“I try to incorporate the past, present and future with our live shows. If somebody can’t get into the funk number we open with, then maybe they’ll gravitate towards the ballads. We don’t leave anyone out.”

And just how well-versed is he on the rich musical history of his father and uncle guitarist Jorge Santana, who also had success in the ’70s with the band Malo? It’s a question he’s almost embarrassingly apprehensive to answer.

“Because of all the hard-core Santana and Malo fans out there, I feel like I don’t have to take the time to study all that stuff, even though I should just in case I’m on an episode of ‘Pawn Stars’ or something and, ‘Oh, let me call Santana’s son, he would know something about this.’”

Saturday’s showtime is 8 p.m. Tickets are $10. Ages 18 and over admitted. Also appearing Mento Buru and the Natural Movement. B Ryder’s is located at 7401 White Lane. For more information, call 397-7304.

Outside Lands wins again Punctuating the sweltering Central Valley heat with a trip to a cooler climate is a necessary part of living in Bakersfield. If you are a foodie or music lover, it can be tough finding the right escape to fit the lifestyle. Next year, while your neighbors head to Pismo Beach with trailers in tow, pack your hoodies and boots and head north. San Francisco offers a three-day experience in Golden Gate Park the second weekend of every August that continues putting all other California festivals to shame.

The Outside Lands Music and Arts Festival, held this year from Aug. 10 to 12, is a feast for the senses. From chart-topping headlining acts to craft beers and gourmet food trucks the 65,000-attendee party in

MATT MUNOZ / THE CALIFORNIAN

Stevie Wonder performs at the Outside Lands Festival in San Francisco on Aug. 12. See more photos at Bakotopia.com.

the park has something for everyone. This year’s event featured a trio of rock legends taking their turn closing out the show from the main stage each night. Neil Young and Crazy Horse, Metallica and the great Stevie Wonder wowed the crowd while stars like Jack White, Foo Fighters and Norah Jones entertained hordes of wildly enthusiastic attendees during earlier sets.

Drinks flowed from two separate gardens with Winelands featuring dozens of California vintages and Beerlands offering the same diversity for fans of the brews.

This year organizers took their fetish for gourmet food trucks a step further adding an area called Outside Lambs to the robust lineup of eateries on wheels. Among vendors offering garlic chimichurri French fries and falafel “snow cones,” diners could pick from a menu of dishes featuring organic lamb as a main ingredient. Putine with lamb gravy, gyros and a curried lamb stew with garbanzo beans, and a touch of coconut milk, warmed the bellies of festival-goers donning scarves and sweaters to ward off the misty chill of the Bay Area.

Outside Lands is an event for those committed to having a good time. So find a hotel or apartment for rent near the Civic Please see LOWDOWN / 27

27

Thursday, August 23, 2012 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street

Come for shopping fun Woman’s Club hosting indoor garage sale

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

F

or those folks who scour the newspaper and local websites for the best yard sales every weekend, look no further. The Woman’s Club of Bakersfield has you covered this Saturday with its Indoor Garage Sale.

Deniece Jones, chairwoman of the club’s ways and means committee, cites the event’s biggest selling point: a literally cool setting.

“One thing I’m going for is the air conditioning. I’m hoping being inside that people will stay longer. In the heat, people are in and out. The guy across the street had one (sale) outside, but people stayed briefly.”

Another way to entice people to browse a bit longer at the event, which kicks off at 8 a.m., is hourly prize drawings.

“We’ll have a drawing every hour.

When people come in, they’ll put their name on a ticket. We’ll draw every hour for a prize from one of the vendors.”

That’s right. Along with the expected contents of a yard sale (which we’ll get to in a moment), the event will also host a variety of vendors. Items up for sale include yard art, Avon and Pampered Chef products, suitcases, Tshirts, scouring pads, blankets that fold like a pillow and designer baskets.

“There’s a lady doing baskets. She puts things in them, whatever you want. I asked for a barbecue one as a gift, so she put in salsa and more.”

Jewelry will be sold from five vendors, ranging from polished stones and silver to beaded pieces. Club member Sandy Senior will offer Christmas jewelry as well as ornaments.

The garage sale For the garage sale portion of the event, hard-working club members gathered a large selection of items, with contributions continuing to pour in Wednesday.

LOWDOWN: CONTINUED FROM 26

Center in downtown San Francisco, get your tickets for the park shuttle in advance and bundle up. Outside Lands is not for the faint of heart or light of stomach. But it is a guaranteed good time. Check out photos from the event at bakotopia.com.

Matt’s picks Grand opening of The Hub, 401 Sumner St., all day Saturday. 8734977.

Bakersfield’s champion of all things healthy and artistic, Amber Beeson has once again organized quite the

“We’ve had a good turnout from our ladies. It’s like Christmas in here.”

Although Jones was speaking of the abundance of items, she could have also been referring to the content, which includes leftovers from the club’s most-popular annual event.

We have “a lot of new stuff for Christmas from the Festival of Trees,” she said.

As Jones and her committee of eight are busy finalizing this weekend’s event, other club members are working on the decorated-tree fundraiser on Nov. 17. (Jones said tickets are going fast for the event, which usually sells out well in advance, so she recommends calling now for tickets.)

Christmas items aren’t all that’s filling the tables set up in the middle of the Woman’s Club. Prices range from 10 cents on up for picture frames, posters and other odds and ends and starts at $2 for clothing, shoes and purses.

Of the collection, Jones said she was initially surprised by the dearth of apparel.

“We don’t have a lot of clothes, but most of us are older and we don’t want knickknacks anymore. That’s why I think I’m getting a large donation of those.”

The sale also includes tablecloths and bedding, ranging from comforters to pillows and sheet sets.

Those looking to fill their home would be wise to take a look at a pair

of leather chairs, which are priced at $50 each.

“They’re comfortable. I fell asleep in one the other day,” Jones said of the furniture that could use a light cleaning.

Pots and pans are also out among the tables along with a pressure cooker, juicer, coffee pot and other appliances. But for more delicate kitchenware, head to the tea room, which holds more delicate items.

“We have dishes, glasses, all kinds of dishware, ornaments, a lot of mugs and glass. Breakable stuff.”

Shopping is hard work, so take a break anytime during the day for a snack from the VFW, setting up shop in the club’s garden room. Jones had not confirmed the menu as of Wednesday afternoon, but said at other events, the group had sold doughnuts in the morning and chili and hot dogs later.

The cost of admission is $1, which Jones felt was a nominal but reasonable fee.

“I go to the yard sales in L.A. and they charge $10 to get in, so I thought a dollar is not that much.”

Along with admission, Jones is aiming for a good pull from the event.

“My goal is $1,000 for yard sale. For the tables $600. I’ve never done this before. I don’t know if I’m over estimated, but we have a lot of merchandise.”

Proceeds will go to fund the scholarships and charitable donations the club provides every year.

Along with the Festival of Trees and Festival of Baskets (in April), the club will also fundraise with bunco nights.

Starting in September, the club will opens its doors for games on the second Wednesday of the month. It’s $10 to play, with half going to the club and the other half going to the prize pool for three nightly winners (most buncos, most wins and most losses).

Jones is hard at work for the club, even though her job doesn’t officially start until next month. Like all club officials, she will hold the position for a year. And in her case, not a moment more.

“You hold it a year. I don’t think I could do it for two. I’d be divorced.

Right now, I’m here (at the club) all the time.”

cool event to celebrate the official grand opening of The Hub. Operating as both a farmers market and venue for the arts, it’s a colorfully eclectic addition to Old Town Kern with a lot of potential. Doors open at 9 a.m. for patrons to shop for organically grown produce, before live music kicks off at noon with The Bird Channel, Terra Alive, Garage Island and more, followed by a screening of ’70s comedic B movie “Attack of The Killer Tomatoes.”

Admission is free during live bands, $10 after 6 p.m. Special “killer” spaghetti dinner is included with

admission price. Alcohol will also be served for those 21 and over with ID. The film will start promptly at 9 p.m.

The Mothership DJ Night at Sandrini’s, 1918 Eye St., 10 p.m. Saturday. $5. 322-8900.

This popular monthly gathering of vinyl junkies and Serato heads, which returns to the underground intimacy of Sandrini’s downtown, is always a blast. In addition to resident house DJs Sabretooth and others, there’s also a special performance by Los Angeles world beat diva Tita Lima, along with SoulPeople’s Cid Hernandez. Phresh.

Woman’s Club of Bakersfield Indoor Garage Sale When: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday Where: Woman’s Club, 2030 18th St. Admission: $1 Information: 325-7889

Other upcoming club events Bunco, 6 p.m. the second Wednesday of the month (starting in September) at the club. $10.

Festival of Trees, Nov. 17, Rabobank Convention Center. Call 325-7889 for tickets.

26

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, August 30, 2012

Eye Street The Lowdown with Matt Munoz

Taft meets Nashville: Yeehaw!

Good Question takes in sounds of iconic city

W

hen the members of Bakersfield/Taft country act Good Question landed in Nashville to soak up a week of music and Americana culture, they never anticipated being absorbed into the very fabric of the city.

From the iconic area of Lower Broadway, where countless musicians have made the trek to find fame and fortune, to throwing back spicy barbecue and ice cold beer with the natives, it was quite a party.

Recovered and ready to rock again, the band appears Saturday at B Ryder’s.

“Those were the six best days of my life,” said Good Question guitarist Alec Olivieri, seated inside the Padre’s Brimstone lounge with band members Taylor Unruh, guitar; Ethan Morris, drums; and manager Garrett Tuckness. Not present for the interview was lead vocalist Ryan Coulter.

“It was like the Vegas of country music, and I can’t wait to go back.”

The goal of the excursion, planned earlier this year, was to make industry contacts and see if the city would indeed live up to its hype.

“One of our main objectives was to see what the musicianship was like in Nashville,” said Olivieri. “About an hour after we landed at the airport, we met this 17-year-old guitarist who was a serious picker. We couldn’t believe what we were hearing. This kid could easily hang with any veteran

PHOTO BY GARRETT TUCKNESS

Members of Taft/Bakersfield country band Good Question pose at the iconic Broadway section of downtown Nashville. Pictured from left are Taylor Unruh, Alec Olivieri, Ethan Morris, Ryan Coulter.

we’d come across before.”

The prodigy who first welcomed them to the city was none other than Texas ax sensation Daniel Donato, who was making a stop at Robert’s Western World, a store and live music venue famous for being a launch pad for country music revivalists BR5-49, among countless others.

“That kid’s playing was on another level,” said Tuckness.

“That’s the way it was every five feet.”

And that was just a few hours into day one. After the group scurried away to check into their shared hotel room, they ventured into the thick of Nashville’s glitzy nightlife, where everyone is chasing the dream aboard different

vessels.

“The majority of the musicians aren’t necessarily in a band, but they jump from group to group showcasing their material. Songwriting is the big thing,” said Tuckness.

Among the group’s more interesting run-ins was with their cab driver, Marty, who claimed to be a former tour manager for Dolly Parton.

“His story was cool. This guy worked for years in the industry as a manager, then tour guide and now cab driver,” said Unruh.

“He became our official guide around Nashville while we were there.”

While the group didn’t get a chance to check out the Grand

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.

Ole Opry due to time constraints, they did make it to the Bakersfield Sound exhibit at the Country Music Hall of Fame. Walking through the building’s replica of the historic “Bakersfield” sign into the exhibit’s main chambers left each member a little choked up.

“It was cool to see some of the items I recognized from the Crystal Palace that had made its way over to Nashville,” Unruh said.

“Bakersfield country music history is represented well.”

And Tuckness said the interest in Bakersfield wasn’t relegated to just the exhibit.

“When we told people where we were from, it was like they were amazed. We tend to get slammed for being from Bakersfield. Nashville has a lot of love for us.”

According to the group, much of the bar music fare was made

up of classics from Buck Owens, Merle Haggard and Johnny Cash, not from the current charts. “‘Tiger by the Tail,’ ‘Together Again,’ ‘I’ll Just Sit Here and Drink,’ all the big ones,” said Morris.

Not to be completely outshone by the local burners, members of Good Question were set on making some noise during their stay.

Before their arrival, Tuckness had arranged for the group to perform a mini-showcase at the Nashville Songwriters Association main offices through a referral by music consultant Bob Mitchell, who’d worked with Gretchen Wilson.

Seated in front of 15 NSA staffers, they performed a few numbers to rousing response, before being led out the door to make way for the next performer.

During their final days, they jumped aboard a few cramped open mic nights, and then things got really daring: They nearly passed the security gates of Martina McBride’s Blackbird Studios, where the White Stripes, Beck, Sheryl Crow and others have recorded.

“When the gates opened, we noticed a sign that said, ‘Do not slam, overdubs in progress,’” said Olivieri. “We were almost all the way in, then we were stopped.”

Back to the comforts of Kern, the group says plans for another “band bonding” adventure are already in the works.

“Austin,” said Tuckness.

Saturday’s all-ages show starts at 9 p.m. Admission is $5. B Ryder’s is located at 7401 White Lane. 397-7304.

Matt’s picks Kottonmouth Kings at B Ryder’s Bar, 7401 White Lane, 7:30 p.m. tonight, $20, 397-7304.

In the war of the independents, no one can boast victory like the Kottonmouth Kings. The first glimpse of the what was to become a blunt-wrapped dynasty of punky hip-hop with a vanilla twist came in ’97 when the group Please see LOWDOWN / 33

33

Thursday, August 30, 2012 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street GO & DO: CONTINUED FROM 32

Rockstarz Party Bar, 7737 Meany Ave., Suite B5, 589-6749; 8 p.m. Mondays through Wednesdays.

Rocky’s Pizza & Arcade, 2858 Niles St., 873-1900; 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Wednesday.

Round Table Pizza, 2060 White Lane, 8362700; 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday.

Round Table Pizza, 2620 Buck Owens Blvd., 327-9651; The Junction with host Mac Clanahan, 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays.

Round Table Pizza, 4200 Gosford Road, 397-1111; 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays.

Rusty’s Pizza, 5430 Olive Drive, 392-1482; 6:30 to 9 p.m. every Wednesday.

Sports & Spirits, 6633 Ming Ave., 3987077; 9 p.m. Thursdays and Saturdays.

Syndicate Lounge, 1818 Eye St., 327-0070; with Alisa Spencer, 9 p.m. every Wednesday.

T-Bones Steakhouse, 8020 District Blvd., 398-1300; 7:30 to 11 p.m. Thursdays.

Tejon Club, 6 to 10 p.m. every Saturday at 117 El Tejon Ave. 392-1747.

The Bull Shed Bar & Grill, at Hotel Rosedale, 2400 Camino Del Rio Court, 3270681; 7 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays.

The Junction Lounge, 2620 Buck Owens Blvd., 327-9651; 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays.

The Old River Monte Carlo, 9750 Taft Highway, 837-0250; 8:30 p.m. every Thursday.

The Playhouse, 2915 Taft Highway; 3973599; 7 to 10 p.m. Sundays.

The Prime Cut, 9 p.m. every Friday at 9500 Brimhall Road. 831-1413.

The Regent, 2814 Niles St., 871-4140; 8:30 p.m. every other Friday.

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

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

Tomi’s Cowgirl Cafe, 7 to 10 p.m. Friday, 1440 Weedpatch Highway. 363-5102.

Trouts & The Blackboard Stages, 805 N. Chester Ave., 399-6700; 7 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays, 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Vinny’s Bar & Grill, 2700 S. Union Ave., 496-2502, 7 p.m. Thursdays. 21 and over.

Latin/Salsa DoubleTree Hotel, Club Odyssey, Club Odyssey, 3100 Camino Del Rio Court, 6331949; various levels, 3 to 9 p.m. every Sunday. $5 per person, per lesson.

Mariachi Camino Real Restaurant, 6 to 9 p.m. every Sunday at 3500 Truxtun Ave. 8520493.

Oldies KC Steakhouse, 2515 F St., 322-9910; Jimmy Gaines, Bobby O and Mike Halls, 6:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday.

Music showcase The Prime Cut, 9500 Brimhall Road, 8311413; featuring local artists, 7 to 10 p.m. every Wednesday.

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

Tam O’Shanter, 2345 Alta Vista, 324-6774; Los Moonlighterz, 8:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. $5 per night.

Open Mic Fiddlers Crossing, 206 East F St., Tehachapi, 823-9994; 7 p.m. Wednesdays. $5.

On the Rocks, 1517 18th St., 327-7625; musicians, spoken word, poets, comedians, 8 p.m. every Wednesday, On the Rocks, 1517 18th St. Free.

Rock B. Ryder’s Sports Bar & Grill, 7401 White Lane, 397-7304; Kottonmouth Kings, Big P, Prozak, 8 p.m. Thursday, $20; Aesop Rock 8 p.m. Friday, $17 advance, $19 at the door; Good Question, 7 p.m. Saturday, $5; Sex Slaves and Black Water Soul, 8 p.m. Sunday, $5; Rehab, Moonshine Bandits, Too Faded, 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. Tuesday, $12 advance; $15 at the door.

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

Soft rock Steak and Grape, 4420 Coffee Road, 5889463; 7 to 10 p.m. Thursday through Saturday. Free.

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

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

On the Rocks, 1517 18th St., 327-7625; 8 to 10 p.m. Monday.

Sandrini’s, 1918 Eye St., 322-8900; Trivia Night with Dave Rezac, 10 p.m. Tuesdays.

UPCOMING EVENTS Monday 9/3 Kern County Rose Society Meeting, 7 p.m., Calvary Bible Church, 48 Manor St. 327-3228 Senior Discovery Days, for seniors 60 and older receive 50 percent off admission, 10 percent discount in the gift store, CALM, 10500 Alfred Harrell Highway. 872-2256.

Tuesday 9/4 Farmer’s Market, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at James St. and Central Ave., Shafter.

Guild House Restaurant Reopening, come join us for lunch, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Guild House, 1905 18th St. 325-5478.

Sierra Club Conditioning Hikes, three to five miles, 7 p.m., meet at corner of Highways 178 and 184. 872-2432 or 873-8107.

Wednesday 9/5 Film Club, with Cody Meek, 7 p.m., Barnes & Noble, 4001 California Ave. 631-2575.

First Wednesday, special events and refreshments, 9:30 to 11 a.m., Bakersfield Museum of Art, 1930 R St. $4 non members.

323-7219.

Indie Night Wednesdays, see the movie “Your Sister’s Sister,” 7 p.m., Maya Cinemas, 1000 California Ave. $6. 636-0484.

Thursday 9/6 “The Real Housewives of Oildale,” 7 p.m. Thursday, 2 p.m. Sunday, Gaslight Melodrama Theatre & Music Hall, 12748 Jomani Drive. $12 to $23. 587-3377.

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

Fashion Night Out, trunk show, do-it-yourself stations, find out the latest trends in fashion, jewelry, hair, 5 to 9 p.m., Tangerine,

9000 Ming Ave. Free. 664-9500.

Taft Certified Farmers Market, 5 to 8 p.m. , 5th St. Plaza, Taft. 765-2165.

Friday 9/7 40th annual Greek Food Festival: A Taste of Greek, music, dancing, children’s games, shopping, 4 to 11 p.m. Friday; 1 to 11 p.m. Saturday, St. George Greek Orthodox, 401 Truxtun Ave. $5 adults; children under 12 are free. 325-8694.

Dustbowl Fundraising Dinner, dinner, entertainment, 6 p.m., David Head Center, 10300 San Diego St, Lamont. $25 per person and can be purchased at Joronco Rentals, Bear Mountain Sports. 854-3620 or 664-3933.

First Friday Downtown, featuring live music, art openings, specialty shops, galleries and boutiques, artists will set up their artwork, 5 to 9 p.m., Downtown Arts District. Email don@themetrogalleries.com or info@themetrogalleries.com.

Friday Night Street Legals, test and tune, gates 7 p.m., run 8 p.m. to midnight, Famoso Raceway, 33559 Famoso Road, McFarland. $15; kids 12 and under are free. 399-5351 or 399-2210.

Wine & Beer Tasting, enjoy wine and beer tasting along with appetizers, 5 to 7 p.m., Steak and Grape Restaurant, 4420 Coffee Rd., $20. 588-9463.

Saturday 9/8 2012 Wasco Festival of Roses, pancake breakfast, parade, rose field tours, fun run, art show and faire, tennis tournament, rose show, golf tournament and more, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Parker Park, 12180 Poplar Ave., Wasco. www.ci.wasco.ca.us or 758-2614.

Democratic Women of Kern, breakfast meeting, 9 a.m., Garden Spot, 3320 Truxtun Ave. $5 (661) 322-7411.

Iron Breed Poker Run, registration 8 to 9 a.m., kick stands up at 9:30 a.m., Bikersfield, 2622 Fairhaven Dr. $20 single rider; $30 double. Includes lunch. Proceeds benefit Ronald McDonald House. To pre-register, go to Bikersfield, email bcourtney@bak.rr.com.

Tehachapi Oktoberfest, German music, bratwurst, traditional German food, vendors polka dancing, noon to 8 p.m., Tehachapi Depot, 101 W. Tehachapi Blvd, Tehachapi. $5 per beer. 822-6519.

Third annual Sacred Work Sabbath, musical guests include Christian Edition, Jarrod McNaughton, Sandy Johnson, 10:30 a.m. to noon, the theater at Rabobank Convention Center, 1001 Truxtun Ave. sjch.us or 869-6560.

Third annual St. Baldrick’s Foundation Fundraiser, volunteers collect donations and shave their heads in solidarity with children fighting cancer, 1 to 5 p.m., Chuy’s, 8660 Rosedale Highway. Visit online at StBaldricks.org/events/Bakersfield or 4964536.

Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10859, Rosedale & Ladies Auxiliary, 9:30 a.m., Norris Road Veterans Hall, 400 Norris Road.

588-5865.

Village Fest 2012, featuring over 100 different brews from 60 breweries, food samples, entertainment from 17 bands, 6 to 10 p.m., Kern County Museum, 3801 Chester Ave. $63; $68 day of show at the gate. 21 and over only. bakersfieldvillagefest.com or vallitix.com or 322-5200.

Yokuts Park Fun Run, practice racing and earn points, 7 a.m., Yokuts Park, Empire Drive off Truxtun Avenue. Free. bakersfieldtrackclub.com or 203-4196 or 391-7080.

PHOTO COURTESY OF KOTTONMOUTH KINGS

Kottonmouth Kings appear tonight at B Ryder’s.

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scored a shot on the soundtrack to “Scream 2” with the song “Suburban Life.” That was just the tip of the iceberg for the brotherly collective from Placentia who, after nearly 20 years of nonstop revelry, have released 12 full-length CDs and an endless amount of singles and humorous music videos. Their 13th release, “Mile High,” was released on Aug. 11, just three days before the sudden death of longtime collaborator Patrick “Pakelika” Cochrun from cardiac arrest during an asthma attack.

Although Cochrun had left the group in 2010, he was an integral part of shaping the Kings’ wild image. Also appearing: Big B and Prozak.

PHOTO BY CHRISSY PIPER

Bay Area rapper Aesop Rock appears Friday at B Ryder’s.

Aesop Rock at B Ryder’s Bar, 7401 White Lane, 8 p.m. Friday, all ages, $17, 397-7304. Critically acclaimed San Francisco-based MC Ian Matthias Bavitz AKA Aesop Rock is no slouch when it comes to the business of making musical connections. Originally from New York, his name has been brewing in the underground rap game since the ‘90s, when he began circulating a series of independently produced releases. His lyrics have been described as being both complex and abstract, while others dismiss them as an incoherent verbosity. But that’s what makes his persona so enigmatic among hip-hop afficionados. His new CD, “Skelethon,” features guest appearances from the likes of the Moldy Peaches’ Kimya Dawson, Allyson Baker of Dirty Ghosts, Rob Sonic, DJ Big Wiz, and the Grimace Federation. The album is dark and quirky; Bavitz knows how to craft his narratives and engage listeners. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to catch the elusive artist in Bakersfield. Also appearing: Rob Sonic & DJ Big Wiz, Dark Time, Open Mike Eagle.

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The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, September 6, 2012

Eye Street The Lowdown with Matt Munoz

New CD is like local band’s baby Self-produced and to the point, it rocks

LOCAL SINGER GETS HIS ‘VOICE’

I

f you plan on attending the CD release party for Bakersfield indie quintet Catastrophist on Friday at Riley’s Backstage, you might want to arrive earlier than usual.

Not only will all five members be celebrating, but the group plans on giving every attendee a copy of their new musical arrival as a show of appreciation for months of patience — something vocalist and lyricist Elijah Jenkins, 32, said he has very little of.

“When you work democratically in a band like this, things tend to move a little slower. I tend to move at a very fast pace, because I’m a workaholic. When I’m able, I stop, we rehearse.”

In all fairness to Jenkins, who lives in Sacramento while the rest of the band resides in Bakersfield, the idea of preparing for an important show almost 300 miles away has to be unnerving.

“Really, I am perpetually stressed out, and because of the distance and the relationships in the band, my role in the band is significantly different than the others, save the lyrics. Some of us go back 20 years.”

Along with Jenkins, Catastrophist is Jordan Rude, guitar; Matt McCoy, guitar and keys; Mikee Lee, bass; and Thomas Porter, drums.

“We all obsess over the same things and end up going with the first idea for whatever it is we’re working on. That’s the way we’ve always been,” said Rude, 33.

Catastrophist made its debut in February in front of a

PHOTO BY LAURIN LEE

Bakersfield band Catastrophist celebrates the release of its new EP Friday at Riley’s Backstage. Pictured from left: Mikee Lee, Matt McCoy, Jordan Rude, Elijah Jenkins, Tom Porter.

PHOTO BY MELANIE NELSON

packed house at Riley’s at another CD release party for the Bakersfield band Choirs. After a warm reception, the group scored another prime gig, opening for Hawthorne Heights at On the Rocks in June, before deciding it was time to stop showing up empty-handed.

“This CD is like submitting a proposal to listeners. We’re like a work in progress,” said McCoy, 29.

According to the group, the entire project was done following the purest of current DIY standards. From basic drum tracking to layering guitars and adding vocals through a series of email exchanges from Jenkins, McCoy mixed and mastered the final product at home in July.

“Because of our choice to do this ourselves rather than take it to a studio, there was a lot of trial and error involved,” said McCoy. Jenkins offered a glimpse into each of the completed tracks appearing on the CD to be given away at Riley’s:

“I Like Your Science”: “We probably have battled more on that song than any other one. It’s changed a lot. I’ve been a fan of that book ‘Lolita,’ and I originally wrote it as an homage. The lyrics were very dangerous. I changed them, then changed them back.

An older guy loving someone not of his generation willing to do anything to make the relationship happen. At the time I was writing it, a series of a events also happened between me and my longtime girlfriend. The song became a song about loving something that’s not very good for you.

We’re still together and hopefully will still be after she reads this.”

“New City”: “It’s kind of about the band and about going back home after moving away, and loving a new city. I’ve lived in Brooklyn and San Francisco, but your roots are still in this desert town that you grew up with. We’ve had a big core of fans that are longtime friends and referenced in many of our songs.”

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.

Rudy Parris, a Visalia musician with strong Bakersfield ties, confirmed that he auditioned for “The Voice,” NBC’s singing competition. He was told by the network to say nothing more to the media — including the date he might appear on the show — but the new season debuts at 8 p.m. Monday.

“Oh Ecstasy”: “This song is about a guy who has a 6-year-old but has made a slew of mistakes over his lifetime. He’s worried about putting that on his son, and torn between two chapters of his life.”

After a few spins, I can say that the Catastrophist EP is a good primer. It rocks, but with a wellbalanced indie dynamic of midtempo grooves. At a brief 13 minutes, it’s short and to the point, but satisfying.

The band plans to finish up their full-length CD sometime next year, but in the meantime hopes to see everyone reveling in the madness of Friday’s party.

“I equate this show with inviting people to see our new baby,” said Rude.

“I’m hoping that people who’ve known us all these years will be impressed with how we’ve evolved as musicians,” said Lee, 34.

Jenkins has high hopes for the response to the recordings following Friday’s show.

“This is a purely artistic endeavor in every sense of the word. I would like people to be moved. No love songs. If you call this a thinking man’s EP, that would be cool. I don’t have any expectations, other than I hope people don’t throw the CD away.”

Friday’s showtime is 9 p.m., admission is $5 and includes a copy of the Catastrophist EP. Also appearing are pop punk veterans the Lebecs and Woodrow — formerly Kenny Reeves and the Clones. Riley’s Backstage is located at 1523 19th St. catastrophistmusic.com.

Matt’s picks Dub Seeds at On the Rocks, 1517 18th St., 9 p.m., Friday, $5, 327-7625.

September’s First Friday expePlease see LOWDOWN / 31

31

Thursday, September 6, 2012 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street Go & Do Today

PHOTO COURTESY OF DUB SEEDS

Bakersfield reggae rock band Dub Seeds performs on Friday night at On the Rocks.

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rience is always the best of the year, and with the heat still beating down, the cool reggae vibes of Dub Seeds will put you in a seriously irie mood. The band’s latest CD, “Skunk Face,” is out now and gets better with each listen. I keep up with the band at their Facebook page, and while I notice they are always en route to some cool coastal pub for a weekend band bender, they still make time to “one drop” in some love for local fans when we need it. Opening the show is reggae/rock/ska/funk Fresno quartet, the White Glove Service.

Holy Beast at Riley’s Backstage, 1523 19th St., 9 p.m., Saturday, 324-3268.

Bakersfield prog-rockers Holy Beast rear

their collective heads after a period of silence. They’ve got soul, great songs and vocalist Chanell Hall, who’s one of the most adventurous singers out there. Bassist Carlos Contreras, guitarist Edy Hernandez, and drummer Alejandro Tuesta also show off some really good jazz and rock chops. If you haven’t checked out their wildly inventive, self-produced music videos for their song, “Sangre de Pulpo,” you really should.

Both feature two sombrero-wearing marionettes in a story of love, kidnapping, scary monsters, and both directed by Tuesta. You can see both creations at YouTube.com/ PakMachino.

Also appearing: Crooked Folk and Elephant Rifle.

Fashion Night Out, trunk show, do-ityourself stations, find out the latest trends in fashion, jewelry, hair, 5 to 9 p.m., Tangerine, 9000 Ming Ave. Free. 664-9500.

Rachelle Lynae, 7 p.m., Buck Owens Crystal Palace, 2800 Buck Owens Blvd. Free.

328-7560.

Bingo, warmups start at 5 p.m., with early birds at 6 p.m., regular games at 6:30 p.m., Volunteer Center of Kern County, 2801 F St. From $20 buy-in to “the works.” 395-9787.

Guitar Class, taught by John Gomez, for individuals or a group, Juliana’s Art Studio & Gallery, 501 18th St. Call 327-7507 for class details.

Taft Certified Farmers Market, 5 to 8 p.m., 5th Street Plaza, Taft. 765-2165.

Friday 40th annual Greek Food Festival: A Taste of Greek, music, dancing, children’s games, shopping, 4 to 11 p.m. Friday; 1 to 11 p.m. Saturday, St. George Greek Orthodox, 401 Truxtun Ave. $5 adults; children under 12 are free. 325-8694.

Dustbowl Fundraising Dinner, dinner, entertainment, 6 p.m., David Head Center, 10300 San Diego St., Lamont. $25 per person and can be purchased at Joronco Rentals, Bear Mountain Sports. 854-3620 or 664-3933.

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

District. Email don@themetrogalleries.com or info@themetrogalleries.com.

Friday Night Street Legals, test and tune, gates 7 p.m., run 8 p.m. to midnight, Famoso Raceway, 33559 Famoso Road, McFarland. $15; kids 12 and under are free.

399-5351 or 399-2210.

Girl & Boy Scouts Orientation, for kindergartners to 12th grade, come and register, 5 to 8 p.m., Camelot Park, 1821 Oak St. Visit girlscoutsccs.org or 800-4908653, ext. 244.

Guild House First Friday, live music by Ken Fahsbender and Larry Peahl, appetizers, dessert and wine, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Guild House, 1905 18th St. $10. 325-5478.

Wine & Beer Tasting, enjoy wine and beer tasting along with appetizers, 5 to 7 p.m., Steak and Grape Restaurant, 4420 Coffee Road, $20. 588-9463.

Saturday 14th annual Family Fun Fish Day, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Hart Park, Alfred Harrell Highway.

Free. 427-3993.

2012 Wasco Festival of Roses, parade, rose field tours and more, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Parker Park, 12180 Poplar Ave., Wasco. www.ci.wasco.ca.us or 758-2614.

Bakersfield Speedway, Street Stocks, American Stocks, Mini Dwarfs, NMRA Midgets, gates open at 4 p.m.; races begin at 6 p.m., Bakersfield Speedway, 5001 N. Chester Ave. $10; $5 ages 6-12; under 5 free. bakersfieldspeedway.com or call 3933373.

Please see GO & DO / 32

30

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, September 13, 2012

Eye Street The Lowdown with Matt Munoz

It’s a band-tastic Saturday night Salsa contest to bring heat for Mexican holiday

I

f last weekend’s wildly successful First Friday, Village Fest and Greek Food Festival didn’t floor you, start bracing yourselves for another marathon.

Let’s start with tonight’s concert at Rabobank featuring Mexico rockers Mana.

I tip my hat to those lucky enough to score tickets to this show. They’ve already broken Britney Spears’ Staples Center record for most sold-out shows, and, according to Facebook posts, many fans are flying in from all over the country to Bakersfield to catch this one. Wednesday morning I even got a message from Bakersfield’s Elisha Castaneda, whose family owns Manuel’s Casa de Mariscos across the street from Rabobank, alerting me that members of the band’s production team have been spending a lot of time eating and enjoying Coronas. Roadies gotta eat too I guess. As of Wednesday morning, there were a few sporadic seats left. Tonight’s show starts at 8 p.m. Rabobank Arena is located at 1001 Truxtun Ave. For more information, visit ticketmaster.com or call 852-7777.

Rock for a Cure On Saturday night, Bakersfield’s Team G.E.E.K. presents “Rock for a Cure” at B Ryder’s to benefit Relay For Life. The event features six local bands all ready to party for a good cause.

Organizer Dolores Alcantara, 29, said the idea to start the annual fundraising campaign early started after last May’s Relay for Life.

“I originally got involved with Relay on another team last year, but I wanted to do more fundraising than they did. Music has always been a big part of my life after losing my grandmother to cancer six years ago.

I’ve know my co-captain for 10 years, and her mom is a survivor. This was something I’ve always been motivated to do and since I knew a lot of local bands, I thought this would be the best

PHOTO COURTESY OF MARIACHI SAN MARCOS

Mariachi San Marcos will appear at Mexican Independence Day events this weekend.

way to get others involved.”

Alcantara added that “G.E.E.K.” is an acronym for “Gathering of Extraordinary Enforcers of the Kure,” inspired by her team’s affinity for comic book characters.

During Relay for Life, each of the group’s 10 members dresses in their character of choice. Alcantara’s pick: Batman villainess Poison Ivy. “We wanted it to be fun and play up the whole comic book geek thing,” she said.

“We saw a team last year with a superhero theme, but we wanted to do more. Everyone will be picking a favorite character and we’ll be in full dress.”

Appearing live Saturday are local rock, punk, blues and metal bands: Nyceria, Streetside Vinyl, ExposE, Of Athena, Black Water Soul, and A Black Sunday. Included with your $10 donation will be a pulledpork sandwich meal and unlimited rockin’.

Depending on the success of the event, Alcantara hopes to hold similar fundraisers every month leading up to next year’s Relay for Life.

“It’s a great cause, and the bands really have gone out of their way to help out. We just wanna see if we can pack the house.”

Saturday’s showtime is 5 p.m. All ages are admitted. B Ryder’s is located at 7401 White Lane. For more information, call 397-7304.

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.

Mexican Independence Day Also on Saturday and Sunday, the Kern County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce presents a weekend-long Mex-stravaganza kicking off with “El Grito de Dolores” reenactment outside the downtown courthouse.

Every year on the night of Sept. 15, the president of Mexico re-enacts “El Grito” or the “cry of independence” by ringing the bells of the National Palace in Mexico City.

Similar celebrations are held all over the world to commemorate the beginning of Mexico’s War of Independence from Spain in 1810. The decade-long war ended on Sept. 27, 1821.

“A lot of people see it re-enacted on TV every year, but this will give everyone in Bakersfield a chance to participate in the event and educate themselves on the importance of that historic moment,” Chamber president Jay Tamsi said, adding that May 5 often is confused with Mexican Independence Day when, in fact, Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Mexican victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla in 1862.

Saturday’s free event begins at 8 p.m. by the Liberty Bell, located at the downtown courthouse at 1415 Truxtun Ave. Entertainment will be provided by Mariachi San Marcos, folkloric dancers and a re-enactment of “El Grito” to be held at 10 p.m. to coincide with the actual celebration in Mexico City. Food vendors will be present.

Then on Sunday, the Chamber presents the Mexican Independence Day Celebra-

tion, 18th annual Business and Consumer Trade Show and Salsa Cook-Off at Stramler Park.

“This year we decided to go really big by combining three events over two days,” said Tamsi, pointing out that the addition of the salsa cookoff has been years in the planning. “This contest is something the community has been asking us to host.

People are very serious when it comes to cooking competitions as we found out with our menudo cookoff, but when it comes to salsa, it’s extremely fierce. It could be the heat?”

There will be food and drink vendors and salsa-tasting at contestant booths.

According to Tamsi, there were 20 confirmed contestants with room for a few more booths. Entertainment will be provided by local old-school veterans Thee Majestics, cumbia band Amore Y Llanto, Mariachi San Marcos, Southern California show band Hind Site, and Mento Buru, my Latin ska band. The event is family-friendly with plenty of activities for the kids.

“We are excited about providing the community with a series of great culturally inspired events involving locally owned businesses.”

Sunday’s event begins at 11 a.m. Admission is $5 advance or $7 at the gate. Stramler Park is located at 3805 Chester Ave. For more information call 633-5495 or visit kchcc.org.

Matt’s pick The Mentors at Vinny’s Bar, 2700 S. Union Ave., 9 p.m., Saturday, $5.

October is still a few weeks away, but you can always rely on ’80s shlock rockers The Mentors to remind you that Halloween can be celebrated year-round.

Originally formed in Seattle during the original ’70s punk explosion, the group donned executioner masks and penned songs so perverse they became prime targets through the following decade of the pro-censorship movement headed by Tipper Gore. Late Mentors frontman Eldon “El Duce” Hoke basked in the attention, performing until his death in 1997. Today, the group continues to tour with original guitarist Eric “Sickie” Carlson, bassist Steve “Dr. Heathen Scum” Broy, and Bakersfield drummer guitarist Marc “Mad Dog Duce” DeLeon, whose been known to moonlight with Adema on occasion. Also appearing is Pottymouth, featuring ex-members of Green Jello and Butt Trumpet. Enter at your own risk.

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The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, September 20, 2012

Eye Street The Lowdown with Matt Munoz

Korn’s latest creative risk pays off outlasted the majority of its numetal colleagues. Both as a live show and risky career move, consider “Path to Totality Tour: Live” another triumph for the homeboys.

Hometown group releases CD/DVD

S

o far, September has been an active month for new local music.

It began with the release of the Catastrophist’s EP and release party on Sept. 7 at Riley’s Backstage, a show so packed that the BPD made a surprise visit to check on capacity. About a half hour before their headlining set, I stood in the Wall St. Alley, hanging out with Catastrophist guitarist Jordan Rude and singer Elijah Jenkins, who assumed they’d be getting shut down. Fortunately, the venue was just under the maximum limit allowed and the show continued without pause, although the band ran out of the promised free physical CDs well before downbeat. To absolve themselves, they’re allowing fans to download the tracks at no charge at reverbnation.com/catastrophist.

Korn’s new live collection Also released earlier this month was the new Korn CD/DVD/BluRay package, “The Path of Totality Tour: Live at the Hollywood Palladium.” Filmed last December before a sold-out crowd to celebrate the band’s controversial foray into dubstep/electronica music, the group set out to prove allegiance to their metal roots while extending their reach into what could easily have been a creative misstep.

In front of a wall and ceiling of flashing streaming LED graphics, Bakersfield singer Jonathan Davis, bassist Reggie “Fieldy” Arvizu, guitarist James “Munky” Shaffer, and drummer Ray Luzier

Lucky Ned Pepper

PHOTO COURTESY OF KALEY NELSON

Korn has just released a CD/DVD concert film of their December concert titled “Path to Totality Tour: Live at the Hollywood Palladium.” Pictured from left: Reggie “Fieldy” Arvizu, Jonathan Davis, Ray Luzier and James “Munky” Shaffer.

greet the packed house before launching into the low rumbling bass and reverberant drum boom of “Get Up!” Joining the group was special guest and dubstep collaborator Sonny “Skrillex” Moore on guitar.

For the next hour, the band continued with a cross-section of more recent fare before reaching back with “Here to Stay” off 2002’s “Untouchables,” a new arrangement of “Freak on a Leash,” “Falling Away From Me,” a rare performance of “Predictable,” the bagpipe-twisted nursery rhyme mosh of “Shoots and Ladders” and more. The concert also features appearances from electro collaborators Excision, 12th Planet, Kill the Noise, Datsik, Downlink and Flinch.

Dutch trio Noisia are the only “Path to Totality” producers not making an appearance at the concert. Having seen Korn live many times over the course of their career, this is by far the tightest the group has sounded musically and, dare I say, the healthiest they’ve ever looked.

Visually, the multi-angle concert looks better than some of the previous Korn concert videos that usually accompany “special edition” versions of every new release from the band. This time, however, the band has offered two formats for fans to pick from: DVD or Blu-Ray with enhanced picture and sound. I had the CD/DVD combo, but that didn’t make the experience less entertaining. The sound quality was

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.

standard for my copies, but according to the specs I found online, the Blu-Ray version comes in enhanced 5.1 DTS HD. All you tech-heads will know what to do with that.

In addition to the live concert, the disc comes with interviews from each band member, plus the extended live band offering personal takes on the difficulties meshing electronic styles with acoustic.

“A lot of people love it, a lot of people hate it, a lot of people don’t understand what it takes to make that kind of music,” said Jonathan Davis during his interview segment, describing the time- consuming nature of “Path to Totality.”

“It’s what’s happening with our creative path,” said Shaffer in another scene. “People thought it was going to be a dubstep album; it’s not. It’s a Korn album.”

To the band’s credit, Korn has

On the country side of things, former Smokin’ Armadillo members Rick Russell and guitarist Josh Graham — now known as Lucky Ned Pepper — will be celebrating the release of their longawaited new CD on the Budweiser Pavilion stage at the Kern County Fair Tuesday night.

This marks only the fifth official appearance of the pair, following their last show in July for the National Day of the Cowboy concert in Springville, and another intimate acoustic promotional show to ignite some buzz.

“It feels great to have reached this point,” said Graham, 39. “You know how it is to have a project done. We haven’t put this much work into a project. It’s just great.”

According to Graham, he and Russell agreed to forge ahead following the break-up of the Armadillos seven years ago with a number of new ideas. Topping the list was a new sound and new name, Lucky Ned Pepper, taken from the character played by Robert Duvall in the 1969 classic “True Grit,” starring John Wayne.

“It was good to be able to choose whatever sound we wanted with this. With Armadillos, we were a band with a particular sound. With this group, we can make our own sound. Rick has a distinct voice and we can easily shift into whatever direction we’d like.”

The group was originally a trio with vocalist Joy Sampson in front, but before leaving the group to start a family, Sampson did some recordings that remain on the new CD. “When you get close to a project, it gets hard to be happy with it. With this record, there’s nothing I would change about it.”

Please see LOWDOWN / 34

34

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, September 20, 2012

Eye Street

PHOTO COURTESY OF LUCKY NED PEPPER

Former Smokin’ Armadillos members Josh Graham, left, and Rick Russell, who now perform as Lucky Ned Pepper, will be celebrating the release of their long-awaited new CD on the Budweiser Pavilion stage at the Kern County Fair Tuesday night.

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The CD is a clever collage of country imagery from the opening track of “I Remember the Music” on through “Dirt Road,” to the fun-loving spirit of “I Oughta Own this Bar” and “Cowboy Thing.” There are a few glimpses of the Armadillos in the threading, but the overall fabric of the 11track disc could very well get them back on the radio if given the right push. In Bakersfield, it’s particularly difficult to find new country music, and “Get Lucky” should get a hearty welcome from local fans looking to snatch up all the early release copies following the band’s Kern County Fair performance.

“This is our big steppin’ out show. We have all this talk and things going on about us on the social networking sites. Now we have to play and look forward to the future.”

Tuesday night’s showtime is 8 p.m. “Get Lucky” will be available for purchase at most retail outlets Oct. 1, as well as for download at iTunes and Amazon.com.

Visit luckynedpepper.com for more information.

Going Underground Records Going Underground Records in downtown Bakersfield has been feeding vinyl junkies by offering everything from rare punk, jazz, classic rock, country, funk and reggae since 2001. Still operating in the spirit of the fiercely independent vinyl scene, the store celebrates its 11th anniversary Saturday with a day-long event.

Owner Ron Ramirez, 32, who opened the original storefront inside the Haber-

felde Building before moving to his current location a few years ago, says he appreciates the city’s continued support.

“It feels good to have the store and still be around, people coming out and staying relevant with things,” said Ramirez. “I don’t do eBay. I like to sell everything in the store, where it’s available cheaper. If you walk in and see something you should be able to buy it.”

One step inside the intimate business and you’ll be transported back to a time when purchasing music was more than just a click of a computer button. Lining the walls are band merchandise, magazines, posters, books and assorted musicrelated curios.

“The original focus was punk rock, but there was always used jazz, Beatles records, etc.

“I still do have new punk and indie titles I get two to three times a week, plus all of the used stuff that consistently comes in.

I’m pretty good at knowing what’s going to sell and what’s not going to sell. Bakersfield likes a lot of classic rock vinyl.”

The festivities will include deejays spinning throughout the day, plus live music from bands Running Scared, Carcinogenz, and Love Lush. There will also be a taco vending truck parked nearby, and sales galore on everything in the store. Ramirez added the store will keep its speciallymarked sale prices on all merchandise through the end of the month.

Saturday’s event begins at 10 a.m. Going Underground is located at 1822 G St. 6330111 or facebook.com/goingundergroundrecords.

26

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, September 27, 2012

Eye Street The Lowdown with Matt Munoz

Bluesin’ on the river this weekend Kernville festival a full schedule of fun

W

hen I need a quick getaway, I always take a trip to Kernville. It’s only a 45-minute drive through the canyon, and once you’re there, it’s as if the brakes are pulled on your stress levels. You can go hiking, find a cheap place for the night, and take in the local pubs and restaurants.

The natives are friendly and always eager to cheer on visitors during late-night karaoke at the Kernville Saloon, as I found out last Saturday while singing “Burning Down the House” by Talking Heads.

This weekend the Kern River Rock n’ Blues Fest returns to shake, rattle and roll Kernville with some pretty heavy hitters from both the local and national blues circuit.

Entertainment will be staged both days at Frandy Campground’s Bud Light Main Stage, beginning from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday with Blonde Faith and White Boy James & the Blues Express. Gates open at 10 a.m. Saturday, and music kicks off a half-hour later with Deedra Patrick & the Swamp Katz, Lil Mike & the Blues Hammers, the Mercy 4, Zen Road Pilots, Johnny Mastro & Mama’s Boys, the Alastair Greene band, and the 44’s. Also appearing throughout the weekend are the Groovies, K.K. Martin, Bunky Spurling, Smokehouse Brown and Scott Abeyta. That’s a lot of blues for your buck.

Once quiet time hits the campground, area venues will begin offering lives sets with some of headliners

PHOTO BY SIMON YU

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE 44’S

The 44’s are among the performers at this weekend’s Kern River Rock n’ Blues Fest. Pictured from left: Tex Nakamura, Jason Lozano, Johnny Main and Mike Turturro.

making appearances. The venues include Kernville Saloon, Kern River Brewery, Sportsman’s Inn, Oddfellows Hall and Big Blue Bear.

If you’d prefer to keep things mellow after a long day of raging, you can always head back to the campground for the acoustic campfire jam at 9 p.m.

Walk-in gate admission is $5 each day. Admission to Friday night’s VIP pre-party from 1 to 4 p.m. is $25 and includes a barbecue dinner and drink tickets.

Daytime shows are all-ages, bar shows are for those 21 and over.

Frandy on-site camping is sold out, but area lodging may be available. Frandy campground is located at 11252 Kernville Road in Kernville. For more: kernriverrocknblues.com or 340-0026.

Snarky Puppy Local jazz aficionados interested in catching some eclectic

sounds should plan to catch Denton, Texas, instrumental fusion collective Snarky Puppy when they roll into town for a two-day musical visit at CSUB. First up, the group will hold a special free music clinic on improvisation, composition and ensemble today, followed by a Saturday concert.

According to the band’s bio, Snarky Puppy has more than 25 players in regular rotation since the group’s formation in 2004.

The core of the group features Grammy Award winners Robert “Sput” Searight on drums (God’s Property, Snoop Dogg) and Shaun Martin on keys (Kirk Franklin, Erykah Badu), organ player Cory Henry (Kenny Garrett, Kim Burell) and multi-instrumentalist Louis Cato (Q-Tip, George Duke). Its other members are mainstays with artists like Marcus Miller, Sean “P Diddy” Combs, The Polyphonic Spree,

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.

Avant-garde jazz rock collective Snarky Puppy appears Saturday at CSUB’s Dore Theater.

Tower of Power, Justin Timberlake and Yo-Yo Ma. The group has recorded six albums and performs in various incarnations all over the country, offering the free clinics in support of music education in schools.

If you’d like to check out just how brilliantly funky this band is, visit YouTube and you’ll come across everything from professionally filmed concerts to grainy smartphone captures. One of the videos, “Young Stuff,” starts with a smooth groove that will have you bobbing your head. It’s no wonder they describe their sound as, “Music for the brain and booty.”

Today’s clinic begins at 6 p.m. and will be held inside the CSUB Music Building on campus in room 128. Musicians of all skill levels are welcome and encouraged to attend.

Seating is limited to 50. Admission is free, but on-campus parking is $5.

Saturday’s concert begins at 8 p.m. Admission is free, but donations are accepted. Seating is limited. Opening the show will be jazz vocalist Alison Wedding. The CSUB Dore Theater is located at 9001 Stockdale Highway.

Csub.edu/music or 654-3093.

New music underwhelms This was actually a pretty good week for new music released on the mainstream front: No Doubt’s, “Push and Shove,” CD one of Green Day’s trilogy, “¡Uno!;” Mumford & Sons, “Babel;” and Deadmau5’s “>album title goes here<” (really — that’s the release’s actual name).

Here’s my review of each: No Doubt: “Push and Shove” — Longtime No Doubt’ers led to believe the group would be making a full return to their ska roots will be a little disappointed, but not completely. If you’re fan of Gwen Stefani’s solo work or the EDM invasion, you and your kids will enjoy it. Catch them live this winter for the real deal.

Green Day: “¡Uno!” — Unless you’re a hardcore Green Day fan who wants to hear back-to-backto-back releases by your favorite group, you won’t find anything new here. The time-tested formula for three-minute pop punk is still very much at the heart of their style and chugs along like another “American Idiot.”

Please see LOWDOWN / 33

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Thursday, September 27, 2012 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street GO &N DO: CONTINUED FROM 32

B. Ryder's Sports Bar & Grill, 7401 White Lane, 397-7304; Bar Room Riot, 9 p.m. Friday; Aviator and The Coriolis Effect, 9 p.m. Saturday. $5 each night; 21 and older only.

Rock n’ roll The Doghouse Saloon, 777 W. Tehachapi Blvd., Tehachapi, 822-4200, Road Dawgs, 7 p.m. Saturday.

Soft rock Steak and Grape, 4420 Coffee Road, 5889463; 7 to 10 p.m. Thursday through Saturday. Free.

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

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

On the Rocks, 1517 18th St., 327-7625; 8 to 10 p.m. Monday.

Sandrini’s, 1918 Eye St., 322-8900; Trivia Night with Dave Rezac, 10 p.m. Tuesdays.

Variety Golden State Mall, 3201 F St., 872-2037, Joe Loco Duet, 2 to 5 p.m. Sundays.

UPCOMING EVENTS Monday 10/01 Adult Hypnotist Tina Marie, 7:30 p.m., Fox Theater, 2001 H St. $23 plus fee. vallitix.com or 322-5200.

Chipper Lowell in “Celebrities of Magic,” part of Ron Saylor’s show, 7:30 p.m., Gaslight Melodrama Theatre & Music Hall, 12748 Jomani Drive. $20. 587-3377.

Kern County Rose Society Meeting, 7 p.m., Calvary Bible Church, 48 Manor St. 327-3228 October Fun Fest, activities for children, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, 12:30 to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, Murray Family Farms, 6700 General Beale Road. $6.99 all ages; Saturday and Sunday, $10.99.

Children 3 years & under free. 330-0100.

Second annual Golf for Brain Injury, hosted by Brain Injury Association of California (BIACAL); check-in 11 a.m., shotgun at noon, dinner at 5 p.m., Bakersfield Country Club, 4200 Country Club Drive. $125 per person. Visit biacal.org or 201-9782.

Senior Discovery Days, for seniors 60 and older receive 50 percent off admission, 10 percent discount in the gift store, CALM, 10500 Alfred Harrell Highway. 872-2256.

PHOTO COURTESY OF STRUNG OUT

Southern California punk legends Strung Out appear Tuesday at B Ryder’s.

LOWDOWN: CONTINUED FROM 26

Mumford & Sons: “Babel” — It’s hard to be overly critical of Mumford & Sons, since they seem like such a friendly bunch, but if you have a copy of their debut “Sigh No More,” that should complete your Mumford library. Plenty of opening acoustic guitar strums and even more sweeping choir-like choruses.

Deadmau5: “>album title goes here<” — On his sixth studio album, Canadian deejay and producer Joel Thomas Zimmerman, aka Deadmau5, cleans out his closet with a collection of previously recorded material. Not nearly as strong as his last CD, “4x4=12,” but appearances by Cypress Hill and Imogen Heap help raise it past average. House music vet Wolfgang Gartner returns for another winning collaboration on “Channel 42.” Perfect sounds for working out, dancing or art gallery receptions.

Matt’s pick Strung Out at B Ryder’s, 7401 White

Lane, 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, $18, all ages, 3977304.

While much of the world was jumping on the grunge music and nu-metal bandwagon through the ’90s, many of the hardcore punk elite stuck true to their roots, shunning major labels and producing some of the genre’s most iconic albums independently. Sitting near the top through the decade was Simi Valley quintet Strung Out, who, in addition to the standard punk aesthetic, introduced a heavier, metallic influence into their sound. After 23 years, seven albums and countless appearances on the Vans Warped Tour, they continue touring incessantly. (Original members are Jason Alexander Cruz, vocals; Jake Ira Kiley, guitar; and Rob Ramos, guitar; newcomers are bassist Chris Aiken and drummer Jordan Burns.)

On this latest trek, the band has been performing in their entirety two key albums: the 1996 classic “Suburban Teenage Wasteland Blues” and 1998’s “Twisted By Design.”

26

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, October 4, 2012

Eye Street The Lowdown with Matt Munoz

Filthies shake off rust for gig Bakersfield punks reunite Saturday

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ans of Bakersfield punk quartet The Filthies will have a chance to say farewell on the band’s home turf when the group reunites for a series of California shows, kicking off Saturday at On the Rocks.

The band, which never officially broke up, said there are no hidden motives behind the sudden reunion show, other than to say thanks.

“We had too much stuff going on in our individual lives, so we just stopped making time for the band and ultimately just stopped playing shows back then,” said Filthies lead vocalist and guitarist Kenny Mount. “People started asking when will there be a Filthies show on Facebook, not knowing what has happened with us. I kind of hinted at it with the guys, it started to circulate, and here we are.”

The Filthies built a loyal following after forming in 2003, writing and producing a series of EPs and full-length CDs. Along the way they also toured when time permitted, hitting mostly West Coast clubs, also traveling as far as Ireland for a few self-financed performances. Their last CD, “Your Turn,” was released in 2009, just a few months before the band stopped performing the following year.

“We are crusty-sounding,” said Mount of the group’s rehearsals in preparation for the show. “I figure we’ll be fine.

We’ve played these songs for so long. We’ll do the ‘Your Turn’ album in its entirety, and a lot of

PHOTO COURTESY OF NBC

After surviving Monday’s blind audition round on NBC’s “The Voice,” Rudy Parris, a Visalia musician with strong Bakersfield ties, has just announced he will be performing a free show at Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace on Oct. 19.

other tunes everyone will know.”

Joining Mount will be original members Eric Bonilla, drums; Kelley Ratliff, bass; and guitarist Jeremy Gustafson, who will be taking a short break from ’80s glam-metal tribute band Glam Cobra for Saturday’s show.

Mount added that curious fans will get a healthy cross-section of prime Filthies’ material, including “Donut Shop,” “Malissa’s Song,” “Hooray For Hollywood,” “Backhand” and “Embalm You.” “We’d like to say, ‘Thank you,’ to everyone one last time for standing by us. This is your last time to see The Filthies,” he said.

Not entirely so. According to Mount, the band had to do a little wheeling and dealing in order to bring the reunion to fruition.

“I had to bargain with Eric who said, that, ‘If we played Bakersfield, we’d play Santa Barbara,’ where he lives. Well, Kelley said, ‘If we play Santa Barbara, we have to play Las Vegas.’ Then Eric said,

‘Then we have to play Ventura.’”

The Filthies won’t be the only band reuniting that evening.

Opening the show will be the return of local post nu-metal supergroup Karmahitlist featuring former Cradle of Thorns/Videodrone lead vocalist Ty Elam, drummer Cesareo Garasa, bassist Mike Montano Jr., guitarist Jim Fendrick and DJ Alex Garza. Saturday’s showtime begins at 9 p.m. Admission is $10.

On the Rocks is located at 1517 18th St. For more information, call 327-7625.

Rudy Parris on ‘The Voice’ After weeks of anticipation, Visalia singer-songwriter Rudy Parris, who has strong ties to Bakersfield, appeared on Monday’s episode of the NBC singing competition, “The Voice.”

During Monday’s pre-audition montage, Parris opened up about his early musical beginnings in Visalia, growing up in a single-

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.

parent household and putting life on hold to raise his now-22-yearold daughter. Before taking the stage, Parris said, “Daddy’s done his work, and it’s time for Daddy to go play a little.” He did just that, with his acoustic guitar, for a soulful, countrified rendition of The Police hit “Every Breath You Take.”

A few bars into the song, the response was immediate from celebrity judges Blake Shelton and Cee Lo Green, who turned in succession to face Parris with a look of surprise, as the longhaired musician, dressed in all black, finished the song to rousing applause. Judges Christina Aguilera and Adam Levine were ineligible to vie for Parris because their teams were full.

“Damn, you look cool,” said Green. Shelton chimed in with, “You damn sure don’t look country, but country’s still in there.”

After a few moments of tug-ofwar between both judges, Parris went with Shelton.

The next phase of competition will be the “battle round,” where the coaches start cutting their teams down. Each coach will bring only five contestants to the live shows. This season’s team mentors are Mary J. Blige for Levine’s team, Michael Buble for Shelton’s team, Matchbox Twenty singer Rob Thomas for Green’s team and Green Day frontman Billie Joe Armstrong for Aguilera’s team.

To find out how Parris fares in the battle rounds, watch “The Voice” 8 p.m. Monday on NBC.

Dressed up at Disneyland During my interview with Rusty Young of Poco, he shared a story about a memorable visit to the “Happiest Place on Earth,” where Buck Owens was appearing just prior to the formation of Poco: “We were in rehearsals in Los Angeles, and Gram Parsons was rehearsing with us, because we thought he might fit into the band at that point.

“Buck Owens was playing at

Disneyland. Richie Furay wanted to go, and so did Gram, who also knew Buck. We all met there. This was late ’67 to ’68, and Gram has just come back from hanging out in London with David Bowie and Keith Richards, so he was in an interesting place. Richie and I were at Disneyland with our wives, and there’s this big commotion at the gate. We go down to see what it was about and it was Gram Parsons in a stand-off with his big security lady in uniform.

“At the time, Disneyland had a ‘No gays,’ policy. If they thought you were gay, they would not let you into Disneyland. Gram was wearing a dress. He had this big long white dress on and had very tasteful sandals on. And you know, he was a pretty guy with long hair. They told him, ‘You can’t come in, you’re gay,’ and he’d say, ‘I’m not gay,’ and they’d say, ‘You’re wearing a dress, you’re gay then.’

“They had this big fight, and somehow Gram got ahold of Buck, and Buck sent his road manager to vouch for him and got him in. Gram was with his wife pushing his first daughter in a stroller. The six of us are walking down Main Street Disneyland, with Gram wearing a dress and pushing a baby buggy.

“The tourists from Iowa were just flabbergasted. We got to the show, Buck did a great show, we went backstage after the show, and everyone was there — Johnny Cash and few people like that.

Everybody started giving Gram a hard time about wearing a dress.

Gram says, ‘I just got back from Europe, and mark my words, this time next year you’re all going to be wearing dresses.’”

“The best part happened when Cash walks over with a completely straight face and says, ‘Well, do they make ’em in black?’

“When I was in Bakersfield back in 1990, I went to visit Buck up in his offices, and I asked Buck if he remembered that story. He remembered it, and we got a big chuckle out of it.”

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The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, October 11, 2012

Eye Street The Lowdown with Matt Munoz

‘Malcolm’ in his middle 20s Former child star now drummer in band

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he transition from child to adult is awkward, but even worse when the entire world is watching you on the tube every week.

Just ask actor Frankie Muniz, whom TV viewers remember as the gifted misfit Malcolm on Fox’s “Malcolm in the Middle,” a gig that earned him the title of “Hollywood’s Most Bankable Teen” at the height of the show’s popularity. After the series ended in 2006, Muniz stayed busy, appearing in a number of action and comedy flicks like “Agent Cody Banks” and “Walk Hard.” He even took up Formula car racing until an injury forced him to hit the brakes in 2009.

But as the lights began to dim on acting and racing, Muniz had already begun contemplating a new career as a full-time musician. Playing a supporting role, as drummer, he and his bandmates from pop/alternative quartet Kingsfoil make a stop at Narducci’s Cafe on Friday.

Muniz, who debuted with Kingsfoil in April, is featured on the band’s second full-length album, “A Beating Heart is a Bleeding Heart,” released in August. Muniz and company are on an epic selffinanced trek across the country to promote the release.

“There’s been good and bad comments, because I’ve been on TV,” said Muniz during a phone interview earlier this week. “In the past, I’ve seen actors getting up on stage trying to be in a band, and I’ve said, ‘Oh God, they’re gonna suck,’ so I understand. My favorite reaction is usually, ‘I came here to see you almost

PHOTO COURTESY OF KINGSFOIL

Kingsfoil, featuring actor/drummer Frankie Muniz, appears Friday at Narducci’s Cafe. Pictured above from left: Frankie Muniz, Tim Warren, Tristan Martin, Jordan Davis.

as a joke, but you guys are not what I expected.’ They just have to give it a chance because I’ve been playing drums for years.

Based on what people have said after our shows, we seem to be winning fans over by letting the music speak for what we do.”

Still looking as if he stepped off the set of “Malcolm,” the now 26year-old Muniz says he’s been enjoying his foray into the world of truck stop food and all-night drives to the next gig. No scripts to read — just making music at his own pace, sans the excesses of Hollywood’s late-night party scene.

“I never cared about the Hollywood lifestyle. I’m friends with all the child actors, but I see some of the paths they’ve taken. I’ve stopped and tried to figure out why this happens. They just get sucked into the world of Hollywood and all the partying, the drugs, all of that. Once the fame starts to go away a little bit, they need something to fill that void. Doing crazy

things to stay in the spotlight is usually going to turn out bad.”

On record, Kingsfoil are a radio-friendly unit with all the timely elements of pop’s lighter melodic side. Production is current, slick, but for an independent release — the band is currently unsigned — quite catchy, with Muniz providing a solid backbeat.

“I’m turning 27 in a month, and I’ve never drank, smoked, I’ve never done anything like that. When ‘Malcolm in the Middle’ was over, I moved to Arizona to just have a normal life. It’s hard enough trying to live in Hollywood — going to the grocery store or the movies is a process.

Good luck trying to find parking.

So I just wanted to do stuff like, know my grocer’s name, my mailman. I got that with leaving.

Now I’m doing exactly what I wanna do, which is play music.”

Even with a busy music schedule, Muniz hasn’t given up acting. He has a couple of upcoming

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.

appearances on TV, in an episode of the ABC comedy “Don't Trust the B---- in Apartment 23” and next year’s “Blowing Vegas Off the Map.” “If something comes up and the timing is good, I’ll work on more acting projects, but I’m not actively pursuing anything right now. I’m just enjoying the music and especially enjoying driving through South Dakota this very moment.”

Joining Muniz onstage is Jordan Davis, guitar and vocals; Tristan Martin, guitar and keyboards; and Tim Warren, bass.

Friday’s showtime is 6 p.m.

Admission is $10. Show is all ages.

Also appearing: Voxhaul Broadcast, the Burning of Rome, Streetside Vinyl, Cidona. Narducci's Cafe is located at 621 E. 21st St. For more information, visit timgardeapresents.com.

Matt’s pick Masters of Malfunktion at On the Rocks, 1517 18th St., 9 tonight. Free.

A teaming like this isn’t found in a downtown club very often.

Classic rock and jazz fusion with

highly rhythmic technicality and plentiful solos, the Masters of Malfunktion are guaranteed to light a funky fire or two. Featuring the father-and-son duo of Mike and Matt Bhone on bass and drums, along with saxophonist Paul Perez and guitarist Pat O’Connell, this is a rare opportunity to see these local vets together for a one-night stand. Highly recommended.

The Architecture, Choirs at Riley’s Backstage, 1523 19th St., 9 p.m., Saturday, $5.

Both The Architecture and Choirs have been heralded as two of Bakersfield’s most promising new groups, and with good reason. They have great followings and both produced well-received EPs to devoted fans. But after building up to two packed houses in celebration of their respective releases, they suddenly pulled back with a small number of shows through spring and summer. According to each band’s Facebook updates, it turns out both groups have been writing new material and are eager to share it with local masses this weekend.

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The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, October 18, 2012

Eye Street The Lowdown with Matt Munoz

East LA meets downtown Bako Las Cafeteras comes to On the Rocks

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he East Los Angeles music scene has always been a barometer for roots music enthusiasts.

Acts like the late Ritchie Valens, Chicano story-teller Lalo Guerrero, Thee Midniters and Los Lobos helped to establish a sound associated with the predominantly Hispanic area. Today, that amalgamation of cultures continues to be a source of more fulfilling expression among much of East Los Angeles’ youth with bands such as Ozomatli and Very Be Careful, which help bring the past to the present.

Another leading voice pulling up the roots is Las Cafeteras, who make their Bakersfield debut at On the Rocks on Friday. Originating from weekly Mexican son jarocho jam sessions at the Eastside Cafe in the city of El Sereno seven years ago, the multi-instrumental septet uses traditional instruments and incorporates folkloric-inspired dancing.

Band member Daniel French, who plays jarana guitar, said their music is part of the many influences beaming from the community’s multi-ethnic surroundings.

Son jarocho music, which hails from the Veracruz region of Mexico, is a festive folk storytelling style that has been performed since Spanish colonial times. A predominantly guitar-driven sound, its heavy Caribbean influence has seen a rise in popularity among community activists as well as clubs around Southern California.

“There’s definitely a lot of bands pulling

PHOTO COURTESY OF LAS CAFETERAS

East Los Angeles world beat group Las Cafeteras appears with Mento Buru Friday at On the Rocks.

from relatives’ traditions, but remaking it with modern styles right now,” French said. “Mexican son jarocho on a surface level, you can participate without a whole lot of development as a musician.

They’re mainly three-chord songs in the key of D, and it’s more about the storytelling, a fandango, a jam session, where you can just join in. It’s a style that’s developed on participation and community celebration. With our group, you’ll hear some hiphop, Native American influence, some cumbia, ska, things that we grew up listening to here.”

The band also features French’s longtime friends Annette Torres, David Flores, Denise Carlos, Hector Flores, Jose Cano and Leah Rose Gallegos, all of whom share entertainment duties on stage.

Their latest CD, titled “It’s Time,” will be available at the show and for download online at the end of the month through their website lascafeteras.com.

According to French, after the band’s recent shows opening for

singer Lila Downs, the CD sold out so fast they’ve already run through two pressings since its release in September.

“One of the things that we share onstage is this African proverb that says, ‘If you can walk, you can dance, and if you can talk, you can sing.’ And then we add, ‘If you believe in yourself, you can do anything.’ And I think we want people to take the spirit of that and really feel loved and love themselves. We want people to experience pride, to be proud of who they are and where they come from, feel inspired that they can be in a different space that’s loving, interconnected, and able to take that home with them.”

Friday’s showtime is 9 p.m.

Admission is $7. On the Rocks is located at 1517 18th St. 327-7625.

Munky comes home Korn purists had mixed feelings about the band’s risky foray into the electro world of dubstep music, which, had it not succeeded, would have been filed with some of rock history’s most epic fails. Not quite at the comical

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.

level of Styx’s robot opera, “Kilroy Was Here,” but certainly enough to tarnish a well-aging discography.

Now that Korn has put the wraps on that project unscathed, the gates are open for two members to continue taking new musical roads: singer Jonathan Davis has been actively pursuing more DJ gigs, recording and performing as his EDM alter-ego “J Devil,” while guitarist James “Munky” Shaffer has reassembled his experimental/industrial allstar band, Fear and the Nervous System, which appears Friday at B Ryder’s.

Formed in 2008, the group also features Korn touring keyboardist Zac Baird, guitarist and vocalist Steve Krolikowski, bassist Tim Kelleher and drummer Elias Mallin, who, over the years, have collectively performed with 40 Seconds to Mars, Repeater, Hollywood Undead and Ke$ha, among others.

According to the band’s official website fatns.com, their self-titled debut was originally released exclusively through digital outlets a year ago, but after clicking links to iTunes and Amazon.com, I found that they’ve since been removed. I also found an April news update stating physical copies would be available in the coming months. Until that happens, you can download their Korn-ish single, “Choking Victim,” from their website for free and check out the accompanying creepy video at YouTube.

Opening the show is Gemini Syndrome, featuring former Otep guitarist Aaron Nordstrom and Nyceria, Bakersfield’s hardestworking head bangers.

Friday’s showtime is 8 p.m.

Admission is $15. Show is all ages.

B Ryder’s is located at 7401 White Lane. 397-7304 or numbskullshows.com.

Upcoming shows You might want to keep these shows on your radar in the coming months: Ozomatli at B Ryder’s on Nov. 11, Steely Dan

tribute show at Sandrini’s on Nov. 17, the Original Wailers at Narducci’s on Nov. 20, The English Beat on Nov. 24 at B Ryder’s, the Dome’s farewell festival on Nov. 25 and a classic punk tribute show at Sandrini’s on Dec. 7.

Matt’s picks Rusted Root at Narducci’s, 621 E. 21st St., Wednesday, $20, 7 p.m.

Here’s a blast from the blast.

Pittsburgh hippie collective Rusted Root have been combining colorful jam band rhythms and world music since the ’90s, selling millions of albums and scoring some pretty heavy touring slots alongside everyone from Dave Matthews Band, Robert Plant, and headlining their own cavalcades of tie-dyed dance-a-thons.

Like their spiritual brethren the Grateful Dead, they even boast their own set-list collections website for die-hard fans. The group’s biggest radio hit, “Send Me on My Way,” has been heard in the movie “Ice Age” and used as the theme song for a popular Israeli TV sitcom. You’ll sing, you’ll dance, you’ll raise spirits of the physical and supernatural kind.

Also appearing: Lauren Mann and the Fairly Odd Folk, Amity Flow.

Pre-Halloween Bash at Riley’s Pub, 1523 19th St., Wednesday, $5, 9 p.m.

This night marks one week until Halloween, and if you’re unable to party on the big night because of treat-or-treat mayhem with the wee ones, this show is worth finding a sitter for. Phantom Stranger, Inc. promoter Pat Spurlock, whom I’ve gotten to know over the years as the manager of Ridgecrest’s Bar Stool Saints, continues showing Bako a lot of indie love booking alternative rock acts, like the ones for Wednesday’s show: The Nature, Stockz & Blondz, Crooked Folk, and The Cretins (Ramones tribute). They’re all together for an evening of quality alternative rock at a very punk price: Free admission for those in costume.

26

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, October 25, 2012

Eye Street The Lowdown with Matt Munoz

Addiction offers friendship fix Band solid, but scene reunion the real fun

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he scene at the Jane’s Addiction concert Tuesday could have doubled as a Bakersfield music scene class reunion.

As with most shows of this nature, the pre-show lobby was jammed with musicians and artists from nearly every era. As soon as I got inside, I collided with Burning Image guitarist Moe Adame and then caught up with singer-songwriters Jon Goodell and Scott Tessandori, deejay Josex Citialin, drummer Cesareo Garasa and many more. It was a show all its own — lots of hugs, hand-shaking and accidentally spilled beers. In fact, I was having so much fun the first hour I was there that I missed the evening’s opening act, Thenewno2, featuring Dhani Harrison, son of late Beatle George Harrison.

As we found our seats, I caught local music blogger Jesse “Illpressed” Rivera hanging near the front rows, along with Bakersfield super-fan Noelia Citialin, who I assumed was plotting her chance to jump onstage as she did at the Morrissey show at Rabobank five years ago.

This was only my second Jane’s Addiction show, after catching them in Los Angeles during the 1997 “Relapse Tour,” when Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea was in the line-up. Coincidentally, my old friend Andy Mota, who was with me at that particular show, also happened to be in the front row. Once the house lights dimmed and the stage lights kicked in, it was standing-room only. Entering the stage from both sides, guitarist Dave Navarro, drummer Stephen Perkins, singer Perry Farrell, and touring bassist Chris Chaney appeared relaxed in front of a backdrop of two towering nude female statues. The band was joined by two elevated female dancers, one of whom was identified as Farrell’s wife, Etty Lau Farrell, who kept watchful eyes near center stage.

Opening their set with “Underground,” the first track of the band’s latest CD, “The Great Escape

PHOTO COURTESY OF BONE THUGS-N-HARMONY

Legendary hip-hop quintet Bone Thugs-N-Harmony appears Sunday at The Dome.

PHOTO BY ROBERT BEJIL

Jane’s Addiction vocalist Perry Farrell performs during Tuesday’s show at the Fox Theater. To see more photos, visit Bakotopia.com.

Artist,” the band rolled into vintage territory with “Mountain Song” from “Nothing’s Shocking,” before jumping forward to “Just Because,” taken from “Strays,” then back to “Been Caught Stealing,” from “Ritual de Lo Habitual.” Some unusual track placing from across their discography, but Jane’s Addiction has never struck me as a hit-oriented band playing to crowd tastes.

Musically the band was sound, as Navarro, who still looks the part of a young rock god, led each song with little effort. The cohesion of the rhythm section of Perkins and Chaney anchored the show, helping to cover a few of Farrell’s noticeable early missteps and incoherent vocal flubs.

Midway through their set, the group switched stage formats for a pair of acoustic performances featuring “Jane Says” and “Chip Away.” Sadly omitted was “Classic Girl,” Farrell’s song for his former flame and muse Casey Niccoli, who hails from Bakersfield.

Once the band returned to electric, crowd control was useless. Launching into “Up the Beach” and “Ted, Just Admit It…,” Farrell’s mood was festive and augmented by the steady stream of red wine bottles floating across the stage and into the empty beer cups of orchestra pit fans. At age 53, Farrell still has plenty of voodoo to share with his audience, as does Jane’s Addiction.

This was the band people came to see, unpredictable and engaging. The group closed out the evening with their break-out hit, “Stop.” No encore, other than the predicted appearance of pintsized fan Noelia Citialin, who eluded security for an onstage hug from Farrell, who politely obliged.

Bone Thugs-n-Harmony at the Dome When rap quintet Bone Thugsn-Harmony, came onto the scene in the mid-’90s, hip-hop music was in one of its many transitional periods. Gangster rap was still the ruling force among fans, filled with lyrics reflecting ghetto life as seen through the eyes of young lyricists.

One of that era’s most successful groups, Bone Thugs-n-Harmony, took the scene by surprise, after relocating from Cleveland to Los Angeles with an independently released CD under their belt. After grabbing the attention of rapper/producer Eric “Eazy-E” Wright who helped nurture their introduction into the majors, they immediately hit with a series of singles and albums that helped further gangster rap’s acceptance in the mainstream. They rapped and harmonized to platinum receipts, and subsequently parted ways to pursue solo careers.

Today, after 20 years in the business, they’ve reunited, ready to

Matt Munoz is editor of Bakotopia.com, a sister website of The Californian that devotes itself to promoting Bakersfield’s art scene. Matt’s column appears every Thursday in Eye Street.

hit the road for a nationwide anniversary tour that stops by the Dome on Sunday.

Rapper Bryon Anthony “Bizzy Bone” McCane, said that given the current state of hip-hop, it made sense to give fans a history lesson. And what better teachers than he and his original rap mates: Steven “Layzie Bone” Howze, Stanley “Flesh-n-Bone” Howze, Anthony “Krayzie Bone” Henderson, and Charles “Wish Bone” Scruggs.

“We all didn’t come from the suburbs and whatnot; we came out here with a dream and a record, no money. Nowadays, groups have mix tapes circulated beforehand to build up interest.

You would get with a local guy and put out a record with them, and that was your marketing to go wherever you wanted to go in order to make something of yourself. We took a chance down in Los Angeles for a broader look into the industry. We were young, nothing to lose, and we said, ‘Let’s do it.’”

After sealing an alliance with Eric “Eazy-E” Wright, who released their EP, “Creepin on ah Come Up” and the single, “Thuggish Ruggish Bone” in 1994, the group began seeing their sacrifices pay off, until the sudden death of Wright the following year from complications from AIDS. McCane recalled the chaos that ensued just as the rap industry began to embrace them.

“We always lived on the edge with Eazy-E. You know, getting put out of hotels, we were too wild, didn’t know how to treat certain things, but we had that kind of relationship. When he passed away it was such a mystery of how he had died.”

Caught in the middle of numerous lawsuits surrounding

Wright’s estate, the group retreated to finish recording “E. 1999 Eternal,” their first full-length major label release and biggest seller to date. The album, dedicated to the memory of their late mentor, contained the single “Tha Crossroads,” a touching tribute to fallen friends not typically heard in gangster rap.

“It was fighting music, up until ‘Tha Crossroads.’ Our record was doing well and the money was funny, but then there was a fight over his estate, still three years after he had passed. Our money was frozen for a long time, but we were able to be grounded and stick to the grassroots of what we believed in. We got two or three really nice records out, even in the midst of the turmoil with Eazy.”

The group’s double-disc follow up, “The Art of War,” continued to establish their presence alongside acts such as Wu-Tang Clan. The members of Bone Thugs soon began a string of successful solo treks while retaining a working relationship that brings them to the present with a rich catalog of fan favorites.

“Everybody’s gonna have a good time and enjoy themselves at the show. After 20 years, we still got our legs with us, still in shape and things of that nature to show people how we used to do it. I’m really doing this, so the mothers and the cousins and the big brothers can show their little brothers and their kids what we look like and what we did back in the day. I got the five- to 10-year plan, so I’ll see you at the quartercentury mark.”

Doors open at 7 p.m. Sunday.

Showtime is 8 p.m. Tickets are $30 or $75 VIP. The Dome is located at 2201 V St. Call 322-5200 or visit vallitix.com.

26

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, November 1, 2012

Eye Street The Lowdown with Matt Munoz

Parris gives ‘Voice’ to last round Eliminated singer dishes on NBC show

O

n Tuesday night, Rudy Parris’ run on “The Voice” came to an end after his rendition of Chris Brown’s “Forever” was knocked as an odd choice for the country singer by his own coach Blake Shelton and rival coach Christina Aguilera.

Now that he’s out of the running, the 46-year-old singer from Visalia was able to dish about his experience on network TV, which involved more than six months of filming with a few two-week breaks. From who he’s rooting for (pal Terry McDermott) to how much time he spent with Shelton (about an hour), Parris weighed in on as many of our questions as he was allowed to answer.

Why did you choose Chris Brown’s “Forever”?

They give you a list and ask you to pick songs. I did, and gave them my list, and they didn’t like the songs. They asked me to pick some more, and I gave them another list. Just for the heck of it, my manager and I decided to put that song “Forever,” as the last song on the second list, and they picked the last song on my list.

Were you a Chris Brown fan?

I’d never even heard that song.

You had no background on Chris Brown or the song at all?

No. ... His (my manager’s) idea was he was just looking out for me, to show people, “Look, Rudy can take this song, a pop song, and he can still turn it around, recreate it, and make it his own.” See, at this point, we weren’t

PHOTO COURTESY OF NBC

Rudy Parris performs Tuesday on NBC's “The Voice.”

really clear in the competition where we were at or what it was about. I think, looking back, if we had known this was a transitional point that was important, then we would have done something different. This would have been something great for the live rounds. I guess at that point it wasn’t a time to be creative, or artistic.

It was just a time to get through.

What song would you have chosen?

If I’d had a little more clearer vision at the time of my decision making as to what’s really happening at that portion of the show, I would have done things a little bit different. But, I stand by what I did and very proud of my decision.

I would have liked to have done what I had originally asked to do, “What’s Goin’ On,” by Marvin Gaye or an Al Green song, something that I excel in. Or even an opportunity to sing a country song, which I never did. I probably would have done Garth Brooks, Randy Travis, probably a country ballad.

Were you aware that Blake Shelton’s wife, Miranda Lambert, had a Twitter feud with Chris Brown during this year’s Grammys over his assault on Rihanna?

No, I don’t know anything about that. That’s interesting. I had no clue. I kind of almost wanna contact Blake and tell him I had no idea, I’m sorry if he thought anything weird about that.

Do you think that had something to do with not being picked?

The bottom line is, what everyone needs to understand and realize is, beyond that and everything else is — this is a reality television show. Period.

What did you think of your performance when you saw it broadcast?

I was very proud of what I did.

I’m glad I didn’t go out singing karaoke. You know, basically taking something and not truing in to something else as an artist. I’m glad I made it my own thing.

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.

I was a bit confused at that point during my involvement of the show as to what was exactly happening, so when I found I was supposed to do a song that I kind of already knew, I was kind of a little bit puzzled. And when I went back to try and change it, it was too late.

So, you know, it is what it is, and I strongly believe in whatever’s supposed to happen, happened.

What did you think of your opponent, Terry McDermott’s, performance of Paul McCartney’s “Maybe I’m Amazed”?

Terry is a very, very, great friend.

It’s ironic that they put us together. We were roommates from day one. For six months, we lived together and we became really close as brothers. And if you could see the look on his face when they announced him as the winner, he didn’t, “Yeah,” or jump for joy. He kind of put his head down, and he looked kind of sad. That’s because we love each other so much. And although we both wanted to win, we wanted to go into this together.

At one point, I know we would have had to come against each other. But again, this is a reality TV show, and our relationship goes well beyond that. And I know that I’ve made a lifelong friend.

What was the living situation like?

We were roommates. We worked a lot. There were several hours put into filming. They do a lot of extra. I guess just in case they need it.

Who are you rooting to win?

My boy Terry.

These things typically move fast. Have you gotten any offers for more projects?

Oh yeah. Today alone, so many offers came in. My team is working on moving forward and that’s their No. 1 priority right now. To get me where I need to be to be able to capitalize on the exposure that I just received from the show.

What advice do you have for others who may want to try out for “The Voice”?

I’m very appreciative of all the support. A lot of people were very encouraging and there were also a lot of people that really need to step back and realize what the situation is. Again, it’s a reality TV show. It’s not the beginning and end-all of people’s lives. It’s a great stepping stone and it’s a great opportunity for artists, but it’s not going to make or break a true artist. And I believe that this is only the beginning of many things to come.

Not to put anyone else down, but I’m proud I didn’t go out like a karaoke singer to just go out and sing to a track the way everyone else in the world sings it. I’m glad I did something to it to show what a musician and artist that I am.

What’s next for you?

I want to put some music out, hit the bus, go out on tour, and go meet all of my new friends and play music for them. The reality of my existence is that I’m here to entertain.

Do you have a message for Bakersfield fans?

Don’t feel this is the end of the road. This is only the beginning and when God is in control nothing can come against you.

Matt’s pick Break ’Em Off 3 at the Garden, 900 22nd St., 2 p.m. Saturday. $12.

Continuing to spin the flag for b-boy and b-girl loyalists committed to hip-hop culture in all of its many colorful forms, the Break ’Em Off series, hosted by Manny Styles of the Soul Movements Crew, returns bigger and deffer.

Dance crews can showcase their skills before the battle starts at 6 p.m. The field will be narrowed down to eight crews, which will face off in two-vs.-two battle before the final round for a $2,000 prize.

32

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, November 8, 2012

Eye Street The Lowdown with Matt Munoz

Are you in the mood to dance?

Ozomatli sure is, and they’re returning to Bako

O

zomatli’s appearance at Fishlips two years ago was a dance party, the likes of which have rarely been seen in Bakersfield. I still recall the group’s midweek appearance in front of a packed, sweaty club anxiously waiting for the first note to drop.

The band launched into a non-stop 90minute desmadre (chaotic) mix of funky Latin cumbia hip-hop music that eventually made its way from the stage into the crowd. The band marched around the room, handing out shakers and cowbells for a rendition of the “hokey pokey” before hanging out with fans until the lights signaled it was time to leave. They return to B Ryder’s on Sunday for an all-ages show that promises to be every bit as wild.

I’ve been to many Ozomatli concerts over the years, dating back to their early appearances at a few of the Bakersfield reggae fests and their infamous Bakersfield High School concert in the ’90s. That one is a little faint, but I do recall a rap battle between former rapper Charles “Chali 2na” Stewart and a number of brave local emcees. On the turntables, original Ozomatli deejay Lucas “Cut Chemist” MacFadden spun and even broke out into some break-dance moves. (Fast forwarding a few years, MacFadden had a cameo in the 2007 film “Juno,” in an obvious role: a chemistry teacher.)

Those Bakersfield visits came at the beginning of their career, when they were sprouting forth from the East Los Angeles garage scene. For the next two decades, the band has scored some of the best tour slots anyone could wish for, opening for everyone from Santana to Dave Matthews Band and appearing on the Coachella festival main stage. Try dropping your finger on a remote part of your desktop globe.

Chances are Ozomatli has performed there on a mission of unifying musical goodwill.

That’s something that’s always been a part of the group’s lasting popularity.

The band’s latest project, a collection of original children’s music titled “Ozokids,” features a 14-track lesson in multicultural rhythms and playtime for the casa.

With songs about staying fit (“Exercise”) and staying clean, (“Germs”) it’s a hoot and breath of fresh air for parents looking for something tolerable to listen and sing a long with during those long drives from Grandma’s house. One of my favorites is “Changuito” (“Little Monkey”), the closing track written in a Dominican merengue-style.

My kids are too cool and grown

PHOTO BY CHRISTIAN LANTRY

Ozomatli appears at B Ryder’s on Sunday.

to jump around the room with dad now, but if you have little ones, this gets my highest rating. Bravo, Ozo. Also appearing is Southern California dread-locked songstress Naia Kete, who appeared on season two of NBC’s “The Voice.” Her latest single, “Crazy Glue,” is a sugary-sweet pop number you can check out at her official website naiakete.com.

It’s the perfect show to ease your postelection week hangover.

Sunday’s showtime is 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $24. B Ryder’s is located at 7401 White Lane; 397-7304 or vallitix.com.

Matt’s picks Patrick Contreras with Jay Smith group at On the Rocks, 1517 18th St., Friday, $5, 10 p.m. Patrick Contreras has infused his unique style of violin playing with influences of blues, rock, and hip-hop to become one of the valley’s most unique and sought after studio cats. His live shows mix original music along with explosive interpretations of classics by Jimi Hendrix and Led Zeppelin. His most recent artistic foray includes exploring the electro music craze. The result is as eclectic as it sounds and doesn’t come off as some bizarre New Age music project. Backing Contreras is Bakersfield keyboardist Jay Smith, bassist Fernando Montoya and drummer Jonathan Weinmann.

Nappy Roots at The Dome, 2201 V St., 6 p.m., Monday, $15, 327-0190. Hailing

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.

PHOTO COURTESY OF NAPPY ROOTS

Nappy Roots appear at The Dome on Monday.

from Bowling Green, Ken., The Nappy Roots’ 2002 debut “Watermelon, Chicken & Gritz” had one of the best jams of the year with “Po’ Folks.” After a follow-up release, they all but disappeared into the shadows of the “dirty-dirty” South. Now the group is back with a new CD, “Nappy

Dot Org,” and is ready to rejuvenate the state of the genre, joining acts such as the reunited Bone Thugs-N-Harmony to jump back into the ring after years on the sidelines. Also appearing: Bakersfield rap duo Dirthead, Truth tha Brainchild, and the brilliantly named Garage Island.

28

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, November 15, 2012

Eye Street The Lowdown with Matt Munoz

Latin kings still lay down groove their favorites need not worry.

“A lot of fans have named their kids after my song ‘Nena.’ That’s cool, as long as someone don’t come up to me saying, ‘Remember me?’ with a baby in their arms.”

Also appearing are East Los Angeles music legends Tierra, who scored big in the ’80s with their hit love song, “Together.”

Friday’s showtime is 7 p.m.

Tickets are $30 to $70. Also appearing are Thee Richard Deval Project and DeeJay Psycho Razzi.

La Movida is located at 212 East 18th St. For more information, call 706-1188 or visit Vallitix.com.

Malo finds younger listeners at shows

A

rcelio Garcia wants to assure fans that the original bad boys of Latin rock are as malo — bad — as ever when he takes the stage at La Movida Nightclub on Friday.

As lead singer of Malo, the legendary band responsible for such hits as “Nena,” “Pana” and the immortal “Suavecito,” among others, Garcia and his crew continue to tour, still waving the flag of a movement started on the San Francisco streets in the Mission District during the ’60s. And while it might be an entirely new band, Garcia says the same Malo intensity is guaranteed to bring back memories of a golden era and the blistering live shows the group became popular for.

“We don’t try and warm up,” said Garcia during a phone interview from his home in Fresno.

“We start hot and finish on fire, man. You can’t mess with us.”

Formed in 1968 by Garcia, Malo started out as an R&B act called The Malibus. Looking for a new sound apart from the freewheeling hippie themes of the day, Garcia began to incorporate elements of Latin percussion into the soul-based rock sound, with an assist from guitarist Jorge Santana, brother of guitarist Carlos Santana. To avoid sound comparisons, Garcia added a horn section that gave them a jazzy New York salsa edge.

“Everyone was trying something new back then, and we were right in the middle of it all.

We were young and getting a lot of attention from

Blowfly at Narducci’s

PHOTO COURTESY OF MALO

Latin rock pioneers Malo appear at La Movida nightclub on Friday. Pictured from left: Gabriel Manzo, Jorge Santana and Arcelio Garcia.

the big guys like promoter Bill Graham, who was a fan of ours.”

After signing with Warner Bros. in the ’70s, the group released four seminal albums, regarded as part of the foundation of Latin rock, alongside Santana’s debut album and El Chicano’s “Viva Tirado.”

“Looking back now, Warner Bros. didn’t know what to do with Malo. They marketed us as just a Latin band, and sent us to South America, and we became a big hit out there in places like El Salvador, Nicaragua. Right now, Malo is getting a lot of attention in Japan. You just never know how things are going to happen.”

Malo stays busy primarily on the oldies circuit today, but on occasion will find themselves booked at large venues such as The Greek and the Gibson Amphitheater in Los Angeles with friends from their ’70s heyday.

The band usually plays a set list

PHOTO COURTESY OF BLOWFLY

Rapper and singer-songwriter Blowfly, aka Clarence Reid, appears at Narducci’s Friday.

of biggest hits, but Garcia said younger audiences are beginning to request deeper cuts he thought were forgotten.

“We get a lot of old-school fans,

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.

but a lot of shows now, it’s nothing but kids who don’t just want to hear ‘Suavecito.’ They’ve heard that from their parents for years.

We haven’t played ‘It’s a Lovely Day’ and ‘Lady I Love’ for a long time, maybe about 15 years. Now people can request more songs and not just hear the same ones.”

But longtime fans eager to hear

Fans of throwback cult comedy should make plans to groove on over and catch ’70s comedy singer Clarence “Blowfly” Reid at Narducci’s Cafe on Friday.

Starting out as a popular songwriter, penning R&B hits for artists such as Betty Wright (“Clean Up Woman”) Sam and Dave, and KC & The Sunshine Band, among others in the ’60s and ’70s, Reid was among an elite group of soul songwriters of the time.

Blessed with a pair of silky pipes, he also recorded a number of his own singles before trading his coat and tie in for a glittery hooded cape, re-emerging as lowrent superhero “Blowfly,” a name given to him by his grandmother.

After selling off most of his publishing rights to the radio hits he made famous, Reid was intent on finding success as his comedy alter-ego, recording a series of albums mostly of sex-based parodies of other popular songs. They are crude, rude and mentioned in the same breath as those from urban comedy peers like Rudy Ray “Dolemite” Moore,” Redd Foxx and Richard Pryor, and sampled heavily by rap acts such as 2 Live Crew.

Today the feisty 73-year-old celebrates decades in the business with more than 26 releases under his cape, a new tour and a Please see LOWDOWN / 35

35

Thursday, November 15, 2012 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street GO & DO: CONTINUED FROM 34

Music showcase The Prime Cut, 9500 Brimhall Road, 8311413; featuring local artists, 7 to 10 p.m.

Wednesdays.

Oldies KC Steakhouse, 2515 F St., 322-9910; Jimmy Gaines, 6 to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday; Jimmy Gaines, Bobby O and Mike Halls, 6:30 to 11:30 p.m., with Glenda Robles, 8 to 11:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

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

Open mic Fiddlers Crossing, 206 East F St., Tehachapi, 823-9994; 7 p.m. Wednesdays. $5.

Juliana’s Art Cafe, 7 to 9 p.m. Fridays, 501 18th St. 327-7507. Free.

On the Rocks, 1517 18th St., 327-7625; 8 p.m. Wednesdays. Free.

Rock B. Ryder’s Sports Bar & Grill, 7401 White Lane, 397-7304; Fan Halen (Van Halen tribute band) Black Water Soul, 9 p.m. Friday. $10.

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

Thursdays.

Tuesday 11/20 61st annual Sportsmen’s Night Dinner, vendors, social time, doors open 5 p.m., dinner 7 p.m., Kern County Fairgrounds, 1142 S. P St. $30. 805-5766.

Bakersfield Youth Symphony Orchestra, performing works by Aram Khachaturian, Peter Tchaikovsky, Richard Wagner, Carl Maria Von Weber, 7 p.m., CSUB, Dore Theater, 9001 Stockdale HIghway. $10; $5 students; free for 5 and under. 203-2233 or bakersfieldsymphony.org/byso/.

Condors vs. San Francisco Bulls, 7 p.m., Rabobank Arena, 1001 Truxtun Ave. $8-$25.

Tickets: Rabobank box office, bakersfieldcondors.com or 324-7825.

CSUB Men’s Basketball, vs. Westmont, 7 p.m., CSUB, Icardo Center, 9001 Stockdale Highway. $5-$20. gorunners.com or 654BLUE. Thanksgiving Storytime, 11 a.m. to noon, Beale Library, Arkelian children’s room, 701 Truxtun Ave. 868-0770.

The Original Wailers, Amity Flow, The Easy In, Mahop, Acapulco Sunrise, Kaptain Crunch and the Cereal Killers, 6 p.m., Narducci’s Cafe, Narducci’s Cafe, 622 E. 21 St. $20. facebook.com/events/ 291297490975208.

For a roundup of Thanksgiving eve events, turn to Page 22.

Thursday 11/22

On the Rocks, 1517 18th St., 327-7625; Karling and the Atomics, FattKatt and the Von Zippers, 9 p.m. Friday. $5.

Soft rock

Friday 11/23

Steak and Grape, 4420 Coffee Road, 5889463; 7 to 10 p.m. Thursday through Saturday. Free.

Juliana’s Art Cafe, 501 18th St. 327-7507, Without A Paddle Band, 5:30 to 9 p.m. Friday. Free.

“Christmas Around the World” Holiday Event, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday, through Dec. 29 (excludes Dec. 24-25), Timeless Furnishings, 1918 Chester Ave. $8; $7 seniors; $5 children; 5 and under are free; $20, family of four. 3260222.

“Gaslight Holiday Extravaganza,” 7 p.m.

Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday, Gaslight Melodrama Theatre & Music Hall, 12748 Jomani Drive. $12 to $23. 587-3377.

Feast for the Beasts, donations will be accepted in lieu of admission fee, items accepted per person are: two large bags frozen blueberries, blackberries, or raspberries; two reams of white multi-purpose copy paper; four boxes Ziploc freezer bags (quart or gallon); two large bags of frozen mixed vegetables, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., CALM, 10500 Alfred Harrell Highway. 872-2256.

Songwriters The Bistro, 5105 California Ave., 3233905; Brent Brown, 6 to 8 p.m. Fridays.

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

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

On the Rocks, 1517 18th St., 327-7625; 8 to 10 p.m. Monday.

Sandrini’s, 1918 Eye St., 322-8900; Trivia Night with Dave Rezac, 10 p.m. Tuesdays.

Variety Golden State Mall, 3201 F St., 872-2037, Joe Loco Duet, 2 to 5 p.m. Sundays.

UPCOMING EVENTS Monday 11/19 Bakersfield Winds Fall Concert, 7:30 p.m., Olive Drive Church, 5500 Olive Drive. $5. bakersfieldwinds.com.

CSUB Student Guitar Recital, noon, CSUB, Music Building, Room 128, 9001 Stockdale Highway. Free. 654-2511.

Narducci’s Cafe is located at 621 E. 21st St. For more information, call 324-2961 or visit blowflyofficial.com.

Sasha Mallory It’s been awhile since we’ve heard from Bakersfield dancer Sasha Mallory after her appearance on the Fox talent competition, “So You Think You Can Dance,” last year. Mallory can currently be seen as a backup dancer on pop singer Madonna’s MDNA tour.

Matt’s picks Tribute to Steely Dan at Sandrini’s, 1918 Eye St., Saturday, $5, 9 p.m. 3228900 This show marks the debut of a longtime project by local troubadour Chris Carton, who’s assembled 14 local musicians with one goal: deconstruct the music of songwriters Donald Fagen and Walter Becker, known as Steely Dan. While it’s unclear exactly how much material the group will cover, it has been confirmed the group will present Steely Dan’s 1977 classic “Aja” in its entirety, along with a wealth of other material. If only Sandrini’s served grapefruit wine.

Highly recommended.

Wednesday 11/21

Veterans Thanksgiving Lunch, for all veterans and their families, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Grace Assembly of God, 2800 Larson Lane. Free. Reservations, email nachorboy@msm.com, lupeairman@yahoo.com or call 378-1781, 345-6450.

Rockabilly

LOWDOWN: CONTINUED FROM 28

hit documentary on his life titled, “The Weird World of Blowfly.”

“It ain’t called the ‘Weird World’ for no reason! Nasty music is universal, and I make the best there is,” said Reid in a recent email interview, most of which can’t be used due to its colorful Blowflycentric foul language.

For an example of Blowfly’s music, do a Google search for his infamous spoof of “What a Difference a Day Makes,” titled “What a Difference a Lay Makes,” a spoof that landed Reid in court when composer Stanley Adams objected. Although the case was settled, Reid says Adams needs a sense of humor.

“He was also the president of ASCAP at the time, and how dare he make me more famous.”

Reid’s new comedy album is titled “Black in the Sack” and will be available for purchase at Friday’s show. In addition, Reid can be seen in indie director Otto Von Schirach’s upcoming sci-fi film, “Supermeng” as his Blowfly character.

“You know it’s gonna be messed up.”

Friday’s showtime is 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $10. Also appearing is Potty Mouth and DJ Renato.

PARTIES: CONTINUED FROM 22

some of the overflow crowd from some of the other restaurants, but we will be full for dinner either way.”

Narducci’s menu is available from opening until the kitchen closes at 9 p.m.

And like at Wool Growers, Shine recommends making reservations now.

“If they’re coming for dinner, they need to do so as soon as possible. Lunchtime they don’t need to, but it’s always best to call early. A lot of people forget how busy we get. We take dinner reservations and give them an hour and a half allotment.

We take them in advance but are starting to fill up now.”

Following dinner, the festivities continue throughout every area of the establishment, from the large banquet room, smaller dining room, outdoor patio and

rear lawn, if need be. There will be a deejay and $5 cover charge for those arriving after 9 p.m.

“This night is much more relaxed and less formal than New Year’s Eve,” Shine said.

“You don’t have to worry about your outfit, expensive dinner, and those types of things. We have room for people to filter into so they’re not just stuck at the bar.

We have the dining room, the main banquet room, the patio for people to filter into so they’re not just stuck at the bar.”

Narducci’s Cafe is located at 622 E. 21st St. For reservations and information, call 324-2961.

Other Basque restaurants in Old Town Kern are Pyrenee’s Café, 717 East St., 3230053, and Noriega Hotel, 525 Sumner St., 322-8419.

The New Standard for Spinal Care Diagnosis NOW ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS

Saturday 11/24 “Christmas Home Decor” Workshop, learn the art of layering ornaments, blending textures and finishes and enhancing with ribbon, 10 to 11 a.m., Beladagio, 9500 Brimhall Road, Suite 705. Free. 829-2288.

Cirque Dreams Holidaze, 8 p.m., Rabobank Theater, 1001 Truxtun Ave. $27.50-$55 plus fee. ticketmaster.com or call 800-745-3000.

Condors vs. Ontario Reign, teddy bear toss night all teddy bears will be donated to United Way of Kern County, 7 p.m., Rabobank Arena, 1001 Truxtun Ave. $8-$35.

Tickets: Rabobank box office, bakersfieldcondors.com or 324-7825.

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

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EYE ST.

T H U R S DAY, N OV E M B E R 2 2 , 2 0 1 2 • T H E B A K E R S F I E L D C A L I FO R N I A N

Stargazing Scott Cox CONTRIBUTING COLUMNIST

Don’t mess with my traditional Thanksgiving

I

CASEY CHRISTIE / THE CALIFORNIAN

A Byzantine Nativity scene is on display for viewers at Christmas Around the World.

An international holiday celebration Display has examples of global Christmas cheer

BY ASHLEY FISCHER Contributing writer

C

hristmas is built upon layers of beloved family traditions borrowed from a number of different cultures. But Sherrie Lewis makes it her mission every year to educate the public about where those traditions come from with Christmas Around the World, which opens Friday and runs through Dec. 29.

“It’s so educational, it’s so cultural,” Lewis said. “Most people say they learn more about Christmas in a half hour here than they have in their whole life.”

The second floor of “Most people the Timeless say they learn Design Center downmore about town has Christmas in a been transinto half hour here formed what Lewis than they described as “1,500have in their square-feet of holiday whole life.” magic.”

— Sherrie Lewis, creator “What is of Christmas Around the so interestWorld ing about Christmas around the world is that all of these traditions have been woven into the American fabric, and they’ve become American traditions,” she said.

“But when you go to something like this, it connects you with the whole world.”

For weeks, Lewis and her crew work to decorate the massive space from top to bottom. The decorations and artifacts, either accumulated by Lewis or

CASEY CHRISTIE / THE CALIFORNIAN

Santa Claus holds a teddy bear in the U.S. area of the Christmas Around the World display.

donated from private collections, represent the customs and traditions of 43 countries. The elaborate, custom-built displays will feature 150 decorated Christmas trees, 800 nutcrackers, one of the largest Nativity collections in the state and more.

“We have Germany, Mexico, China, India, all of the Scandinavian countries, Turkey, Poland — you name it,” Lewis said. “We have all the continents covered. And we’re adding three new countries this year: Hungary, Romania and Ecuador.”

Not bad, considering that when Lewis began Christmas Around the World, she started out with little else besides her Nativity collection, her husband’s nutcracker collection and a passion for international culture — passion she always made an effort to Please see CHRISTMAS / D10

Christmas Around the World When: Friday through Dec. 29, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday; closed Dec. 24 and 25 Special events: Dec. 8, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., is Deaf Awareness day; a special tour in sign language will be offered.

Dec. 15, noon to 6 p.m. is Latin Fiesta; singing, dancing, and other Latin-themed musical performances.

Dec. 22, throughout the day, live musical performances will be held.

Admission: $8; $7, seniors; $5, children; free for 5 and under; $20, family of four Information: 326-0222 or info@christmasworldevent.com

Camille Gavin CONTRIBUTING COLUMNIST

Gaslight kicks off holiday season F

or the folks at Gaslight Melodrama, the Christmas season begins Friday with “Santa Claus is Coming to Town.” And writer-director Michael Prince tells me he’s already tied a ribbon around the six shows they’ll present in the coming year.

Before checking out the new season, however, let’s take a

look at what’s happening this weekend at the melodrama.

Prince says the show is a sequel to the 2011 “Holiday Extravaganza” and includes a new face on the Gaslight stage — namely, Eric Tolley, an actor I usually associate with The Empty Space.

“Yes, this is Eric’s first time working at the melodrama, but it is not the first time I’ve worked with him,” Prince said.

“He and his wife, Michelle (Guerrero), and I began working together in local theater

Please see COX / D2

The Lowdown with Matt Munoz

Downtown’s Dome going out with a big bang Apart from the legendary basement at Jerry’s Pizza, no other venue has boasted as many allages shows as the Dome, on the eastern edge of downtown Bakersfield.

But after more than a decade as a destination for young concert-goers, the historic venue that started out as a boxing stadium will begin saying its goodbyes with a pair of shows this weekend.

Located on the corner of V and 22nd streets, the 1,650-seat arena has hosted concerts, sporting events and religious services since owner Chencho Madera purchased it 13 years ago.

“I think I created one of the best music venues in Bakersfield,” said Madera, 61, who is negotiating the sale of the building to a local church. “I think it’s just time to move and do something different.”

The talent that hit the stage in that time represented some of the most buzzed-about acts in music across all genres: Social Distortion, Bad Religion, New Found Glory, Queens of the Stone Age, Kottomouth Kings, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony and Atmosphere, plus Latin groups and countless local acts.

Bakersfield musician and show promoter Patrick Spurlock, 31, who Please see LOWDOWN / D4

Please see GAVIN / D2

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

t’s time for my favorite holiday: Thanksgiving, or, as it’s come to be known in recent years, Black Friday Eve. But this isn’t a diatribe on our obsession with shopping. Thanksgiving, for me, is still about the 3 F’s: family, food and football. Just the way the pilgrims envisioned it. (And please don’t get me started about how all the things we were taught about Thanksgiving are wrong. Let’s just accept the standard-issue elementary school version with the horns of plenty and Squanto and how everybody got along great and ate and sang and lived happily ever after.)

I don’t know why we don’t eat turkey all year long. Legs are the best, the tastiest part of the turkey, and it’s impossible to not look cool eating one. For some reason, they’re relatively easy to obtain, even when the whole family shows up.

And there’s no wrong way to cook a turkey. We are lucky enough to have friends who let us use their state-of-the-art deep-pitting facility, and it’s hard to imagine a better way to go, but if you’ve ever had a deep-fried turkey, you know that they’re well worth all the scalded arms and faces that make them possible. Best of all, if you have any rednecks in your family, even the turkey necks and gizzards get eaten. There are three keys to redneck Thanksgiving: beer, turkey necks and lots of cousins.

Another traditional Thanksgiving foodstuff is sweet potatoes, and my wife will make a giant bowl of them. So will my mom, my mother-inlaw, and every other holiday traditionalist. And it has to stop. Sweet potatoes are nasty. They smell bad, and they taste bad. They even look gross. If you’d never seen or heard of a sweet potato, and you found one in your driveway, you’d scoop it up with a shovel and throw it in the trash. Then you’d hose off the shovel.

And don’t call them “yams,” because they’re not. They’re not even from the same family of plants. The sad truth is that so many people called the orange variety of sweet potatoes yams that the USDA just went along with it rather than explain the difference. It’s like calling Koalas “bears” or Taylor Swift songs “music.”

My wife told me decades ago that I didn’t like them because I’d never tried them “her way.”

And therein lies the truth about sweet potatoes. Her recipe, near as I can tell, calls for one sweet potato, 16 sticks of butter, 25 pounds of brown sugar and a hefty bag full of marshmallows. You could easily replace the sweet potato with mud or an old phone book,

COURTESY GASLIGHT MELODRAMA

Eric Tolley, Jay Stodder, Alexandra Hensler and Coryn McBride in “Santa Claus is Coming to Town.”

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.

D4

The Bakersfield Californian

Thursday, November 22, 2012

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Continued from page D1 attended many shows at the Dome over the years, said the venue’s change in operation will leave a big void.

“A lot of my favorite bands have played there, bands you couldn’t see anywhere else in town. Bands like the Cold Blue Rebels and D.I. from Los Angeles. I also liked how bands had a lot of opportunities, especially the younger bands, who could be on a lot of shows. Lots of memorable nights from a fan’s standpoint.”

Large enough to accommodate better-than-average draws, the Dome was small and accessible enough to meet the needs of more modest shows.

“I thought it was the best building in Bakersfield to hold rock shows of different sizes,” Madera said. “I invested my whole life here.”

The circular building’s first owner, Steve Strelich, opened the venue as Strelich Stadium in 1941 and hosted amateur boxing and championship wrestling events that kept the seats filled for 22 years. The building was then sold to a trio of new owners, including Jules Strongbow, who kept Strelich’s name on the building until 1976, when he renamed it after himself.

Eventually, Strongbow Stadium began operating as a church for Victory Outreach ministry for a number of years before closing down.

Enter Madera.

Following a massive remodel, the Dome began hosting a wide variety of events but became known mostly for live music.

The Dome has always had its critics, but there was no denying Madera’s commitment to testing out different ideas to attract business and attendance. I’ve spent many evenings and afternoons at the Dome and I can’t recall a moment when Madera wasn’t strolling the grounds to ensure that operations were running smoothly.

But though it was spacious, accessible and safe, sound quality was always hit or miss. The acoustics — thanks to the building’s high ceilings — were loud and boomy. Unless the act drew a full house, it was a bit like an echo chamber in there.

Plus, if anywhere south of 300 people showed up in the venue’s main hall, the place looked empty.

To address that problem, Madera held some shows in another of the Dome’s smaller rooms, equipped with a full bar and grill. During warmer months, there was an outdoor stage and a large grassy area.

Bakersfield High School senior Lily Lauria, 17, said shows at the Dome were always the subject of campus socializing among classmates. Among her favorites: rapper Afroman and Latin rockers Los Abandoned.

“A lot of people liked it better than Jerry’s Pizza because it had a lot of room.

I really liked the smaller room next door, where the bands would meet fans and sell their merch. Everyone’s parents would let them go to

a show at the Dome before they would let them go to a party on Friday night.”

Along with Madera’s son Pete, who operated his own in-house promotions company, outside promoters such as San Luis Obispobased Numbskull Productions and Bakersfield’s own Tim Gardea helped fill the roster of live offerings for years. Gardea put together the last big weekend for the venue, which kicks off with Saturday’s electronic dance/rave event, “Final Fantasy,” headlined by Los Angeles deejay Faith “Lady Faith” Leedman, one of the most sought after EDM artists in the nation. Classified as a “hard dance” performer, Leedman’s style is loud and hard-hitting with a booming bass.

Co-headlining is fellow Angeleno Justin Michael, who made a name for himself in the house music dance movement of the ’90s.

Michael’s latest collaboration, with vocalist A/J Jackson, blends big room synths, progressive house and contemporary electronica with soaring guitar solos and his signature rock-edge vocals.

Saturday’s show kicks off at 6 p.m. Tickets are $10 in advance or $15 at the door.

Also performing are deejays Angel A, Dirtymind, K-Lin, Lewcid and more. Advance tickets are available through flavorus.com.

Then on Sunday, it’s the “Farewell Forever Festival,” which resembles Gardea’s summertime Rockin’ Roots outdoor festival.

Headlining the all-day event is a collection of posthardcore, screamo and familiar electro groups that have at some point graced one of the Dome’s stages.

Among the bigger names are San Diego’s Pierce the Veil, Jonny Craig, Make Me Famous, Millionaires, Get Scares, Hands Like Houses, Young London, I Am King, Adestria, The Animal in Me, In Dying Arms, Stand Your Ground and City in the Sea. One of the acts originally scheduled to co-headline on Sunday was Riverside-based metal act Suicide Silence, but following the death of 23-year-old lead singer Mitch Lucker, who died from injuries suffered in a motorcycle accident earlier this month, the group will no longer be performing. In light of Lucker’s passing, a table will be set up to accept donations and stuffed animals to benefit an education fund in the name of Lucker’s 5-year-old daughter.

Doors open at noon Sunday. General admission tickets are $30 or $60 for the VIP experience. The Dome is located at 2201 V St. For more information, call 3270190 or visit timgardeapresents.com.

Madera added that in the coming weeks, smaller-scale shows may be added at the Dome, along with karaoke in the bar. For more information, call the Dome information line.

Let’s hear it for Buck The National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences,

home of the Grammy Awards, has just announced this year’s inductees for the 2013 Grammy Hall of Fame.

Among those making the list is the Buck Owens recording of “Act Naturally,” written by Johnny Russell and Voni Morrison.

The song became a No. 1 hit for Owens and the Buckaroos when it was originally released in 1963 (and covered by the Beatles two years later as the B-side of “Yesterday”). In 1989, Owens and Ringo Starr teamed up in the studio for a new rendition of “Act Naturally” that included a music video.

Owens’ recording of “Act Naturally” joins 26 other classics by Elton John, Billy Joel, and others being recognized at the 55th Annual Grammy Awards on Feb. 10 in Los Angeles. The Grammy Hall of Fame list currently totals 933 titles and is on display at the Grammy Museum at the L.A. Live complex in downtown Los Angeles.

Matt’s picks The English Beat at B Ryder’s, 7401 White Lane, Saturday, $20, all ages, 8 p.m., 397-7304.

British Two-Tone ska legends The English Beat are on a roll this year following a slew of releases: A killer box set, titled “The Complete Beat” that featured all three of their studio albums filled with extras; a CD/DVD set of their ’82 and ’83 US Festival concerts; and a new compilation, “Keep the Beat: The Very Beat of the English Beat.” Joining original lead vocalist Dave Wakeling is longtime Bakersfield drummer Rhythm Epkins, who’s been touring with the group for nearly two decades. My personal favorite English Beat album is “Special Beat Service,” with the singles “Save It for Later,” “I Confess” and “Jeanette.” Also appearing is Bakersfield ska band The Pragmatics. Highly recommended for working off Thanksgiving gluttony.

Kill Devil Hill at Narducci’s Cafe, 621 E 21st St., 6 p.m., Wednesday, $10, all ages, 324-2961.

I don’t consider myself the biggest heavy metal aficionado, but I do catch “That Metal Show” on VH-1 Classic every chance I get, and one thing I’ve learned is that metal fans live and breathe for their favorite bands. On Wednesday there will be no louder place than in the cozy confines of Narducci’s, when all-star head bangers Kill Devil Hill hit the stage featuring acclaimed drummer Vinny Appice (Black Sabbath, Heaven and Hell, Dio) and bassist Rex Brown (Pantera, Down) guitarist Mark Zavon (Ratt, WASP,) and lead vocalist Dewey Bragg.

The band’s self-titled debut album was released this past May and faired well on the Billboard heavy rock and Heatseekers charts. You can check out their video for the single “Strange” on YouTube.

Also appearing are local heavy rock outfits Vlad Arthur, Meditated Assault, Mother Puncher and more.

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26

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, November 29, 2012

Eye Street The Lowdown with Matt Munoz

Crooked Folk investing in future

PHOTO COURTESY OF ERIN MCARDLE

Bakersfield alt-rock trio Crooked Folk celebrate the release of their new CD (below) on Friday at On The Rocks.

of prospects, none of whom fit their sound.

Within a matter of a few rehearsals with Hinson, both Pacheco and McArdle knew Hinson’s audition would be their last.

“I could always count on Ryan’s groove,” said McArdle. “But Matt was like chop city once he started playing. He’s the guy fans said was ‘the one.’ Our fans have always fostered and helped develop us and we trust their input.”

Although Culberson had recorded 12 tracks for the new CD, the band had no plans to go back, re-record and replace them with Hinson, but instead chose to record a new song, “Zodiac,” during a few final sessions.

“Recording ‘Zodiac’ and adding it to the disc was the perfect choice,” Pacheco said.

McArdle agreed adding Hinson’s coda to the CD was very much in the spirit of the group.

“We’re closing a chapter in the band with this CD. Nobody’s perfect, we’re all a little crooked.

Embrace your abnormalities.”

“The name fits this band,” said Hinson. “Music is something I enjoy. It doesn’t have to be something physically in front of me.”

For Friday’s show, the band has a limited pressing of 100 copies of the CD, which features original cover art by Bakersfield artist Carlos Fierros and layout from author and cartoonist Erwin Ledford.

According to the band, the release will be available on iTunes and other digital outlets in the coming months. Local independent music promoter Patrick Spurlock is also giving Crooked Folk a big boost by campaigning heavily for the band.

“Trying to finalize the ‘Thank You’ list was probably hardest thing to do,” McArdle said.

I’m still absorbing the new CD from Crooked Folk, but after a few listens, I can share it has mixed elements of rock, jazz and funk, with a ’90s-style hot level mix on the B2 Studio production end. I don’t feel comfortable making comparisons in fairness to a band’s artistry, but for the

“Magical…glorious Irish music… Electric… pure joy… A great Irish night” – The Irish Herald

An Irish Christmas

Sunday, January 27th

Saturday, December 8th

This Saturday, December 1st

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.

sake of this review, this CD should appeal to fans of Wilco, Black Keys, Jane’s Addiction and Red Hot Chili Peppers. That’s an odd combination, but after hanging with the group and hearing about their influences, I could add a few more.

As a team, Pacheco and McArdle make a great match as equally proficient players with a knack for catchy grooves, especially on the opening tracks, “Cabbie,” and “Breathe,” just two of a number of strong early cuts. Culberson’s drumming presence make it clear of their well-established history, but Hinson doesn’t settle for backseat on “Zodiac.” It’s an honest and overdue debut designed for fans of the classic power trio that should carry over into the live arena with high intensity.

Friday’s show starts at 9 p.m.

Admission is $10 and includes a copy of the CD while supplies last. Also appearing are rising local trio Stocks and Blondz and pop punk legends the Lebecs. On the Rocks is located at 1517 18th St. For more information, call 327-7625 or visit facebook.com/ crookedfolk.

The Whammy hits B Ryder’s On Saturday, all-star rockabilly outfit The Whammy will be rantin’ and ravin’ over at B Ryder’s.

For the legions of local tattooed, pompadour-coiffed fans of the genre, this may be the closest things you’re going to get to realdeal rockabilly music. Sure, we’ve hosted numerous touring hybrid bands that branch out into styles with “billy,” added to the end of their description, but let’s not confuse people.

The Whammy features Stray Cats’ Slim Jim Phantom on drums and UK imports Jonny Bowler of Guana Batz on bass and guitarist Tim Polecat of rockabilly legends The Polecats. If those names sound familiar, it’s because all three are partly responsible for keeping the hearts of rockabilly revivalists alive and beating for decades.

“When we were kids in 1979 in New York, there was nothing like

Christopher Titus

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE WHAMMY

UK rockabilly guitarist Tim Polecat appears with The Whammy Saturday at B Ryder’s.

this going on the way it is now,” said Phantom, 51, whose given name is James McDonnell. “You had radio stations that played oldies, some old guys with old cars. We loved all that stuff, but nothing had any sort of edge of today’s rockabilly scene. I don’t think any of that existed prior to that time on the East Coast or before the Stray Cats put out ‘Built For Speed,’ in ’82. … The West Coast back then had groups like The Blasters who were playing some classic rock ’n’ roll, but it wasn’t like today with festivals like The Hootenanny in Southern California.”

The group set list include a variety of Stray Cats and Polecats songs along with rockabilly classics, some more obscure hits and Whammy originals.

Saturday’s show also marks the kick-off of a 12-date tour running through the end of the year. If all goes well, the band hopes to keep performing into next year.

“This is the first leg of the tour, so everyone who comes to the Bakersfield show will get to hear a lot of songs, a lot of ’em we’ll be trying out for the first time.”

Saturday’s all-ages show begins at 8 p.m. Admission is $10. Also appearing is Fatt Katt & the Von Zippers and Stella & the Steel Cats, featuring Bakersfield vocal newcomer LaShay Munoz. B Ryder’s is located at 7401 White Lane. For more information, call 397-7304.

Sunday, March 17th

A

fter putting the final touches on their long-awaited debut CD, the members of Bakersfield trio Crooked Folk are ready to celebrate its arrival this Friday with a release party at On the Rocks.

A project nearly three years in the making, the group’s name fits their reputation as consummate grassroots rockers. Not only have they played just about every dive and watering hole in town, but they’ve also taken the hardearned monies from those shows and put them back into funding the recording, production and packaging of their project.

Whether it be a $5 drop in the bucket or $50 and couple of free brews, guitarist and vocalist Ricardo Pacheco, 25, says every cent is accounted for.

“Getting paid has always just been a bonus for us. We’re happier to see our fan base grow with each show.”

Pacheco, bassist Scott McArdle and drummer Matt Hinson resemble a motley crew of Austin transplants with thick hair and laidback personas. Not to mention McArdle’s imposing beard that seems to be growing longer as our conversation treads along.

“I really want Crooked Folk trucker hats, with that mesh in the back,” said McArdle, 37, the veteran of the band who’s already logged in his share of live performing as a member of Bakersfield’s The Bird Channel and others. Hinson, 23, who joined the group last year replacing original drummer Ryan Culberson, was found via the Active Musicians in Bakersfield Facebook group.

McArdle compared finding Hinson to discovering a needle in a cyber haystack after auditioning a number

TICKETS AVAILABLE AT THE FOX THEATER BOX OFFICE, RUSSO’S BOOKS AT THE MARKETPLACE, EMPORIUM WESTERN STORE – 661-322-5200 – 888-825-5484 – FoxTheaterOnline.com – Vallitix.com

26

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, December 6, 2012

Eye Street The Lowdown with Matt Munoz

Punk’s past stays current here L

ocal gothic dance club night Heresy will be celebrating its one-year anniversary on Saturday at Riley’s Backstage with a phantasmagoric double bill fit for the occasion.

The show is co-headlined by local veteran dark rockers Burning Image, and attendees will be paid a rare visit by one of the dark queens of punk rock’s musical past, vocalist Dinah Cancer, performing with her band, 45 Grave.

Cited as one of the pioneering Southern California groups to mix the rebellious spirit of punk rock’s political screams with horror-themed lyrics and a spooky onstage image, Dinah Cancer — whose real name is Mary Simms — said Bakersfield has always held a warm but bittersweet place in her heart.

“I spent a few months in Bakersfield in my teens,” recalled Simms, 52, who answered our interview questions through email. “My mother sent me there to keep me out of trouble, but I would not say that it worked. I was back in Hollywood soon enough.”

Like New York’s The Cramps, who draped themselves in kitschy classic monster movie-inspired fashion, 45 Grave took their looks to more sinister depths after forming in Hollywood in 1979.

Donning skeletal white makeup and wild hairstyles, the group’s cadaverous look brought them immediate attention as did Simms herself, who, as one of the few female lead vocalists of her scene, proved to be

PHOTO COURTESY OF 45 GRAVE

Vocalist Mary Simms, aka Dinah Cancer, appears with her band 45 Grave on Saturday.

tough as nails.

“In the early punk days it was rough; you had to adopt a tough persona to protect yourself. One of the great things about the L.A. punk scene in the ’80s was that for the first time girls in bands were more than just sex objects.

We could be as mean, tough, vile or strong as we wanted to be.

That is still true today, but it is more of a choice. Back then we had to defer ourselves.”

Following the 1981 release of their first single, “Black Cross,” 45 Grave had positioned themselves as progenitors of the horror punk subgenre, along with bands like Christian Death, who prided themselves on shocking audiences with over-the-top theatrics.

“Part of the whole idea of 45 Grave was to be offensive to our audience. Paul Cutler (45 Grave’s original guitarist) loved to annoy the punks at the shows by playing heavy metal or surf rock. He was much more rebellious musically than any of the punks we played to. So, the more punk the crowd was, the more we wanted to play music they would hate. Why conform in front of non-conformists?”

Content with toiling through

the underbelly of the Hollywood music scene for a few years before calling it quits in 1985, the band coincidentally also scored a surprise break that year when their early single “Party Time” was chosen to be on the soundtrack to the campy zombie feature flick “Return of the Living Dead.” But despite the recognition, 45 Grave didn’t perform again until three years later.

“Party Time” remains the band’s biggest hit to date.

“There are actually seven versions of ‘Party Time’ in existence.

The original punk version is my favorite. The story is about the last execution by guillotine on record in France. I wanted to give the victim of this terrible crime a happy ending. So we throw her a party.

“By the time we redid the song for ‘Return of the Living Dead’ in 1983, it had changed into a slower, polished rock song. The original band was falling apart around the time the movie was released, so it was a bit of a schizophrenic time.”

Today Simms enjoys being recognized as an enigmatic figure and trailblazer.

“I see so many bands with strong female singers now and feel good that I helped open doors for them. I hear bands like Stolen Babies and feel a link. I get a lot of mail from young girls, musicians mostly. They ask for autographs and are just very appreciative. Nowadays it all comes to me on Facebook. I am not hiding in my haunted house, avoiding fans. Anyone can easily find me.”

Its latest album, “Pick Your Poison,” is classic 45 Grave, coinciding with the band’s inclusion in the Grammy Museum in Los Angeles as “early proponents of American Gothic Rock.”

“I was surprised to see that we are mentioned there,” Simms said. “It is about time we got that

Tomorrow Night!

Bob Weir with Special Guest Jackie Greene

This Sunday Night!

Saturday, February 2nd

Adam Carolla & Dr Drew’s Loveline Tour

Sunday, December 9th

This Friday, December 7th

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.

PHOTO BY JORDAN SCHWARTZ

Bassist Mike Watt of the Minutemen, pictured above in 1982, is one of the many artists featured in the book “We Got Power!”

kind of recognition. We are doing as many shows as we can right now. Part of that is this show in Bakersfield. We will be playing a mix of old and new songs. There should be something there for everyone, but only one version of ‘Party Time.’”

Saturday’s show begins at 9 p.m. Pre-sale tickets are available for $15 or at the door for $20.

Special VIP passes are available that include a meet-and-greet with both bands and early admission into the club. Space is limited. Riley’s Backstage is located inside Riley’s Tavern at 1523 19th St. Special entrance for this night will be available behind the club in the Wall Street Alley. For more information visit heresygothclub.com.

We Got Power A phenomenal new hardcover book, titled “We Got Power! Hardcore Scenes from 1980s Southern California,” was just published, and I was lucky enough to get my hands on a copy for review. It’s one monster of a book at 3 pounds and features a nicely puttogether compilation of historic photos and archived stories

pulled from the fanzine We Got Power that, from 1981 to 1983, was essential reading for following punk’s youthful underground.

It was created by then-teen publishers David Markey and Jordan Schwartz, who found themselves at the center of the DIY excitement with cameras in hand, a sense of humor and an even bigger sense of adventure. Among the book’s many highlights are the photos snapped at many of the shows around Los Angeles, Orange County, and beyond.

Among the bands featured with detailed captions are Minutemen, Suicidal Tendencies, The Gun Club and The Go-Go’s. A number of vintage We Got Power issues have been reprinted inside with original home typewriter text and cut-and-paste artwork. It’s the scene mainstream mags such as Rolling Stone and Creem were too frightened to cover.

The book also has extensive commentary and stories from those musicians who made the music and lived to tell the tale: Henry Rollins, Keith Morris, Chuck Dukowski, Mike Watt, Jennifer Schwartz, Tony Adolescent.

Please see LOWDOWN / 30

On Sale Tomorrow!

Friday, April 26th

Seminal LA act brings show to Bakersfield

On Sale Tomorrow!

TICKETS AVAILABLE AT THE FOX THEATER BOX OFFICE, RUSSO’S BOOKS AT THE MARKETPLACE, EMPORIUM WESTERN STORE – 661-322-5200 – 888-825-5484 – FoxTheaterOnline.com – Vallitix.com

30

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, December 6, 2012

Eye Street NUTCRACKER: CONTINUED FROM 20

audience doesn’t notice,” she said. “I know that Kristin has changed the lifts in the Arabian Dance.

A few things remain constant, however, such as the story on which the ballet is based, “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King,” a fantasy written two centuries ago

by E.T.A. Hoffman.

“We keep to the traditional story line and try to keep things the way the audience expects them to be,” she said.

“Things like the cannons going off during the mouse scene — the kids love that.”

Characters on stage One scene that audiences find intriguing features a character called Mother Ginger, an adult dancer who glides onto the stage wearing an enormous hoop skirt. Under the skirt are about a dozen very young children who remain hidden until they pop out in twos and threes. And what most audiences don’t know is that Mother Ginger is actually a “he,” not a “she.”

“Mother Ginger is always a male dancer,” Trueblood said. “The dress is very heavy and we have to have a strong guy to do it. This year it’s Marvin St. Pierre.”

Nothing about this particular scene is random. It’s all choreographed, even the steps they take underneath the skirt.

“It’s very dark under there and the children can’t see,” she said. “They load up one at a time offstage; and they have to pull up their dresses so they’re in their laps and then crawl with their knuckles on the floor.”

LOVELINE: CONTINUED FROM 27

we’d all be quiet and with my digital clock in the front of me in the studio I’d count the seconds. I knew from doing the show and from dealing with a lot of stupid people that there’s an OSHA safety mandate that says the low battery chirp on smoke detectors has to go off between 20 and 30 seconds. I know that because I’ve timed hundreds of them over the years.

They’d deny it the first time I asked, then admit it was in the bedroom and has been doing that since they moved into the apartment seven months or longer.

They’ve been sleeping in a bedroom with a smoke detector chirping for months.

How far out of it can a person be? The answer is pretty damn far.

Our local boys, Korn, used to be guests on “Loveline” fairly often. Did rock stars give good relationship advice?

Korn, good guys, but almost no good relationship advice comes from rock stars.

Every once in awhile you’d get Dicky (Barrett) from the Mighty Mighty Bosstones,

LOWDOWN: CONTINUED FROM 26

I was entertained by the show reviews that spare no detail about sneaking by nightclub bouncers, police harassment and uncensored rants from the frontlines.

Mind you, these were kids. Essential reading for music historians and old punks who still own their original high school vinyl copy of Black Flag’s “Damaged” with the SST Records order form, filled out but never sent.

“We Got Power!” is available for special order in Bakersfield at Russo’s Books, Barnes & Noble, and through a number of online outlets, including Amazon.com. For more information visit

Katie Walsh performs during rehearsal.

Evidently practice makes perfect. Trueblood said it’s so well-rehearsed that there’s never been a mishap during a performance.

For ballerinas, the Sugar Plum Fairy is the most coveted role in the “Nutcracker.”

This year Shelby Hagelstein has the part.

Her partner is Austin Erwin as the Cavalier.

The part of Clara, the little girl who is led into the magic kingdom by the Nutcracker Prince, David Moreno, is double cast. Jenai

Art (Alexakis) from Everclear, or the Bad Religion guys, but for the most part the rock stars were stoned out of their gourds and couldn’t string together a sentence.

What do you think of “Loveline” today?

I like everyone who’s involved with the show now, but I’m not in my car at 10 p.m. anymore. If I am, I’d definitely be listening.

If I’m at home, I’m in my bathrobe watching TV probably. I travel so much that all I do is try to get caught up with my TiVo’d shows. I’ve done the new “Loveline” show a lot times, and it’s good. It’s not as good as when I was hosting, but it’s still good.

How will you be re-creating the “Loveline” show live at the Fox? Drew and I are gonna have to get together and figure that one out. Before, we used to do Q&A, in between good “Loveline” stories, but we’ll split it up between walking down memory lane then talk with the audience, which is what people usually want. A fair bit of Q&A for sure to keep the audience engaged. They’re gonna love it.

wegotpowerbook.com.

Matt’s picks Classic Punk Show at Sandrini’s, 1918 Eye St., Friday, $5, 9 p.m. 322-8900 It’s a live musical tribute to the era that brought you the Circle Jerks, Dead Kennedys, Bad Brains, TSOL, GBH, The Exploited, The Damned, Misfits, The Clash and more. Dust off your old leather jack with the faded “Anarchy” symbol, your oxblood-colored Doc Marten boots and mind your moshpit etiquette. Also appearing are KSVG indie radio deejays Jake Chavez and Greg Looney spinning vintage vinyl between sets.

ALEX HORVATH / THE CALIFORNIAN

Katelyn Deaton, Megan Baytosh, Olivia Davis and Jessica Wollesen perform during a “Nutcracker” rehearsal at Civic Dance Center.

Wilcox and Katie Walsh alternate in the role during the four performances.

And once again, Cindy’s agile husband, Kevin Trueblood, age 56, will appear as Herr Drosselmeier, Clara’s godfather, who gives her the toy Nutcracker.

Today and Friday morning the auditorium will be filled with schoolchildren from all parts of Kern County who have bused in

to see the ballet. Each child pays $3.50 for the abbreviated performance, which lasts about 45 minutes.

“We’ll have close to 5,000 kids and many of them have never been to the auditorium or heard the music,” said Alice Oden who works in the symphony’s business office.

“You should be there — they’re just in rapture.”

Go & Do Today 10th annual Holiday Lights at CALM, daily 5:30 to 9 p.m., through Dec. 31, 10500 Alfred Harrell Highway. $12; $10 seniors and youth 3-17; $6 kids 3-12.

872-2256.

30th annual Bakersfield Christmas Parade, 6 p.m., at 22nd and L. 637-2323.

Bakersfield “Black Hole,” Raiders vs. Denver Broncos, 5:15 p.m., Pizza Bob’s, 2100 Alta Vista.

Bingo, warmups start at 5 p.m., with early birds at 6 p.m., regular games at 6:30 p.m., Volunteer Center of Kern County, 2801 F St. Starts at $20. 395-9787.

Holiday Shopping Flurry, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday through Saturday; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Bakersfield Discovery Shop, 5420 California Ave. 324-1359.

Visit with Santa, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Valley Plaza, 2701 Ming Ave. 832-2436.

Friday 23rd annual Chez Noel Holiday Home Tour, (more on Page 28).

7th annual “The Magical Forest,” presented by BARC; Grinchmobile, photos with Santa, 6 to 9 p.m.

Monday through Friday; and 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday and

Sunday. $5 adults; $4 seniors; $3 children; ages 5 and under are free. barc-inc.org or 71-MAGIC. Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra, presents “Nutcracker Ballet,”(More on Page 20).

Barry Manilow, 8 p.m., Rabobank Arena, 1001 Truxtun Ave. $7.99 to $123 plus fee. ticketmaster.com or 800-745-3000.

First Friday Downtown, (more on Page 22).

Guild House First Friday, music by Ken Fahsbender and Larry Peal, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Guild House, 1905 18th St. $10, includes light appetizers, dessert, one glass of wine. 325-5478.

Pearl Harbor Remembrance Ceremony, 9:55 a.m., Union Cemetery, 730 Potomac Ave. 333-9774.

Pearl Harbor Remembrance Ceremony, 12:15 p.m., Veterans Memorial Site, Truxtun Avenue and S Street. 333-9774.

Pearl Harbor Remembrance Ceremony, 3 p.m., Minter Field Air Museum, 401 Vultee Ave., Shafter.

333-9774.

Tehachapi Symphony Orchestra, featuring selections from Handel’s “The Messiah,” and the Gloria from Bach’s B minor Mass, 4 p.m., Country Oaks Bap-

tist Church, 20915 Schout Road. Free. 821-7511.

Winter Playground, ice skating, Santa Claus, face painting and craft room, 6 to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, San Joaquin Community Hospital Ice Center of Bakersfield, 1325 Q St. $11.

852-7404.

Saturday 16th annual Holiday Classic Jr. Steer & Heifer, 8 a.m. Saturday and Sunday, Kern County Fairgrounds, 1142 S. P St. Free. 833-4934.

“An Irish Christmas,” 7:30 p.m., Bakersfield Fox Theater, 2001 H St. $38.50$58.50. vallitix.com or 3225200.

Book Signing, with coauthor Patti Blystone of “Desserts First: A Complete Cookbook,” 3 to 5 p.m., Russo’s, 9000 Ming Ave. 665-4686.

Cat Adoptions, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., or by appointments, Petco, 8220 Rosedale Highway. $65 includes spay/neuter, vaccines and leukemia testing. 327-4706.

Christmas Craft Fair, hosted by Bakersfield Women’s Club 500; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Southwest Lanes, 3610 Wible Road. Free.

Email gigideegan@att.net, 832-3846.

Please see GO & DO / 31

30

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, December 13, 2012

Eye Street The Lowdown with Matt Munoz

3 chances to rock the holidays Trio of shows promise to be wallet-friendly

T

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE GROWLERS

The Growlers will headline the hipster rock cavalcade tonight at Elements Venue.

tage of a two-for-one admission deal before 6 p.m. Gardea will be collecting toys for the Bakersfield Homeless Center. Every unwrapped toy donation gets you a free beverage ticket.

The Elements Venue is located at 3401 Chester Ave. For more information visit tgptix.com.

Beat Surrender Anniversary On Friday night the post-dining dance floor at Sandrini’s will be the scene of some mad boogaloo shuffling when monthly funk, soul, and disco deejay night, Beat Surrender, returns to celebrate its fifth anniversary.

Hosted by Bakersfield vinyl enthusiast Alex “Moustache” Rodriguez, Beat Surrender is held the second Friday of every month. It’s become one of the most popular destinations for

dancers and record junkies who enjoy kicking off the weekend with a shimmy shake.

“We just want to promote a good time to good tunes you can’t hear anywhere else in Bakersfield,” said Rodriguez, 33, who by day trades and sells rare and vintage collectible records of all genres. “It’s also free to get in, so anyone can try it.”

With an offer like that, how can anyone refuse? Over the years, I’ve attended many Beat Surrender nights, getting my groove on like nobody’s watching.

Rodriguez knows his mixes, too, throwing down more than 80 classics a night from Vernon Garrett, Cold Blood, Marva Whitney, Ester Williams, James Brown, Spanky Wilson, Malo, and more.

His music comes direct from crates lined up against the wall,

Gloria Gloria Trevi Tr ev i

PHOTO BY NATALIE RODRIGUEZ

Bakersfield deejay and promoter Alex Rodriguez hosts this month’s Beat Surrender.

and all the records are in nearpristine playing condition.

“I thought it would last a couple months. I never expected it to make it to five years,” he said.

“I’m just happy to see some of the same people there since day one.”

Rounding out this trio of Christmas shenanigans is the highly anticipated Krab Christmas show coming to the CSUB Dore Theatre on Monday.

This year’s lineup couldn’t be more Bakersfield-centric. Topping the list are the Cali reggae dudes Dirty Heads, and Sublime with Rome’s Rome Ramirez, along with Baltimore pop punkers Ballyhoo, and Los Angeles dream pop act Blondfire.

“This is our fourth Christmas Show, and like the Free 4 All in the summer, it’s our way of thanking our listeners for their continued support,” said Krab radio personality Danny Spanks.

Blondfire vocalist Erica Driscoll, whose group is currently Please see LOWDOWN / 31

Merle Haggard Monday, February 4th

Saturday Night!

Monday, December 24th

Saturday, December 15th

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.

KRAB Christmas Show

Saturday, April 13th

hose worried about missing out on all the holiday show hoopla should pay close attention to a trio of shows guaranteed to be easy on the wallet.

Let’s start with tonight’s hipster rock cavalcade headlined by Southern California quintet the Growlers at Elements Venue.

This will be the group’s second visit this year after appearing at On the Rocks in the middle of the sweltering summer. According to some friends who attended that show, the band lived up to its live reputation as purveyors of “beach goth music,” a psychedelic blend of surf guitar, reverb vocals and bizarre poetics from vocalist Brooks Nielsen.

The group’s upcoming CD, “Hung at Heart,” should please listeners who quickly jumped aboard the Growlers’ fun wagon since they formed five years ago, but also appeal to those looking to broaden their daily playlists.

Check out some of the band’s previous recordings and creative homemade music videos on YouTube for a quick catch-up.

As with all of promoter Tim Gardea’s shows, there are plenty of opening acts to enjoy or plug your ears and take a break from at the bar. Slated for this show are Sam Flax, the Burning of Rome, Western Medicine, Dr. DeVito, The Coriolis Effect, Chunrun. All bands are scheduled for 25- to 30minute sets, so be on your toes.

Tonight’s show kicks off at 6 p.m. Tickets for the allages concert are $17.50 and available at the door. Ticket buyers can take advan-

In addition to the thousands of records in his home collection, Rodriguez said he has plenty available for public consumption, including a consignment deal at In Your Wildest Dreams vintage store in downtown. If that’s not hardcore enough, the curlylocked spinmeister also runs an independent music label through his website, avecvinyl.com, plus hosts ’80s deejay dance night, “Wax On,” held every third Friday at Sandrini’s.

“I can’t remember the first record I bought; probably some punk seven-inch in 1994. The first vinyl record that really had a major impact on me was the Angel Hair seven-inch on Gravity records. I bought it in 1995. That record put me on the path, which led me to where I am now. Yes, I still have that exact copy. Let’s just say I own too many to ever listen to in my lifetime yet not enough to satisfy my vinyl addiction.”

Also taking a turn at the tables this night will be deejays OMS, Octavious Sunflower and Biddhu.

Beat Surrender spins off Friday beginning at 10 p.m. Admission is free. Sandrini’s is located at 1918 Eye St. For more information, call 322-8900.

On Sale Tomorrow!

TICKETS AVAILABLE AT THE FOX THEATER BOX OFFICE, RUSSO’S BOOKS AT THE MARKETPLACE, EMPORIUM WESTERN STORE – 661-322-5200 – 888-825-5484 – FoxTheaterOnline.com – Vallitix.com

31

Thursday, December 13, 2012 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street

Stroke impairs hand of Merle’s former pianist

BY JENNIFER SELF Californian lifestyles editor jself@bakersfield.com

Mark Yeary, an alumnus of Merle Haggard’s legendary band, The Strangers, is recovering from open-heart surgery and a stroke that has impaired the pianist’s right hand. But Yeary said in a telephone conversation Monday from his Tucson hospital room that doctors predict he will regain full use of his hand.

“I’ve been able to move it all along,” said Yeary, 60. “It’s just the small motor skills, coordination. But the more I mess with it, the more it’s coming back. I catch myself doing something I couldn’t do yesterday.”

Yeary is in Arizona playing in a Merle Haggard tribute act fronted by the legend’s son Marty and expects to be back for the New Year’s Eve show at the Paramount Theatre in Casa Grande, Ariz.

“I’ve been playing for so long, I don’t really need to be 100 percent,” said Yeary, who still appears in local clubs during his frequent trips to Bakersfield. “The strength is the main thing. Playing the songs is no problem.”

Yeary began experiencing chest pains the afternoon of Nov. 15 but performed a scheduled show with a different band he plays with that night, said his girlfriend, Leticia Mollers.

“I picked him up from playing a show at 12:30 in the morning and from there we went to ER,” she said.

It was during the Nov. 29 surgery, Mollers said, that doctors believe Yeary suffered the stroke, but the severity couldn’t be evaluated until he emerged from sedation days later.

As for his rehabilitation, Yeary — who

FELIX ADAMO / THE CALIFORNIAN

Mark Yeary, former keyboard player for Merle Haggard, is seen in his home studio in 2003.

underwent open-heart surgery at age 7 because of a valve defect — has committed to eating better and giving up his beloved Pepsis. He’s already hard at work on his musical therapy, thanks to a small keyboard in his hospital room.

“I was really lucky,” he said.

Friends and fans have been calling, emailing and expressing concern on social networking sites, an outpouring that has astonished the couple. Even Merle Haggard, who hired Yeary just a couple of years after his graduation from East Bakersfield High, took the time to call and offer his encouragement.

“He told me to hang in there — the usual stuff,” Yeary said.

LOWDOWN: CONTINUED FROM 30

on a busy promotional jaunt in support of their latest single, “Where the Kids Are,” says being on the road during the holidays is always a bit rough when you’re apart from family and friends, but says these shows are worth the benefits.

“We’re either in a van, flying or carrying our gear. It’s fun and you gain more fans, but I’m looking forward to a little downtime before we go crazy next year.”

Blondfire has been making waves on the indie charts since dropping “Where the Kids Are,” a catchy radio-worthy number oozing with the pop sweetness of early Cardigans and current Metric. On a scale from 1 to 10, I’d rate it a solid 8.

“Everything has been so amazing. There are so many bands out there and to have people notice your music and take note of it is amazing to us. We just write stuff that we love, and have fun doing it. We’ve been working hard for a long time,” said Driscoll, who revealed the band’s new fulllength CD is being prepped for release soon.

Asked what her Christmas gift wish would be, Driscoll’s original answer was modified through a direct message to me on Twitter just minutes after the end of our interview.

“I want our song to keep rising on the

Christopher Titus

PHOTO BY ELIOT LEE HAZEL

charts, and a massage.”

To score tickets to Monday’s free concert, radio listeners can tune in to 106.1 KRAB Radio to win, or visit the station’s website at Krab.com for information on the text-to-win contest and special drawing for front row seats plus meet-andgreet. According to Spanks, only 484 lucky winners will be admitted to the show.

Doors open at 6 p.m. on Monday; showtime is 6:30 p.m. The Dore Theatre is located on the CSUB campus, 9001 Stockdale Highway. For more information, call 3229929 or visit Krab.com.

Jackson Browne

Sunday, January 27th

Thursday January 31st

CLINT BLACK

Coasters, Drifters & Platters

Saturday, February 2nd

Blondfire are one of four acts appearing at the KRAB Christmas Show at CSUB on Monday.

Christopher Titus

Brian Regan Sunday, April 14th

Sunday, March 17th

DARIUS RUCKER Friday, April 26th

Brian Setzer Thursday, December 20th

TICKETS AVAILABLE AT THE FOX THEATER BOX OFFICE, RUSSO’S BOOKS AT THE MARKETPLACE, EMPORIUM WESTERN STORE – 661-322-5200 - 888-825-5484 FoxTheaterOnline.com – Vallitix.com

22

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, December 20, 2012

Eye Street The Lowdown with Matt Munoz

Punk’s past is present with X B

lue sparks are sure to fly when iconic Los Angeles punk band X returns for what’s become an annual postChristmas shindig at Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace on Wednesday.

This marks the group’s third holiday visit to Bakersfield in as many years after returning with a vengeance to the world of live touring with original members John Doe, Exene Cervenka, Billy Zoom and D.J. Bonebrake.

Still performing regularly to sellout crowds on their own — plus high-profile opening slots for bands like Pearl Jam — the group continues rolling on their own terms with the vigor of a band half their age.

“X has its own path already,” said Cervenka, 56, during a phone interview last week a few hours before showtime in Philadelphia. “We have a group of people we work with, and so it’s easy to go back and do it every once in a while. But, it’s grueling being on the road, physically and emotionally. I’m in the van. I still love it.”

A pioneering band from the ’70s Hollywood punk underground, X originated with one foot in the present and the past: razor edged, but laced with vintage rock ’n’ roll rebelliousness.

Their lyrics told stories of life among the urban decay of Southern California accompanied by melodies that evoked the spirits of their rockabilly

idols. Cervenka’s unique vocals matched with Doe established them as a musical force previously unheard.

As the Ramones did for the East Coast, X was interested in writing honestly about the West Coast, which Cervenka said was commonly portrayed inaccurately by those reporting from the outside.

“My first apartment when I moved to Venice, California, was $180 rent a month. People didn’t need cars as much, it wasn’t as crowded, people could find each other. There was no Internet or cellphones. Some people had home phones, but not everybody.

Nobody had television or cameras. There wasn’t any MTV or videos back then and really no record labels.

“But somehow across the country and in Los Angeles, everyone found each other and made these communities, and it was interesting. It was hard to find. It was like a secret society in a good way, and whoever could find it was in. If you could find it, you were welcome. Everyone belonged — young, old, all kinds of people from all over the place. It had its own energy source, and a very strange, powerful thing.”

That reality is what she says came up missing in early films such as Penelope Spheeris’ 1980 account, “The Decline of Western Civilization,” which attempted to capture the L.A. punk experience during a particularly turbulent period. A striking image of Cervenka was prominently used to promote the film, but she admits to only having seen the film once.

“It just wasn’t accurate of what that was like back then. It was a sensationalized version of what that filmmaker wanted to portray.

It was a very big scene. It was a lot of interesting people and a lot of

PHOTO BY HOLLY CARLYLE

Exene Cervenka performs with X at Buck Owens' Crystal Palace in 2010.

X with Jonny 2 Bags and Salvation Town When: 7 p.m. Wednesday Where: Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace, 2800 Buck Owens Blvd.

Admission: $18.50 to $24.50, plus service charge Information: 328-7560 or vallitix.com

compassion, sisterhood, brotherhood. You know, it was a real complex situation and it didn’t really come across to me in that movie. It served to perpetuate all the violence that was coming up at the time and to make it more so. It kind of created a culture of

Saturday, February 2nd

Christopher Titus

Thursday, January 31st

Sunday, January 27th

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.

violence around punk, which I think was kind of a death note for it. I saw it when it came out; that’s pretty much enough for me. It didn’t serve a purpose for the people that were in it; however, it did introduce people to a whole radical way of thinking and a different world.”

She said the film and other contemporary accounts of the music scene missed the prominent and empowering role of female musicians had in punk bands during that period.

“It wasn’t a sea of crazy boys.

There were women in a lot of bands, and also it was like an audience of women and men.

The Bags had women, The Controllers, the Go-Go’s, the Germs, The Motels, and then there was us and bands that came through like Blondie. Anybody that wanted to take a turn could be in a band.”

Cervenka suggested many of today’s pop artists take a cue from the past as she did when she began performing.

“I like the women who were just singular, singing and songwriting, like Patti Smith, Donna Summer, who were amazing because of what they possessed inside. I don’t see that much nowadays with a lot of girl singers, and a lot of girls in good bands have this really terrible need for some reason to be sex objects. It’s like they’re insecure about their insides. All they are is an outside body, and that’s kind of sad to me. Also, that scene wasn’t about who was in the band, it was about who was there and hanging out. There were tons of women, fanzines, everybody did everything back then. It was really good.”

It’s a particularly reflective time for Cervenka and X, what with the Please see LOWDOWN / 23

Sunday, March 17th

Seminal LA band still going strong long after heyday

TICKETS AVAILABLE AT THE FOX THEATER BOX OFFICE, RUSSO’S BOOKS AT THE MARKETPLACE, EMPORIUM WESTERN STORE – 661-322-5200 – 888-825-5484 – FoxTheaterOnline.com – Vallitix.com

23

Thursday, December 20, 2012 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street ONLINE EXTRA

PHOTO BY FRANK SULLIVAN

Sublime with Rome’s Rome Ramirez performs at the KRAB Christmas Show at the CSUB Dore Theatre on Dec. 17. See more photos at Bakotopia.com.

LOWDOWN: CONTINUED FROM 22

looming 30th anniversary of their major label debut, “Under the Big Black Sun.” But Cervenka isn’t confident that the history of punk will ever be told accurately. But that’s not the point anyway.

“They can romanticize it, but they can never romanticize it enough to express how incredibly romantic it was. I don’t mean like a boy-love-girl kind of romantic, but I mean in a bigger, historical sense, where serendipity and things are just so magical and weird and preposterous and crazy.”

Opening will be Social Distortion guitarist and vocalist Jonny “2 Bags” Wickersham and his band, Salvation Town.

Savage Radio After a few test runs, Bakersfield independent terrestrial radio station 89.7 FM KSVG launched its first official broadcast on Monday.

Co-founders Jake Chavez, 45, and Greg Looney, 40, both of Bakersfield, had dedicated themselves to bringing the nonprofit station to local airwaves, applying for their broadcast license five years ago, then following that up with a lengthy run of paperwork, construction, meetings and inspections.

“We’re bringing people back to radio, which is cool,” said Chavez. “We’re actually

helping the other radio stations in town by bringing them back to listening, too. Everyone will benefit.”

After meeting their FCC signal test deadline on Nov. 5, Chavez said it’s been an ongoing process to get the station fully licensed. Powered by an antenna stationed 28 miles south of Bakersfield near the foothills of Arvin, the station can only go live from noon to midnight.

“It’s more of a beam directed toward us than a cloudburst antenna reaching a wider range. With the FCC, the broadcasting hours could change at any time.”

Following a blast from the station’s Facebook page on Monday, the low hiss coming from the assigned frequency was soon replaced by the hard-rocking sounds of “All My Friends Are Dead” by the band Turbonegro, into a mixed bag of tracks by hardcore heroes The Refused, UK singer Morrissey and others.

KSVG currently has 15 revolving DJs lined up to fill time slots with mixed, format-free playlists and specialty shows with a concentration on indie and college rock.

Under its nonprofit status, the station hopes to raise funds to expand the airwave reach of KSVG. Chavez invites Bakersfield to give it a test listen and offer some feedback.

“Right now, we need the people to support us, so we can grow.”

ValleyPBS will be off the air today ValleyPBS will be off the air in Kern County for approximately six to eight hours today, starting at about mid-morning, according to ValleyPBS media release.

This will affect broadcast on all Val-

leyPBS channels in Kern County: ValleyPBS-HD, Valley Create and Valley Vme. The public programming station will be making a transmitter tower move on Mount Adelaide.

Assistance League of Bakersfield

Thanks

Its many sponsors, donors, vendors, volunteers, and guests who generously supported the 2012 Chez Noël Holiday Home Tour. This support ensured a successful event and enables us to continue and expand all our philanthropic programs.

• Operation School Bell® • Operation Hugs • Operation Opportunity • Operation Share • Assistance League Scholarship Program • Operation Seniors

Assistance League® of Bakersfield puts caring and commitment into action through community based philanthropic programs A d C o u rt e s y O f : G R I M M WAY FA R M S

24

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, December 27, 2012

Eye Street The Lowdown with Matt Munoz

All over the map with local music alumni Josh Graham (guitar) and singer Rick Russell. A clever collage of country imagery from the opening track of “I Remember the Music,” on through “Dirt Road,” to the fun-loving spirit of “I Oughta Own this Bar” and “Cowboy Thing,” the duo received a hearty welcome back from fans during the Kern County Fair.

Variety and talent abundant this year

I

Names to watch

PHOTO BY RYAN SANDERS

Cidona, from left: Mike Jamison, Brock Beeney, Melissa Lucas, Josiah Frazier.

the public domain archive of avant-garde filmmaker Maya Deren projected behind them during performances.

Speaking of jazz, I’d be remiss if I didn’t make mention of keyboardist Jay Smith’s bizarre freeform jazz trip into the unknown with his debut CD, “Unashamed Portrayal.” Previously reviewed by this writer as “raw, loose and at times exhausting,” in hindsight I feel that maybe I was a bit rough on Smith. I gave it a few more listens — this time, with jazz ears.

As I told Smith myself, though I stand by the original review, after four full-length listens I have to commend him on his unflinching commitment to his concepts of jazz, which could be debated until we all turn “kind of blue.”

Smith really grew on me this year, and if you haven’t heard this guy

play yet, make a point to find him.

Taking a creative risk was local singer/songwriter Joel Jacob, who blessed us with a quietly released new praise and worship digital EP, titled “Here Comes the Light.”

Joel never ceases to amaze me when he jumps into action, and if you enjoyed his last CD, “Makeshift Motive,” as much as I did, you’ll be right at home here.

Highly recommended for those in need of a spiritual boost, whether you’re the churchgoing kind or not.

There were also strong new debuts and releases from Choirs, Catastrophist, Crooked Folk and The Volume, all of whom kept the flame burning on the indie rock scene. Not to be outdone was the lone local country release, titled “Get Lucky” from Lucky Ned Pepper, featuring Smokin’ Armadillos

Darren Gholston Doubletree Hotel

Saturday, February 2nd

New Year’s Eve Dance and Concert with

Thursday, January 31st

Monday, December 31st

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.

Following a life-changing trip to Nashville’s Music Row this year, the wild-eyed good ol’ boys of Good Question changed their name to Truxton Mile and continued making their mark, filling up venues and restoring the country music faith with legions of Bakersfield and Taft fans. Forging ahead with their new identity, the group is now focused on putting the finishing touches on their long-awaited debut CD. Youthful reggae newcomers Amity Flow have also been a solid hit since their introduction this year, gaining exposure as the opening act on numerous local shows. They’ve got style and a vibe to match their easy-flowing, conscious grooves. After pushing their free demo at every show, they plan to give fans a full-length release by the early spring.

Cassadee Pope Among the many interviews I conducted this year, one of my favorites was with singer Cassadee Pope, whom the nation now knows as the season three winner of “The Voice” on NBC. Back in February, a few months before auditioning for the show, Pope was just another independent artist looking for a break, headed to, of all places, the Jerry’s Pizza basement.

At the time of our conversation, Pope was sharing an apartment in Los Angeles with a number of other aspiring musicians — little money, but rich with ideas for a self-funded solo acoustic tour she hoped would keep her on the road for a year after her kickoff show at Jerry’s.

KSVG Radio Another big highlight to help this year end on a promising note was the arrival this month of local independent terrestrial radio station 89.7 FM KSVG “Savage Radio.” Since the launch two weeks ago, the founders have shown positive strides, keeping the flow of their “antiformat” format consistently entertaining.

One moment I’m hearing Iggy Pop, and then Bakersfield band The Architecture, then it’s on to Jimmy Cliff and Let’s Go Bowling.

As of now, their signal is heard best in the downtown area, but according to co-founder Jake Chavez, they should be expanding their broadcasting reach within a few months.

Well, folks, that’s all for now as we put the lid on another great year of local music and art. It was a pleasure meeting all the new talent and hearing from those vets keeping the heartbeat of our scene pumping. Please keep sending me those demos and show announcements.

Cheers to another great new year!

Sunday, March 17th

t was a seriously eclectic year for new local music, with nearly all of this year’s independent releases standing uniquely on their own.

A few were stronger than others, but, as I predicted, listeners were given a fruitful pick of standout offerings, beginning with Bakersfield alt-rock quartet Cidona, which kicked off the year in style with a thoroughly wellproduced, five-song EP, titled “Credulity.”

Accompanied by a striking music video for their single “Falling,” a song about the struggles of addiction, vocalist Melissa Lucas proved her range of abilities on record as a passionate rock vocalist. As with many early releases, “Credulity” could have gone overlooked by the masses, but thanks to the group’s idea to treat fans to a new acoustic digital download-only release in October, Cidona reminded us of their youthful energy.

This was also the year I was introduced to the music of Funeral Club, featuring the remarkable husband-and-wife team of Joseph and Jenny Andreotti.

Haunting, dark and romantic, their music defied category on the local scene with a cool mix of Ennio Morricone spaghetti western sounds and vintage Euro-jazz elegance. The unconventional blend of Joseph’s parlor and baritone guitar, synthesizer and percussion, with Jenny’s ethereal vocals, also drew me to their live show, which featured vintage film clips taken from

“I’m starting from the ground up,” she told me during that interview, including a plan to shed the tomboy image she had as the lead singer of pop punk band Hey Monday. The Jerry’s show was sparsely attended, mostly by those who were fans of Pope’s former band.

Fast forward to September, when Pope was introduced to the nation as a contestant on “The Voice,” along with singer Rudy Parris from Visalia, whom I also profiled a number of times.

Together they made beautiful music on coach Blake Shelton’s team, but after weeks of competition, Pope would be crowned the winner, the youngest and the first female contestant to win on the show.

Maybe Parris should have tried getting some of that lucky Jerry’s Pizza mojo before the competition.

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