The Lowdown with Matt Munoz / 2013 by Matt Munoz

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, January 3, 2013

Eye Street The Lowdown with Matt Munoz

Music scene rockin’ on in 2013 Talented people need a plan to succeed

t’s always reassuring that just a few days into a new year my email inbox is already filled with good news. I’m talking about new introductions, event reminders and a glimpse into what we can expect this year in Bakersfield’s music scene. I have to admit, I’m still reeling by how we managed to end 2012 on such a high note, and when I sat down to write my first column of the year, my lingering New Year’s glow had me stumped on where to begin. So, the big question is: How in the world do we follow that up? The answer: Stay busy. Just because it’s January, doesn’t mean we should be sleeping on the job. Keep rehearsing, write new material, book shows, and make promoting your work beyond your comfort zones a priority. Think about expansion. One of the things I’ve learned over the years is that the attention span of local music and art enthusiasts tends to be very short. If you’re a veteran, you should already know this. If you’re new to the scene, begin a checklist of short- and long-term monthly goals. It’s all easier said than done, but trust me, the benefits of having a plan will offer you the balance you need to stay in tune with your creative and business aspirations. You don’t have to drive yourself to the brink of madness either. Find what works in every area of your daily to weekly operation in small doses

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE BIRD CHANNEL PHOTO COURTESY OF GRANT LANGSTON

Grant Langston and the Supermodels will perform Saturday at Trout’s.

between online social networking (Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, etc.) and the real world (fliers, posters, guerilla promotion and marketing.) The amount of technology today allows even the most impatient novice the chance to become a shining example of marketing. I have no predictions, only enthusiasm. Let’s have a great year, shall we?

Grant Langston at Trout’s When you’re born and raised in a small town in Alabama, chances are you’re fed on a strict diet of deep-fried turkey and country music. So what do you do? Embrace it and strap your bulging belly into a tight pair of Wranglers, or do you get the heck out of Dodge to discover your inner vegan and rock ’n’ roll? Well, alt-country wildman Grant Langston may not have discovered the joys of soy, but he knew he loved a good power chord when he heard one, and headed out West to Los Angeles to make his name. And he did, becoming a driving force in the ever-growing Southern California country music scene.

The Bird Channel appears at B Ryder’s on Friday.

Over the years, Langston has also been a frequent visitor to Bakersfield, traveling to absorb some local mojo with his band, the Supermodels, and make numerous live appearances, plus he also recorded a live CD, titled “Live In Bakersfield,” at Fishlips six years ago. He makes a return to Bako on Saturday, this time to raise a ruckus across the river at Trout’s for a special concert filming for the local Rockwell Opry TV music show which airs weekly free on Bright House. Langston’s burning new release, “Working Until I Die,” was produced by sound wizard Paul Q. Kolderie, who’s worked with everyone from Radiohead to the Mighty Mighty Bosstones, and will most likely be musically represented after the first lick kicks in. If you haven’t seen Langston in action before, don’t cheat yourself any longer. Saturday’s showtime is 6 p.m. Also appearing is Dakota Drummond and Trout’s house pickers the Blackboard Playboys, who go on after Langston, playing until close. Trout’s is located at 805 N. Chester Ave. Admission is $10. For more information, call 3996700.

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 HMBSMS

He’s My Brother She’s My Sister is one of a number of nationally touring acts already confirmed to appear in Bakersfield this year. The indie quintet will play Elements Venue on Jan. 18.

Upcoming shows This year’s live music schedule is already looking pretty impressive, so be sure to keep these shows on your radar in the coming months: He’s My Brother She’s My Sister and Jenny O at Elements Venue on Jan. 18; Expendables at B Ryder’s on Jan. 20; Kyle Gass Band at Elements Venue on Feb. 2; Fat Tuesday Party at Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace on Feb. 12; Iration at B Ryder’s on Feb. 21; Reckless Kelly at Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace on Feb. 23; Reverend Horton Heat at B Ryder’s on March 9; St. Patty’s Day Shamrock Shindig at On The Rocks on March 17; Murs at B Ryder’s on March 26; and D.R.I at Jerry’s Pizza on March 29.

Matt’s picks Phantom Stranger Showcase at B Ryder’s, 7401 White Lane, 9:30 p.m. Friday. $5. 397-7304. This meeting of acts from our area’s roots, rock and indie folk scenes offers a great way to get reacquainted with some familiar friends. Starting off with Bakersfield’s

Crooked Folk who ended last year with a big bang and new CD, plus the return of Mama’s Kitchin from Frazier Park, another fine jam-oriented outfit, whose latest disc “Wide Open” is still available and worthy of attention. Also on the bill is The Bird Channel, who, for most of last year, worked hard at focusing attention on finishing up some new recordings while also establishing a solid live presence at both all-ages venues and nightclubs. You can check out the group’s newly released single, “She’s Got The Keys,” at their website reverbnation.com/thebirdchannel. Dub Seeds at On The Rocks, 1517 18th St., 9 p.m. Saturday. $5. 327-7625. After taking a month off, Bakersfield reggae rock trio Dub Seeds is ready to get back to business with an irie vengeance. Still glowing from the welldeserved spotlight as The Californian’s “Standout Band” of 2012, they’ve got an even bigger year ahead. If your New Year’s party hangover has finally worn off, don’t worry, you can start all over at this show.

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, January 10, 2013

Eye Street The Lowdown with Matt Munoz

She’s got melody, he’s got lyrics Together, they’re the new pop duo Arizonity

hoosing the right band name can be as difficult as formulating the right musical chemistry among artists. Not for Bakersfield folk pop duo Arizoni-

ty. First introduced as the Arizona Teas through a series of homemade YouTube videos, percussionist Josiah Frazier and guitarist/vocalist Hannah DiMolfetto promptly changed their name to Arizonity to avoid legal trouble. “We realized real quickly that could be a copyright infringement. So, we changed it to the next best thing. People always asked us, ‘What does the name mean? It’s so deep.’ No, it’s not that deep. We like Arizona Tea. Arizonity is the closest thing we could do without going to jail.” Within just a few months of forming, the duo opens for post hardcore outfit The Hollowed at The Dome on Saturday. “Writing music together works really well with us. I’m a big lyric person and she’s big on melody,” said Frazier, 24. “We also have the music that Hannah has had for years.” Frazier may be familiar as the former drummer for Bakersfield alt-rockers Cidona. After leaving the group last year to pursue his latest project full time, he hasn’t looked back. “I wish them nothing but the best,” he said. “Their new drummer, Diego Barrientos, is a fantastic musician. I’m really happy for them. They got a lot of talent.” DiMolfetto, 20, who’s been performing around Bakersfield since her teens, is another well-known face from the coffeehouse and all-ages circuit. She also knows a thing or two about the benefits of the economics of music, growing up around the family business, Rosedale Music in Bakersfield. “This project was originally about me looking for musicians on my solo project, but when Josiah and I started playing music together, we really liked what we found,” she said. Between DiMolfetto’s back catalog of original material and Frazier’s collaboration, they’ve already begun making headway. Last year, they auditioned for “American Idol,” where they made it to the second round of unaired segments before being sent home. Then in November they auditioned for “America’s Got Talent.” According to Frazier, they should be receiving news from the show’s producers as to the results of their latest attempt. “The auditions were fun, but we’re really working hard on

PHOTO BY LEE IBARRA

Bakersfield drummer Cesareo Garasa, pictured above performing at Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace on Dec. 31, has started a new Facebook group for local drum enthusiasts to exchange ideas.

“It can be really hard sometimes and crazy, but overall we both want the same thing. We both love music and have this completeness when we play with the harmonies and the drums.” To stay in the loop on Arizonity’s progress, visit facebook.com/arizonitymusic, or put in a search on YouTube. Saturday’s showtime is 6:30 p.m. Also appearing are Eyes on the Skyline, Far From Forever. Admission is $10. All ages. The Dome is located at 2201 V St. For more information, call 327-0190.

Active Drummers in Bakersfield

PHOTO BY DAVID CADENA

Arizonity appears Saturday at The Dome. Pictured from left are Hannah DiMolfetto and Josiah Frazier.

recording a new EP and concentrating on the business end of things. What I learned in Cidona is that you need to have something for people to get a hold of and we really want to make sure it sounds good before we get it out there.” DiMolfetto said the group is looking to add a backing group of musicians; however the marketing focus will remain on her and Frazier, who happen to be a romantic item offstage.

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.

You may have heard the cruel jokes about drummers… What's the last thing a drummer says in a band? “Hey guys, why don’t we try one of my songs?” Or: How do you get a drummer to play quieter? Put a chart in front of him. Ouch. Well, local drummers in need of some group therapy now have a place to be themselves, thanks to the new Facebook group Active Drummers in Bakersfield. Bakersfield drummer Cesareo Garasa, who teaches and performs with several local and out-of-town groups, started the group, saying that drummers often are misunderstood. “Drummers have this real special bond between each other, not like guitarists where it’s always a competitive thing,” said Garasa, 39. “When drummers show you pictures of their kit, it’s like they’re showing you proud pictures of their kids. I’ve never met one drummer that’s said, ‘I hate playing drums.’” Garasa said he was amazed at how quickly the group has grown in just a little more than a week since its activation.

“It took on a life of its own. Right now, you’re getting all these people talking shop. A lot of these guys won’t meet each other in the scene, but you put them in a room together and things just go. Drummers are very open to other drummers.” A recent visit to the group revealed that drummers of all ages had already posted photos of their own drum kits, as well as videos of themselves and their favorites performing. “I like people posting videos of themselves, training videos, and what they’re practicing. Community and education, everyone gets a chance to throw their two cents in.” The group, found by putting in a search on Facebook, is free to join and comes with only a few restrictions. If you have a knack for drumming and geeking out with fellow musicians over the latest and greatest techniques and equipment, consider yourself cordially invited. “This is for drummers and percussionists in Kern County and those sympathetic to what we do. Once they start posting spam, they’re out. This is for talking about drumming and music with drummers.” Though Garasa said everything’s been positive so far, he wouldn’t be surprised if some negativity creeps in since musicians tend to be sensitive about their art. “No one’s said anything bad. No arguments yet. There’s something about us drummers, because we get to beat stuff up for fun. We don’t stay mad for long. Besides, apathy and complacency is not needed in the scene.”

Bluegrass blowout We received a nice note from Kelvin Gregory, organizer of the Great 48 bluegrass event held last weekend in Bakersfield: “The walk-up ticket sales for the showcase and the Rhonda Vincent concert were fantastic. The leukemia charity did very well and we raised approximately $4,500 for them, and Rhonda was a sell-out. Without the support of you and the Bakersfield Californian I doubt that we could have done as good. This is what I like about Bakersfield — people help each other out.”

Matt’s pick Tanked at Riley’s Backstage, 1523 19th St., 8 p.m., Saturday. Free. If there’s ever a book written on Bakersfield punk rock in the ’90s, Active Ingrediants would certainly be deserving of their own chapter. Performing for more than a decade, the trio released a string of underground favorites for a loyal fan base, both independently as well as through Beer City Records, a tiny label based out of Milwaukee. But as with most young bands, age and responsibility usually pull the brakes on the fun. After a few breaks and reunions as Active Ingrediants, members Scott Burton, Dennis Harrison and Jeremy Cravens have returned as Tanked, performing steadily at local watering holes just like the good ol’ days. They’ve also been recording new tracks, which can be previewed online at reverbnation.com/tankedband. Also appearing on the bill are Metal Fatty and Bedlam. Sounds like the perfect date night.

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, January 17, 2013

Eye Street The Lowdown with Matt Munoz

Jenny O. on verge of much bigger things H

ow do you measure success in the music business today? Unless your name is Adele or Justin Bieber, you can count out music sales. For Los Angeles singer-songwriter Jenny O., who boasts some serious bragging rights worth a dream mansion or two, the only way to measure any level of success is by staying on the minds of listeners. Praised repeatedly in various music rags as the “next big thing,” the soft-spoken multiinstrumentalist said it’s a claim she’s become accustomed to ignoring. Rather than cast her faith into delusions of grandeur, Jenny O. promises nothing but the musical truth when she opens for fellow Angelenos He’s My Brother, She’s My Sister at Elements Venue on Friday. “I have no idea what it means to ‘blow up.’ I’ve had songs in car commercials, but it doesn’t mean anyone knows who you are. It’s just background music. So while millions of people may hear your music, it doesn’t necessarily mean anyone is going to know who you are. It’s really relative.” Choosing the onstage

moniker Jenny O. to avoid pronunciation problems with her very Italian surname, Ognibene, many listeners may also recognize her name from the 2011 Buddy Holly tribute album, “Rave On.” The album, which also featured covers from ex-Beatle Paul McCartney, Fiona Apple, The Black Keys and Lou Reed, gave her a break most artists can only dream of. “Randall Poster, the music supervisor who put that together, was a fan of my music and asked me to put a song on there. I didn’t actually believe that they were going to put the song on there, because they had sent me the list of who was going to be on there and what songs were taken. So I had to find a song that wasn’t taken and sent it in thinking, ‘Yeah right, they’re going to use it.’” It was good news for the struggling artist, but that was nothing compared to her parents’ reaction miles away in Long Island after seeing her cover of Holly’s “I’m Gonna Love You Too,” in the track listing. “Finally, I was on something that was in Starbucks. That translated well because sometimes I’d call home and say, ‘Hey, I just sang back-up for this person,’ or ‘I just did this cool thing,’ and they would say, ‘I don’t know who any of those people are or what that is.’ But, then when it’s right in front of them in their local Starbucks, that’s when it really hit home.” Despite that breakthrough,

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE EXPENDABLES

Santa Cruz reggae rock quartet The Expendables appears Sunday at B Ryder’s.

Jenny O.’s career rolled on with the occasional bonus round of gigs performing at SXSW showcases in Austin, Texas, opening for troubadour legend Rodriguez, a tour with Leon Russell, and all in the name of beloved exposure and expanded listenership. “Maybe there are media experts out there who quantify how many people are talking or listening to you. It’s not completely clear when something happens, how far it reaches or registers with people.” Online videos have also proved to be an invaluable resource. Check out the homemade video for the song “Well Ok Honey,” found at YouTube. Financed and produced by the performer with money raised through a Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign, the three-minute short was filmed on a Canon Digital Rebel Xti camera with help from some dancing friends and a lot of DIY grit. If critics were looking for an

Saturday, February 2nd @ 8 pm

Saturday, January 19th @ 7 pm

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 JENNY O.

Singer-songwriter Jenny O. appears Friday at Elements Venue.

example of true, indie hipsterdom, this gem of a video takes the cake. “My camera had died, so the new one I got had video capability on it. I decided to make it by myself, and that’s what we came up with. Just me and my friends in Northern California being ourselves.” Jenny O.’s upcoming full-

length release, “Automechanic,” will be released on Feb. 5. The album’s first single, “Dope Van Gogh,” can be heard at her website, jennyo.com. Doors open at 7 p.m. Friday. Admission is $11. The all-ages show will also feature The Bird Channel. Elements Venue is located at 3401 Chester Ave. For Please see LOWDOWN / 29

Monday, February 4th @ 8 pm

Singer-songwriter to play Bakersfield

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

Thursday, January 17, 2013 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street

‘Zero Dark Thirty’ director defends scenes of torture THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

LOS ANGELES — Director Kathryn Bigelow defends torture scenes in her Oscar-nominated film “Zero Dark Thirty,” saying torture was an undeniable part of the hunt for Osama bin Laden after the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. The film opens by declaring it’s based on firsthand accounts of actual events. But Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., and other lawmakers criticized the film as misleading for suggesting torture led to the location of bin Laden. Lawmakers asked Sony Pictures to attach a disclaimer that the film is fictional. “Experts disagree sharply on the facts and particulars of the intelligence hunt, and doubtlessly that debate will continue,” Bigelow wrote in the Los Angeles Times on Wednesday. The comments were Bigelow’s most explicit reaction to the controversy so far. “As for what I personally believe, which has been the subject of inquiries, accusations and speculation, I think Osama bin Laden was found due to ingenious detective work,” she continued. “Torture was, however, as we all know, employed in the early years of the hunt. That doesn’t mean it was the key to finding bin Laden. It means it is a part of the story we couldn’t ignore.” “War, obviously, isn’t pretty, and we were not interested in portraying this military action as free of moral consequences,” she added. Bigelow wrote that torture was part of the story and the backlash may be misdirected. “I do wonder if some of the sentiments alternately expressed about the film might be more appropriately directed at those who instituted and ordered these U.S. policies, as opposed to a motion picture that brings the story to the

MARK J. TERRILL / AP

Kathryn Bigelow accepts the Oscar for best achievement in directing for “The Hurt Locker” at the 82nd Academy Awards in 2010.

screen,” she wrote. Last week, Sony Pictures co-chair Amy Pascal responded forcefully to a “Zero Dark Thirty” anti-Oscar campaign waged by Ed Asner and other Hollywood actors, saying “to punish an artist’s right of expression is abhorrent.” Bigelow and “Zero Dark Thirty” screenwriter Mark Boal had said previously that they “depicted a variety of controversial practices and intelligence methods that were used in the name of finding bin Laden. “The film shows that no single method was necessarily responsible for solving the manhunt, nor can any single scene taken in isolation fairly capture the totality of efforts the film dramatizes,” they said.

LOWDOWN: CONTINUED FROM 26

more information, visit timgardeapresents.com.

The Expendables at B Ryder’s Not to be confused with the bigbudget action flicks, Santa Cruz quartet The Expendables continues its reign over the California reggae scene with a mix of tropical influences, metal, punk and ska. An odd combination, but those elements are what make this musical hybrid style such a hit with young and old audiences. Sublime is long gone, but thanks to a new breed of acts filling the void, it now boasts its own festivals solely dedicated to the genre. The band’s latest release, “Gone Soft,” is an allacoustic album of older material showing an even softer side to the foursome, sure to please new and longtime fans with its signature Expendables edge. Catch this show for a break from the local freeze. Opening the show are Fortunate Youth and Dub Seeds. Sunday’s showtime is 8 p.m. Tickets are $15 and available at B Ryder’s. B Ryder’s is located at 7401 White Lane. For more information, call 397-7304 or visit numbskullshows.com.

Matt’s picks 26 Angels Benefit at Elements Venue, 3401 Chester Ave., 3 p.m. Saturday. $10. All-ages show. The outpouring of sympathy continues for those affected by the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut, and now Bakersfield adds its support. Envisioning a show of music, love and goodwill, local veteran musician and tattoo artist Marc Deleon planned this all-ages show that kicks off at 3 p.m. Saturday. The gathering will feature a cross-section of bands from nearly every local

genre, from pop and indie to metal, classic rock and more. Bands set to appear throughout the day include Lucky Stiff, The Easy-In, Lions Named Leo, Crooked Folk, The Cretins, Arizonity, Right Cross, Hossbruten, Mother Puncher and Secret VI. The benefit will also feature a special appearance by Los Angeles electro rockers Otto’s Daughter, whose music has been featured on The Discovery Channel and TV shows “The Vampire Diaries” and “Gossip Girl.” Giveaways and raffles will be held throughout the day. All funds raised will benefit the United Way’s Sandy Hook School Support Fund. Relay For Life Benefit at Sandrini’s, 1918 Eye St., 9 p.m. Saturday. $5. 322-8900. It’s been awhile since we’ve heard from Bakersfield singer-songwriter Landen Belardes. After his well-produced EP “Listen” in 2010, he’s kept a lower profile making strides in the underground scene. Fans of his work can get good glimpse into what Belardes has been up to at this Relay for Life benefit. Also on the bill is Bakersfield band The Nature, whose catchy tune “Oceans” could help propel them to another level — if marketed properly. It’s a little Death Cab For Cutie-ish, but definitely worth a repeat listen (check it out at facebook.com/thenaturemusic). You should hear more from The Nature throughout the year. Opening the show is area mystery band Ebenezer State of Mind, whom I’ve never heard of before but deserves kudos for coolest band name of the year. Bakersfield artist and community activist Jorge Guillen will also be giving away a special new work of his just for the occasion. All funds from this show will go to benefit Bakersfield Relay For Life.

Buy One Dinner & Get One Free

STEAK HOUSE

DINE IN ONLY. Maximum value of $11.00 only. One coupon per table or party. Not valid with any other offers or holidays. Expires 1/31/13.

NON-TRAVELING Join in on the FUN! Volleyball Program for 3rd - 12th graders

Buy One Lunch & Get One Free

STEAK HOUSE

DINE IN ONLY. Maximum value of $7.00 only. One coupon per table or party. Not valid with any other offers or holidays. Expires 1/31/13.

All practices will be on the Bakersfield College Campus in the Main Gym Sign up anytime. January - May. We offer Sibling Discounts!

Uricchio’s would like to thank you for your continued patronage and we look forward to serving you in 2013! We will be Open Monday, Jan. 21st.

Recommended by Pete Tittl

Lunch: Mon-Fri 11-4:30 Dinner: Mon-Thurs 4:30-10; Fri & Sat 4.30-10:30 2515 F Street • 661-322-9910 • www.kcsteakhouse.net

Visit: kernrivervb.com to register or Call club director Jennifer Nickel-Romero at

342-8182 for more info

For your convenience we now offer validated parking during lunch hours at Superior Parking Garage on 18th & K Streets

661-326-8870 Located at 1400 17th Street, on the corner of 17th and K Street

www.uricchios-trattoria.com

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, January 24, 2013

Eye Street The Lowdown with Matt Munoz

Rockers test their chemistry Holy Beast celebrates new album release

he rehearsal suite belonging to Bakersfield progressive rock quartet Holy Beast is exactly what you’d expect from a busy band’s work space. Instrument cases and guitar amps line the wall, skateboards are scattered around, a giant Radiohead poster is tacked up for inspiration, not to mention other hodgepodge items like drums, fast-food wrappers, a girlie calendar by the restroom door. The indoor climate so frigid you could store slabs of beef all winter. For a split second I thought I was back in college. “Sorry about the directions,” said drummer Alejandro Tuesta, 30, as we sat down with his bandmates: bassist Carlos Contreras, guitarist Edy Hernandez, and vocalist Chanell Hall. “Is it too cold in here?” Very, but fans shouldn’t expect any shivers — at least temperature-related — when the group launches into a night of musical chaos in celebration of their new four-song EP, titled “Dream Caused by the Flight of a Bee Around a Pomegranate a Second Before Awakening,” at On the Rocks Saturday. “We’re really excited about this because it’s something we put a lot of heart into,” said Contreras, 26. “And we haven’t played together in months.” For the uninitiated, Holy Beast’s introduction into the Bakersfield music scene begins with Tuesta and Hernandez in 2010. Both fans of The Mars Volta and Radiohead, the originally formed a jam-oriented duo. But it soon became clear they would need to find musicians to help further expand their own complicated vision of thinking man’s rock. “In the beginning, we were all instrumental,” said Tuesta. “But after awhile, it was like, ‘Who’s going to play along with this?’” Enter Hall and Contreras, who both answered an ad on Craigslist placed by the duo. “I thought, ‘Oh God, what if they’re weirdos,’” recalled Hall, 22, of her initial phone

conversation with Hernandez. “I didn’t know what to expect.” Hall, who’d never been in a band before, had always had dreams of being a performer. She jumped at the chance to meet with the guitarist, agreeing on a safe and suitable meeting place: Starbucks. “You can scream there,” laughed Contreras. Following a brief audio preview of some ideas the two had already tracked, Hall agreed to a vocal audition. Through the wonders of technology, she sent Hernandez a recording of herself singing along to a demo of their song “Elephant Orchestra” with lyrics pulled from poetry she’d written. “It was perfect,” recalled Hernandez, 24. “I knew right there we were going to work together.” That excitement didn’t last long. Hall abruptly left on what she described as a “soul-searching” journey to Hawaii, much to the disappointment of Contreras, who’d spent three lengthy rehearsal sessions with the band. After playing with a number of local salsa, jazz and reggae acts over the years, Contreras wasn’t interested in starting from the ground up again. “These guys were down for anything, and I wanted to be in something that was already on its way to being established,” he said. Hall’s subsequent return to Bakersfield put the band back into an intensely creative period for the newly anointed Holy Beast — a name inspired by the book “House of Leaves” by Mark Z. Danielewski. Through most of 2011, the group performed weekly, finetuning their sound in downtown clubs and cataloging any and all ideas for further arranging, all the while releasing music previews to the public for feedback. The band also records their weekly rehearsals. “There is no real writing process between us, just good communication,” said Hernandez. “It’s more like therapy.” The combination of Hernandez’s guitar arrangements and solos, matched with Contreras well-trained ear and Tuesta’s drum balance, is as erratic as it is entertaining. The Mars Volta, one of the band’s biggest influences, is heard throughout their work, and Hall’s vocals are tailored perfectly for Holy Beast’s musical

PHOTO BY JOSEPH MICHAEL RUIZ

Bakersfield progressive alt-rockers Holy Beast celebrate the release of their new EP on Saturday at On the Rocks. Pictured, from left: Carlos Contreras, Chanell Hall, Alejandro Tuesta and Edy Hernandez.

fabric, threaded in syncopation. “There’s a pattern to what we do, because that’s what’s developed between us. We know when changes are coming,” said Tuesta, who also films and produces short-form music videos for the group. His two-part video for the song “Sangre de Pulpo” can be seen on YouTube. This is the point where I normally insert my quick review, but after spending extra time with the group, I asked various members to instead offer up a brief synopsis of each track on “Dream.” Opening with “Sasquatch Machine,” Hall said the song’s lyrics reflect a transformative period from her life that came full circle once she joined the band. “I’m really dramatic when it comes to describing my feelings, and I can do that a lot with this band. These lyrics are about that feeling of being between a rock and a hard place, looking for guidance.” Tuesta expressed a similar sentiment in paying tribute to his musical roots with the drum opening of “Xuxa.” Born and raised in Peru, Tuesta said the spirit of his homeland was very much present at the time of the recording. “When I was a kid, I listened to a lot of Brazilian music, so this

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 NOA AZOULAY-SCLATER

Acclaimed singer-songwriter Nicki Bluhm & The Gramblers appear Sunday at B Ryder’s.

was my take on their Bossanova mixed with a Peruvian-style beat. I wanted to combine them.” On “Jerry Garcia,” Hernandez said the well-traveled jam begins and ends at home on an instrumental solo theme. “I remember just being in my room alone jamming with a lot of time on my hands, trying out different loops and effects, recording them and adding more space to record some more.” The EP’s closing track, “Queen of Whales,” begins with the sounds of soothing ocean waves before launching into a midtempo, interchangeable drive anchored by Contreras.

“I wrote the intro at home, because when I play alone it’s always different. The energy here is also different because of the odd timing. My experiences with all the bands I performed with taught me about various concepts of rhythm. ” Recorded and mixed by engineer and musician Justin Martin, the project was co-produced and mastered at Hard Drive Studios in Los Angeles by famed engineer Doug Messenger. Sealed with cover art work by Hall, “Dream Caused by the Flight of a Bee Around a Pomegranate a Second Before AwakenPlease see LOWDOWN / 28

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, January 24, 2013

Eye Street

Local organists land big honor Registration opens for June convention BY SUSAN SCAFFIDI Contributing writer

hil Dodson has had many roles in his long musical career — director of music for First Baptist Church, director of Bakersfield Masterworks Chorale and organist, among many others — but it’s his latest position, as coordinator of this summer’s regional convention for the American Guild of Organists, that has him the most busy and excited. “After this, I just might throw away my computer,” Dodson said. From June 22 through 27, the Kern County chapter of the AGO will host organists and guests from Utah to South Korea and Australia for a week of workshops and performances. Members of the local chapter have been working on the convention since their application to host the event was accepted over two years ago, lining up presenters and performers, plus hotels and local trans-

HENRY A. BARRIOS / THE CALIFORNIAN

Phil Dodson, director of Masterworks Chorale, poses in a period costume at the Bakersfield Museum of Art in 2007 prior to directing the annual performance of Handel’s “Messiah.”

portation, restaurants and sponsors. Now the chapter is ready for attendees to register. “We’re online now and the Christmas season is over, so we’re

just seeing registration coming in,” Dodson said. The official convention occurs June 24 to 26, and includes professional workshops on performance, teaching, managing local chapters and other professional development topics, with registration required. There is a young artists’ competition in which student performers throughout the region can compete for prize money and a command performance. Professional performances before, during and immediately following the convention are open to the public. Among those performing and presenting are such internationally-recognized artists as Hector Oliveira, Christoph Bull, Robert Tall, Fred Swann, Eileen Guenther, Allan Petker, Angela Craft-Cross and many others. “We have some extraordinary, gifted, world-class artists coming to our convention, from all over,” Dodson said. The Kern County chapter of AGO belongs to their Region 9, which stretches from Utah to South Korea and Australia, and is part of the 25,000-member international guild. Dodson said the

interest in the organ has spread so far in part because of the recent investment in the instrument in major concert venues around the world. “There are extraordinarily beautiful new instruments in the symphony halls all over the world,” Dodson said. Dodson pointed to Disney Hall in Los Angeles as an example, which was designed to include a pipe organ. “Literature for the organ and orchestra is limited but it is beautiful,” Dodson said. “Those halls are also used for choral concerts and organ recitals.” So how did Bakersfield become the center of gravity for performers from over half the world? Dodson said one of the selling points for Bakersfield was the availability of a variety of exceptional instruments from the very traditional to what he called the “bleeding edge” of technology — including an American classic organ at Olive Drive Church, a Baroque organ at St. John’s Lutheran Church, an English organ at St. Paul’s Anglican Church and the latest digital hybrid instruments at First Pres-

‘Mad Men’ to start new season on April 7 BY MARTIN MILLER Los Angeles Times

LOS ANGELES — April may be a little less cruel this year for “Mad Men” fans as the highly acclaimed period drama is set to return for its sixth season Sunday, April 7. Creator and executive producer Matt Weiner made the announcement to a handful of journalists Tuesday afternoon, with the information embargoed until Wednesday morning. Fans looking for hints about where the AMC show’s penultimate 13 episodes may be headed will be disappointed, however. Weiner, who said he was in the middle of writing this season’s eighth

LOWDOWN: CONTINUED FROM 24

ing,” (also the title of a 1944 painting by Salvador Dali) will be available for purchase at Saturday’s show for $5 or for online download through the band’s website, holybeastmusic.com. “I hope listeners see the pictures that we’ve painted in these songs,” said Hall. Saturday’s showtime is 9 p.m. Admission is $5. Also appearing are local indie quartet The Nature and downtown troubadour Chris Carton. On the Rocks is located at 1517 18th St. For more information, call 327-7625.

Nicki Bluhm & The Gramblers San Francisco alt-country singer songwriter Nicki Bluhm makes her Bakers-

episode, was characteristically tightlipped about details. “I’m not really prepared to talk about the new season specifically right now,” he said. “The show will be advancing in time. I can’t say how much. It will be more than a week.” But the show runner of the four-time Emmy winner for best drama still had plenty to add. “We ended up with a story this season that seems very related to what our anxieties are right now,” he said. “The show seems to tap into an internal state that is based on anxiety, a loss of national selfesteem, an alienation that has been cre-

ated from technology and a turning inward from the things you can’t control to the things you can.” The show will have a special two-hour premiere, which Weiner likened to a movie. “It has a lot of foreshadowing,” he said. “It will answer a lot of questions of where we left off last year. I’m really very proud of its mood.” Weiner confirmed that after this season there will only be 13 more episodes before the series ends. It’s still unclear whether those final 13 episodes will be aired consecutively or split into two parts.

field debut Sunday at B Ryder’s. Although Bluhm has been performing for years with husband Tim Bluhm of Northern California Americana rock heroes, The Mother Hips, she became a viral video sensation last year with the release of her “Van Sessions” cover song series. Their cover of Hall & Oates’ “I Can’t Go For That” reached over a million views during its first week on YouTube. “It was a just a cool way to pass the time while we were on tour,” said Bluhm during a recent phone interview before a show in Alabama. “Touring is what makes a band real. You have to go out and reach people in person and play your music for them because, really, we want to get our origi-

nal music out to people. The “Van Sessions” were a great kick-start to let people know who we are, but that’s not really what we do.” Bluhm’s voice is as soulful as it is country, and with a tour that will keep them on the road most of this year, the rest of America should be catching on, beginning with Sunday’s show. “I actually used to date somebody from Bakersfield,” recalled Bluhm. “That was a long time ago.” Sunday’s showtime is 7 p.m. with opening act Rainbow Girls. Admission is $10. All ages admitted. B Ryder’s is located at 7401 White Lane. For more information, call 397-7304 or visit numbskullshows.com.

byterian Church and First United Methodist Church. Regional coordinator Leslie Wolf Robb, who will be one of the presenters at the convention, said that like the usual host cities such as San Francisco and San Diego, and the much smaller Kern County chapter had to prove it had the resources — instruments, active members and finances — to host a conference. Robb said the local group has proven they may be small, but they’re mighty. “They’re hard-working, extremely enthusiastic and very proud to show off the organs in their area,” Robb said. Robb said guild members are becoming increasingly excited about the convention and are getting a very different impression of Bakersfield than they may have had. “I think most people didn’t have a clue that Bakersfield had an organ that was once at Harvard,” Robb said. “I don’t think our members thought of Bakersfield as a destination place.” “(The committee) has got some wonderful things planned, and I think it’s going to be great,” Robb said.

‘9 TO 5’: CONTINUED FROM 23

curb in order to focus on her dreams. Her powerful performance drew notable applause from the nearly full audience on opening night. With such a moving number, it’s easy to understand why playwright Patrick Resnick chose to end Judy’s story with writing a best-seller on being single (rather than marrying the Xerox salesman, as her character did in the movie). All three women hold their own musically, but acting-wise, this is Burdick’s show. From a brief scene with her son at home to a borderline-slapstick hospital adventure, she dominates the stage with wisecracks and knowing mannerisms and a little razzle dazzle, as seen in the dancing performance for “One of the Boys.” This workplace comedy proved big on the laughs, but some of those unintentionally undermined the drama. The audience couldn’t help but be amused by supporting actress Leslie Lane who, as office alcoholic Margaret, amusingly handled a hidden flask. Unfortunately, that happened while Resolme sang of her hopes to rebuild her life in “I Just Might.” Overall, though, the comedy was well-timed, especially as Mr. Hart lusts for Doralee in “Here for You” and his assistant, Roz (played by Tamara White), lusts for him in “Heart to Hart.” White pushed her performance to the edge of camp but avoided going over the edge. Additional credit goes to Rowlee, who performed for the last quarter of Act 1 with a problematic mic. Her voice still rang out in the theater, only fading when more than one person sang or spoke. One final note is that if you’re interested in dinner and a show, reserve your seats in advance. Space may be available the day of the show, but you’ll probably be out of luck to snag a meal.

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, January 31, 2013

Eye Street The Lowdown with Matt Munoz

No Gass shortage in Bakersfield Jack Black partner back with new show

usicians on break from their most high-profile project usually go out of their way to avoid comparisons when pursuing new avenues. In the case of musician and comedian Kyle Gass, most famous for his work with actor Jack Black in the acoustic rock duo Tenacious D, the only way to truly go incognito is to stay in a perpetual state of reinvention or lay low until Black decides to return to music. So Gass mixes it up. Bakersfield has been privy to two of his projects: country sendup Trainwreck and Band of Bigfoot, both of which made regular stops at Fishlips. Now Gass and his latest cavalcade of merrymaking misfits make their long-awaited return to Bakersfield, this time simply as the Kyle Gass Band at Jerry’s Pizza on Saturday. Accustomed lately to performing at more intimate locations — including those with a rougher clientele than the posh theaters and arenas where Tenacious D performed — Gass, 52, said he doesn’t mind smaller venues, especially when he’s backed by the “mighty KGB.” “This is much better than most of those bands,” said Gass when asked about how the KGB measures up to previous projects. “We also put Trainwreck behind us.” Coincidentally, Gass performs on the exact date at Jerry’s that reigning “The Voice” champ Cassadee Pope appeared last year. Asked if he was hoping to absorb some of that winning mojo for himself, Gass said he has other plans during their stop. “Not sure who that (Cassadee Pope) is, but we’ll be

supplying our own magic, thank you very much. One thing we do want to absorb while we’re there is pizza.” Gass will be joined onstage by Los Angeles studio session buddies John Konesky, John Spiker, Nate Rothacker and Mike Bray, all of whom have backed Tenacious D on a number of occasions. Mixing classic rock, punk and whatever else the band feels in the mood to shred on, KGB’s level of talent almost guarantees the Jerry’s basement will reach summer sweat levels from both the stage and crowd energy. Gass is always optimistic that Black will show up someday (he hasn’t yet, at least not to any Bakersfield shows), but asks locals not to hold their breath, and instead look forward to new music from Tenacious D coming soon. “Its top secret and we’re not allowed to talk about it, but there are some big things on the horizon. Actually, if you buy the new Kyle Gass Band album when it comes out, you’ll find it’s laden with hints about the secret goings on with the D. Paul is dead.” As cryptic as that sounds, just take my advice and catch this band live. “We’re having fun and playing shows when we were not doing the D thing,” he said adding that if fans yell out requests, the group will try to play them. “It’s been known to happen.” One thing fans will be guaranteed is Gass’ magical Jethro Tullstyle flute-playing during the show. It’s an instrument he says deserves respect from hot-shot acts like Mumford & Sons and others who’ve been responsible for reviving the popularity of the banjo in rock. “The banjo has nothing on the flute and it never will. Mumford and his Sons don’t know what they’re doing.” Doors open at 7 p.m. Saturday. Admission is $15. Show is all ages. Also appearing is Dreadful Selfish

PHOTO COURTESY OF KYLE GASS

Singer/comedian Kyle Gass appears at Jerry’s Pizza on Saturday.

PHOTO COURTESY OF 2MEX

Los Angeles rapper 2Mex appears Saturday at Narducci’s.

Crime, Meditated Assault, Tesla Meets the Coil. Jerry’s Pizza is located at 1817 Chester Ave. For more information, call 633-1000 or visit tgptix.com.

Rockin’ Roots finale Bakersfield promoter Tim Gardea has just announced the dates for this year’s last-ever Budweiser Rockin’ Roots festival, coming June 7 and 8 to Stramler Park, along with a sneak peak into the line-up. Among the already-confirmed headliners are alternative rock act Circa Survive, Hawaiian reggae quartet The Green, Danish psychobilly vets Nekromantix, and Orange County ska band Suburban Legends, with more acts added daily. Introduced as a reggae music fest of all things roots and culture

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 JEREMY GONZALEZ

Circa Survive vocalist Anthony Green greets the audience at Jerry’s Pizza during a show in 2010.

during the ’90s, Rockin’ Roots has since evolved into an annual music and mosh pit “school’s out” party for local teens. Preceding the kickoff of the national VANS Warped tour, the festival boasts an equally eclectic and affordable showcase. We’ll keep you posted as reports continue to filter in. For more information visit timgardeapresents.com.

Matt’s picks Timekillers at Narducci’s, 622 E. 21st St., 9 p.m., Saturday, $5, 324-2961. Alejandro Ocana, better known by his stage name 2Mex, is a legendary underground rapper and a founding member of one of LA’s most groundbreaking rhyme collectives, The Visionaries. Please see LOWDOWN / 27

Thursday, January 31, 2013 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street LOWDOWN: CONTINUED FROM 22

Known for his collaborations with some of the biggest names in hip-hop, he’s always kept a low-profile, avoiding the allure of mainstream acceptance by sticking with socially conscious tales of urban life rather than the usual bling-bling bragging. Ocana also is featured in the documentary “This Is the Life,” an award-winning film chronicling the evolution of an influential music and poetry movement born at the Good Life Cafe in South-Central Los Angeles. Also appearing is rapper Sach from Southern California duo The Nonce, deejays Oso, Bkutz, Adub, and — brought to you by quality vinyl activists — The Mothership. Vampyre Ball at Riley’s Backstage, 1523 19th St., 10 p.m., Saturday, $10. Club organizers at monthly goth dance

CAMP: CONTINUED FROM 18

enduring; and a desire not to squander opportunities they’d been given. Perez, the accountant, said she babysat during summers when her friends went to work in the fields. “I knew I didn’t want to be out there in that hot sun,” said Perez, who sits on both the state Lottery Commission and the board of the California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce. “Our parents always talked about how they came to this country and worked hard so we could have a better life.” Morales said he took his education seriously because of the sacrifices his family made to enable his success, putting in long

club Heresy have been enjoying a dark wave of success spinning up hits from beyond the grave for those with a taste for the spookier side of life. Founder Mike Fowler has helped book some of the scene’s most reclusive live acts, many of which can only be seen on the goth dance and EDM music circuit. For this weekend’s special edition, fans of vampire subculture can enjoy a night of fangtastic fun at the “Vampyre Ball” that promises to raise the “stakes” of previous Heresy club nights. Appearing on the bill are acts TV, Carved Soul, KSVG deejay Kim Arbolante, aka Princess Darkness of KSVG Radio, as well as a special performance from Cabaret Gothique, the new theatrical troupe led by Michelle Guerrero of The Empty Space. Get more info at heresyentertainment.com.

hours in adverse conditions. “I made the decision that that wasn’t the lifestyle that I wanted. I wanted something better for myself,” he said. “I didn’t know what the American dream was, but I knew it wasn’t what my parents were living.”

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The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, February 7, 2013

Eye Street The Lowdown with Matt Munoz

Want punk and pop? Yeah, we’ve got that Weekend shows cover both genres

PHOTO COURTESY OF HEY OCEAN

Canadian pop trio Hey Ocean appear Sunday at Jerry’s Pizza. Pictured from left: Dave Vertes, Ashleigh Ball and David Beckingham

playin’, you’re payin.’ It’s the truth. Touring is expensive. We try and stay and busy.” The sound of the Dollyrots, which formed in 2000, is best described at its core as pop punk. Cabezas has become accustomed to hearing the band’s name associated with groups like The Ataris, Simple Plan and New Found Glory, among others. But even as many of those bands have scaled back their careers for fewer shows or just dropped off the planet, The Dollyrots have kept at it, working year-round whether the genre is considered in or out with listeners. “The definition of pop punk changes over the years. What used to be considered pop punk isn’t what it used to be. The Ramones were pop punk. Paramore is not pop punk. You should have some awareness. It has to have some elements of classic rock ’n’ roll,” he said. Signed to Joan Jett’s Blackheart

Records in 2004, the band released two records under the guidance of Jett, who gave them street cred with punk purists. The opportunity also provided Ogden a chance to bond with one of the world’s most iconic female rockers. “Meeting Joan Jett was something that really helped me decide to stay true to who I was,” Ogden said. “I’d like to set a good example for young girls who want to be in a band. Stay true to what you want to do.” After leaving Jett’s label two years ago, the group decided to take a risk by planning their follow-up recording around a Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign. They raised more than $33,000, four times their original goal of $7,500. “We were completely shocked by the support we got,” Ogden said. “We know there are people that like our band, but we only

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.

Coasters, Drifters & Platters Sunday, March 17th

see pockets of them on tour. I think people are a lot happier putting their money directly towards a musician or someone they support, but, man, were we focused on making a good record. Bands don’t have to rely on record companies anymore, but you have to be a lot more creative now.” Released in September, The Dollyrots’ self-titled CD doesn’t stray far from previous offerings, with the signature chug-chug style and catchy melodies the group is known for. Fans of the Ramones will once again find plenty to eat up. “We learned a lot from Joan Jett when we were on her label,” Cabezas said. “She sticks to what she believes in, what she loves and what she’s good at. She’s about being true to rock ’n’ roll. That’s what we wanna do.” Before leaving to resume loading up their home on wheels, Ogden shared an open invitation for their Friday show Bakersfield. “If they know the music, they know there’s going to be good songs delivered in an off-kiltered,

rock show style. It’s not necessarily perfect, but it’s a good, sweaty rock ’n’ roll show.” Friday’s showtime is 9 p.m. with opening act The Aviators. Admission is $5. All ages admitted. B Ryder’s is located at 7401 White Lane. For more information, call 397-7304.

Hey Ocean at Jerry’s Pizza Guaranteed to bring some much-needed sunshine to Bakersfield is pop trio Hey Ocean, who roll into Jerry’s Pizza on Sunday. Holed up a tiny Eugene, Ore., hotel room at the time of our phone interview, guitarist David Beckingham described their journey south as just another step toward discovering as much of America as they can over the next two months. “People respect you more if you build things up organically,” said Beckingham, sounding optimistic about the band’s promotional tour in support of their latest record, “IS.” “I’m still gauging what the U.S. Please see LOWDOWN / 27

Merle Haggard Saturday, April 13th

Saturday, March 16th

Sunday, March 17th

Saturday, March 16th

Sinbad

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE DOLLYROTS

The Dollyrots appear Friday at B Ryder’s. Pictured above from left: Kelly Ogden and Luis Cabezas.

Saturday, April 13th

Saturday, June 15th

akersfield will play host to a couple of cool winter shows this weekend that offer a glance into two different youthoriented music scenes. First up is Los Angeles pop punkers The Dollyrots, a band which, after years of toiling on the indie tour circuit as the opening, opening band, scored a major coup after their song “Because I’m Awesome” was picked up by Kohl’s for use in a massive back-to-school ad campaign. And that was just the beginning. Before long the band was featured on an episode of “Ugly Betty” and the film “Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2.” Those are just two of many advertising and licensing deals the band has scored over the years, thanks to a willingness to go, go, go, according to guitarist Luis Cabezas. “We’ve done up to 150 shows a year depending on if we have a record out or not, but typically 100,” said Cabezas, speaking from the home of Dollyrots’ bassist and vocalist Kelly Ogden. The two were preparing for their latest trek, which makes an early stop at B Ryder’s on Friday. “We don’t like to take a day off and play mostly six to seven days straight,” Cabezas said. “Our friends in Bowling for Soup told us, ‘If you’re not

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Thursday, February 7, 2013 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street LOWDOWN: CONTINUED FROM 24

music scene is like, because all I know is what it’s like at home.” Also featuring bassist David Vertesi and vocalist Ashleigh Ball, Hey Ocean is big in their native Canada, where Ball also works as a prominent animated voice-over actress. Parents and kiddie cartoon aficionados may be familiar with some of her work in “Care Bears: Oopsy Does It!,” “Barbie: The Princess and the Popstar,” “My Little Pony,” “Friendship is Magic” and “Bratz.” “Ashley flies back and forth all the time. She’ll rejoin us back in San Francisco. What would the kids do without her?” Sweet-toothed and crafted to pop radio perfection, there’s a lot to like about Hey Ocean’s music. They’re nothing like fellow Canadian Justin Bieber, whom Beckingham prefers to keep out of the equation; instead Hey Ocean has more in common with the altrock brilliance of Metric. (And let’s not forget Arcade Fire, whose success in America the group wouldn’t mind following.) “That’s a huge thing to aim for, but there’s so many good bands coming out of Canada right now. We just want to convey things through our music that resonate well with people, because they can see through everything.” One fan who saw potential for the group in the States was Kiss bassist Gene Simmons, who joined scores of music scouts interested in getting a piece of the Canadian music boom. “Gene was looking for a few bands from Canada to work with and asked if we

Performance Chiropractic Houston Jewelers

would put on a show just for him, which sort of speaks of his ego-maniacal ways. We halted our schedules, but the only thing we could do is book an early opening slot with a punk band in a very small club in Vancouver. It was actually pretty funny and even weirder for the punk band when we asked them. Gene showed up, took us to dinner and told us what he liked and didn’t like.” The situation became even more uncomfortable for the band when Simmons put them in the studio to record a demo of Janis Ian’s 1970’s teen drama anthem, “At Seventeen.” “He was obsessed with that song. It’s a beautiful melody but doesn’t really fit us. We’d also found out he’d tried having a male artist record it, which was, again, really weird. While we were recording he said, ‘Dumb it down and stop singing.’ At one point, I think he said, ‘Like a retarded 12-year-old,’ which was really offensive. Ashleigh got really drunk and sung it sloppily, and he was like, ‘Perfect, that’s what I’m looking for. You gotta dumb it down for the people.’” Months after parting ways with Simmons, Beckingham said today they still find themselves questioning if that experience actually happened. “That whole situation was so bizarre, but you shouldn’t expect anything less from Gene Simmons.” Doors open at 6 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $10. Show is all ages. Also appearing are bands Arizonity, Streetside Vinyl and Autumn Breeze. Jerry’s Pizza is located at 1817 Chester Ave. For more information, call 633-1000 or visit loveheyocean.com.

Cafe Med Too Fat Sandwich Shop

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, February 14, 2013

Eye Street The Lowdown with Matt Munoz

Owens’ legacy still holds sway Production company nominated for awards

HENRY A. BARRIOS / THE CALIFORNIAN

Roy Clark and his band play in front of a packed house at Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace in May. Buck Owens Productions has received three nominations for the 48th annual Academy of Country Music Awards, announced Wednesday.

HENRY A. BARRIOS / THE CALIFORNIAN

Bakersfield Sound pioneer Red Simpson will be saluted at the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville on Feb. 23.

Coasters, Drifters & Platters Sunday, March 17th

Saturday, April 13th

Sunday, March 17th

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.

Merle Haggard Saturday, April 13th

drummer Dave Wulfekuehler and vocalist Kim McAbee. Monty Byrom and Buddy Alan Owens, who rotate as lead singer at the Palace most weekends, will not be performing but will return to their regular schedules in March. The Crystal Palace concert schedule is looking impressive, with upcoming shows by Austin Americana quintet Reckless Kelly on Feb. 23, former Staind rock vocalist-gone-country Aaron Lewis on March 5, “American Idol” season 9 finalist Casey James on March 14, the newly reunited Mavericks on March 25, and Tracy Lawrence on April 10. Tickets for all shows are on sale. Friday’s show with the Buckaroos begins at 7:30 p.m. Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace is located at 2800 Buck Owens Blvd. For information call 328-7560 or visit buckowens.com.

Bill Cosby sold out Ticketless fans with late plans to attend Friday’s appearance by comedy legend Bill Cosby at the Fox are out of luck. According to Fox Theater representatives, the show sold out two weeks ago; however, there is a remote chance that a few seats may be released for purchase before the show. Those feeling lucky can call the box office at 324-1369 or stake out the ticket office in your loudest Cosby sweater.

Red Simpson

Matt’s picks

In other country-related news, Bakersfield Sound songwriter/musician Red Simp-

Phantom Stranger Inc. Presents at Vinny’s Bar, 2700 South

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t’s been a big week for Buck Owens Productions. Nominations for the 48th annual Academy of Country Music Awards were announced Wednesday, and Owens Productions garnered three nod, including Nightclub of the Year, medium market Radio Station of the Year for KUZZ, and the Don Romeo Talent Buyer of the Year for Crystal Palace staffer Jerry Hufford, his first such nomination. The Crystal Palace previously won the ACM nightclub honor in 1997, 2004 and 2006. KUZZ won the ACM medium market award in 1999 and 2009, and KUZZ onair personalities Steve Gradowitz and Geoff Emery won last year for medium market on-air personality of the year (tying with a duo from back East). The Academy of Country Music Awards will be held April 7 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas and broadcast that evening at 8 p.m. on Bakersfield CBS affiliate KBAK-TV, Channel 29. Another milestone will be marked at the Crystal Palace on Friday with a special one-nightonly reunion for the Buckaroos, with the return of guitarist Terry Christoffersen to the stage. This is Christofferson’s first official appearance with Buckaroo keyboardist Jim Shaw and bassist Doyle Curtsinger since he took a break from the group for health reasons in 2011. Christoffersen, Shaw and Curtsinger will be joined onstage by guitarist Chuck Seaton,

son will be saluted at the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville on Feb. 23. According to a press release, Simpson, 78, will be the subject of the museum’s quarterly programming series “Poets and Prophets: Legendary Country Songwriters.” The program will feature an in-depth live interview and performance by Simpson inside the museum’s Ford Theater. The “Poets and Prophets” series honors songwriters who have made significant contributions to country music history. Other honorees include country music icons Bill Anderson, Bobby Braddock, Hank Cochran and others. The program is presented in support of the museum’s exhibition “The Bakersfield Sound: Buck Owens, Merle Haggard and California Country,” which runs through 2013. The show will stream live at 11:30 a.m. Feb. 23 at countrymusichalloffame.org. Last year a mammoth five-disc box set of Simpson’s recorded works, titled “Hello, I’m Red Simpson,” was released by Germany’s Bear Family Records just before his 78th birthday. Simpson still performs weekly at Trout’s honky-tonk as he’s done for nearly 20 years.

Please see LOWDOWN / 25

Memorial Day Weekend

TICKETS AVAILABLE AT THE FOX THEATER BOX OFFICE, RUSSO’S BOOKS AT THE MARKETPLACE, EMPORIUM WESTERN STORE – 661-322-5200 – 888-825-5484 – Vallitix.com

Thursday, February 14, 2013 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street LOWDOWN: CONTINUED FROM 22

Union, 9 p.m., Saturday $5. This triple bill of heavy rock and punk has weekend riot warrior written all over it. Bakersfield’s alternative trio Stockz and Blondz are a name to keep an eye out for this year, along with local punk veterans Hossbruten, who are bound to be as lovingly obnoxious as always. Ridgecrest’s the Barstool Saints have been regular visitors for a few years now and always pack a musical punch. Shout out some requests for Danzig on my behalf and see what happens. ’90s Music Tribute at Sandrini’s, 1918 Eye St., 9 p.m., Sunday, free, 322-8900. With songs from the decade that brought us grunge, flannel, nu metal, emo and Kenny G, every hipster hitting their 30s can join hands and sing along to a guaranteed blast from the past. Bust out your British Knights and LA Gear kicks for extra credit or, if you really feel brave, bring your Pog collection. Del the Funky Homosapien at B Ryder’s, 7401 White Lane, 8 p.m., Tuesday, $10, all ages, 397-7304. He may be the cousin of rapper Ice Cube, but Oakland hip-hop misfit Teren Delvon Jones, aka Del the Funky Homosapien, is one of the most revered names in hip-hop. After making his debut in 1991 with the album “I Wish My Brother George Was Here,” featuring the song “Mistadobalina,” Del rode a nice wave of popularity until hitting some temporary skids and disappearing from the stage. Today he’s back making the rounds and collaborating with some of rap and pop’s

PHOTO COURTESY OF DEL THE FUNKY HOMOSAPIEN

Rapper Teren Delvon Jones, better known as Del the Funky Homosapien, appears Tuesday at B Ryder’s.

biggest names, including the Gorillaz, who cite him as an influence. Also appearing: Bukue One, The Intercepterz. Highly recommended.

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JANE’S JEWELERS Where Bakersfield Gets Engaged

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The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, February 21, 2013

Eye Street The Lowdown with Matt Munoz

Not Marley’s reggae, but that’s OK their next record, “Automatic,” which they hope to have out when the timing’s right. “Having a reggae sound or being affiliated with the music, radio stations only want to put a certain number of those songs in rotation. We’re competing with Slightly Stoopid, 311 and bands like that that are reggae-ish. All those bands are competing for the same radio spots. We do draw better than a lot of bands, but that doesn’t guarantee radio play. We’re still a young band trying to find out our spot in the grand scheme of things and make our own space.” Tonight’s show kicks off at 8 p.m. Tickets are $17. All ages admitted. Also appearing are Passafire and Pacific Dub. B Ryder’s is located at 7401 White Lane. For more information, call 397-7304 or visit numbskullshows.com.

Santa Barbara’s Iration playing at B Ryder’s

999 Foundation Fundraiser at Spotlight PHOTO COURTESY OF IRATION

Santa Barbara-based reggae band Iration will perform tonight at B Ryder’s.

with themes, ideas and sounds that are easy for people of all ages to be drawn to, not a politically charged Jamaican thing. Most of the kids listening now weren’t even born when the original Jamaican reggae was introduced, so it’s going to be hard for a lot of them to grab ahold of it and understand it.” Pueschel added the key to the genre’s appeal doesn’t have to be analyzed in order to be embraced. “Obviously, there are people like Bob Marley that have universal themes in their music, but I think our music and new bands that are coming out have modern themes and make reggae for everyday people. So it has the rhythms that everyone likes. We try to ride the line and make

PHOTO COURTESY OF REVERSE ORDER

New Jersey pop-rock quartet Reverse Order, from “America’s Got Talent” Season 7, appears Tuesday at the Spotlight Theatre.

music that is accessible, much like the punky reggae party days

Sinbad Saturday, March 16th

Sunday, March 17th

Saturday, March 16th

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.

Coasters, Drifters & Platters Sunday, March 17th

of London.” Iration’s 2010 single “Turn Around” became a minor hit, making regular rotation in the Southern California radio market. The group hopes to find similar success following the release of

Friday, April 26th

The California reggae scene has been heating up so much lately it’s hard to keep track of the influx of new acts making their debuts. For the members of Iration, who make their return to B Ryder’s tonight, working outside the confines of familiar twochord jammin’ is still what sets them apart from the pack. The band members, all friends originally from the Hawaiian islands, formed in 2004 after arriving separately two years earlier to attend college in the Santa Barbara area. After starting in the fertile college party scene of nearby Isla Vista, their grassroots popularity has helped them score some major gigs, including a killer spot on the Cypress Hill Smokeout and other major festivals. “It is really crazy how they keep popping up,” said vocalist and guitarist Micah Pueschel during a phone interview. “I can’t keep up with them, either. There’s a new band every day all over the country now.” The godfather for most bands of the genre today is Sublime, which blended Jamaican reggae’s easygoing styles with elements of punk, ska, rock and hip-hop. Sublime’s impact can still be heard in groups like The Dirty Heads, Pepper and others who make attempts at forging their own path but owe as much to the influential reggae/ska band as they do to Bob Marley. “I think that people just enjoy reggae music in general, but it’s a type of reggae

On Tuesday night, the Kern County Officer Down 999 Foundation will host a special concert fundraiser at the Spotlight Theatre featuring “America’s Got Talent” finalists Reverse Order. Before their successful run on season seven of the NBC talent competition, Reverse Order was just another struggling pop band from New Jersey. But after scoring millions of views on their YouTube channel for the song “Sing for Me Baby,” the group enjoyed maximum exposure in the tween pop music scene. Their song “Go” also scored a nomination at this year’s Grammy Awards for best vocal collaboration. According to the foundation’s official website, the Kern County 999 Foundation, founded in 2007, is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to recognize and honor Kern County’s fallen peace officers and provide support to family members left behind. For more information visit kerncounty999foundation.org. Please see LOWDOWN / 28

DARIUS RUCKER Friday, April 26th

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

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, February 21, 2013

Eye Street Tuesday’s showtime is 7 p.m. Also appearing are local pop band Grant My Wishes and singer/ songwriter Dakota Drummond. Tickets are $30 and taxdeductible. Seating is limited. For more information, call promoter Bob Bender at 342-6119 or 3261140. The Spotlight Theatre is located at 1622 19th St.

post on the band’s official Facebook page the song will be released exclusively on 7-inch vinyl in the coming months. No word on whether they plan to release a full-length follow-up to last year’s EP debut “We All Need Closure.” In the meantime, you can catch the group live at Sandrini’s on March 16 with Redadare.

KSVG now streaming

Matt’s picks

Bakersfield residents unable to tune into independent terrestrial radio station 89.7 FM KSVG from their place of residence or car stereo can now listen online. KSVG currently broadcasts from a tiny downtown studio from noon to midnight, and features a revolving lineup of local on-air personalities and specialty shows suited for mostly the underground set. From goth to punk, reggae, rockabilly, hardcore and more, the station’s non-format format makes for an eclectic, but always entertaining garage mix. To begin listening, type in the following url: http://ruby.streamguys.com:5570 /ksvg.m3u, and within a few moments you should be prompted on how you’d like to receive the free stream. I tested it out using the iTunes and Windows default players, and both streams worked fine without interruption. For more information, visit facebook.com/KSVGRadio.

The Chop Tops at Narducci’s Café, 621 E. 21st St., 8 p.m. Friday, $10, 324-2961. Santa Cruz rockabilly faithful The Chop Tops have survived a record of five replacement bassists since their formation in 1995 in between long tours and studio recordings. They epitomize the hybrid country-punk sound and image and play every show as if it were their last night on earth. I’ve caught these guys during one of their many Bakersfield visits, and they don’t disappoint. The cozy retro vibe and vintage acoustics of Narducci’s make this show a perfect match made in psychobilly heaven. Also appearing: The Hellkatz, Loner Troubadour and the Rockabilly Rats. Newsboys at Olive Knolls Nazarene Church, 6201 Fruitvale Ave, 7:30 p.m. Saturday $25 to $65, 324-0638. The popularity of Christian rock music has changed a lot since its arrival in the ’80s, when it was considered too wild for worship. But as times changed, so has its quality for the better with hot-selling acts such as the Newsboys and others who incorporate a lot of the sounds heard on mainstream radio without sacri-

LOWDOWN: CONTINUED FROM 24

New music from Choirs Fans of local band Choirs can listen to a new song from the group, titled “Vestige,” at soundcloud.com/choirs. According to a

COLOURS: CONTINUED FROM 19

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE WHITE BUFFALO

Sons of Anarchy soundtrack collaborator Jake Smith, aka The White Buffalo, appears at B Ryder’s Saturday.

ficing their soulful message. From pop to alternative rock and heavy metal, the genre even boasts its own traveling Lollapalooza-like festivals. Newsboys’ latest release, “God’s Not Dead,” continues to be one of the group’s biggest-selling releases in their 16-album discography, mixing classic pop rock with strong sing-a-long melodies. Also appearing: Building 429, All Things New, Campbell. Expect a packed house at this revival. The White Buffalo at B Ryder’s, 7401 White Lane, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, $10, all ages. Singer-songwriter Jake Smith, aka The White Buffalo, represents an authentic homage to the times

of hard-touring/hard-drinking artists who truly lived what they sang about. Seamlessly moving from heartfelt ballads to raucous bar songs, Smith sings with honesty and reflection with a live show that moves like a freight train. Everything about him is big, from his imposing physical size to his amazing vocal range and whiskey-drenched voice. Smith paints a touching picture, whether he stands alone or performs with his charismatic backing band. His music can be heard in regular rotation on the soundtrack to the FX television hit “Sons of Anarchy.” Also appearing: Joel Jacob, Mama’s Kitchin’. Highly recommended.

designer and art director in movies and television, is bringing models for certain scenes he’s done. It’s a hands-on thing; you can leaf through his portfolio and see some of his work.” Several stage performances will be presented throughout the weekend at three different venues. Students at Shafter High will present “Broadway in Shafter”; radio personality Dan Shaffer will star in “The Last Singing Cowboy,” a musical written by Larry Starrh; and Randy Messick will direct “Wild Oats,” a comedy written in the 18th century by Irish writer John O’Keeffe. Two silent movies will be shown: “The Mark of Zorro” and “Peter Pan.” Both will be shown at the Congregational Bible Church and will be accompanied by Robert Salisbury on the organ. One of the more unusual Clours events, the Parade of Lights, begins at 6:15 p.m. Saturday. In recognition of Shafter’s agricultural roots, a stream of brightly lit and colorfully decorated tractors and other types of farm equipment will gather on East Tulare Avenue and continue west to Mannel Park in the center of town. Starrh said one-half of the net proceeds will be used for scholarships and grants. Incidentally, if you’re wondering about the British spelling of the word, it’s because Starrh borrowed the idea from the annual Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland.

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The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, February 28, 2013

Eye Street The Lowdown with Matt Munoz

KUZZ wins huge industry honor T

he Academy of Country Music has confirmed the good taste of thousands of Kern County listeners by anointing KUZZ Radio Station of the Year. Again. The Academy of Country Music, whose annual awards show will be televised April 7, revealed some early winners on Wednesday. “We weren’t even sure when the announcement was coming down,” said Buck Owens’ Productions CEO and general manager Mel Owens. “It really took us by surprise. And I have to tell you, whether it’s the ACMs or the CMAs, it never gets old.” Owens Productions garnered a total of three nominations this year, including Nightclub of the Year and the Don Romeo Talent Buyer of the Year for Crystal Palace staffer Jerry Hufford. The winners in those categories have not been announced. KUZZ last won the ACM medium market award in 1999 and 2009. “Everybody was in the office cheering when they found out. It’s pretty darn exciting.” Owens will attend the live ceremony, along with Hufford and other members of Owens’ production staff. “I hope Jerry gets it. Wouldn’t it be great if we won all three?” The Crystal Palace has been packing them in lately on the strength of a variety of acts, from classic performers to indie country bands to radiofriendly up-andcomers. Among those slated to appear in the coming

PHOTO BY ERIC JAMES

Stella & the Steel Cats, pictured above from top left: Adam Zanoff, LaShay Munoz, Charlie Paulsen and Tony Rinaldi.

months are the Mavericks on March 25, Tracy Lawrence on April 10 and Junior Brown on May 8. “There’s a lot of great younger acts coming up, and I think the Palace is just a great venue for them to get some exposure and get some experience of being up on stage,” Owens said. “We’re seeing a lot of that come out of Nashville right now. They’re calling up saying, ‘We wanna play the Crystal Palace.’ They loved Buck, and his music really influenced them.” Owens added that the venue may plan a hometown celebra-

tion the weekend of the ACM Awards. “I’m sure the Palace will be celebrating a lot that weekend. The bands performing that weekend will know about it, a lot of whoopin’ and hollerin’ for sure.” The Academy of Country Music Awards will be held April 7 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas and broadcast that evening at 8 p.m. on Bakersfield CBS affiliate KBAK-TV, Channel 29.

Stella & The Steel Cats Move over fellas, Stella’s about to shake up this town.

Menopause the Musical Friday & Saturday March 1st and 2nd

Sunday, March 17th

THIS WEEKEND!

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.

Coasters, Drifters & Platters Sunday, March 17th

A newly formed jazzy torch song and swing outfit called Stella & the Steel Cats hope to make your acquaintance when they spice things up at Que Pasa Mexican cantina at The Marketplace on Saturday. Think Fabulous Baker Boys meets Peggy Lee meets Jessica Rabbit Fronted by Bakersfield “Stella,” aka LaShay Munoz (no relation to this writer), the act has become a vibrant addition to the local scene since debuting last year. Combining vintage sounds from the pop catalogs of iconic vocalists Peggy Lee, Rosemary Clooney, Julie London, Eartha Kitt, with a helping of Elvis, Frank Sinatra and more, that band gives audiences more than just the average martini-time playlist. “I’ve always felt I was born in another era,” said Munoz, 37. “I’ve always been into classic Hollywood glamour. My grandma really loved Patsy Cline and played her music all the time. Even in high school, I would always sing songs like ‘Makin’ Whoopee.’ I still do that song.” While Munoz’s only previous musical experience was high school choir, she says nerves didn’t deter her ambitions. “Some of my friends would tell me, ‘How are you gonna do this? You don’t even have a band.’ Nobody thought I could do it,” she recalled. With lyric and music sheets in hand, Munoz paid a visit to the weekly Bakersfield Jazz Workshop with every intention of making connections. Within a few hours, she made a number of introductions with some young jazz musicians, including 19-year-old Bakersfield pianist Tony Rinaldi. “LaShay’s got a good solid alto voice, and she’s a great person to work and hang out with,” said Rinaldi, who is majoring in music, with a concentration in composition, at CSUB. “I think it’s been received very well, considering how new we are.” Through Rinaldi’s musical connections, the group’s lineup has grown from a duo to an inter-

Wednesday, May 22nd

A little martini music with your dinner?

changeable sextet with some of Bakersfield’s brightest young jazz musicians: Charlie Paulsen, drums; Adam Zanoff, electric bass and upright bass; Devery Sturges, guitar; and James Russell, saxophone. “A friend of mine gave me the nickname,” said Munoz. “I felt like I needed a name for this persona I was creating. She said I looked like ‘Stella.’ It just felt right. Stella & The Steel Cats just rolls off the tongue.” For Rinaldi and other musicians, many of whom weren’t even close to being born when most of the band’s repertoire was written, capturing the right historic feel was a priority. “There’s definitely a reason why these songs are still being played,” he said. “Just solid, catchy songwriting. It’s been a journey to make sure I get that style down authentically.” The band’s set list, with shared vocals from Munoz and Rinaldi, includes the covers “Why Don’t You Do Right?,” “Crazy,” “Fever,” “What Ever Lola (Stella) Wants,” “Johnny Got a Boom Boom,” “My Heart Belongs to Daddy,” “Hit the Road Jack” and “Great Balls of Fire,” all presented in an elegant va-va-voom style. “A lot of those songs have a bad girl feel to them,” said Munoz. “They fit my Stella character.” The group hopes to put the finishing touches on a promotional DVD and score more gigs locally and beyond. They’d like to begin adding some original tunes into their live show as well. Saturday’s show marks the group’s eighth live appearance. “We’d like to do a video for our original song ‘Lucky Lou,’ about Stella’s trip to the horse races. If all goes well, we’ll be ready by April,” said Munoz. “Tony and the guys are an excellent team to work with. Saturday’s showtime is 8:30 p.m.; admission is free. All ages admitted. Que Pasa at The Marketplace is located at 9000 Ming Ave. For more information, visit facebook.com/stellaandthesteelcats, or call 664-1400.

Primus 3D On Sale Tomorrow at 10am Wedneday, May 22nd

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

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, March 7, 2013

Eye Street The Lowdown with Matt Munoz

Old hands ready to blast Bako Blasters, Horton Heat set for weekend gigs

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE BLASTERS

Los Angeles rockers The Blasters appear Friday at Narducci's Cafe.

where everyone was hanging out. They were so good and had so much energy, I knew it was time to touch music again and get going again.” Alvin said the spiky-haired crowd embraced the group after their first shows opening for bands like Agent Orange that were changing the city’s soundscape. “We grew up playing in black bars, Chicano bars, some rough places, so the punk crowd was nothing new to us. Some of The Blasters music has elements of punk, but I didn’t see the difference between what we were doing and what the other bands were doing. We just had a spiritual kinship with punk.” The Blasters have toured alongside everyone from psychobilly icons The Cramps, country swingers Asleep at the Wheel, and Queen. Many of the group’s songs, including “Marie Marie,” “So Long Baby, Goodbye” and “Dark Night” have been featured in a number of movie soundtracks. Along the way, they gave a career boost to country singer Dwight Yoakam by inviting him on tour. Yoakam returned the

favor by covering Dave Alvin’s “Long White Cadillac,” helping introduce the band to country fans. Today, they continue as a traveling room-shaking outfit, with original members Bill Bateman, drums; John Bazz, bass; and guitarist Keith Wyatt, who joined the group in the late ’90s. Dave Alvin, who left for a solo career in 1986, still makes appearances when time permits. “Dave can show up and play with us whenever he wants to. He obviously provided The Blasters with a wealth of great material. He’s one of the best songwriters in the world, in my opinion. I love him dearly.” But even a charmed life isn’t devoid of the occasional rough spot. Last year, Phil Alvin nearly lost his life during a performance in Spain after being struck by an illness that swelled his throat shut, cutting off his breathing. Within moments of arriving to the emergency room, the singer flat-lined, forcing an emergency tracheotomy. Alvin has since recovered, but not without a massive medical bill. In a show of support, a group

Saturday, March 16th

Sunday, March 17th

Saturday, March 16th

Sinbad

Coasters, Drifters & Platters Sunday, March 17th

Sunday, May 19th

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 REVEREND HORTON HEAT

Rockabilly punk hero the Reverend Horton Heat appears at B Ryder's on Saturday.

of veteran acts whom The Blasters helped early on, including Los Lobos, X and Big Sandy — along with Dave Alvin — joined together to organize a benefit in January to help pay off the debt. “It was great to be shown so much love. It’s a little humbling to be so broke that I couldn’t pay my Spanish medical bills. I was honored. I’m healthy now. Now that it’s over, it’s time to get back on the horse. We should be blowin’ the roof off the place.” Friday’s show kicks off at 8 p.m. Tickets are $18. All ages admitted. Also appearing are Dreadful Selfish Crime, The Fruit Tramps. Narducci’s Cafe is located at 622 E 21st St. For more information, call 324-2961 or visit tpgtix.com.

Reverend Horton Heat at B Ryder’s If The Blasters haven’t worn you down, be prepared to lose what’s left of your sanity when punkabilly hero Reverend Horton Heat returns to B Ryder’s on Saturday. Guitarist Jim Heath, aka “The Rev” — credited with helping take the basic shuffle of rockabilly purity and mixing it with gunpowder and Texas chili — prides himself on being a tried-and-true

An Evening with Steve Miller Band

Texas road dog. Heath and crew trod a similar path to The Blasters when the trio was signed along with Nirvana to Seattle record label Sub Pop at the height of the grunge music era. Taking a break from his latest endless nationwide trek for a phone chat, Heath recalls the signing as peculiar, given the nature of his group’s music, which at that time leaned much more toward the country side of rockabilly. “Our first shows caught on a lot with the alternative and punk rock venues. We were actually able to play all sorts of different types of places, but I started making a little bit of an effort to be a little more turned up and more aggressive as time went on. Nirvana was playing all the same rooms as we were, but they were really on their way up and taking off about that time pretty fast. They kind of thrust way far up in the pinnacle of rockdom there when we signed.” Heath said that while he never had a chance to meet Kurt Cobain prior to the Nirvana frontman’s death, his group was always treated like family within the Seattle scene. Please see LOWDOWN / 35

Primus 3D

Sunday, May19th

On Sale Tomorrow!

Wednesday, May 22nd

akersfield will be in full “vroom” this weekend when two seriously highoctane shows roll into town just in time for some post-March Meet rockin’. Let’s start with Friday’s appearance by Los Angeles roots rock legends The Blasters at Narducci’s Cafe. Still led by original vocalist Phil Alvin, who founded the group in 1979 with brother and singer/songwriter/guitarist Dave Alvin, the self-described purveyors of “American music” have every intention of showing the locals a sweaty good time. “I’ve always performed with full energy,” said Phil Alvin, 60, during a phone interview. “There’s never been any other direction for me to go since we started. The Blasters play hard.” That’s been the group’s MO since breaking into the Hollywood punk rock scene more than three decades ago with their distinct blend of blues, rockabilly, early rock ’n’ roll, and rhythm and blues. Originally formed in East Los Angeles as a backup band for visiting blues legends, the brothers Alvin decided it was time to test the Hollywood waters and join the revolution against the grasp of disco. “I wasn’t playing much music because I had gotten tired of all the stuff that was everywhere, but in the middle to late ’70s, the punk rock thing came on strong. I went to see a group called the Screamers at a club called The Masque in Hollywood

Wedneday, May 22nd

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

Thursday, March 7, 2013 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street LOWDOWN: CONTINUED FROM 28

“We did a great tour with Soundgarden. We also hung out with the other guys in Mudhoney. We were almost the anti-Sub Pop group because they were supposed to be about Seattle grunge bands and here they sign a Dallas rockabilly band. But really, the Seattle scene has really been an important cornerstone for our career. We still love going up there.” Heath’s influence as a guitarist is still felt after 10 full-length releases, along with a mammoth collection, “25 to Life,” that includes a live concert CD/DVD, greatest hits collection and rarities galore. Recently signed with Victory Records, Heath plans to return with a new batch of material and stay on the road until he’s reached every soul in his musical congregation. “It’s kind of cool that we were able to get in and do this thing with Victory, because it’s more of a punk label. That’s kind of where I’m headed, and I’ve got a bunch of new song ideas that I’m working on and finishing them out.” Heath added he’d also like to bring some Bakersfield spirit into the studio, if it’s available. “I’d really like to save up some money and buy me a Mosrite guitar when I’m in Bakersfield.” Saturday’s show kicks off at 8 p.m. Tickets are $20. All ages. Also appearing is guitar extraordinaire Deke Dickerson. B

SHREK: CONTINUED FROM 30

version of a story they know? We all know the story of Shrek. So why do you need to pay money to see it when you can see it on your TV? It’s a totally different experience. It adds and supplements the original story. It’s really magical. Even 140 shows in, I find it remarkable every day to see what’s going on around me. The dragon is a giant 25-foot puppet run by four people. Without fail, in the biggest venue or the smallest venue, the dragon always receives ridiculous praise and applause — and deservedly so. It’s an amazing part of the show. With a dragon, a donkey, fairy-tale refugees, a princess with a big secret and a frantic villain as co-stars, do you see yourself as more of a straight man in the show? Definitely. When Shrek is funny, he doesn’t think he is funny. He is funny due to his odd mannerisms, so he’s not the “funny

CHOIR: CONTINUED FROM 29

Democratic National Convention and for members of Congress. But the fame and attention are not what this group is about. “We’ve had the most outstanding reception,” Hill said. “Everywhere we go, people are just really touched.” “Music is a powerful healing force,” Hill said. “(Singing) turned into something we never expected — it showed us recovery is possible, and it can be fun, too.” But beyond their personal recovery, the singers are trying to encourage other veterans to seek help if they need it. Hill said that’s a tough message to get across, because many veterans are ashamed to admit they need a hand. “You most definitely suffer,” he said. “You are a hard-charging Marine, and you want to be a hard-charging Marine in

Win Blasters tickets today Tune in to “Californian Radio” from 9 to 10 a.m. this morning for a chance to win tickets to Friday’s show at Narducci’s. Listen for your cue to call and dial 842-KERN. The program airs on KERNAM, 1180.

Ryder’s is located at 7401 White Lane. For more information, call 397-7304 or visit numbskullshows.com.

Matt’s picks Eli and the Sound Cult at NX Arthouse, 2995 North Baker St., 9:30 p.m., Friday, free, all ages, 301-1362. Former Catastrophist/Mission Tonight vocalist Elijah Jenkins brings his new band for a visit to showcase his latest foray into the realm of alternative and low-fi indie music. Some familiarity in their sound, but for an early start, it’s quite catchy. For a peek, visit eliandthesoundcult.com. Velorio at On the Rocks, 1517 18th St., 9 p.m., Saturday, $7, 327-7625. Bakersfield bilingual Latin rockers’ Velorio celebrate six years together with a festive show made for the weekend. Make plans to arrive early and find a spot on the dance floor because chances are it will be jumping before downbeat. Opening the show is SoCal roc en Espanol quartet, Sonsoles Musica. Congratulations, hermanos.

man.” Lord Farquaad gets the most laughs. ... (But I don’t mind — ) as long as an audience is enjoying the show, you don’t care who gets the laughs. We’re all a team. Is this your first touring show? What is the schedule like? Yes, it is. Sometimes it’s hectic and sometimes it’s not. You get to see the world from all over: We’ve had a lovely day in Seattle, got to see the Northern Lights in Alaska. With multiple shows, when I’m in a different town, it gets a bit hectic. But we might be the biggest show they get all year. Do you get any time in the town that you’re in? It varies completely based on schedule. Yesterday (Monday) we had a travel day and we were done at 10 a.m. So we had from 10 a.m. to when we went to bed (free). It really just depends. You’re grateful when you get to see some of the local color.

every sense of the word.” “We get to tell veterans that it’s OK for a warrior to get help.” According to VA spokeswoman Cindy Young, the New Directions program provides rehabilitation, residential treatment, remedial education, job training, legal services and housing placement assistance for veterans, with additional services to veterans of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. “This agency provides services for homeless veterans, and rapid rehousing/homelessness prevention for veteran families,” Young wrote in an email. “And we are opening our first permanent supportive housing facilities — 147 units — in the middle of this year.” “I don’t want to see another veteran go through what I went through,” Hill said.

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, March 14, 2013

Eye Street The Lowdown with Matt Munoz

Sinbad still keeping comedy clean KSVG radio licensed to go 24 hours a day

hether you’re into feasting on corned beef and cabbage or raging on St. Patrick’s Day, locals have a few choice weekend options for getting their green groove on. Flashback comedy to alternative rock, or format-free independent radio, the choice is yours. On Saturday night, comedian Sinbad rolls into the Fox, to remind everyone he’s still alive and kickin’. As you may recall, the towering 56-year-old funnyman was part of a 2007 Internet death hoax after a hacker broke into a bio reference website similar to Wikipedia to post that David Adkins aka Sinbad had died of an apparent heart attack. The comedian from Brenton Arbor, Mich., took it all in stride, capitalizing on the hoopla as a way to jump back into the scene after mysteriously going MIA for a spell. Few comedians hit career strides like Sinbad did in the ’80s. After being cast in “The Cosby Show” spin-off “A Different World,” the actor’s good-natured, profanity-free comedy style became a calling card for mainstream success. At the peak of Sinbad-mania, the comedian simultaneously hosted Showtime at The Apollo, taped numerous hit stand-up specials, had his own TV show, emceed the 2000 Miss America Pageant, and who can forget his starring role as bumbling postman Myron Larabee

PHOTO BY JOSEPH MICHAEL RUIZ

Bakersfield band Choirs will perform Saturday at Sandrini’s.

PHOTO COURTESY OF SINBAD

Comedian Sinbad appears at the Fox on Saturday.

in “Jingle All The Way,” alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger? Love him or hate him, it’s tough to be a clean comedian in these dirty times, and you’ll be hard pressed to find someone over the past three decades who’s left their comedy crossover mark like Sinbad. If you don’t believe me, check out his classic ’96 special “Sinbad — Afros and Bellbottoms.” Saturday’s show begins at 8 p.m. Tickets are $27 to $47 plus service charge. The Fox is located at 2001 H St. More information, at 324-1369 or vallitix.com.

KSVG fully licensed Good news arrived last Friday for independent terrestrial radio station 89.7 FM KSVG. According to KSVG co-founder Jake Chavez, the station has been granted a full licensing by the FCC for 24-hour broadcast beginning Monday. “I was so relieved it was done. We did it,” said Chavez, who,

along with co-founder Greg Looney, debuted the station last December. “I called up Greg, told him the news, then we went to have a celebratory burger at Muertos in downtown.” It’s been a goal six years in the making for the duo who put in hours filling out mountains of paperwork, and draining their bank account with most of their own money to bring the station to life in a labor of love. “I feel great about it. It’s been something I’ve dreamed about since I was 17 years old,” said Looney, who by days also works as a local bartender. KSVG currently broadcasts from a tiny downtown studio from noon to midnight with a rotating staff of more than 15 onair personalities, most with no prior experience, hosting multiformat specialty shows. One hour it’s hardcore, the next indie rock, making way for reggae, rockabilly and goth plus a helping of local

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.

Sinbad Saturday, March 16th

SATURDAY NIGHT!

Sunday March 17th

music submitted by bands directly to the station. Another genre soon to be added to rotation: outlaw country. “Right now, we just need to become a better radio station,” said Looney. “Our DJs are at about 50 percent, but our focus is to keep building.” Quality of station reception depends on your location. Although KSVG is considered a Bakersfield station, their antenna stands in Mettler, making it difficult for the entire city to tune in. “I’m working on making the station sound better,” added Chavez. “To do that we’re going to need a stronger translator, then we should be able to cover the greater metropolitan area.” To raise listenership until they raise enough funds to upgrade their terrestrial radio antenna, KSVG streams online at http://ruby.streamguys.com:5570 /ksvg.m3u, where you can connect and listen through your preferred media player. During overnight broadcast hours, an automated system will keep continuous music flowing until the next DJ steps up for their schedule shift. As a nonprofit community radio entity, KSVG accepts taxdeductible donations. All funds will go toward more upgrades

Merle Haggard

and running costs to continue providing a format Chavez labels “indie rock/mod/college.” “A lot of people I know already know about us, along with random people I run into. I get some ‘Thank yous’ and ‘We love everything you guys play.’ It’s a good feeling.” Listeners can meet members of the KSVG staff on Sunday at Bakotopia’s 2013 St. Patty’s Day Shamrock Shindig at On the Rocks, 1517 18th St., at 3 p.m. For information, call 327-7625 or visit facebook.com/KSVG Radio.

Matt’s pick Choirs and Redadare at Sandrini’s, 1918 Eye St., 9 p.m., Saturday, $5, 322-8900. After an extended period of silence, Bakersfield alt-rockers Choirs are ready to take the stage again. Fans can listen to a new song from the group titled “Vestige” at soundcloud.com/choirs. According to a post on the band’s official Facebook, the band will debut a wealth of new material at Sandrini’s for a sneak peak of their upcoming new CD. Also appearing are local quintet Redadare, featuring former members of a band I was oddly familiar with some years back, Throatshot. Welcome back.

An Evening with

Saturday, April 13th

Sunday, May 19th 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

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, March 21, 2013

Eye Street The Lowdown with Matt Munoz

Local longboard fans on a roll Group’s first race was a huge success

espite some last-minute setbacks, last Saturday’s Homegrown Longboard River Ride and Push Race rolled on to major success. With 46 contestants from across Bakersfield, Los Angeles, Morro Bay, and even as far away as Colorado, the bustling scene during 9 a.m. registration at The HUB in Old Town Kern was anything but still. This was the first official event from Bakersfield’s Homegrown Longboards, which co-organized the race out of his garage workshop with help from close friends and family. Homegrown Longboards owner Jonathan “J.J.” Gomez, 26, recalled heading into the event with high hopes only to have them dashed when one of the original sponsors pulled out a few days before. Organizers discovered they hadn’t followed protocol in lining up a section of the Kern River Parkway Path, their original venue for the race. “Everybody assumes the bike path is for public use, which it is, but you still have to get the proper permits for these types of events. When we went over to look into things, the staff was cool with us, and offered to help us out and point us in the right direction.” Within a few hours of getting their applications paid for and approved on Friday, Gomez and crew notified those who had made their reservations for the race. “The

PHOTO COURTESY OF HOMEGROWN LONGBOARDS

Some of the participants from the Homegrown Longboard Fun Run and Push Race pose near the Beach Park skate park on March 16.

response was more than I expected,” he said. “We weren’t about to call things off.” An hour after Saturday morning registration, participants gathered at the starting point. Along the way, spectators could be found cheering the riders to the finish line at Beach Park. “Some groups of cyclists pulled over and watched us race, and some others followed along, having some fun with this,” said Gomez. “There’s something about seeing that many longboards all together in one place. It’s pretty inspiring.” Everyone was given rousing applause after crossing the finish line Riders with energy left to expel joined in a caravan down 18th Street, through downtown, all the way to The HUB. There they were greeted by local bands Dub

Seeds, Woodrow, Leksure, Chase Steele and Reyes, who performed for a barbecue and awards ceremony. Winners presented with their handcrafted award plaques included: Nathan Hokit, 5; Jack Smith, 56; Breanna Martinez, 17; and Daniel Engel, 22. “We have our core group of followers, but this was our debut event and we wanted to make it great for everyone involved. We had some parents come up to us with their kids who said they read our story in the paper and brought the family out. That’s awesome.” While the overwhelming response was exciting, Gomez was most proud of the teamwork that went into making the event a success. “Anticipating the kind of reception we were going to get was the

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.

hardest, most nerve-wracking part, and basically getting it into my head that anything you want can sometimes be a phone call or email away. I’m glad things turned out the way they did. We learned a lot.” Gomez said longboard enthusiasts can expect more events this summer, but for now, its back to the workshop for him and his Homegrown Longboard mates. “I’m still trying to catch my breath from this event,” Gomez laughed. “We have so many plans.” For more information on Homegrown Longboards, visit facebook.com/LongboardBako.

Amestoy’s Chili Verde Cook-Off Spring is about to get spicy with the return of Amestoy’s Chili Verde Cook-Off on Sunday. I’ve been pleased to be a judge at both events in the past, and though my stomach might protest, I have agreed to return to the judging table again this year.

My secret: Watch the tortillas. Everyone has their favorite spice blends for the delicacy, traditionally made with chunks of pork shoulder meat and slow cooked in a green chili sauce of tomatillos, garlic, and jalapenos. From the salty to the bland, tongue-dissolving to the delicate, each combination of ingredients makes for an interesting AlkaSeltzer-relieving afternoon food adventure at the historic east Bakersfield bar and eatery. As of Wednesday, all spots for the competition were filled; however, there will be plenty of room to enjoy all the spicy festivities, including live music from Bakersfield reggae trio Dub Seeds. If you plan on attending, I recommend arriving early. There’s no rain in the forecast as they’ve had in the past, which will most likely pump up attendance. Sunday’s event kicks off at 11:30 a.m. Admission is $10 and includes drink ticket and food samples. Parking is available on site and throughout the surrounding neighborhood. Amestoy’s is located at 2303 River Blvd. For more information, call 871-2303.

Matt’s picks El Tri at La Movida, 212 E. 21st St., 9 p.m., Friday, $40, 5789772. Known as los “Rolling Stones” de Mexico, El Tri head into their 45th year of non-stop roc en Espanol with fans so rabidly enthusiastic, even the Hell’s Angels at Altamont would be powerless against them. Guitarist and vocalist Alex Lora, 60, the self-proclaimed “Esclavo del rock and roll” (rock and roll slave), writes deeply personal songs with topics ranging from politics to poverty, and he takes fan requests for new material. Want a song written about the Pope, soccer, or even the plight of prostitution? Lora will deliver it live in a Mexican minute. Please see LOWDOWN / 31

TICKETS AVAILABLE AT THE FOX THEATER BOX OFFICE, RUSSO’S BOOKS AT THE MARKETPLACE, EMPORIUM WESTERN STORE – 661-322-5200 – 888-825-5484 – Vallitix.com

Thursday, March 21, 2013 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street

Puppet master: Dunham back Comedian gives voice to outrageous skits BY MATT MUNOZ Californian staff writer mmunoz@bakersfield.com

t doesn’t take a dummy to see that Jeff Dunham is the king of his own comedy realm. After toiling in the comedy clubs of Los Angeles through the ’80s, Dunham scored a coveted appearance on “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson” in 1990, teeing off a successful stand-up career in ventriloquism that continues to be a hit with audiences. For his latest show, “Disorderly Conduct,” Dunham returns with his famed cast of naughty sidekicks, including: Bubba J, Achmed the Dead Terrorist, the manic purple creature, Peanut, Walter the Grumpy Retiree, spicy pepper Jose Jalapeno, and Peanut’s own ventriloquist dummy Little Jeff, a mini-version of the comedian himself. On voice rest between shows,

Jeff Dunham When: 5 p.m. Saturday Where: Rabobank , 11200 Stockdale Highway Admission: $42.50 plus service charge Information: 852-7777 or ticketmaster.com

Dunham answered our interview questions via email. Why do you think your act resonates with audiences so strongly after all these years? I work hard at writing funny new material to keep the show fresh. One of my goals when performing is to make the audience forget about the fact that they’re watching a ventriloquist act, thus suspending disbelief, and enjoy the characters for who they are. Most folks when they talk to one of the characters and I in a close-up situation tend to immediately forget that it’s one guy doing all the talking. And, yes, that’s the ultimate compliment.

Everyone from a guy next door, to highly respected and experienced reporters or statesmen have been sucked into the confusion, and it’s always a big joke for any of their friends or colleagues standing nearby. Sound guys or radio jocks will almost regularly put a mic in the character’s face, forgetting for a moment or two that they’re a bit misguided. What do you think the late ventriloquist legend Edgar Bergen would say about your act? I would think he’d be proud of the fact that I’m trying to put a fresh patina on and old, tired and sad art and make it hip and fun again. Edgar Bergen was my main influence. He had the number one radio program, numerous films, and merchandise featuring his characters. He made Charlie and Mortimer American icons. What’s the biggest misconceptions about ventriloquism you’d like to get clarified? The ventriloquist must simply

PHOTO COURTESY OF CHAD GILBERT

Alt rockers What’s Eating Gilbert? featuring New Found Glory guitarist Chad Gilbert, pictured above, appear at Jerry’s Pizza on Saturday. LOWDOWN: CONTINUED FROM 30

What’s Eating Gilbert? At Jerry’s Pizza, 1817 Chester Ave., Saturday, $12, 633-1000. Not to be confused with the Johnny Depp film, New Found Glory guitarist Chad Gilbert steps up to center stage with his solo project, What’s Eating Gilbert?, which hits the spring tour circuit after a rousing appearance at Austin’s SXSW festival. This endeavor joins a long list of creative detours for the 32-year-old musician, who has worked with everyone from pop rockers Fall Out Boy to hardcore misfits Shai Hulud, and has produced a number of alternative rock acts like H20. To the envy of fanboys everywhere, Gilbert is dating Paramore’s lead vocalist, Hayley Williams, since 2008, who has been known to make an occasional surprise onstage appearance with her man. Also appearing are Allison

PHOTO COURTESY OF MURS

Southern California underground rap legend MURS appears at B Ryder’s on Tuesday.

Weiss, Pentimento, Candy Hearts, Grant My Wishes. MURS at B Ryder’s, 7401 White Lane, 8 p.m., Tuesday, $15, 397-7304. The cult of MURS is something to see. Keeping it real for underground hip-hop fans, even after signing to a major label in 2008, rapper Nick Carter, aka MURS, loves his fans as much as they love him. During a previous Bakersfield visit, he gave fans all the hits, plus a Sublime cover of “Date Rape” that threw the audience into complete pandemonium. Go to YouTube.com and put in the search words “MURS Bakersfield” to see. Tuesday’s show also marks a stop on the latest “Road to Paid Dues” hip-hop tour that ends on March 30 in San Bernardino, the site of this year’s massive Paid Dues festival. Also appearing are rappers Prof and Fashawn. Highly recommended.

PHOTO COURTESY OF JEFF DUNHAM

Comedian Jeff Dunham appears at Rabobank Arena on Saturday.

learn to imitate what a voice sounds like from far away, or from whatever distance the voice is supposed to be “thrown.” But learning ventriloquism for the purpose of performing with a “vent figure” requires no “distant” illusion, since the character is usually sitting right next to the ventriloquist.

Also, learning to speak without moving the lips is also learning to speak an entirely new way. Anyone can learn ventriloquism, and just like learning any skill, the dedication to accomplish the task is in direct correlation with the ability to learn. The more you practice, the better you are and the quicker you learn.

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, March 28, 2013

Eye Street The Lowdown with Matt Munoz

Spring breakdown: It’s TV for me Get your ’90s on with Everclear show

emember when MTV had its “Spring Break” telecasts live from Daytona Beach? My friends and I could never afford the trip to join the wild crowds between high school and college, but for a week we were glued to our TV ogling the sea of sun-tanned bikini babes with big hair. There were the screaming jocks we could do without, but they came with the territory. It was the ’80s, the decade of wonderful excess. We lived without a care in the world, other than how we were going to lie to our parents if our party plans went south and our ride was too wasted to get us home before dawn. Those days may be long gone, but that doesn’t mean we have to let our fun wash away like Pauly Shore’s MTV career. Bakersfield may not have the glistening beaches of Florida, but on a balmy afternoon you can make believe it’s Palm Springs, circa 1986. As for myself, I plan on doing a whole lot of lounging this weekend, resting up for an epic weekend of TV with the season three finale of “The Walking Dead” on AMC, the final chapter of “The Bible” on History Channel, and the season three premiere of “Game of Thrones” on HBO. What can be better than zombies, Jesus and dragons for Easter? Have a happy spring break kids; just remember to party wisely at all times (so sue me for the warning — I’m a dad).

Summerland Tour Speaking of excess, tickets go on

PHOTO COURTESY OF EVERCLEAR

Tickets go on sale Friday for a June 30 concert with ’90s rock acts Everclear (above), Live, Filter and Sponge.

sale at 10 a.m. Friday for the big Summerland Tour 2013, featuring the ’90s rock cavalcade of Everclear, Live, Filter and Sponge, coming to Bright House Networks Amphitheatre on June 30. Though that list of names may sound like a household cleaning products convention, let’s break it down anyway. Each of these groups boasts some of that decade’s most lasting radio hits, beginning with Detroit’s Sponge, whose album “Rotting Pinata” spawned the singles “Plowed” and “Molly.” Then there’s Filter with former Nine Inch Nails guitarist Richard Patrick, who did his best Trent Reznor on “Hey Man, Nice Shot.” One of the highlights in the line-up for me is Live. Their album “Throwing Copper” has really held up well, believe it or not. Sadly, original lead vocalist Ed Kowalczyk is no longer with the group, but new leading man Chris Shinn can wail on “All Over You” with ease. Headlining is Everclear, featuring one of the quintessential punk rock dads, Art Alexakis. I just may have to call up my old Music Plus store co-workers and

have a reunion. Tickets range from $30 to $48, plus service charge. For information, call 852-7777 or visit ticketmaster.com.

Amestoy’s Chili Verde Cook-Off There wasn’t a drop of rain during Amestoy’s third annual Chile Verde Cook-Off last Sunday. By the time I’d arrived before noon, the crowd was already getting happily sauced inside and outside the bar as 21 teams put their best recipes to the test, handing out samples to the estimated 500 in attendance. Joining me at the judging table was Kern Federal Credit Union Director of Marketing Miranda Whitworth along with CHP spokesman Robert Rodriguez. To make it easy on our palates, the competition began with all official teams voting for the top six amongst themselves. Those top choices were then placed into identical serving bowls, before being presented to us in mixed order to ensure a blind tasting. After a few tastings and retastings, our collective votes were tallied until we’d reached a trio of

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 MIRANDA WHITWORTH

Team Home Depot took first place at Sunday’s third-annual Amestoy’s Chili Verde Cook-Off. Pictured from left are Robert Torres, Valentin Torres and Julio Villegas.

winners. Taking home the winning plaque and $200 cash prize was Bakersfield’s Robert Torres, Valentin Torres and Julio Villegas of Home Depot, followed by Carlos Alvarado and Brian Ryder of B Ryder’s Bar in second place, and Clayton Hogue of Smoking Dragon Catering in third. Veronica Allen of McKee Electric took home the people’s choice award while Big Ed’s Barber Shop of Bakersfield was awarded best booth. The afternoon party continued for hours with music and dancing by Bakersfield reggae rock trio Dub Seeds.

Meanwhile, in Denmark … Imagine being a young punk band leaving your distant homeland to venture across the U.S. with one goal in mind: new fans. That’s what Iceage lead-vocalist Elias Bender Ronnenfelt hopes to accomplish when the group rolls back into the Bakersfield ring at Munoz Gym today. “When I was 12, I used to listen to a lot of popular anarchist bands in our area, and it just grew from there,” said Ronnenfelt, 21, during a recent tour stop in Oakland. “You really just have to get out there, play and find an audience. You can’t really compare

what’s going on in every scene.” The story of Iceage began five years when Ronnenfelt teamed up with friends Johan Surrballe Wieth, Daniel Kjaer Nielsen and Jakob Tvilling Pless in the garages of Copenhagen. After creating a buzz, the group went on an indie label-signing spree from Denmark to the United States. The group’s latest record, “You’re Nothing,” was recently released to much acclaim as well as controversy, with some claiming the band promoted borderline neofascism. “I’m really tired of talking about it, but to sum it up, I did this interview discussing violence and these horrible things, race wars, stuff like that, but people just took it as pro-race war stuff. I don’t know how they came to that. We even had some shows canceled in Germany.” Iceage’s “You’re Nothing” is an unrelenting collection of tracks showcasing the global underbelly of the post hardcore scene in all its rugged but well-executed style. While I found no signs of anything remotely fascist on the lyrical end, the current political climate in Denmark is anything but harmonious. The music of Iceage just may be a youthful reflection Please see LOWDOWN / 29

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

Thursday, March 28, 2013 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street LOWDOWN: CONTINUED FROM 26

of those harsh realities, the ones we hear about from the safety of the evening news. You can check out a video of the band’s track, “Ecstasy,” on YouTube. “America is a big country, and we will keep travelling and exploring it. I always remember Bakersfield quite vividly because of the Munoz Gym.” 8 p.m. today; $8. All ages. Also appearing are Milk Music, Sea Lions, Doses, On Parade. 1931 E. California Ave. Going Underground Records: 633-0111.

Matt’s picks The Blue Deacons at B Ryder’s, 7401 White Lane, 8 p.m., Friday, $5, 397-7304. Bakersfield’s Steely Dan tribute band The Blue Deacons are back, following a show last year that packed the house at Sandrini’s, with band members and patrons lining the walls. And relax: This time there’s more room. All the big hits are guaranteed from the illustrious catalog of musicians Donald Fagen and Walter Becker. Led by Bakersfield troubadour Chris Carton, the 14-piece ensemble features an allstar cast of Bakersfield musicians fully capable of putting an authentic groove to each composition. Whether you’re a baby boomer, music geek or a corduroy-wearing hipster, don’t miss this show. D.R.I. at Jerry’s Pizza, 1817 Chester Ave., Friday, $16, 633-1000. Here’s a show for the old school punk rocker in all of

us. D.R.I. is a veteran ’80s Texas hardcore punk band most known for their classic “Skanker Man” logo. The band is currently touring with founding members Kurt Brecht and Spike Cassidy, and while the group never gained a mainstream audience, the integration of their punk sound with thrash metal influences was a stylistic catalyst for acts such as Suicidal Tendencies and Corrosion of Conformity, who helped bridge the gap between the two genres. Also appearing: Downfinger, Frentus, Thrash Ops, RA. Break ’Em Off 4 at The Garden, 900 22nd St., 2 p.m., Saturday, $15. Continuing to spin the flag for bboy and bgirl loyalists committed to hiphop culture in all of its many colorful forms, the Break ’Em Off series returns bigger and deffer. For Saturday’s event, DJs will spin after doors open at 2 p.m. Dance 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. Crews will be chosen into the main two-vs.-two battle, before the final elimination round where dancers will put forth their best moves for top prizes. The post-event gathering is guaranteed at Sandrini’s with the Mothership deejays at 10 p.m. For updated info, visit facebook.com/bboysbreakemoff.

Go & Do Today Bakersfield Senior Center Easter Program, bake sale, Easter eggs giveaway, 11:30 a.m., Bakersfield Senior Center, 530 4th Street. Free. 322-1970. CALM’s Spring Fling, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., now through Saturday, CALM, 10500 Alfred Harrell Highway. $9 adults; $7 seniors; children ages 3-12 are free with a paid adult admission. calmzoo.org or 872-2256. Disaster Preparedness, for families of people with disabilities, and their children ages 4 to 12, 3 to 4:30 p.m., Independent Living Center, 5251 Office Park Drive, Suite 200. Free. 3251063 or 369-8966. Kid Ink, an American rapper, producer and songwriter from Los Angeles, 8 p.m., Nile Theater, 1791 19th St. $30. vallitix.com or 322-5200. Classic Series, see “The Sound of Music” 7 p.m. today and 10 a.m. Saturday, Maya Cinemas, 1000 California Ave. $6. 636-0484. The Mavericks, 7 p.m., Buck Owens Crystal Palace, 2800 Buck Owens Blvd. $45-$53.50. vallitix.com or 3225200. 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. South Valley Sound Chorus Acapella Practice Night, 7 p.m., Central Baptist Church, 203 S. H St. Visit southvalleysound.org or 346-6190.

Friday “I Knew Him,” a play about the life of Christ, told by those who knew Him, 7 p.m. Friday through Sunday, Olive Branch Community Church,

12000 Olive Drive. Free. Visit sbctheater.com or 328-1151. D.R.I. (Dirty Rotten Imbeciles), guests Downfinger, Frentus, Thrash Ops, RA, 6:30 p.m., Jerry’s Pizza, 1817 Chester Ave. $16 advance; $18 at the door. All ages. Tickets at World Records, Wavelength SBI, True Grit. Visit tgptix.com. Game Show, music, entertainment, prizes, 7 to 9 p.m., Grinders Burger House, 1230 H St. Free. 327-5100. Master Songwriting Series IV, featuring Maia and Randy Sharp, performing their hit songs, with special guests Kevin Fisher, Adrianne Gonzalez and Linda Taylor, 7:15 p.m., American Sound Recording Studios, 2231 R St. $25. 615-289-8382 or 864-1701.

Saturday “Camp to Campus” Film, explores the experiences of first generation college graduates from a migrant labor background, 2 to 3:30 p.m., Beale Memorial Library, 701 Truxtun Ave. Free. 868-0770. Annual Easter Blast Egg Hunt, hosted by Stay Focused and Bakersfield Recreation & Parks; live music, face painting, snowcones, popcorn, giveaways, games, 10 a.m., hot dogs served from 11 a.m. to noon, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park, 1000 S. Owens St. Free. 322-4673. Bakersfield Speedway, USAC Midgets, Sport Modifieds, Mini Stocks, NMRA, gates open at 4 p.m.; races begin at 6 p.m., Bakersfield Speedway, 5001 N. Chester Ave. $15; $5 ages 6-12; under 5 free. bakersfieldspeedway.com or call 393-3373. Condors vs. San Francisco Bulls, 101.5 KGFM present SpongeBob SquarePants: Enjoy nautical nonsense

with SpongeBob SquarePants, 7 p.m., Rabobank Arena, 1001 Truxtun Ave. $8 to $30. Tickets: Rabobank box office, bakersfieldcondors.com or 324-7825. Easter Eggstravaganza, for children ages infant-6th grade, with prizes, entertainment and snacks, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., The Oaks Community Church, 10200 Campus Park Drive. Free. 6633888. Free Electronic Waste Recycling Event, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Bakersfield Optimist Club, 2607 Mt. Vernon Ave. Free. Email nlagness@yahoo.com or 873-4011. Giant Egg Hunt, for children ages 2 to 10, with face painting, kiddie train and more, registration 11:30 a.m.; age divided hunts 12:30 p.m., Family Community Fellowship, 10700 Brimhall Road. Free. 589-5254. Kern Audubon Society Field Trip, nature outing to Wind Wolves Preserve, meet 7:15 a.m., Park ‘n’ Ride, Stockdale Highway between Real Road and Highway 99. Bring water, snacks, binoculars, $10 for transportation. Visit kernaudubonsociety.org or 805-0230. Kern County Kennel Club Back to Back All Breed Dog, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Kern County Fairgrounds, 1142 S. P St. $4 adults; $3 seniors; $2 children ages 10-16; free for children under 10. kerncountykennelclubinc.com or 303-1920. Master Songwriting Clinic, with Maia and Randy Sharp, Kevin Fisher, Adrianne Gonzalez and Linda Taylor, have your songs critiqued, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., American Sound Recording Studios, 2231 R St. $169 includes lunch and free ticket to show on March 29. 615-289-8382 or 864-1701. Please see GO & DO / 30

Celebrate your Easter with brunch at the Crest Bar and Grill located inside the Bakersfield RV Resort. Featuring a “create-your- own” omelet station, fresh fruit, traditional breakfast items, a ham and beef carving station, assorted cold salads, and complimentary champagne. Brunch will be served from 8 am to 2 pm and reservations are recommended. $18.95 Adults, $8.95 Children under 10. Enjoy the Easter holiday with Bakersfield’s best kept secret, the Crest Bar and Grill. danashousekeeping.net 5025 Wible Road Bakersfield, CA 93313 www.bakersfieldrvresort.com

661-833-9998

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

2515 F Street

661-322-9910

www.kcsteakhouse.net

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, April 4, 2013

Eye Street The Lowdown with Matt Munoz

Arvin to Texas to ... big time? Country singer from Kern hopes so

hen Marcus Leary packed his bags bound for Texas, he took plenty of Central Valley musical roots along for the ride. Armed with a brand new country CD, “A Man That Can Love You,” the former Arvin resident, 42, is hitting the promotional trail looking to build a fan base deep in, dare I say, the heart of Texas. “This has been a fun ride,” said Leary from his home in Dallas. “I'm really excited about this new CD. I've gotten nothing but great reviews and I'm thankful to have the honor and privilege to share it with you all.” Since making his amateur musical debut, Leary has had great success catching the ears of fans drawn to the spark he attributes to his Arvin upbringing. “I did all the things a smalltown boy would do, with great friends and cousins always around me. We used to hang out and do things like ride our bikes in the country on the dirt road. You could always find fun things to do in Arvin.” Leary says while his musical tastes are all over the map, the country stylings of George Strait, Garth Brooks, Trace Adkins and Kenny Rogers had the most impact on his artistry. “My family had country music playing in our house at an early age and when I hear it, it reminds me of home. If you take a little bit of each of my tastes in music and stir it up like stew, you got me.” While the reach and popularity of country music

PHOTO BY ROLAND DOLAND

Former Arvin resident Marcus Leary has just released his first country music CD.

have grown in recent years, there are still few African-American artists who have been able to have an impact, making comparisons to Charley Pride and Darius Rucker inevitable for Leary. “I was introduced to Charley Pride by my family at 8 years old and grew fond of his traditional soulful twang and that baritone voice with the steel guitar and fiddles. I would listen to all his records and dream of having that sound. “As far as Darius Rucker, he’s probably one of the most recognized singers in the country because of Hootie & the Blowfish. I like that easygoing, sit in the grass with your girl on a sunny day kind of music he has.” And who can forget towering country rapper Cowboy Troy? “I remember seeing him in the ’90s at one of the big country clubs called Red River Road House in Pennsylvania. Great performer, but I can't tell how many times people come up and ask if I'm Cowboy Troy.”

Looking to break ground as an African-American in the genre, Leary is inspired by the popularity of Rucker and Cowboy Troy. “Here’s the thing. It'll take a certain type of person because many after Charley Pride have failed. The perfect analogy would be our president. You can’t be too obvious because country music will show you the door quick. Be yourself, don't take yourself too seriously, have a great song, and country music will embrace you. That's been my experience so far.” “A Man That Can Love You,” a full-length CD, is a collection of soulful contemporary country. The production is slick, straddling the line between the ’90s and present but with an independent charm real country fans can appreciate and enjoy. Leary’s voice is strong but works best when he taps into his spiritual side on songs such as “A Better Day Comin’,” where his flow sounds most natural. He’s also more at home on uptempo numbers “Backwards,” “Move a Mountain” and “Kill the Radio.” All eight tracks on “A Man That Can Love You” were written by outside songwriters. According to Leary, the choice to bring in a team for the project is standard in the industry. “I work with good writers and tell them what I'm thinking. They do the rest. I wanted this one to really count and show my sound and performance style. It's what I'm best at. Unfortunately, my songwriting is not one of my best suits, but neither is it for Tim McGraw, George Strait or Elvis Presley.” Following a string of high-profile shows throughout Texas, Leary has plans to bring his act to Bakersfield during the summer, along with the Kern County Fair. “I’m going to keep rolling

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.

along, perform every chance I get, and hopefully get signed to a major label, so I can keep going and touch a few hearts on the way. My show has a lot of energy. Everyone who comes out has a great time.” “A Man That Can Love You,” is available at Amazon.com, iTunes, and through his official website, marcusleary.com.

Isaiah Navarro & the Tribe Speaking of homecomings, former Rozzes vocalist Isaiah Navarro makes his first appearance back in Bakersfield with his new band, the Tribe, at Sandrini’s on Friday. My last memory of the Rozzes was during one of the band’s final shows at Jerry’s Pizza opening for alt-rockers Funeral Party, a Los Angeles buzz band that just days before their Bakersfield appearance performed on “Late Show with David Letterman.” Upon my descent into the Jerry’s Pizza basement, I assumed the thick crowd was there waiting for the headliners. I was wrong. Following the Rozzes’ electrifying set with members of the crowd singing along to every word and female fans locked in on Navarro, the room immediately emptied out, leaving Funeral Party to perform for what felt like their own wake. After the post high school breakup of the Rozzes three years ago, Navarro ventured out on his own, recording a solo record before making the jump to Hollywood with nothing but his guitar and a wealth of ideas waiting to be released. “I couldn’t be happier right now,” said Navarro in a phone interview. “It kind of feels weird, too, because when I left, I had so many people tell me I couldn’t move, I couldn’t get a band together.” Navarro admits it did take awhile to make connections, but within a few months the ambitious singer/songwriter began finding kindred spirits drawn

together by similar interests. “As a musician, all you can really hope for is people’s attention and appreciation. Finding musicians like this doesn’t just happen until it was meant to be.” After only a couple of rehearsals, he and the band debuted in January at Lot 1 Cafe in the hip Echo Park section of Los Angeles, an experience that convinced him he’d made the right move. “Once you have that ‘click’ moment, everything just falls into place. Luckily, it was there that night. I think we did a good job; everyone seemed to enjoy it. So, we’re just building off steam from that.” The group has maintained momentum, scoring shows at a number of Los Angeles watering holes with crowds eager to find the next big thing. Now Navarro said he’s ready to take the next step, beginning with the hometown crowd. “I feel like we really have to live up to something with this show at Sandrini’s. I want this to be a show that people are glad they caught and will be talking about for months. We’ve been looking forward to this since we booked it.” The group will hit the studio at the end of this month to record the demo they hope will bring them attention from indie and major label scouts. “Most of the songs we did with the Rozzes were written before I’d even formed the band, so it’s exciting to know they’re going to be heard by even more people. I think it gives more incentive for people to come to this show and hear these songs with a new band, along with some of our new songs. I hope everybody likes them.” Joining Navarro are drummer Josh Little, bassist Jacob Gonzalez and guitarist Michael North. Friday’s showtime is 9:30 p.m. Admission is $5. Sandrini’s is located at 1918 Eye St. For more information call 322-8900. Please see LOWDOWN / 28

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

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, April 4, 2013

Eye Street

BAKERSFIELD SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA APRIL 13

US ARMY ARENA BOWL XII APRIL 19

CINCO DE MAYO BOMB FEAT WIZ KHALIFA MAY 4

MIRANDA LAMBERT W/ DIERKS BENTLEY MAY 9

AIR SUPPLY JUNE 29

SUMMERLAND TOUR W/ EVERCLEAR, FILTER, LIVE & SPONGE

Musical pair work in perfect harmony Duo go for minimalism to find lyricism in songs BY SUSAN SCAFFIDI Contributing writer

The musical duo Tin|Bag will search for musical gold in a concert of original compositions and cover tunes at the final Dukes Memorial Concert Series at First Congregational Church on Sunday. Tin|Bag is Bakersfield-based trumpeter and composer Kris Tiner and New York City-based guitarist and composer Mike Baggetta, who have been collaborating after both had participated in the Betty Carter Jazz Ahead program at Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Tiner said the duo’s musical collaboration initially was largely experimental, with both composers writing before they even really started working together, using modern compositional techniques and relying heavily on improvisation. “The music just kind of became more focused,” Tiner said about their work over the next several years. “We found this lyricism in there that we always liked.” Listening to Tin|Bag, one can hear a relationship between the two performers that sounds conversational in nature. Both working from a basic plan of musical elements, Tiner and Baggetta play off of each other’s ideas — one performer settling into a musical idea until the other drops in a new melodic, harmonic or rhythmic event. “There’s a lot of listening and responsiveness,” Tiner said. “We try not to overplay — we try to get the most meaning: a kind of minimalism with the most lyricism.” That search for lyricism has led Tiner and Baggetta to look at existing compositions, actually vocal songs, as source material, since music written for singing is inherently lyrical. Sunday’s concert will include work derived from music by the Rolling Stones (“No Expectations”), Hank Williams (“Ramblin’ Man”), Kitty Wells (“All the Time”) and Willie Nelson (“Crazy”). Tiner said the duo “deconstruct” songs like this to get at their musical core. “These are very simple melodies and simple chord progressions,” he said,

PHOTO COURTESY OF JENNIFER WILLIAMS

Kris Tiner, left, performs with Mike Baggetta.

adding that their very simplicity provides the musicians with the best opportunities. “We try to really mine those melodies for the really deep musical substances there,” Tiner said. The Dukes concert is part of an intense weekend of performing and teaching for Tin|Bag. Tiner and Baggetta will deliver a workshop for CSUB jazz students on Friday, and then perform a long set at the Art Share LA gallery on Saturday. On Monday, the duo will perform and deliver a workshop for music students at UC Irvine for its ICIT New Ears Series. Tiner said the Dukes concert is really the main event for the duo, as they will be recording the concert, a program of all new work. “We’ve done two tours of this material so it’s time to do the definitive version of this,” Tiner said. Tiner said he plans to release the records on his Epigraph Records label.

Dukes Memorial Concert Series When: 4 p.m. Sunday Where: First Congregational Church, 5 Real Road Admission: Free; donations accepted

JUNE 30

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Matt’s picks Mothership, Gypsyhawk, Meditated Assault at On the Rocks, 1517 18th Street, 9 p.m., Friday, $5, 327-7625. This triple bill of molten metal goodness should bust your eardrums in a matter of riffs. Hailing from Southern California, coheadliners Mothership and Gypsyhawk bring their razor-sharp whiskey-soaked chops for a stop in Bako on their national March Out of Winter tour. Opening the show are Bakersfield favorites Meditated Assault who, since we last spoke, were preparing for the zombie apocalypse. Cholo Biafra: Tribute to ’70s & ’80s

Punk Rock at Sandrini’s, 1918 Eye St., Saturday, $5, 322-8900. It’s an encore tribute to the era that brought you the Dead Kennedys, Bad Brains, TSOL, The Exploited, The Damned, Circle Jerks, Misfits, Sex Pistols and more. Dust off your old leather jacket with the faded GBH “City Baby’s Revenge” image, your oxblood-colored Doc Marten boots and mind your moshpit etiquette. The band: Pablo Alaniz, guitar; yours truly on vox; Salvador Galindo, guitar; Cesareo Garasa, drums. Also appearing are KSVG indie radio deejys Jake Chavez and Greg Looney, spinning vintage punk between sets.

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, April 11, 2013

Eye Street The Lowdown with Matt Munoz

Time to get your reggae on, mon The band will sell copies of their latest independent eightsong demo on Friday to help with tour costs. If they make it back in one piece, they plan to enter the studio to begin working on their first full-length CD. “Anything donated will really help: food, beer, munchies, toiletries,” said Whitmore. “Money too.” The band left our interview with a collective heart-tugging message. “All of our families are stoked and have been super supportive of us and our dreams. That is something that we are truly blessed with. We are so thankful to our families and friends. We really couldn’t do it without them. Much love.” Friday’s showtime is 9 p.m. Admission is $5. Also appearing are Vanity Avenue and Top Shelph. On the Rocks is located at 1517 18th St. For more information, call 327-7625 or visit facebook.com/amityflow.

Amity Flow raising money for tour

he members of Bakersfield reggae rock quintet Amity Flow are a detail-oriented

lot. And for a reggae band that’s saying a lot, mon. Finishing up preparations before they set out on their first tour, it appears they have a handle on everything required to make it happen: transportation, gigs, lodging, gear, music, snacks, energy drinks, underwear and socks. And let’s not forget the money. Yes, money. Touring for any band at any level doesn’t come cheap. To help with the precious funds necessary for their first irie excursion, the guys have organized a tour fundraising show at On the Rocks on Friday. “Saving money for the tour has been tough. We’ve been saving money from shows for about two months now,” said Amity Flow vocalist Drew Thomas Peterson, 24. We hope that the tour will help us expose our sound, music and message to people throughout the country.” Great attitude, but let’s not joke around. The road can destroy even the tightest band of brothers. To help with that area, guitarist James Barron, 25, has offered his veteran services as official motor home shrink. “I have toured for music in the past, and although there are many challenges on the road, I think I can coach the rest of these dudes through it; 4,500 miles in two weeks is a rough stretch, but our passion for this music and message will definitely carry us through.” You read correctly. That’s quite an ambitious trek, and with gas prices higher than Bob Marley, the group is looking at some seriously green flying out of their pockets for fuel alone. “We will have the motor home to sleep in while we’re driving. Most show cities along the way include hotel rooms but some cities we have host families who will be opening their homes for us for the night,” Peterson said.

Matt’s picks PHOTO BY ROBERT BEJIL

Bakersfield reggae quintet Amity Flow appears Friday at On the Rocks.

Aware of the expense and potential for disaster, the band rented a fully stocked RV from a national vehicle rental company, Cruise America, which guarantees replacement wheels in case of a breakdown. “Fortunately the motor home has a shower that we can use if we get to smelling funky,” said keyboardist Kevin Lundy, 27. “Our drummer Andrew (Whitmore) sounds like Sasquatch when he snores,” laughed bassist Patrick Griffith, 24. “We’ll probably make him sleep in the storage areas underneath or in the bathtub.” Peterson, always the optimist, envisions a true bonding experience. “I believe the traveling together and being cramped in a vehicle will bring us closer and help us develop even more chemistry. Amity Flow was offered a slot on the self-financed trek — dubbed the “Everybody Love Everybody Tour” — through a representative at Arizona-based entertainment company RPM Live and will be joined by fellow reggae acts Fortunate Youth, Inna Vision and The White Glove Service. The tour’s first show is in Fresno on April 17. The trek con-

PHOTO COURTESY OF MILLIONAIRES

Electro-pop sister duo Allison and Melissa Green, aka Millionaires, appear at Jerry’s Pizza Friday.

tinues up through Oregon, Washington, Montana, Utah, Colorado and Arizona before ending in Las Vegas on April 28. The venues range from dives to intimate concert halls. But in case they end up in a “Bob’s Country Bunker” gig predicament like the Blues Brothers did in the film of the same name, Griffith says

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.

they’ve got that covered. “James is heavily influenced by Brad Paisley. I think he would be ultra inspired and we would tear that bar down.” On the topic of groupies, Peterson said faithfulness is a big part of the Amity Flow creed. “Patrick and James are the only ones with girlfriends, but they are pretty chill girls and have supported them about the tour. Patrick doesn’t have any game anyways, so his girl doesn’t need to be worried.”

Millionaires at Jerry’s Pizza, 1817 Chester Ave., Friday, 7 p.m., $12, all ages, 633-1000. Orange County party girls and local faves Millionaires make their preRockin’ Roots return once again with a new CD, “Tonight,” destined for mothers’ do-not-play lists everywhere. Still dishing out fun Auto-Tune anthems in the vein of their nemesis, Ke$ha, the act has publicly rebuked the star for stealing their image. To combat other copycats, Millionaire sisters’ Melissa Marie and Allison Green have upped their sexpot stage shtick with more than just the average innuendo, much to the delight of teenage boys everywhere. Millionaires made their first Bakersfield appearance back in 2008, and whether you love them or hate them, they always throw a killer party. Also appearing are Ashland High, Beneath the Sun, Lancifer. Mike Bhone Retirement Jam at On the Rocks, 1517 18th Street, 4 p.m., Sunday, free, 3277625. If you attended Arvin, West, Wasco or Nueva high schools, veteran music instructor and musician Mike Bhone would like to see as many of his old students as possible as he hangs up his baton for good. Lots of great live music, reminiscing and great memories from one of our area’s most beloved music mentors. Former music students of Bhone’s are encouraged to bring their instrument for the extended jam session. Ear plugs not included.

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, April 18, 2013

Eye Street The Lowdown with Matt Munoz

DJ takes a spin to Coachella Festival gig of lifetime for local vinyl master

akersfield is being soundly represented at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in Indio — which enters its final weekend Friday — with the eclectic sounds of Alex Rodriguez, aka DJ Moustache, who was offered the chance of a lifetime. “I’m friends with some of the people at Goldenvoice (promoters of the festival) and I’ve been helping out the Glasshouse Record store in Pomona, which also has some affiliation,” said Rodriguez, 33, who lives his life immersed in vintage vinyl as collector, dealer and working deejay. “I got a text message that said ‘Hey, do you want to deejay at Coachella?’ My answer was ‘Ummmmm ... YES!’” Now in its 12th year, Coachella draws 80,000-plus music fans to the Empire Polo Club in Indio on two consecutive weekends for three days of non-stop music. Performing this year are Red Hot Chili Peppers, rappers Wu-Tang Clan, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Vampire Weekend, Violent Femmes, The Selecter, Social Distortion, Metric and 169 other acts from the worlds of electro, rock, punk and whatever the latest noise on the minds of the hip and happening is. Split among two outdoor stages and three massive tents, it has to be experienced to be believed. Rodriguez, who’s attended the festival twice, was careful to keep his expectations in check when he was offered the gig. “Originally, I was told

PHOTO COURTESY OF DJ MOUSTACHE

Bakersfield deejay Alex Rodriguez, aka DJ Moustache, poses on Sunday at the Coachella Music and Arts Festival in Indio. The festival resumes this weekend.

I would be spinning in the campgrounds after the bands were done playing. I had no idea they were going to throw me on the Gobi tent. I got a text from the campground DJ manager that said ‘check the lineup.’ I checked it out and saw that it said ‘Moustache.’ I replied back to him with ‘Why does it say Moustache?’ He replied with ‘That’s you, son!’ That’s when I started hyperventilating, got crazy nervous and wanted to hide.” Listed on the official Coachella schedule, Rodriguez’s stage name is printed in the opening 11:30 a.m. Gobi tent opening slot alongside reggae icon Lee “Scratch” Perry, Odd Future’s Earl Sweatshirt and others. “Last week I played ’60s and ’70s funk and soul 45s,” Rodriguez said of the festival’s

first weekend. “I wanted to give them something they weren’t going to hear much of the rest of the weekend. The campgrounds were an eclectic mix. They applauded me when I was done. I had people come up to me all through the weekend saying that they liked my set and that it blew their mind that I was spinning 45s. I even had a couple people want to take a picture with me, which felt so weird. I’m just a dude playing records. It’s not like I’m making great music.” Speaking of celebrities, the side-stage crowd mix provided a show of its own. “I was more excited over seeing musicians I admired than celebrities. I stood next to Blake Anderson from the show ‘Workaholics’ during the Descendents set, saw Lindsay Lohan, stood next 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.

Chloe Sevigny during Dinosaur Jr., hung out with Bryan Migdol, the original drummer of Black Flag, and I got to meet Ian MacKaye from Fugazi to talk about music and records.” Rodriguez heads back to Coachella today to kick off another weekend of spinning, starting in the festival’s campground area. I’ll be there too, getting my groove on, preparing for the oncoming weekend heat with my girlfriend and 17,000 other brave camping friends. “Take lots of sunscreen, allergy medicine, a dust mask, scarf or bandanna to cover your face if the wind kicks up,” Rodriguez recommends for those making the trek for the first time. “Bring clothes for warm and cold weather. Also, drink lots of water. Duh?” You can catch Rodriguez back in Bako when he resumes his Beat Surrender and Wax On deejay dance night residency the second and third Friday of every month at Sandrini’s. I’ll be back with my annual Coachella review next week. Catch a streaming webcast of performances at Coachella.com during the festival beginning Friday afternoon.

Record Store Day Saturday is Record Store Day, which celebrates the art of music and the spirit of the independent music store. Since its inception six years ago, Record Store Day has become a global phenomenon for music fans hoping to fatten their collections with rarities and limited special-edition releases produced just for the occasion. Among last year’s hot picks was the Buck Owens coloring book and multicolor flexi-disc set that featured Buck Owens and the Buckaroos live at the White House in 1968. This year’s highlights include long-out-of-print vinyl releases from David Bowie, Aerosmith and others. According to Bakersfield World Records employee Bruce Jones, trying to secure these limited

releases for customers is often a matter of chance, with rabid collectors vying for many of the same items. “It’s always a question mark as far as what we can get due to the demand of the limited pressings,” he said. “We had a customer come in to order the Dave Matthews Band live four-LP box set, but our distributor was only able to get a hold of 40 copies. They’d already had over 200 requests.” World Records owner Pat Evans said once the year’s list is released a few weeks leading up to Record Store Day, orders begin to fly. “We sent our list two weeks ago and anticipate being able to get 90 percent of the orders filled. For the store I go down the list to find items that may be of interest to our customers who come in that morning. It’s an event really steered toward vinyl.” If the store comes up short on special orders, Evans added he can usually fill them a few weeks later through customer cancelations in other cities. “Compared to the first year, the list has really grown. We’ll always take a crack at getting the most in-demand releases.” World Records has also scheduled live music from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. Featured bands are the Flying Arvizu Brothers, the Fruit Tramps, Divided Highway and more. World Records is located at 2815 F St. For more information call 831-3100. The Intimate Downtown at Going Underground Records has planned a full day of activity from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., also on Saturday. “Our store has tripled the amount of product from last year,” said Going Underground Records owner Ronald Ramirez. “I don’t normally do special orders, but I pretty much know what my clientele is looking for. I got nine boxes coming in the rest of the week. A lot of punk indie, Please see LOWDOWN / 32

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

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, April 18, 2013

Eye Street

South High aims high with ‘Boeing’ Cast on its toes for joke-a-second farce BY ASHLEY VENEGAS AND RUBY CASTILLO Contributing writers

eady for take off! Starting Friday, South High School’s Rebel Acting Troupe — aka the RAT Pack — presents “Boeing Boeing” by Marc Camoietti and directed by Julie Ingram. The high-flying comedy takes place in an apartment in Paris in the 1960s. The ensemble cast is made up of Steven Stacy as Bernard the Parisian bachelor; Elizabeth Nagel as Janet the American air hostess; Carolina Aldaco as

‘Boeing Boeing’ When: 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday Where: South High School’s Performing Arts Center, 1101 Planz Road Admission: $7 at the door; $5 pre-sale and children under 12 Information: 831-3690, ext. 77851

Bertha, Bernard’s housekeeper; Kris Anderson as Bernard’s friend from America; Baylee Myers as Jacqueline the French air hostess; and Amelia Rogers as Judith the German air hostess. This fun farce is about Bernard’s successful engagement

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incentive. When you have a school like Frontier giving away $500 prize at their airband competition, you have to amp it up another level.” The success of Frontier’s annual airband contest — where performers lip-synch and mimic playing instruments to pre-recorded music — inspired Borges to expand on the idea for his own show and include a second category, for live performance. “We’re going to feature top talent from participating Bakersfield area high schools who’ve won their own school talent shows,” said Borges, who announced the competition in February. “My idea was to bring it to our auditorium in the center of town with top winners from each school to compete for a city title.” Featured performers include singers, instrumentalists, dancers, actors, bands and airbands. The airband contest will feature eight performers, and 10 acts are confirmed for the live talent portion. Schools represented at the competition are BHS, Arvin, East, Foothill, Frontier, Independence, Liberty, Mira Monte and Stockdale. “We’re trying to utilize as much current technology so the kids can also help promote the show. We’re expecting a full house,” said Borges, who said he was reluctant at first to feature lip-synching and faux playing. “A parent of ours suggested the airband competition. I had mixed feelings about that, because I’ve never seen an airband, but after going to see Frontier High’s airband competition, I saw how the kids really like it because it has all the big song and dance elements. I also had a colleague stop me in the hall way at school and say, ‘When I was at Arvin, the airband competition was a big deal for us that weren’t necessarily talented, but it was a way for us to be involved too.’ I guess I never thought about it that way although I did find out many of the students are actual musicians and experienced live performers.” Friday night, each of the participating groups will get two minutes to display their best performance before a panel of local celebrity judges: musician Monty Byrom, radio personalities Scott Cox and Danny Hill, 2012 Miss Bakersfield Nashay Matthews and Bill Nelson of Nelson Media. Following

to three air hostesses from three different countries. His perfect set-up soon starts to crumble when the airplanes begin flying faster, therefore messing with his schedules. Soon all three stewardesses are in Paris at the same time, and zaniness ensues. “This is a very new character for me,” said Anderson, who plays Bernard’s friend. “He evolves into a player by the end of the play. My character really lets me have fun.” Amelia Rogers is excited about her role, because it will be her last at South. “I think a lot of people will be surprised with the maturity and flirtiness of the play.” — Ashley Venegas and Ruby Castillo are students at South High.

Carnegie Hall or bust Christopher Borges’ inspiration for the Phenom Best of Bakersfield Talent and Airband Competition is simple: He’s tired of declining, for lack of funds, invitations his students receive to concerts and festivals, including the Choirs of America Annual American Music Performance Nationals next April — at Carnegie Hall, the most prestigious concert hall in the country. “The BHS choir is pretty well-established,” Borges noted. “We have a great program, but it’s still difficult for us to get money from the district for trips, especially of this magnitude. We get regular invites to participate in out-oftown shows all the time, but I always have to say no.” The trip is expected to cost $100,000. That’s a lot of fundraisers, like the Phenom contest, which requires commitment, time and, most important: parent volunteers, like Alicia Ellsworth. “Raising funds is always a labor of love on everybody’s part,” Ellsworth said. “This is a once-in-a-life time event to see the amazing things in New York City for most of these kids.”

the show, audience members may vote via phone or text. “We’re fortunate to have some great resources with the Harvey Auditorium to help with staging. We’re going all out,” said Bakersfield High choir accompanist Alicia Ellsworth, whose son Philip is a member of the school’s choir. On Saturday, all groups will return to perform their full act on stage before a live audience. A final round of voting will begin immediately following the last performance of the evening. After votes have been tallied from both nights, three winners from the combined talent and air band categories will be recognized and awarded prizes. The grand-prize winner will take home a cash award of $750. The evening’s top three to five acts will perform an encore at the Kern High School District’s Promoting Excellence in Activities and Athletics in Kern award ceremony on May 15 at the Harvey Auditorium.

PHOTO COURTESY OF JULIE INGRAM

South High School is performing “Boeing Boeing.”

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metal, psych, modern soul.” In addition to Record Store Day exclusives, Ramirez has printed up a special batch of commemorative T-shirts for sale and will be running extreme discounts on the store’s massive in-house used vinyl collection. There will also be a sidewalk sale and live spinning from local deejay collective Drftrs all day long. Going Underground Records is located at 18221 G St. For more information, call 633-0111 or visit recordstoreday.com.

Matt’s picks Lucky Ned Pepper at Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace, 2800 Buck Owens Blvd., 7 p.m. today, $14 to $20, 328-7560. Former Smokin’ Armadillo members Rick Russell and guitarist Josh Graham — now known as Lucky Ned Pepper — turned a lot of heads following the release of last year’s lone Bakersfield country music release, “Get Lucky.” The duo have since been taking the finetuned Nashville-style production of radio-worthy gems through the back roads of the industry, stirring up interest on their own terms. The hometown crowd should be out in full force, and if you’re wondering if Graham can still kick out the hick-hop jams on the Armadillo favorite, “I’m a Cowboy,” you’ll be in for a surprise. The kid’s still got it. Senses Fail at Jerry’s Pizza, 1817 Chester Ave., Friday, 7 p.m., $18, all ages, 633-1000. Still able to riff, scream and growl, these post-hardcore heroes and Vans Warped tour headliners are sure to put on a show that lives up to the hype. The band’s latest release, “Renacer,” has a

PHOTO COURTESY OF LUCKY NED PEPPER

Lucky Ned Pepper — Josh Graham, left, and Rick Russell — performs tonight at 7 at Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace.

number of fresh new approaches that deserve to be heard. Also Appearing: Such Gold, Real Friends, Major League. Phantom Stranger Inc Presents at On the Rocks, 1517 18th St., Friday, 9 p.m., $5, 327-7625. Bakersfield’s Relay for Life always brings out the charitable side of our local music scene and when it comes to wrangling in the troops for a night of mayhem with a cause, local promoter Phantom Stranger never disappoints. The lineup features alternative rock and classic punk with Bako bands Stockz & Blondz, Crooked Folk, The Cretins’ “Ramones Tribute,” the Aviators, plus an art exhibition featuring local artists Jaime Contreras, Erwin Ledford and Carlos Fierros. All funds raised will benefit Bakersfield Relay for Life.

SUMMER CAMP LISTINGS Do you offer activities for children over the summer? Send us your information and we will run a free listing in The Californian. Information is due by April 22. Email to summercamps@bakersfield.com and include the following: Name of camp; address of camp; contact information (phone number, email and website of organization); dates of all sessions being offered (beginning date through end date); registration deadline; theme; age range of participants; activities; and cost.

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, May 2, 2013

Eye Street The Lowdown with Matt Munoz

Hip-hop artist paying his dues Artist’s raspy flow is natural and sincere

over only. Ink Bar is located at 1919 K St. facebook.com/sunnysunatra.

Even though Cinco de Mayo lands on a Sunday, there are still a few options available for celebrating the Mexican holiday, with some parties falling on the more convenient tres or quatro earlier in the weekend. It’s Bakersfield’s favorite excuse to party, second only to St. Patrick’s Day, so get your party posse together and practice your best tequila dance. KCHCC 11th Annual Spring Social and Cinco de Mayo Celebration at Golden West Casino with live music by Thee Majestics, Mariachi Toro de Mexico, plus deejays El Pollo, Sonido Banana. 6 p.m., Friday. Tickets are $30. Golden West Casino is located at 1001 S. Union Ave. 633-5495 or kchcc.org. Hot 94.1 presents “Cinco de Mayo Bomb” at Rabobank Arena with artists Wiz Khalifa, Miguel, Baby Bash, DJ Pauly D, Jonn Hart, T Mills, RaVaughn. 7:30 p.m., Saturday. Tickets are $20 to $75 plus service charges. Rabobank Arena is located at 1001 Truxtun Ave. 852-7777 or Ticketmaster.com. Cinco de Mayo Party at Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace with Mento Buru, Velorio, Mariachi San Marcos. 4 p.m., Sunday. Admission is $10, all ages. Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace is located at 2800 Buck Owens’ Blvd. 328-7560. Cinco de Mayo Bash at B Ryder’s with the Aviators, the Stray Dogs, DJ Mikey. 4 p.m., Sunday. Admission is $10. B Ryder’s is located at 7401 White Lane. 3977304.

ocal rapper Salvador Rosette, aka Sunny Rose, considers himself a blessed man. Counting the days until the official release party for his second CD, “SOA2,” at Ink Bar Friday night, the 29-year-old lyricist and emcee is about to enter the next phase of his career with a list of goals. Rosette kicks off the interview adamant about clarifying a few things with regard to respect. “First impression is everything in this business. I think the game is so multimedia heavy now a lot of artists don’t respect the history of the art form. There are a lot of rappers that start picking up the craft quickly, posting videos on YouTube and at Twitter of themselves, not paying dues the way they did before.” Rosette is no stranger in area hip-hop circles. A regular voice at underground open-mic nights and freestyle battles, his confident swagger is without any sign of annoying braggadocio as he references the struggles of his past in Shafter along with the triumphs of the present. “I remember heading to Downtown Records and Jerry’s Pizza downtown back in the day when they used to have the freestyle rap battles and you had to have a name just to get on the stage. When I used to come to Bakersfield from Shafter, I had to be extra nice to get on the mic.” He doesn’t have to play the role of Mr. Nice Guy anymore, but rather than flip the switch on his personality, he prefers letting his music speak. “I

Cinco de Mayo weekend

PHOTO BY SAL CARILLO

Bakersfield rapper Sunny Rose will celebrate the release of his new CD at Ink Bar on Friday.

want to be part of positivity. I want people to listen to the music. I think a lot of people see us out here as, ‘Oh, that’s just Kern County,’ but we’re planning on doing a lot more shows, a lot of things. I am going to be everywhere meeting people. I don’t want people to just be fans. I want them to be part of the music.” Beginning with the opening track of “SOA2,” featuring an interview snippet of Marvin Gaye, titled “Marvin’s Words,” Rosette described the evolution of the project from note pad to studio as if he were walking in the late singer’s footsteps. “He was questioning what it was about the music that kept him going and whether he was going to keep going or not. His career was on the way down at that time. I was at that point in my life before the record.” Rosette worked for a solid year putting together “SOA2,” the follow-up to “SOA1,” released three years earlier. With help from studio owner Jaime Sanchez, the duo set out to make a record that represented not just the Central Valley, but the essence of Rosette’s being. Filled with signature mid-tempo, head-bobbing beats, Rosette’s raspy flow comes

off natural and sincere. “I’m a hybrid. I’m influenced by so many different types of music, including country music, which I’m a big fan of. My style of rapping is definitely East Coast influenced, but my favorite rapper is Scarface from the South.” Stand-out tracks on “SOA2” include: “Game Changer,” “1994,” “The Replay” with guest vocals by Mike Bannister, and “Teardrops (Bee’s Song).” “I wanted to put something together I can be proud of, from the packaging and photography. Something I can show my kids 30 years from now. It’s more than just music to me. There are people who do some great things around here, but it’s just so hard to find, like a diamond in the rough.” Rosette has already made a few appearances, including a recent show opening for Wu-Tang Clan member Raekwon the Chef in Pasadena last weekend. Following Friday’s release party, he plans to keep the momentum going. “I want to have a classic hip-hop night, celebrating with all the people who’ve supported me and our plan to keep chasing the dream.” Friday’s downbeat is 9 p.m. Admission is $10 and includes a copy of Sunny Rose’s CD. 21 and

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.

Band-a-palooza The world’s largest Relay For Life event and Bakersfield’s biggest fundraiser and overnight party is back this Friday and Saturday. To keep participants and supporters in step, a host of local bands are scheduled to entertain the 10,000-plus expected attendees. From rock, reggae, Latin, to

’80s retro pop, it’s quite the amazing spectacle and probably the biggest crowd these bands will ever perform for. Friday’s main stage live music steps off at 6 p.m. with the Red River Blues Project. On Saturday, the music continues all day, beginning at 11:30 a.m. on two stages with bands Vanity Avenue, Arizonity, the Aviators, Truxton Mile, Western Medicine, Thee Majestics, Vowed to One, Dr. DeVito, Members Only, plus emcees: KUZZ radio personality Brent Michaels and Clear Channel radio’s Kenn McCloud. Relay For Life takes place Friday beginning at 10 a.m. through Saturday at Wingspoint, at the corner of Merle Haggard and Airport drives. Parking is limited. For more information visit relayforlife.org/bakersfieldca.

Matt’s picks Mark Yeary Benefit at Julie’s Branding Iron, 1807 N. Chester Ave., noon Sunday, 21 and over, $5, 477-3622. A long list of musical friends are expected at this all-day fundraising jam deep in the heart of Oildale for longtime Merle Haggard keyboardist Mark Yeary. After recovering from open-heart surgery and a stroke in December, Yeary recently suffered another stroke, leaving him unable to get back to work. Scheduled to perform throughout the day are musician Monty Byrom and many more. There will be a potluck and raffles with all funds going to help Yeary with living expenses. Face to Face at Narducci’s Cafe, 622 E. 21st St., 7 p.m. Wednesday, $20, all ages, 3242961. Straight outta Victorville, punk rock legends Face to Face are promoting their new CD, “Three Chords and a Half Truth.” The album is a little toned down compared to their ’90s classics, but after all these years, they don’t need critics; they just need fans to sing, mosh and sweat along as they have for years. Also Appearing: Teenage Bottlerocket, Blacklist Royals.

TICKETS AVAILABLE AT THE FOX THEATER BOX OFFICE, RUSSO’S BOOKS AT THE MARKETPLACE, EMPORIUM WESTERN STORE – 661-322-5200 – 888-825-5484 – Vallitix.com

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, May 9, 2013

Eye Street The Lowdown with Matt Munoz

Ukulele shredder heads our way stopped asking for the old songs. They know we mean business.” Canada says Bakersfield can expect a rattlesnake bite of a show when they roll into town. “It’s going to be hard to contain ourselves. The fans there have always been great to us and my music. We got at least a good twohour set and we’re going to give it everything we’ve got.” Wednesday’s showtime is 7 p.m. Tickets are $12 to $18, plus service charge. Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace is located at 2800 Buck Owens Blvd. 328-7560 or visit vallitix.com.

Texas band promises barn burner at Palace

cclaimed South African bassist Bakithi Kumalo will make a rare appearance in Bakersfield on Tuesday and Thursday for a series of music clinics focusing on the other instrument he loves: the ukulele. Panama-Buena Vista educator Kevin Birkbeck, who also teaches ukulele classes, is arranging the visit by Kumalo, perhaps best known for his work on Paul Simon’s “Graceland” album. Still active on the touring and studio circuit, Kumalo discovered the UBass five years ago, which opened new doors of opportunity for him, including the role of ukulele clinician. “I’m so glad the instrument is coming back and taking over, because it’s an old tradition,” said Kumalo, 57, during a phone interview from his home on Long Island. “Every family in America used to have a ukulele in their home.” Able to produce the same pitches as a standard bass instrument, the size of the U-Bass is relatively close to the average ukulele. “When I first saw the instrument, I thought it looked cool. I thought it was a toy, but then when I started playing it, I didn’t stop for hours. I just couldn’t believe the sound that was coming out of the bass. There’s always been ukulele, but never a bass ukulele like this. I play it all the time now.” Birkbeck pitched the idea of having the bassist share his experiences with Bakersfield students after meeting Kumalo at a music merchants convention. Kumalo agreed, even paying for the trip himself. “I’ll do some bass solos and tell stories about growing up in South Africa, our music along with some videos about the making of the ‘Graceland’ album. The kids can ask questions.” Recalling the making of the classic album, which celebrated the 25th anniversary of its release last year, Kumalo said the experience

From rock to country

PHOTO COURTESY OF BAKITHI KUMALO

Famed South African bassist Bakithi Kumalo, known for his work with Paul Simon, appears in Bakersfield May 14 and 16.

ultimately altered the course of his career on a global scale. “Somebody had sent Paul some tapes of South African music and he loved it. He flew to South Africa and we put the band together. We had no idea what he was looking for. The music was so complicated for him and difficult for him to follow at first. But, you know, he’s a musician, a writer, so it’s easy for him to come up with something. I was just really playing for fun, and then it took off. I had no idea it would have turned out like this.” Kumalo still tours regularly with Simon, in addition to treks with keyboardist Herbie Hancock and guitarist Derek Trucks among many others. “I’m a student as well. Just because I play with the great players doesn’t mean I know everything. I learn every day, and being around these musicians, it helps me to become a great player. I’m glad we were able to put this together and looking forward to visiting Bakersfield.” Kumalo will appear at 1:45 p.m., 2:20 p.m. and 6 p.m. Tuesday at Berkshire Elementary, 3900 Berkshire Road, and on Thursday at 8:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. at Hart Elementary, 9501 Ridge Oak

PHOTO COURTESY OF CODY CANADA

Cody Canada & The Departed appear at Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace Wednesday.

Drive. The public is invited and both shows are free. For more information, call Birkbeck at 4969514.

The Departed It’s been two years since Texas alt-country rockers Cody Canada & The Departed have been to California, but that doesn’t mean the

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.

restless band has been sitting around getting rusty. “I have to be out on the road,” said singer/songwriter Cody Canada, who promises a rip-roaring show at Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace on Wednesday. “It’s always been that way for me. I started out touring when I was 18. I wanted to conquer every state, city by city.” Canada and bassist/compadre Jeremy Plato took some time after the demise of their previous Oklahoma country band, Cross Canadian Ragweed, to shed their skin and make way for a new identity as The Departed. The pair also relocated to Texas to be reintroduced on new musical turf. “It was hard at first,” Canada said. “We started out with a cover record of Oklahoma songs, which reminded people of our Ragweed sound, but we didn’t want to rush a new record the first six to seven month we were together.” Following the release of their latest record, “Adventus,” Canada and the rest of the band are finally at home with their new direction. Canada’s signature sound has carried over to the present on a collection of solid country-laced rock originals. “I’ve noticed that since we put the record out, fans have finally

KVMX-FM (MAX 92.1) in Bakersfield has changed formats, leaving behind classic rock for country. The new station, owned by Lotus Communications, is being rebranded “KIX Country, 92.1.” An item on the industry website Radio Online, said the lineup features syndicated personality Bobby Bones from 5 to 10 a.m. weekdays, and his “Country’s Top 30 Countdown” on Sundays from 8 a.m. to noon. Some disc jockeys from KVMX have been retained for the new format, including Anne Kelly, a voice on the local radio scene for more than 20 years. The Radio Online item quoted Greg Holcomb, the station’s general manager, as saying: “Country music is one of those formats that crosses all demographics. With our impressive talent line up, we look forward to satisfying our new listeners.”

Matt’s pick KSVG Benefit Show at Narducci’s Cafe, 622 E. 21st St., 2 p.m. Saturday. $5. 324-2961. Bakersfield’s only nonprofit community terrestrial radio station, 89.7FM KSVG Savage Radio, has organized this marathon concert in Old Town Kern to help with the bills, and all at a very punk-rock admission price. Bands appearing live include local and visiting acts: Micah Newton & Kasey Culp, Tanked, Country Deluxe, Dreadful Selfish Crime, The Dharma Bums, Leksure, Artificial Euphoria, Love Lush, The Nature, Redadare, The Volume, and Choirs. There will also be raffles throughout the day, with all funds going to benefit KSVG Radio. More info at facebook.com/ksvgradio.

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, May 16, 2013

Eye Street The Lowdown with Matt Munoz

Primus coming right at you someone like Slash endorsing us, it’s like a pat on the back. You are doing the right thing.” If the sound of the band’s brilliant full-length debut, “King of Conflict,” is any indication of their live show, you’d be foolish to miss it. “We view a debut as very important. We look at an album like “Appetite for Destruction” by Guns N’ Roses or “Definitely Maybe” by Oasis; both are amazing debuts that pushed those groups. We give it onstage with a lot of passion, energy, and grit.” Friday’s showtime is 6 p.m. Free tickets are given away through KRAB radio. Stramler Park is located at 3805 Chester Ave. Visit krab.com or call 3229929.

Trailblazers add 3D whiz-bangery to show

izarre, amazing, twisted and funky are just a few of the terms fans have used to describe the musical madness of Primus. Known for pushing the basic three-piece rock sound into regions bordering on the wacky, the veteran trio’s technical proficiency and knack for formulating grooves remain a secret all their own. As if being a band of misfits weren’t enough, Primus is ready to attack your senses in a live concert experience, Primus 3D, coming Wednesday to the Fox. “I don’t know if there’s ever been a musical concept to Primus, other than playing music we’d also enjoy listening to ourselves,” said Primus bassist Les Claypool, 49, during a phone interview. “Never a vision as much as there was an antivision.” Claypool humbly dismisses the group’s reputation as highly influential despite evidence to the contrary: guitarist Larry LaLonde’s picking and Zappaesque finesse; Claypool’s tapping, slapping, bass-bending playing; and drummer Jay Lane’s tighterthan-thou backbeat. “Well, I have yet to really see any Claypool clones. I mean there are guys who have had influence on other people, Flea (Red Hot Chili Peppers) being one of those folk. We were kinda the first guys to take the thumpin’ and the pluckin’ into the rock world, whereas my influences were guys like Larry Graham (Sly Stone) and Louis Johnson (Brothers Johnson). In people’s minds, it was as if we had invented it. We really hadn’t. Now that I mention it, I think we’re the only band who played with every incarnation of the Red Hot Chili Peppers.” The group’s latest record, “Green Naugahyde,” is the theme of the 3D multimedia show that is enjoyed by using special glasses presented at the theater. “I had old office space in the old Industrial Light and Magic

Juanes

PHOTO COURTESY OF PRIMUS

Primus appears at the Fox on Wednesday.

KRAB Free 4 All

PHOTO BY TAYLOR FOILES

Ballyhoo will perform Friday at the KRAB Free 4 All at Stramler Park.

building that used to belong to George Lucas, and a buddy working on ‘Transformers’ was also working on this 3D project, developing hardware for televisions. I would go in and see these 3D elements. I was like ... I should use this for one of my shows. So I used it at the San Francisco Opera House for New Year’s Eve, and it was amazing.” Those prone to motion sickness need not be concerned with

the 3D viewing for the concert. Reminders will be posted around the theater, and glasses are optional. “There was talk early into this about handing out vomit bags, but so far we haven’t had to deal with that. If you start getting woozy, take your glasses off.” Wednesday’s showtime is 8 p.m. Tickets are $34.50 to $52.50. The Fox is at 2001 H St. 322-5200 or vallitix.com.

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 radio’s annual Free 4 All concert Friday at Stramler Park is feeling the heat of hipsterdom. Headlined by California altrock quintet The Neighbourhood, the lineup features a collection of acts from the station’s current college-rock rotation, including Shiny Toy Guns, Family of the Year, The Virginmarys, and reggae punkers Ballyhoo. “We started doing reggae rock before it was even a term in Baltimore, after I first heard Sublime and Goldfinger back in ’96,” said Ballyhoo vocalist Howi Spangler during a phone interview. “We used to play in cities like St. Louis and they had no idea about the sound. Then about four years ago, we went back and they had a lot of reggae rock bands opening for us. It’s crazy how it’s blown up since then.” On the harder edge of things, British buzz band The Virginmarys have been enjoying widespread praise from critics and musicians such as Guns N’ Roses guitarist Slash, who publicly showered the band with accolades. “It makes us feel that we’re doing something that’s not happening today,” said Ally Dickaty. “We’re making timeless music, and not just some flash in the pan. It’s amazing that when you believe in it so much, and have

The latest major act to use Bakersfield as a place to get warmed up for a big tour is best-selling Latin rock singer Juanes, who arrived in town several days before his show Friday at Rabobank Theater. The singer and Juanes a full band will embark from Bakersfield on their latest tour in support of the Grammy-winning release, “MTV Unplugged.” According to Juanes’ publicist, the singer will be holding a private rehearsal performance for members of the United Farm Workers Union today. Tickets for Friday’s show are still available. Friday’s showtime is 8 p.m. Tickets are $27.50 to $73, plus service charge. Ticketmaster.com or 852-7777.

Matt’s pick Heralds of the Sword at The Gate, Saturday, 7 p.m., $5. Fantasy power metal fans should pay close attention. Bakersfield band Heralds of the Sword are about to unleash their new CD, “Chronicles of Tyrinthia: Sword Sworn,” at an all-ages headbanging extravaganza sure to rattle the bones of the ancient ones. With onstage character names like Warlord Khadgar of Valineth and Vincenzo of Castle Durnhaus, their costumes make this group of mad metallers a band to watch. Also appearing: Nerve Shocker and Spirit Descending. Check out the band at heraldsofthesword.com.

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, May 23, 2013

Eye Street The Lowdown with Matt Munoz

Artists work it out at Rabobank Rehearsal space a draw for cost, proximity to LA

ast week’s visit by Latin singer Juanes was no average tour stop. The Grammy-winning artist, who kicked off his “Loud & Unplugged” tour before a full house at Rabobank Theater on Friday, spent a number of days rehearsing and doing press below the radar. But Juanes isn’t the only megastar attracted to Bakersfield. “Rehearsal requests are about one to two times a year,” said Ed Dorsey, Rabobank Arena assistant general manager, of the frequency of inquiries into renting the venue. “Whether they happen or not depends on venue availability. There are other venues that do a lot more than we do. We have hosted Elton John, Jewel, Trey Anastasio from Phish, Neil Diamond, Korn, Britney Spears, Incubus (twice), Journey, Foo Fighters (twice) and Juanes. We have also hosted two-week rehearsal periods with Disney On Ice.” A number of factors account for the city’s appeal, Dorsey said. “One reason is Bakersfield is close to Los Angeles, but not too close. Neil Diamond and Dave Grohl (Foo Fighters) stayed in Los Angeles and commuted up each day to rehearse. The other — and more important — reason is because we are reasonably priced and they can get their work done,” said Dorsey of the rehearsal fee, which starts at $1,500

a day. “We provide what they need and leave them alone. They usually have a lot to do in a very short period of time.” While most artists have a tight schedule, others block out personal time to explore the city, Dorsey said. During Foo Fighters’ last visit, Grohl was spotted shopping at the Valley Plaza, with fans posting photos online as proof. “If they want to see or do something, we will provide options. Most frequent requests are setting up a golf outing or going to the Crystal Palace. Some people know about Bakersfield and what we have to offer. I have a production friend who every time he comes through, he has to go to Wool Growers, period. And then there are others who couldn’t care less.” In addition to rehearsing and meeting with press from around the globe last Thursday, Juanes made time for several lucky members of the United Farm Workers of America, who were treated to an hourlong rehearsal performance and meet-and-greet with the performers at Rabobank.

Cali Roots Festival The award for coolest gig of the year — so far — goes to Bakersfield reggae rock trio Dub Seeds. The easygoing brethren of allthings-irie are headed to the soldout California Roots Music Festival this weekend in Monterey, considered the Woodstock of the state’s reggae scene. Dub Seeds guitarist and vocalist Chris Taylor said he and bassist Gary Rink and drummer Anthony “Gizmo” Rodriguez have been savoring every moment since being notified by festival organizers. “It feels amazing, like this is a peaking moment as a band,” said Taylor of landing the coveted

PHOTO BY JORGE GUILLEN

Latin singer Juanes performs for a group of lucky members of the United Farmer Workers of America at Rabobank Arena on May 16.

spot, determined by an online voting contest. “We’ve been trying to get in the past two years. We finally got in touch with one of the organizers, who said he might be able to get us in. About six months ago, we were put into the contest, and our fans voted us in.” The lineup of the three-day outdoor festival, which kicks off on Friday, features a who’s who of the genre, including: Slightly Stoopid, Rebelution, Dirty Heads, Expendables, Matisyahu, and others who’ve helped expand the hybrid reggae, rock and punk sound from a niche audience into a wildly popular musical subculture. Dub Seeds will take the festival stage on Sunday afternoon. “We have a 45-minute set, so we’ve been practicing. Most of it

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

Amy Grant July 24th

PHOTO COURTESY OF JESSICA MONCRIEF

Dub Seeds is headed to the California Roots Music Festival, which is considered the Woodstock of the state’s reggae scene.

is a lot of mental preparation. We’re playing the same day as Matisyahu, so we wanna make sure we bring our A game. Everyone that’s everyone is going to be there.” Rink and Rodriguez, along with

a posse of friends who’ve been planning to attend for months, will head up today to set up camp. Taylor will take off for Monterey Saturday morning. “Just to be invited to play is Please see LOWDOWN / 31

July 31st

TICKETS AVAILABLE AT THE FOX THEATER BOX OFFICE, RUSSO’S BOOKS AT THE MARKETPLACE, EMPORIUM WESTERN STORE – 661-322-5200 – 888-825-5484 – Vallitix.com

Thursday, May 23, 2013 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street LOWDOWN: CONTINUED FROM 26

kind of like a pinnacle for us. Anything that comes out of it, a few more fans or more gigs, is icing on the cake. This is the biggest show we’ve ever been a part of and has already given us a lot of new exposure.” The festival is sold out; however, fans can stream the show live all weekend at californiarootsfestival.com.

Upcoming local shows Add this pair of shows to your calendar: Foo Fighters guitarist Chris Shiflett appears with his country side project, the Dead Peasants, at a free show at Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace on June 13. Shiflett, who formed the idea for the band while on tour for the Foo Fighters’ album “Wasting Light,” learned as many classic honky-tonk songs as he could. He already has made a number of live appearances with his honky-tonk sextet, most recently at the Stagecoach music festival in Indio. The group’s new CD, “All Hat Shiflett and No Cattle,” is a collection of some of his favorite country classics, including Buck Owens’ “King of Fools,” Merle Haggard’s “Skid Row,” Waylon Jennings’ “Are you Sure Hank Done It This Way,” Don Rich’s “Guitar Pickin’ Man,” and others. The album won’t be released until July, but fans can download two free tracks at chrisshiflettmusic.com. The show is free, and space is limited. For more information, call Buck Owens’

Crystal Palace at 328-7560. Also coming up: Former Mars Volta lead vocalist Cedric Bixler-Zavala will be bringing his new band, Zavalaz, to Elements Venue on June 26. After parting ways with longtime Mars Volta partner Omar Rodriguez Lopez, Bixler-Zavala remains his eclectic self, posting cryptic messages online as to the nature of their music. According to the Zavalaz Facebook page, the all-star band will feature various BixlerZavala on vocals and guitar, Mars Volt bassist Juan Alderete de la Peña and other notable musical comrades. Tickets for the all ages show are $13 and on sale now through timgardeapresents.com. Elements Venue is located at 3401 Chester Ave.

Matt’s picks Monty Byrom and the Road Pilots at Julie’s Branding Iron, 1807 N. Chester, Saturday, 9:30 p.m., free, 399-3237. After disbanding his Zen Road Pilots, Bakersfield singer-songwriter and honorary Buckaroo Monty Byrom has assembled a loose new group of all-star jammers. You never know what Byrom will pull out of his ax when he hits the stage, but I can guarantee the place will be a crash course in rock, blues, country — even reggae. The Aviators at B Ryder’s, 7401 White Lane, 9 p.m. Saturday, $5, 397-7304. This rowdy pack of young classic rockers have been really pulling them in lately. Mixing covers of Led Zeppelin, AC/DC and more plus their own originals this show is poised to be the ideal after party for the Bakersfield Craft Beer Festival crowd.

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The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, May 30, 2013

Eye Street The Lowdown with Matt Munoz

Does 3-D work with live bands? drive themselves in the crummiest of vehicles living off junk food and free beer for months as a badge of honor just to say they made it home alive. More info at vanswarpedtour.com. FYF Fest (Aug. 24 and 25): If you have any money left from all your summer binging, you should really plan to close things out at this mini-Coachella festival held at the State Historic Park in downtown Los Angeles. Co-founded by Circle Jerks’ lead vocalist Keith Morris, it’s a last gas before school schedules resume and the countdown to Coachella begins. More info at fyffest.com.

Primus targets younger fans with cool effects

emember the disappointment of watching “Amityville 3D,” “Comin’ at Ya!,” and even worse, “Jaws 3D,” in the ’80s? It was all a cheesy waste of technology, sent away to the vaults for decades. Now, the return of 3-D has given Hollywood a major box office boost, but can the same be said for musicians looking to fill seats in venues across the country? For legendary rockers Primus, the answer just may be yes. The trio rolled into the Fox Theater on May 22 for a stop on their final tour: Primus 3D. The theater was packed to near full capacity, as concertgoers stood in awe of a giant screen and larger-than-life inflatable spacemen standing guard on either side of the stage. Audience members had the option of wearing the provided 3-D glasses or enjoying it through naked eye — but why do such a thing? Animated scenes, vintage cartoons and snippets of claymation dominated the view as the band stood in the foreground, silhouetted darkly against the colorful montage. The two-segment show’s set-list consisted mostly of the group’s latest record, “Green Naugahyde,” along with a few classic gems (“John the Fisherman,” “Jerry Was a Race Car Driver”). The images jumped from the screen and pulsed in time with Primus’ psychedelic funk rock sound. The audience was visibly held captive, entranced and amazed. From my seat located near the center rear, I was able to get the full experience with some of the best concert sound the Fox Theater has ever had. The only question I had leaving the show was: Why hasn’t this been done before? Having attended numerous festivals where electronic dance music is prominently featured, I’ve seen how vibrant images and deep beats can engulf and feed a crowd. As EDM continues to flood the

Matt’s picks

PHOTO BY ROBERT BEJIL

Eclectic alt-rock trio Primus brought its latest 3-D concert show to the Fox on May 22.

PHOTO COURTESY OF EDM PHOTOGRAPHY

Poi Story II art and music festival kicks off today at Camp Okihi campgrounds.

market, many rockers find themselves struggling to catch up with a genre that has been stealing their young fans. With this show under their belts, Primus may have found the answer to the industry’s problem. If you missed the show, don’t hold your breath for an encore. Bassist Les Claypool informed me the band would be retiring the 3-D show after this trek. Check out more photos from show at bakotopia.com.

Summer music festivals The summer music festival season is here, and even if you missed the big ticket presales, that doesn’t mean you should

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.

stop making plans just yet. You can still count your ducats, get your mates together and set out on a post-graduation or vacation road trip. If you don’t feel like traveling, Bakersfield’s Rockin’ Roots festival makes its final bow June 7 and 8 at Stramler Park. Among this year’s headliners are Circa Survive, New Found Glory, Of Mice & Men, plus more than 100 bands from all over California. Advanced two-day tickets are available $59.50 or $50 if you purchase it from one of the bands listed at timgardeapresents.com. We’ll have a full preview for you next week. And if love road trips, check out some of these upcoming California area festivals: Jubilee Music Fest (June 7 and 8): Formerly known as Silver Lake Jubilee, this indie art and music festival held in Los Angeles can best be described as a mix tape of some of the best up-and-coming acts from both the hip Silver Lake music scene, along with some big name headliners. In addition to the music there’s also L.A.’s famous gourmet food trucks, beer and alcohol drinking gardens, live comedy and rows of cool art displays. More info at jubileemusicfest.com. Vans Warped Tour (June 23): This annual tour has become a right of passage for kids across the country, and Bakersfield is lucky to be closest to the tour stop with the best weather: the Ventura Country Fairgrounds. A mix of skate, music and moshpits, this year’s cavalcade of artists are among alternative rock’s bravest lads. Most

Poi Story II at Camp Okihi, 13277 Round Mountain Road, all day today through Sunday. $20 to $30. 472-5935. Bakersfield’s electronic dance music scene continues to blossom no matter what the temperature. According to some festivalgoers who attended last year’s Poi Story I, there wasn’t an ounce of misery to be found on the sprawling Camp Okihi campgrounds. This time around, EDM enthusiasts of every age can expect more of the same. On both days, there will be plenty of sights and sounds, courtesy of art from various local and visiting DJs and 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. Camping is allowed on the grounds for a fee, which includes admission to the event. Don’t forget the sunscreen and stay hydrated. For a road map of information including set times, rules and requests, visit stereotypeproductions.com or call 4725935. Tigercide and The Bird Channel at Sandrini’s, 1918 Eye St., 9 p.m. Saturday. $5. 322-8900. Fans of trip-hop music with spacey beats and evocative pseudocabaret vocals a la Portishead and Massive Attack should definitely check out Southern California’s Tigercide, which make a rare visit to Bako. Although little is known about the group other than they made their debut at the SXSW music festival in Austin last year, you can check out some of their music at reverbnation.com/tigercide. Also appearing are Bakersfield favorites The Bird Channel, KSVG radio personality Lord Looney and the Mothership’s DJ Sabre.

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

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, June 6, 2013

Eye Street The Lowdown with Matt Munoz

Rockin’ Roots returns to Stramler there. I won't name any because I'll forget some and they'll feel left out. Trust me, though: There are some driven and emotionally powerful artists right in our home. It's just a matter of being willing to give up a Friday or Saturday night playing ‘Call of Duty’ to go see them.” You can check out more from Chunrun at facebook.com/Chunrun. One of my favorite Rockin’ Roots pastimes is scrolling through the bizarre band names on the list of the 100-plus acts. This year’s batch includes: We Sunk the Mayflower, Plague Vendor, Embrace the Nightmare, Dr. Doom, Dismembering the Architect, It Starts with Alaska, and my personal favorite: Juicebox Massacre. Gates open at 3 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m. Saturday. Tickets are $59.50 or $50 if purchased through local bands performing. VIP and Cabana festival packages are available at $150 to $500. Stramler Park is located at 3805 Chester Ave. For more information, visit timgardeapresents.com.

Weekend event celebrates the indie music scene

akersfield’s annual gathering of eclectic musical tribes and vibes known as Rockin’ Roots returns to Stramler Park this weekend. Headlining Friday’s event will be indie rock heroes Circa Survive, I See Stars and Hyper Crush. On Saturday, metal core quintet Of Mice & Men, pop punkers New Found Glory, electro sister duo Millionaires and more cap off a daylong extravaganza of music and noise, all scheduled on eight strategically placed stages. Joining a host of other national touring acts are plenty of local bands eager for some cheers, including Dub Seeds, Amity Flow, Fading Out Silence, Dr. Devito, intruderALERT, Terra Alive, Of Athena and Big Deal Fair Trade, with vendors selling snacks, water, soda and beer. Among the many acts making their return to Rockin’ Roots this weekend is local indie/progressive rock trio Chunrun, which performs on Stage 5 Friday. The band has been hitting stages across Bakersfield since 2011 with a style and sound that lead vocalist and guitarist Jacob Robin Hall attributes to a very diverse musical upbringing. “Our sound is mostly defined by the fact that all the members have a very wide range of influences. And I mean wide. We listen to at least a few artists in every genre. We take in everything we can so that we can find a better approach to getting our point across.” Hall, 21, is joined on percussion and backing vocals by Isaac James Pendleton, 21, and lead guitarist and backing vocalist Kameron Bogges, 20. After playing their first official gig at The Gate, they’ve been regulars at most area indie band haunts, including Jerry’s Pizza, Riley’s, The Dome and Elements Venue. Describing their live shows as a “trip through the

PHOTO BY KELSEY CLARK

Bakersfield alt-rock trio Chunrun will join more than 100 other local and touring acts during this weekend’s Rockin’ Roots festival at Stramler Park.

pages of rock, with sounds from every corner of the scene,” Hall is adamant about their originality. “We can range from mellow progressive sounds, to metal-esque breakdowns, to a grungy chorus, go into a pop-punk bridge, and end on a good old high-energy rock and roll riff. We like to do everything we can.” As Chunrun continues working toward making a name for themselves, Hall says they have learned some hard lessons over time while watching the demise of a number of good bands. It’s a story he’s witnessed play out many times, but is hopeful he and his band mates can rise above. “We've also all been on the brink of the end, we've all fallen apart and pieced it back together. We need to find a good harmony between dreams and reality and show some support to one another.” As bands burn brightly and fade out, Hall hopes there can be a change in the air when it comes to nurturing new talent

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 RARE EARTH

Rare Earth appears at Bright House Networks Amphitheatre on Saturday.

with help from the vets. “A major problem in this scene is whether or not the veteran bands are willing to sift through the newbies and find something they like, and perhaps engage in some camaraderie. Everybody has had their first show, everyone's voice cracks on stage, everybody flubs a riff or two, we all miss our cues and we've all overdone a fill and lost time.” Along with the support of veterans, Hall says bands need bodies. “The thing missing at shows are people. There are great bands baring their all out

Rare Earth at Bright House Also appearing this weekend are blueeyed soul funkateers Rare Earth, coming to Bright House Networks Amphitheatre on Saturday. Widely known for their cover of The Temptations hit “I’m Ready,” released in 1969, the group subsequently had a number of radio hits of their own, including “I Just Wanna Celebrate,” that nearly 40 years after its original release has enjoyed newfound popularity through TV ad campaigns for both Ford and Nicoderm. “Yeah, it’s pretty funny, but it helps pay the bills,” said Rare Earth co-founder and sax player Gil Bridges during a phone interview. “The songs that usually come together the quickest usually end up being the biggest hits. Nothing surprises us anymore.” Signed to a subsidiary of Motown Records, Rare Earth bears the distinction of being one of two early white acts signed to the soul and R&B label, home to Smokey Robinson, Marvin Gaye, and Diana Ross, to name a few. “It was strange at first, but fun. They treated us great, getting to hang out with all those greats. They even tried to get Stevie Wonder to produce us during our very early days. He was only 12 or 13 at the time, and too young and inexperienced at Please see LOWDOWN / 27

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

Thursday, June 6, 2013 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street CHEAP TRICK: CONTINUED FROM 19

think about things like what keeps the group together. We just are.” Heading into the group’s fourth decade, Nielsen is humbled about the universal praise Cheap Trick has been getting as an influence on rock’s current young guns. Musician Dave Grohl offered the latest tribute by including Cheap Trick in his acclaimed documentary, “Sound City.” “That stuff is great. I certainly don’t wanna influence any older bands. Ya know, I don’t really think about it. I mean, it’s funny when people say, ‘You’re a big influence.’ Then I hear them play, and it’s like, ‘Where?’” Cheap Trick has yet to be inducted in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, a snub that has a lot of fans speaking out on behalf of the band. But whether their induction happens next year, in another 10 or never, Nielsen doesn’t pay it any mind. “We’re still playing. That’s all that matters. I have no control over the hall of fame. I can be mad, laughin’, or be OK if it doesn’t happen. It’s like, why do we deserve it more than the next band? We’ve made a bunch of records, some of them have been good, some OK, and the fact that we’re still playing — that’s a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. I mean, I played with John Lennon. The guitar that I gave him is at the museum. People say, ‘I was at Woodstock.’ Well, there were a lot of people at Woodstock, but there are 10 times more people that said they were there.” Before leaving our interview, Nielsen recalled a chance meeting with a member of the Beastie Boys, who’d used a sample from “at Budokan” to kick off the rappers’ 1992

SHIFLETT: CONTINUED FROM 23

Cheap Trick, Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo When: 7:30 p.m. June 14 Where: Rabobank Theater, 1001 Truxtun Ave. Admission: $33 to $88, plus service charges

album, “Check Your Head,” without the group’s permission. “I was in Italy about 10 years ago at a place called Radda in Chianti out in the middle of nowhere. I stopped into this place I like having ice cream at, and up runs up one of the Beastie Boys. I told him, ‘I should be chasing you to get the royalties for that.’ He started laughing. We never got anything out of it, but it wasn’t like they were making fun of us. It must’ve meant something to them. It’s cool.” Also appearing on the bill with Cheap Trick is singer Pat Benatar. One of the most iconic women in rock music, Benatar has sold more than 30 million records and won several Grammys over the course of her career. After bursting onto the scene with a mix of classically trained vocals and energetic rock style in the ’70s, the pint-sized singer became synonymous with the decade to follow with a string of hits, including “Hit Me With Your Best Shot,” “Love Is a Battlefield,” “Heartbreaker,” “Promises in the Dark” and “We Belong.” She and husband/guitarist Neil Giraldo have been inseparable since Giraldo was hired to assemble Benatar’s first backing band in 1977.

“The initial idea for the Dead Peasants I had during that tour was that we should learn a bunch of old honky-tonk cover songs and get a residency for a month in Bakersfield and play every Tuesday or something. We never had a chance to do that, because logistically it would have been too challenging. Then I thought maybe we should go play up in Bakersfield and record one of our gigs, and put out a live record. We eventually ended up in the studio.” Kicking off the 10 tracks on “All Hat and No Cattle” is a cover of the Don Rich/Buckaroos classic, “Guitar Pickin’ Man,” followed by Del Reeves’ “Good

LOWDOWN: CONTINUED FROM 22

the time. But working with Norman Whitfield was really a joy. Like a dream.” With 14 studio albums to their credit and almost as many compilations, live records and singles, Bridges feels blessed to be remembered among the flood of current artists. “This is all I’ve done since I was 16. The music in our days, from the ’60s to the ’70s and even into the ’80s, all told stories. I don’t mean to sound like an old fogey, but I just don’t like much of today’s music.” Saturday’s showtime is 8 p.m. Tickets are $10. Bright House Networks Amphitheatre is located at 11200 Stockdale Highway. For more information call

Time Charlies.” Shiflett pays his homage to Merle Haggard with “Skid Row” and covers Buck Owens’ “King of Fools,” before tearing into Waylon Jennings’ “Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way?” The album comes off not as a vain attempt at modernizing the classics to appeal to hip crowds, but as a heartfelt love letter to a bygone era of whiskeysoaked honky-tonk. This set may turn some young heads, but it’s sure to please the purists as well. “It’s very special to us that we’re not only finally playing in Bakersfield but it’s at the Crystal Palace. We’re going to be playing as long as they’ll have us. It’ll be a good time for sure.”

852-7777 or visit ticketmaster.com.

Matt’s pick Cabaret Voiler at the Empty Space, 706 Oak St., 8 p.m. Friday, $20, 327-7529. Not a burlesque show, but a classic music, comedy and dance cabaret show featuring live performances from local artists Johnny Monroe, Robyn lace, Jessica Jans Aleman, Eric Tolley, Michelle Guerrero and Alison Martin. Also scheduled to appear: Bahiyya Almas belly dancers and the Simply Irresistible Pole Fitness dancers. According to the show’s organizers, there is no nudity and with the exception of a few words and suggestive dance moves, the show is rated PG-13.

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, June 13, 2013

Eye Street The Lowdown with Matt Munoz

Making most of her big break Fate, and Benatar, smiled on singer When iconic rock vocalist Pat Benatar gave Brynn Marie a chance, the aspiring artist went out and hit it with her best shot every night. “I had the chance to open for Pat last summer in Oklahoma and was asked back again and again,” said the 28-year-old singer of landing the coveted gig that brings her to Rabobank Theater on Friday night, opening for Benatar and Cheap Trick. “Then one evening in February, I got a phone call for an offer to open this summer tour. I really owe it all to Pat, who really gave me a shot and told me to always stay true and to never give up.” Her latest EP, “Things Change,” showcases her blend of country and rock influences. “I’m inspired by artists who have taken risks, from Shania Twain, Faith Hill, the Beatles to Foo Fighters. There’s a little bit of everything. Country is my roots, and is always in my heart, but I’m a huge fan of rock and pop. I seemed to have blended all three unintentionally to create my own sound. I don’t wanna sound like anyone else, I just wanna be me.” Another way Brynn Marie has cultivated her fan base is through a strong online presence from her website, brynnmarie.com, where fans can follow her every move through a series of social networking links. “I’ve been singing for years, but being able to spread my music through the Internet is such a learning experi-

PHOTO COURTESY OF LUKE TORRES

PHOTO COURTESY OF SHAYLA RIVERA

Comedians Luke Torres, left, and Shayla Rivera appear at the Latino Comedy Jam at the Fox on Saturday.

PHOTO COURTESY OF BRYNN MARIE

Country-rock singer songwriter Brynn Marie appears with Pat Benatar and Cheap Trick at Rabobank Theater on Friday.

“First Look” Catch Brynn Marie on “First Look with Scott Cox” Friday morning, where she’ll perform a couple of songs. On this morning’s show, Assistant Lifestyles Editor Stefani Dias will interview an organizer of the upcoming Nut Festival and give away tickets to Pat Benatar/Cheap Trick, Boz Scaggs/Michael McDonald and Air Supply. Go to bakersfield.com from 7 to 10 a.m. this morning to get in on the action.

ence to me. Social media is so important these days, almost everyone has a computer or a smartphone, and it lets you connect directly with fans and viceversa.” As she continues working toward her goal of reaching a

wider audience and having a commercial radio hit — her latest single, “Bandaid on a Bullet Hole” being a prime candidate — Brynn Marie is confident Bakersfield will enjoy her live stage show on Friday. “Every time I walk out on stage I put my whole heart out there. I like to take the audience on a ride with a high-energy set you can stomp your feet to.” Friday’s showtime is 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $33 to $88, plus service charges. Rabobank Theater is located at 1001 Truxtun Ave. For more information call 852-7777 or ticketmaster.com.

Latin Comedy Jam Saturday’s Latin Comedy Jam brings together six of today’s most prominent up-and-coming Latin comedians: Johnny Sanchez, Shayla Rivera, Ernie G, Luke Torres, Jerry Garcia and Dillon Garcia. According to Rivera,

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.

who describes her style as nonpolitical, observational comedy, Bakersfield audiences should prepare to leave their real-life problems at the door. “Expect a show with very funny people who bring lots of varied perspectives to the stage according to their experiences. Hopefully lots of wet eyes and crotches,” she said. “My comedic influences come from all funny comedians, not just Latinos,” commented Jerry Garcia. “The Latino Comedy scene today I believe is making a huge comeback with a new wave of comics with an energy a lot of people haven’t experienced before.” Comedian Luke Torres says despite the straitjacket of political correctness, stereotypes continue to be a comic’s best source for material. Like it or not, audiences always laugh. “My material is about everything and everyone. If it can be labeled, I’m going to crack it open and expose its weaknesses. When you come to the show, expect to see controlled chaos. I say the things people want to say, but are worried what others might think.” Saturday’s showtime is 8 p.m. Tickets are $20.50 to $40.50. The

Fox Theater is located at 2001 H St. For information visit vallitix.com or call 324-1369.

Wayne ‘The Train’ at Trout’s This weekend Trout’s honkytonk in Oildale will be hosting a pair of shows straddling various subgenres of country music, with Wayne “The Train” Hancock on Saturday and Herrick on Sunday. Hancock, an Austin music vet, carries the torch for down-home Texas honkytonk music and a live show tailored for the Trout’s crowd. It’s twangy, sometimes jazzy, but always satisfying. Saturday’s showtime is 7:30 p.m. Advanced tickets are $10, or $12 at the door. Country quartet Herrick blend modern folk, rock and blues, keeping up with the current flavors popular back home in Nashville. Still touring on the independent circuit, they’ve amassed a huge following online and visit Bakersfield regularly. Check out their music and videos at herricklive.com. Sunday’s showtime is 3 p.m. Admission is free, with special barbecue lunch tickets available for $10. Trout’s is located at 805 N. Chester Ave. For more information, call 399-6700. Please see LOWDOWN / 29

July 31st 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

Thursday, June 13, 2013 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street This Week’s Obsessions

Chili and classic cars: You’re welcome, dad Tehachapi event features both pros and amateurs BY STEFANI DIAS Californian assistant lifestyles editor sdias@bakersfield.com

USA TODAY

From left, T Bone Burnett, John Mellencamp and Stephen King collaborated on a new multimedia rock opera called “The Ghost Brothers of Darkland County.”

Dark and twisted? Right up my alley, brother T his week’s coolest thing, believe it or not, is an e-book. I think. I’m not really sure what those are, and I’ve never had one before. I’m an old-fashioned actual-book kind of guy. Here’s how it happened: I was watching “The Colbert Report” the other night, because I’d heard that one of his guests was T Bone Burnett — an amazing musician, songwriter and producer — who happens to be a huge deal in my estimation. So when he talks, I listen. Turns out he’s just finished a project with John Mellencamp and Stephen King. I had to know more. The story goes like this: John Mellencamp buys a cabin in Indiana, only to be told (after his check was cashed) that it was haunted. He learned the story about three young people who had tragically died many years before. So he wrote it into a musical 13 years ago, just for kicks. His agent convinces him to send it to master horror writer Stephen King, who loves it. King punches up the story and tells Mellencamp that he’s done all he can do with it and that they’d need more help with the music. Enter Burnett, who did what he does so well, fleshing out the songs and hiring an elite group of musicians to bring them to life. And now it’s an album, a touring musical, a novel, and an e-book called “The Ghost

What are your current obsessions? Excited about a local band, event or concert? Is there a new book, record, band or TV show that you’re obsessed with? Share with our readers by emailing jself@bakersfield.com.

Brothers of Darkland County.” I knew I had to read it as soon as possible, so I borrowed my iPad from work and downloaded it. Sadly, the only way to experience the story with the music is on an iPad, unless you go see it live. If you’re a fan of those dark old Appalachian murder ballads by Ralph Stanley or the Louvin Brothers, you’ll get the vibe of this thing right away. And even if you’re not, it’s still exceptional. They had me on board with the story, but the list of artists who did the music are some of my favorites. Dave Alvin and his brother, Phil, who are amazing, play the brothers. Then there’s Ryan Bingham, Taj Mahal, Kris Kristofferson, Neko Case, Sheryl Crow, and the great Elvis Costello, who plays the devil to absolute perfection. “The Ghosts of Darkland County” is the most fun I’ve had reading anything in a very long time. You go from page to page, and the songs are placed at the appropriate parts of the story. You just tap on the icon when you get to it, and it plays the song. And what a batch of songs. I recommend you listen through headphones, Please see OBSESSIONS / 31

Scott Cox is host of "First Look with Scott Cox," which airs from 7 to 10 a.m. weekdays at bakersfield.com and KERN-AM, 1180.

lthough there are plenty of activities vying for your attention this Father’s Day weekend, Tehachapi makes its case with red-hot chili, cool weather and even cooler cars at the sixth annual Tehachapi Chili Cookoff & Car Show. If last year is any indication, the event should draw a good crowd. “We were right at 4,500 (people),” said David Reed, project manager for Main Street Tehachapi. It’s a big event. It’s been pretty consistent.” “It’s a good day. We open everything up at 11, with (chili) tastings at 12:30 until it’s gone.” With at least 20 contestants in the professional, International Chili Society-sanctioned contest and 10 in the amateur division, chili will be plentiful for a plethora of 2 oz. samples. (Amateurs must make 15 gallons while pros make 5 gallons.) The IRS contestants compete in three categories — regular chili, chili verde and salsa — with prizes varying based on category ($500, $300 and $100 for chili; $300, $200 and $100 for chili verde; and $100 and two $50 prizes for salsa.) Along with the food contests, there will be a vintage car show run by the Tehachapi Car Club, music by classic rock act Denim and a bevy of kids’ activities. “We have a section for the kids — bounce house, kids games, face painting, rock wall,” said Laura Jenkins, promotions manager. “We want to make sure the par-

Sixth annual Tehachapi Chili Cookoff & Car Show When: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday Where: Green and F streets, downtown Tehachapi Cost: $10 for 10 chili-tasting tickets Information: 822-6519

ents know that there are things for the kids. I try to establish a good portion dedicated to kids.” But chili isn’t all that’s on the menu, the organizer said. There will be hot dogs, chili dogs and chips from the Tehachapi Lions; bacon-wrapped hot dogs, Philly cheese steak, cheeseburgers, coleslaw, lemonade and more from The Sausage King; tri-tip, deep-pit sandwiches and chicken plates from Vantastic Sandwiches; and tacos, kettle corn, corn dogs, funnel cakes and shaved ice from assorted vendors. Like chili with a hint of chocolate, the event is a bit bittersweet: It marks one of the last activities put on by Main Street Tehachapi, a nonprofit started in 1999 to promote the city’s revitalization efforts. “We had received redevelopment money (from the city),” Jenkins said. “Once those dried up, we’ve been living on (event profits) for the last three years. “We made money on our event. The board has done an amazing job for the past couple of years. It’s just gotten more difficult. Sponsorships are difficult.” Jenkins said the board, which has already returned organization of Octoberfest to the bakery that originated it, will meet to discuss the future of other events like the cook-off, wine walks and the Starlight Ball. — Tehachapi News contributed to this report.

LOWDOWN: CONTINUED FROM 28

Matt’s picks Inner Circle at B. Ryder’s, 7401 White Lane 8 p.m. Friday, $12 to $15, 397-7304. After carving out their niche back home in Jamaica in the late ’60s, reggae legends Inner Circle became one of the biggestselling acts of their genre with their massive hit song “Bad Boys,” which became the theme of Fox network’s long-running TV show, “Cops.” Their follow-up single, “Sweat (A La La La La Long),” proved to be another scorcher. To help preserve the island’s musical heritage, the band launched the “Saving the Reggae Music” campaign in 2010 with the aim of promoting traditional reggae music over the increasingly U.S.-influenced pop music coming out of Jamaica. Also appearing: Bakersfield reggae rock quintet Amity Flow and deejay Shag. Rockabilly Punk Night at Vinny’s Bar, 2700 S. Union Ave., Saturday, 9:30 p.m., $5. Bakersfield rockabilly die-hard Loner Troubadour along with his band, the Rockabilly Rat, join fellow roots rockers

PHOTO COURTESY OF INNER CIRCLE

Reggae legends Inner Circle appear at B. Ryder’s on Friday.

the Pinebox Peddlers and the Barnyard Stompers on Saturday in the south Bakersfield neighborhood of Rexland Acres, where violating noise ordinances has never been an issue. Fans of The Cramps, Black Flag, Johnny Cash and The Misfits will enjoy this night at one of Bako’s only authentic roadside music dives.

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, June 20, 2013

Eye Street The Lowdown with Matt Munoz

Country showdown includes Bakersfield Radio station using it to promote new format

ttention aspiring Bakersfield country singers and musicians: start tweaking your twang. After flipping formats from classic rock to country last month, local station 92.1 KIX Country is now calling for music submissions to be entered in the Texaco Country Showdown, which will include Bakersfield for the first time in its 32 years. “We were excited to be contacted by the organizers,” said Kris Winston, program director for 92.1 KIX Country. “They heard about us, that we were a brandnew station and thought we’d be a great fit. It’s going to be great. There’s going to be quite a mix of performers.” Previous Showdown contestants include Garth Brooks, Martina McBride, Brad Paisley, Miranda Lambert and others who’ve gone onto have major careers. According to a news release, the contest is open to vocal and/or instrumental performers, both individual acts and groups with up to seven members. Acts also must not have performed on a record charted in the top 100 country format of Billboard within 18 months preceding local competition. A $20 entry fee is required of all acts chosen to perform. “It’s an exciting community event that pro-

PHOTO COURTESY OF CEDRIC BIXLER-ZAVALA

Former Mars Volta vocalist Cedric Bixler-Zavala appears with new band Zavalaz at Elements Venue on Wednesday.

PHOTO COURTESY OF TEXACO COUNTRY SHOWDOWN

Pop and country singer Jewel hosted the 31st annual Texaco Country Showdown finals in 2012 in Nashville.

vides talented local artists an opportunity for state, regional and national exposure while promoting a greater appreciation of country music.” Contestants can enter by submitting their music through a variety of formats including CD, MP3 or video. Submissions can be sent via email to winston@lotusbakersfield.com, dropped off or mailed to the station’s main office located at 5100 Commerce Drive in Bakersfield (93309). Deadline for submissions is noon on June 28. There is no limit to the amount of submissions they can accept, and an outside panel of judges will pick the top entries. “Ideally, we’d like everyone to get a chance to get up and perform. We are completely removing ourselves from the judging. I certainly wouldn’t want to be in that position. The judges will be people that understand music,

the industry. They will pick who moves on.” After the judges have narrowed it down to the top seven to eight entries, those contestants will move onto the local finals on July 19 at the Bull Shed Bar & Grill to perform in front of other judges who will pick a local winner. The public is welcome to attend the local finals and will have a chance to vote for their favorite. Those results will not have any bearing on the judges’ decision, but, according to Winston, will give the public a chance to let their voice be heard. “That type of competitive environment is a great experience. Anytime as a performer you get a chance to push yourself, you’re only going to get better. Bakersfield is a small town and I know some of the performers are going to know the other performers. You get to see the best of the best getting up there.”

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.

Local winners advance to more than 40 state contests where the prizes include $1,000 cash and the opportunity to compete at one of five regional contests in the fall. The five regional winners receive an all-expenses-paid trip to the national final to compete for $100,000. For a full list of rules and information, visit countryshowdown.com. This marks the station’s first big promotional campaign after flipping formats from The New 92.1 Max FM classic rock to 92.1 KIX Country on May 6, where it joins KUZZ as one of two local terrestrial radio stations with a full-time country format. “It’s been very interesting,” said Winston who moved to Bakersfield three years ago after working in country radio in San Antonio for a decade. “We haven’t had any real promo for the station, no ads or billboards. Most people are just finding us. The comments I get from people are mostly, ‘How long have you been around?’ It’s a very uptempo station. We play new country, with good energy and some great people on-air.” According to Winston, the station’s morning show, hosted live by Bobby Bones out of Nashville, has received great reviews from listeners so far, followed by radio jocks Mel; veteran radio talent

Anne Kelly, who broadcasts live from her present home in the UK; Winston in the afternoon; followed by “CMT Live with Cody Alan” in the evening. “Bobby Bones has artists performing live constantly, talking and performing. Of course, we don’t have the flood of artists like Nashville, so it’s interesting for people to hear that.” Winston added the station plans become more visible in the community as time progresses, with the Texaco Country Showdown being a way to introduce its plans to engage the community. “Through all my years, I’ve always felt radio has a responsibility to its community. Yes, we are a business, but we have a responsibility to be involved in the community and help where there is a need. Not just for charities, but for these young talents who come in and learn how conduct themselves as artists.”

Zavalaz at Elements Former Mars Volta vocalist Cedric Bixler-Zavala brings his newest project Zavalaz to Elements Venue on Wednesday. Describing his latest musical foray as being a more natural representation of his spiritual being, the 38-year-old singer-songwriter said while Mars Volta was motivated by chaos, Zavalaz is driven by a Please see LOWDOWN / 27

July 31st TICKETS AVAILABLE AT THE FOX THEATER BOX OFFICE, RUSSO’S BOOKS AT THE MARKETPLACE, EMPORIUM WESTERN STORE – 661-322-5200 – 888-825-5484 – Vallitix.com

Thursday, June 20, 2013 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street MORGAN: CONTINUED FROM 19

While Morgan is helping to open the door for her son, she’s also making new fans too young to remember her early hits when they were originally released. She said she couldn’t have done it without the help of the digital age, and the new opportunities to reach music lovers directly, rather than going through the industry suits. “It has enabled the country genre as a whole to broaden its audience to highlight new trending artists, as well as welcome the return of the traditional sounds, introducing it to a younger audience yearning to hear some of the more rootsy music. We’ve gained a lot of new fans who have found us on the Internet; it’s so nice to see the college kids in the crowd sing the words to some of my songs!” Morgan’s upcoming release, “Dos Divas,” set for a July 23 release, is a collaboration with veteran country singer and gal pal Pam Tillis, with whom she has already starting touring. “I’m enjoying my Grits & Glamour tour dates with Pam, my independent shows are filled with friendly, familiar faces each and every night, and then when I get home, I spend quality time with my husband, my children and my grandbabies.” Morgan and Tillis, who have known each other since childhood, were born into country music families and spent many evenings together backstage watching their parents in the spotlight. Morgan is the daughter of the late Grand Ole Opry favorite George Morgan, and Tillis’ dad is singer/songwriter Mel Tillis. “We are two women who absolutely do

LOWDOWN: CONTINUED FROM 22

renewed sense of awareness and love of family. “There were moments when I was songwriting with Mars Volta that I was asked to do something a little more straight or give a second or third wind to the band. I don’t know, but I always came up short. I always just hid behind my old bag of tricks.” Bixler-Zavala was an electrifying performer with Mars Volta, the popular progressive alt-rock group he founded with guitarist Omar Rodriguez-Lopez in 2001 following the breakup of their previous band At The Drive-In. All six of Mars Volta’s best-selling albums were filled with tidal waves of imagery and cryptic messages, which fans studied and critics debated their relevancy. “There isn’t one person I’ve had a conversation with who hasn’t had some kind of polarizing opinion about what I’ve done in the past. I think it’s very difficult to understand, but a lot of times it was done purposeful, kind of a court jester approach. I definitely took a lot of cues from Captain Beefheart who had fun with words, and the meaning came second. I’ve also agreed with people who’ve said I written phrases with 25 meanings. I’m OK with that.” Following the abrupt breakup of the Mars Volta earlier this year, Bixler-Zavala says life was already at a crossroads. Enjoying sobriety, he credits marriage and his sprouting family with inspiring his rebirth. “I wasn’t preoccupied about trying to steer clear from the responsibility of having a family. I love my wife so much that babies were the next natural progression, and that would also whip my (expletive)

Encore performances Jesse Keith Whitley will be performing at Trout’s Sunday evening at 8 p.m. Tickets prices are $20 to $50. Lorrie Morgan will be making an encore appearance at Trout’s at 7 p.m. Tuesday. Tickets are $100 to $150. Tickets for both shows available at Trout’s or Emporium Western Store in Bakersfield.

things our own way, but we both bend to give to this unique and special relationship. We both respect each other’s artistry, we respect each other as women, and we help each other if we’re not feeling well. We share some spunk! It’s part of the tradition that we were brought up in.” As country fans await the release of “Dos Divas,” Morgan promises her solo show at the Kern County Museum will be a great appetizer. “We’ll perform some of the fan favorites and some of my personal favorites; Bakersfield can expect a cross between contemporary and traditional country, where ‘Cougar Town’ connects with Broadway!” Sunday’s concert will be staged at the museum’s log cabin green. Also appearing are Garrison-Kennedy, the Blackboard Playboys, Noah Claunch, Mark Madewell and more. A portion of the show’s proceeds will benefit Make-A-Wish of Central California. Seating is provided but patrons may bring their own foldout chairs to the venue. Food, and drink vendors will be selling soft drinks, beer and wine.

into shape, and it really has. Having her point of view artistically, and understanding what a challenge it is to take your art and actually communicate something with it rather than just throw it against the wall and be like, ‘Yeah, that’s what I meant.’ I did that for 10 years.” Bixler-Zavala described his new material as an homage to his parents’ music collection. “My parents were probably part of that record-of-the-month club where you pay a penny and get an eight-track tape. So, as a kid, I had Kiss’ ‘Love Gun’ and ‘Destroyer,’ and my parents had (Fleetwood Mac’s) ‘Rumours,’ certain Bee Gees records. I’ve always liked listening to softer material like that. Maybe it’s also growing up in Mexican culture where you have a lot of cholos who live an aggressive lifestyle, but at the end of the day, they listen to slow dance material. It probably just rubbed off on me.” Fans expecting a Mars Volta reunion anytime soon shouldn’t hold their breath. “I think what people should understand is, it’s not a thing of spite. You realize, there’s a certain era to see it, and you learn from your past. Maybe reunions don’t always work. It is what it was, and people had a chance to see it. You should’ve gone when you had the chance. I have to put the same effort that I used to put into being Omar’s friend into my family, because that family is much lucrative for me spiritually and has a lot more positivity and that’s just where I’m at right now.” Wednesday’s all-ages show, also featuring Dot Hacker, begins at 8 p.m. Tickets are $13. Elements Venue is located at 3401 Chester Ave. For more information, visit timgardeapresents.com.

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The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, June 27, 2013

Eye Street The Lowdown with Matt Munoz

Party like a Puerto Rican Festival coming to Stramler Park

he Dia de San Juan Puerto Rican Festival coming to Stramler Park on Sunday has all the makings of an island dance party con sabor. Organized by the Bakersfield chapter of Boricuas Unidos de California, the festival is marking its 18th year in Kern. Longtime Boricuas Unidos de California adviser Inocencio “Chencho” Madera, 62, said the event was founded as a way for the Kern Puerto Rican community to unite and celebrate the colorful traditions of the island. Madera was born in the Puerto Rican municipality of Guayanilla. “Puerto Ricans don’t have many events to call their own, so they cherish it. We are united that day.” The Dia de San Juan, or Festival of Saint John the Baptist, is celebrated around the globe a number of different ways. In Europe, Saint John’s Day festivities are closely associated with the ancient pagan traditions of preChristian times. Since John the Baptist is the patron saint of Puerto Rico and the namesake of the capital city (San Juan), his day is widely cel-

ebrated with big parties on the beaches on the Eve of St. John’s Day, traditionally celebrated on June 23. One tradition is to walk backward into the ocean and fall in 12 times at midnight on the beginning of the 24th. “Dia de San Juan is even bigger outside of Puerto Rico,” Madera said. “So much has changed there. It’s even hard to find salsa music on the island. The younger generation needs to keep our traditions alive.” A walk to the ocean may be out of the question, but a feast of food and music is not. On Sunday, vendors will sell authentic Puerto Rican food, including arroz con gandules (rice with pigeon peas) and empanadillas (spicy baked beef pies), along with desserts, cold beer and non-alcoholic beverages. Similar to the St. Patrick’s Day parade in Boston, New York hosts the largest Puerto Rican festival and parade in the nation. With growing awareness and support, Madera said the Kern festival could become a popular tradition. “In Los Angeles it’s also getting really big; about 15,000 people show up for their festival. This type of event is great for the community of Bakersfield.” Once you’ve had your fill of spicy foods and cool drinks, the traditional Latin sounds of the island will draw you to the dance floor. Lined up to perform are

Bakersfield’s only full-time salsa music group, Salsa Solution, and veteran ensemble Los Hermanos Hernandez. Deejay Michael Anthony will keep the rhythm going until the event winds down at dusk. “Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend.” Gates open at 11 a.m. on Sunday. Admission is $10. Children 12 and under free. Stramler Park is located at 3805 Chester Ave.

Upcoming shows This summer’s big ticket live music schedule has been on the slow side, but that doesn’t mean you should stop marking your calendars. Keep these shows on your radar in the coming weeks and months: Ghost Trees at Dagny’s Coffeehouse on July 1; Kottonmouth Kings, X-Clan, Imperial Soundclash at B Ryder’s on July 16; Tijuana Panthers and GRMLN at Sandrini’s on July 22; Amy Grant at the Fox on July 24; Ghoul at Jerry’s Pizza on July 27; Atlas Genius at B Ryder’s on Aug. 8; Courtney Love (!) at the Fox on Aug. 24; Bam Margera at Elements Venue on Sept. 11; Gary Allan, Sheryl Crow at Rabobank Arena Sept. 15.

Matt’s picks An Evening of Punk at Sandrini’s, 1918 Eye St., Friday, 8pm, $5, 3228900. The reaction from conservative diners inquiring about the weekend entertainment line-up downstairs at Sandrini’s is always

PHOTO COURTESY OF SALSA SOLUTION

Bakersfield Latin dance ensemble Salsa Solution appears Sunday at Stramler Park.

a hoot, and this show has all the makings of a Tipper Gore nightmare. A cavalcade of punk acts from the serious to high-larious, they should keep your ears on edge: Black F*g (Tribute to Black Flag), The Objex, The Mormons, Mobius Dick, and Closing In. Metal Night at B Ryder’s, 7401 White Lane, Friday, 9 p.m., $5, 397-7304. A night of headbanging goodness is guaranteed when Bakersfield’s official flag wavers of the genre, Meditated Assault, make a return to the stage after a short absence. Always up for a good time, they’ve also polished up their sound to become a local force of original heavy rock. Also rolling through are bands Ruach, The Slow Forward, and APOTA. Indie Showcase at The Gate, 2010 O St., Satur-

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.

July 26th

PHOTO BY DANE ABERNATHY

North Carolina experimental jazz duo Ghost Trees appears at Dagny’s Coffeehouse on Monday. Pictured are saxophonist Brent Bagwell and drummer Seth Nanaa. day, 7 p.m., $7. If you’d rather avoid having beer spilled all over you by adult bar rowdies, you can always hang with a cleaner bunch over at The Gate for this all ages, indie

rock show. Appearing are local bands Burn the Ships, featuring local singer songwriter Landen Belardes, plus Jam Room Jungle, and The Summer Initiative. Highly recommended.

July 31st

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

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, July 4, 2013

Eye Street The Lowdown with Matt Munoz

They can’t take away our country T

his year so far has been great for Bakersfield fans of country music. From singers Miranda Lambert and Lorrie Morgan at Rabobank Arena and Trout’s to extended set ragers with the Mavericks, Foo Fighters’ guitarist Chris Shiflett’s homage to the Bakersfield Sound at the Crystal Palace, plus the addition of a second country station to the radio dial (92.1 KIX) and more, the genre has been well represented. Locally, aspiring diva Whitney Wattenbarger released her ambitious debut CD, plus Taft/Bakersfield quintet Truxton Mile continues evolving into a more refined, country powerhouse (svelte leadvocalist Ryan Coulter dropped 30-plus pounds.) The band rocked the On the Rocks’ oneyear anniversary show last Saturday, dropping breaking news their long-awaited debut CD is also on the way. Let’s not forget, Lucky Ned Pepper, Stampede, and the Blackboard Playboys just to name a few. Now, with the addition of The Fruit Tramps, who bring their eclectic brand of hillbilly rock mixed with country and western to Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace on Tuesday and Wednesday, Bakersfield once again has a reason to keep the dancing boots within reach. “Bakersfield’s country music is getting a shot in the arm from Nashville,” said Fruit Tramps guitarist Ernie Lewis on noticeable developments helping Bakersfield country music thrive again. “Artists such as Red Simpson are finally getting the recognition that they deserve.” Lewis, a former mem-

PHOTO COURTESY OF SICKSTRING OUTLAWS

The Sickstring Outlaws will perform Saturday at Sandrini’s.

PHOTO BY JOE STORMONT

The Fruit Tramps, from left: Ernie Lewis, Olen Taylor, Bruce Jones and Max Gardner.

ber of legendary Bakersfield honky tonkers, the Moosehead Band, is joined in The Fruit Tramps by guitarist and vocalist, Olen Taylor and drummer Bruce Jones, both formerly of alt-country band The Wichitas, and bassist Max Gardner, formerly of the Resistors. Formed following The Wichitas final bow last year opening for Willie Nelson, Lewis says he and his mates bring decades of experience for fans looking for authentic, no frills country. Those familiar with the artistic reputations of The Wichitas and Moosehead Band as deeply committed to the purity of the genre need not be worried. According to Lewis, their roots remains unchanged as the guys who were country before country was cool. “It’s apparent that more and

more former rockers have turned to playing country, either to assimilate to the country scene, be part of the Bakersfield Sound or simply make money in the country market. All of The Fruit Tramps are seasoned players who were looking to unite with the right individuals who shared the same musical interests.” That mutual interest extends to the band’s name which refers to Dust Bowl-era migrant workers nicknamed “fruit tramps.” “Members of the band have family who came from Oklahoma and Arkansas during that period. Those individuals worked the fields and orchards. The name is fitting.” From Marty Stuart to Elvis Presley, Buck Owens, Asleep at the Wheel to The Blasters, Bob Wills, The Mavericks and many more, Lewis described their

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.

nightly set lists like a comprehensive country guide book with a mix of classic covers and Wichitas originals penned by Taylor including “Greetings from Bakersfield,” “Big Box Town” and “Right Side Up World.” “The band has its own unique sound that exemplifies the purity of the Bakersfield Sound.” Lewis and crew look forward to a fruitful stay at the Palace, adding they are also working on releasing a new EP sometime in the future. “The group considers it an honor to perform at the Palace. It’s like playing in a time capsule, one that shares images and stories of those who worked hard to create and propagate the Bakersfield Sound. Buck Owens created a masterpiece when he had the Crystal Palace built. The Bakersfield Sound will remain true to Bakersfield as long as performers in and around Kern County keep the music alive and the locals and area proprietors continue to support those artists.” Check out music samples and videos from the band online at reverbnation.com/thefruittramps and Facebook. Showtime on Tuesday and Wednesday is 7 p.m. Admission is free. Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace

is located at 2800 Buck Owens Blvd. For more information call 328-7560. You can also catch Olen Taylor and Ernie Lewis from The Fruit Tramps performing on Friday at The Foundry as part of the gallery’s “Bakersfield Country, the Legends of the Bakersfield Sound” exhibit starting at 6 p.m. The Foundry is located at 1608 19th St. For more information, call 388-0278.

The Sickstring Outlaws Representing the edgier side of country are the The Sickstring Outlaws from San Diego making their Bakersfield debut Saturday at Sandrini’s. “I really believe things have come full circle,” said guitarist and vocalist Ron Houston. “And with the new guys out there now like Hank III and Shooter Jennings, the younger generation is getting to hear what we heard growing up. This pop country stuff on the radio now has set real country back 100 years, but Bakersfield will always have real country music thanks to people like Red Simpson who are still playing today.” Houston has some authority on the subject. Born and raised in Please see LOWDOWN / 24

TICKETS AVAILABLE AT THE FOX THEATER BOX OFFICE, RUSSO’S BOOKS AT THE MARKETPLACE, EMPORIUM WESTERN STORE – 661-322-5200 – 888-825-5484 – Vallitix.com

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, July 11, 2013

Eye Street The Lowdown with Matt Munoz

Popular DJ says goodbye to Bako Final Beat Surrender to rock Sandrini’s

t’ll be a sweaty night of block rockin’ bye-byes for longtime Bakersfield vinyl aficionado Alex Rodriguez, hosting his final Beat Surrender dance night at Sandrini’s on Friday. After coming off a primo deejay set at this year’s Coachella Music & Arts Festival in Indio, Rodriguez was offered a job as general manager at the Glass House concert hall and record store in Pomona last month. “I met the venue owner once at a record convention in Orange County, and I gave him some discounts before I knew who he was. In return he offered me free concert tickets. From there we continued to help each other out,” said Rodriguez, 33, who after five steady years commuting to various Southern California locations has made a name for himself among die-hard collectors and the indie music elite. “I’m just really grateful to be involved in amazing things with amazing people. Years of hard work are paying off in a big way.” The monthly all-vinyl dance night, which made its debut six years ago at Sandrini’s, has become a hot spot for the hipster crowd and those with indiscriminate dance moves. Onstage, Rodriguez, along with an occasional guest selector, would keep the dance floor going, pulling deeply funky grooves from the ’60s and ’70s onto two turntables. No emcees or small talk, just uninterrupted shimmy shakin’

for hordes of loyal dancers, including myself. “We’ve had probably around 50 Beat Surrender nights, although I’ve missed some due to illness or events I had to DJ or attend.” But Bakersfield won’t be completely rid of Rodriguez just yet. You may start catching touring events in association with the Viva Pomona music festival and Bakersfield community radio station KSVG, where he also hosted his own afternoon mix show. On July 20, Rodriguez will be bringing his first all-ages show featuring the Lovely Bad Things, Kitten Forever, Wyatt Blair, and Love Lush to Narducci’s Cafe. “I plan on staying involved with the Bakersfield music scene. Thanks for the years of support. Without all of you, I would have given up a long time ago.” While he doesn’t plan on having a long, emotional goodbye on Friday, he doesn’t mind getting messages of support in the form of sweets. “I just want it to be a normal Beat Surrender, but if people want to bring me cupcakes, I’m OK with that!” Friday’s downbeat is 9 p.m. Admission is free. Sandrini’s is located at 1918 Eye St. Information: 322-8900.

XClan at B Ryder’s Remember running home from school to catch “Yo! MTV Raps” with hosts Dr. Dre and Ed Lover? Just before the dawn of the gangster rap era of the ’90s, a number of socially conscious groups “kickin’ knowledge” and positivity were all the rage among young fans. Acts such as Public Enemy and A Tribe Called Quest were introduced to viewers from all over

MATT MUNOZ / THE CALIFORNIAN

Popular Bakersfield deejay Alex Rodriguez will host the final Beat Surrender deejay night at Sandrini’s on Friday night.

the globe. Fans adopted their dress, speak, dance moves, and style as their own. Soon hip-hop was more than just a musical phenomenon; it became a movement. One of the leaders of that era was Brooklyn’s own XClan, who was unlike anything hip-hop and

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.

Amy Grant July 24th Special Guest Brandon Heath

TOMORROW NIGHT!

rap had ever seen. Dressed in flowing traditional African- and Egyptian-inspired designs, they all donned piercings, catching heat from conservatives while the kids ate it up. On record, their infectiously funky beats called people to the dance floor, offering lyrical messages of selfempowerment and Afrocentric militant activism. “It was daring for one, because hip-hop parties were all of the hoods coming into one place,

giving us expression,” said original XClan rapper Jason Hunter, aka Brother J, on the artistic climate of ’90s New York. “So you had to take a little risk. Sometimes these parties got shot up. It’s an egotistical game and sometimes egos were clashing.” Formed in 1989, XClan rode a brief wave of success as one of the genre’s most innovative groups. Predating the Wu Tang Clan’s multi-member concept of Please see LOWDOWN / 29

Anjelah Johnson

Friday Sept. 13th 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

Thursday, July 11, 2013 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street GO & D0: CONTINUED FROM 28

The Regent, 2814 Niles St., 8714140; 8:30 p.m. Fridays. 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., 3996700; 7 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays, 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Mariachi Camino Real Restaurant, 6 to 9 p.m. every Sunday at 3500 Truxtun Ave. 852-0493.

Music showcase The Prime Cut, 9500 Brimhall Road, 831-1413; 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. Thursday.

R&B Señor Pepe, 8450 Granite Falls Drive, 588-0385, Rebecca Aguilar and Lost Vinyl, 7 to 10 p.m. Thursday.

Rock KC Steakhouse, 2515 F St., 3229910; Jimmy Gaines, 6 to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday; Jimmy Gaines, Bobby O and Mike Hall, 6:30 to 11:30 p.m., featuring Glenda Robles, 8 to 11:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. B. Ryder’s Sports Bar & Grill, 7401 White Lane, 397-7304; White Boy James, Smith & Jones, 8 p.m. Saturday, $10; Kottonmouths, 8 p.m. Tuesday. $20. 21 and over only. Jerry’s Pizza, 1817 Chester Ave., 633-1000, Winds of Plague, Betrayal, To Each His Own, Destruction of a King, Graveside Trauma, Dreamseeker, Unity, Victims, Premises, Terror in the Streets, 3 p.m. Sunday. $15.

Soft rock Steak and Grape, 4420 Coffee Road, 588-9463; 7 to 10 p.m. Thursday through Saturday. Free.

Open mic

Songwriters

Fiddlers Crossing, 206 E. F St., Tehachapi, 823-9994; 7 p.m. Wednesdays. $5. On the Rocks, 1517 18th St., 3277625; musicians, spoken word, poets, comedians, 9 p.m. every Wednesday. Free. Open Mic Night, featuring Ms. Ayo Sharpe-Mouzon, nationally known African dancer and poet, performing from “Cowrie Shells” and “How I Met My Perfect Mate,” others welcome to bring prose and poetry, signups begin at 6:20 p.m., readings begin at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Russo’s, 9000 Ming Ave. 665-4686.

The Bistro, 5105 California Ave., 323-3905; Brent Brown, 6 to 8 p.m. Fridays.

Pop On the Rocks, 1517 18th St., 3277625; Therese & the Sweetness, 9:30 p.m. Thursday to 1 a.m. Friday.

LOWDOWN: CONTINUED FROM 24

characters banding together onstage to become one unifying force, XClan could be considered one of the first families of hiphop. Hunter, whose group role was “Grand Verbalizer Funkin’ Lesson Brother J,” was complemented by members “Professor X the Overseer,” “Paradise the Architect,” and deejay “Sugar Shaft the Rhythm Provider.” Also playing prominent roles were the group’s female members: “Queen Mother Rage,” “Isis” and “Traedonya.” There was no mistaking such big personalities in the boisterous sneaker-wearing, bubblejacket rap scene of the time. XClan embraced the serious side of hip-hop with one foot in New York, the other in Africa. “We were all raised in the

Trivia night

UPCOMING EVENTS Monday 7/15 Ceramics Workshop for Art Educators & Beginners, learn traditional techniques of pinch, slab, coil, creating multiple projects, 2 to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, Bakersfield, Museum of Art, 1930 R St. $250 members; $260 nonmembers. 3237219. Summer Science Weekly Camps, for first through sixth graders, 8 a.m. to noon Monday through Thursday, now through Aug. 1, Buena Vista Museum of Natural History, 2018 Chester Ave. $85; $75 members. Includes snack, camp T-shirt and materials. 324-6350.

fieldblaze.com or 716-HITS. Certified Farmers Market, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., in the parking lot of James Street and Central Avenue, Shafter. Independent Film Festival, see the movie “Bill W.,” 7 p.m. Wednesday and 10 a.m. Saturday, Maya Cinemas, 1000 California Ave. $6. 636-0484. Southwest City Slickers Farmers Market, 4 to 7 p.m., Calvary Chapel Bakersfield, 6501 Schirra Court. 204-7617.

Stonecreek Park, 8515 Akers Road. Free. 326-3866. NOR Junior Theatre presents “Seussical,” 7 p.m. Friday, 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday, East Bakersfield High School, 2200 Quincy St. $7 all ages. 392-2000. Pirate’s Cove Family Fun Night, 6 to 9 p.m., McMurtrey Aquatic Center, 1325 Q St. $3 per person; $10 for groups of 4 to 6. 8527430.

Saturday 07/20

Assemblymember Salas Mobile District Office Hours, 4 to 5:30 p.m., 505 Sunset Ave., Shafter. Visit asmdc.org/members/a32/. Bakersfield Blaze vs. Visalia Rawhide, 7:45 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, Sam Lynn Ballpark, 4009 Chester Ave. $7-$12. bakers-

“Charm,” 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, The Empty Space, 706 Oak St. $15 general; $10 students/seniors. 327-PLAY. Friday Family Night Swim, 6 to 8 p.m., Bakersfield College, 1801 Panorama Drive. $5 for two adults, two children; $1 each additional child, $3 each additional adult. 395-4663. Movies in the Park, presents “Wreck-It-Ralph,” begins at dusk,

Bakersfield Blaze vs. Lancaster Jethawks, 7:45 p.m. Saturday and Monday, 11:30 a.m. Sunday, Sam Lynn Ball Park, 4009 Chester Ave. $7-$12. bakersfieldblaze.com or 716-HITS. Bakersfield Speedway, Late Models, Sport Modifieds, Mini Stocks, Mini, Dwarfs, NMRA, gates open at 4 p.m.; races begin at 6 p.m., Bakersfield Speedway, 5001 N. Chester Ave. $15; $5 ages 6-12; under 5 free. bakersfieldspeedway.com or call 393-3373. Celebrating Independence: A Salute to Freedom, presented by Independent Living Center; food, music, auction, inspirational stories, entertainment, 6:30 to 10 p.m., Kern Law Enforcement Association, 3417 Pegasus Drive. $50. Proceeds benefit the Transition Program of Independent Living Center. 325-1063. Derby Revolution of Bakersfield, vs. Central Coast, 5:30 p.m., Saunders Park, 3300 Palm St. $10; $5 seniors/children. Free Home Improvement Workshop, “Cabinet Updates,” 10 to 11:30 a.m., Home Depot locations. homedepot.com or call 800-430-3376. Kern Audubon Society Field Trip, hike in Sycamore Canyon in Bear Valley Springs, meet at 7:30 a.m., at Burger King on Tehachapi Blvd., Tehachapi. Bring water, snacks, binoculars. Moderately strenuous terrain. For details, call Deb at 805-0232.

their clothes, and don’t even realize what I’m kickin’ until they get back to their house. We had a technique like that.” The group released a follow-up album, “Xodus,” two years later, before going separate ways. Today, Hunter continues performing and recording under XClan with new members. “The people are what help Brother J evolve. If what I was talking about fell on deaf ears, it would depress my rhythm. I try to give people a sense of purpose and inspiration.” On a side note, I was in the audience when XClan made their last Bakersfield appearance at the Masonic Temple in Bakersfield in 1990. Hunter recalls the rockiness of that first tour. “We got branded radical a lot back then, so we used to get the

short end of the stick a lot of times. What we did is, we embraced community radio, and that’s what we still do today. That’s how the new generation responds to me.” Humbled to be cited as an influence, Hunter embraces his position as one of the genre’s most highly regarded lyricists. “I feel great because I started out in this game to one day be like my elders. It’s all about the power of words. I’m able to touch people and teach them on a higher scale.” XClan opens for Kottonmouth Kings at B Ryder’s on Tuesday. The all-ages show kicks off at 8 p.m. Tickets are $20. Also appearing: Imperial Soundclash. B Ryder’s is located at 7401 White Lane. Information: 397-7304 or numbskullshows.com.

Rapper Jason Hunter aka Grand Verbalizer Funkin’ Lesson Brother J of ’90s rap group X Clan, opens for Kottonmouth Kings at B Ryder’s on Tuesday.

Tuesday 7/16 “Seussical” Musical Performance, 2 p.m., Beale Library, auditorium, 701 Truxtun Ave. Free. 868-0770. Kid’s Summer Film Festival, see the movie “Parental Guidance,” 10 a.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, Maya Cinemas, 1000 California Ave. $1. 636-0484. Reel Kids Summer Movie Series, see “Fantastic Mr. Fox,” 10 a.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, Reading Cinemas-Valley Plaza 16, 2000 Wible Road. $1. 833-2230.

Bellvedere Cocktail Lounge, 3090 Brundage Lane, 325-2139; 7 p.m. Tuesdays. On the Rocks, 1517 18th St., 3277625; 8 to 10 p.m. Monday. Chuy’s, 2500 New Stine Road, 833-3469; 7 p.m. every Tuesday.

Summer Movie Express, see “Yogi Bear” Tuesday; and “Journey 2: The Mysterious Island” Wednesday, starts at 10 a.m. both days, Edwards Cinema, 9000 Ming Ave. $1. 663-3042.

Variety Golden State Mall, 3201 F St., 872-2037, Joe Loco Duet, 2 to 5 p.m. Sundays. Trouts & The Blackboard Stages, 805 N. Chester Ave., 3996700; The Blackboard Playboys, 8:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. $5 after 8 p.m.

movement and, in New York, having a different look was not far-fetched. We didn’t use it as a costume. The climate at the time was young people wanting to learn something different. ... The older movements that used to protect the streets started opening their doors. We were a reflection of it to the fullest.” The group’s debut, “To the East, Blackwards,” won critical acclaim, anchored by the group’s debut single, “Funkin’ Lesson.” “What we spoke about on that album: protecting our city, the youth. We were like the black CNN, lyrically. Not making it to where it was preachy, but to where it was fun, and that’s where ‘Funkin’ Lesson’ came from. I was able to take serious topics — people would be sweating and jamming, coming out of

Wednesday 7/17

Thursday 7/18 “Spamalot,” 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, Stars Dinner Theatre, 1931 Chester Ave. Adults dinner/show: $54-$59; $38 show only; students dinner/show: $39; $23 show only. 325-6100. Concerts by the Fountain, a Steely Dan tribute band with The Blue Deacons, 7 to 9 p.m., The Marketplace, 9000 Ming Ave. Free Admission Day, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Buena Vista Museum of Natural History, 2018 Chester Ave. 324-6350. Kern County Mineral Society, meeting, 7:30 p.m., East Bakersfield Veterans Hall, 2101 Ridge Road. 834-3128. Third Thursdays Faire in the Park, entertainment, barbecue, arts and crafts, games, contests, farmers market, 5:30 p.m., Central Park at Mill Creek, 21st and R streets. 325-5892.

Friday 7/19

PHOTO COURTESY OF X-CLAN

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, July 18, 2013

Eye Street The Lowdown with Matt Munoz

This ‘Machine’ fueled by hope Band blends spirituality with youthful energy

he members of Silent Pacific are eager to make your spiritual acquaintance. The band offers messages of hope presented with copious amounts of youthful energy and edge, meaning local fans will be hard-pressed to find a more jubilant show than the group’s CD release party at the Gate on Saturday. “We want to bring a very simple, bold statement of God’s love to the forefront of the music scene in Bakersfield,” said Gabriel Zuniga, 22, the band’s lead guitarist and vocalist. “And, secondly, we want to revamp people’s understanding of what a real rock show is.” Silent Pacific is part of a revival of the local alternative Christian scene, which is seeing the emergence of young bands releasing music that could be played alongside any secular rock format. The band’s debut five-song EP, “Fuel for the Human Machine,” is an impressive collection of original post-hardcore riffs and catchy melodies tightly executed by bassist Darin Chavez, guitarist Saul Navarro and drummer Richard Raygoza. “Each of our songs comes from a different source,” said Zuniga. “When I first started writing music, I had nothing personal or interesting. I literally had to stir up some dramatic stuff in my life to have things to talk about. I want to convey the gospel of Jesus Christ in a raw, practical, and realistic way instead of the cookie cutter way most Christian bands try to sugarcoat their songs.” Like most young bands, the members of Silent Pacific intricately weave into the music their personal lives at home, in the garage and the studio. “We all have busy schedules,” said Raygoza, 22. “We are all employed students trying to navigate the ‘system’ so we all practice as much as we can. Our set practice days are every Saturday and Sunday in the mornings.

PHOTO BY MYRIAM SANTOS PHOTO BY MIGUEL ANGEL GONZALEZ

Bakersfield band Silent Pacific celebrate the release of their new EP at The Gate on Saturday.

However, we do practice during the week if we can.” With more rehearsals than live shows under their belt, the guys plan to showcase all their current material along with some older songs. “In the beginning, there was a lot that we wanted to do but we had to be mindful of the time set,” said Chavez, 23. “We had to condense a lot of our stuff because we usually have a small amount of time. Now we have enough music to play for the people.” Following Saturday’s show, the band plans to continue adding more gigs and building a larger fan base through their message of positivity. As the primary songwriter, Zuniga said the band is sincere about its message of hope for believers and non-believers. “So much confusion and economical turmoil has caused everybody to forget about what really fuels their spirit, rather than their body and mind and wallet. We want the music to be loud and chaotic and unrelenting. The first four songs are lyrically telling a story of desperation and the subconscious search for God that I believe we sometimes feel compelled to do. The final lyrics are kind of an answer to everything. ‘If lawyers lie and

doctors die, and judges sin behind closed doors, and sexiness is so abstract that beauty’s almost lost — if Jesus died to save mankind, and politics and youth collide, and you’re observing from afar, Lord, help us fix the world.’” “Fuel for the Human Machine” will be available for sale at the show, as well as all regular digital download sites including iTunes. Also appearing are Burn the Ships, Arizonity, and Chunrun. Saturday’s showtime is 7 p.m. Admission is $5 in advance; $7 at door. All ages. The Gate is at 2010 O St. Visit facebook.com/silentpacific.

Sick Puppies at B Ryder’s Not that they’re suffering from a disappointing musical career, but Aussie rock trio Sick Puppies can always use a hug. After the release of the band’s 2007 single “All the Same,” which was used as the soundtrack for a touching tribute for a friend, the video became a viral sensation, helping to launch the Puppies’ careers into high gear. The sensation continues for the members of Sick Puppies: Emma Anzai, bass; Shimon “Shim” Moore, guitar; and Mark Goodwin, drums. Bakersfield will get a glimpse of the magic Sunday 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.

Australian alt-rock trio Sick Puppies appear Sunday at B Ryder’s.

Ryder’s. “Firstly, it was a complete accident,” said Anzai, 32, during an interview. “Shim made ‘Free Hugs’ as a ‘feel better’ video for his friend, who had recently lost his grandmother. After it got put on YouTube, it got a life of its own, skyrocketing beyond our control. It’s been a few years now and we still see people all over the world holding ‘Free Hugs’ signs.” Anzai said the band’s latest release, “Connect,” was built with help from their fans. “The one thing we like to do before we start the process of a new album is ask our close fans what they want more of and less of. We have a group of people called the Sick Puppies world crew who have been fans from the beginning, and the world crew continues to grow as we do. We look to them when we write and record, as sometimes being in this band bubble can be disorienting, and they bring us back to equilibrium.” Critics are split on the group’s latest direction, pointing out the band may be trying to take themselves too seriously after coming off the joyful hype of “Free Hugs.” “In a nutshell, I’d say that it’s a complete mixture of our albums ‘Dressed Up As Life,’ ‘Tri-Polar’ and ‘Polar Opposite,’” Anzai said. “It’s a snapshot in time, as albums always are, and this one is a snapshot of our time when we wrote it. It’s more musical and we explored and experimented with our sound just enough to make it

a little different, but not too much as to make it ‘not us.’” Musical “hugs” from the stage will be plentiful in Bakersfield, said Anzai, adding that hand sanitizer is optional. “We hope that people get to forget all their problems for an hour and to feel something, to purge something and hopefully leave with a good feeling when they go home.” Sunday’s showtime is 8 p.m. $22. All ages. B Ryder’s is at 7401 White Lane. 397-7304 or numbskullshows.com.

Matt’s picks Viva Bakersfield at Narducci’s Cafe, 622 E. 21st St., Saturday, 7 p.m., $8, 324-2961. It’s an extravabandza in Old Town featuring the Lovely Bad Things, Kitten Forever, Wyatt Blair, and Love Lush. This is the first of a proposed series in association with the Pomona-based Viva independent music festival. From the tragically hip to the chaotic and beyond, each act is as uniquely eclectic as it gets. Tijuana Panthers and more at Sandrini’s, 1918 Eye St., Monday, 9 p.m., free, 322-8900. I caught Long Beach post-punk trio Tijuana Panthers open for Dead Kennedy’s vocalist Jello Biafra and Reverend Horton Heat in Anaheim some months back and they threw me for a loop with their cool blend of garage and surf-tastic guitar style. Also on the bill are GRMLN, The Waywards, and Crooked Folk. Highly recommended.

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, July 25, 2013

Eye Street The Lowdown with Matt Munoz

Beats to the rhymes in Bako Necrotizing Ghoul haunts Jerry’s Pizza

he art of guerrilla marketing is alive and well in Bakersfield hip-hop. Whether posting promotional posters on every street corner or hustling a home-burnt CD outside a convenience store, these true believers who know the value of self-promotion are a determined bunch. I was reminded of that during a recent visit to Valley Plaza, where I was presented with a copy of the new full-length, self-titled CD by Bakersfield rap collective League of Extraordinary Spitters. Not to be confused with the Sean Connery film, nor a group of salivating misfits (spitting, in this case, refers to the act of vocalizing rap lyrics), the L.O.E.S. are a group of friends and music colleagues from Bakersfield that includes emcees and lyricists LeSchae “Eddie Brock” Wafford, Ivory “Shep” Sheppard, Reggie “R.E. McFly” Anthony, Joshua “J Waheed” Wright, and Derrick “D Ecstatic” Stevens. “It would be difficult to classify the L.O.E.S.,” said Brock, who nevertheless described it as leaning toward the music’s East Coast origins. “Each emcee brings a different style to the table when it comes to rhyming, and we all have our own unique personalities, and that really shines and stands out on our album. People who know and appreciate hiphop will hear the fusion of styles, sounds, and demeanor of all aspects of hiphop.

PHOTO COURTESY OF L.O.E.S.

L.O.E.S. are a group of friends and music colleagues from Bakersfield that includes emcees and lyricists.

L.O.E.S. truly is a melting pot when it comes to that.” That well-articulated description is presented accurately on the disc. Produced between Epixx studio in Bakersfield and Los Angeles, all 15 tracks take listeners on an entertaining headphone ride through the local underground rap scene. “The scene has always been here; someone just has to create the proper formula to get that recognition our region deserves. Once that happens, the floodgates will open,” said Brock. Leading off with “Intro,” featuring live guitar work by Silo, “Inauguration” helps set the tone with mid-tempo beats, bass and string samples. The lyrics are explicit in the competitive spirit of hip-hop.

According to Brock, that’s a necessary element to help get across the message. “The goal is to always be competitive and do what you can to make the best music possible, and that’s what we try to do. Everyone is a seasoned rhymesayer so there were never any issues or doubts about anyone not bringing the heat.” Personal prime cuts on L.O.E.S. include “Back in the Days,” “California,” “Kung Fu Slaps” and “Good Times.” The ultimate goal of the L.O.E.S. project is to help establish each artist as a soloist through collective support, with the CD acting as a resume. Take one, or take them all as a group, the L.O.E.S. are talents worthy of

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 JUN HIRAOKA

Guitarist Jimmy Sakurai and vocalist Swan Montgomery appear with Led Zeppelin tribute band Led Zepagain at B Ryder’s on Saturday.

your attention. “We easily get overlooked because we are not L.A. and we are not the Bay Area, but Bakersfield has a lot of talent. Korn and Buck Owens ain’t the only ones coming out of here with great music that needs to be heard.” If they don’t find you first with a physical copy, you can download “League of Extraordinary Spitters” at iTunes, Google Play and all popular digital download sites. For more information on the Epixx production team and studio in Bakersfield, visit facebook.com/theepixx.

Speaking of hip-hop ... Bako rap fans have three eclectic options to get their rhyme on today at 10 p.m. in an evening with Bakersfield rapper Leksure at Sandrini’s, 1918 Eye St., followed by a rare Saturday appear-

ance by legendary New York rap icon Jeru The Damaja at Ink Bar, 1919 K. St. at 10 p.m., and finally the all-ages “White Boy Wasted Tour” with Saint Dogg, Big Hoss and more Sunday at B Ryder’s, beginning at 8 p.m.

Ghoul at Jerry’s Pizza If you can’t wait until Halloween, make plans to catch extreme shock rock quartet Ghoul, coming to Jerry’s Pizza on Saturday. Following in the footsteps of costumed monster metal heads Gwar, the un-merrymen of Ghoul tread into similar theatrics. With song titles like “The Lunatic Hour,” “Rise, Killbot, Rise” and “Coffins and Curios,” it promises to be a loud, messy night of monstrous mayhem. “We formed in the graveyard in Creepsylvania (Oakland) many Please see LOWDOWN / 26

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The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, July 25, 2013

Eye Street

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Board also makes changes in leadership structure BY CAMILLE GAVIN Contributing writer

Anthony Goss, newly elected president of the Arts Council of Kern, is pleased with news that the California Arts Council is receiving an additional $2 million from the state. The local council has been struggling to stay afloat financially for the past eight months, so any infusion in state money couldn’t come at a better time. “We certainly are hopeful that it will mean increased funding for us and for other arts councils in the state,” Goss said. “It’s exciting and encouraging and shows that (the state) is placing a high value on the arts.” But the California Arts Council, which announced the new funds July 15, hasn’t said how the money will be distributed or to whom. “This is a positive first step to gain support for measures that will increase California’s arts funding and investment in future budgets,” said California Arts Council chairman Wylie Aitken in a media release. “The arts can and should be at the center of helping solve some of the state’s most formidable problems.” The additional funding will not be used for administrative costs at the agency, according to the release, but will go to direct services for local communities in California and will be leveraged with other

LOWDOWN: CONTINUED FROM 24

years ago, after we were individually driven from our home countries by violent mobs of pitchfork- wielding villagers,” said Ghoul guitarist Sean McGrath, who goes by the name of Digestor onstage. “Also, our bassist, Cremator, had tax problems in his native France.” Since we can’t run a photo of the band, visit Ghoul’s official website at creepsylvania.com if you dare. “We are more approachable than we look. I know for a fact that Lady Gaga is a fan of ours.” We’ll take your word for it, Digestor. Saturday’s showtime is 6 p.m. Tickets are $10. Show is all ages. Also appearing are Goreshack and more. Jerry’s Pizza is at 1817 Chester Ave. For more information, call 633-1000.

Gary Rink leaves Dub Seeds Bakersfield bassist Gary Rink publicly announced his departure from local reggae rock band Dub Seeds on Facebook Tuesday. “I have personal reasons that have forced me to make this hardest of decisions, and although I won’t discuss them here, know that they are valid and have nothing to do with my love and respect for my bandmates,” said Rink in a lengthy

funds. Meanwhile, Goss reported a key change in how the local arts council will be run. Until now the position of executive director has been full time, but with the June 30 departure of Michael Millar, who led the council for two years, the board has elected to cut the hours to 20 per week. Goss, a program specialist for the Kern County Superintendent of Schools, has been serving as interim director on an unpaid basis since Millar left. Goss couldn’t say if maintaining a residence in Bakersfield or the county would be one of the requirements for potential applicants, but Millar’s decision not to move to the area was a bone of contention to critics. “We definitely think it’s a high priority to hire a person with local connections,” he said. “We have a rich pool (of candidates) right here in Kern County.” Getting the council on steady financial footing will be the top priority for the new executive director as well, Goss said. To that end, the board has scheduled at least two fundraisers to help build up the treasury. One is the $75-per-person dinner being held this evening in honor of Milt and Betty Younger. A separate event in September will be hosted by Tim and Margaret Lemucchi in the spacious gardens surrounding their home on the Kern River. In addition, Margaret Lemucchi is joining Goss on the executive board of the council as vice president. Other officers recently elected to serve this year are CeCe Algra, secretary, and Dr. Joseph Chang, treasurer. statement thanking fans for their support during his 61⁄2 years with the popular trio. Truly a bummer, but proving you can’t keep a good band down, Dub Seeds guitarist and vocalist Chris Taylor and drummer Anthony “Gizmo” Rodriguez appear to be carrying on with fill-in bassist Kevin Aleman and a show scheduled this Saturday at J&M’s Cafe and Grill. Showtime is 9 p.m. and admission is free. J&M’s Café and Grill is located at 10801 Rosedale Highway. For more information, call 589-3042.

Matt’s picks Led Zepagain at B Ryder’s, 7401 White Lane, 9 p.m. Saturday, $10, 397-7304. The story goes that in 2004, original Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page saw Led Zepagain's performance at the House of Blues in Hollywood and declared, “It's amazing how much like us you sounded. I can tell you guys really love the music.” Not sure how much — if any — of that is true, but having witnessed the spectacle that is Led Zepagain numerous times at the old Fishlips location, this live tribute to the legendary classic rockers is worthy of some praise from Page. Hitting on all eras of Led Zeppelin’s classic catalog, the songs are presented in both an electric and acoustic format. If the band doesn't wow you, the crowd they attract will.

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, August 1, 2013

Eye Street The Lowdown with Matt Munoz

‘Catfish’ has a tune to suit your mood Singer-songwriter has solo gig at J&M’s

hen people hit me up to inquire about acoustic music in Bakersfield, I usually start off my list with Dustin Meridith. If that name doesn’t ring a bell, his nickname, “Catfish,” just might. A fixture of the downtown scene with two decades of long nights of blues, beers and barroom tears under his belt, his music and voice have been heard at nearly every watering hole in Bakersfield. Dealing with a breakup? Thinking about quitting your job? Paid off your mortgage, or just plain want to get plowed? This scruffily refined ax man is guaranteed to have a song to suit your mood when he appears for a solo gig at J&M’s Bar & Grill on Saturday night. “I like groove period,” said Meridith, 36, on his preferred mode of musical communication. “Genre is a label given by critics. I prefer music that moves the soul, regardless of genre. That being said, Hendrix is god, and I love honky tonk being a son of Bakersfield.” Meridith’s introduction into the scene happened like most area musicians, jamming with high school buddies (one of

PHOTO BY IRENE YOUNG

Critically acclaimed Celtic music legends Golden Bough — from left, Kathy Sierra, Margie Butler and Paul Espinoza — will perform Saturday at American Sound Recordings studio.

whom was Chris Taylor of the band Dub Seeds, who gave him his nickname) before making the jump to any coffeehouse that would welcome them. “The first time I heard ‘Led Zeppelin I’ and the riff to ‘Good Times Bad Times,’ I knew I wanted to play guitar. For attitude, it was all Hendrix, he was the complete package.” While Meredith continued jamming with a number of loose impromptu jam outfits, a turning point for the musician happened with the opening of Fishlips bar downtown in 2002, where he performed solo weekly, nightly or whenever the venue was in need of an opening act. “There is something magical about connecting with your brothers and sisters of soul on

stage, that’s the high I always look for. Performing alone made me a better musician though and I highly recommend it.” From classic blues to country, rock, alternative and beyond, Meridith has a voice and guitar to fit the style. “For electric, I am known for my mid-90’s Hamer, which I worked all through high school washing dishes to buy. She’s my first wife, and will sustain for hours on end. For acoustic, I employ a Martin HD28 for the volume, bass response and sounds I became accustomed to, after listening to Johnny Cash as a young man.” You can also catch Meridith with a number of his other musical endeavors including blues rockers the WMD’eez, classic

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 DUSTIN MERIDITH

Bakersfield singer-songwriter Dustin “Catfish” Meridith is set for a solo gig Saturday at J&M’s Bar and Grill.

country tribute Country Deluxe, and the 99’s featuring a collaboration with Bakersfield singer songwriter Jon Goodell. The 99’s will perform at On the Rocks on Aug. 9. “Finding musical chemistry is not as hard as finding personal chemistry. Bands are like one big funky married couple, and I’m lucky to play with the guys I perform with.” Saturday’s showtime is 7:30 p.m. Admission is free for the allages show. J&M’s Bar and Grill is located at 10801 Rosedale Highway. For more information, call 5893042.

Golden Bough at ASR Celtic music has always had a solid fan base among music traditionalists and renaissance faire couples, but in the mid ’90s, few expected the genre would ever compete with some of popular

music’s biggest artists. From Enya to The Corrs to The Chieftains and the inescapable “Riverdance,” sales went through the roof with major labels signing any artist adopting some form of Irish and Scottish musical hybrid as the foundation of their sound. Among those acts leading the independent Celtic music scene stateside was Modesto’s very own Golden Bough, which will make a rare Bakersfield appearance at American Sound Recording Studios on Saturday. Starting out as a duo in 1980, original members Paul Espinoza and Margie Butler recorded a series of critically acclaimed recordings with various studio lineups, while maintaining a busy live schedule on both sides of the Atlantic. Today, after more than three decades together, the Golden Bough trio of Espinoza, Butler Please see LOWDOWN / 25

TICKETS ON SALE FRIDAY

TICKETS AVAILABLE AT THE FOX THEATER BOX OFFICE, RUSSO’S BOOKS AT THE MARKETPLACE, EMPORIUM WESTERN STORE – 661-322-5200 – 888-825-5484 – Vallitix.com

Thursday, August 1, 2013 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street LOWDOWN: CONTINUED FROM 20

and Kathy Sierra continue perfecting a formula of Celtic harp, guitar, octavemandolin, mandolin, accordion, violin, pennywhistle and bodhran instrumentation for audiences of all ages. “There was definitely a greater interest in Celtic music after ‘Riverdance,’” said Butler. “‘Braveheart’ also helped pique the interest in Scottish music and culture. The movie ‘Brave’ has brought a new wave of interest in Scottish and Celtic music and culture. We see this at festivals and Highland games. In Ireland and Scotland, the young musicians continue to breathe fresh

and new life into the music.” Over the course of their career, members of Golden Bough have collaborated with artists such as Linda Ronstadt, The Chieftains’ Derek Bell, as well as a recording with worldrenowned Egyptian percussionist Hossam Ramsey, among others. “We had planned to make music our career, so we certainly hoped Golden Bough would keep going. Now it seems we can’t stop. We returned to Europe four years ago for our 30th anniversary and have returned annually since. We plan to keep this going until we just can’t lift an instrument anymore.” The band’s website at

goldenboughmusic.com is filled with information on the group, including the band’s arts and activism side promoting music in schools. The group makes regular appearances at public schools sharing their tradition with young audiences. “It’s unfortunate for the students, as they are not exposed to the same musical influence that we had when we were in school. That is why we feel dedicated to bringing live music into the schools.” Opening the show is veteran Bakersfield Celtic music quartet Banshee in the Kitchen, which will join Golden Bough for a few collaborations onstage. “We feel pretty honored

when other musicians approach us and tell us that we inspired them to start performing or get back into it. That’s one of the nice things about having been around for so long.” Saturday’s showtime is 7 p.m. Admission is $15 in advance or $20 at the door. American Sound Recording Studios is located at 2231 R St. For more information,

call 477-2577.

Matt’s pick Tanked and Crooked Folk at Sandrini’s, 1918 Eye St., 9 p.m. Saturday. $5, 322-8900. If there’s ever a book written on Bakersfield punk rock in the ’90s, Active Ingrediants would certainly be deserving of their own chapter. After a few breaks and reunions,

members Scott Burton, Dennis Harrison and Jeremy Cravens have returned as Tanked, performing steadily at local watering holes just like the good ol’ days. They’ve also released a cool 7-inch vinyl, which can be picked up at the show. Check out a preview at reverbnation.com/ tankedband. Also appearing are local hooligans, Crooked Folk.

Ask A Professional

We feature local experts to answer your questions. For info contact: Lisa Whitten at 661-395-7563

Healthcare BASH: CONTINUED FROM 14

I’m not saying that because I’m a fan. He came to Norway for the first time in 1969 and came back the next year. There were two shows and both shows were packed.” Lauritsen formed the idea to start the band in 1998 after years of playing country music in pubs, singing in his native language. During this time, Owens’ career was in a down gear with artists such as Garth Brooks and others ushering in the new country movement. Unaware that an Owens comeback was on the horizon, Lauritsen sprung into action following some inspiring news. “I heard this disc jockey in the late ’80s say that Buck Owens was back with this young rebel country musician named Dwight Yoakam, who’d been up to Bakersfield to pull ol’ Buck from the rocking chair. After I heard that, I went and started to find his records again.” It would be a few years before his project would come to fruition. But through a strange twist of fate, Lauritsen was given the chance of a lifetime to meet his idol in Bakersfield after assisting with a compilation of Owens’ hits in 1998. “EMI released a special collection, and I gave them a hand with some pictures. I told EMI that I had plans to go to Bakersfield and see Buck Owens one day. One day I got a call that the collection had reached platinum, and asked if I would go to Bakersfield and present him the award.” Lauritsen vividly recalls the 2000 trip. Fatigued and nervous after the 5,000-plusmile flight from Norway to Bakersfield, Lauritsen described watching the iconic musician who’d inspired him to pursue music enter with a swagger suited to his image. “I went to Jim Shaw’s office there, and after about 10 or 15 minutes, Buck walked in. It was one of the biggest moments of my life as a fan.” Extending his hand for a hearty Bakersfield welcome, Lauritsen said Owens’ greeting remains etched in his mind forever. “The first thing he asked was, ‘How’d you learn your English? I told him ‘Love’s Gonna Live Here,’ is the first song I

remembered. He took Jim Shaw’s red, white and blue guitar and started singing the song in his office. I started singing a few lines with him, then he stopped and said, ‘You come to the sound check tomorrow, rehearse the song and you can sing it later in the show.’” Three years later, Lauritsen met steel guitarist Steiner Schroder, who happened to be an old friend of late Buckaroo steel guitarist Tom Brumley. Well-versed in Brumley’s technique, Schroder was also instrumental in getting the band’s flashy, Nudie-inspired suits like those of the original Buckaroos. An airline pilot, Lauritsen found a tailor during a work trip to Bangkok who could make similar suits, which have been a big hit since the beginning. “That’s how that got started. Now there were two of us who could put together a full set of Owens songs, and by 2005 we had the suits and everything.” Rounding out the lineup is drummer Luis Borgli, bassist Hans-Petter Jahr and lead guitarist Terjie Schroder, who recently added the fiddle to the stage show that also includes Owens’ signature hits, and then some. “We like to play songs from his catalog before he was famous. Songs like ‘Under Your Spell Again’ and ‘Above and Beyond’ were more or less keys to success for him, about 26 to 30 songs.” “I’ve known Odd for many years,” said Shaw. “But I considered him more of a guitar player, until I heard him sing the first time. I didn’t realize he sounded so much like Buck. “Every now and then a little accent pops up, but he gave me goosebumps when I heard him, just blew me away. They’ve been working towards getting the right players for the group. Steiner is amazing on the steel. I just love them.” This marks Lauritsen’s third trip to the Crystal Palace and Bakersfield’s second full band performance after performing at the venue last year. “We’re really looking forward to coming back to Bakersfield,” said Lauritsen. “I don’t know anybody who sounds like this group with the visuals and all. It’s the real deal,” said Shaw. For more information on Bakersfield, visit the band’s website at bakersfield.dk.

Q: A:

Marie writes, “I am so flustered. I’m not sure what my Mom needs. I’m ready to cry.” I contacted Marie to assure her that many of our calls involve not knowing where to begin or what to ask for.For anyone who is “flustered”,just give us a call & we will help you understand what type of assistance will meet your needs.Our nearly 20 years of service has provided us with a wide array of how to best assist anyone.Don’t wait to get to the “flustered” stage.As soon as you suspect something isn’t right, give us a call.

Darlyn Baker, RN

4801 Truxtun Ave. Bakersfield, CA (661) 395-1700 www.interimhealthcare.com

IRA’s and Rollovers

Q: A:

What are some of the tax advantages of an IRA? Because IRAs are not subject to capital gains taxes, investors enjoy the tax advantages of institutional over individual investing. In other words, when it comes to selling investments, clients and their advisors can make decisions based solely on investment performance and expectations rather than having to worry about the current income tax exposures associated with selling an investment for a capital gain or loss.

John Bush, Vice President/ Investments Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated Member SIPC & NYSE

5060 California Avenue, Suite 1140 Bakersfield, California 93309 (661) 321-7300

Roofing

Q: A:

My wife and I are getting ready to retire and we are considering having solar installed on our roof. We have a price from a reliable, national solar company. They propose that we have the solar installed over our original wood shake roof. What would you advise? If this wooden shake roof is the original, don’t walk away from this proposal - - RUN. Wood shakes were popular in the 70s to early 90s. They were a 15 year product. If you were to have solar installed today, within the next few years you would be replacing the roof and have the added expense to remove and reinstall the solar panels in order to re-roof your home.

#4 “P” Street Bakersfield, CA 93304-3192 (661) 327-ROOF (7663) www.bswroofing.com

Jerry Ennis

Lic. 828481

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, August 8, 2013

Eye Street The Lowdown with Matt Munoz

Club Heresy’s doctrine is sound Alternative dance nights return Children of the night could be heard happily flapping their bat wings all over Bakersfield once news hit that popular local goth dance night Club Heresy would be rising from the grave. A monthly gathering for fans of all things alternative, Club Heresy caters to those who dare to dance on the wildly darker side of life. Originally held downtown inside Riley’s Backstage, the themed club night went on hiatus in February once the venue made the announcement it would be remodeling. Rather than put up with the construction headache, Mike Fowler, the specialty club’s founder, decided to relocate to Replay Lounge, where it returns on Saturday. “We stopped hosting at Riley’s because I planned on taking a hiatus from promoting while they remodeled. It was a good plan. When I was ready to start back up again, Riley’s wasn’t finished remodeling yet. I had been considering Replay for about a year now, but Riley’s had been so good to Heresy that I didn’t want to change anything at the time.” Last month’s Replay Lounge debut was an overwhelming success, according to Fowler. Though the venue typically hosts nightclub dancing for the young, glitzy, singles bar crowd, the club was transformed into an elegant evening in Transylvania with special lighting and decor brought in to pick up where the club

PHOTO COURTESY OF CHOIRS

Choirs vocalist Joel Brewer (standing) and producer Josh Mallit work on the band’s second CD at San Diego’s Studio West.

PHOTO BY MIKE FOWLER

Bakersfield goth dance night, Club Heresy, returns to Replay Lounge on Saturday. Pictured are club-goers Alex Arias and Ravyn Moon.

left off. “The response to the new location has been 100 percent positive. The attendees love the new location with all of its room and growth potential. The venue owners also love the Heresy people.” Additions to Heresy at Replay include an ample dance and lounging area, 18-and-over admittance, two rooms of music with dance floors featuring guest go-go dancers, and deejays spinning all things goth-related: dark wave, industrial, punk and more, against a multimedia explosion of screen projections to boggle the senses. “Heresy has always been about all manners of alternative selfexpression, without fear of judgment. Newcomers can look forward to enjoying people in their creative outfits.” Live music will resume at

Heresy as well. In the past, the club has hosted veteran death rock act 45 Grave, local acts Burning Image and Funeral Club. This weekend Bay Area industrial act RetConStruct and Deep Drain from Los Angeles will appear in the main bar area. Club Heresy nights will be once a month, rotating between the first and second Saturday. For specific dates and news, check their website at heresyentertainment.com. Club Heresy begins at 10 p.m. Saturday inside Replay Lounge, 4500 Buck Owens Blvd. Admission is $10. Ages 18 and over admitted.

Free Choirs show Out to smash any early talk of a sophomore slump, Bakersfield band Choirs will be showcasing music from their upcoming new CD, with a free show for 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.

tonight at On the Rocks. It’s been just over a year since the release of the group’s wellreceived debut, “We All Need Closure,” which put the band on a brief tour and onto semi-regular show bills in Bakersfield and around California. Following a few more promotional treks, the band retreated to the lab to begin work on their follow-up. “The album is not yet complete,” said Choirs vocalist Joel Brewer of the seven-track collection, which has a working title of “USALKT.” “The show was initially put together for an out-of-town band called Lightsystem and then we all decided, ‘Free show, why not?’” As they did for their debut, the band recorded most of the project in San Diego, this time at Studio West, where such acts as Blink-182, Patti Labelle and Greg Allman have all recorded. The band reteamed with collaborator and producer Josh Mallit. “It was a long and arduous process, but it made it easier when we were welcomed by their staff; better yet, surrounded by a litany of previously recorded albums lining the halls. When you’re walking into an unknown

environment for seven days, there’s a wonderful relief when you’re made to feel at home in the first few minutes. To date, we have recorded all of the instruments and are working on finding a studio in Bakersfield to finish recording the vocals.” Hoping for a winter release, Brewer is working feverishly with his bandmates: drummer Cass Faulkenberry, guitarist Dax Dominguez, bassist Michael Aguilar and guitarist Tyler Slayton. “I can initially put it this way: It’s difficult to explain feelings when you’re going through them, but the common conversation we’ve all had when working these songs out and when listening, post recording, is ‘Are we being less aggressive on this one?’ Which is always followed by an agreed response of, ‘No, this is what’s coming out of us this time around.’” Also appearing are bands the Volume, Lightsystem and the Nature. Tonight’s showtime is 9 p.m. Free admission. On the Rocks is located at 1517 18th St. For more information call 327-7625 or visit facebook.com/choirsofficial. Please see LOWDOWN / 24

TICKETS AVAILABLE AT THE FOX THEATER BOX OFFICE, RUSSO’S BOOKS AT THE MARKETPLACE, EMPORIUM WESTERN STORE – 661-322-5200 – 888-825-5484 – Vallitix.com

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, August 8, 2013

Eye Street LOWDOWN: CONTINUED FROM 20

Matt’s picks Atlas Genius, 7 p.m. today at B Ryder’s, 7401 White Lane. All ages, $12, 397-7304. This weekend’s Outside Lands festival in San Francisco may be sold out, but many bands slated to appear have opted to add some one-off appearances en route to Golden Gate Park. One such act is the Australian brother duo of Atlas Genius, making a rare stop into B Ryder’s. Their 2012 single, “Trojans,” can still be heard in regular rotation on top college playlists. Also appearing is Los Angeles quintet Cayucas. Return of the ’90s Cover Show, 9 p.m. Friday at Sandrini’s, 1918 Eye St., $5, 322-8900. It was an era of grunge, flannel, emo and nu-metal music, but for Bakersfield musicians Salvador Galindo, Pablo Alaniz, Zachary Spier and Jason Blakely, it was a prime time for teen self-discovery, zits, girls and first gigs. Not sure

COMEDY: CONTINUED FROM 16

raining ‘boos,’” recalled Alaniz. “I could barely hear myself because they were booing so loud. I started to think, ‘Was I really that bad?’ When I got off stage I realized that I went on stage with a 49ers hat, and the show sold a ton of tickets to a Raiders booster club. It was relieving to know they were not booing my comedy, just my hat.” As the host of his own morning radio show, Hill understands he has a rare opportunity to test new material in an environment open to improvisation; still, there’s a downside when the communication is one-way. “If a joke bombs on the radio, I’ll

ARTS: CONTINUED FROM 18

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a contest to see who can keep theirs on the longest.” Tevye’s five daughters are played by Emily Kopp, Britta Lowry, Jordan Whitehead, Sophia Resolme and Natalie Ochoa. Others in supporting roles include Nyoko Brown as Yente, the matchmaker; Avery Hansen as Motel, the tailor; Logan Burdick, a radical student; Colin Pickering as Laser Wolf, a prospective bridegroom; and Abigail Resolme as Golde’s dead grandmother. Char Gaines is vocal coach. Cast

PHOTO BY FRANK-MADDOCKS

Australian alt-rock duo Atlas Genius appear at B Ryder’s tonight.

what their set list will be, but you can expect a lot of “That’s my song!” heard in the crowd. For those eager to reminisce about terrestrial radio’s last

hurrah before the arrival of robot programming, MySpace and hipsters, pack up the car with your best mates and get your sing-a-long on.

never know. If I’m on stage you will know instantly. The radio audience is mixed with kids, moms, dads and so forth. So you have to be very middle of the road. On stage I can do what ever I want. It’s very freeing.” Fans of classic observational Cosby-esque humor — which veers occasionally into blue Carlin territory — should expect similar styles from Hill and Alaniz, who will be joined this evening by comedians Eulalio Magana and Joey Valenzuela. “Joe (Alaniz) is hilarious and is the reason I started comedy in Bakersfield. A funny guy and good friend,” Hill said. “He is very smart and doesn’t need much to shine. Joe

Valenzuela is a local boy that has gone from newbie to experienced comic in the last two years. He is very raw and funny; his family and life is what he pulls from, great to watch. Eulalio is a very funny host with straight-faced, dry humor that throws the audience for a loop.” Touched by Hill’s comments, Alaniz was happy to reciprocate. “Joey Valenzuela is also a Cincinnati Bengals fan. I guess comedy does stem from tragedy. I am glad I do not have to introduce Eulalio. His name has too many vowels for my dialect. Danny is really funny, too. He has the voice for radio and the face for … I am just going to stop here.”

members sing the songs live with a recorded instrumental accompaniment. Dallas White serves as assistant director, and Kathi Lowry did the costumes.

tion of the musical opened on July 27 and will have its final performances this evening and Saturday. Payton Meyer plays the part of the red-haired mermaid, and Jack Prince, the son of artistic director Michael Prince and his wife, Jennifer, plays Captain Slappy, one of the sailors in the show. “Jack’s been in every children's theater production we’ve done since he was 3 years old,” Michael said. “I actually got to play King Triton in ‘The Little Mermaid’ and it was a lot of fun getting to share the stage with him.”

‘Little Mermaid’ This charming, fantasy-like version of a Hans Christian Andersen tale is an adaptation, written by Kathryn Schultz Miller. It’s the story of a beautiful mermaid who longs to rise above the sea and live on land. Gaslight Melodrama’s summer Children’s Theatre Workshop produc-

MILLERS: CONTINUED FROM 14

make his selfish, glib drug dealer sympathetic, as well as humorous, and suggests he could have a future with more dramatic parts. Aniston, continuing her foray into racy comedic roles (after 2011’s “Horrible Bosses” and last year’s “Wanderlust”), finds nuance in what could have been a thankless part. Roberts and co-stars Helms, Nick Offerman and Kathryn Hahn also turn in strong work. But no one else on screen comes close to the performance delivered by

‘We’re the Millers’ ★★★ Cast: Jason Sudeikis, Jennifer Aniston, Will Poulter Running time: 110 minutes Rated: R

the British Poulter, who is all but unknown to American audiences (he was the lead in the little-seen 2007 gem “Son of Rambow”). His Kenny is a figurative and literal punching bag

for almost every other character, but Poulter conveys dignity and childlike wonder at every turn, even during some of the most outrageous sequences. It’s a terrific piece of acting — even his spot-on rendition of TLC’s “Waterfalls” — and like Zach Galifianakis’ turn in the original “Hangover,” one that will mark his arrival in Hollywood. “We’re the Millers” arrives at a familiar destination, but as summer comedies go, the scenery along the way is riotously, refreshingly funny.

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, August 22, 2013

Eye Street The Lowdown with Matt Munoz

Up-and-coming country boy Bakersfield artist getting exposure

illon Galanski — who goes by the stage name Dillon James — represented Bakersfield last week against some fierce competition at Knott’s Berry Farm for the Texaco Country Showdown state finals. He didn’t win — that honor goes to Suzanne Harper of San Diego — but he gave it his all before a crowd of 300-plus country music fans. “I was very nervous,” Galanski said in an email Wednesday while he was killing time in an airport en route to Nashville, Tenn. “It was the first time to play at such a large venue with a live band. (The winner) had great songs and sang her butt off.” Galanski said he’s headed to Music City to perform in a showcase before industry professionals and to record two of his original compositions. He sang one of his own songs, “I’m a Changed Man,” for the Showdown finals, which featured seven performers. Nervous or not, one local fan said Galanski had the audience in the palm of his hand. “In my opinion, Dillon did great,” said Melanie Rutledge, a radio personality with 92.1 KIX Country, which sponsored the Bakersfield leg of the national competition. “He did perform right after the girl who ended up winning. You could tell he was nervous, but once he got in the zone, he was just fine. Lots of applause, whistles and

PHOTO BY MELANIE RUTLEDGE

Bakersfield country singer Dillon James and Texaco Country Showdown California state finals winner Suzanne Harper of San Diego are seen at Knott’s Berry Farm on Aug. 17.

screams. It was great to have Bakersfield there to represent him. Every seat in the house was full.” Rutledge said that judging by the buzz surrounding the 20year-old singer, he’ll probably be popping up on the radar from time to time. “I was able to go backstage before and after the competition to see Dillon. The vibe was so awesome. All the musicians were talking with each other, joking around, having fun. I was so proud of Dillon making it that far. He definitely has a bright future in music.” The success of the Texaco Country Showdown in Bakersfield benefited local artists and helped introduce KIX FM as the new kid on the Bakersfield radio dial, Rutledge said. The station has plans for the competition to return next year. “We can’t wait to do it again. I feel that it was a big success because we focused on local talented musicians who feel that they actually have a chance to go somewhere if they just get a

chance to be heard. We like to be that platform. This competition definitely helped to get the word out about us.” As for Galanski, he’s grateful for the opportunities that have come his way and hope this is the beginning of big things. “I want to thank the fans that I have for their support now and in the future. I hope they all know how much I appreciate them.”

Grant Langston & The Supermodels After a successful pair of live music offerings at the new Gardens at Mill Creek facility in downtown Bakersfield, singersongwriter Grant Langston will make his return Saturday — this time with his full band, the Supermodels. When you’re born and raised in a small town in Alabama, chances are you’re fed on a strict diet of deep-fried turkey and country music. So what do you do? Embrace it and strap your bulging belly into a tight pair of Wranglers, or do you get the hell

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.

out of dodge to discover your inner vegan and rock ’n’ roll? Well, Langston may not have discovered the joys of tofu and soy, but he knew he loved a good power chord when he heard one, and headed out west to make his name in Los Angeles. “Growing up where I did I was force-fed a steady diet of very slick Nashville stuff. As a result, I hated country music, or at least I thought I hated it until I heard the real deal,” said Langston, 47. “I didn’t want to make music that was formulaic. I wanted to step outside that and have lyrics that are sassy and written from a modern perspective. I wanted to be free to throw in a Led Zep riff if I wanted to, to poke some fun at the genre, but at the same time pay homage to that style.” The “real deal” was Johnny Cash and Willie Nelson and Dwight Yoakam and Merle Haggard — country artists who were busy upsetting the Nashville elite while Langston was still in diapers. The music resonated with Grant, and he set about fusing it with his love of contemporary rock music. Langston has been a visitor to Bakersfield many times over the years, making several appearances at the legendary venue Fishlips, where in 2007 he made a live record, appropriately titled “Live in Bakersfield.” Langston’s shows became such a popular draw he was invited to perform for the club’s final blow-out in December 2011. Langston’s latest release, “Working Until I Die,” is an album steeped in Bakersfield Sound tradition that should easily translate well in a live setting. Backed by the Supermodels, Langston puts on a show guaranteed to please the crowds, offering an interesting glimpse into the Southern California country scene. “The crowd there had a good time for the last show,” said property manager Edith Gibson, of the

PHOTO COURTESY OF GRANT LANGSTON

SoCal roots rocker Grant Langston appears at the Gardens at Mill Creek on Saturday.

new outdoor venue downtown. “It is forecast to be a lovely evening, so hopefully people will remember that the Garden is completely shaded and breezy. It is truly lovely to be there in the evening for a concert, even on a hot day.” All proceeds from the event will benefit Bakersfield Garden Pathways mentoring and education programs. Food and drink vendors will be selling alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Doors open Saturday at 7 p.m., showtime at 8 p.m. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased in advance at Gardenpathways.org, Metro Galleries in Bakersfield or at the door. Also appearing is country troubadour Vince Galindo.The Gardens at Mill Creek is located at 712 19th St. All ages admitted. For more information visit gardenpathways.org or grantlangston.com. According to the show’s organizers, anyone who “likes” the Garden Pathways Bakersfield Facebook page will be given free admittance. A list with your name will be available at the door.

No Bako Blues Fest in 2013 Bad news for local blues fans: The B-Town Blues Festival will be taking a year off. Please see LOWDOWN / 28

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

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, August 22, 2013

Eye Street

Another ‘me too’ fantasy film BY ROGER MOORE McClatchy-Tribune News Service

There is most certainly an audience for the film “The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones,” fans of the six (planned) novels about demons, supernatural demon fighters, vampires, werewolves, witches and

warlocks. They’ll thrill to all the endless litany of runes, talismans, history and “rules” of this world of shadow-hunters descended from an angel who showed up to help crusading knights a thousand years ago. They’ll eagerly await the brief, throw-away visit to

Ask A Professional

We feature local experts to answer your questions. For info contact: Lisa Whitten at 661-395-7563

Pediatrics

Q: A:

What are the warning signs my child may have type 2 diabetes? Type 2 diabetes often runs in the family, largely due to genetics and how the family eats. If you have family members with type 2 diabetes, then children may be at risk for developing the disease. If your child is overweight and has darkening of the skin at the back of the neck, in the armpits, or at the inner thighs, your child may have insulin resistance which is the precursor to developing type 2 diabetes. In fair-skinned people, the skin at the back of the neck may appear red rather than dark. Full-blown type 2 diabetes in children often does not have any signs such as frequent urination or frequent thirst but they will have darkening of the skin in the areas mentioned. Please see your pediatrician if you see the described signs and if your child is overweight. Follow our blog on Healthy Living at Childrens411.com. ChildrensCentralCal.org

Dr. John Ching, Pediatric Endocrinology

9300 Valley Children’s Place Madera, CA 93636-8762 559-353-3000

the “City of Bones” (a cemetery) of the title. And if you love exposition and shapely if bland young actors in leather, skinny jeans, knee boots, Goth cocktail dresses and heavy eye makeup, this may be the movie for you. Lily Collins is Clary, the birthday girl whose mother (Lena Headey of “300”) never told her about her heritage, why she keeps seeing signs and people with great hair stalking and stabbing demons in nightclubs and what not. Clary, dragging her unsuspecting admirer Simon (Robert Sheehan) along, finds out. She was born into this world. Simon? He’s just a “muggle.” Sorry, “mundane,” a clueless human. They learn all this from the mop-topped warrior-explainer Jace (Jamie Campbell Bower), who drives a Triumph motorcycle, flirts with Clary and has the tedious job of explicating every single thing to them and to the audience. “All religions assist us in our battle,” he says as they rummage through the demonkilling gear stashed beneath a New York church altar. “Magnus Bane. He’s a warlock. I should’ve known,” he mutters. Of course. The shadow-hunters fight “a war that can never be won, but must always be fought” the leader of their “Institute” (Jared Harris) teaches. We’re invited to draw our own parallels to modern battles against terrorism. Sometimes, vampires interfere. Sometimes, werewolves help. Johann Sebastian

‘The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones’ ★★ Cast: Lily Collins, Jamie Campbell Bower, Jemima West, Jonathan RhysMeyers, Lena Headey Running time: 130 minutes Rated: PG-13

Bach’s contrapuntal compositions play a part. Homoerotic come-ons play into the love triangles set up here. A magical cup, a “mortal instrument,” is sought by good guys and bad (Jonathan Rhys Meyers). Cool effects? “The Portal” is a watery door to points in space and time, and the runes — tattooed over the arms and chests of the shadow-hunters, glow when they’re doing their runish thing. It’s a stilted, silly mishmash of earlier fantasy franchises, with the occasional decent joke and frequent brawls involving swordplay and backflips. Director Harald Zwart has “Agent Cody Banks” and the recent “Karate Kid” among his credits. Which tells you the best they’re hoping for here is a “Percy Jackson” level of success. This franchise’s fate was sealed when bargain hunters Screen Gems got the distribution rights to it. And there’s no stopping them. “City of Ashes,” a second adaptation, is due out next year, probably dumped in late August, just like this one.

End-of-Life Care

Q: A:

Is hospice covered by insurance? Hospice is covered by Medicare, Medical in most states and by private insurances including HMO’s. Be sure to call your insurance provider for coverage. You may also call Hoffmann Hospice and we can assist you and your family in finding out whether or not hospice services are covered. Tom Hoffmann Administrator

8501 Brimhall Road, Bldg. 100 Bakersfield, CA 93312 661-410-1010 www.hoffmannhospice.org

IRA’s and Rollovers

Q: A:

5060 California Avenue, Suite 1140 Bakersfield, California 93309 (661) 321-7300

SONY PICTURES

Jamie Campbell Bower plays Jace, a shadow-hunter who tries to help a young woman find her kidnapped mother in “The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones.”

John Bush, Vice President/ Investments Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated Member SIPC & NYSE

LOWDOWN: CONTINUED FROM 26

“It is with great reluctance that we are taking a year off from the blues fest so we can put all our energy into the Dream Theater,” said World Records owner Pat Evans in an email blast this week. “The 19th annual B-Town Blues Fest will be Saturday September 13, 2014.” Evans’ Dream Theater is a community-

oriented “brick-by-brick” project being constructed inside World Records. Upon its completion, the Dream Theater will host regular concerts and programs with an emphasis on music education and history. We’ll have more information on the status of the project in an upcoming column. World Records is located at 2815 F St. For more information, call 831-3100.

Thursday, August 22, 2013 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street GO & D0: CONTINUED FROM 30

Studio 9 Dance, 4000 Easton Drive, Suite 9, 619-1003; basic West Coast swing, 7 p.m. Wednesdays, ballroom, country, two-step, 7 and 8 p.m. Thursdays. Trouts & The Blackboard Stages, 805 N. Chester Ave., 399-6700; two-step, West Coast swing, line dance lessons, 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesdays; West Coast swing, 6 p.m. Fridays. $5.

DJ Bellvedere Cocktail Lounge, 3090 Brundage Lane, 325-2139; DJ Brian, 7 to 11 p.m. Tuesday. DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, 3100 Camino Del Rio Court. 3237111; live in the mix: old school, ’80s and ’90s music, 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. every Saturday. Le Corusse Rouge, 4647 White Lane, 834-1611; with DJ Chill in the Mixx, 5 p.m. every Friday until 2 a.m. Saturday. On the Rocks, 1517 18th St., 3277625; DJ Chuck One, 9 p.m. Friday to 1 a.m. Saturday. Free. The Bull Shed Bar & Grill, at Hotel Rosedale, 2400 Camino Del Rio Court, 327-0681; with Meg, 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.

Jazz Cafe Med, 4809 Stockdale Highway, 834-4433; Richie Perez, 7:30 to 11 p.m. Thursdays. Imbibe Wine & Spirits Merchant, 4140 Truxtun Ave., 633WINE; live music & wine bar with featuring local artist and Jazz Connection, along with 24 wines, 6 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday; 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. King Tut, 10606 Hageman Road; live instrumental and vocal jazz, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. each Friday and Saturday. Free. Le Corusse Rouge, 4647 White Lane, 834-1611; Bakersfield Jazz Workshop, 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. every Wednesday. Que Pasa Mexican Cafe, 2701 Ming Ave., 832-5011; Jazz Invasion, 9 to 10 p.m. every Saturday. The Nile, Jazz Music, 6 p.m. every Sunday. Cost $10 at 1721 19th St. 364-2620. Wiki’s Wine Dive & Grill, 11350 Ming Ave., 399-4547; Mauro, 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday; Zanne Zarow, Steve Eisen, Mark Meyer, 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Sunday.

Karaoke Banacek’s Lounge, 4601 State Road, 387-9224; 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Fridays.

Bellvedere Cocktail Lounge, 3090 Brundage Lane, 325-2139; 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Thursdays and Sundays. Best Western, 2620 Buck Owens Blvd., 327-9651; The Junction with host Mac Clanahan, 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays. Big Daddy Pizza, 6417 Ming Ave., 396-7499; 7 to 10 p.m. every Tuesday; 8 to 11 p.m. every Friday. Cataldo’s Pizzeria, 4200 New Stine Road, 397-5000; 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Thursday. Cataldo’s Pizzeria, 6111 Niles St., 363-7200; 6:15 to 10:15 p.m. Tuesdays. Chateau Lounge, 2100 S. Chester Ave., 835-1550; 9 p.m. every Saturday. ka City Slickers, 1001 W. Tehachapi Blvd., 822-4939; 7 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Don Perico Restaurant, 2660 Oswell St., Suite 133, 871-2001; 7 to 11 p.m. Thursdays. DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, 3100 Camino Del Rio Court; 3237111, 8 p.m. to midnight Tuesdays. El Torito Restaurant, 4646 California Ave., 395-3035, Karaoke with Irish Monkey Entertainment, 8 p.m. Saturdays. Elevation Lounge, 818 Real Road, 325-6864; 9 p.m. Wednesday. Ethel’s Old Corral, 4310 Alfred Harrell Highway, 873-7613; 6 to 9 p.m. every Wednesday. Iron Horse Saloon, 1821 S. Chester Ave., 831-1315; 7 to 11 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays. Julie’s The Branding Iron Saloon, 1807 N. Chester Ave., 6 to 10 p.m. every Friday. Le Corusse Rouge, 4647 White Lane, 834-1611; A to Z Karaoke, 8 p.m. to midnight Tuesdays. Lone Oak Lounge, 10612 Rosedale Highway, 589-0412; 10 p.m. Friday to 1 a.m. Saturday. Long Branch Saloon, 907 N. Chester Ave., 399-8484; 8 p.m. every Wednesday. Magoo’s Pizza, 1129 Olive Drive, 399-7800; 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Tuesday. Maria Bonita Mexican Restaurant, 10701 Highway 178, 3663261, 7 to 11 p.m. Fridays. All ages. McMurphy’s Irish Pub & Sports Bar, 14 Monterey St., 869-1451; 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. Tuesdays. Pour House, 9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays at 4041 Fruitvale Ave. 589-9300. Pyrenees Cafe, 601 Sumner, 3230053; 8 p.m. to midnight Saturdays.

FENDRICK: CONTINUED FROM 20

“Even though he was divorced, he never divorced his kids. He was always very attentive, and a father who set limits and boundaries, held his kids to them, and they respected him for it. He was a great dad. His whole life was around those kids.” Bakersfield photographer Jessica Moncrief, who captured numerous images of

Replay Sports Lounge & Grill, 4500 Buck Owens Blvd., 3243300; 8 p.m. every Wednesday. Rocket Shop Cafe, 2000 S. Union Ave., 832-4800; 8:30 p.m. to midnight Saturday. Rocky’s Pizza & Arcade, 2858 Niles St., 873-1900; Joey Zaza’s Karaoke and Stuff, 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Tuesdays. Round Table Pizza, 2060 White Lane, 836-2700; 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday. Round Table Pizza, 4200 Gosford Road, 397-1111; 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays. Rusty’s Pizza, 5430 Olive Drive, 392-1482; 6:30 to 9 p.m. every Wednesday. Sky Bar and Lounge, 4208 Rosedale Highway, 633-1116, Karaoke with Ben Lara, 7 to 11 p.m. Tuesdays. Sports & Spirits, 6633 Ming Ave., 398-7077; 9 p.m. Thursdays and Saturdays. Syndicate Lounge, 1818 Eye St., 327-0070; with Alisa Spencer, 9 p.m. every Wednesday. Tejon Club, 6 to 10 p.m. every Saturday at 117 El Tejon Ave. 3921747. The Bull Shed Bar & Grill, at Hotel Rosedale, 2400 Camino Del Rio Court, 327-0681; 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 Lounge, 2915 Taft Highway; 397-3599; 7 to 10 p.m. Sundays. The Pourhouse, 4041 Fruitvale Ave., 589-9300; 9 p.m. every Friday. The Prime Cut, 9500 Brimhall Road, 831-1413; hosted by Ed Loverr, 9 p.m. to midnight Friday. The Regent, 2814 Niles St., 8714140; 8:30 p.m. Fridays. 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.

Latin Wiki’s Wine Dive & Grill, 11350

Fendrick onstage, was impressed with the musician’s devotion to family. “On the weekends he couldn’t wait to get back to his kids. We used to ask him if he was gonna stay over and have brunch before heading home, and he’d say, ‘No, I gotta get home.’ People that hung out with Jim had an instant connection because that’s the type of person he was. He had an inviting personality and was very open.”

Ming Ave., 399-4547; Mauro, Rico Velazquez, 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Mariachi

Trouts & The Blackboard Stages, 805 N. Chester Ave., 3996700; The Blackboard Playboys, 8:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. $5 after 8 p.m.

Camino Real Restaurant, 6 to 9 p.m. every Sunday at 3500 Truxtun Ave. 852-0493.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Music showcase

Tuesday 8/27

The Prime Cut, 9500 Brimhall Road, 831-1413; 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. Thursday.

Open mic Fiddlers Crossing, 206 E. F St., Tehachapi, 823-9994; 7 p.m. Wednesdays. $5. On the Rocks, 1517 18th St., 3277625; musicians, spoken word, poets, comedians, 9 p.m. every Wednesday. Free.

Bakersfield Blaze vs. Stockton, 7:15 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, Sam Lynn Ballpark, 4009 Chester Ave. $7-$12. bakersfieldblaze.com or 716-HITS. Painting Workshop with Sharon Schwenk, for all levels, demonstrations, lessons, handout materials, sessions with individual attention, 9 a. m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, Bakersfield Museum of Art, 1930 R St. $325. 323-7219.

Wednesday 8/28 Independent Film Festival, see the movie “Kings of Summer,” 7 p.m. Wednesday and 10 a.m. Saturday, Maya Cinemas, 1000 California Ave. $6. 636-0484.

R&B

Thursday 8/29

Señor Pepe, 8450 Granite Falls Dr., 661-588-0385, Rebecca Aguilar and Lost Vinyl, 7 to 10 p.m. Thursday.

“Damn Yankees,” 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, Stars Dinner Theatre, 1931 Chester Ave. Adults dinner/show: $54-$59; $38 show only; students dinner/show: $39; $23 show only. 325-6100. Concerts by the Fountain, Jamaican ska, rock, salsa and funk with Mento Buru, 7 to 9 p.m., The Marketplace, 9000 Ming Ave. Phil Vassar, 7 p.m., Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace, 2800 Buck Owens Boulevard. $30.50-$38.50 plus fee. vallitix.com or 322-5200.

Rock B. Ryder’s Sports Bar & Grill, 7401 White Lane, 397-7304; Amity Flow, 9 p.m. Friday. $5. 21 and over only. On the Rocks, 1517 18th St., 3277625; Aviators with guest Adam Bones, 9 p.m. Friday. $5.

Soft rock Steak and Grape, 4420 Coffee Road, 588-9463; 7 to 10 p.m. Thursday through Saturday. Free.

Songwriters The Bistro, 5105 California Ave., 323-3905; 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. every Tuesday. On the Rocks, 1517 18th St., 3277625; 8 to 10 p.m. Monday.

Variety Golden State Mall, 3201 F St., 872-2037, Joe Loco Duet, 2 to 5 p.m. Sundays.

Moncrief said the single-minded focus he brought to his sons was evident elsewhere in Fendrick’s life. “I remember a conversation we had about that his New Year’s resolution was to play more guitar. That conversation stuck with me because he did. He was the kind of person, who, when he put his mind to something, that’s what he did.” The results of an autopsy are pending,

Friday 08/30 “Rocky Horror Picture Show,” presented by The Velvet Darkness, midnight Friday and Saturday, The Empty Space, 706 Oak St. $10. 18 and over only. 327-PLAY. “Rosedale,” 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday, Gaslight Melodrama Theatre & Music Hall, 12748 Jomani Drive. $12 to $23. 587-3377. River Rhythms Concert Series, music by Banshee in the Kitchen, 6:30 p.m., Riverside Park, 10 Kern River Drive, Kernville. Free. 760379-0764. Trace Adkins, 9 p.m., Eagle Mountain Casino, 681 S. Tule Reservation Road, Porterville. $30 general; $40 reserved. Visit eaglemtncasino.com or 559-7886220.

Fendrick’s father said. “He was fit, lean, always worked out and ate right. He was complaining of chest pains for a couple of weeks before, but that’s all we know. For someone as young as he was to die so suddenly will take some time to find out what happened.” The family is planning a memorial service on Sept. 14 in Huntington Beach, said Fendrick’s father.

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, August 29, 2013

Eye Street The Lowdown with Matt Munoz

Bakotopia: the next generation Website fading to black, but spirit alive and well

ust before the demise of MySpace and the rise of Facebook, it was Bakotopia.com that brought social networking to Bakersfield’s underground arts and entertainment scene. Launched in 2005 under The Californian’s umbrella of companies, Bakotopia.com set out to become the epicenter of Bakersfield’s young and hip — and young and hip at heart. The idea was to build community among the disparate underground groups in the city by developing a string of citizen journalists and contributors who kept visitors reading, laughing and debating over topics ranging from politics to culture to social issues — until tempers flared, as they often did. But even that was entertaining. After eight years, the Bakotopia.com site will be signing off next week. The traffic and engagement with Bakotopia has moved to Facebook (facebook.com/bakotopia; @BakotopiaMatt on Twitter), so the website no longer warrants the ongoing upkeep. What we can’t take with us to Facebook are the archives and content of our hundreds of contributors. Sad? Yes. But what we started all those years ago was more a spirit than a Web destination, and I hope to keep that alive every week here in my Lowdown column. A little history: The cyber frontier in the early 2000s was open range, there for the taking. The world was going blogwild, with personal entries of every kind: funny, smart, mindless, infuriating, narcissistic. Cyberfreaks roamed freely as well, pushing the boundaries of free speech, attempting to redefine what it meant to be a “journalist” in the world of new media. Many stood on the sidelines like rubber-neckers at a pileup to watch various dramas unfold, while others chose to

BAKOTOPIA

Korn vocalist Jonathan Davis gave Bakotopia magazine an exclusive interview in 2009. PHOTO BY HOLLY CARLYLE

Bakersfield rap trio the Natural Movement were one of many local artists featured in Bakotopia.

join in as a cheering squad. Not sure who won, but it made for some amusing case studies and note-taking. To separate ourselves from other sites, the invitation was simple: Come take a walk on the wilder side of Bakersfield. Within a few months, the curious wandered in and eventually the party spread from cyberspace to the material world. Bakotopia.com had become a brand name the community could trust for a good time, without cliques or fear of feeling left out. We put on concerts, showed up at the colleges to spread the word, did a radio show, put out a magazine and produced a CD compilation of local bands. The idea was to become a cultural hub, and so we pushed a few buttons along the way — how’s it going, Inga? — but, at the end of the day, I think we succeeded in starting some interesting conversations. I arrived a few months after the website’s launch. For the first year I was glued to the site, moderating from sunup to sundown,

Matt Munoz covers the music scene for The Californian. His column appears every Thursday in Eye Street.

building up the Bakotopia.com user database from hundreds to thousands. To attract attention and divert traffic from larger websites, I used traditional promotional methods I developed after years with my band. Soon, quirky buzz phrases began popping up — “Embrace your inner Bako” and “Bakotopia: Where it’s about we, not me” — and we were off to the races. And the world outside Bakersfield seemed to be paying attention. The Wall Street Journal featured the site on its front page in 2006, and we won a couple of cool awards. Dan Pacheco, who developed the site, shared a story about how during a visit to Costa Rica for a social media summit, a Brazilian journalist told him that he had used Bakotopia.com as the model for a youth soccer website he developed. Looking back over the better part of a decade, running Bakotopia was more fun than I ever could have imagined and an experience that ushered me into my role as a full-time entertainment journalist. To this day, when I’m strolling around downtown or grabbing a burger, I still get, “Hey, you’re the Bakotopia guy.” Rather than mourn what’s gone, let’s

start a new chapter in the conversation of Bakersfield’s underground arts scene. This column celebrates the quirky, the edgy, the old and the new, the personalities that make life here vibrant and unconventional. Give me a call or send a message via Facebook, email, Twitter, telepathy: I’ll probably get it. And a word to the wise for contributors: Those interested in smuggling some of their Bakotopia.com article and photo submissions for their personal archive should do so soon. The website will close down on Tuesday. Speaking of contributors, I couldn’t have edited the site without help from dozens of people, including: Chase Brockett, Holly Carlyle, Jeff Gresham, Kindra Hill, Norma Takahashi, Donni Lomeli, Miranda Whitworth, Rebekka Haas, Eric Duhart, Ronna Barajas, Orlando Galvan, Brooke PeaceStewart, Cesareo Garasa, DJ Sanchez, Greg Goodsell, Heath Dobbler, Ray Vargas, Chris Borbon, Aaron Novak, Dezi-Von Manos, Nick Belardes, Jesse Rivera, Jen Raven, Faith Flores-Anderson, Nyoka Jameson, Lydia Gonzales, Jeremy Gonzalez, Todd Powers, Robert Bejil, Joseph Gomez, Adrianna Espitia, Candice Rogers, and Hectic Films’ Rickey Bird and Jason Sanders. Cheers, Bakotopians!

TICKETS AVAILABLE AT THE FOX THEATER BOX OFFICE, RUSSO’S BOOKS AT THE MARKETPLACE, EMPORIUM WESTERN STORE – 661-322-5200 – 888-825-5484 – Vallitix.com

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, September 5, 2013

Eye Street The Lowdown with Matt Munoz

Album promises a Dirt Head trip Rappers opening for (Hed) PE

he last time I checked in with Bakersfield rap trio Dirt Head, they were working on their new album, “Head Trip.” Since dropping in July, the CD has been helping spread the good Dirt Head word to enjoy life at any cost to your mind and body. “Fans can look forward to a head trip listening to the album,” said Dirt Head member Richard King, who goes by the onstage name of “Riddy.” “The album is really enlightening and has some of that real-life Dirt Head style to it.” I can dig that, and so can you by picking up some tickets to the group’s show opening for numetal rowdies (Hed) PE at Elements Venue on Wednesday. Originally scheduled with MTV “Jackass” star Bam Margera, who canceled his entire West Coast tour due to an injury, King and crew assure everyone in attendance will still have a great time. Did I happen to mention the trio also boast their own female fan club, who call themselves the “Dirt Head Damsels”? Believe it. “We’re a little bummed about Bam (Margera) not showing, but his health comes first, plus (Hed) PE is sure to rock the place.” Wednesday’s showtime is at 7 p.m. Also appearing are bands Fading Out Silence and Better Left Unsaid. All ages admitted. Tickets are $21. Elements Venue is located at 3401 Chester Ave. For more information, visit facebook.com/DirtheaDmuzik.

The Councilmen Bakersfield roots rockers The Councilmen have released a new single and fan-produced video for their song “Bury Me in a Cadillac,” available for viewing at YouTube. The video, which features a montage of clips from the trio’s video archive, does a pretty accurate job of following the song’s lyrical storyline. Singer-songwriter and guitarist Keaton York may still be a young buck, but on

record he sounds more like a scruffy, booze-addled desert rat who emerged from a lonely stretch of Central Valley country road. Bassist Julian Sanchez and drummer Taylor Haley continue providing a solid backbeat perfectly tailored to suit York’s California country alt-rock style. On the songwriting side, York’s lyrics could be taken from the church hymnal of Cash with tales of love, loss and longings for redemption. No matter his style, this is refreshing stuff worthy of more attention. If you’re headed out to Village Fest on Saturday, you can catch the band performing live on the Big Kahunaville Stage. For more information on The Councilmen, visit the band’s website at thecouncilmenband.com.

Village Fest after parties The mass exodus into downtown following Village Fest is always a sight to see, and every night club and dive bar will be filled to capacity once the gates close at the Kern County Museum. Next door to the event site, Elements Venue will host reggae rock trio Dub Seeds, Sandrini’s will feature an all-star jam hosted by bassist Gary Rink; Mento Buru (full disclosure: that’s my band) and DJ Frankie P appear at On the Rocks; plus Riley’s, Syndicate, and Ink Bar all are hosting live deejay dance music. Please have a designated driver if you’re planning on taking the party to last call.

Local instrument theft After reading a Facebook post from veteran drummer Tanner Byrom, whose kit was stolen from his vehicle last month, it’s time to remind musicians to unload their gear after every gig. According to Byrom’s post, his vehicle was parked outside his home. No matter how tired you are, take your gear out of your car and into your home or storage facility before you call it a night. If you’re “too buzzed” from partying too much, you shouldn’t be driving anyway, but if you are a passenger, give yourself a couple slaps in the face to wake up and unload the gear. You’ll save yourself the headache and embarrassment. On that note, please keep an eye out for Byrom’s bright green custom Montineri snare drum. If found, call Julie’s Branding Iron

PHOTO COURTESY OF DIRT HEAD

Bakersfield rap trio Dirt Head appear with (Hed) PE at Elements Venue on Wednesday.

at 399-3237 or drop it off at the bar, 1807 N. Chester Ave.

Matt’s pick Snake Oil Salesmen and The Bird Channel at On the Rocks, 1517 18th St., Friday, 9 p.m., $5, 327-7625. It’s a mid-tempo to rowdy First Friday night in downtown with Bakersfield indie rock quartet the Bird Channel, who also just released their latest single, “Ships at Sea,” for airplay on local community terrestrial radio station KSVG in Bakersfield. Opening act Snake Oil Salesmen should whip up the latter part of the show into a rockabilly tornado, with an emphasis on “rock til” you drop. Glam Cobra at B Ryder’s, 7401 White Lane, Friday, 9 p.m., $5, 397-7304. The hugely popular ‘80s hair metal tribute Glam Cobra are equipped to spew forth every monster ballad and devilhorned anthem you can imagine. Sporting over-the-top outfits,

Matt Munoz covers the music scene for The Californian. His column appears every Thursday in Eye Street.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE COUNCILMEN

The Councilmen appear Saturday at Village Fest

groovy wigs, and shockingly form-fitting Spandex, they’re a beautiful mess of everything you loved about that memorable blink in music history. These kooky cats can play, too, so request some Europe, Motley Crue, or Bon Jovi and get ready to bang your head into oblivion. Club Heresy at Replay Lounge, 4500 Buck Owens Blvd., Saturday, 10 p.m., $10.

The success of Bakersfield’s only goth and fetish dance night continues to flourish for its evergrowing legion of fans. This month’s entertainment line-up includes hostess Lady Seductra, deejays Princess Darkness, Good Reverend, Squab, plus live music performances from Love Lush and Les Vamps. The perfect primer for the upcoming Halloween season.

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, September 12, 2013

Eye Street The Lowdown with Matt Munoz

This lineup for $10? Believe it Pin-ups, car show add to wow factor

alling all greasers, gear heads, vatos locos and the chicas who love them: The first Bakersfield Rock & Rod Show zooms into Stramler Park on Saturday. Brought to you by Bakersfield promoter Tim Gardea, who held his last Rockin’ Roots festival in June, the Rock & Rod Show music lineup isn’t bad. Let’s take a look at who’s coming through: Headlining the daylong event is Social Distortion guitarist Jonny “2 Bags” Wickersham and his band, Salvation Town. I caught them opening for X at the Crystal Palace in December and they’re actually quite good. You can try your best to get him to play some of the Social D. classics, but don’t hold your breath. Co-headlining is the amazing San Diego Johnny Cash tribute outfit, Cash’d Out, which, in my opinion, is worth the price of admission. Singer Doug Benson, who portrays the late Johnny Cash, has been called the closest thing to the real deal. Bringing to life all of Cash’s hit songs, including “Boy Named Sue,” “Ring of Fire” and “Folsom Prison Blues,” 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. On the local front, the boys of Truxton Mile are still one of my favorite home-grown acts. They really need to kick their career into higher gear, and I guarantee you’ll feel the same after you catch them live. During my last chat with the group, singer Ryan Coulter was showing off a preview of their upcoming CD. That was months ago. Let’s have it, boys. If you like some metal with your blues, Lightnin’ Woodcock will fulfill your every dream. He’s loud, raging and one of those guys who plays exactly the way he looks — wafer-thin, wearing a furry coonskin

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE IGUANAS

Roots quartet the Iguanas appears at World Records on Sept. 19.

PHOTO COURTESY OF CASH’D OUT

San Diego-based Johnny Cash tribute band Cash’d Out appears at Stramler Park on Saturday.

cap, his equally furry chops swaying in rhythm. Other notable locals include Dreadful Selfish Crime, Loner Troubadour and the Rockabilly Rat, and DJ Josex. Coming down from Fresno are Amy Winehouse tribute band, Back to Black. According to the event flier, there will be a custom pre-1970 hot rod car and motorcycle show, a pin-up contest, clothing and merchandise vendors, plus plenty of food, cold beer and non-alcoholic beverages on sale to enjoy. The forecast is looking to reach 100, so dress cool and be cool. Saturday’s event kicks off at 10 a.m. All ages admitted. Tickets are $10. Stramler Park is located at 3805 Chester Ave. For more information, visit timgardeapresents.com.

length records and have toured around the globe with the best of them. If you’re a fan of Los Lobos-style cumbia blues, rock and soul, the Iguanas have plenty for you to groove along with. Put in a request for “El Orangutan” if I can’t make it. These guys smoke. Next week’s event kicks off at 6:15 p.m. All ages admitted. Admission is a donation of two cans of food or $3, which goes to the Kern County Food Bank. Attendees are asked to bring a lawn chair for seating, as the theater has no seats. Non-alcoholic beverages allowed in the venue. Space is limited. World Records is located at 2815 F St. For more information, visit iguanas.com or call 831-3100.

The Iguanas

The Aviators’ tribute to the Rolling Stones at B Ryder’s, 7401 White Lane, Friday, 10 p.m., $10, 397-7304. If you’ve ever watched The Aviators play and noticed that lead vocalist August Young shakes and snakes like Mick Jagger or have ever thought that lead guitarist William Slikker resembles Ronnie Wood, then this is the show for you. For one night only, this highly entertaining rock outfit boldly brings you the best of the early Stones live. Hopefully we get plenty from the “Some Girls” era. Halfway to St. Patrick’s Day

Talk about a nice surprise for Bako: Next Thursday, New Orleans roots rhythm meisters the Iguanas will roll through town for a rare appearance in the stillunder-construction Dream Theater at World Records. According to an email from World Records owner Pat Evans, the Iguanas’ management contacted him to inquire about the progress of the Dream Theater, then agreed to do a quick gig inside. Originally signed to Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville Records, the Iguanas have released seven full-

Matt’s picks

Matt Munoz covers the music scene for The Californian. His column appears every Thursday in Eye Street.

FELIX ADAMO / THE CALIFORNIAN

O’Shebeen appears Saturday at the Irish Heritage Club. Above from left are members Kenny Mount and Robbie Byrne. at Irish Heritage Club, 3129 Chester Lane, Saturday, all ages, 12:30 p.m. Fire up the pipes, eat, drink and party, you say? Why not? Just relocated to their more spacious digs, the Bakersfield Irish Heritage Club is about to get loud. The afternoon will kick off with a potluck lunch, so bring your favorite Irish or American dish, side dish or drink, then it’s onto the blessing and celebration of the club’s new venue. Stick around for the return of O’Shebeen as they perform in the clubroom at 6 p.m. The public is welcome, so bring a friend or two and get your Irish on as the countdown to St. Patrick’s Day begins. More info at facebook.com/irishheritageclub-

bakersfield. Whitney Myer and more at Jerry’s Pizza, 1817 Chester Ave., Sunday, all ages, $8 to $10, 6 p.m., 633-1000. If you’re a fan of NBC’s “The Voice,” the name Whitney Myer should ring a bell. As a member of singer Adam Levine’s team in season 2, the Reno-based artist continues to roll with the postTV-competition punches, headlining a special all-ages showcase featuring seven other vocal acts. You may remember that a few months before winning season three of “The Voice,” singer Cassadee Pope stopped into Jerry’s Pizza for a show. Time will tell if some of that lucky Jerry’s Pizza mojo has the same effect on Myer’s career.

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, September 26, 2013

Eye Street The Lowdown with Matt Munoz

‘Sweetness’ keeps musical flavor Local band making appearance at Rocks

here has always been an abundance of singer/songwriters in Bakersfield, but few are as noticeably busy as Therese Muller. She’s got her every-otherThursday solo piano gig at Chef’s Choice Noodle Bar and is a member of both the popular Beatles tribute band the Abbey Roadies and the ’80s-centric Members Only. And now — in her spare time — the vocalist/keyboardist has managed to put together an allstar collaboration called the Sweetness, which makes an appearance at On the Rocks Friday. Formed loosely as the Therese Muller Band last year, the group has coalesced around Gary Rink on bass and Jason Blakely on drums, both recommended by Travis Byler, who’d already been performing as a duo with Muller. “I have to give credit to Travis for recommending these guys,” said Muller, 30, of her bandmates, all of whom perform regularly with other popular local groups (Blakely with alternative Latin act Velorio and Byler with Celtic rockers 1916; Rink left reggae trio Dub Seeds earlier this year). “You’re always wondering if things are going to work out, but from our first rehearsal, our creativity just gelled. We even wrote two songs during our first practice.” After a few well-attended early shows and the addition of original material, a vote was taken in January to rename the band to make it official. “We had a list of names. One of them was the Ninjas, which the boys liked, but we also all really liked that Jimmy Eat World song ‘Sweetness,’ so after a vote, we all agreed. I’m Therese, and they get to be the Sweetness.” Through Muller’s already established catalog of original and cover songs, the group quickly created a buzz wherever they appeared. “The flavors are all different now. Gary

PHOTO BY HOLLY CARLYLE

Therese and the Sweetness — from left, Gary Rink, Jason Blakely, Therese Muller, Travis Byler — was formed from musicians who play regularly with other popular Bakersfield groups.

has had prominent play in not one but three films, including “Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back.” Since then, the song has become an anthem for today’s fun-loving slacker. For someone who claims to smoke that much herb, Afroman’s resume doesn’t look like he’s been sitting on the couch all day eating cheesy puffs to quell his munchies. After building his own self-sustaining musical empire, with 15 full-length releases sold mostly through his website afromanmuzzicc.com, he also plays a mean psychedelic blues guitar, adding a cool element to his live show. With album titles such as “The Hungry Hustlerz: Starvation Is Motivation,” “A Colt 45 Christmas,” “Frobama: Head of State,” and “The Prodigal Son” (his venture into Christian music), how can you not join this funky party? Tonight’s showtime is 9 p.m. Also appearing are the X-rated rap duo Beach Bum Alcoholics and local reggae roots quintet Amity Flow. General admission is $15, or $25 for a VIP ticket that includes a meet-and-greet and copy of Afroman’s latest release.

The Blue Deacons

PHOTO COURTESY OF JIMMY BRUCH

Afroman has issued 15 full-length releases in a varied career. PHOTO BY RP PHOTOGRAPHY

brings a jazzy funk, Travis has a Dave Matthews vibe going on, and Jason puts a nice rhythmic bow on top of things. We can play for four hours and be a late-night jukebox if we want.” To date, the group already has recorded their first EP consisting of Muller originals “High,” “Unscathed,” “For Good” and “Tell Me.” Muller’s melodic poporiented musical and witty lyrical styles often draw comparisons to songwriters like Regina Spektor and Sara Bareilles. The group has been working on a batch of new tracks with plans for a release sometime next year. Until then, fans can pick up Muller’s EP at all live shows for $5

Chris Carton helps The Blue Deacons recreate the Steely Dan vibe.

or through her official website, theresemullermusic.com. “We are so proud of the songs that we’ve written and as a band. Once we’re done recording they are being sent out to booking agents and promoters all over California.” Friday’s showtime is 9:30 p.m. Admission is $5. On the Rocks is located at 1517 18th St. 327-7625.

Afroman Three acts always guarantee a packed house no matter how many times they visit our area: rapper-gone-Southern-rocker Uncle Kracker (who opened the

Matt Munoz covers the music scene for The Californian. His column appears every Thursday in Eye Street.

Kern County Fair), ganja rap rockers Kottonmouth Kings, and rapper Afroman, who makes a return appearance to On the Rocks tonight. Say what you will about Bakersfield’s tastes in music, or the type of hazy-eyed crowds these acts may attract, but with the exception of Uncle Kracker, both the ’Kings and Afroman have built their respective fan bases through effective “grassroots” campaigning, if you’ll pardon the pun. Both have survived independently releasing their own best-selling records after only a brush with the majors. Like the ’Kings single “Suburban Life,” featured on the soundtrack to “Scream,” Afroman’s 2001 hit, “Because I Got High,”

Last Friday’s final show of 2013 for Steely Dan tribute band The Blue Deacons at On the Rocks was one of the coolest shows I’ve caught all year long. Organized by downtown troubadour Chris Carton, who’d been working hard to get the project off the ground, the result was beyond what I expected. Let’s begin with the stellar jazzy lineup: Paul Perez, sax; Mac McClanahan, sax; Michael C. Raney, trumpet; Ron Christian, trombone; Fernando Montoya, flute; Gary Rink, bass; Tyler Evans, guitar; Paul Cierley, guitar; Cesareo Garasa, drums; Daniel Hardy, keys; Candace Evans, vocals; Alisa Spencer, vocals; and Salvador Galindo, vocals and guitar. All assembled by Carton, who led on keys and lead vocals, The Blue Deacons put on a mindblowing three-set, 30-song show of classics that included the Steely Dan album “Aja,” in its entirety. Faithfully arranged and performed, any bumps along the way were lost in the mix. From “Kid Charlemagne” and “Hey Nineteen,” to “Black Cow,” “Dr. Wu” and beyond, the audience could be seen lip-synching along to every lyric. Plenty of wild Steely Dan fan dancing too. Let’s hope Carton keeps this great project alive and well for next year.

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, October 3, 2013

Eye Street The Lowdown with Matt Munoz

Korn enshrined with the greats Honors don’t get any cooler than this The famed RockWalk located outside the Guitar Center storefront on Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood has become a mecca for musicians of all ages longing for proof of rock’s immortality. Similar to the hallowed courtyard at Mann’s Chinese Theatre, the retailer’s patio area is filled with a series of concrete handprints and plaques belonging to some of the greatest names in rock, blues, jazz and beyond: Chuck Berry, Eddie and Alex Van Halen, Jimmy Page, Carlos Santana, Ozzy Osbourne, Iron Maiden, The Ramones and countless others. On Tuesday, Bakersfield rock band Korn will be added to RockWalk’s collection of handprints, an overdue honor coinciding with the release of the group’s 11th studio album, “The Paradigm Shift.” “Oh, man, it’s great,” said Korn vocalist Jonathan Davis, 42, during a phone call before the band’s tour stop in Detroit. “There’s AC/DC, Black Sabbath, all those bands, and now we’ll be joining them. To us, it’s like ‘Welcome to the family.’ It’s as if we’ve finally been accepted after all these years.” Induction into the RockWalk, founded in 1985, is no easy feat. Nominees are subject to a scrupulous voting process set by previous inductees: For musicians, by musicians. “Korn is about as innovative and influential as they come,” said Dave Weiderman, chairman of Guitar Center’s RockWalk, in a media release. “They have been purveyors of metal’s progression since their formation, and are even credited with creating the nu metal subgenre. For these reasons, and many more, Korn is exactly the type of band the RockWalk is here to honor.” Add that acknowledgment to the ever-growing list of career milestones for the band, which has maintained one of the most loyal fan bases among their heavy rock peers since debuting in

PHOTO COURTESY OF KORN

Korn will receive an honor in Hollywood and release the new album “The Paradigm Shift” on Tuesday.

“There’s AC/DC, Black Sabbath, all those bands, and now we’ll be joining them. To us, it’s like ‘Welcome to the family.’ It’s as if we’ve finally been accepted after all these years.”

Bakersfield Oktoberfest

— Jonathan Davis, Korn frontman

1993. Successfully cross-pollinating the abrasiveness of heavy rock and punk with hip-hop and a devil-may-care attitude, Davis and bandmates James “Munky” Shaffer, Reggie “Fieldy” Arvizu, Brian “Head” Welch, and drummer Ray Luzier, who replaced original drummer David Silveria six years ago, have had a career most bands can only dream of achieving. With two Grammy Awards, millions of records sold around the globe, sold-out headlining tours, and a dedication to breaking the mold with each project, the recent honor and new release have put Davis into a reflective

Arvizu. The album’s first single, “Never Never,” released in August, signals a more melodic turn for the quintet after the dubstep heaviness of their last outing. “The combination of the electronic sound we brought on ‘The Path of Totality’ with the classic Korn sound is still at work,” Davis said. “Head working together with Munky has brought our past to the present. The fans have been waiting for this. I would say it’s one of the most important records we’ve done.” Although Tuesday’s RockWalk ceremony in Hollywood is a private, invitation-only event, fans can have the opportunity to catch the band live at the Wiltern Theatre in Los Angeles on Oct. 10 and the Fresno County Fair on Oct. 11, just before they hit the road with ghoul rocker Rob Zombie. But what about a homecoming show at that sweet spot just between Fresno and LA? “I don’t ever look at the tour schedule too closely, but we’ll most likely be on the road for the next two years. We love our hometown and hope to come back soon,” said Davis. We’ll hold you to it, fellas — again.

ROD THORNBURG / SPECIAL TO THE CALIFORNIAN

Guests don’t hold back while participating in the chicken dance at the 2011 Bakersfield Oktoberfest held at Stramler Park.

mood. “I mean, it’s one of those moments where you look back at working so hard and doing this for over 20 years. I think any band that survives 20 years together deserves an award,” said Davis. There’s also the long-hoped-for return of Welch to the lineup after

Matt Munoz covers the music scene for The Californian. His column appears every Thursday in Eye Street.

a seven-year absence. “Head’s definitely back. The fans go crazy at our shows when they see us all together up there. I can’t describe how amazing that feels. Now it’s all about having fun. No one’s overly serious or troubled by the past. We’re at a really good place right now.” “The Paradigm Shift” has fans’ ears searching for the return of Welch’s sound to complement the rhythmic bond of Shaffer and

Achtung, baby! It’s time to dust off those lederhosen and squeeze back into that sexy dirndl. After taking a year off, the Bakersfield Oktoberfest returns this Friday at Stramler Park. Modeled after the popular German festival of beer, food, music, and more beer, the festival debuted four years ago. Bakersfield event organizer Kevin Harrer and his team have managed to condense the much longer German party into a single day, sixhour brewhaha. “One of the big things we changed up for the event is to have it on a Friday, plus the Kern County Fair is over,” said Harrer. “We’re having a better response since we announced the date and hoping to have a really good turnout.” In addition to their appetite for beer, attendees should bring an empty stomach, so as to fully partake of the authentic Bavarian food offerings. Try pronouncing these delicacies: Muncher Weisswurste, Nurnberge Rostbratwurstl, or Schweinebraten — all sausage and beef recipes with an authentic kick, and plenty of potatoes on the side. There will be plenty of American food as well for those who prefer less Please see LOWDOWN / PAGE 28

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, October 3, 2013

Eye Street HAMPTON RD

BO R

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Bouncing back Though built on resilience, Boron and its residents have suffered a number of hardships in recent years — first the recession and then, in 2010, a labor dispute that included a lockout and took nearly six months to resolve. The town is very different now. “We’re becoming a town again,” said Joe Sheridan, one of the chairmen of the celebration. “Now that everybody’s back to work, people can afford to do things, and everybody can support things,” Sheridan said. “Everybody pulls together, and we make it through.”

LOWDOWN CONTINUED FROM PAGE 24

adventurous cuisine. “Eat some gourmet pretzels, have a dessert,” suggested Harrer. In the tap spotlight are a group of Germany’s biggest brews, including Hofbrau, Erdinger Hefeweizen, Weihenstephan, and Bakersfield’s very own Lengthwise. Having tried them all at the last event, my suggestion would be to pick a favorite and stick with it. This year’s entertainment includes Bakersfield Oktoberfest polka favorites, Anton Shnitzel and the Merrymakers, along with DJs spinning wacky German techno music for dancing and to psyche Oktoberfest gamers. You read correctly: Attendees can participate

CARMICHAEL AVE

Boron

ANDERSON ST TWENTY MULE TEAM RD JOHN ST

1/2 MILE THE CALIFORNIAN

BORON AVE

Smith — whose company would become U.S. Borax — used a mule team to transport his borate ore first from mines he operated in Nevada, and then through Death Valley to Eastern Kern County to the nearest railroad for shipping. That wouldn’t be possible without those first men who were willing to brave the desert 130 years ago: The 160-plus mile trip took about 10 days to make each way, often in temperatures reaching 130 degrees. The mules pulled three wagons — two carrying the ore, and a third carrying water and food. “It was about a 70,000-pound payload, including the weight of the ore, the water and the wagons,” said “mule man” Bob Tanner, who has been driving the mule team for Rio Tinto since the 1999 Tournament of Roses parade. “It’s what a fully-loaded 18-wheeler weighs today,” Tanner said. “Only they don’t drive in soft sand.” Tanner trains and provides the mules that will pull the original 130-year-old wagons through Boron on Saturday during the kickoff parade. Unlike the desert trek, which was traveled in essentially a straight line, the team has to navigate several turns through the town, a feat that has become an attraction in itself. “A hitch like that was made to go on a straight road in the Mojave Desert,” Tanner said. “The whole hitch is over 160 feet long, so to make a turn like that is really difficult.” Tanner said it took two men to drive the train through the desert —the teamster, who drove the team, and a “swamper” who operated the brake on the second wagon and was responsible for the water and food. It takes six men to drive the team in a town. “The mules knew what they were doing (in the desert),” Tanner said. “They didn’t have to worry about a parade or make turns or travel on pavement.”

O N FRONTAGE FRONTAGE RD RD N San Bernardino County

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Bakersfield

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58 Kern County Mojave

Boron Chamber of Commerce president Phil Thompson said the town has come back. “We have a few buildings — we still have room for some new businesses,” Thompson said. “We have a lot of businesses that are putting on new faces; our museums are putting in new landscaping.” Thompson said membership in the chamber is increasing, not necessarily because there are so many new businesses, but because more individuals want to get involved in the chamber, the major community organization. “We’re such a small community. Basically the chamber allows people who are residents of the town to join as an individual member,” Thompson said. “They just have to say they’re interested in the business life of Boron. “Slowly I’m seeing a change in attitude from ‘someone needs to do something’ to three to four people saying ‘Let’s do this,’” Thompson said. Both Thompson and Rush noted that behind the renaissance is the community partnership among residents who volunteer their time to spruce up the town and Rio Tinto, which has provided thousands of dollars in funding, grants and scholarships. The town has also been helped by continuing projects at the open-pit mine. According to Rush, Rio Tinto is in the middle of a $150 million project to replace one of two facilities at the site. That means a steady stream of contractors to the area. “Any time we have contractors, they’re using our hotels and using our restaurants,” Thompson said. “And that’s helping our businesses.” With an estimated 10,000 visitors expected this weekend, the Twenty Mule Team Days celebration is also a big help to local business. “We will always have the Twenty Mule Team Days, but not necessarily the mules,” Sheridan said.

in the stein carrying and holding games, keg barrel-rolling contest, or if you’re really brave, take the Alps rock-climbing wall challenge. “We’re encouraging more crowd interaction and music this year. Of course, dressing up is always fun and we give great prizes for best outfits. The more you dress up for this event, the more fun you’re going to have. When you come out, join in and play along with the band. Most importantly, bring the mindset that you’re going to have fun.” Friday’s event kicks off at 4 p.m. Tickets are $10 general admission in advance or $15 at the gate. Special party ticket packs available for $40 in advance or $45 at the gate. Event is 21 and over only. Stramler Park is located at 3801 Chester Ave. For more information visit bakersfieldoktoberfest.com.

FELIX ADAMO / THE CALIFORNIAN

David Gordon’s artistic journeys took him to this “Stand at Ventura.”

FRIDAY CONTINUED FROM PAGE 20

“Kelly Wonderly has two (acrylics): ‘Hume Lake Footbridge’ and ‘Don’t Make Us Come Up There.’ ... Her son made her frame (for ‘Hume’), handcrafted, original, totally awesome. Also in the show is “La Silla,” a colorful winning work from BAA treasurer Elleta Abuliel. “It’s a pastel, which means it took forever to do. It’s a green and blue chair that you would get from Mexico. It has a pinkish fuchsia flower on the seat and blue flower on the floor beside it.” White described Marylee Frank’s “Vaquero” as a detailed study of an old cowboy’s leathery hands, which are resting on the horn of a Spanish-style saddle. White said artist (and Californian employee) David Vanderpool also took great care with “Courting No. 2,” a graphite piece capturing two lovers near a well. “It’s amazing. He’s totally creative.” Along with her own winning work — “Clock Tower,” a plein air oil painting of winter she warmed up with ochre — White also is exhibiting a solo show at Dagny’s Coffee Co. “They’re plein air. Agriculture, buildings, some spring pieces that are agriculture.” On the BAA board for 20 years, White also coordinates the association’s satellite shows, including Dagny’s, which this month includes the ongoing collection from Kathy Beck, Carol Black, Norma Eaton, Cindy Stiles, Nancy Waldon and Stella Mullins.

The Foundry Over at The Foundry, many artists will get the chance to shine with a trio of new shows. Along with the eclectic and imaginative “Sampler Platter,” a solo installation by James Kuehne, and “Sleepy Hollow” art challenge, the gallery returned to one of its bestreceived shows: “Lost and Foundry.” For “Lost and Foundry II,” artists created work from upcycled or recycled materials, such as books, cardboard, plastic bags, slices of wood,

PHOTO COURTESY OF CHRISTINA SWEET

“Support” is a work by James Kuehne.

cans and miscellaneous hard surfaces. Foundry director Christina Sweet said that the artists like to incorporate unusual objects in their work. “My favorite part of the show is examining the pieces to see what all went in to them,” Sweet wrote in an email. “It gives extra visual interest for me to see art that is executed on/out of normal materials.” Participating artists include Jorge Guillen, Jason Stewart, Brynia Czubko, Jessica McEuen and Gregg Haus. Sweet said more works were coming in later this week. Along with the art, Jeremy Gonzalez will be on hand to discuss his new local magazine, Project Oh, and there will be music by country musician David Reeves Carpenter of the Mill Creek Ramblers.

More First Friday fun Over at the newly relocated Frosting, Ink (1917 Eye St.), guests are invited to take part in an Audrey Hepburn lookalike contest, which plays on the bakery’s new “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” theme. There will be a prize for the winner as well as other giveaways and live music on the patio.

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, October 10, 2013

Eye Street The Lowdown with Matt Munoz

Grounded? Not the Aviators Young rockers aiming high with recording

arely do you get a chance to see a local band shed its skin for the better as the Aviators have. Still rockin’ the air with the loudest of ease, this daring young band on a mission to please have burned a hole through every beer-soaked bar stage in town since blazing off the launch pad five years ago. It’s a raucous atmosphere the quintet have always felt most at home in, where the girls are live and fellas high-five to lightning bolts of high-octane guitar licks ’til last call. That style may not fit everyone’s mug of beer, but for the legions of rowdies expected to pour into B Ryder’s on Saturday to celebrate the release of the band’s new CD, “Gotta Have ’Em to Grab ’Em,” it ain’t a party until someone flies off the handle. “People going nuts at our shows are always great,” said Aviators guitarist and co-founder Dan Reynoso of the band’s penchant for causing audiences to let go of their inhibitions. “We’ve always wanted to be that rock and roll band.” That attitude — and a desire to remain true to rock purity — has been one of the most attractive qualities of the band. “Everything about us has changed. We’ve evolved into something a lot tighter,” said lead vocalist August Young. “It’s just a lot more fun now.” Just two years removed from the release

PHOTO COURTESY OF BRIANNE PERALES

Bakersfield rock quintet the Aviators, who are renowned for the raucous atmosphere they create, celebrate the release of their new CD at B Ryder’s Saturday.

of the group’s debut, “Premium Rock and Roll,” Reynoso and Young make it clear they’d rather direct the conversation to the present. “It’s hard to move forward without bashing the old,” Reynoso said. That sits fine with the rest of the band, all being fairly new, having joined the band in the last year. There’s big-guns drummer Sherwin Smith, cooled-out bassist Anthony Bradley, and bushy-haired lead guitarist Will Slikker, who together resemble a band of well-mannered misfits. “Sherwin likes rock and roll music, but also knows what’s appropriate with what the music needs,” Reynoso said. “That’s hard to come by. I think I’ve only lost touch with him onstage one time.” “And that was a scary night,” said Smith, referring to one of a number of private you-had-tobe-there moments he and

Reynoso have shared — and one I’m not being allowed in on. Young offered up his praises of Bradley. “Anthony was originally a guitarist who switched to bass and put together effective, more defined bass lines. He also brought back vocal harmonies.” “The bass was only a couple less strings than a guitar,” Bradley said with a laugh. “I knew I could do that.” Then there’s Slikker, the group’s secret weapon and, according to Reynoso, the ax man from another planet. “Will is a rock and roll alien,” he said. Young concurred: “Will brought us solos you wouldn’t believe. We’ve sounded better because of his playing and all of his energy.” There’s also Slikker’s often offbeat musings, which the band affectionately refers to as “Willisms.”

Matt Munoz covers the music scene for The Californian. His column appears every Thursday in Eye Street.

Slikker reclined quietly on a couch at The Padre as the band collectively shared a random favorite: “If Jesus played guitar, that would be pretty epic.” That type of brotherly jib-jabbing is just one of the underlying themes on the Aviators’ “Gotta Have ’Em to Grab ’Em,” an overthe-top collection of driving rock anthems. Kicking off with “Wolfman,” Slikker’s opening riffs are an homage to the group’s musical heroes, AC/DC, with a dash of Motley Crue, while “Wildfire,” stomps along with catchy lyrics from Young, whose voice has never sounded stronger. Young has grown into the role of seasoned front man, showing off his commanding presence in the studio and live setting. Along with familiar pulsating heaviness, there are those tracks with plenty of melody, such as “Evermore,” plus big, classic rock productions like “Breakdown and Breakout,” both of which bear the imprint of each member. Other standout tracks are “End of the Line,” “M.T.B.W” and the CD’s closer, “Prop Me Up,” a playful, inebriated country singa-long. “We recorded that song with our pants down,” said Reynoso. Recorded and produced at Backyard Studios in Lamont and Rocketship Recordings in Bakersfield, “Gotta Have ’Em to Grab ’Em,” should help the Aviators expand the reach of their fan base, although they haven’t done too bad at keeping their live schedule at a minimum of six to 10 shows a month. From Hollywood’s Whisky a Go Go, to Camp Nelson high up in Sequoia National Forest, to San Luis Obispo, plus every sleepy farming town in the Central Valley, there’s little the Aviators will say no to, even under the most exhausted of circumstances. “We’ll sleep anywhere,” said Young. “And we’re pretty person-

PHOTO BY ENTROPIC STUDIO

The son of legendary guitarist Carlos Santana, Salvador Santana is multi-talented keyboardist, singer-songwriter and rapper can stand on his own.

able.” To ensure everyone a good time on Saturday, the band will bring out the specially designed Aviator Assault Vehicle — a customized 1967 Kaiser Jeep, which the group has been feverishly working to prepare for the show. There also will be giveaways, special guests, plenty of American flags on display to show off red, white, and blue Aviator pride, and a specially constructed catwalk extending from the stage. “For all the kitties in the audiences,” said Reynoso. Rock on. Copies of “Gotta Have ’Em to Grab ’Em” will be available for sale at the show. Saturday’s showtime is 9 p.m. Admission is $5. All ages. Also appearing are Truxton Mile and Crooked Folk. B Ryder’s is located at 7401 White Lane. 397-7304 or visit facebook.com/theaviatorsrock.

Salvador Santana If you’re out and about tonight, make plans to head on over to Chuy’s in Rosedale for a free concert featuring Salvador Santana and his band. Yes, his father is the famed guitar master Carlos Santana, but Please see LOWDOWN / PAGE 28

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

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, October 10, 2013

Eye Street DUST BOWL

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collection represents only a portion of the Stiern Library archive, which was initiated in 1981 with the California Odyssey project. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The core of the archive is a series of oral history interviews that focus on residents who migrated to the San Joaquin Valley from Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri and Kansas between 1924 and 1939,â&#x20AC;? Gavin said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In addition to the interviews and photographs, the archive includes an extensive research collection of scholarly and historical documents.â&#x20AC;? Particularly in the last decade or so, the archive has attracted the attention of filmmakers, journalists and writers, said the librarian. Actors Donald Sutherland and Aidan Quinn used the migrant interviews to prepare for movie roles, and Los Angeles Times Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Rick Warztman consulted material for his 2008 book, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Obscene in the Extreme,â&#x20AC;? which chronicled the 1939 banning of â&#x20AC;&#x153;Grapes of Wrathâ&#x20AC;? in Bakersfield. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Documentary filmmaker Ken Burns, PBS and the BBC have used archive material for their respective projects on the Great Depression,â&#x20AC;? she said. In addition to local students and residents, teachers and scholars from all over the world use the archive extensively to explore such issues as life during the Depression, racial prejudice and adversity, the clash of cultures in California, and the struggle to survive. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They survived the hard times and eventually they and their descendants established roots in Californiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Central Valley,â&#x20AC;? Gavin said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;And their legacy lives on. Their distinct accent is still heard and their evangelical Christianity thrives.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE STIERN LIBRARY AT CSUB

A migrant is stalled in the desert in Southern California.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;But,â&#x20AC;? she continued, â&#x20AC;&#x153;as historian James Gregory asserts, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;the most profound contribution of the Okies is their country music, which was essential to reconstructing the Okie identity into a more socially acceptable one,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; and he credits many musicians, particularly Bob Wills during the 1940s and Merle Haggard in the 1960s.â&#x20AC;? Much of the material in the Stiern Library archive is digital and can be

accessed though the libraryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website at csub.edu/library. It includes migrant interviews (e-text and audio versions), photographs and research material. The photographs were purchased in 1999 from the Library of Congress through a grant from the Ben H. and Gladys Arkelian Foundation. When funding is available, the library hopes to acquire additional images to enhance the collection.

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donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t start yelling out â&#x20AC;&#x153;Black Magic Womanâ&#x20AC;? or â&#x20AC;&#x153;Smooth.â&#x20AC;? The multi-talented keyboardist, singer-songwriter and rapper can stand on his own, thank you. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Having the name does carry a lot of weight by default,â&#x20AC;? said Santana, 30, from his home in Los Angeles. â&#x20AC;&#x153;My father and I are both part of a legacy in our family, as the music goes beyond us through generations. Both of my grandfathers were highly respected bandleaders. Music runs deep in our family, no doubt, and having just said that bears a lot of responsibility.â&#x20AC;? Santana already has two full-length CDs under his belt: â&#x20AC;&#x153;SSBâ&#x20AC;? in 2008 and â&#x20AC;&#x153;Keyboard Cityâ&#x20AC;? in 2010. Both offer myriad hip-hop, funk and inventive urban sounds, which showcase his equally proficient, classically trained skills behind the keys. His latest EP, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Rise Up,â&#x20AC;? is a more mature effort than his previous works, while maintaining a consistent uplifting lyrical message. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think it serves the legacy better to continue doing my own thing, rather than get up onstage with a guitar and play my fatherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s music. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not challenging to me, and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d probably be criticized for doing it. I think the new EP is just the beginning of the next chapter of what Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got planned for the rest of the year.â&#x20AC;? Salvador Santanaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s live show is worth more than just a glimpse out of curiosity. During his visit to B Ryderâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s last year, Santana took the crowd on a rhythmic journey through his colorful songbook of rhythm while showcasing a killer backing band that includes keyboardist and vocalist Alex Nester. Highly recommended. Tonightâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s showtime is 6 p.m. Admission is free. All ages admitted. Also appearing are classic rockers Power Play. Chuyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s is located at 8660 Rosedale Highway. For more information call 587-5750 or visit salvadorsantana.com.

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, October 17, 2013

Eye Street The Lowdown with Matt Munoz

Coming to a living room near you Laurence Juber

Cozy concert allows fans to get close to acoustic troubadour

akersfield will play host to a pair of solo acoustic talents, each offering a unique perspective on life as a working musician. First up is Seattle-based singer-songwriter David Bazan, who rolls into town for a living-room concert tonight in Bakersfield. Known for his work with indie slowcore act Pedro the Lion, Bazan has developed a successful solo career after the band parted ways in 2006. Resigned under a new contract, Bazan said there were conflicts early on between him and his label. “The label was telling me to lay low and not tour until my first solo record came out,” said Bazan, 37, during a phone interview. “That wasn’t going to work for me, because that’s how I make my living. I basically had to figure out a way to play my songs, and people pay me money to play these songs for them.” Enter the world of living-room touring, where fans open their homes to touring acts like Bazan, who, through a series of underground channels, find ways to book shows with little to no overhead. “We basically found a way to do this without violating the spirit of our record contract. We developed a model and since have done over 400 shows.” Bazan isn’t the first to swim the waters of creative concert touring. “If there are about a hundred places in the market to play on a regular album tour cycle, there are literally hundreds and hundreds of places to play in the house show market. It’s almost inexhaustible. That’s one of the reasons why it works so well.” The setup for these tours follows a pretty basic set of guidelines, which Bazan and his crew have down to a science. “We book these shows way in advance. It’s pretty organized. My booking manager, agent, or myself will make a routing that we think will be ideal. Then we put that routing up on the Internet asking everybody,

PHOTO COURTESY OF DAVAD BAZAN

Seattle-based singer-songwriter David Bazan will make a rare living-room concert appearance in Bakersfield tonight.

‘Who wants to host one of these shows at these places on one of these dates?’ Then we get responses from people who say we can play in their apartment or living room, and my manager will sift through all those and figure out what will be the most appropriate places.” In order to find out the show’s location, attendees must buy their tickets through a secure website, such as PayPal, which Bazan uses for all shows. “Sales are legitimate. Once it goes through, we give them the location of the show.” Bazan added all venues are properly screened to avoid any bizarre encounters. “We’ve never had any issues with any venues. We always look for grown-ups who don’t give off a tweaker vibe.” If you’re thinking about going, pay a quick visit to davidbazan.com for more info. Ticket availability depends on venue space, which according to Bazan is also part of the allure of scoring admission. “It’s cool, because even with all the Internet stuff, it’s still a little bit of a mystery. It’s not private and exclusive, but it’s still kind of secret. It’s the same folks that go to big shows, but we’re getting to interact in a context that’s more appropriate for the kind of relationship that we already have. It’s a conversational relationship that’s somewhat intimate — if that’s not too weird a word.”

Matt Munoz covers the music scene for The Californian. His column appears every Thursday in Eye Street.

Not as mysterious, but every bit as inventive, is critically acclaimed guitarist and composer Laurence Juber, who returns to Bakersfield for an intimate studio performance at American Sound Recordings on Oct. 24. As a young working musician in London in the 1970s, Juber became a hot shot on the studio circuit, laying down tracks for many TV and film projects, including the “James Bond Theme,” in “The Spy Who Loved Me” and others. “One of my original musical ambitions was always to be able to play that theme,” said Juber, 60, during a phone interview. “You had to be really versatile in that environment.” Juber’s skills kept him busy with some of the UK’s top hit makers, including famed Beatle producer George Martin. And then in 1978, Paul McCartney handpicked him to become the lead guitarist for his band Wings. “I wasn’t really looking for a radical career change, which joining Wings proved to be, but I wasn’t going to turn down an opportunity to play with Paul McCartney.” Juber’s playing can be heard on the group’s final album, “Back to the Egg," a performance that earned him a Grammy for the instrumental single, “Rockestra Theme.” “I wasn’t quite sure what I was getting into, but what it turned out to be was that Wings was moving forward into becoming more of a rock band after incorporating a lot of folk music styles on his early records, which was not uncommon.” After Wings folded in 1981, Juber embarked on a career as a solo artist, composer and arranger, and developed a reputation as a guitar virtuoso. He has released 20-plus solo albums and continues recording and performing year-round. Still, it’s hard to beat certain career bragging rights. “From my perspective in all of this, it was an education, a gift. I got my master’s from Paul McCartney, and I can’t complain about any of it, because it was a once-in-alifetime experience. As much as it was the rock experience, it was still very much a close family. The kids were around, and that was the way creative group could work together and have a successful marriage.” Showtime is 8 p.m. Oct. 24. Tickets are

PHOTO COURTESY OF LAURENCE JUBER

Laurence Juber, right, performs with Paul McCartney in Scotland in 1978.

$30 and are available by calling 204-7685, 864-1701 or via email at: orders@asrstudios.com. American Sound Recording Studios is located at 2231 R St.

Matt’s picks Naked Zombie Girl Halloween Bash at On the Rocks, 1517 18th St., 9 p.m. Friday, $5, 327-7625. The first official Halloweenthemed live show in Bakersfield promises thrills, chills and a few blown ear drums. Hosted by Bakersfield filmmakers Hectic Films and promoter Phantom Stranger Inc., bands appearing are local all-star Misfits’ tribute band the Psycho 78s, plus metal-punk bands So Long Sucker and Hossbruten. Props from Hectic’s upcoming “Naked Zombie Girl” horror flick will be on display, plus clips from the movie playing throughout the night, and giveaways. Anyone at the door in costume before 10 p.m. gets in free. The Mavericks at Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace, 2800 Buck Owens Blvd., 7 p.m. Wednesday, $45 to $53, 328-7560. In the mid-’90s the Mavericks led the alternative country movement, not by being misfits of the genre, but by being amazingly good misfits. They bucked the industry by combining classic country with Miami Latinflavors and Texas twang, winning the hearts of critics and developing a diehard following crossing all demos. Their last shindig at the Crystal Palace in March was over three hours of non-stop rhythm, continuing with an after-hours karaoke bash next door. Highly, underscore highly, recommended.

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

Thursday, October 24, 2013 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street The Lowdown with Matt Munoz

Hollywood comes to our backyard Costner hangs with McFarland residents

t’s not every day you get a chance to rub elbows with Kevin Costner in your hometown. Not that I actually did, but it sort of felt that way on Facebook this week, with so many of my friends posting pictures and information about the Academy Award winner, on location in McFarland filming a movie aptly titled “McFarland.” The film is based on a 1997 Los Angeles Times article about the inspiring McFarland High crosscountry coach Jim White, who coaxed his team to nine state cross-country titles from 1987 to 2001. The program also was the subject of a 2004 Sports Illustrated feature. Costner plays White in the film, and actress Maria Bello (“Prisoners,” “The Cooler”) plays his wife, Cheryl. Morgan Saylor (“Homeland”) plays their daughter, Julie. Following a series of open casting calls for extras in Bakersfield and McFarland, production is finally off the ground, shifting between Southern California and the San Joaquin Valley. “My brother’s been talking about it for a year, but I didn’t believe him,” said Aaron Puentes, 33, who made the quick trip to McFarland from Bakersfield this week to catch a piece of the Hollywood action. “I did a lot of research online, so I knew it was finally gonna be made.” Puentes’ older brother, Victor,

PHOTO BY GENO BARAJAS

From left: Johnny Samaniego, David Diaz, Damacio Diaz, Jim White, Kevin Costner, Thomas Valles, Daniel Diaz and Victor Puentes will appear in “McFarland,” which began production this week.

who graduated from McFarland High in 1989, was a member of the championship team portrayed in the film. According to Puentes, the city came out in droves Monday to greet Costner as he arrived to begin filming. Most locations are locked down as filming moves around the city; yet despite the security, Costner has been seen mingling with the locals. “He’s been walking around talking to people all the time, taking pictures, signing autographs,” Puentes said. Filming is scheduled to continue the rest of the week. “McFarland” is set for release in the spring. “I think the movie will be big here in Kern County,” Puentes said. “We’ll have to wait and see what everyone else thinks. I’m

glad it’s being made. It makes me proud of my brother and the town.”

Bearcoon is real We’ve all heard spooky stories of mutant creatures like the Chupacabra, Jersey Devil, and the OG — or original ghoul — Big Foot. But it wasn’t until a few moments into my interview with Solange Igoa that I became aware of another, possibly even more horrifying monster: the elusive Bearcoon. While there’s no proof the creature — often described as a bearsized, rabid raccoon — actually exists, Igoa and bandmate Andrea Walker have decided to name their group after the mythical monster. But not to worry: Igoa and Walker are neither monstrous nor

Matt Munoz covers the music scene for The Californian. His column appears every Thursday in Eye Street.

angry; rather they’re a pair of rootsy, soulful songwriters making their local debut at the Lone Oak on Friday. “It was a joke when we first started dating and playing music,” said Igoa, a Bakersfield native who now lives in Long Beach. “There’s this serious raccoon problem in the city, and we’d always say, ‘Watch out for the Bearcoon.’ The name just stuck.” News reports from Long Beach back Igoa’s claims, but while nocturnal raccoons have been known to surface in packs from downtown sewers, no sighting of grizzly-sized fur balls devouring citizens has been reported. Yet. “If you’re out at 3 a.m., you can see them crawl out and wreak havoc. We do too, but kind of sweetly.” Igoa offered more hints at the duo’s musical direction, which can be previewed on their YouTube page, bearcoonmusic: “I would say we’re kind of folk blues Americana. But definitely not pop or country.” Since forming last year, Igoa and Walker have made some impressive strides in the Long Beach music scene, scoring shows in area watering holes while composing new music. Live, the duo mix it up with originals and covers, reworked to suit their uniquely raw, strippeddown style: Vocals, guitar and the occasional melodica from Igoa. It doesn’t hurt that her earliest musical teacher also happens to be popular Bakersfield singer Sherry “Mystic Red” Wilson, a familiar voice and presence on many a local pub and festival stage. Igoa hopes to reconnect on her visit. “It feels good. I’m excited. It’ll be a way to see all my old friends when I get back.” Friday’s showtime is 8 p.m. Admission is free. The Lone Oak is located at 10612 Rosedale Highway. 589-0412 or visit face-

PHOTO COURTESY OF SCOOTER PHOTOGRAPHY

Alt-folk duo Bearcoon — Solange Igoa and Andrea Walker — make their Bakersfield debut Friday at the Lone Oak.

book.com/bearcoonmusic.

Halloween roundup Halloween is one week away, but for most adult party-goers, ghouls night out happens this weekend. Costume up and check out these parties for some tricks or treats. Halloween Pre-Party with Soulajar, Lonely Avenue, Revelator at On the Rocks, 1517 18th St., 9 p.m. Friday, $5, 327-7625. Costume contest. Halloween Show with The Bird Channel, Crime Bison at Sandrini’s, 1918 Eye St., 9:30 p.m. Friday, $5, 322-8900. Naughty Halloween Party at Replay Lounge, 4500 Buck Owens Blvd. 9 p.m. Friday, $5-$10, 3243300. Costume contest, with music by deejays Joseph Gomez and Rick. Homegrown Halloween Day of the Shred at C.A.L.M, 10500 Alfred Harrell Highway, 11 a.m. Saturday, $5 to $15, all ages, info: facebook.com/longboardbako. Halloween Bash 2013 with Dub Seeds, Velorio, Mento Buru, DJ Mikey at On the Rocks, 1517 18th St., 8 p.m. Saturday, $10, costume contest, giveaways all night, 327-7625. Please see LOWDOWN / PAGE 22

TICKETS AVAILABLE AT THE FOX THEATER BOX OFFICE, RUSSO’S BOOKS AT THE MARKETPLACE, EMPORIUM WESTERN STORE – 661-322-5200 – 888-825-5484 – Vallitix.com

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, October 24, 2013

Eye Street

A hunka, hunka burnin’ love still there for Elvis BY SUSAN SCAFFIDI

‘Three Faces of the King’

Contributing writer

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f he were still alive, Elvis Presley would be getting ready to celebrate his 79th birthday on Jan. 8. But maybe you’d rather not think of the King as an octogenarian but rather remember him in his prime. “Three Faces of the King,” which plays at the Fox Theater on Saturday, presents Elvis at his iconic best — as the 21-year-old newcomer in a gold lamé jacket; the mature performer in his triumphant comeback and black leather suit; and the undisputed king of Las Vegas (even with Sinatra just down the street) in his white jumpsuit. Two winners of the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist contest — the official competition held at Graceland — star in the show: Cody Ray Slaughter, who also performed in the national tour of “The Million Dollar Quartet,” a show that focuses on Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Johnny Cash; and Shawn Klush, who is the first winner of the contest. Slaughter will perform as Elvis in the 1950s and as Elvis at his 1968 comeback performance. Klush takes over for the second half of the show, which is presented as one of the Las Vegas concerts. Klush, who is from Pennsylvania, grew up listening to Elvis, thanks in large part to his father, who was a radio disc jockey. “It was great,” Klush said. “Every time an Elvis movie came out, he would buy an album for the radio station and one for himself — today I still have everything Elvis did on vinyl.” For Klush, then, singing like Elvis wasn’t a choice — it was a way of life, singing Elvis’ songs as a child, learning to play guitar and then performing at school. As he grew up, it became evident that he also looked like Elvis. “I think I knew about it a lot earlier than anyone else did,” Klush said. “But other people began to notice a resemblance to Elvis.” Then Klush found out he could

When: 8 p.m. Saturday Where: Fox Theater, 2001 H St. Tickets: $34.50 to $74.50, with discounts for seniors, children and groups of 10 or more. Available at the box office or at Vallitix.

make money on the tribute circuit. He remembers his first gig, at Club Margaret in Scranton, Penn., at which he sang two sets of Elvis’ songs. To be authentic, Klush said he began searching for authentic clothes, even going to Elvis’ original costume company to get reproductions made from the original patterns. “The I.C. Costume Company was the original manufacturer for Elvis’ Vegas jumpsuit,” Klush said. “It was made of Italian wool stretch gabardine — nine yards without the cape.” (Turns out “I.C.” stands for Ice Capades — makes sense.) In talking to Klush, you can hear not only a slight Elvis sound in his speech, but a genuine reverence for the man. “It’s not that he was good-looking,” Klush said, referring to Elvis’ enduring appeal. “There was something deeper.” Klush made his way to the first Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist competition in 2007. The contest is a multi-tiered event,

starting with 24 regional competitions. The winners then compete in a semi-final round, and 10 finalists head to Memphis, Tenn., to compete in the final round at Graceland Mansion, with Priscilla Presley and Elvis’ original band members and friends in attendance. “I went to Memphis never thinking I would win it, and I won it,” Klush said. “How much luck can a guy have?” “Three Faces of the King” is produced by 30th Anniversary of Rock and Roll, a company that specializes in tribute shows. Producer Ronald Kurtz said “Three Faces of the King” was created for the 25th anniversary of Elvis’ death. Despite the company’s focus on legacy acts, Kurtz said he had long resisted doing an Elvis tribute show. “Elvis’ music is timeless,” the producer said. “But I could never see a 60-year-old man putting on a gold lamé jacket and doing Elvis in his early years, or a kid putting on the jumpsuit and trying to do Elvis in Las Vegas.” Kurtz said he ultimately looked through some 3,500 Elvis performers, rejected many thousands — more “karaoke Elvises” — and finally found performers who could fill the roles credibly, with Klush and Slaughter as the current cast. Kurtz said a lot of Bakersfield and other San Joaquin Valley residents drove to Los Angeles last year for a production of the show. “These guys in the show have developed their own following,” Kurtz said.

322-8783. Rockabilly hula gals and the gearheads who love them will be out in force for this daytime fiesta in the heart of downtown. Featuring classic cars and vendors selling stylized merchandise to spruce up any wardrobe, there also will be plenty of food and drink vendors to keep motors running. For the little ones, there’s a kids corner. Live onstage will be War on 45, the Dirt Road Band, Loner Troubadour and the Rockabilly Rat, Garrison and Kennedy duo, and a pin-up

girl contest. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Jeremy Staat Foundation. Benefit for Art and Julie Byrom at Julie’s Branding Iron, 1807 N. Chester Ave., Saturday, 1 p.m., $20, 399-3237. Local party bands join together to help Art and Julie Byrom of Oildale at their music and watering hole, Julie’s Branding Iron, after a car accident a few weeks ago put the couple on temporary cruise control. For more on the event, check out Scott Cox’s column on Page 20.

PHOTO COURTESY OF AMBASSADOR ENTERPRISES

Cody Slaughter portrays 1950s-era Elvis in “Three Faces of the King.”

guests will love the food catered exclusively from the Crest Bar and

LOWDOWN

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17

’80s Video Dance Attack at Narducci’s Cafe, 622 E. 21st St., 8 p.m. Saturday, costume contest, 324-2961. Halloween Party with the Baka Boyz at Elements Venue, 3401 Chester Ave., 9 p.m. Saturday, $20, 215-9407.

Matt’s picks Halloween Block Party at 19th and K streets, 10 a.m. Saturday, free,

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, October 31, 2013

Eye Street The Lowdown with Matt Munoz

Can’t take the rebel out of Biafra Punk pioneer returns to cement his legacy

ello Biafra’s last visit to Bakersfield was no walk in the park. Biafra, former lead singer of seminal punk quartet Dead Kennedys, had a slot on the Rock Against Bush tour of 2004, headlined by punk rockers NOFX. But the scene at the Stramler Park complex wasn’t quite what the bands had expected. Though well-acquainted with shows bordering on complete chaos, there was something in the air that evening, and it wasn’t just mosh pit dirt clouds. “It’s the only time I’ve ever performed in Bakersfield. How could I forget?” said Biafra (real name Eric Boucher), during a phone interview. “It was a strange night because Fat Mike from NOFX had told me they’d avoided Bakersfield for years.” I, too, was at Stramler Park that wild night, caught in the middle of the dense crowd, hoping to hear what I came for: punk rock in its purest form, uncensored and rabble-rousing, fun, but never violent. That is, unless you tripped along the circle pit accidentally or encountered a crowd that may not have noticed the name of the tour: Rock Against Bush, as in George W. Bush. “Then they play this show, and I get them all worked up, the way they should be. But then instead of breathing a sigh of relief and cheering NOFX, they welcome them to the stage by throwing stuff, including a large chunk of cement that hit (guitarist) Eric Melvin. Afterwards, we were all thinking, ‘Well, what is this town?’” Holding no grudge, the 55-yearold icon makes a long-awaited return to Bakersfield on Saturday, this time to the kinder, rustic punk intimacy of Narducci’s Cafe. Backed by his new band, the Guantanamo School of Medicine, the fiercely independent jack-ofall-punk-rock trades is out on the road in support of his latest record, “White People and the Damage Done.” “As far as I’m concerned, there’s a

PHOTO BY LORD BLASTO

Former Dead Kennedys vocalist Jello Biafra and his new band, the Guantanamo School of Medicine, appear Saturday at Narducci’s Cafe.

good way and bad way for a guy my age to keep rockin’ like this. I mean I’m really flattered and respectful that anybody would even be interested in anything I did these days and very grateful when people come out, but as I said before, I also wanna give them the kind of show that I as a fan like to see.” Through the ’80s, Biafra’s former group Dead Kennedys were among the most popular of the hardcore punk genre, shifting the original mid-tempo style of bands like The Ramones into erratic hyper speed. Biafra, along with original DK members East Bay Ray, Klaus Flouride and D.H. Peligro, released six albums independently from their Bay Area home base. To this day, the band’s “DK” symbol remains one of music’s most easily recognized band logos. “People who take an underground and an independent theme for granted today have no idea what bands like Black Flag and M.D.C., and D.O.A. and Dead Kennedys went through, just to crack open a national network of

places to play in front of hostile music establishments, hostile venue owners and of course, the police.” Despite those issues, Dead Kennedys built a small, independent empire of music through their own label, Alternative Tentacles. The music was raw but executed in a manner that went beyond the technical standards of punk. Dead Kennedys could play their instruments, and fast. The songs: “California Uber Alles,” “Government Flu,” “Halloween” and others called for listeners to question society, the government, media and themselves, with lyrics all penned by Biafra. “I made a point of never restricting Dead Kennedys or everything I’ve done since to one narrow area. In that case, we were a good mid-tempo band, a good hard-core band, and arguably a pretty good post-punk and borderline goth band, when you listen to songs like ‘Holiday in Cambodia’ and ‘I Am The Owl.’” Onstage, Biafra was electrifying, bravely navigating the sea of bodies spilling on and off the

Matt Munoz covers the music scene for The Californian. His column appears every Thursday in Eye Street.

stage. Acting out his lyrics theatrically, listeners were more than just engaged. “The art of the visual and demented lead singer is almost a lost artform now. I could just stand there and say, ‘Oh, hooray for me,’ you’ve come to see the rock fossil, but is that satisfying me, the music fan? No. I go to a lot of other shows and I want our shows to be as good as my favorite shows that I go to see.” Dead Kennedys’ notoriety also made them a target when the singer was brought up on obscenity charges after police raided the singer’s home in 1986, following complaints by the Parents Music Resource Center, an organization founded by Tipper Gore, wife of former Vice President Al Gore. Biafra’s court case was not focused on Dead Kennedys music or lyrics but a poster, titled “Penis Landscape,” inserted into copies of the band’s album, “Frankenchrist.” Following a lengthy legal battle, Biafra was acquitted of all charges, but the toll ultimately led to the breakup of Dead Kennedys and sent Biafra out on the spoken-word trail sharing his experiences. His CD “High Priest of Harmful Matter”

chronicles the 1986 arrest and trial. Biafra said artists still deal with the same set of stumbling blocks he did back in the ’80s, when warning labels were first put on records. “Absolutely. I mean, look how hard it is to get live underground hip-hop shows off the ground? I mean, no matter who the artist is or what the venue is, often the cops will say, ‘Oh, it’ll be a gang event; therefore, you can’t have your music.’” While his former bandmates continue to tour as Dead Kennedys, Biafra has always managed to surround himself with highly proficient musicians, as I witnessed in April, when he and the Guantanamo School of Medicine stormed the stage at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. Performing mostly original material from all three of the group’s releases, Biafra surprised audiences with some DK classics. Time has been good to Jello Biafra. “My audience is pretty wide. What I’ve really been happy about is how positive people are when they find out it’s not just a bunch of old songs, but they’re going to get mostly new ones. I haven’t forgotten the old family recipe. I wrote most of the music for Dead Kennedys as well. It’s not as though I froze in 1985 and forgot how to write.” Opening the show will be longtime Biafra colleague and Bakersfield death rock legend Burning Image, which also released two CDs through Alternative Tentacles. “What attracted me to Burning Image back in the ’80s was that not only was their music unique to the punk underground, but the fact that they pulled that off complete with all the goth overtones in the middle of Bakersfield. I mean, that took a lot of nerve and still does in a way.” On his return, does Biafra have any security doubts when he rolls back to town? “Hopefully they’ll check everyone who comes in the door for large chunks of cement.” He’s joking. Maybe. “Well, someone’s gotta come and pollute your nice, clean town.” Saturday’s showtime is 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $17. Show is all ages. Also appearing are Closing In, Frentus and Josex. Narducci’s Cafe is located at 622 E. 21st St. Call 324-2961 or visit timgardeapresents.com.

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, November 7, 2013

Eye Street The Lowdown with Matt Munoz

Open-mic night never predictable the city. It’s a classy scene, where couples socialize in rhythm. Those interested in getting a feel for what I mean should head out to Tropical Thursdays at Club Odyssey. Dance lessons are at 8 p.m. before the club packs out like a night at the Cheetah Club in New York circa 1973. Authentic salsa, cumbia and bachata music is provided by deejays Sonido Latino & Abraham. Club Odyssey is located inside the DoubleTree Hotel, 3100 Camino Real Court. Admission is $5 or free after 10 p.m. 323-7111.

On the Rocks keeps all-comers event going

osting an open-mic night is not for the faint of ears. You never know if anyone’s going to show up, but once the word spreads, the city’s most bizarre talents will crawl out of the woodwork. From poets to acoustic duos, comedians, metal heads to rappers who show up with a CD in hand, it’s always a mixed bag of talents that at times reaches “Gong Show” status. During my year as host of Bakotopia Unplugged Open Mic Night at Fishlips, we had a computerized gong, along with other assorted noisemakers ready to go at the touch of a button. Let’s face it: When someone really stinks, brutal honesty is the best policy. On other nights, the talent was so consistently good, we hoped for the drunken cowboy in cut-off shorts with the rare Gibson guitar to show up and tell really horrendous jokes for 30 minutes. These people do exist, and how the word got to them was always beyond us. After Fishlips closed, there were a few open mics that made attempts at picking up the torch. But, as with all proj-

PHOTO COURTESY OF CAYUCAS

Santa Monica indie rockers Cayucas appear at B Ryder’s on Nov. 20.

ects of this nature, if you’re not committed to showing up every week, crowd or no crowd, don’t bother. After a bumpy few months, On the Rocks downtown has successfully hosted its own open-mic night every Wednesday to some great crowds, drawing in new talents along with some of the old ones. Not sure if they use the gong when someone annoying won’t leave the stage, but it’s that unpredictability that keeps everyone coming back. If you really want to throw yourself out there and get a feeling for the stage, I highly recommend you polish your best song, jokes or short act and strut your stuff on Wednesdays at On the Rocks with host Chris “Chrisanova” Carton and others. Sign-ups begin at 8 p.m., per-

formances begin at 9 p.m. On the Rocks is located at 1517 18th. 327-7625.

Get your salsa on What sets salsa dancing apart from dance fads like twerking is it requires real grace and finesse. It may not be easy to learn with one or two lessons, but once you lock into the foundation of the rhythm, known as the clave, on which all afro-Cuban and tropical Latin rhythms are built, you’ll be shaking, swinging and dipping with the best of them. The salsa scene in Bakersfield is loyal to the sound, the dance and looking good while they’re out in force. Where there’s a dance floor and a good selector spinning both club and New York salsa dura, or “hard salsa,” you’ll find some of the best dancers in

Matt Munoz covers the music scene for The Californian. His column appears every Thursday in Eye Street.

Upcoming shows Keep these shows on your radar in the coming weeks and months: The Expendables at B Ryder’s on Nov. 15; Band of Heathens at Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace on Nov. 16; Houston Jones at Bakersfield Museum of Art on Nov. 17; Cayucas at B Ryder’s on Nov. 20; Colt Ford and Moonshine Bandits at Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace on Dec. 18; and The Brian Setzer Orchestra at the Fox Theater on Dec. 23.

Matt’s picks No Duh and more at Jerry’s Pizza, 1817 Chester Ave., 6:30 p.m. Saturday, 633-1000. No Doubt fans disappointed with Gwen Stefani and company’s comeback album, “Push and Shove,” will be thoroughly entertained by this musical tribute to Orange County’s finest. A semiregular visitor to Bakersfield, they do all the hits from the No Doubt catalog in costume, plus throw in some bizarre classic rock covers. They’ve got the moves, she’s got

PHOTO BY MARLON HIGHTOWER

Bakersfield vocalist Brittany Tanner appears at Le Corusse Rouge on Saturday.

the voice, and for that price, it’s the closest thing to the real deal you’re gonna get until the next No Doubt comeback album. Also appearing are local bands Hillsvainkill, Here by Fate, Dr. DeVito and The Easy In. Tickets are $10 in advance and $14 at the door. NeoSoul and Comedy show at Le Corusse Rouge, 4647 White Lane, 9 p.m. Saturday, $5, 834-1611. There will be no fakin’ the funk at this Saturday night comedy and soul jam. Hosted by funnyman Jones The Comedian, the evening will feature live music and dancing by j2 & the Bizzness featuring Bako bass funkmaster Jay Jay Hicks. The show will feature a special appearance by vocalist Brittany Tanner, who’s got some amazing presence at the mic and a voice to dream by. Be prepared to dance at this party. Highly recommended.

Country artist prefers to mind his own business BY LISA KIMBLE Contributing writer

ou’d never know it judging by his good-time Southern tunes, but up-and-coming country music star Matt Stillwell shows as much talent for business as he does music. “I am very blessed to be able to do this,” said Stillwell, 38, by phone from his home in Nashville, Tenn., where he lives with his wife and two young daughters. The singer of boisterous hits like “Shine,” his 2008 ode to Mason jars and moonshine, headlines Saturday’s Salute to Local Heroes concert at the Kern County Fairgrounds. But the visit isn’t Stillwell’s first

trip to Bakersfield. In fact, it’s his association with one of the city’s most high-profile citizens that, more than anything, demonstrates the singer’s business acumen. When he decided to launch his career on a national level, Stillwell said he put together an investment group on his own and was introduced to Bakersfield native and NASCAR racer Kevin Harvick. In some ways, Stillwell’s success began to mirror that of Harvick, who was becoming a fan of the musician. Last month Stillwell became the first country artist to sign a representation deal with Kevin Harvick Inc., the racer’s sports marketing agency. Stillwell already had sever-

al sponsors, but the KHI partnership was unique. “I sort of inverted the typical business spectrum,” said the singer of his approach to managing his career. “Using the NASCAR relationships to extend into the country music realm made a lot of sense, and I think it is going to be a great thing; it is certainly unique to the industry. I don’t know of any artist who is represented like this.” But the North Carolina native has always managed to balance creative pursuits and commerce, even at Western Carolina University, which he attended on a baseball scholarship. However, when a Please see PAGE 25

Matt Stillwell is making a name for himself and earning a solid reputation in the world of country music with his rowdy, good-time tunes and level-headed approach to business. PHOTO COURTESY OF LOUDMOUTH ENTERTAINMENT

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, November 14, 2013

Eye Street The Lowdown with Matt Munoz

Backup Johnny back at it Friday Some members changed as indie group returns

akersfield indie pop quartet Backup Johnny make their long-awaited return to the stage at On the Rocks on Friday. Seated during a break from recording inside the cozy confines of B2 Studios downtown recently, vocalist and keyboardist Joey Romley and drummer Brett Mallard are in work mode. “We’re so focused on the new songs. We get stoked about it,” said Romley, 29, of the group’s latest studio project, a 10-song collection the group has been feverishly making attempts to put the lid on. Also seated in the room are the group’s newest members: Kenny Reeves and Marty Whiteley, who, after a few months of patiently waiting, are ready to make a new musical statement. The pair replaced original members Tyler Evans and Nick Romero, both of whom parted ways with the band earlier this year. “If we have an idea for this group, we’ll just say it,” said Reeves, 24. “Our personalities complement each other.” If Reeves and Whiteley sound familiar, it’s because both have logged their own miles in the local scene: Reeves first as a soloist, before fronting his own group, Woodrow; Whiteley as a former member of Bakersfield rock revivalists The Aviators. “I’m pretty prepared for this,” said Whiteley, 30, of adapting to his new guitar role in Backup Johnny, a gig that required a new set of creative techniques. “I real-

PHOTO BY TIM KONRAD PHOTO BY SAM BURKERT

Backup Johnny appear at On the Rocks Friday. Pictured from left: Kenny Reeves, Joey Romley, Brett Mallard, Marty Whiteley.

ly want my parts to tailor themselves around the songs and wrap around what they’re doing. It’s been a while since I’ve had to be this creative.” Backup Johnny enjoyed a steady run of success after forming in 2007, performing regularly at Fishlips and other area bars. Along the way, the group produced two releases, “Heartaches & Hangovers,” and an EP, “Dive,” that featured the band’s signature tune, “Ground Bound.” The group also hit the road for a brief tour before pulling the brakes to make way for life’s changes and to explore new creative avenues: Romley got married, became a father, joined tribute acts Members Only and the Abbey Roadies, while Mallard stayed busy cruising along in his own lane. During that time, the working relationships in Backup Johnny began to fray. “I didn’t know what to do for a while,” said Romley. “Do we try and keep it going?” Enter Reeves, who’d been friends of the band for some time. Approached to fill in for Evans two years ago, Reeves stayed within close reach of the band during the formation of his own project, Woodrow. According

to Romley, Reeves was no ordinary substitute. “Kenny was like a breath of fresh air. He brought more life to the music.” Whiteley, who’d parted ways with The Aviators last year, was approached by Reeves who’d already officially joined the group. “The first thing I noticed was all the gear I didn’t have to bring to play with this band,” said Whiteley. “It also made a lot of sense after awhile. I’ve always been a pop punk player and I was playing with musicians who were more into metal. Now, I have to pay a lot more attention to melody.” Mallard understands longtime Backup Johnny fans may expect some of the group’s old material, but don’t expect much at Friday’s show. “We’re prepared to play ‘Ground Bound.’ If we do it, it’ll be out of respect. Everything sounds so different now. You’ll notice it right away. Marty brings an edge we never had.” Romley echoed his band mate: “It’s a new group with new sound.” Following our interview, the group shared some snippets from

Matt Munoz covers the music scene for The Californian. His column appears every Thursday in Eye Street.

98.5 The Fox presents

Houston Jones appear Sunday at the Bakersfield Museum of Art.

the recording session, and it’s clear there’s a lot of truth to Romley’s statement: The new Backup Johnny has indeed grown up. “Take your music seriously, but don’t take yourself too seriously,” said Romley. Fans can look forward to the group’s new CD some time in the spring. Friday’s showtime is 9 p.m. Admission is $5. Also appearing are local alt-country sweetheart Amber Appleton and The 99’s. On the Rocks is located at 1517 18th St. For more information, call 327-7625.

Narducci’s Cafe reborn One of the many things I love about Narducci’s Cafe besides the food is the restaurant’s commitment to preserving the building’s legacy, while adding some wellneeded upgrades along the way. Beginning with a nice remodeling job in both banquet rooms, the carpets have been removed, making way for nice wood floors, along with new windows to let the sunshine in during the afternoon. Also upgraded is the stage. Having caught many a show at Narducci’s, it’s always been pretty funny watching musicians duck so as to not hit their heads on the vintage lighting system. Those low-hanging fixtures are finally gone, replaced with a safer set of stage lighting. The stage has been properly reinforced and extend-

DECEMBER 23RD

ed, and once all the banquet tables have been moved, you can still get a pretty good look from most areas of the club. The acoustics are unchanged, which is one of the benefits of having a mid-sized show at Narducci’s. The last show I attended a few weeks back featuring former Dead Kennedys singer Jello Biafra and Burning Image was an all-out punk rock blast. While these types of shows may tend to get really loud, the overall sound was even better than I expected. Once the patio doors are opened, crowds can circulate with ease back to the bar or to have a seat and take a break. This night was a mosh pit mess, with some slipping and sliding due to spilled beer, but the crowd rolled with it. According to Narducci’s owner Julie Crawford, bands of all genres are welcome to book their own shows at the venue. This Saturday, a cool doublebill featuring Santa Barbara altrockers Magazine Dirty and Swampcock will shake the main room. Showtime is 7 p.m. Admission is $5. Narducci’s Cafe is located at 622 E. 21st St. For more information, call 324-2961.

Houston Jones High-octane Americana quintet Houston Jones will be making another local stop on Sunday, this time at the Bakersfield Museum of Art. Please see PAGE 23

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Thursday, November 14, 2013 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street

Anything goes for Zany when he hits the stage BY MIRANDA WHITWORTH Contributing writer

or years they have helped put the funny in your morning drive and now these veterans of comedy are leaving the airwaves and bringing the laughs to a theater near you. “The Bob & Tom Comedy Show” hits the Fox Theater on Saturday, featuring four familiar names in the world of stand-up: Auggie Smith, David Dyer, Henry Phillips and Bob Zany, all regulars in the lineup of comedians who appear weekday mornings on “The Bob & Tom Show” on Bakersfield classic rock station, 98.5, The Fox. With his “Zany Report,” the comedian acts as a reporter, giving show hosts Bob Kevoian and Tom Griswold his offbeat take on news and current events. But when he's not on the air, he enjoys taking his humor on the road. “It's really cool,” Zany said. “We get to play all of these big theaters across the country. It's a great change and a big difference for many of us who came up in the business, working the small comedy clubs.” Zany has been a part of the “Bob & Tom Comedy Tour” since 2005 and knows when he hits the road with his fellow comedians he's in good company. “These guys are on ‘The Bob & Tom Show’ all the time. It's pretty much an allstar cast of comics from their show. These are the ones who have been vetted. And I am there with them. I am the ‘capo,’ the old guy.”

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 22

I still recall the group’s first visit, which landed on Super Bowl Sunday last year. Not the most fitting day for a concert, but also not the worst. The band managed to pull an impressive crowd and like those out-of-town groups who drop in steadily through the year, saw their local fan base grow. Blending acoustic rock, folk, country, and bluegrass, each musician can burn on their instrument. They’ve paid their dues on the Americana circuit and it shows once the pickin’ and shredding takes off. Their music ranges from both the sweet to the slick, and will appeal to all ages. Check out some of the band’s tunes at houstonjones.com. Doors open at 5 p.m. Sunday; show kicks off at 6 p.m. Admission is $25 and includes complimentary beer, wine and snacks. Bakersfield Museum of Art is located at 1930 R St. For show information, call 2054401 or 747-5983.

Matt’s picks Whiskey Galore at Irish Heritage Club of Bakersfield, 3129 Chester Lane, Friday, 7 p.m., free. I’ve often referred to this band of rowdies as American-bred and Celtic-fed. Thankfully, nothing has changed. Still able to whip any size crowd into a frenzy of Irish jig mayhem, the bustling Irish Heritage Club should be well-stocked with a warm welcome from members and newcomers. Drink plenty of

‘The Bob & Tom Comedy Show’ When: 8 p.m. Saturday Where: The Fox Theater, 2001 H St. Admission: $34 Information: foxtheateronline.com

Zany has been working crowds in one form or another for nearly 40 years. He got his start when he was 15 with an appearance on “The Gong Show.” “I was on in 1977. It was the first time I had ever done standup for anyone, ever. I really just wanted to be a comic, and 37 years later there's no turning back.” Luck was with Zany that fateful day. "I didn't get gonged. ... If you got gonged that meant you didn't get paid. I was a specialty act and they gave me my first check for $125. Which was probably more like $1,000 back then.” Since Zany's first television appearance, his resume has grown to include movie roles, a Showtime comedy special, a regular podcast, radio appearances and more. But hitting the road and performing for audiences never gets old because it continues to offer surprises. “For my set I have a beginning and an end. The middle is where I let the audience take it where it's going to go. I get in and work the crowd and I will say stuff that I have never said before and will never say again.”

water the night before, because even as a special acoustic performance, be prepared for a raucous night of singing and shenanigans. The Expendables at B Ryder’s, 7401 White Lane, Friday, 7 p.m., $17, all ages, 397-7304. Bakersfield’s obsession with all things that fall under the “California reggae” banner is something to be admired. Among the pantheon of heavyweights of that scene, Santa Cruz quartet The Expendables rank pretty high on the grassroots popularity scale. Over the years, the group has made regular local stops only to be greeted by larger and larger crowds. Their fans are mellow but sing faithfully with every verse. Buy your tickets quick, for a sellout is expected. Also appearing is bearded folk bluesman Micah Brown. Cayucas at B Ryder’s, 7401 White Lane, Wednesday, 8 p.m., $10, all ages, 397-7304. Although a relatively new band to the fast-moving ultra-hip SoCal music scene, these Santa Monica strummers pack a lot of sun wherever they go. Often mentioned in the same breath as Vampire Weekend and The Shins, the only similarity there lies in the catchiness of their songwriting. A quirky mix of Beach Boys and Beck, their singles “High School Lover” and “Cayucos,” an ode to the sleepy Central Coast town, both from the group’s latest CD, “Bigfoot,” are just two parts of a seamless indie pop gem. Opening act the Hindu Pirates are equally catchy. Highly recommended.

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Thursday, November 21, 2013 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street The Lowdown with Matt Munoz

Bakersfield band is on its way Truxton Mile marks CD release at Palace

he anticipation surrounding the release of your debut CD can be both exhilarating and exasperating for any fledgling band. For the members of country rock outfit Truxton Mile, finding the patience to survive such waves of emotion nearly pushed them to the brink. But three years after starting work on their recently completed six-song EP, “On My Way,” the boys are ready to celebrate and a blow off some steam with a party at Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace tonight. “We want to put a message out to Bakersfield that we mean business,” said vocalist Ryan Coulter, 24. “This is our opportunity for people to hear from us.” Since forming in 2008 as Good Question, Coulter has been waiting years for this moment to arrive, as have his bandmates: guitarists Taylor Unruh and Alec Olivieri. I first crossed paths with the band two years ago at the 100th anniversary celebration of Luigi’s restaurant, where they performed mostly country and classic rock covers. For such a young band, they definitely had a spark and some good word of mouth going. But it wasn’t until St. Patrick’s Day if 2012 that I really witnessed the band in action. Hitting the B Ryder’s stage in front of a packed house of sweaty, rowdy fans — including a sizable number of screaming females — the band blazed through a mix of coun-

PHOTO BY MICHAEL LEWIS

Bakersfield country band Truxton Mile — from left: Taylor Unruh, Ryan Coulter and Alec Olivieri — celebrate the release of their new CD at Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace tonight.

try originals and crowd-pleasing rockers. Getting to know the group over time, I’ve become even more impressed with their heartfelt attitudes and positive demeanor toward hard work. “We were really green back then,” Coulter said of the group’s first appearances. Over the years, I’ve kept in touch with the group, hearing stories about their life-altering trip to Nashville, why they changed their name to Truxton Mile, and their lucky breaks opening for country hitmakers like Joe Nichols, Lee Brice and David Nail. Theirs is a familiar story: A group of kids form a band,

become a dive bar sensation, open for big-name touring acts and win the occasional radio talent contest. Truxton Mile have done it, and won it, all. It was the absence of a physical CD that nagged at the band, but it wasn’t for lack of trying on their part. The band began working on their debut in 2010 at a local recording studio, with connections to Nashville. A Music City industry professional was hired to mix the songs. “I remembered getting those track emails back from Nashville, one song a month, being so excited when they’d arrive, and then listening to them and being dis-

Matt Munoz covers the music scene for The Californian. His column appears every Thursday in Eye Street.

appointed,” said Olivieri, 25. “The mixing process took so long. Sometimes we were just sick of everything about it.” Even though the band stayed busy performing, tension among members flared. “Having bad experiences burns you out,” Coulter said. “Those bad experiences help form bad habits.” By the time they’d been given their last track, mounting expenses, including hiring extra studio musicians on pedal steel, fiddle and mandolin, put a serious strain on their finances. Intent on starting over with the original studio tracks in their possession, the bandmates sat down and took notes on what they liked and didn’t like of the CD’s original mix. “You can take a guess on which

list was bigger,” said Coulter. “(The Nashville mix) sounded like an early ’90s country record and not what we are about.” “I’m glad I learned those hard lessons back then,” said Unruh, 24. “It’s tough to be sick of your own songs.” “You don’t want to write new music, because you’re so caught up with what just happened,” added Olivieri. Pondering their future and the completion or disposal of the CD they’d nearly broken themselves investing in, the band decided to follow the advice of guitar instructor and colleague Doug Sikola. Sikola, who had his own list of high-profile studio contacts, suggested the band take their tracks to Southern California-based producer Leslie Chew of Double Rainbow Studios, who’d worked with jazz artists Hiroshima, Todd Rundgren and R&B legend Roberta Flack. Those names couldn’t be farther removed from the Nashville sound but, at that point, the group decided to follow their instincts and hired Chew in February 2012. In order to raise the funds, the band hit the bar circuit, saving every penny. “I remember giving Leslie all the data tracks on a hard drive in February, and it took him all the way until the end of March to finally open the envelope,” recalled Olivieri. “This time we included detailed notes about every song, letting him know exactly what we wanted.” Once again, the band waited patiently for a special delivery, this time from Chew, and over a six-month period, all six tracks arrived for review like they’d just been recorded. Feeling much more confident after their previous experience, Coulter and Olivieri traveled to Chew’s residence for personal delivery of his final mixes. “He told us straight out, ‘Whatever we’re going to fix, we’re Please see LOWDOWN / PAGE 27

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

Thursday, November 21, 2013 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street LOWDOWN CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17

going to fix right now,’” said Coulter. And they did, to completion. “We listened to the mix all the way home, and were blown away,” recalled Olivieri. Following studio mastering by Chew, the group set out to make a splash by burning 100 home copies before a show opening for Craig Morgan at The Ranch in San Miguel late last year. Stepping in to the bass slot was manager Garrett Tuckness, 34, who replaced original bassist Shawn Wynn. Tuckness remains on stage and in the office with the band to this day. Despite a string of good breaks, the band also lost original drummer Ethan Morris this year. Rounding out the group’s new lineup is drummer and multi-percussionist Jonathan Weinmann, 29. The group credits both Wynn and Morris for their work on the recordings. “Everyone in this band has an equal say,” said Unruh. “We talk about everything now.” “From our perspective, we’ve been working on this CD since 2009,” said Coulter. “That equals out to a lot of money. I guess you could say we paid for our education.” Well-packaged, complete with miniposter and lyrics, the disc has a solid

contemporary country and pop feel. Even after the long journey from song to studio, it serves as a primer for a group well on its way to an even brighter future. While all six tracks showcase the band’s strong songwriting abilities and musicianship, standouts include the CD’s title track, “You’re Right” and “Love Like This.” The fans have stuck around throughout it all. More than 300 tickets have been sold already, and a sellout is expected by the time doors open this evening. “We were kind of stressing about that,” said Coulter. “We thought a lot of people may have just given up on us. We’ve been talking about this moment forever and are thankful to everyone who’s been along for the ride.” According to Unruh, tonight’s show will be split into two sets, beginning with a specially home-produced video presentation by Coulter and an onstage storyteller performance segment on the CD’s songs. After a brief intermission, the band will return for a raging party set to closing time. Following the release of “On My Way” at all digital outlets, including iTunes, the group plans to tour with some major representation and backing. But until that meeting of the minds occurs, the group hopes to see a packed house tonight. “We’re gonna show the fans a road map for where we’re going,” said Coulter.

Go & Do Today Garden Pathways Fifth annual Garden Party, reception 6 p.m., dinner and entertainment 6:45 p.m., Bakersfield Marriott Hotel, 801 Truxtun Ave. $75. 633-9133. Truxton Mile, 7 p.m., Buck Owens' Crystal Palace, 2800 Buck Owens Blvd. $10 plus fee. vallitix.com or call 322-5200. “The Elf on the Shelf” Storytime & Adopt an Elf, activities, holiday treats, 6 p.m., Barnes & Noble, 4001 California Ave. Free. 631-2575. Christine’s “Fashionista” Charity Bunco, food, beverages, Brightong prizes, 5:30 to 8 p.m., Christine’s, 4915 Stockdale Highway. $25. 834-3068. Craft Fair, 2 to 6 p.m., Family Community Fellowship, 10700 Brimhall Road. Proceeds benefit Global Family Care Network and the Daughter Project. Email info@myglobalfamily.org or 213-3380.

Friday “Discovery Friday,” games, activities for children, storytimes, giveaways, author signing by Lee Bacon of “Joshua

Dread: The Nameless Hero,” Ducky Dynasty beard photo station, holiday specials, 9 a.m. to 11 p.m., Barnes & Noble, 4001 California Ave. Free to attend. 631-2575. CSUB Jazz Ensemble, 8 p.m., CSUB, Doré Theatre, 9001 Stockdale Highway. $10; $5 seniors; all students with ID are free. Email jscully@csub.edu. FLICS International Cinema Society, presents “The Jewish Cardinal,” 7:30 p.m., Bakersfield Fox Theater, 2001 H St. $5. flics.org or call 428-0354. Grand Opening Celebration, country music, prize giveaways, appetizers, 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday, Whiskey Barrel Saloon, 2816 Calloway Drive, Suite 101. Free. 213-3588.

Saturday “After Dark” Gala Fundraiser, entertainment, silent auction, hors d’oeuvres, wine, 6 to 9 p.m., Buena Vista Museum of Natural History, 2018 Chester Ave. $40 members; $50 nonmembers. Proceeds benefit the Museum. 324-6350. Bakersfield Uncorked! Wine

Fest, live and silent auction, 6 to 10 p.m., Kern County Fairgrounds, 1142 S. P St. $75. Visit juniorleagueofbakersfield.org or 322-1671. Sixth annual Turkey Trot, 1K, 5K, 10K, 8 a.m., Yokuts Park, 4200 Empire Drive. $30 adults registration; $25 for ages 17 and under. Visit bakhc.org or 322-9199. Bakersfield Youth Disc Golf Tournament, 3 divisions, open to kids 13 and under, bounce house, prizes, awards, registration 9 a.m., begins 10 a.m., San Lauren Park, 4100 Mohawk St., on the southwest corner of Krebs Road. $7 per participant. Email oakleyfreak@gmail.com or 378-6214. Book signing, author Mark A. Bingaman of “Vanished in Broad Daylight,” 1 p.m., Señor Pepe Restaurant, 8450 Granite Falls Drive. Free. Visit vanishedinbroaddaylight.com. Chamber Music Fall Concert, 7:30 p.m., CSUB, Doré Theatre, 9001 Stockdale Highway. $10; $5 students and seniors; CSUB students with ID are free. Email jhaney@csub.edu. Please see GO & D0 / 28

Eye Stre reet

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2013

Editor: Jennifer Self • Phone: 395-7434 • Email: jself@bakersfield.com

Camille Gavin CONTRIBUTING COLUMNIST

COURTESY GASLIGHT MELODRAMA

Jay Stodder, as Santa Claus, stars in the Gaslight Melodrama’s “How The Elves Saved Christmas.”

Gaslight relies on elf-help for holiday show

ow that Thanksgiving Day is here and everyone — at least I hope it’s everyone — is ready to enjoy a splendid turkey dinner, it’s time to start planning for Christmas. And the folks at Gaslight Melodrama are wasting no time getting in the spirit with their annual holiday show. This year’s edition, “How the Elves Saved Christmas,” opens on Friday and continues on weekends through Dec. Coming next 23. Thursday I tend to think of elves as child-size but writerGaslight Melodirector Michael Prince drama isn’t the tells me those specific only theater roles are being played featuring a holiday show. Get either by young adults or the full rundown actors in their late teens. next week in “But, really,” he added, Eye Street. “elves are ageless.” A make-believe Bakersfield radio station is the setting for the story. It’s Christmas Eve and for reasons Prince didn’t explain, the traditional holiday broadcast may not air because the station is being shut down. I asked him what part Santa Claus plays in preventing the catastrophe, but Prince wouldn’t reveal any secrets. “Our good friend Santa does interact with the audience, but I certainly wouldn't want to give any of the fun away,” Prince said. “Let’s just say there will be some very lucky Please see GAVIN / D2

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

Matt Munoz CONTRIBUTING COLUMNIST

Hot releases for the music lovers on list When it comes to picking the right gifts for my nearest and dearest, I can be a bit of a slouch. I’m definitely not into shopping the day after Thanksgiving. I normally settle for scooping up gift cards I grab while standing in line at Rite Aid. Embarrassing, yes, but I know for a fact I’m not alone. To help you avoid the gift card trap, here’s a list of hip gift suggestions as you head into this weekend’s shopping madness.

Billie Joe Armstrong and Norah Jones, “Foreverly” What happens when the lead singer of pop punk trio Green Day and Grammy-winning singer Norah Jones meet in the studio? Absolute brilliance, that’s what. I had originally planned to start my list differently, but after listening to “Foreverly,” the brand new CD featuring Billie Joe Armstrong and Jones, the brakes were pulled. This was one of those CDs that sneaked up on me, a standout from the new releases that come flooding in as the holidays near. Upon further investigation, I Please see MUNOZ / D4

Matt Munoz covers the music scene for The Californian. His column appears every Thursday in Eye Street.

PHOTO COURTESY OF CAROL ROSEGG

The cast of “The Addams Family,” a touring version of the Broadway musical that will play at the Rabobank on Monday.

Familiar face heads this ‘Addams Family’ Touring musical rolls into town Monday with local actor starring as patriarch BY SUSAN SCAFFIDI Contributing writer

f you catch the Bakersfield performance of the touring musical “The Addams Family,” you may notice the guy playing Gomez looks familiar, and not just because of the iconic character’s slick-backed hair, debonaire mustache and dapper suit. Actor Jesse Easley, ‘The Addams who studied theater Family’ at Bakersfield High, When: 7:30 grew up in Frazier p.m. Monday Park. Now working Where: under the professionRabobank Theal surname of Sharp, ater, 1001 he landed the role of Truxtun Ave. the Addams patriarch in the Broadway take Admission: on the television $35-$55 series and feature Information: film that were themrabobankareselves based on a carna.com or 852toon drawn by 7308. humorist Charles Addams as a satire of the “typical” American family. “It’s such a funny show and the audience reaction gives you a lot of energy,” said Sharp, who has been touring with the production for a year. “There are a lot of opportunities to play off the audience.” Sharp’s knack for thinking on his feet

Actor Jesse Sharp, originally from Bakersfield, plays Gomez Addams.

first emerged while a student in BHS’ legendary theater department and was further developed in Los Angeles while working with improvisation groups like The Groundlings after he finished college, ultimately earning a master of fine arts from UC Irvine. He’s done commercials and guest spots on TV series, work he credits to the skills he honed during his first acting experiences at El Tejon School in Lebec. “They had a really strong theater com-

munity up there. My first role, I got to play Peter Pan. I loved it.” Sharp’s latest role is no less iconic. “The Addams Family” is a generations-old franchise, first as a series of cartoons, then, in the 1960s, as a loopy TV series starring John Astin and Carolyn Jones. A film version starring Raul Julia and Angelica Huston hit the screens in 1991, and in 2010, a hit musical, starring Nathan Lane and Bebe Neuwirth, premiered. Though Sharp was well-acquainted with the work of Astin and Julia, he has assiduously avoided seeing Lane’s rendition, afraid the actor’s scene-stealing performance might be tempting to mimic. “From Raul Julia’s performance, I got the accent and the Latin lover. From John Astin, I got Gomez’s goofiness.” Though the actor said he visits often and keeps in touch with his Bakersfield roots, he felt his career needed the nudge a name change might provide, so he dropped his family moniker and took on the name Sharp three years ago. “My dad’s biological father’s name was Sharp,” he said. “He found that out when he was a teenager. “Sharp is a good name for an actor.” His ultimate ambition is to be a film actor, but he has six months left on his “Addams Family” tour. He said he’s had a great time and, more than that, the tour has changed his life. “I met my girlfriend, Lexie Dorsett, who is also in the show. We got engaged.” Sharp said he and Dorsett will be back in New York in June to pursue careers in musical theater. “It’s going to be great,” Sharp said.

Pioneer Village turns holi-day into a month BY KELLY ARDIS Contributing writer

With its historical collections and vintage buildings, Kern County Museum is home to a multitude of memories already, but the man who runs the place is hoping to make many more this holiday season with an event celebrating Christmas past. In what executive director Roger Perez believes is a first, the museum is expanding its annual one-day holiday event into a weeks-long extravaganza that will feature ice skating, sledding, lights, hayrides, period carolers and more, spread out around the grounds at Pioneer Village. “The main comment we heard back (in 2012) was that many people wanted to go but didn’t make it out that day,” said Perez, who was hired to run the museum last year, just weeks before the holiday season. “We wanted to figure out a way to make Christmas here bigger. This year we were able to accommodate what people wanted and give them more. There’s the lamplight tour and so much more.” The event will open Friday

HENRY A. BARRIOS / THE CALIFORNIAN

The Lopez-Hill House at the Kern County Museum is decorated with lights for a monthlong Christmas attraction. Hayrides, light shows, carolers and more will add to the holiday cheer.

and continue until Jan. 4. In addition to the traditional lamplight tour — the focus of previous holiday events — there will be four light shows, including one on a hayride and the animated Christmas tree set to music. The 40-foot tree, decked out in more than 100,000 lights, will act as a beacon in the night, drawing in those looking for holiday fun.

There also will be carolers in 1800s period costumes roaming the grounds, and museum docents will guide groups on tours. The museum has the unique opportunity to not only entertain but educate, Perez said. “Here, we can look into Christmas past and explore history through holiday eyes,” he said.

Christmas Town, as the new event is called, comes just weeks after the conclusion of a similar event that centered on Halloween. For the new project, Perez is continuing his partnership with Mike Wilbur, whose company transferred longtime haunted attraction Talladega Frights to the museum and introduced a familyPlease see MUSEUM / D5

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, November 28, 2013

MUNOZ: Don’t miss rare sale on Criterion releases this month CONTINUED FROM D1

discovered this wasn’t Norah Jones singing Green Day’s “American Idiot” as a ballad or Armstrong singing “Don’t Know Why” in punk form. In fact, had that been listed on the sleeve, I would have tossed it out the window. What I stumbled across is something truly special: “Foreverly” is actually a complete reinterpretation of “Songs Our Daddy Taught Us,” an album of Americana classics and covers recorded by the Everly Brothers in 1958. As odd as it sounds, the harmonious blend of both voices fit like a glove. Opening with “Roving Gambler,” Jones and Armstrong evoke the sweetness of the Everlys’ original with some modern updates. However, the Everlys’ roots are not lost in translation. After all, with a name like “Foreverly,” it had better show fidelity to the source — and be good. As it turns out, every track is: “Long Time Gone,” “Lightning Express,” “Silver Haired Daddy Of Mine, ” “Down in the Willow Garden,” “Who's Gonna Shoe Your Pretty Little Feet,” “Oh So Many Years,” “Barbara Allen,” “Rockin’ Alone (in an Old Rockin’ Chair),” “I'm Here to Get My Baby Out Of Jail,” “Kentucky” and “Put My Little Shoes Away.” The Everlys’ decision to release these particular songs was considered, at the time, to be a pretty risky career move, considering the state of rock and roll in 1958. But it was well-received and is considered ahead of its time by many of today’s music critics, given the current popularity of roots-oriented music.

Coachella-inspired gifts The Coachella Music and Arts Festival may be five months away, but fans can usually take bets as to who will be in the lineup by the timing of new releases from both previously featured artists and new artists hovering for a spot. In addition to the rumored appearances of two big names — the elusive Pixies, who have an album due in the new year, and a

reunited Outkast — the following latest releases are a good indicator of what to expect. Arcade Fire “Reflektor”: Though described as much more of a “dance album,” “Reflektor” leans more toward Talking Heads than Daft Punk. Not to say Arcade Fire doesn’t have a sense of groove — they do — especially when collaborating with uber-fan David Bowie. Choice tracks: “Reflektor,” “It’s Never Over,” “Afterlife.” Kings of Leon “Mechanical Bull”: The brothers Followill make a good, if not great, effort to bring the band back from the brink of overkill radio play. Still arena-polished on record, they also reach back to the grit of the early stuff, like the jagged “Youth and Manhood” and “Aha Shake Heartbreak” eras that taught kids it was OK again to grow facial hair and rock out in corduroy. Choice tracks: “Supersoaker,” “Temple,” “Comeback Story.” Vampire Weekend “Modern Vampires of the City”: Although not the first band of New York preps to bring afrobeat to the masses, Vampire Weekend made it almost too cool not to like. Worldbeat music fans will be drawn to the group’s musical conversations, but for those into lyrics, “Modern Vampires of the City” is haunting, cryptic and memorable. Like the latest from Arcade Fire, Vampire Weekend has succeeded in evolving without abandoning its roots, making “Modern Vampires” a front-runner for best album of 2013. Choice tracks: “Unbelievers,” “Step,” “Ya Hey.” Cults “Static”: Another triumph from the East Coast. An homage to ’60s girl group pop and psychedelic surf, these heroes of the indie world have retained their street cred after jumping ship to the majors two years ago. The production sounds like something pulled from the Phil Spector Wall of Sound cookbook. It’s a suitable combination suited for Madeline Follin’s sunny vocals and Brian Oblivion’s slow strum-and-pick guitar

STARTS TOMORROW!

PHOTO COURTESY OF REPRISE RECORDS

Pop roots artists Norah Jones and Green Day frontman Billie Joe Armstrong team up on “Foreverly,” a reinterpretation of the 1958 album “Songs Our Daddy Taught Us” by The Everly Brothers.

style. My favorite new band discovery this year. Choice tracks: “Always Forever,” “High Road,” “We’ve Got It.”

For the super fan I’ve grown to love the Frank Sinatra “Duets” albums over the years (remember Phil Hartman’s send-up on “Saturday Night Live”?) Originally released as single discs in 1993 and ’94, both have been remastered and boxed up to celebrate their 20th anniversary. Looking at the track list, there are some obvious standouts: Barbra Streisand, Tony Bennett, etc. But it’s the not-soobvious pairings that provide the biggest kick in the head: U2’s Bono on “I’ve Got You Under My Skin” and “Luck Be a Lady” with Chrissie Hynde of the Pretenders? They’re all here in their kitschy crystal-clear sound, along with some rarities exclusive to this release: “Embraceable You” with country diva Tanya Tucker, plus “Fly Me to the Moon” with George Strait and two versions of “My Way,” one recorded with Luciano Pavarotti and the other with Willie Nelson.

The Clash “Sound System” I’ve had conversations with young musicians who, sadly, only know of The Clash’s two biggest hits: “Should I Stay or Should I

DECEMBER 3RD

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Go?” and “Rock the Casbah.” If you’re of this under35 set, consider this pick recommended homework for the next 10 years of your life: “Sound System,” a massive, comprehensive set, featuring five of the six studio albums these mash-up pioneers of punk, reggae, dub and hip-hop released between 1977 and 1982 (their final record, “Cut the Crap,” was omitted because it was crap). The full project was overseen in the studio by guitarist Mick Jones and has plenty of bonus discs with demos, remixes, videos, live footage and more. A highly recommended gift, especially for young musicians who thought Sublime was the first to bridge reggae with punk.

Cult Criterion Considered by many the quintessential comedy sci-fi cult film of the ’80s, “Repo Man” finally gets its proper due with a complete Criterion overhaul after angering fans who pointed out the shortcomings of the 2005 DVD release. The film stars Harry Dean Stanton and Emilio Estevez as Otto, a punk rebel who gets talked into making quick money as a car repossession agent. Within a matter of days, Estevez encounters everything from gangsters and a Chevy Malibu inhabited by aliens, and finds himself in the middle of a holdup and other adventures all over Los Angeles. “Repo Man” is a time capsule from the Reagan era, while remaining a timeless rite of passage for teens. Plenty of extras, cool packaging with new art and interviews with singer Iggy Pop and Keith Morris, director Alan Cox and others. As with all Criterion releases, the original film has been digitally restored and transferred with improved sound for DVD and Blu-ray editions. The soundtrack to the film (sold separately) features punk rock bands of the time: Black Flag, Circle Jerks, Fear, The Plugz and Suicidal Tendencies. A little insider info: Criterion releases rarely go on sale, but according to the Criterion website, criterion.com, all titles are being sold for 50 percent off at Barnes & Noble through

PHOTO BY FAUSTO GONZALEZ

Nyceria, from top left: Matt House, AdamCrowell, Alex Pennock, Aaron Crowell.

the end of November. Go now.

Matt’s Picks Nyceria and Sans Hope at Riley’s, 1523 19th St., Friday, 9 p.m., free. The last time I checked in with local heavy rock quintet Nyceria, they were riding high following the release of their 2011 music video, “Scathe.” It was dark, slick and well-received by fans online. The band continues performing regularly throughout California, especially in those cities where heavy metal scenes thrive. It will be interesting to see what the band has going on live today. Also appearing are local post-hardcore outfit Sans Hope. The Mothership Funksgiving at Sandrini’s, 1918 Eye St., Saturday, 9:30 p.m., $5, 322-8900. Continuing its mission to help local DJs from going astray, the monthly Mothership gathering of vinyl junkies and Serato scratchers is still one of the best dance parties in

downtown. The grassroots vibe still resonates every month with a mixed crowd of hardcore hip-hop heads and coffeehouse hipsters bobbing their heads. Attendees are served up everything from underground rap to rare grooves. This month’s special guests are KSVG deejays Mama Lynn & Healing Properties, Mr. Groove, the Funk Freaks crew and more. Highly recommended. Glam Cobra at B Ryder's, 7401 White Lane, Saturday, 9 p.m., $5, 3977304. The popular ’80s hair metal tribute Glam Cobra are equipped to spew forth every monster ballad and devil-horned anthem you can imagine. Sporting overthe-top outfits, groovy wigs and shockingly form-fitting Spandex, they’re a beautiful mess of everything you loved about that memorable blink in music history. These kooky cats can play, too, so request some Europe, Motley Crue or Bon Jovi and get ready to bang your head into oblivion.

PHOTO COURTESY OF UNIVERSAL PICTURES

The 1984 sci-fi comedy cult film “Repo Man” has been digitally restored and repackaged through the Criterion Collection. Pictured from left are Emilio Estevez and Harry Dean Stanton.

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The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, December 5, 2013

Eye Street The Lowdown with Matt Munoz

Resurgent Crowes land at Fox

Never ones to follow trends, band sticks to what works

opular music at the tail end of the ’80s may not have been entirely ready for the Black Crowes retro heaviness. Neither gangster rappers nor glam rockers, the band’s Stones/Faces-influenced blues psychedelia was filled with reminders of a bygone era lingering mostly among revivalists and tie-dyed Deadheads, not the MTV generation. But even as musical tastes changed, these long-haired wild-eyed Southern boys held firm to their original rock ’n’ roll beliefs, building a global nest of fiercely loyal fans who, after more than 25 years, continue to follow the group everywhere. Fronted by brothers Chris Robinson on vocals and guitarist Rich Robinson, the Black Crowes return to the Fox Theater on Tuesday as part of the band’s yearlong “Lay Down With Number 13” world tour, which comes to an end this month. Longtime drummer Steve Gorman took a few minutes for a phone interview recently to try and explain the band’s enduring appeal. “If you’re a Black Crowes fan, you like our music, you don’t like our haircuts, our political statements, you love the music,” said Gorman, 48. “The one thing people want from us more than anything else is access to that music. We figure ways to give it to them.” While most of band’s discography is still available in stores and on major digital outlets, the Black Crowes have made new music readily available directly through their official website, blackcrowes.com. “We don’t know how websites work; no one in the band is writing code, but we do know how to say to people, ‘Make sure every show shows up as soon as possible, and anything people want should be found easily.’” It’s impossi-

PHOTO BY ROSS HALFIN

Chris Robinson of the Black Crowes performs in Gulf Shores, Ala., in May. The band’s Fox Theater appearance is one of the last on their current tour.

The Black Crowes When: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday Where: Fox Theater, 2001 H St. Admission: $43.50 to $83.50, plus service charge Information: 324-1369 or vallitix.com

ble to find a proper starting point at which to detail the group’s ride from pre-grunge hippies to tech-savvy rock institution. In Gorman’s mind, not much has changed since the release of their debut album, “Shake Your Money Maker,” in 1990, shortly after they changed their name from Mr. Crowe’s Garden to the Black Crowes. “We didn’t think popular music had anything to do with us,” Gorman said. “When we were making that record in the summer of ’89 and we turned on MTV, all we saw was Skid Row, Poison and Slaughter. And then NWA’s ‘Straight Outta Compton’ was out. I totally see why some people would say we had a ’70s sound, but I can tell you our mindset was very ’80s, and by ’80s I

Matt Munoz covers the music scene for The Californian. His column appears every Thursday in Eye Street.

mean The Replacements, who were more of a model than anybody else.” Although the success of “Shake Your Money Maker” was seen as an anomaly at the time, that view wouldn’t last. The group’s crossover appeal to rock and college radio formats, plus MTV play, made them early indie innovators. “I remember us saying in the studio, ‘If we sell 50,000 copies, then maybe they’ll let us make another record. And if we sell 100,000, they have to let us make another one.’ We didn’t understand anything about how the music industry worked, and that was very much in our favor, because we weren’t concerning ourselves with it. We were surprised that once the record was being readied for release that the distributor of our small record label, Def American, was committed to get us on rock radio. We thought it was kind of a joke.” Following the success of the singles “She Talks to Angels” and “Hard to Handle,” an Otis Redding cover, the band managed to avoid the sophomore slump with their follow-up album, “The Southern Harmony and Musical Companion,” which spawned the hits “Remedy” and “Sting Me.” But even more than their recording successes, the Black Crowes have proved over

the course of their career that they know how to put on a show, both in the band’s musicianship and the swagger of naturalborn showman Chris Robinson, with his lanky Jagger-like moves and wailing soul pipes. But as the band would soon discover, with fame comes tabloid scrutiny — over Chris Robinson’s marriage to and subsequent divorce from actress Kate Hudson, and reports that the Robinson brothers couldn’t stand each other. “That’s a story that people find really interesting, but it’s actually pretty (expletive) in real-life. It’s not cool, because it can get in the way of the band and you’re talking about siblings. It’s just sad that two brothers are fighting. We talked about it, but it was never anything we wanted to play up. In any band, there’s arguing, and there’s not getting along with each other, and there have been issues with other members of the band getting at each other’s throats. It’s just nowhere as compelling as when it’s brothers.” After going on hiatus for a few years, the band reunited in 2005. In addition to the Robinson brothers and Gorman, there’s been a revolving lineup of players. Rounding out the Black Crowes current lineup is Sven Pipien, bass; Adam MacDougall, keyboards; and Jackie Greene, guitar. “It’s a nice change of pace now, this year, and I mean this sincerely, there has not been one argument, no disagreements,” Gorman said. “And that goes for everyone. We get along better and function, when the focus is playing music.” With nine studio albums, four live albums, and the ongoing release of authorized and unauthorized recordings, Gorman said the band’s songwriting hasn’t slowed, nor has its desire to change its the focus. “My band has never concerned itself with what’s going on now. When you’re 23 and, say that you sound like a snotty punk and I get it, but 23 years on, we’re still doing things the way we always did. So, it is just how we are, and I don’t mean to be dismissive of other artists who are successful, I just don’t care. If something’s good, and number one right now, in another 15 years it should still be good and I’ll get around to it when I get around to it.” Asked about the future of the Black Crowes, Gorman said while he can’t make Please see LOWDOWN / PAGE 27

Saturday February 22ND On Sale Tomorrow!

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Thursday, December 5, 2013 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street ARTS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 25

as Christmas music by William Bates, Jean Langlais and Michael Burkhardt. The recitals are free but those who wish to can bring a gift of non-perishable food items.

Art Center’s 2014 calendar Even though winners of the many silent auction items being offered by the Bakersfield Art Association won’t be announced until Saturday at their Christmas Open House Party, you can make a bid today and Friday. I recently previewed the offerings at the Art Center — it serves as the BAA headquarters as well as an art gallery — and was impressed with the variety of contents in each of the attractively wrapped baskets. There’s everything from a selection of fine wines, passes to local theaters, gift certificates for Dewar’s and Smith’s Bakeries to art supplies and doggy treats plus grooming items for canines. One amusing but utilitarian gift is a 36inch metal shelf shaped like a dachshund complete with a floppy red tongue and a curlicue tail that wiggles. The donor is Alpha Canine Sanctuary and though it’s called a shelf, it has little feet that put it several inches off the floor so it could also be used as footrest. Whatever the use, it’s definitely a conversation piece. Also in the silent auction are signup sheets for lessons of various kinds from about 10 member artists. Of course the entire gallery is filled with

LOWDOWN CONTINUED FROM PAGE 24

any predictions, fans should plan on catching them live while they can. “The band’s not going to end this year, but we don’t have a plan for how it’s going

artwork by various artists as well as pottery, wood carvings, hand-woven baskets, jewelry and individual hand-painted notecards. A highlight on Saturday will be a drawing for two high-value items, said BAA member Stella Mullins. Tickets sell for $1 each. “One is a portrait of your pet by Patti Doolittle — that’s worth $400,” Mullins said. “And we have a getaway to the Rankin Ranch; it’s a dude ranch up in the mountains with horseback riding and everything; it’s a $300 value.” A non-auction item that caught my eye is the BAA 2014 calendar. On its cover is Elleta Abuliel’s gorgeous painting of Kern County’s famous wildflowers cascading down a hillside. On the inside are paintings done by 12 local artists — one for each month of the year. Among those I especially liked are Kathy Schilling’s “Fox Theater on 20th Street,” a well-done collage incorporating various elements and certainly the most creative rendition of the theater I’ve ever seen; “The Original Clock Tower” by Gary Knerr, an impressionist painting of the historic tower on a rainy day prior to the 1952 earthquake that caused its demolition; and Cindy Stiles’ “Arvin Winter Vines,” depicting row upon row of leafless, neatly tied grapevines in the foreground with Bear Mountain looming in the background. I see the calendar as a unique gift for out-of-town friends and family, one that shows many of the scenes our county is known for. It sells for $15 and is also available at Russo’s Books in The Marketplace.

to continue. We’re not going to do anything next year. The end of the tour in 2010 we decided to take a few years off, and I would have bet 50-50 we would come back or just go away forever. I don’t feel that this time. I think that there’s a huge future for the Black Crowes; we just haven’t figured out what it is yet.”

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The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, December 12, 2013

Eye Street The Lowdown with Matt Munoz

Meet fire-breathers of Dragon Punk-funk group promises wild show

hen SoCal punk-funk outfit Year of the Dragon chooses to make a musical point, they always take it to the stage. Rising from the depths of the California underground with a mix of heavy funk and metal, the quintet bring their freaky firestorm to Riley’s Tavern Friday night. You’ll be hard pressed to find a wilder show. Fronted by vocalists Roderick Palmer and Walter Adam Kibby II, a founding member of iconic Los Angeles alt rockers Fishbone — a group that defied musical classification — Year of the Dragon, too, prides itself on being wholly original. “If you’re coming to see something Fishbone-related, you may be like, ‘I don’t know.’ But the live show we have is something we do have in common,” said Palmer during a recent phone interview. “We come out and play with maximum intensity.” When Kibby abruptly left Fishbone in 2006, he was intent on joining forces with another artist with a similar no-limit approach to art. Kibby, who also uses the stage name “Dirty Walt,” found that kindred spirit in Palmer, a longtime associate he’d known since Fishbone’s formative high school years. “We weren’t trying to be the second coming of Fishbone,” said Palmer. “Only they could throw together all those styles and get away with it. No other group has managed to do it successfully like that. No matter if you have an original member or not, you’re never going to be able to do it again the way they did. So we said, ‘Let’s find our groove and go from there.’” Joining the duo was temporary Fishbone guitarist Tracey “Spacey T” Singleton, who left the group with Kibby to help form the first incarnation of what would become Year of the Dragon. Working to develop a unique sound built on their range of influences, the trio entered the

PHOTO BY STEPHEN KRCMAR

Tickets are currently on sale for a show featuring popular reggae act Pepper at B Ryder’s Jan. 18. PHOTO BY WALTER ADAM KIBBY III

Year of the Dragon appears Friday at Riley’s Tavern. Pictured above from left is Roderick Palmer and Walter Adam Kibby II.

studio to find out what would happen. “We had really good chemistry; we were both born in the Year of the Dragon, and our birthdays are just a few days apart,” Palmer said. “That helped us decide to go with the name.” The result of their first studio venture was an EP titled, “A Time to Love is a Time to Bleed,” which made just enough noise with Kibby’s Fishbone fan base to build momentum. Soon the band would develop into a full-time operation with a revolving cast of backing musicians. “This band has definitely evolved,” said Kibby. “Our first record we had a lot of experimental funky sounds. You hear us today and it’s a little rougher, a little harder, guitar-oriented, with a little more angst, the way I like it.” A blend of hardcore rock with a funk groove and soulful tag team vocals, the band is a reminder of the black rock explosion of the late 1980s, when African-American artists such as Living Colour, 24/7 Spyz, Body Count, Fishbone, and Lenny Kravitz were breaking down racial barriers in rock music. Blazing with energy and razor-sharp guitars, they shook up the music industry the same way Jimi Hendrix had 30 years earlier. “There’s a few groups still around today, but a lot of them are in the underground, and not where you can catch ’em easily,” said Kibby of the notable absence of African-American rock artists on major labels.

Fishbone, signed to Columbia/Sony from 1983 to 1995, enjoyed success on the college radio and festival circuit but never managed to outgrow their cult-band status. Kibby rejoined Fishbone full time in 2010. “I like doing a lot of different things, because I like to expand what I like to do musically. I’m really deep into that George Clinton, P-Funk flavor. I’m also into deep, angry music, and whatever moves my soul in a funky way,” he added. “Walt is one of the friendliest guys in the group — he’ll talk to anybody,” said Palmer of his bandmate. “You wouldn’t even know his accomplishments. When we opened for the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Flea saw Walt, he ran up to him like he’s his brother. The love he gets is like that of an innovator.” Year of the Dragon have since added two full-length releases to their discography, including “Blunt Force Karma” and their latest CD, “Five Fingers of Death,” produced by Circle Jerks/Bad Religion guitarist Greg Hetson. On record, the band shreds as much as it grooves. Their influences are clear: early Funkadelic, various degrees of metal guitar riffing that at times teeters towards a nu metal rap-rock style, but thankfully more 24/7 Spyz than Limp Bizkit, and without a wasted ounce of soul in the mix. “It’s cool when people come to see us and they have no idea who we are," Palmer said. "We usually just blow them away. Walt is coming from one of the most hard-

Matt Munoz covers the music scene for The Californian. His column appears every Thursday in Eye Street.

core live bands of all time from any genre, so when we get on stage it’s our duty to tear it up. Bakersfield can expect a loud, high-energy show." Joining Palmer and Kibby onstage is bassist Latif “T-Bone” Van Lowe, guitarist Marc Rey, and drummer Kerim Imes. Friday’s show kicks off at 9 p.m. Also appearing is Bakersfield band Crooked Folk. Admission is free. Riley’s Tavern is located at 1523 19th St. For more information, visit facebook.com/YOTD12.

Pepper coming to Bako Fans of reggae rock trio Pepper should take note: Tickets to the band’s Jan. 18 show at B Ryder’s are now available through ticketweb.com for $23, plus service charge. Although the show isn’t being advertised much, it’s guaranteed to be a sell-out. Bakersfield is notorious for last-minute ticket buying, so I suggest you do not wait. Once you get your tickets, you can laugh at everyone begging to buy anything available after it sells out. The band’s latest selftitled CD is available now, and although it is more pop-oriented than their earlier reggae-heavy releases, it should be enough to satisfy their backyard-party-scene fan base. B Ryder’s is located at 7401 White Lane. 397-7304 or visit numbskullshows.com.

Matt’s picks Club Heresy 2nd Anniversary at Replay Lounge, 4500 Buck Owens Blvd., 10 p.m. Saturday, 18 and up, $10. This monthly gathering for fans of all things alternative caters to those who dare to dance on the wildly darker side of life. Since making a successful move from downtown to the glitzy new location, fans of the popular gothicthemed dance and fetish night are about to celebrate another

PHOTO COURTESY OF CHRIST VS WARHOL

Los Angeles death rock band Christ Vs Warhol will perform at Club Heresy on Saturday.

milestone with a big second anniversary party. The club’s floor plan features an ample dance and lounging area, two rooms of music with dance floors featuring guest go-go dancers, deejays spinning the best of dark wave, industrial, punk and more, all against a multimedia explosion of surreal screen projections. Appearing live are Los Angeles death rock quartet Christ Vs Warhol, KSVG deejays Princess Darkness, Squab, featured fetish artist DivNotDead and more. No cameras allowed, for fear of frightening the children of the night. WMDs at J&M’s, 10801 Rosedale Highway, 9 p.m. Saturday, free, 589-3042. You can bet when a particular group of local bands have the night off that Bako supergroup the WMDs will join forces for an evening of blues rockin’ and riffs at some area watering hole. Showcasing the combined talents of guitarist Dustin “Catfish” Meridith, bassist Gary Rink, drummer Cesareo Garasa and multi-instrumentalist Paul Cartwright, WMDs shows are unpredictable evenings of improvisation, technical finesse, complete with continuous “heck yeah” shot rounds sent to the band.

Thursday, December 19, 2013 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street The Lowdown with Matt Munoz

Back from school, ready to perform Local musician trained in Boston

chool is out for Isaiah Morfin, which means his journey into the real world is just beginning. Feeling confident about life after completing his studies at the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston in May, the multi-talented saxophonist and songwriter is eager to head into the next chapter. His suit pressed, saxophone shined, and sheet music in order, Morfin invites Bakersfield to celebrate the holidays in a funky way at a special Christmas-themed concert tonight at Le Corusse Rouge. “I’m really excited, because it’s not the same Christmas songs you’re used to hearing,” said Morfin, 24, of his latest show, featuring a new batch of original compositions written just for the occasion. “When I started writing for this, I wanted people to have a break from the Christmas overload from radio and in the department stores.” I’ve been following Morfin’s travels in the Bakersfield music scene going back to his early days, when the young musician could be found making impromptu appearances at various public events, before

Isaiah Morfin concert When: 7 tonight Where: Le Corusse Rouge, 4647 White Lane Admission: $10 (all ages admitted) Information: 834-1611

finding his legs within the scholastic and collegiate music scenes. He eventually found his way to the Bakersfield Jazz Festival, where he could be seen and heard both as a student and featured artist. Entering the Berklee College of Music in 2009, Morfin became another face in the crowd away from the local spotlight, allowing him to study and perform without distraction. “The Boston scene is filled with college students and a lot of bands, but very few of them are making a substantial living. It’s oversaturated. You have the conservatory down the street and the college. “The main thing about Berklee is that a lot of people don’t even graduate, it’s all about the experience. So many musicians are actors and artists. The arts are really valued on the East Coast. You become more in tune with the arts just being there.” But Morfin said he always made regular trips to visit family during summer and for Christmas to enjoy the comforts of home. “Each time you go back (to school), you have something different to say. The first time I went back I wanted to quit, the second

time I learned something, third time I learned the most, the fourth time I was over going to school.”

Professional curriculum Morfin described the Berklee curriculum as perfectly tailored to his major: professional music. His instructors included a number of well-known professional artists who worked part time on campus, including Livingston Taylor, brother of iconic singersongwriter James Taylor. “He’s such a passionate guy. He says everything from the heart. It’s really great to have those teachers who understand the musician life. All of my teachers made sure I got everything: every sax genre, style and whatever will work for a particular gig.” Then there was the day funk legend George Clinton stopped by his Biographies in Black (Music, Lives, and Meanings) class one afternoon for a special lecture. “We watched a video on his life, and he came into to talk about it. He worked with the Red Hot Chili Peppers, so now I know why they’re so funky. The lessons I got from him happened watching him perform. At times Parliament-Funkadelic had so much money they bought the full-sized spaceship for the show and touring. Then the other time he was in debt to his band and they split up. It was interesting how he got back onto his feet. I love hearing stories like that where people can bounce back.” Clinton’s appearance was one of many standout moments for Morfin, who said that funk and

Matt Munoz covers the music scene for The Californian. His column appears every Thursday in Eye Street.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ISAIAH MORFIN

Bakersfield saxophonist Isaiah Morfin will perform at Le Corusse Rouge tonight.

neo-soul sounds appealed most to his fellow young musicians, who seem to be turning away from jazz. “There’s a divide in the jazz world. The younger guys are getting away from the early stuff. That’s the culture. Swing music is slowly fading because it hasn’t been around for a while. I still love that stuff but the thing is, if you’re going to play something, you have to live it. Like Charlie Parker said, ‘If you’re going to play jazz, you have to live it.’ Even Miles Davis used to say musicians don’t play jazz with that kind of conviction anymore. The Boston musicians play the neo soul and R&B with conviction, because that’s what they know.”

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Back home Following graduation in May, Morfin packed his bags for the return home. “It was weird not being around that space of life anymore. Anything you wanna do, as far as nightlife, gigging or hanging out with friends, there’s so many kids your age; it’s weird adjusting to that. That’s the great thing about Boston. On the other hand, I also don’t live in that box anymore.” Since returning, Morfin has picked up teaching jobs along the way and gigged at area restaurants. “I’m teaching a few high school students. I also have some saxoPlease see MORFIN / PAGE 24

Saturday February 22ND

ON SALE NOW! JANUARY 26TH 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

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, December 19, 2013

Eye Street

FELIX ADAMO / THE CALIFORNIAN

Sandrini’s Italian & Basque Restaurant owner Brian Sandrini, left, pours a shot of whiskey for Natalie Thompson, right, as general manager Ken Dandy looks on.

Ultimately, what Dandy and the Sandrini’s staff have created here is a Sunday CONTINUED FROM PAGE 18 morning scene, not necesBloody Mary (although sarily for the die-hard sports Dandy’s has plenty of kick to fans but for the 20- to 30it) or a mimosa, you may somethings looking to consider trying a piping hot brunch — a word no longer pot of Bakersfield coffee relegated to the after-church ($15), which is mixed with a or the ladies-who crowds. number of liquors and This scene is not only liqueurs. uniquely Bakersfield, but The Manmosa ($3) is a uniquely downtown. sweaty golden bottle of My only complaint? SunMiller Highlife (the “chamday Funday (and the many pagne of beers”), topped off hangovers it undoubtedly with just enough orange creates) only makes returnjuice to make you feel semiing to the world of hard appropriate drinking it first work and Mondays all the thing in the morning. more unappealing.

SANDRINI’S

MORFIN CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19

phone students, but trying to get some more. It’s definitely great to have familiar faces and support in the audience.” Writing has also become a focus, a passion that inspired this evening’s show. “I put together 11 new songs, all originals with themes: the meaning of Christmas and getting to the heart of it all — love, peace and hope. A lot of person

Michael Lee has a cold one with friends at Sandrini’s.

feelings are within these songs.” Among the titles is “George Bailey,” a composition based on the character from the holiday film, “It’s a Wonderful Life.” “The song is about him being focused on his ambitions, but at the core is not being distracted and focusing on what’s in front of you.” Morfin said career focus is something he’s maintained since returning to Bakersfield. “Right now, I feel like this show is going to be one of the last. I’m going to be recording and selling my music. I’m also going to have

performance, but this coming year, I’m going to focus mostly on recording. That’s what’s important — getting your music out there. I think I’m going to work towards getting a CD done, marketing and doing gigs to pay for it, then tour with it. I have some mentors that have shown me what it takes to get that all done.” Looking back at his time in Boston, Morfin said it definitely changed his outlook on a number of things surrounding his own life and what it means to be an artist. Those lessons will continue car-

Christie Humphreys chats with a friend at Sunday Funday at Sandrini’s.

rying him wherever the spirit moves him. “Through all my experiences, it’s not all about certain moments. It’s about the journey, the whole experience of being a musician and gathering info and making art. Before it was about a certain gig, but it’s really all about the whole thing. That’s something I gained from school and growing up. It takes a lot off pressure when you get out of yourself. You have to continue to pursue your creative side, despite the outcome. As long as I’m putting in my hard

work, I’m satisfied. Something great may happen or not.” Joining Morfin onstage are Bakersfield musicians Jay Jay Hicks on bass; Canaan McDuffie, drums; Tony Rinaldi on keys; Patric Caplo on guitar; and vocalists Natosha Ramirez and Ambra Williams. “It’s going to be pretty funky, fun, uplifting, with a lot of really great grooves. My inspiration for these songs come from Parliament-Funkadelic, guys like Al Green, James Brown, and Bobby Byrd.”

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, December 26, 2013

Eye Street The Lowdown with Matt Munoz

The nuturing of The Nature Band grows up after some difficult lessons

akersfield progressive indie rock trio The Nature haven’t been around long but long enough to have learned a couple of valuable lessons: • How to build a home studio, Walmart style • And don’t let any label types talk you into playing the Sunset Strip when you’re a strictly Silverlake-indie kind of band. But out of the life lessons has come the band’s new full-length album, “Transient,” just in time for a big end-of-the-year shindig at On the Rocks on Friday. “We’ll be mixing the songs up to the show,” said Nature guitarist and co-founder Scott Roberts, 26. “This project was done all ourselves, without anyone else’s vision but ours.” Seated alongside Roberts during a recent interview was drummer Vincent Li Rocchi, 23, who said all 12 tracks on “Transient” are part of the group’s rebirth. “This time we wanted to capture what we do live,” he said. Li Rocchi and guitarist Dustin Walkup began playing together in grade school, and the band eventually wound up where most Bakersfield groups find themselves: the basement of Jerry’s Pizza. “I was in a lot of bands in high school,” Roberts said. “I literally grew up playing at Jerry’s.” After outgrowing the downtown pizza joint, the band began exhibiting the earliest signs of what would become The Nature four years ago.

PHOTO BY ERIN DRAGUESKO

Bakersfield indie rock trio The Nature celebrate the release of their new CD, “Transient,” at On the Rocks on Friday. Pictured above from left: Brad Godbey, Scott Roberts, Vincent LiRocchi.

The Nature Also appearing: A Formal Adversary and Revelator When: 9 p.m. Friday Where: On the Rocks, 1517 18th St. Admission: $5 Information: facebook.com/ thenaturemusic or call 3277625.

Roberts, who had been pursuing a music degree at Cal State Northridge, made frequent trips home to make new music with Li Rocchi and Walkup. “We were ready to grow,” said Li Rocchi. “Or maybe just growing up. We wanted to start playing music that other people wanted to listen to. Enter Roberts, whose multiinstrumental skills and vocals would add a crucial element to the story. Guitarist Brad Godbey, 26, would round out the original

quartet, shifting Walkup to bass. Roberts, who had been content being an instrumentalist, was soon handed the role of lead vocalist. The group began making a series of appearances during open-mic nights at Fishlips, before scoring a gig opening for Bakersfield band Backup Johnny. “It was pretty frightening doing my first show as a singer,” recalled Roberts, who began taking vocals lessons with Bakersfield singer Deedra Patrick. Within a year of forming, the band had accumulated nearly 30 original songs and played sporadically around town. During that time, the group recorded their first official single, “Oceans,” at Rocketship Studios in Bakersfield. Roberts, who still had ties at CSUN after leaving school, submitted “Oceans” to The Pitch, a campus-sponsored talent competition run by students of the music industry studies program at the university, in

Matt Munoz covers the music scene for The Californian. His column appears every Thursday in Eye Street.

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the fall of 2012. The Nature performed in front of a panel of judges and students at CSUN, winning the grand prize: a demo and promotional development package to be funded and represented by the class’ student-run label, Five of Five. Set up in a Los Angeles-area studio, the group completed a four-song demo, “Nebula,” with expenses paid by the label, which also booked the band on eclectic show bills in Hollywood clubs. “We were trying to get shows in the Silverlake area, where we knew we’d fit in, but they kept up putting us on the Sunset Strip with some really bizarre bands we had nothing in common with,” Roberts said. The group managed to get a slot at the Echoplex club in Silverlake and played house shows when possible. “The house concerts were cool. People are actually going to listen to you. You’re not at a club as background noise, hoping someone pays attention. The attention span in LA can be really short,” Roberts said. Looking back at their brush with indie label stardom, The Nature holds no ill feelings toward their student label executives, completing their partnership with Five of Five in April. “The class was designed to run as if it were a real label. They focused on putting out singles. They had complete control,” Roberts said. With that experience behind them, the guys continued to write, teaching themselves the art of home recording by watching YouTube videos from studios that present, in detail, the do’s and don’ts of home studio engineering. “I treated a closet with mattress padding from Walmart for vocals, and it sounds pretty (expletive) good,” said Roberts, who has become proficient with a number of computer recording programs. “The drums are always the hard-

est to mic and record.” Work on “Transient” began in October between the homes of Li Rocchi and Roberts, who performed most of the instrumentation on the 12 tracks. In comparison to the band’s impressive “Nebula” EP, “Transient” showcases a group that has matured and sounds confident about their new direction. Presented in mixed order at the streaming site I was directed to, there’s no lack of cohesion among the seven of 12 tracks available at the time of my visit. “Meridian” is a spacey instrumental reminder of the band’s experimental prog-rock roots, while “Granular Drunk” segues into familiar indie rock territory with some added dynamics by Roberts on keys. “Lucifer” is a dream pop gem, along with the equally strong “Walls” and “Washed Away,” that while staying within similar tempos, further establish The Nature’s new direction. “Three Eyed Synthetic” simmers back into psychedelic hypnotics, followed by the titled track. It would be unfair to give “Transient” a proper review until the final product is released, but judging by what they’ve produced so far, Bakersfield should keep a close eye and ear on this band in the coming year. “We’re really happy with the way everything is sounding,” said Roberts, who’s been given the task of final mixdown. “There were those days when we were tracking and in a rut, critiquing ourselves too much.” On Friday, Walkup, 26, who relocated to Portland, Ore., in August will be making a special appearance to reunite with the group for the show. Physical copies of “Transient” will not be sold at On the Rocks; however, digital download cards of the full-release will be available for $10, along with other selected band merch, including copies of the “Nebula” EP.

Saturday February 22ND

TICKETS AVAILABLE AT THE FOX THEATER BOX OFFICE, RUSSO’S BOOKS AT THE MARKETPLACE, EMPORIUM WESTERN STORE 661-322-5200 - 888-825-5484 - VALLITIX.COM