The Lowdown with Matt Munoz / 2014 by Matt Munoz

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, January 9, 2014

Eye Street The Lowdown with Matt Munoz

Rising up from Down Under Australian-born singer finds his new life in Kern County

e may be known as A Black Sunday, but for folk singer Brent Brown, life has been anything but shrouded in darkness. A familiar face at a number of restaurants and troubadour-friendly establishments scattered throughout the city, the Australian-born singer-songwriter plans to open the book on his travels at a special show to celebrate the arrival of his new CD, “Learning to Crawl,” at the Prospect Lounge inside the Padre Hotel tonight. “The reaction has been fantastic,” said Brown, 44, of the feedback he has received from audiences in Kern County, his home since arriving from Australia eight years ago. “People are really digging what I do and finding a connection to my songs.” I first met Brown hosting open-mic nights at Fishlips in 2010. It was the accent that grabbed my attention, leading to a lot of conversations about his home country and music in general. “When I first met you at those open-mic nights, I really had no idea who I was musically or what I wanted to do with it. I just knew I had a lot of stuff to write,” said Brown, who moved around a lot during his childhood due to the nature of his father’s work, even landing in London for a year before finally settling in a town on the northern beaches of Sydney. Brown worked steadily in a number of bands throughout the ’80s, unaware of what was about to happen: the Aussie music invasion of States. Bands like Men at Work, INXS, Midnight Oil and others, some of whom he’d shared stages with, would become global hit makers. “It is very different to the music scene here,” he said of his home country. “Although it is definitely as diverse and vibrant as the American scene, the whole country is spread out a lot more so a musician has to travel longer distances to reach

Brent Brown is A Black Sunday When: 8:30 p.m. tonight Where: Prospect Lounge at the Padre Hotel, 1702 18th St. Admission: Free Information: facebook.com/ablacksunday

the same size audience. We tend to have huge festivals peppered all over the country that bring musicians and fans together.” So how does an aspiring musician from Down Under end up in Kern County? You guessed it: Love. Brown’s wife, Kayla, is from Bakersfield. “We met on a dive trip on the Great Barrier Reef. I was working aboard a dive boat that goes out on five-day trips on the Ribbon Reefs and to Osprey Reef in the Coral Sea. After a whirlwind romance and a fivecontinent, 12-month trip, we ended up here.” Brown recalls arriving in Kern County in 2005, adjusting to a new home he eventually learned to love. “We lived in a cabin in Wofford Heights. Coming from the beaches and ocean life of Australia, figuratively, I was a fish out of water. And living on the mountain, I felt like I was already traveling. When I travel, I like to live somewhere for a bit and really get a feel for the place. So I spent quite a bit of time learning to fly fish and snowboard, did a few hikes and chopped fire wood; it was awesome. It also gave me the opportunity to start playing and writing again and I found that the beauty and nature of the Sierras gave me the headspace to reflect and just write honest songs.” Brown admitted his only knowledge of Bakersfield came through “Hee Haw,” a show popular with his own family. “I had definitely heard of Buck Owens and Merle Haggard. Half my family comes from Tamworth, the country music capital of Australia, and they love ’em there. They all loved Dolly Parton and Kenny, Johnny and Buck and Merle on ‘Hee Haw.’ I just had no idea of the relationship with Bak-

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

FRI. FEB. 14TH

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ersfield. I remember telling my uncle that I was moving here. He instantly said, ‘What? The Bakersfield in the Buck Owens/Dwight Yoakam song?’ I said, ‘Yeah, I guess so.’ He was stoked, and I guess I was a bit too.” After making a few connections in Bakersfield, where he now resides, Brown formed the Chaz Brown Band (his middle name is Charles) before regrouping as The Black Sundays, performing all original material. The band made semi-regular performances at Fishlips, Riley’s, B Ryder’s and others, but eventually disbanded. “I have always played originals in the bands I have had in Bakersfield, but it was always was very difficult to keep the players together with family and work commitments.” Those experiences didn’t curb Brown’s decision to continue pursuing his art. Looking for a new direction, he found inspiration in a voice from back home: John Butler, who performs solo, using a wooden box called a “stomp box.” “He used a wooden box with a mic in it and stomped his foot on it for a beat. I created something similar and after a bit of tweaking, it sounded great and, boom, I had a new sound and direction. I guess the whole concept of the foot stomp box comes from the south by trying to re-create the sound of stomping your work boot on a wooden front porch while playing some hardcore blues. That was when I decided to go solo.” Brown described his decision to continue performing under the name A Black Sunday as a personal reflection of his music and a tribute to those who overcome periods of darkness. “I write a lot about getting through hard times and overcoming tough situations, so I wanted a name for the band that reflected that and also have a tie to Bakersfield. The Black Sundays came to me after researching the Dust Bowl era in the 1930s and how Bakersfield ended up being the place that people could start a fresh new life, albeit not an easy one, after fleeing the dust storms of the Midwest and the famous Black Sunday. “We also have a Black Sunday in Australia that was named after the devastating 1955 bushfires, another situation where people had pushed through a hard time to come out on top. When the band parted ways, I was the only Black Sunday left, so I called myself Brent Brown is A Black Sun-

PHOTO COURTESY OF DAVID KARNOWSKI

Brent Brown will celebrate the release of his new CD “Learning to Crawl,” tonight at the Prospect Lounge.

day and it kind of just stuck.” Performing eight to 12 shows a month all over Bakersfield, Brown has logged countless hours in front of audiences of every size. “One thing I have noticed in Bakersfield is that the audiences are very appreciative and loyal; they also love an accent. If you do the right thing by a Bakersfield audience, they will stick with you.” Brown hopes a positive response to “Learning to Crawl” will help increase his gig schedule. Recorded locally at Rocketship Studio, the 10-track release features Brown alone with his guitar and stomp box. “There is an underlying theme throughout my songs of hardship and overcoming difficult times as well as environmental and human rights issues. ‘Learning to Crawl’ is the first song on the album and I wrote that song about the human tendency to bury the past and allow the same mistakes to be made over and over again. There are also songs like ‘Just Begun’ and ‘Logan’s Song’ about losing loved ones and moving on without them.” Copies of “Learning to Crawl,” will be sold at the show for $10, and available for download at iTunes and other digital distribution sites.

Clint Black

Jennifer Nettles

Saturday February 22ND

Friday March 28TH On Sale Tomorrow!

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The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, January 23, 2014

Eye Street The Lowdown with Matt Munoz

Reggae group rolls with changes Studio guitar slinger playing Bakersfield

t was a year ago that Iration — a band that stands out in the wildly popular California reggae rock scene — last sold out the house in Bakersfield. But when the band returns Tuesday, fans will need to roll with one major change: the loss of longtime colead vocalist Kai Rediske, who left in April, a move that stunned followers of the Santa Barbara band. “Kai was a huge part of the writing process and my main partner as far as writing music goes, and doing lyrics,” said lead vocalist/guitarist Micah Pueschel during a phone interview. “He just got to a point where he didn’t wanna tour like that anymore.” But the band hasn’t skipped a beat, touring nonstop to prove that their musical bonds remain strong. They’ll let Bakersfield fans decide for themselves what the band is like without Rediske at Elements Lounge on Tuesday. The band will play material from “Automatic,” which topped the Billboard Reggae Albums chart upon its release in July. While Rediske’s departure meant changes to the creative process for Pueschel, the singer said the decision by his longtime friend was understandable. Life was just pulling the brakes. “You wanna settle down, have a normal life, and that’s totally acceptable and normal. He moved on, there’s no bad will or disagreement. He decided what was best for him, and it ended being what was best

PHOTO COURTESY OF IRATION

Santa Barbara reggae rock quartet Iration appears at Elements venue on Tuesday.

for us as well.” Though Pueschel conceded fans have had to adjust to the changes, the band’s repertoire was never affected. The group has continued performing older tracks along with a healthy set-list of new material. “‘Automatic’ was received really well. The fact that it’s more of an eclectic album as well, with a lot of different styles, was a challenge at first, but it caught on and helped us develop a new number of fans.” Not content with sticking to their California home base for shows, the band has spread its wings across the country. According to Pueschel, despite the change in climate and attitude, audiences on the East Coast have been eager to embrace the band. “It’s actually great over there. I mean, there are some cities on the East Coast where we do way better than on the West Coast, even California. We go to Florida, up the coast to New York, Boston. All those places, we do very well.”

For Pueschel, Iration’s success across the country can be attributed in part to the determination of other artists in the genre, such as Pepper (who sold out B Ryder’s last weekend), The Expendables, Slightly Stoopid and Rebelution, who keep the sound alive and relevant far away from the palm trees of the West Coast. “It’s growing and a testament to all the bands in the genre out there touring and pushing it, legitimizing it. We’re real bands, with no backing tracks or deejays. We play live instruments every night, and I think that’s what really moves people.” I’ve caught Iration twice in Bakersfield, and the band sold out both shows. The group had an almost hypnotic effect on their fans, all of whom sing, sway and smoke. Joining Pueschel onstage will be Adam Taylor, bass; Cayson Peterson, keyboards; and Joseph Dickens, drums. “Bakersfield can expect a more fine-tuned show, some old songs, new songs, some in-betweeners,

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

PHOTO COURTESY OF CARL VERHEYEN

Guitar virtuoso Carl Verheyen, known for his work with Supertramp and others, appears tonight at American Sound Recording.

and hear and all-around good night of music.” Tuesday's show kicks off at 8 p.m. Tickets are $25. All ages admitted. Also appearing are Natty Vibes and The Movement. Elements Venue is at 3401 Chester Ave. For more information, visit timgardeapresents.com.

Matt's picks Carl Verheyen at American Sound Recording, 2231 R St., 7:30 p.m. tonight, $30, 2047685. A member of the smash hit British rock group Supertramp since 1985, Verheyen has played to millions of enthusiastic fans in sold-out arenas worldwide. Not just a critically acclaimed musician, vocalist, songwriter, arranger, producer and educator, Verheyen is commonly regarded as a guitar virtuoso capable of playing any style of music with remarkable mastery and conviction. He has been one of L.A.’s elite first-call session players for the past 25 years, playing on hundreds of records, movie soundtracks and television shows, and has graced the pages of countless industry publications and been

the subject of articles chronicling his rise to the forefront of the modern guitar scene. In short: The guy can shred. The Mothership DJ Night 7th Anniversary at On the Rocks, 1517 18th St., 9 p.m., Saturday, $5, 327-7625. For those who don’t enjoy the glitzy glam stuffiness of club life, The Mothership deejay night, held the last Saturday of every month, is for you. Preparing to celebrate their seventh anniversary downtown, this eclectic gathering of hip-hop, classic funk, world music, and Latin vinyl enthusiasts will be making a permanent landing at their new home at On the Rocks. Back for the occasion is Mothership rotating resident deejays: Qwiz, Chuckone, El Oms and DJ Frane on deck, plus live performances by XL Middleton and Moniquea. According to Mothership founder Sabrina Ramirez, who also spins by the name of Sabre, “It’s our party, and we bump it if we want to.” I can dig that. On the rare night I get a chance to get my groove on, you’ll always find me here. Highly recommended.

Clint Black

NEW SHOW!

Saturday February 22ND With Special Guest

JANUARY 26TH

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 7TH

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The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, February 6, 2014

Eye Street The Lowdown with Matt Munoz

A tale of the mix tape for rapper Teen hopes to make noise with release

me. It’s gonna be fun.” To follow the underground antics of Watts, and to keep up with Tree J’s reaction to his mix tape, you’ll have to follow both at their Twitter handles: @official1kwatts, and @TreeJTV. We’ll be watching this story closely.

he mix tape has been at the foundation of underground hip-hop music and rap since its inception. Produced in makeshift recording studios set up in neighborhood basements, closets and bedrooms during late-night sessions — when inspiration to create is at an alltime high — the organic feel of those moments can act as a lightning rod to promotion. And even years removed from the genre’s earliest days of low-fi levels and crudely photocopied labels, the mix tape concept is more popular than ever. One of its biggest success stories is 50 Cent, who in 2002 hit the streets to circulate his “50 Cent is the Future” mix tape into the hands of mega-producer Dr. Dre and rapper Eminem, who signed 50 Cent to his first record deal. The rapper certainly wasn’t the first to use the mix tape vehicle as a way to build a name, though few have lived up to that level of hype. But that doesn’t mean they’re not trying. One of those hopefuls is 17-year-old Frontier High senior Jeffery Watts, who goes by the stage name 1k Watts. “I fell in love with the idea of a mix tape for getting my own music out,” said Watts, during a phone interview between classes. “It adds a different element to the music, and I can add my own spin to it.” What makes Watts’ story so interesting outside his DIY style of independent home recording is how the young lyricist used Twitter to help connect with producer Tree J, a longtime collaborator of popular Pittsburgh rapper Mac Miller. In hip-hop circles, it’s who you know. “Tree J was putting up his beats on Twitter and selling them,” Watts said. “I just contacted him about getting on a mix tape, and we just started going back and forth.” For $100, Watts made a quick royalty-free

Bob Marley’s birthday Today marks the birthday of reggae music legend Bob Marley, who would have been 69 years old. Marley passed away in 1981 of cancer, but the impact of his music just keeps on moving and grooving. Suggested listening: “Natty Dread” from 1974. Released following the departure of original Wailers vocalists Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailer, Marley formed a backing band for the ages that would define what the rest of the world grew to know and revere as the “Marley sound.” Follow that up with “Rastaman Vibration,” an album every young band should study from beginning to end. The dynamics on that record are impossible to duplicate. Once you’ve arrived at “Exodus,” released in 1977, you should have a firm grasp on who Marley was as an artist, political rebel, poet and lover man. Marley’s exhaustive catalog also comes available in digitally remastered deluxe editions that feature full live concerts from each tour as well as outtakes from those original sessions. PHOTO COURTESY OF JEFFREY WATTS

Bakersfield rapper Jeffrey Watts, who goes by the stage name 1k Watts, will be releasing his latest mix tape on Friday.

purchase of the producer’s beats for his own use. “I have full rights to use it however I’d like, but I wanna keep it nonprofit.” Even at his fairly young age (Watts began rapping at 12), he’s already developed a healthy local following performing to audiences mostly his own age. “I fell in love with the idea of a mix tape after hearing ‘Kids’ by Mac Miller. I’ve made four mix tapes but none have gone this hard. I consider this my debut. I’m just hoping somebody notices some talent.” Judging by the number of YouTube views of his 2013 single, “Ashley’s Pain” — set to reach 20,000 hits — Watts has more than just a few friends listening.

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

“There’s a lot of young artists trying to come up, and honestly it’s really competitive. I’m trying to get my name out there quick.” Beginning the recording process at home, Watts then sends his material out for polishing and mastering at Bakersfield’s B2 Studios. “Tree J hasn’t heard the complete tracks yet. I’ll be sending him the mix tape and if he tweets it, it could blow up. He has 90,000 followers on Twitter. I hope he shows it to Mac Miller.” With a working title of “Backpack Full of Blunts,” set for release on Friday, Watts hopes the title doesn’t lead listeners to expect a series of lyrics boasting of marijuana smoking. “People look at that name and may think a lot of different things, but really the mix revolves more about having fun. Trust

APRIL 27TH

Matt’s picks The Aviators and Crooked Folk at B Ryder’s Bar, 7401 White Lane, 9 p.m. Friday, $5, 397-7304. When two bands of this caliber join forces, there isn’t much to say other than, “hold on.” Funky trio Crooked Folk are tighter than ever with more original material than any of the other local bands currently on the club circuit. Meanwhile, Bakersfield classic rock revivalists The Aviators continue bringing rock to the basics. Lately the band has been making regular treks to the world famous Whisky a Go Go on the Sunset Strip, for an ever-growing fan base. If that’s not cool enough, they recently got a major SoCal endorsement when legendary radio personality Rodney Bingenheimer of KROQ in Los Angeles gave the group’s latest song, “Wolfman,” a spin on his latenight “Rodney on the Roq” show last month. Speaking of which, check out Bingenheimer’s documentary, “The Mayor of Please see LOWDOWN / PAGE 28

On Sale Tomorrow! MAY 11TH

With Special Guest

TOMORROW! FEBRUARY 7TH

DAVE ALVIN

Valentin e’s Valentine Day

FRIDAY FEB 14TH

ELI YOUNG BAND

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The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, February 6, 2014

Eye Street Scott Cox CONTRIBUTING COLUMNIST

Pardon me for being obnoxious, but ...

... my Seahawks just won the Super Bowl!

ast week I wrote a Pulitzerworthy article about Super Bowl parties, ending it with a quick “go Seahawks.” And now that they’re world champions, I wanted to give folks some idea of what it’s like to root for a team for three decades without a Super Bowl win. It all started in 1977, when I decided that I could not root for the Cowboys. Everyone in my family did (or at least pretended to), but I never liked them, mostly because Dallas, Texas, is an awful place. I could have picked the team that I lived closest to, but that meant the Rams or the Raiders. The Rams were in L.A., which I like about as much as Dallas, and the Raiders were out because their fans were horribly obnoxious. As a matter of fact, they still are, which is hilarious because the team is just horrendous. I could’ve picked a team with an established history, but that seemed cheap and cowardly. As it turned out, there were two expansion teams that had

Salad shout-out Scott Cox is on the hunt for Bakersfield’s best salads, and he needs your help. What’s your favorite salad? Tell us all about it in 200 words or less and we’ll publish your recommendation with his column. Just email Scott at sc1180@icloud.com.

just entered the league, Tampa Bay and Seattle. Tampa Bay was disqualified because they wore orange pants. But I saw a Seahawks game at my pal Steve Hicks’ place, and figured I’d see what they were all about. Steve was in the Air Force in Alaska, and up there they’re all Seahawks fans. So after watching Jim Zorn throw to Steve Largent for a few games, I figured that these guys were the real deal. Since then, they (only the most irritating fans refer to their teams as “we”) have enjoyed a modicum of success. And then came Sunday. What a Sunday. The NFL estimated that 75 percent of fans were pulling for Peyton Manning and the Broncos. If any team other than Seattle had been playing, I would have been, too. I’d like to see him get another Super Bowl ring before retiring to a life of commentary and selling

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.

those terrible pizzas. And honestly, I was so happy that the Seahawks knocked off the 49ers in the NFC championship game that I would’ve considered the season a rousing success (49er fans are almost as obnoxious as Raider fans, but they’re whinier and speak English). So here I was, all of the sudden waiting for a Super Bowl that I knew my team could win. And I was pretty sure they would, because good defense always beats good offense, and Seattle has what might be the best defense the NFL has seen since the ’85 Bears. And when both Terry Bradshaw and Ralph Bailey took Denver, I knew it was in the bag. Those two are the twin towers of getting it wrong. I was waiting for that moment in a game where some big play happens, and suddenly you realize your team is going to win, but Denver robbed me of that by never being a factor. My fellow Seahawk fans were texting me at halftime, and we were all bewildered — was this really happening? Would Manning lead some giant comeback the way Elway always did when Seattle was in the AFC? These are the kind of things you think when you’ve waited 30 years for this moment. Pretty soon it was over, and reality had set in. My team has finally escaped the list of teams that have never won it all. And now comes that magical time, when after the victory parade through downtown Seat-

SALAD OF THE WEEK

BUCK OWENS’ CRYSTAL PALACE

The juicy slices of beef atop the filet mignon salad at Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace take an ordinary dish to extraordinary. This week’s salad is actually an important piece of my weight loss history. It’s the filet mignon salad ($12.99) at Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace, and it is goooo-ooood. I’ll never forget the first time I had one; I had just made up my mind to stop being fat, and it was the first time I was at the Palace and didn’t have a chicken-fried steak. I always ordered it, along with a tall Sam Adams (gee, I wonder how I ever gained all that weight?). Well on this night I opted for the filet mignon salad, and I knew right then that I could live without giant slabs of meat. This salad, like most of the grub at the Palace, isn’t too fancy. It’s pretty much just basic lettuce with carrots, croutons and tomatoes (which are always good there for some reason).

tle, a third of the championship team is lost to free agency, trades and random drug arrests. But until then, I’ll keep wearing my

What makes this salad so good is the generous portion of steak sitting on top of it. In case you hadn’t heard, the Crystal Palace does meat really well. It’s nice and tender and moist, which means that they know how to grill it properly. I get mine medium-rare, and it’s excellent. The ranch dressing at the Palace also gets high marks — it’s just tangy enough and not too thick and gloppy. The salad gives me all the energy I need to heckle Monty Byrom for an entire show, and doesn’t weigh me down, which comes in handy if I have to run for my life after yelling out “Freebird” one too many times. The best part is having talent coordinator Jerry Hufford ask me if that’s all I’m going to eat. And although it took me some time to figure it out, now I know that it’s all I need.

various Seattle jerseys proudly, and I assume people won’t point and laugh for a while. I know Broncos fans won’t.

LOWDOWN

Bakersfield is invited to experience an unforgettable night of strange encounters, hypnotic dance music, and all manner of dark pleasCONTINUED FROM PAGE 24 ures at this once-a-year event, brought to you Sunset Strip,” when you get a chance. by monthly goth club promoters at Heresy. Judging by the popularity of vampire lore in The Bar Room Riot at Sandrini’s, 1918 popular culture, there’s no way an event Eye St., 9 p.m. Saturday, $5, 322-8900. called “The Vampyre Ball” could suck — pun Bakersfield singer-songwriter and guitarist Jared Michael Cronk is an elusive fellow. After intended. The club’s floor plan features an ample dance and lounging area, two rooms releasing his debut CD, “Wasting All These Years,” two years ago, he’s hit the stage just a of music, go-go dancers, and deejays against a multimedia explosion of surreal screen profew times. I’m assuming it’s not for lack of jections. Special guests this month include trying, but the musicians required to properLos Angeles electronic goth quartet Carved ly pull off his sound aren’t easy to assemble. His Americana roots will be on display, as will Souls. Always on point with a perfect mix to keep the children of the night in rhythm are some alt-country rock. If you go, let him resident deejays Princess Darkness, Squab, know he needs to play more shows. Also Riskletter, Grave Dancer and more. There are appearing is Austin, Texas, sextet The Unfaithful Servants. Fans of the Old ‘97s-style special merchants selling jewelry and other goth-inspired merchandise to fill your coffin. of roots rock should make plans to attend. Club Heresy presents The Vampyre Ball No cameras allowed, so leave your egos and inhibitions at the door and prepare to have at Replay Lounge, 4500 Buck Owens the time of your Twi-life. Blvd., 10 p.m. Saturday, 18 and up, $10.

Los Angeles electro goth quartet Carved Souls appear at the Vampyre Ball at Club Replay on Saturday. PHOTO COURTESY OF CARVED SOULS

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, February 20, 2014

Eye Street The Lowdown with Matt Munoz

Honky-tonk’s evolution continues

Trout’s getting a new look, new purpose

isitors to Trout’s may notice a few modifications to the iconic honky-tonk’s rustic interior next time they roll through looking for a good time. With the debris of the renovations mixed in with random artifacts collected over the years, club manager Thomas Rockwell sees another opportunity to evolve and attract new business without abandoning tradition. “The Bakersfield Sound exhibit may be working in Nashville, but things like keeping live music alive is a real tough job in Bakersfield,” said Rockwell, taking a break from work in the property’s south building, where remodeling is currently under way. “Over the next month, when people walk in, they’re going to be surprised that we’ve really polished things that they may have forgotten about. People are starting to notice things like wallpaper that was there before, where the old phone booth was, stuff like that.” Even with his voice noticeably fatigued, there’s no subduing Rockwell’s P.T. Barnum-like enthusiasm for his visions, most of which are usually connected to Trout’s. “Technology is changing, and we’re going to see those changes come to Trout’s.” For most of its long life, the iconic honky-tonk has operated in the building’s north end as Trout’s. In 2007, Rockwell expanded south, adding a large stage, sound system, dance floor, art pieces paying tribute to the history of the Bakersfield

PHOTOS COURTESY OF ROBERT BEJIL

Trout’s, which has been open for business in Oildale since the 1940s, is undergoing a makeover.

Country performer Bobby Durham returned to his old stomping grounds of Trout’s last weekend after a long absence.

Sound, autographed guitars and more. A combination music hall, museum and watering hole, the new area, branded the Black-

board Stages, attracted new patrons at first, said Rockwell, who offered an explanation of the of the complex ownership arrangements of both venues.

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

Clint Black THIS SATURDAY!

ON SALE NOW! MAY 9TH & 10TH

“Trout’s stock is held by a trust. The southern building is a separate corporation and doesn’t have anything to do with Trout’s. The wall separates the two. For years, Trout’s had rented a pool room in the south part of the building, but that was what I called ‘drug central station.’ Once we took it over and moved in, we cleaned it all up. I created that back area from scratch.” After the expansion seven years ago, visitors were treated to an extensive menu of entertainment: live local music, karaoke and visits by touring acts like country singer Pam Tillis and ’70s soft rockers Little River Band, among others. But even after tapping into some pockets of success, it wasn’t enough to keep the venture in the green, Rockwell said. Following that decision, Rockwell then gathered up his crew and set to work refurbishing Trout’s. “This past week we took the drop ceilings out. Taking the neon down is also a very slow process.

We didn’t realize how much neon we had. We saved all the tangible neon just in case another business may have use for it, and pulling off the glass blocks that had been covered up since 1945, that’s all under the bar.” The construction is taking place during the early morning hours into the afternoon, allowing the club to remain open for regular business. “With the whole industry of Trout’s being involved in so many different things, it really had to be one step at a time as we were gearing to do this. Up until last month, we had 100 to 130 scheduled activities a month. We were doing live music seven nights a week, downstairs two nights a week just for workshops and stuff for the community, and most of it being free.” In fact, Rockwell is working toward making Trout’s more than a bar. “Some day someone’s gonna ask me, ‘Rockwell, do you still sell liquor at Trout’s’ and I’ll have to think about it. We want to be more of a community center.” But it’s not all looking ahead at Trout’s. Last weekend, for the first time since 2007, Bakersfield Sound performer Bobby Durham returned to the Oildale stage. Bad blood between Rockwell and Durham resulted in a lawsuit that ended with a judgment against the singer and his wife four years ago. While the two saw each other at funerals and other gatherings, they made no contact until recently when Rockwell received a phone call from a New York Times reporter in town working on story about Oildale. “I mentioned Bobby Durham. I told her, ‘You know, this guy’s played here for a lot of years and has a deep connection to the area.’ I just called Bobby up and said, ‘Hey, this lady’s never heard of you, but I think it’s important.’ I mean, it’s bigger than me. I’m nothing important.” Please see LOWDOWN / PAGE 26

Zac Brown Band.........7/17 Kid Rock..................7/18 Lady Antebellum........7/22 Journey & Steve Miller Band...7/23 Doobie Brothers.........7/25

ON SALE TOMORROW AT 10 AM!

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The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, February 20, 2014

Eye Street Scott Cox CONTRIBUTING COLUMNIST

Singing the praises of symphony’s opera I

went to an opera. There, I said it. The Bakersfield Symphony put on a rousing performance of Mozart’s “Don Giovanni” at Rabobank Theater the other night. I went mostly to hear the symphony play because I’ve grown to love listening to live classical music, thanks mostly to symphony conductor John Farrer. His love of this stuff is infectious. So when I heard there would be vocalists along with the symphony part, I got tickets. I figured it would be a good way to broaden my horizons, Eliza Doolittle-style. And I’d heard there was a guy from Shafter in it, so how stuffy could it be? So the wife and I got gussied up, and off to the opera we went. The first thing that gets me any time I go to the symphony is the impact of the music on the audience. There’s no way to experience it unless you’re there. The sound just envelops you in a way that can’t be reproduced electronically. And these are some fine musicians I’m talking about. I’d heard the songs from “Don Giovanni” before, and you probably have too, even if you didn’t know it at the time. Mozart has to be one of the most rippedoff musicians of all time, and for good reason. The guy could write music, and this opera is a perfect example of his ability to weave whimsical lines into serious and dramatic pieces. So I was prepared for the instruments but, man, was I blown away by the

vocals. The symphony brought in topnotch vocalists for this thing, including Shafter-born tenor Robert MacNeil, who might just be the greatest tenor in all of the greater Shafter-Wasco area. He’s that good. We all grow up hearing these commanding voices on TV and on records, but like the music, you have to be there to really appreciate the power they project. I won’t bother with the details of the story — it’s basically just the classic Don Juan situation, but with a comically grim result. It was all sung in Italian, and there was a big screen to subtitle it for us nonItalian speakers. I’m pretty sure the musicians were even playing in Italian, but that might not be the case. But even without reading along, I would have loved it. I was literally astounded. The only thing that would have made it better is a full house. I don’t know why more people don’t attend these symphony concerts. Maybe they think the audience and material are snooty and highbrow. If that’s the case, folks, take it from me: Even the most rustic individuals among us will love these shows. I know that a lot of local art patrons support the symphony financially. I see the Lake family’s name on a lot of show bills, and I’d like to thank them all for making shows like these possible and accessible to everyone who appreciates fine entertainment, no matter what it may be. I’d hate to drive to L.A. to see a production of “Don Giovanni,” but after seeing it done so well here in Bakersfield, I know I don’t have to.

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.

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Even with contact re-established, Rockwell said he never anticipated what would happen next. “He said, ‘Yeah,’ and came over. After some interviews with Bobby, Red Simpson, and some other locals, I said, ‘Hey Bobby, what are you doing next week?’ He says, ‘I’m not really playing anywhere.’ I told him to come on out, I’d pay him, and it was great to see that. I mean, after the lawsuit thing was over, I instantly sent him emails saying, ‘Hey, I forgive you, let’s be friends,’ because we always got along. I just never knew what happened there.” Durham was unavailable for comment, though he did play a couple of shows at Trout’s last weekend. “We were good buddies beforehand, so I was really kinda sad to have that distance there. His brother Wayne (Durham) still showed up to play; in fact, he was up a few weeks ago. We’re gonna see how it plays out and see what’s on his interests and agenda. I think it’s important.” Meanwhile, the remodel continues;

Rockwell hopes to have a reopening celebration but until then, the public is welcome to view the progress. “We’re going to take all the guitars that are really full of signatures, about 50 of them, and I think hang them from the ceiling face down once that area is secure. The big screens are coming. We’ve also got great ceiling fans that have sat in boxes for years.” Trout’s is located at 805 North Chester Ave. For an updated schedule of weekly events, call 399-6700.

Matt’s pick Dub Seeds, One Pint Short at B Ryder’s, 7401 White Lane, 9 p.m. Friday, $5, 397-7304. The irie brethren of Bakersfield reggae rock collective Dub Seeds always look forward to warm weather, and with the current state of our atmosphere, the island parties are kicking off a few months early. Now performing as a quartet — guitarist Donny Brock has been added to the lineup — the group is sounding better than ever. Opening this punky reggae dance party is Las Vegas quartet One Pint Short.

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, March 6, 2014

Eye Street The Lowdown with Matt Munoz

Time to get your freak show on Theater of the bizarre comes to On the Rocks

adies and gentlemen, step right up: Have we got a date night plan for you. Bringing their cavalcade of the wild and truly bizarre for one night only are The Enigma along with Bakersfield’s very own George “The Giant” McArthur. They invite you to experience their sideshow of twisted wonder at On the Rocks on Friday night. Veteran sideshow performer, tattoo artist and musician The Enigma (his real name is protected under lock and key) is eager to make his return visit — with partner Serana Rose — a memorable one. “We perform an hourlong human demolition spectacular,” he said in an email interview from his current home base in Denver. “It’s all of the greatest sideshow stunts plus quite a few we created ourselves: neon swallowing, chainsaws, blindfolded, carving apples in our mouths, the human spotlight, electrocution and so much more.” The Enigma’s enigmatic transformation began in grade school. “My first ‘body mod’ was the increasing of the muscle mass of my fingers, i.e. piano lessons. I had dancing lessons, flute lessons, singing lessons and even acting lessons, all while still in grade school. “In high school I started carving a star in the palm of my hand. At that time I was also swallowing swords. I pierced my ear with a safety pin and stretched it out with wood screws until I could fit a pencil into it. Later,

PHOTOS BY JESSICA MONCRIEF

Bakersfield sideshow performer George “The Giant” McArthur appears at On The Rocks on Friday.

in ’91, I was scarring up the insides of my eyelids so that I could lift weights with my eyeballs. At the same time I got the idea to change my body color for stage and I figured I could do it by tattooing my entire body.” Ouch. The art of body modification can be traced back to ancient times. No longer just for tribal leaders and biker gangs, body modification is popular among many demographic groups, a fact that has helped ease the taboo status long associated with it. Indeed, business is booming for the tattoo and piercing industry. “My latest and greatest bit is the tattooing of my eyes. The whites are now black. I guess that makes me bulletproof.” But don’t get things twisted. The Enigma wants to make sure his audience knows he’s the real deal. “I know all they see is a tattoo but that’s just a flourish. ... In the show you will see and hear comedy, acting, musical numbers, dancing, mime and clowning.” I caught The Enigma’s per-

formance when he was a member of the original Jim Rose Circus, a traveling troupe that gained exposure in the ’90s on the original Lollapalooza festival circuit, sharing the stage with bands such as Red Hot Chili Peppers and Pearl Jam. I caught the act in 1994 in Los Angeles on a triple bill with industrial music heroes Nine Inch Nails and a then-unknown Marilyn Manson. His act more than lived up to the hype. Since going solo in 1998, he has been as busy as ever, with 20 to 40 appearances a year in addition to playing music with his band, The D3ath D3vils. “I’ve performed everywhere from Perth, Australia, to Helsinki, Finland. This is the impossible possible, and just as that sounds, life is a roller coaster. I just keep thinking how can I get this thing to move that much faster.” He and his partner, Serana Rose, invite Bakersfield for an evening of dark delights, where not all is quite as it seems, or should be. “Serana Rose is a chicken hyp-

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

Sideshow performer and tattoo artist Paul Lawrence, also known as The Enigma, appears at On the Rocks on Friday.

notist from a goat farm in Iowa and known for her fashion designs. She is the Gracie to my George. She does more stunts on stage than I do, as she is the damsel of danger and the darling of derring-do. She is so hot on stage that we have to keep an extinguisher on hand at all times, but she is not the girl next door. She is a freak of nature. You will run screaming to the stage to see her bend twist and warp time and space itself.” If that pair isn’t convincing enough to get your admission, try bearing witness to Bakersfield legend George “The Giant” McArthur, also on the bill and a talent guaranteed to shock and awe even the hardest of hearts with hammers, staple guns and swords. With an act similar to The Enigma’s, McArthur also is an actor, having appeared in feature films (“Big Fish”) and TV shows (“Carnivale,” “Highway to Heaven.”) “I have known George for many years. We haven’t worked together too often, but when we do it’s really a giant show.” As crazy as all this sounds, The Enigma would like to remind everyone that while many may

naturally judge a book by its cover, an open mind is much more fun. “People tend to think that I hang out, drink a lot, take a lot of recreational drugs, smoke and do daring things outside the show. That is definitely not true. I don’t smoke — OK maybe a great cigar. I am a horrible drinker, and I am a little too clumsy off stage to take big risks. “Hopefully everyone will see the world in a whole new way. Perhaps they will be inspired by our dedication to the unusual and anachronistic art form. Or maybe they will just have a laugh that keeps them warm enough to get through another day. Our show is an historic time piece reowned, a bit of Americana that we must keep to continue to be American.” Friday’s show kicks off at 8 p.m. Admission is $5. Also appearing are deejays Josex and Princess Darkness. On the Rocks is at 1517 18th St. 327-7625 or visit showdevils.com. The Enigma also will appear for a meet-and-greet earlier in the day at Mad Dog Tattoo in downtown Bakersfield, offering special Please see LOWDOWN / PAGE 29

Jennifer Nettles Friday March 28TH

Saturday, May 3RD ON SALE TOMORROW!

Thursday, March 6, 2014 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street LOWDOWN CONTINUED FROM PAGE 24

jigsaw tattoos for fans. Contact Mad Dog Tattoo at 322-8282 for the schedule.

Journey tribute at B Ryder’s On the flipside, Bakersfield classic rock fans who enjoy their headbanging with a dose of power anthems and fist-pumping sing-a-longs should catch Journey tribute band DSB at B Ryder’s on Saturday night. Performing all the songbook and MTVera hits made popular by singer Steve Perry and guitarist Neal Schon, who fronted the original band during their ’70s and ’80s heyday, this Los Angeles quintet led by singer Juan Del Castillo are about to take a journey of their own. Kicking off their latest tour in Bakersfield, Castillo says this tribute cuts no corners. “First we set out to find capable musicians who are also vocalists because when you hear Journey recordings, there are lush vocals throughout every songs,” said Castillo, 38, during a phone interview. “We needed to be able to replicate that, and not just sing, but sing well. That was No. 2 after the musicianship. If you listen to their entire musical legacy, there is some pretty complex stuff on there.” If anyone knows how to pick them, it’s Castillo, who began singing at the age of 9 and into his teens as a member of the Disney events entertainment team, before scoring a record deal and releasing an allSpanish CD for Sony/BMG. “I’ve always dreamed about doing what I love doing for a living and I feel blessed to be able to do that with DSB.” So, why a Journey tribute? “I’ve always gravitated towards the vocalists. I grew up in a Mexican household, I am bilingual, so I listened to both languages. I remember listening to Juan Gabriel, Vicente Fernandez, but again, I’m listening to the great vocalists of that genre. I had a lot of the same influences that Steve Perry had: oldies, a lot of R&B. It was interesting to me that we had the same influences. That must be why the Journey stuff is such a natural fit for me.” Formed from two other Journey tribute outfits, DSB, an acronym for the band’s classic, “Don’t Stop Believin’,” the group made their debut four years ago, hitting

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repertoire, “7 Berceuses” by Reynaldo Hahn; Duo for Flute and Oboe by Alberto Ginastera; and a new composition for guitar ensemble —“Eclectic Suite” by CSUB music faculty Jim Scully. Closing out the concert is a program of percussion music from Mexico and Central America, arranged by Terry Baldridge for marimba, vibraphone and xylophone. “We’re trying to do some more recent music to vary the style of music a bit more,” Haney said. “We have a lot of percussionists, and the percussion repertoire is really quite recent.” Haney said the department is “simply loaded” with percussionists, who probably have the most performing options — jazz ensemble, concert band, symphonic band, chamber music. Haney said the interest is so great that the department is discussing whether to create a separate percussion ensemble. Haney credited growth in the instrumental music program to aggressive recruiting by the faculty, not only for music majors

PHOTO COURTESY OF DSB

Los Angeles-based Journey tribute band, DSB, appear at B Ryder’s on Saturday.

the crowded SoCal tribute circuit with a vengeance. “We genuinely like the music we play. It’s great party music. When we play a song like ‘Don’t Stop Believin’, a song everyone knows and hears everywhere they go, when we see the crowds, we want them to have the best 90 minutes they’ve had in a long time. Whether they’re stepping away from their job, stepping away from whatever crazy’s going on in their lives and they can come back and hear the classics by Journey in an environment it was meant to be.” According to Castillo, the band’s repertoire spans the Steve Perry era, starting with the 1978 album, “Infinity” to the 1996 release, “Trial By Fire.” “We re-create what is happening on those records, because that’s what people remember. You turn on any classic rock station, you’re going to hear a Journey tune about four or five times a day. That’s the version we wanna play, the one people remember.” You can check out Castillo and crew in action at the band’s official website, dsbband.com. The vocal similarities between Castillo and Perry are uncanny, especially on “Any Way You Want It” and “Faithfully.” “A lot of tribute bands like to dress up and do the whole get-up and hair, but from the beginning, we all decided against it. For one, I don’t look like Steve Perry, and it’s not really what we’re about.” Saturday’s show begins at 9 p.m. Admission is $12 to $14. Also appearing is Elevation 406. B Ryder’s is located at 7401 White Lane. 397-7304.

but also getting CSUB students in other disciplines who happen to play instruments to join the ensembles. Haney said the department recently completed three rounds of auditions for the next academic year, with a good turnout of students, including some of Kern County’s best. “(Instrumental music professor) Dr. Leo Sakomoto conducted the honor band at this year’s ‘Grand Night for Music,’” Haney said. “There were a number of students who performed in that band that auditioned for CSUB.” Haney said that students who have already been accepted to Cal State Bakersfield and are interested in joining an ensemble can arrange for an audition. He added that students planning to apply for admission in the winter or spring quarters of the next academic year should also inquire about auditions. “I feel we have a focus,” Haney said, “being really student-centered and really recruiting students from the community. “And letting them know they have a future here.”

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, March 20, 2014

Eye Street The Lowdown with Matt Munoz

Big break, thanks to ‘Voice’ lessons

Singer Rudy Parris signs record deal

he last time we checked in with singer Rudy Parris, the Visalia artist with close Bakersfield ties was basking in the afterglow of his appearance on season three of NBC’s “The Voice,” as a member of Blake Shelton’s team. Since then, he’s been striking while the irons of fame are hot, including touring with his stage show, “Rudy Parris of The Voice.” Now the friendly long-haired ax man with the rootsy and rocking voice has inked his first record deal, with Los Angeles-based Warrior Records. “I still get recognized most places I go,” said Parris during a phone interview. “My name is alive and well. When I was on ‘The Voice,’ they told us that most long-haired contestants get recognized, and that I have such a distinct look that I will get recognized, so I should always be nice to people.” Even for a talent like Parris, the signing didn’t happen quickly. But Parris made a fortuitous connection last year at the National Association of Music Merchants convention in Anaheim. “I was testing out some amps from a company called Bad Cat. The rep I met with didn’t even see me on ‘The Voice,’ but other people at his booth did. I played a couple of his amps, they gave me an endorsement, and he called me again to tell me he had a good feeling about me, along with an idea he had to introduce me to his friend Jim Ervin from Warrior

NBC

Rudy Parris, a Visalia musician with strong Bakersfield ties, during an appearance on NBC’s “The Voice.”

Records.” The label boasts an eclectic artist roster that includes British reggae legends Steel Pulse, ’70s glam rockers The Sweet, alternative funk rockers 100 Monkeys, singer Eddie Money and more. Parris’ February signing makes him the label’s newest country music act. “Jim (Ervin) heard a song of mine called ‘Cowboy Cry’ on YouTube. I’d debuted it at the Crystal Palace. He thought it was a cover and asked if he could pitch it to George Strait for con-

sideration. He did, but that was along with another 1,000 songs. If George did hear it, he should have kept it, because it’s a classic.” While country music runs in Parris’ musical blood, the singersongwriter, who has since written close to 30 new songs for the recording project, said he’s only just begun to feel reconnected to the genre after delving into blues and rock for years. “You’ve heard the saying ‘the day the music died?’ Well, for me when Buck (Owens) died in 2006

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

Jennifer Nettles Friday March 28TH

ARLO GUTHRIE APRIL 9TH

and I wasn’t playing much at the Palace anymore after years, I got really turned off by country music. I started dissociating myself from it. There was also a time when there was no hope for making a record. I hadn’t been writing country music for a while and feeling I was at the lowest point of my life. This was just before ‘The Voice.’ I started getting into the John Mayer, Stevie Wonder sound. It’s funny that country music is what got me the record deal.” If you do some sleuthing, you can still find copies of Parris’ original 1994 full-length country CD, titled “Modern Day Cowboy,” on the Web. Parris would rather you wait for the new music. “Those songs served their purpose, but my writing has changed a lot.” According to Parris, what makes this deal even sweeter is having the opportunity to record at the legendary Capitol Records Studios in Los Angeles, where his idols Buck Owens and Merle Haggard made their musical mark. “Jim (Ervin) offered to send me to Nashville and send me to producers, but I didn’t want to. I wanted to go to where my heroes go, Capitol Records. When Merle and Buck went over the hill from Bakersfield to Hollywood, they got to do what they wanted. They put us on the map. T.G. Sheppard is from Farmersville right near where I’m from. He recorded there too.” Parris plans to enter the studio for his session in early April. Joining him will be his brother Abel Parris, Fresno violinist Patrick Contreras, plus other musicians from the Central Valley area on steel guitar and more. “We have this whole rich musical background. Country music is in a weird spot; a lot of people are complaining about the sound. Here I am, back in that situation and with an opportunity to shake things up, the same way Merle Haggard and (producer) Ken Nelson did. It’s going to be Rudy Parris and Jim Ervin. People are going to trip on this album. It’s

PHOTO COURTESY OF RICHARD SMITH

Guitar virtuoso Richard Smith will appear March 27 at American Sound Studios.

going to be different than anyone thinks.” Though there’s no projected release date, Parris would like to see it hit stores and digital outlets this year. Warrior has a distribution deal with Universal Music Group. We’ll keep you updated on Parris’ progress and upcoming release date. “God is in control of everything. Here we go. Let’s see what happens.” For more information Rudy Parris and Warrior Records, visit warriorrecords.com.

Guitar Masters Series Tickets are on sale for the next Guitar Masters Series concert featuring fretboard wizard Richard Smith, appearing March 27 at American Sound Recording Studios. Born in Beckenham, Kent, in England, Smith started playing on a six-string at the age of 5 after hearing his father picking the classic “Down South Blues” by guitarists Chet Atkins and Merle Travis. When the young musician asked his father, “Dad, how do you do that,” his father obliged his curiosity, and the aspiring musician never looked back, absorbing Atkins’ body of work and style to become a popular Please see LOWDOWN / PAGE 29

SATURDAY

Saturday, May 3

May 10TH

Thursday, March 20, 2014 The Bakersfield Californian

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musician in his area. Smith recalls being invited to the stage with Atkins at the age of 11. Now, more than 31 years later, he still can’t believe it actually happened. “I look back on it now and realize just how amazing it was,” said Smith during an interview from his current home in Nashville. “Of course it was wonderful at the time, but I was really nervous, and you don't realize the whole magnitude of it all when you're 11 years old. Atkins’ mentoring of Smith continued into adulthood, when the two had a chance to sit down for a jam and a chat. “We'd see each other from time to time when he was in the UK and when I was in the USA. He was so helpful to me in getting me hooked in to the Chet festival and introducing me to some folks around town. He told me to play

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that fulfills that hope? I definitely have. The fun thing about … social media (is that it’s) immediate. That immediacy is a positive thing, because I can look immediately and see, for example after a show, feedback about it and the things that people like and how much they enjoyed it. That connects me to the fans in that way. It’s really fun to be able to see it like “OK, yeah, this does touch people and move people, and people are connected to either this song or that song.” Or people who are getting the album for the first time and listening to it and their comments that they’re sharing. So that kind of stuff is really fun to see. Some country fans complain that the music is going too far into the pop realm. How do you feel about that? I never think that it’s a bad thing for there to be influence. That’s been there from the beginning. (Elvis) was an artist who at the time, because of the way the music industry was, he was able to do it all. He did country, he did pop, he did blues. He did all of it. I think there’s always an influence back and forth between the genres, and I think that’s a healthy thing. At the same time right now, rather than describing it as saying (that) country music, is it getting too pop

PHOTO COURTESY OF GREEN JELLY

Comedy shock rock act Green Jelly appears Saturday at Jerry’s Pizza.

with a metronome, and to listen to George Benson and Earl Klugh. Back in those days, my time wasn't as solid. I'm constantly working on it, and I also wasn't improvising. He figures George and Earl

or not, I don’t know. I think it’s super homogenous right now. I don’t think there’s a lot of diversity right now on country radio, and the things that are being celebrated seem to be largely within one or two, two or three themes that people are writing about and celebrating, or at least what’s being played on the radio. So that, to me, can feel a bit dangerous, and yet at the same time, everything cycles in and out. I’m inclined to think that anything that inspires more creation can’t be bad. Yeah! And why should it be? Why do we have to take sides? I mean, if you like it, like it for what it is. If you don’t, you don’t have to buy it or don’t have to listen to it or don’t have to go to the shows. But at the end of the day, just like any other kind of evolution, you do have to have diversity and variation if you’re going to survive; otherwise everything gets inbred and the same. My 9-year-old niece is a huge fan, and she had a question that she wanted me to ask you. She is learning to play the guitar and she’s curious how long it took you to learn and what advice you might have for young fans wanting to make their own music? I got my first guitar when I was 17. And I still, to be honest, don’t have the voice on it that I would like to. I’m still learning! And I

would be great influences for that. If I was him giving me advice back then, I'd have said exactly the same thing, and maybe listen to some bluegrass players too.”

think she’ll always learn. The best guidance that I would offer would be just to continue and play as much as you can. Play different things, learn different styles, different music. Buy the tab books and play the songs. Learn to play the songs that you like to listen to on the radio, because then you can play along with it — you get excited, you can sing along with it. I think it’s fun. She’ll get a lot of joy out of it that way. We thought it would be fun to do a few rapidfire “Favorite” questions. Sure! Favorite band of all time? This is actually a hard

Smith’s style has earned him the respect and admiration from some of fingerpicking’s biggest legends, including Tommy Emmanuel, Doyle Dykes, Muriel Anderson and others. “I usually practice when I'm learning a new tune. Other than that, I'm playing so much of the time.” Smith will be joined onstage in Bakersfield by his wife, acclaimed cellist Julie Adams, who can be seen in video clips at Smith’s official website, richardsmithmusic.com. “I'm really looking forward to it. It'll be my first time performing in Bakersfield, and I really want to start to get a good crowd there. It's a great town, hopefully in which I'll make some new fans.” Pre-sale tickets for the March 27 show are available now for $30 by calling promoter Rick Kreiser 204-7685 or by email at rkreiser@carneys.com. Studio doors open 6:30 p.m., and the show begins at 7:30 p.m. American Sound Recording Studios is locat-

question! There are too many favorite bands of all time. I love Queen. From a vocal standpoint, Freddie Mercury was fantastic, and the things that they did for the music world were fantastic. I like a lot of things from the ’70s and early ’80s. Queen, The Cure, I’ll even go into the ’90s and say Pearl Jam. Favorite singer? Linda Ronstadt, Annie Lennox and Dolly Parton. I would list those three as a trinity for me. I love those women and their voices. Favorite movie? “Say Anything…” (1989) Favorite TV show? I have two right now!

ed at 2231 R St. More information at asrstudios.com.

Matt’s pick Green Jelly at Jerry’s Pizza, 6:30 p.m., Saturday, $10-$15, all ages, 633-1000. There’s not much to say that hasn’t been said already about the antics of shock comedy rockers Green Jelly. After becoming ’90s MTV stars with their song and accompanying Claymation video “Three Little Pigs,” originally as Green Jello, the group was sued by Kraft Foods for trademark infringement and forced to alter their name. In the spirit of fellow costumed rockers Gwar, Green Jelly remains a theatrical mess of hard-rocking noise, puppetry and twisted singa-longs. Also appearing are 2 Hours Later, Down Finger, State of War, Blind Disciple, Affirmative Reaction, Vile Assault. If your eardrums can survive all that racket, promoters also mention a free “Green Jelly After Party,” at the official Facebook invite. Don’t ask, just go. You’ve been warned.

They’re the only things that I have time to watch: “Vikings” is back on the History Channel, which I am thrilled about! I was an anthropology major in college and so I just love being able to learn about the different cultural aspects of the Viking culture through fictional story and these characters. And then “True Detective.” Oh my God! I just watched the first series of that, and it was pretty amazing.

Favorite food? Cheese, wine and chocolate. Not necessarily in that order; it can change out. Favorite way to spend a day off? Taking a nap with my son because usually those are recovery days anyway, especially now with being on the road. Taking a nap with him. Getting to go on a date with my husband in the evening would be nice. Sleeping in my own bed.

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Thursday, April 3, 2014 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street The Lowdown with Matt Munoz

Some Traffic jams on the bill Dave Mason to play at Bright House Saturday

White returns to ‘stupid’ Bakersfield THE BAKERSFIELD CALIFORNIAN

he 2014 Bright House Networks Amphitheatre concert series kicks off Saturday featuring guitar icon Dave Mason. Widely known for his groundbreaking work with English psychedelic rock architects Traffic during the late 1960s, he also boasts one of the more illustrious resumes of any ax man. “I guess you can say I’ve had some significant success on and off,” said Mason, 67, during a phone interview. “The thing is, I’ve never really stopped playing live and I think that’s a big part of it. I always try to deliver something that will sound, for lack of a better word, ‘authentic.’” Although Mason’s work with original Traffic members Steve Winwood, Jim Capaldi and Chris Wood catapulted his career into the rock guitar stratosphere after the success of the group’s first albums, Mason departed the group two years later for a number of reasons, none of which he was prepared to divulge. “We could have stayed together, which would have been really good. I think by the second album things were starting to jell into something. But for some reason, it just didn’t work out.” Both with Traffic and as a solo artist, Mason embarked on a series of landmark collaborations with superstars like the Rolling Stones, George Harrison, Eric Clapton, Paul McCartney, Fleetwood Mac and, in 1968, a memorable partnership with his friend Jimi Hendrix. “Jimi knew me from Traffic and he liked the band. He just liked a lot of different kinds of music. We just met and things kind of went from there. We got to hang out a number of times, both together or playing.” He and Hendrix hit things off so well, there was talk of Mason joining his band, Experience, and replacing bassist Noel Redding, even as Mason and his Traffic bandmates were on the threshold of chart success. “Noel Redding wasn’t happy, and Jimi wasn’t happy with that,

PHOTO COURTESY OF GEORGE CLINTON

PHOTO COURTESY OF BEAUX MINGUS

Indie filmmakers The Black Triangle Collective will screen a series of short films on Saturday at Bako Skate Co. Pictured above from left: Beaux Mingus, Gina Marie Napolitan, Jason Georgiades.

PHOTO COURTESY OF DAVE MASON

British rock guitar legend Dave Mason appears at Bright House Amphitheater on Saturday.

and we were all seriously talking about it. Management put a stop to it, and that was it.” But Mason was still able to contribute to two of Hendrix’s recordings, both from the “Electric Ladyland” album: acoustic guitar on Hendrix’s version of Bob Dylan’s “All Along the Watchtower” and background vocals on “Crosstown Traffic.” “I did get to record some more, and there are even some tracks where I played bass and guitar with Jimi, but don’t know what ever happened to them. There are a lot of great guitar players, but there are no Hendrixes around anymore. He was just very innovative and special.” There’s also Mason’s solo career, which includes 12 full-

length studio releases, six live CDs, and a number of popular singles. But despite his reputation as an ace sideman, Mason’s association with Traffic has remained his calling card to fame. The group’s original line-up was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004. “It’s nice to be recognized, I guess. There are a lot of artists that should have been inducted in there ages ago, and still there’s stuff going in there that is like, are you kidding me? But it’s the governing body of that organization that decides what goes in.” His current tour, “Dave Mason’s Traffic Jam,” is a nod to his entire body of work. “We started this in January and it’s gone over way better than we imagined. We’ll play ‘Medicated Goo,’ things that are kind of cool and fun to play. Although I was not in Traffic at the time, I also do ‘Low Spark of High Heeled Boys,’ and ‘Rock ’n’ Roll Stew.’ The way I perform the songs will be different than it was with Traffic.” Mason is confident Bakersfield will be thoroughly entertained at Saturday’s show, which according to the weather forecast, should be temperate enough for hoodies and light blankets. Mason suggested keeping warm by grooving in your seats. “It’s a great band and we put out a lot of music for four guys. We’ve also added some visual aspects to this tour, but no backup dancers or smoke bombs.” Saturday's showtime is 8 p.m. Tickets are $12.50, plus service

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

Tickets for a May 4 concert at the Fox Theater featuring funk music legend George Clinton and Parliament-Funkadelic go on sale at noon Friday.

charge. Bright House Networks Amphitheatre is located at 11200 Stockdale Highway. 852-7777 or visit ticketmaster.com.

George Clinton Tickets go on sale Friday at noon for a May 4 Fox Theater concert by funk music legend George Clinton, backed by the mighty Parliament Funkadelic for a Cinco de Mayo weekend funka-thon. Clinton burst onto the rhythm and blues scene as a member of doo-wop quintet The Parliaments, in the late 1950s before transforming the group’s image and sound from majestic soul seekers to intergalactic freaks — first as Funkadelic in the ’60s, and then as the chart-topping Parliament. Eventually, he combined both groups’ identities. From “(Not Just) Knee Deep,” to “Maggot Brain,” "Give Up the Funk (Tear the Roof off the Sucker),” “Flashlight,” “Atomic Dog” and beyond, Clinton’s “P-Funk” musical universe is among hiphop and rap music’s most sampled discography. At age 72, Clinton still rocks the stage as one of music’s most beloved figures, incessantly touring the globe under the banner, “One Nation Under a Groove.” Tickets range $29.75 to $49.75, plus service charge and will be available at Vallitix.com, the Fox Theater box office, 2001 H St., or by calling 322-5200.

Matt's pick Oil Town Cinematheque presents Film and Video by the Black Triangle at Bako Skate Co., 1918 Eye St., 7 p.m., Saturday, free, all ages, 333-6030. Nothing like the brilliant, heartfelt warmth of indie cinema

Stand-up comedian Ron White famously — make that infamously — called Bakersfield residents “stupid” in his 2012 comedy DVD, “A Little Unprofessional.” But is that insult enough to stop local fans from paying to see the erudite funnyman known as “Tater Salad” when he plays the Rabobank Theater on June 6? We’ll find out when tickets, ranging from $43.25 to $53.25, go on sale Friday. The Blue Collar Comedy vet’s press materials note that White’s show is “for mature audiences only.” It says nothing about how smart you have to be to understand jokes on some of his favorite subjects, like getting hammered and erectile dysfunction. If, however, you’re more into laughing at the comedian than having the comedian laugh at you, George Lopez is putting in an appearance at the Rabobank on May 31. Tickets to his show, which range from $39.50 to $49.50, already are on sale. Lopez, 52, who stars in the new FX comedy “Saint George,” is a frequent visitor to Bakersfield, as is White, 57, a Texas native who made his remark about Bakersfield’s collective intelligence at a show in his home state: “I was in Bakersfield, California, Wednesday night. Boy, you people think YOU'RE stupid ...” Tickets for both shows are available at the Rabobank box office, 1001 Truxtun Ave., all Ticketmaster outlets, by phone at 322-2525 and online at www.ticketmaster.com. to remind you why you love movies. Hosted by longtime friends and artists Beaux Mingus, Gina Marie Napolitan and Jason Georgiades, aka the Black Triangle, the event will treat attendees to a series of short films with varied cultural themes, including Bakersfield’s Basque community. Music will be provided by Jon Almaraz, and there’s a prescreening reception with Sweet and Savory sandwiches. DVDs will be sold for $5 with all proceeds going to benefit Bakersfield skate projects. For more information on filmmaker Beaux Mingus, visit beauxmingus.com. Highly recommended.

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, April 17, 2014

Eye Street The Lowdown with Matt Munoz

Shiflett up close and personal

Foo Fighter returns to town with side project

hris Shiflett’s journey from arena rocker to honky-tonk rabble-rouser is about to come full circle. Following the release of his album of classic country covers, “All Hat and No Cattle,” last year, the Foo Fighters guitarist performed to a full house at Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace in Bakersfield. That show was followed by a year-round trek of beer-soaked dives and festival tent showdowns in support of his country side project and backing band, the Dead Peasants. Now Shiflett is bringing it back to barroom basics for a spring break weekend blowout when he makes his way back to us, this time in the intimate downstairs confines of Sandrini’s on Saturday. “I love ’em man,” said Shiflett of performing in close quarters, where audience members jockey for position. “To me, it’s supposed to be how this music is heard, whether it be honky-tonk, or rock ’n’ roll.” Indulging his passion for country music while recording new material with the Foo Fighters, Shiflett enjoys one of the most coveted gigs in rock music. And while we could easily devote the majority of our interview to his latest studio exploits with Foo Fighter bandmate and recent Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Dave Grohl, Shiflett prefers, for now, to focus on the present and his honky-tonk band. “Our return is way overdue. I can hon-

PHOTO BY MICHAEL ELINS

Foo Fighters guitarist Chris Shiflett will perform with his country side project, The Dead Peasants, at Sandrini’s on Saturday.

estly say that the last time we played at the Crystal Palace, it was unbelievable. It sticks out in my mind as one of the favorite gigs we’ve ever done. We’ve just played so many more gigs and gotten way more comfortable with what we’re doing. We’ve played all over Southern California. We’re just way tighter as a band.” In addition to taking his act on the road, Shiflett also began producing his own music and interview podcast, “Walking the Floor,” which has featured a number of interviews with Bakersfield Sound figures, including Red Simpson, Tommy Hays and former Buckaroos drummer Willie Cantu. He also has spoken with Dwight Yoakam, John Doe and Joe Saunders, a filmmaker who is doing a documentary on his grandfather and Bakersfield Sound icon Billy Mize. Streaming podcast episodes can be heard free at chrisshiflettmusic.com. “The initial concept was to speak with as many California country guys from the golden age

of honky-tonks that I could reach, beginning with the Bakersfield guys. There’s not too many of those guys left anymore. So talking to someone like Red Simpson to document those stories is really special. With Dwight, there’s the association he has with Buck, and obviously there’s a huge influence on him, and that ties in. I’ve got a whole other round of interviews that I need to edit, but I’ve been busy working on the new Foo Fighters record. So, while I’ve been doing that I’ve been interviewing guys like Steve Earle and Redd Volkaert who played with Merle Haggard.” Shiflett added that his podcast experiences have changed his views on what life was like for working musicians of the era. “Some of the guys don’t romanticize the same stuff about themselves as we do as fans. So, with Red, he was really cool, but I could get a sense that he didn’t necessarily want to do a whole, ‘Let’s talk about 1958 kind of thing.’ But again, as a fan, that’s the type of stuff you wanna hear about. You know, wild nights at

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

the Blackboard. But then you have a guy like Tommy Hays, who is amazing, because here’s a guy who’s like the classic unsung hero of that scene, and he’s got a great story. It’s fantastic. So, there’s a kind of common thread between them all and I just learned a ton, and everyone opened my eyes to a lot of music I wasn’t familiar with.” If anyone in the Merle Haggard camp is reading, please pass on the message: Chris would appreciate a few minutes with Hag. “I reached out to one of his guys ages ago and never heard back. I’ve also tried to get a hold of Fuzzy Owen, another guy I’d really love to talk to. I’m gonna keep trying.” Shiflett was in Nashville recently and visited the Bakersfield Sound exhibit, which he describes as extending far beyond museum walls. “The exhibit itself is amazing. Every dive bar on the strip there on Broadway was blasting Merle Haggard songs. I went to Robert’s Western World and his set was the same set of songs that I had recorded with the Dead Peasants. Everywhere we go, people always say, ‘I never hear those songs anymore. I wish I could hear more.’ People just love those songs. It’s the same in Austin bars. You hear Buck Owens, Wynn Stewart everywhere.” According to Shiflett, it may be some time before he’ll have a chance to hit the studio for a follow-up to “All Hat and No Cattle," given the incessant touring schedule of the Foo Fighters. “The whole purpose was to dive into honky-tonk for a long time and be able to get used to playing this style. I think we got it.” Those unfamiliar with the capacity at Sandrini’s, be forewarned: It will fill up quickly, with no pre-sale tickets or reservations being accepted for the show. For Shiflett, anything goes on spring break. “I hope they get ready to do some dancing. We’re gonna light

PHOTO COURTESY OF FISHBONE

The debut EP from 1980s ska/punk pioneers Fishbone is one of Matt’s Record Day picks.

the Easter Bunny on fire and run down the street.” Saturday’s showtime is 9 p.m. Admission is $5; space is limited. Also appearing are Vince Galindo and Country Deluxe. Sandrini’s is located at 1517 18th St. 322-8900 or sandrinis.com.

Record Store Day Saturday is Record Store Day, the global music party celebrating the culture of independent music and the retailers courageously waving its banner. The day of recognition was launched seven years ago in the Bay Area. Ever since, collectors and fans anxiously await the batch of limited-edition releases, reissues and mammoth box sets. Last year’s hot picks included a green-colored 7-inch vinyl release of Willie Nelson and Snoop Dogg’s “Roll Me Up and Smoke Me When I Die” and a special pressing of Big Star’s “Nothing Can Hurt Me” LP. Check out this year’s lengthy list of releases at recordstoreday.com. Once you’ve made your wish list, check in with Going Underground Records downtown to see if they’ll be receiving any of the coveted titles. “We’ve participated in Record Store Day since its inception,” said Going Underground Records owner Ronald Ramirez. “It’s a good day but I would like to see some customers that come out Please see LOWDOWN / PAGE 31

SATURDAY, May 3RD Amphitheater

MAY 9TH & 10TH TICKETS AVAILABLE AT THE FOX THEATER BOX OFFICE, EMPORIUM WESTERN STORE, 661-322-5200 - 888-825-5484 • VALLITIX.COM

Thursday, April 17, 2014 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street CONTINUED FROM PAGE 30

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. 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. Wednesdays. Iron Horse Saloon, 1821 S. Chester Ave., 831-1315; 7 to 11 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays. La Mina Cantina, 1300 Coffee Road, 587-8777; 7:30 to 11 p.m. today. La Mina Cantina, 8020 District Blvd., 831-2777; DJ Countdown, 7:30 to 11 p.m. Sunday. 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. Wednesdays. 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., 8691451; 8 p.m. to midnight Thursdays. Pour House, 9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays at 4041 Fruitvale Ave.

589-9300. Pour Sports Pub, 3621 California Ave., Suite D, 325-0403; 8 p.m. Wednesdays. Pyrenees Cafe, 601 Sumner, 323-0053; 8 p.m. to midnight Saturdays. Replay Sports Lounge & Grill, 4500 Buck Owens Blvd., 3243300; 8 p.m. Wednesdays. Rocket Shop Cafe, 2000 S. Union Ave., 832-4800; 8:30 p.m. to midnight Saturday. 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. Wednesdays. 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. Wednesdays. 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. Thursdays. The Playhouse Lounge, 2915

LOWDOWN CONTINUED FROM PAGE 24

just for Record Store Day more than one time a year.” Ramirez, who boasts a wealth of new and used vinyl of every genre in well-organized racks within his storefront, along with steady online sales from loyal collectors, added the annual event attracts mostly new and casual collectors. “Most hardcore collectors do not collect Record Store Day product; our customers want the hits and we will provide. I’ve been ordering RSD product like a mad man this year. I’ve ordered twice, if not more than last year. If you’re planning on hitting a bigger out-of-town store, might not be a bad idea to try us out instead.” Ramirez added he can’t make any guarantees on requests, but suggests you set your alarm. There is no live music planned outside the store as he’s had in years past, but that could change. “Last year we had a crazy line, so get there early. It looks like we will have a good stash of box sets by Dave Matthews, Cake, Neil Young and Dinosaur Jr.”

Taft Highway; 397-3599; 7 to 10 p.m. Sundays. The Pourhouse, 4041 Fruitvale Ave., 589-9300; 9 p.m. Fridays. The Prime Cut, 9500 Brimhall Road, 831-1413; hosted by Ed Loverr, 9 p.m. to midnight Friday. The Regent, 2814 Niles St., 8714140; 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays and 8:30 p.m. Fridays. The Wright Place, 2695-G Mount Vernon Ave., 872-8831, 8 p.m. Thursdays. Trout’s & The Blackboard Stages, 805 N. Chester Ave., 399-6700; 9 p.m. Thursday.

Rockabilly

Wednesday 4/23

Oasis Restaurant & Night Club, 414 North St., Taft, 765-5188; Lightnin’ Willie, 9 p.m. Friday to 1:30 a.m. Saturday. $10.

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

Author Marisa Silver (read more on Page 22) Indie Film Festival, “Gloria,” 7 p.m. Wednesday and 10 a.m. Saturday, Maya Cinemas, 1000 California Ave. $6. 636-0484. Sixth annual Celebrity Waiters’ Luncheon (read more on Page 20)

Songwriters

Thursday 4/24

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

Music showcase

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

“Variety Is the Spice of Life,” 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday, Beekay Theatre, 110 S. Green St., Tehachapi. $10.50. Tickets: tctonstage.com or 822-4037.

The Prime Cut, 9500 Brimhall Road, 831-1413; featuring local artists, 7 to 10 p.m. Wednesdays.

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. Wednesdays. Free. Trout’s Open Mic, join Bunky Spurling, 8 p.m. Wednesdays, Trout’s, 805 N. Chester Ave. 3996700.

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

Reggae B. Ryder’s Sports Bar & Grill, 7401 White Lane, 397-7304; Rootz Underground, Rasta Mañana, 9 p.m. Tuesday. $10 advance; $12 at the door.

Going Underground Records is located at 18221 G St. Saturday’s hours will be 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. 6330111. At World Records, store owner Pat Evans anticipates another big day of business crossing generations drawn to the vinyl listening experience. “We sold out of turntables just before Christmas and had to scramble to restock. Turntable suppliers were all stressed trying to keep up with demand. Older fans are using their turntables again. Younger fans are attracted to the incredible sound experience of today’s vinyl over digital.” World Records has scheduled live music from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Saturday with the Flying Arvizu Brothers. Special releases include those from Creedence Clearwater Revival, Sam Cooke, Johnny Cash and more. “It’s just awesome that a growing number of folks are excited enough about music to want to hear it at its best. I never tire of selling an LP to a young person while I ask them if they like the sound of records better. They always give one of those areyou-kidding-me looks. Undoubtedly, the people having the richest listening experience today are the ones

Soft rock

Trivia night

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

UPCOMING EVENTS Monday 4/21 Metro BMX Single Point Race, 6:30 to 8 p.m., Metro BMX, 3805 Chester Ave. $7 practice; $12 for practice and racing; $13 nonmembers. Spectators free. 205-1304 or 364-6535.

Tuesday 4/22 Fourth annul Mercy Hospice Butterfly Release, presentation by Dr. H. Norman Wright, music by Mercy Hospice Strings, 5:30 p.m., Mercy Southwest Hospital, southwest garden, 400 Old River Road. $25. 663-6700.

APPARAT

PHOTO COURTESY OF ELASTICA

The 1990s self-title LP from Britpop players Elastica is among Matt’s picks for Record Day.

spinning records.” World Records is located at 2815 F St. 831-3100. On my personal list: Vinyl repressings of the self-titled LP from ’90s Britpop players Elastica; the selftitled debut EP from ’80s ska/punk pioneers Fishbone, with bonus tracks (!); and The Specials 7-inch alternate mix single of “Sock It To ’Em, JB”/“Rat Race” on Two Tone Records. See you in line.

Author Marisa Silver (read more on Page 22) Bakersfield Women’s Business Conference, keynote speaker Randi Zuckerberg, opening speaker Shira Lazar, 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Rabobank Convention Center, 1001 Truxtun Ave. $95. Register online at bakersfieldwomen.org or call 378-4707. Classic Film Festival, “Oklahoma,” 7 p.m. Thursday, 10 a.m. Saturday, Maya Cinemas, 1000 California Ave. $6. 636-0484. Fort & TAPT Wine Tasting Celebration, hors d’oeuvres, entertainment, 5 to 8 p.m., The Historic Fort, 911 N. 10th St., Taft. $25. 7657371. Guitar Masters presents Doyle Dykes, 7:30 to 9 p.m., American Sound Recording Studios, Studio A, 2231 R St. $30. 204-7685. Read for Life Gala Fundraiser, presented by Chevron; hors d’oeuvres, drinks, dessert, live and silent auction, 6 to 10 p.m., The Petroleum Club, 5060 California Ave. $75. 324-3213.

graphs, photograms, paintings and her video installation that complement each CONTINUED FROM PAGE 26 other. were making as individuals Along with being Cal did in fact have a common State alumni, Hawley, thread: reflection,” Becerra Becerra and Schwartz also said. “The word reflect can work together at the Bakersbe used as a noun or a verb. field Museum of Art. ... The physical act of reflec“The museum provides tion of light and the notion an incredible and creative of reflection as a thinking environment in which we process are common get to learn about the exhithemes in this exhibition”. bition process,” Becerra Hawley said he has used said. documentary-style photogOnce this show ends, the raphy for a personal series four will already be hard at of photos revisiting places work on new pieces and and toys from his youth. He making plans. said Becerra’s work depicts “We’re definitely always while Schwartz offers a looking into another show, reflection of sorts as a selfmaybe by the end of the portrait. And Dever impleyear or the beginning of ments a unique technique next year,” Hawley said. for her pieces. “We always have a show in “Karen is taking objects our heads. That keeps us — she’s very secretive about working.” her work — reflection of “Reflexion” will be on disobjects onto light-sensitive play through April 26 at the paper for photograms.” gallery, which is on the Becerra said there will be northwest side of the CSUB about 25 works in the campus, next to the Dore exhibit, a mix of photoTheatre.

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, May 1, 2014

Eye Street The Lowdown with Matt Munoz

Mencia coming home (again) Comedian’s career, life are rebounding

arlos Mencia has always considered Bakersfield more than just another tour stop. What brings Mencia back time and again are the strong family ties and friendships he’s developed, starting with his earliest years in stand-up and on through his tenure with his Comedy Central show, “Mind of Mencia.” The comedian is ready for another homecoming when he hits the Fox Theater on Saturday. “I have cousins that live in Bakersfield,” said Mencia during a phone interview. “I gotta get there two days before and go to every one of my tias’ and tios’ (aunts and uncles) houses. They’re all going to make tons of food. If I don’t show up, they’re all gonna get mad and give me guilt trips. “I can still remember performing a show at a small theater in Bakersfield that I don’t even think exists anymore and the deejay who hosted the show got busy with his girlfriend backstage during my show, which led to the conception of a child.” Whoa. The rare nostalgic anecdote aside, Mencia prefers keeping reflections on the past to a minimum. At age 46, he’s experienced the highs of Hollywood stardom as well as the lows, having been accused of joke theft. In 2007, while performing his act at the Comedy Store in Hollywood, fellow comedian Joe Rogan publicly accused Mencia of plagiarism (the clip is

PHOTO COURTESY OF CARLOS MENCIA

Comedian Carlos Mencia appears at the Fox on Saturday.

available on YouTube). It’s a sore subject, but not a topic Mencia avoids, having already fired back at his critics and comedy community. “Critics I understand, but comedians, who are my compatriots, who are the people who I can fall back on, or thought I could fall back on, kind of turned on me; that was bad. When the comedy community basically turned it’s back on me, and even my friends, I was so toxic that just to even say, ‘Oh, I like that guy’ on a radio station, the deejays would be like, ‘What? How could you like that guy?’” Mencia has always maintained his innocence but admits the experience did take its toll. “To be honest with you, at times in the past and for a few years, there have been a couple suicidal days. I mean, I would never take my life, but there were days where I went, ‘You know what, God: If you were to take me out today, I’m good with that.’” Stepping away from the spotlight to clear the air on social media, radio and TV, Mencia added he also had those “other days.” “Sometimes I just wanted to go to the comedy clubs and do something really bad to show some people that there are certain consequences for your

actions. But no, I wasn’t going to do that.” While coming to terms with the accusations, Mencia continued selling out his concert appearances, soul-searching and cleaning his closet along the way. “Little by little I realized that there were things about me that I wanted to change. Then it comes down to, ‘Well, am I changing because of them, or am I changing because of me? Is it something that I want, or are they winning?’ I seriously took the time to say to myself, ‘Ok, I know who I am. I know I’m not this monster everyone paints me to be. That is clear, but, that being said, why is so much of the Internet community and so much of the comedy community so willing to accept this as truth?’” Mencia said the experience has made him a better man. “There’s so much self-doubt that comes with that stuff. You question so much. I drudged through it to the point where I came out on the other end and, thank God, I’m very proud of the fact that no matter what has been said of me, I never fell into the game of putting someone else down to make me feel better about myself or to rally my troops. I understand that hate brings people together more than love. I get that. I just don’t wanna live in that world. It’s not who I’ve ever wanted to me.” Eager to embrace Bakersfield, the city he’s always considered a second home, Mencia has plenty of surprises for the longtime comedy faithful along with something for the newbies. “I’m where I was right before ‘Mind of Mencia,’ where I’m getting phone calls and everybody wants to work with me. This will probably be the last time I’m at the Fox for a few years, because I’ll probably be going through that upward swing when you catch that wave. Pretty much

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

what Bakersfield is going to see is anywhere from 80 to 90 percent of what is going to be in my next special. For me, it’s about connecting with authenticity, and this is the best material I’ve ever done.” Saturday’s showtime is 8 p.m. All reserved tickets are $34.50, plus service charge and available at the Fox box office, 2001 H St., or at vallitix.com. 324-1369.

PHOTO COURTESY OF JEREMY GONZALEZ

The Indie art and photography magazine Project Oh! release concert party will be held on Saturday at J.C.’s Place.

Project Oh! If you haven’t come across a copy of Project Oh!, Bakersfield’s newest indie art and photography publication, you can scoop one up at the magazine’s Project Oh!Chella release party at JC’s Place on Saturday. Founded by Bakersfield photographer Jeremy Gonzalez, 32, the glossy quarterly print magazine has been building buzz in the underground art scene since making its debut last year. “Project Oh! is really just a convergence of several ideas and passions I’ve always had,” said Gonzalez, 32, who has been taking photos for more than 10 years. “The main motivation was to create a publication that was focused on the under-represented artists in Bakersfield and give

them a way to share their work with more people.” The current edition is the magazine’s third official issue, following an initial test-run printing to show readers how they can contribute their works and become part of Project Oh! Despite a few advertisers, the expense of producing the magazine is shouldered mostly by Gonzalez, who said the budget “can easily exceed $1,000 for each run after print costs, promoting and events, even with our very limited printing” of 50 to 60 copies. He recoups some of those costs through sales of the magazine ($12 at Bakersfield Skateboard Company or $16 on the magazine’s website, projectoh.com) “We feature the creative projects of local talents included but not limited to photography, painting and illustration. The bottom line is we want it to look interesting and meet a certain standard of quality. As we get more organized and have more time to plan ahead we will try to take on more challenges in serving different types of content in unique ways. “Our audience is anyone who appreciates art and something just a little weird and different. The response has been very positive. People have seemed to be on board with the concept so far. The identity of each issue is really just predicated on the selection of artwork we have available to use.” Despite the costs associated with producing a print magazine, Gonzalez said he believes print always will be the preferred medium over the Web for photographers. “There are several reasons for choosing print over Web. The first is that artwork just looks better in print. Second, we wanted to go against the grain to fill a void left by publications switching over to Web only. Third, we want the artwork to be mobile and more visible in the real world.” A painting of legendary Mexican wrestler “Blue Demon” by Please see LOWDOWN / PAGE 28

Presented by:

LT. COL. OLIVER NORTH USMC

(retired)

Thursday, June 5, 2014 • Bakersfield Country Club For tickets & table information:

661. 634. WISH (9474) info@centralca.wish.org

Benefitting:

A benefit for

Thursday, May 1, 2014 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street Scott Cox CONTRIBUTING COLUMNIST

Time to spare? Go bowling Rediscovery of sport is a pleasant diversion

’ve decided to bring back bowling, which is weird because I only recently found out it was gone in the first place. Many, many years ago my wife and I used to bowl in a league. Then we decided to take a couple of decades off. Well, this weekend we went to a fundraiser for autism awareness at — you guessed it — a bowling alley. I’d forgotten how much fun bowling can be. It’s a pretty good way to get in the neighborhood of exercise while hanging out with friends and family. Better still, bowling doesn’t require a great deal of hand-eye coordination or much in the way of fitness. Basically anyone can do it fairly well, and you can be totally out of shape and do it phenomenally well. Bowling is one of those games like golf or skee ball that were

Coming Sunday Dining critic Pete Tittl has sampled Boss Pizza, a new downtown fast-casual restaurant that’s packing in lunch customers with its novel assembly-line pizza operation.

never intended to be sports, which is why they can all be played in your street clothes while drinking beer. In fact, the most entertaining thing about bowling is watching people do it who take it seriously. While I was surprised at how much fun we had, I was shocked at how few people are bowling these days apparently. I needed some work done on my bowling ball (that’s right — I have my own) and found that the bowling pro shop is all but extinct. I’ll keep looking. Gone, too, are the days when you couldn’t get a lane on league nights. I can remember a time when you had to wait for a lane most nights, but then again I used to bowl at the alley at Mount Vernon and 178. Skyway Lanes?

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.

Bowling is one of those pursuits that lend themselves to pleasant conversation more than athletic achievement, and at my age that’s a plus. My grandson even had a great time, although he doesn’t much care for the rails that they put up for kids. In fact, we all had such a good time that we decided to get a proper bowling night going. I was amazed at the number of co-workers who wanted in. It seems like we all just stopped bowling en masse at some point for no good reason, and I’m happy to be the guy who brings us all back to the lanes. And the place, by near-unanimous decision, are the ones at Westchester Lanes. I don’t think any of us is good enough to have a reason to favor one bowling center over another, but the combination of location, availability of Stella Artois beer and Mossman’s fish and chips made this choice an easy one. I’ll keep you posted on our progress throughout the summer, and I hope to see you all out there. If, like us, you haven’t bowled in a long time, it’s time to give it another try.

Salad of the week This week’s salad involves a last-second substitution. I went to

PHOTO BY SCOTT COX

The tuna salad at Bakersfield Racquet Club is light but not too light. With a glass of iced tea, you’ll get out for under 10 bucks.

the coffee shop at the Bakersfield Racquet Club — now run by Covenant Coffee — for a chicken taco salad. I’d seen a bunch of people eating them, and I was fully prepared to give in to peer pressure and have one. I’d even heard you could get extra jalapeños by request, so I was pretty psyched about the whole thing. Then I sat down next to my old

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The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, May 1, 2014

Eye Street Go & Do Today

PHOTO BY JESSICA MONCRIEF

Stella & The Steel Cats appear tonight at The Padre. Pictured above from left: Adam Zanoff, LaShay Munoz and Tony Rinaldi.

LOWDOWN CONTINUED FROM PAGE 24

Bakersfield artist Jorge Guillen graces the latest cover. The issue also features works by area artists Carlos Fierros, Jessica McEuen, and Bobby Holland, Lysa Ann, photos by Amulu, and fashion by Kendall. Gonzalez credits the busy work of his primary staff: public relations manager and promoter Danielle Velling, and artist scout Maylanie Mendez. “We have a revolving staff. I have a ton of ideas I would like to be able to get to. Right now we are just taking one step at a time. The next phase is to grow our team and try to get funding for the magazine so we can devote more time to the production and planning of specific concepts.” Saturday’s event kicks off at 5 p.m. at JC’s Place, 1901 Chester Ave. There will be live music by The Lift, Terra Alive, various deejays, an art display, food and drinks for

COX CONTINUED FROM PAGE 25

friend Shelly Georgino, a longtime BRC coffee shop patron and vocal proponent of the tuna salad there. And so it was that when I ordered my chicken salad, Shelly changed my order for me. “He’ll have the TUNA.” Fine by me. As long as I got some jalapeños, I was going to be happy. Turns out it was a really good call. The greens were nothing fancy, which I generally prefer, and everything was plenty fresh, the single most important quality in salads. And the tuna there is really good, with just the right amount of seasoning and chopped celery, too. I don’t know what planet the tomatoes came from, but they

purchase, plus a fashion show by Bakersfield’s Ooh La Luxe! Fashion Boutique. Admission is $5 in advance, $7 at door, or free with purchase of Project Oh! magazine. For pre-purchasing and more information, visit: projectoh.com.

Matt's pick Stella & the Steel Cats at Padre Hotel’s Prospect Lounge, 1702 18th St. 7 tonight, free, 427-4900. Fronted by smooth-as-silk Bakersfield singer "Stella," aka LaShay Munoz (no relation to this writer), this torchy jazz act has become a favorite since debuting two years ago. Combining vintage sounds from the pop catalogs of iconic vocalists Peggy Lee, Rosemary Clooney, Julie London, Eartha Kitt, and with a helping of Elvis, Frank Sinatra and more, Munoz and bandmates can shake it up, or pour it on straight with no chaser. Check out the band’s newly revamped website stellaandthesteelcats.com. Highly recommended.

were amazing. The dressing was pretty good — kind of a Mexican-themed version of French dressing. I was going to go with ranch, but Mrs. Georgino overruled me on that. Perhaps best of all is the size of this thing — it’s like they calculated precisely how much fuel I needed to get through a threeset tennis match. It wasn’t so much food that it weighed me down but filled me up perfectly. Adding to the enjoyment was the whole experience of hanging out at BRC. The people are really nice, and the place just oozes history; pretty nice lunch setting. With a large iced tea, I was still out less than $10. So if you’re ever downtown and want a simple, delicious salad at an honest-to-goodness Bakersfield landmark, the tuna salad at the Racquet Club will fit the bill.

20th annual Voices of Inspiration, guest speaker Michael J. Fox, dinner, entertainment, auction, raffle baskets, 5:30 p.m., CSUB, Icardo Center, 9001 Stockdale Highway. $150. 410-1010. 63rd annual National Day of Prayer, theme: “One Voice, United In Prayer,” noon to 12:50 p.m., Liberty Bell, 1415 Truxtun Ave. 834-1928. “Circle of Friends” (More on Page 22). Our Lady of Perpetual Help annual Spring Barbecue, choice of New York steak or teriyaki chicken, all the trimmings, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., Our Lady of Perpetual Help, 124 Columbus St. $25. Music, lecture-recital by Soo-Yeon Park Chang, joined by Vicki Wikoff, and guest artist Geeta Novotny, 5 p.m., CSUB, Todd Madigan Gallery, 9001 Stockdale Highway. Free. Email schang5@csub.edu. Red, White & Blue Gala & Dinner, with U.S. Navy Seal Commander, actor, author Rorke Denver, 6:30 p.m., Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace, 2800 Buck Owens Blvd. $250. Proceeds benefit T.A.P.S. Visit RedWhiteBlueGala.com. Classic Film Festival, “Coal Miner's Daughter,” 7 p.m. today, 10 a.m. Saturday, Maya Cinemas, 1000 California Ave. $6. 636-0484. Saving Strokes, for stroke survivors, oneon-one instruction with a golf pro, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Stockdale Country Club, 7001 Stockdale Highway. Free. Email carrie.vones@heart.org or 916-446-6505. Bakersfield Blaze vs. Stockton Ports, 7:15 p.m., Sam Lynn Ballpark, 4009 Chester Ave. $7-$12. bakersfieldblaze.com or 716-HITS. SPCA Book Sale, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. today through Saturday; noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, 3501 Mall View Road, Suite 113-114. bakersfieldspca.org or 323-8353.

Friday 10th annual Tri-tip Lunch Fundraiser, sponsored by Mossman’s Coffee Shops and Catering Company; drive-thru lunch pick up from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., First Presbyterian Church, 1705 17th St. $10. Phone orders: 836-8438. Annual Junk-A-Tique Giant Yard Sale, clothes, books, toys, sporting goods, appliances, antiques, collectibles, furniture; 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, 6 a.m. to noon Saturday, Calvary Bible Church, 48 Manor St. Annual PRCA Stampede Days Rodeo, hosted by Kern County Sheriff’s Reserve Association; bull riding, team roping, barrel racing, steer wrestling, 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Kern County Fairgrounds, 1142 S. P St. $16 advance, $18 at the gate, $22 box seats, $10 ages 6-12; under 5 are free with purchase of one adult ticket. stampededaysrodeo.com or 391-7668. First Friday Poetry Open Mic, hear Nancy Edwards and Rosa Garza read from “Beloved Mothers, Queridas Madres,” in honor of Mother’s Day, sign-ups at 5:50 p.m., starts at 6 p.m., at Dagny’s Coffee Co., 1600 20th St. Guild House First Friday, enjoy music, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, Guild House, 1905 18th St. $10, includes light appetizers, dessert, one glass of wine. 325-5478. Metro BMX Friday Night Race, practice and sign-ups 6:30 p.m., Metro BMX, 3805 Chester Ave. $7 practice; $12 membership

for practice and racing; $13 nonmembership. Spectators free. Red, White & Blue Golf Tournament, four man scramble, registration 10:30 a.m., shotgun noon, Bakersfield Country Club, 4200 Country Club Drive. $250, includes lunch, awards, prizes, silent auction, raffle, barbecue dinner. Proceeds benefit T.A.P.S. Visit RedWhiteBlueGala.com. Rock The Future Fundraiser, hosted by Children First Campaign; 6 to 10 p.m., The Nile Nightclub, 1721 19th St. $25; $40/couple. 703-2689. Cause 4 Cats, cat and kitten adoptions, rummage sale, bake sale, silent auction, 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, 8:30 to noon Sunday, Petco, 5151 Gosford Road.

Saturday 15th annual Classic Car Show, hosted by Rotary Club of Kern River Valley; pet and baby stroller parades, food, vendors, music, 9 to 3 p.m., Riverside Park, Kern River Drive, Kernville. Free for spectators, car pre-registration $40; $45 day of show. 19th anniversary Celebration, hors d’oeuvres, dinner, dessert, door prizes, 5:30 to 8 pm., Buena Vista Museum of Natural History, 2018 Chester Ave. $35; $25 members. 324-6350. 2014 Free Comic Book Day, (more on Page 23). 23rd annual Bakersfield Relay for Life, opening ceremony 9 a.m., survivors lap immediately afterward, luminaria ceremony, 9 p.m. Saturday; fight back/closing ceremony, 9 a.m. Sunday, Wingspoint, Airport and Merle Haggard drives. 327-7827. Bakersfield Festival of Beers, beer sampling, catered meal by the Special Olympics Foundation, entertainment, noon to 4 p.m., Stramler Park, 3805 Chester Ave. $30 advance; $40 at the door. Bakersfield Speedway, USAC Midgets, Hobby Stocks, American Stocks, Mini Dwarfs, gates open at 4 p.m.; races begin at 6 p.m., Bakersfield Speedway, 5001 N. Chester Ave. $16; $14 seniors and military with ID; $6 ages 6-12; under 5 free. Carlos Mencia, (more on Page 24) Central Coast Gun Show, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Kern County Fairgrounds, 1142 S. P St. $10 (good for both days); children 13 and under are free with adult ticket; $3 parking. Documentary Film “Grassland II,” about hydraulic fracturing for oil recovery (fracking), former mayor of Dish, Texas, Calvin Tillman, who is interviewed in the film, will be present to answer questions, 5 p.m., St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 2216 17th St. Free. FACT Open House, with baby bird shower with a registry of gift items, 1 to 4 p.m., CSUB, Environmental Studies Area, 9001 Stockdale Highway. Free. 654-3167. Garden Project Community Meeting, learn about planting, gardens, fruit picking, 10 a.m. to noon, St. Luke Anglican Church, 2730 Mall View Road. 332-3204. Indie Film Festival, “Omar,” 10 a.m., Maya Cinemas, 1000 California Ave. $6. 636-0484. Just for Kids, 10:30 a.m. to noon, Buena Vista Museum of Natural History, 2018 Chester Ave. $7 adults; $5 students w/ID, seniors; $4 for children under 18; 5 and under are free. Members are free. Please see PAGE 29

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, May 15, 2014

Eye Street The Lowdown with Matt Munoz

Fade to Black with punk icons

See stars of local rap scene at hip-hop fest

outhern California punk rock icons Black Flag have never been known for messages of peace and harmony. As pioneers of what became the soundtrack for disillusioned youth through the latter part of the ’70s and ’80s, the group redefined hardcore punk rock and are still at it, appearing at On the Rocks on Monday. Guitarist Greg Ginn founded the group — first called Panic — in Hermosa Beach in 1976. The sound was harder, faster and much angrier than the Ramones or even the Sex Pistols. Along with groups such as Dead Kennedys and Bad Brains, Black Flag was at the forefront of a hardcore punk movement that slammed its way through clubs and concert halls. The group has managed to maintain a strong identity despite a revolving line-up that includes original lead vocalist Keith Morris, who left to form fellow punks the Circle Jerks. Subsequent singers Ron Reyes, Dez Cadena and Henry Rollins each left their stamp before Black Flag finally called it quits in 1986. After a reunion in 2003, and a temporary regrouping with Reyes that ended last year, Black Flag is back with frequent collaborator Mike Vallely on lead vocals. “The fans have always had their opinions on who their favorite vocalist is,” said Vallely, 43, in an email interview. “But, really, they have always respected all four of the previous singers. I’m just honored to have the job

PHOTO COURTESY OF SST RECORDS

Bakersfield rapper Eddie Brock of local rap collective The Epixx will perform Saturday at On The Rocks.

and I’m up for the challenge.” Living much of his life as a professional skateboarder growing up in New Jersey, Vallely recalls being drawn to the intensity of the early Black Flag albums, which found a strong following among street skaters. “‘My War’ is probably my favorite because that was the first Black Flag record I ever purchased and I spent a lot of time with that record when I was a teenager. But ‘Loose Nut’ and ‘In My Head’ are up there as well. I didn’t really get into those records back when they came out but they really hold water with me now.” Prior to Black Flag, Vallely fronted his own bands — Revolution Mother and Mike V & The Rats — and landing a few acting roles along the way, all while maintaining a career in the world of skateboarding. Crossing paths with Ginn in 2003, Vallely was asked to join a few Black Flag reunion/benefit shows, before working with Ginn on a new project, Good for You. Vallely then became manager of the group along with the newly reformed

future, this tour will consist mostly of greatest hits. Joining Ginn and Vallely are new members Brandon Pertzborn on drums and bassist Tyler Smith. “We’ll be playing songs from the ‘Nervous Breakdown’ EP through to the ‘In My Head’ LP. It’s a sing-along set from the beginning to the end.” Doors open at 6 p.m. Monday. All ages admitted. Also appearing are Cinema Cinema and Tanked. Tickets are on sale for $20 at On the Rocks, Going Underground Records, the Gaming Spot in Bakersfield, or online at vallitix.com. On the Rocks is located at 1517 18th St. For information, call 3277625 or 322-5200.

Black Flag with Reyes. But a few former members of Black Flag had similar plans, performing without Ginn as Flag, a move that would reunite the original band in federal court over use of the name and logo. Ginn retains the majority of the rights to the band’s name and logo, as well as the SST record label that still releases and distributes all of Black Flag’s discography. “Greg has always been very open about the band’s history. It is what it is,” Vallely said. “But actually now that we’re moving it forward, it is even further in the rearview mirror and not something we really discuss. The music is now. The band is now.” The band released the CD “What The…” last year. The album, featuring Reyes on vocals, was mostly panned by fans and critics. Bad blood over the album’s reception led to a confrontation between Vallely and Reyes on stage in November and Reyes’ subsequent departure from the band. Vallely said that while he and Ginn plan to write and release new songs as Black Flag in the

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

AY! ATURD S S I H T

PHOTO COURTESY OF BROCKVISION

Black Flag appears at On the Rocks on Monday. Pictured above from left: Mike Vallely, Brandon Pertzborn, Tyler Smith, Greg Ginn.

S THI DAY! N SU

Culture Bomb Bakersfield rap and hip-hop fans interested in getting a taste of the area’s latest rhythmic flavors should gather their crews and head to the Culture Bomb Hip-Hop and Art Fest, happening Saturday at On the Rocks. Organized by Bakersfield rapper/producer Eddie Brock, the ambitious event has all the makings of a block party in downtown. “This is my first attempt at trying to share what my vision could be for something we could have

every couple of months,” said Brock, 29. “With the proper community support we can attempt to develop a series of events that can be all-ages and showcase all the elements of the hip-hop culture.” As both artist and promoter, Brock is one of the more passionate people I’ve encountered locally. Brock has kept me updated over the past year via email, and his energy and creativity are palpable and admirable. From self-produced online music videos to social networking, Brock is everywhere. “I guess a main goal of mine is to show our city and community that if they open their minds and ears, they will see that we have talented artists in our region. If you can go spend your hardearned money on a Jay Z or Drake CD, why not give someone a shot that you may actually know. I’m trying to help change that, and I don’t care if it’s one person at a time.” Brock’s brand new 17-track CD, “The Daydreamer,” recently hit the streets following a lengthy promotion campaign. In the tradition of legendary rap crews such as New York’s Wu-Tang Clan and others who release solo Please see LOWDOWN / PAGE 31

June 1ST

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Thursday, May 15, 2014 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street LOWDOWN CONTINUED FROM PAGE 26

records under their family banner, Brock has kept his three-man production crew’s name, The Epixx, in the title. “As a collective we produce, engineer, and create all the music you hear as well as shoot music videos and handle all photography. This album was created in about a year. I put the project on hold to release a group project we released called the League of Extraordinary Spitters. Once that project came out, it was full speed ahead on “The Daydreamer.” Guest artists on “The Daydreamer” include Bakersfield vocalists Therese Muller and Brittany Tanner, saxophonist Darren Gholston, rapper Sunny Rose and guitarist Silo. “We all have hopes and dreams we all one day wish we can attain, whether you want to go to the NBA, be a doctor, a movie star, or fireman, we all hope to achieve that dream we seek,” Brock said. “We also may have lost someone close to us that we may see from time to time in our dreams and daydreams. All of this combined is the reason behind ‘The Daydreamer’ concept.” Featuring cover art by artist Adam Serrano, Brock’s attention to detail on both the production end and the CD’s final packaging is slick and impressive. “I have always been me. I may have not known how to say what I wanted in the infant stages of my musical journey, but I progressed and became everything I have aspired to be since the very beginning. When you hear Eddie Brock of The Epixx for the first time you will quickly realize that there is no gimmicks, and I talk about real-life situations and emotions.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF BROCKVISION

Rapper Eddie Brock’s new solo CD is “The Daydreamer.”

As an incentive to attend Saturday’s Culture Bomb, Brock will be including a free copy of “The Daydreamer” with each paid admission. “The Bakersfield scene is alive and well. The only things that are lacking in our region of California are the proper outlets to showcase the talents that are here. It’s close to impossible for an independent artist to get on our local radio stations.” Also scheduled to appear are rappers Showdafi, Afta, Black Collar, The Featured Artist, The Gitti Boyz, Xclusive, Expoze, Dat1chyckuno, Universal Prophets, plus guest deejays throughout the evening. “The Daydreamer” is now available at all digital download sites, including iTunes. Saturday’s event begins at 6 p.m. Admission is $5 in advance, $8 at the door. 21 and over only admitted. On the Rocks is located at 1517 18th St. 327-7625 or visit theepixx.com.

PHOTO BY SCOTT COX

Do yourself a favor and order both the pineapple and ginger dressings for the salad at Enso.

COX CONTINUED FROM PAGE 28

next time, If I can, I’ll have three of them in one big bowl. It’s not that the salad was all that amazing on it’s own — although it is darn good — but the dressings put this salad over the top. Yes, I said dressings. Plural. The server gave us the choice of pineapple or ginger, so we got one of each, and wow. Both were fantastic. I mean so good that you could easily forget the salad. The greens, by the way are pretty fancy, which is fine. And they were crazy fresh,

which means they were fresh. The mixed greens always have an earthier flavor than regular iceberg lettuce, which I generally prefer. They even throw some crispy wonton strips on top to give it an Asian flair. But even if none of this impresses you, just wait until you try the pineapple dressing. It’s slightly sweet, with just enough fruit flavor to make it taste like salad dressing and not a smoothie. The ginger dressing is every bit as good if you like a more potent dressing. It’s savory without being too salty. Do yourself a favor and order both. We had excellent sushi that night, but it’s the salad that stole the show.

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, May 29, 2014

Eye Street The Lowdown

Radio station faces dead air Big bills could pull plug on KSVG 89.7

Matt Munoz It was a dream project years in the making, but now Bakersfield’s only terrestrial community radio station may not live to see its second birthday. KSVG 89.7 FM is dangerously close to going off the air over the next few weeks, and it all boils down to money. Station co-founder Jake Chavez said keeping the lights on and the music playing has been no easy task since the station went live in December 2012. “We didn’t have a new sponsor in five months, and we lost three sponsors in the past months,” said Chavez on the increasing pressure to find money for the small-wattage nonprofit station that caters to a largely alt-rock, nonmainstream radio-listening audience. “But the major reason could be that I was mainly paying the bills, which is going to change.” Change better come quickly. According to Chavez, KSVG has 30 days to pay a $14,000 bill to cover a lease on the Mettler property where the transmitter tower is located. Should it fail to reach the June 18 deadline, that amount will increase to $16,000. As of Monday Chavez and supporters had raised more than $3,500, with plans to bring in more funds through several fundraising events over

PHOTO COURTESY OF OZOMATLI

Los Angeles Latin rock and hip-hop sextet Ozomatli headlines the 16th annual Kern County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Menudo Cook-Off at the fairgrounds.

PHOTO BY JESSICA MONCRIEF

Greg Looney and Jake Chavez co-founded KSVG Radio.

the coming weeks. The station also is seeking help through the crowd-funding website indiegogo.com. “We have an e-waste drive planned for June 6, plenty of benefit shows, small raffles and a few more things in the works,” Chavez said. “We will probably continue a few weeks after the deadline to pay off any last-minute emergency loans.” Since KSVG’s launch, the station has undergone numerous personnel and programming changes with a rotating staff of more than 15 volunteer deejays. Though many have come and gone, there have been two constants when it comes to hosts: Chavez and KSVG co-founder Greg Looney. Looney spins tracks nearly every day and

hosts his specialty radio show, “Lord Looney’s ’80s Show” at noon Monday through Thursday. In addition to Chavez and Looney, KSVG has a small sales team working to bring messages from local businesses to the airwaves through various levels of sponsorship. Chavez understands the severity of the situation and the dire straits they face but also knows deliverance could be just around the corner. With faith in his business plan and listeners who’ve already jumped into action in support, he and his comrades have no plans to give up. “I still think it’s solid. All we need is more experience in sales and a benefit committee that is active every month, whether we are short on cash or not.” Chavez added that if KSVG does not raise the funds to keep the lease, it will be the end — for now. There are no plans, Chavez

said, to divert his startup station from terrestrial transmission to a digital model. “We are Kern County’s only true community radio station,” he said. “Some radio stations want to claim some kind of service to the local community, but they can’t. Valley Public Radio is pumped in from Fresno with a few mentions of local weather, time, along with selected events. And if the other stations’ content isn't shipped in, then it’s religious and that doesn't serve the community as a whole, just a select group.” For more information on KSVG or to donate, visit the station’s website, ksvg.org.

Ozomatli on stage When Ozomatli takes the stage at the Menudo CookOff at the Kern County Fairgrounds on Sunday, the wave of humanity will be stirring in rhythm right along with the boiling pots

of stew. Currently touring in support of their seventh studio album, “Place in the Sun,” the Los Angeles sextet is ready to bring more than 19 years of musical mish-mashing back to Bakersfield for another world beat dance party. “Our reputation for our live show; that’s such a big deal for us,” said Ozomatli saxophonist and multiinstrumentalist Ulises Bella during a phone interview. “To keep that together and hold that standard and keep a really energetic live show together for people is a priority.” Rising from the fertile musical barrios of East Los Angeles, where legendary Latino soul and rock acts such as Thee Midniters, Cannibal & the Headhunters, and Los Lobos found national fame from the ’60s into the ’80s, Ozomatli formed in 1995 and had an impact on the area’s youth that was similar to their musical forebears. The group mixes familiar Latin sounds such as Colombian cumbia and Mexican norteno with AfroCuban styling, plus hip-

hop and rap, reflecting the city’s cultural landscape. Taking their name from the Aztec god of dance, fire and music, the band’s celebration of the entire Los Angeles experience has never stopped. “I definitely think we’re part of the next evolution of that East L.A. scene, but as much as I feel a connection, I feel the same way about what a band like Fishbone had done too. Not just one culture or neighborhood is being represented — it’s all of L.A. Having band members who are Asian, AfricanAmerican, Latino, Jewish, it added a different dynamic comparatively,” Bella said. Ozomatli’s music has been featured in the 1999 Drew Barrymore movie “Never Been Kissed” — including a memorable scene featuring the band dancing alongside Barrymore, who is getting her not-so-funky groove on. The party has continued from there, landing the band a coveted spot opening for Santana on the guitarist’s immensely successPlease see LOWDOWN / 33

Saturday

June 28TH

TICKETS AVAILABLE AT THE FOX THEATER BOX OFFICE, EMPORIUM WESTERN STORE, 661-322-5200 - 888-825-5484 • VALLITIX.COM

Thursday, May 29, 2014 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street

GEORGE LOPEZ

THIS SATURDAY NIGHT!

CHILDCAREWORLDWIDE.ORG

The Ugandan Orphans Choir will offer a free performance at 6 p.m. Sunday at Ridgeview Community Church in Bakersfield.

African orphans choir brings song, dance to Bakersfield THE BAKERSFIELD CALIFORNIAN

The Ugandan Orphans Choir are in Kern County for several performances of traditional African songs and dances. According to the group that organizes the choir’s tour stops and raises donations for support of the orphans, “all 10 children have been given hope through Childcare Worldwide’s Sponsorship Program and now they are here to spread that hope to audiences all across the United States. The choir has performed nationwide at

LOWDOWN CONTINUED FROM PAGE 30

ful “Supernatural” tour. “We’ve been to places no other bands go to play; we’ve played for audiences that no other bands have played for, and exposed our music. You gotta be thankful,” Bella said. But it hasn’t all been sold-out tours and standing ovations for the band, known nearly as much for its members’ activism as the music. Bella recalls the tension in the air outside the 2000 Democratic National Convention in Los Angeles, where Ozomatli was scheduled to play along with several bands, including Rage Against the Machine. “We were excited, and I assumed we were going to play before Rage Against the Machine. At some point that day, it was told to us that we were going to play after Rage. Now anybody who’s been in a band knows what happens when you play after the headliners — the whole crowd is walking away while you’re playing. We accepted it, Rage finishes and there’s a bunch of people still around. I can remember all of us being really excited to play. We started playing and about a song-and-a-half into it, I remember there was one random guy trying to jump over the fence to the other side, and the cops were trying to get him down.” As the band played on, Bella said the mostly peaceful scene that day turned to chaos. “They cut our sound and over the loud speaker, heard a voice saying, ‘This has

churches, schools, at Disneyland ... and on the steps of the White House.” The choir performed Wednesday night in Tehachapi and will offer a free performance at 6 p.m. Sunday at Ridgeview Community Church in Bakersfield. Then on Wednesday, the choir performs at the Bakersfield Museum of Art from 10 to 11 a.m. for the monthly First Wednesday program. Admission is free to members, $5 to the general public and $4 for seniors. The museum is located at 1930 R St.

been declared an unlawful assembly, and everyone get out.’ All we wanted to do was finish our song because at this point, you’re so hyped up on adrenaline and everyone there is on the same page. We all ended up scattering in different areas and reuniting in where demonstrators and alternative media people were squatting at. It was definitely a tragic scene in a sense that a lot of people did get hurt.” The incidents that day helped further fuel the band’s artistry and activism with the release of the group’s Grammy-winning sophomore album, “Embrace the Chaos,” released soon after. It also solidified the group’s reputation for sociopolitical activism. The group’s latest release, “Place in the Sun,” follows all of Ozomatli’s previous works thematically, mixing messages of change and hope. In other words, when it’s time to listen, please pay attention, but when its time to dance, don’t resist your primal urge to move your body once the band drops the beat. “Menudo contest and a jalapeno-eating contest? It’s getting serious in Bako this weekend,” Bella said. Sunday’s event kicks off at 11 a.m. Advance tickets are $10, or $15 at the gate. Kids 5 and under free. For ticket outlets and information, contact the Kern County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce at 6335495 or kchcc.org. Contributing columnist Matt Munoz covers the music scene for The Californian. He brings you “The Lowdown” every other Thursday.

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The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, June 12, 2014

Eye Street The Lowdown

Chainsaw massacre in Bakersfield Don’t worry: Victims are already dead Matt Munoz

liced, diced, hacked and chopped into a final edit, “Naked Zombie Girl” is the latest phantasmagoric short from the renegades at Bakersfield’s Hectic Films. The grindhousestyle comedy fright fest will be unveiled to horror fans at a premiere party at Starplex Cinema on the most superstitious — and appropriate — of days: Friday the 13th. “I was joking with a friend on set of another film about how cool it would be to see a woman, naked, killing zombies with a chainsaw,” said Hectic Films’ Rickey Bird, 31. “Then three other people said, ‘I would pay to see that!’ and I thought, I would, too. That would be awesome.” Always working three steps ahead of whatever his current project might be, Bird began laying out plans for “Zombie” two years ago while on the set of “Trespass into Terror.” He pitched the idea to actress Meghan Chadeayne to see how she’d react. After all, in the world of moviemaking, the pitch is where the fun begins. “To be honest with you I brought up the idea and she loved it so she said she would do it for free. I never asked anybody else,” Bird said. Not a hard sell for Bird, or for Chadeayne, who backed his statement. Chadeayne, 24, who spends much of her time in Fresno, is a relative newcomer to the world of independent filmmaking, having spent much of her youth on stage in the Midwest. But never balked at Bird’s wild idea. “He turned to

ROBERT BEJIL / HECTIC FILMS

Filmmaker Rickey Bird of Hectic Films fights off the zombie-fied cast of “Naked Zombie Girl.”

me and was like, ‘You in?’ And my immediate response was, ‘Hell yes!’ I don't think he believed me because he asked me again like three times to be sure.” With his lead cast, Bird went to work to bring his undead idea to life. A trailer was filmed last June at a number of Kern County locations, including downtown Bakersfield and Ethel’s Old Corral in the northeast, to help garner interest and, of course, money. “It was nothing but skin and blood from then on,” Chadeayne said. “I think he’s one of the only people who I trusted to make such an outlandish idea a successful one.” Soliciting funds through crowdfunding websites Indiegogo and Gofundme, where fans can donate money to a project of their choice in return for a thankyou perk of some kind, Bird and crew raised $2,500 from fans. The rest came from their

Meghan Chadeayne appears in “Naked Zombie Girl.”

own bank accounts and other forms of donation, eventually reaching $8,000. “The cast donated their time,” said Bird. “We fed them and gave them an awesome, sometimes stressful, experience. They all either believed in the film idea or just love zombie films.” The plot: Two prostitutes, Barbara (Chadeayne) and Jill (Ali

Dougherty), along with their friend Tony (Joshua Keith Matthews), escape a zombie attack in a 1971 Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham. Unfortunately, Tony has been bitten by a zombie and is about to turn into a flesheating monster himself. During an all-out zombie-covering-car assault, Chadeayne’s character is left to fight it out alone. While

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making her escape, her clothes, snagged in the car door, are stripped away. Hiding completely naked in a shack armed only with a chainsaw, Barbara goes on a rampage of revenge against all things zombie. “This film was more difficult because of the makeup and props, and also because the film takes place at night outside, which takes a lot to set up, especially when you don’t have electricity,” Bird said. “And having someone nude the whole time was hard. But Meghan was a trouper.” On the topic of nudity, Chadeayne said she understands there’s bound to be more than just mild curiosity from viewers who see the title and poster clearly showing a naked chainsawwielding woman covered in blood. But while she is bare through much of the 28-minute film, don’t expect anything pornographic. Using movie magic to conceal Chadeayne’s most private of parts, Bird enlisted the help of his crew, particularly the skills of Nick Reisinger, whose credits include makeup technician on the NBC occult detective series “Grimm.” “I had a few minor worries about how they were going to make the nudity part work, but once Nick and Kelly (Henderson) from special effects got their hands on me, all worries were erased,” Chadeayne said. “They did an excellent job. I had been somewhat exposed for a short period of time before on my first feature, but I knew with the way they planned on carrying it out and keeping me covered, yet exposed, there was going to be movie magic involved. I’m still in awe with how well everything turned out.” Immediately following filming a year ago, Bird’s longtime Hectic Films co-pilot Jason Sanders was put to work editing. “I think Jason did five cuts before we were happy with the film,” Bird said. “We had to cheat Please see LOWDOWN / PAGE 31

TICKETS AVAILABLE AT THE FOX THEATER BOX OFFICE, EMPORIUM WESTERN STORE, 661-322-5200 - 888-825-5484 • VALLITIX.COM

Thursday, June 12, 2014 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street

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Crime Rock at Sandrini’s, 1918 Eye Street, 9 p.m. Saturday. $5. On their Facebook page, the gents of SoCal punk and grunge art Crime Rock describe their music as written “for fans of L.A. noir, Tom Waits, Morphine and the ’90s Seattle sound. Inspired by ’40s radio dramas, all of the group’s albums deal with crimes and the people who are hired to solve them.” If you’re expecting pinstripe suits and Tommy guns, or a swing revival unit, forget it. Crime Rock’s approach is pure rock ’n’ roll. Throw in a booming baritone saxophone and you have a cool Saturday night in downtown. Also appearing are Bakersfield’s very own A Formal Adversary, Crooked, Folk and Ramones tribute The Cretins, who, after a farewell show, are back for an encore. Gabba Gabba Hey! Contributing columnist Matt Munoz covers the music scene for The Californian. He brings you “The Lowdown” every other Thursday.

COMING IN EYE Whether you’re hoping to hit it big a la “Antiques Roadshow” or just want to know more about that family heirloom, the Bakersfield Museum of Art has just the ticket. On June 19, experts from Bonhams auction house will be on hand to survey items in eight categories: fine art painting, prints and photographs, furniture and decorative arts, books and manuscripts, Asian art, 20th century design, fine jewelry and entertainHENRY A. BARRIOS / THE CALIFORNIAN ment memorabilia. For everything you Laurie Maclin's Chinese bowl is possibly need to know before you go, read our from the 19th century or even before. preview in Sunday’s Eye Street.

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some day-for-night shots. We kept running out of night, which is funny because when you are filming it’s the running out of daylight that usually people complain about. But because of budget we had to settle with a lot of stuff, but I like the way it turned out.” For Chadeayne, the challenge was trying to clean up between shooting. “I think the toughest part, personally, was just the amount of shower time afterwards,” the actress said. “One night, during one of our final days of filming, we got to set around 3 p.m. that evening and worked straight till 6 a.m. that following morning. I was taking a baby-wipe bath and hopping in my car to drive straight to work that day.” Since the film’s release in May, promotion has been non-stop: posters, online campaigns and hitting the indie festival circuit for screenings and reviews. “The response has been awesome,” Bird said. “People have been writing about this film all over the world, which is awesome. Hopefully, a full-length feature will be in the works, along with a comic book.” The DVD release will contain interviews and a director’s cut of the film, Bird said, though no release date has been set. “So far it’s been overwhelming,” Chadeayne said. “We’ve been accepted with open arms and I think a lot of fans go into the film expecting to see some mediocre zombie indie film and come out pleasantly surprised. I can only cross my fingers and hope, and if that day comes I’m ready to strip down and wield a chain-

If We Don’t Have It, You Don’t Need It.

LOWDOWN

saw once more.” Attendees at Friday’s premiere will have the opportunity to meet the cast and crew, plus participate in a “Naked Zombie Girl” Q&A session following the screening. Friday’s premiere begins at 7 p.m. Tickets are $6 and available for advance purchase online at Ticketleap.com or at the box office. Seating is limited. This film is not rated and not recommended for people under the age of 18. Starplex Cinema is located at 4200 California Ave. For more information visit nakedzombiegirl.com. An after-party, featuring live music, is scheduled for 9 p.m. Friday at Riley’s Tavern, 1523 19th St. Admission is free.

6301 E. BRUNDAGE LN. BAKERSFIELD, CA

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, June 26, 2014

Eye Street The Lowdown

War riding a new album low and slow Matt Munoz

outhern California funk legends War released their 19th full-length CD, titled “Evolutionary,” last month. Released as a double album, the first disc contains 13 new original tracks while the second is a first-time CD issue of the group’s original 1976 “Greatest Hits” collection that features “Low Rider,” “Summer,” “All Day Music” and more to get listeners reacquainted with the band’s back catalog. “Evolutionary” marks the band’s first release of new material since 1994’s “Peace Sign,” a project that signaled the departure of most of the group’s original members, leaving keyboardist Lonnie Jordan and a new lineup to perform as War, while former members Howard Scott, Harold Brown, Lee Oskar and B.B. Dickerson went on as The Lowrider Band. For Bakersfield percussionist Marcos Reyes, who’s performed with War for the past 16 years, the release of “Evolutionary” has been almost two decades in the making. “Ever since I’ve been in the band, all I ever hear is, ‘When are you guys gonna record a new album?’ There’s always been talk of it. We’ve gone into the studio many times, but nothing ever became of it. For me personally, being in the band, patience has finally paid off. For War to record and release new, original material is a really good feeling, especially for me to be able to create those grooves you hear.” Reyes noted that the production timeline surrounding the project predated his arrival into the band. “I first heard some of these song

COURTESY OF ROBERT BEJIL

The cast of Hectic Films’ “Naked Zombie Girl” appears during the Bakersfield premiere at Starplex Cinemas on June 13.

COURTESY OF MARCOS REYES

Comedian Richard “Cheech” Marin, left, War percussionist Marcos Reyes, center, and Tommy Chong worked together on War’s latest release, “Evolutionary.” The duo and group are currently on a national tour.

ideas about eight or nine years ago, but some of the songs are credited to some of the original band members. We really started working on getting them completed over the past three years at different studios around Los Angeles.” The impressive list of guests along for War’s “lowride” back into the studio include: Eagles guitarist Joe Walsh, the USC marching band, Tower of Power horns, and the occasional guest rapper for good measure. Reyes added that while he does remember most of the recording work he did, he actually never heard the completed album until it was released to the public. “I first heard it with the fans who just bought it,” he laughed. If you’re looking for the

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classic garage party funk of those classic War albums from the ’70s, you won’t find it here. This is War for a new generation. The original ghetto grit that made songs like “Cisco Kid” the record you put on repeat at your backyard boogie can still be found, but with a number of modern touches. The opener, the funky-cool “L.A. Sunshine,” gets an East Bay bounce, courtesy of the Tower of Power horn section. The bonus version also features an appearance by comedians Cheech & Chong. The second track, “Mamacita,” maintains a groovy Latin-inflected pulse and a tight horn arrangement, while “It’s Our Right / Funky Tonk,” brings it back to old-school territory with a consistent funky vibe recalling War’s early sound. For a band known for taking creative risks, the band’s use of Auto-Tune on many of Jordan’s vocals is an especially brave one at this stage in their career. I’m

not quite sure it fits the War we’ve grown to know after years on the radio, but if it makes you dance, go with it. Reyes said he understands reaction to the band’s updated approach will be mixed, but suggests giving it a few listens. “I think its great, because we have a lot of the new generation who really like what we’re doing now, but we also hear old fans who don’t particularly like it at first. But then they get into it after giving it a chance. Lonnie was willing to do some things to reach out to the younger audience.” Other stand-out tracks include “War / War After War (A Soldier’s Story,”) that features a hip-hop spin on the Edwin Starr classic mixed with contemporary, politically driven rap lyrics, and the gospel funk jam “Inspiration.” It’s always good to see a band of this caliber and historical significance enjoying newfound success; let’s just hope they can bring the party back to the heart of the barrio when they cruise back in the studio. There’s a lot to like about “Evolutionary,” and with summer upon us, it’s sure to make an ideal old school/new school party playlist. “Evolutionary” is available in stores and by digital download. War is currently touring with Cheech & Chong as part of the “Up in Smoke Tour.” For more information, visit war.com.

Zombie sighting The only thing noisier than the sound of Megan Chadeayne’s

chainsaw was the crowd at the Bakersfield premiere of Hectic Films’ “Naked Zombie Girl.” Before the screening at Starplex Cinemas on June 13, fans of the indie horror short mingled, posing with actors in full zombie makeup, along with stars of the film and members of the Hectic Films crew. Getting the signal that the film was about to begin, the mixed crowd of 200-plus teens, adults and seniors scurried into the theater to find a seat. “The response was great,” said Hectic Films’ Rickey Bird. “We actually sold out of tickets and had to move it to a bigger theater. And people really liked the movie, which made the team and I feel really good about our hard work.” Before the screening, Bird stepped in front of the crowd, welcoming attendees and thanking supporters. In speaking with many of the audience members, most mentioned they had contributed to the film’s Indiegogo.com crowd-funding campaign, which helped finance the $8,000 project. Once the feature presentation credits appeared, the crowd roared in approval. And for the next 27 minutes, it was zombie time. Bakersfield keyboardist Rohan Cowden (formerly of local altrock pioneers Cradle of Thorns) providing an eerie ’70s synth soundtrack reminiscent of Italian prog rockers Goblin, famous for writing music for many early Euro-zombie flicks. “It was great to see so many Please see LOWDOWN / PAGE 28

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TICKETS AVAILABLE AT THE FOX THEATER BOX OFFICE, EMPORIUM WESTERN STORE, 661-322-5200 - 888-825-5484 • VALLITIX.COM • FOXTHEATERONLINE.COM

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, June 26, 2014

Eye Street LOWDOWN CONTINUED FROM PAGE 26

people at the event,” said Bird. “A few of the cast and crew we hadn’t seen since we shot the film last year, but most of the people I talk to pretty regularly.” Following the screening, the crowd was given a chance to interact with Chadeayne, Bird and various members of the Hectic Films’ crew along with several of the film’s zombie extras, including Bakersfield musician and mortician Kenny Mount and photographer Robert Bejil. A few days after the Bakersfield screening, Bird made the announcement on the Naked Zombie Girl Facebook page that the film would be screened at the 14th Annual Screamfest Horror Film Festival, coming in October to the legendary TCL Chinese Theater in Hollywood. “We have been accepted into one of the largest film festivals in the U.S. Screamfest was co-founded by Stan Winston (‘Jurassic Park,’ ‘Terminator 2’) and is the festival that got ‘Paranormal Activity’ picked up. The best part is that it screens at the Chinese Theater, which if you are a filmmaker, that is a dream come true. It still shocked me when I got the email from (Screamfest founder) Rachel Belofsky accepting the film into the festival. I just entered it.” Plans are under way to turn “Naked Zombie Girl” into a full-length film after Los Angeles independent film company Film Regions International expressed interest. Although Chadeayne will not be reprising her role in the film, set to begin production next year, she will act as associate producer. No word on casting or what modifications will be made to the look and storyline of the film just yet. “We’re really just working on the script and gearing up for the Screamfest premiere in October. We will hopefully have ‘Naked Zombie Girl’ and two zombies standing on Hollywood Boulevard for pictures.” Those interested in following the latest

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Alaska and even parts of Europe for tour dates. Buck Owens and Merle Haggard contacted him when they needed a keyboardist for Bakersfield-area shows, Villalovos’ wife said. After a few years of jumping from one tour date to the next, the musician settled in for a long run in San Francisco. Edward “Lalo” Castaneda performed with Villalovos for about eight years at a San Francisco club called The Jolly Friar in the 1960s and 1970s. As Johnny Blue and the Providers, the band played the popular rock hits of the time, some Latin jazz — whatever the crowd wanted to hear. It was a wild scene. “That's when the hippie days were over there in San Francisco,” said Castaneda, who played saxophone and grew close to Villalovos, both as his bandmate and roommate. “We went through all that stuff, man.” The laidback hippie attitude extended to Villalovos’ arrival times for gigs. It was always a guessing game as to when, exactly, he’d show up. “Gave me a damn ulcer, man,” Castaneda said with a laugh. Arriving late was just part of who he was,

developments surrounding the “Naked Zombie Girl” projects should visit nakedzombiegirlmovie.com. “Thank you to all the people that have supported this film and for all the people on the team that made it happen,” Bird said.

Matt’s pick Red Elvises at Texas 28, 1517 18th St., 9 p.m. Friday. $10, 327-7625. Los Angeles party band the Red Elvises started out playing what they dubbed “Siberian Surf Rock” in 1995 after lead singer Igor Yuzov says he was visited in a dream by Elvis Presley. Not one to say no to the King, Igor and his Russian friends started playing on Santa Monica’s Third Street Promenade, pulling in huge crowds and eventually getting the chance to relocate to actual venues. Over the years the band has toured all over the United States, Israel, Puerto Rico and Bulgaria to name just a few places, bringing their brand of Russian-tinged classic rock ’n’ roll to the masses. The secret is simple: Igor’s unique brand of humor combined with guitarbased rock ’n’ roll that makes audiences want to sing, dance, scream and drink lots of vodka. House Music Party at Elements Venue, 3401 Chester Ave., 8 p.m. Friday, free, 301-4681. In the mid-’80s, the house music dance craze hit the windy city of Chicago with a sonic boom, before spreading to the rest of the country, especially New York and Los Angeles. Characterized by its repetitive combination of high-hat cymbals, snare drum, kick drum, and synth bass lines, it eclipsed disco, eventually attracting both street dancers and clubbers alike. Everyone from Madonna to Daft Punk has had more than one house-music-inspired hit. Veteran Bakersfield deejay Noe G, a longtime house music aficionado, has assembled a group of deejays well-equipped to fill the dance floor with classics from the house music crates to the current wave of house hipness. Highly recommended.

said Castaneda, another quirk to go along with his unusual nickname and love of burnt popcorn. The counterculture heyday ended and Villalovos made his way back to the Central Valley. It was while playing in the Johnny Blue Trio that he met Patricia and settled down for good in Arvin. The last couple decades saw Villalovos gradually slow down, but he still played dates at KC Steakhouse, Cafe Med, Mama Tosca’s and other spots around town. Patricia Villalovos certainly appreciated her husband’s musicianship, and his voice was enough to make her say to herself, “Patricia, you’re in trouble,” but she made sure his talent never went to his head and he kept up with his share of household chores. “I told him many times, ‘You’re not Johnny Blue here, you’re Johnny Villalovos, and that yard needs to get done.” In addition to Patricia, Villalovos is survived by four sons: Anthony and wife Elizabeth, of Albuquerque, N.M.; Michael, of Freeport, Texas; Frankie, of Bakersfield; and John, of Arvin. He also leaves behind two sisters, 17 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at St. Francis of Assisi Parish at 9 a.m. today. Interment will take place at 10:45 a.m. Monday at Bakersfield National Cemetery.

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, July 10, 2014

Eye Street The Lowdown

Rocker is wearing two hats Musician takes on acting as promoter, performer

Matt Munoz Bakersfield musician Art Machuca has big plans to use his knowledge and connections to bring crowds back to the basement at Jerry’s Pizza, once home to some of Bakersfield’s biggest all-ages shows. Those familiar with Jerry’s Pizza already know its reputation for being an early tour stop for best-selling bands Paramore and Buckcherry, and the venue of choice for intimate shows by Weezer, The Used and many others. Slow nights were rare when longtime promoter Nate Berg booked shows, and just about any form of noise was guaranteed an audience — until Berg called it quits in 2006. But if Machuca’s long-term goals come to fruition, you may have the chance to experience those kinds of shows again. “People are looking for something unique these days and gravitate to good entertainment,” said Machuca, 25. “Our local community has a wide range of musical tastes, which makes my job enjoyable because it offers artists of all expressions a place to perform while achieving the goal of providing quality entertainment.” After parting ways with his longtime promotional partner Michael Scarfo, who operated under the banner of AM Entertainment Presents, Machuca plans to continue what he and Scarfo began six years ago at The Dome. “I am officially leaving AM Entertainment. I am not giving up on booking. I will have a few big events from time to time,” Scarfo posted on his Face-

PHOTO BY ROB PEREZ

Bakersfield musician Art Machuca, center, from the band Vlad Arthur (pictured), has recently taken over booking shows for Jerry’s Pizza and Pub.

book in May. He gave no specific reason for pulling out of the production company. “Michael made the decision to no longer be involved in the promotional scene,” said Machuca. “Although Michael is no longer involved in AM Entertainment Presents, everyone wishes him the best in his ventures.” Machuca, who fronts local heavy alternative rock quintet Vlad Arthur, said straddling the line between entertainer and promoter has helped him develop skills he feels the venue can benefit from. “Currently, I am running under the same promotions name. Jerry’s is a historical venue. It is our goal to continue to find new talented artists and give them a place for exposure. We strive to find entertainment that succeeds the quality of entertainment that has preceded us.” Machuca and Scarfo did an

PHOTO COURTESY OF EMIJAH CALVIN

Bakersfield country singer Emijah Calvin, aka Cowboy Calvin, and the You Ain’t Ready Band appear tonight at Jerry’s Pizza.

impressive job of attracting a number of acts during their partnership at Jerry’s, booking bands as diverse as punk legends Reagan Youth, EDM sister duo Millionaires, shock rockers Ghoul, Green Jelly and more — always all-ages and with admission prices affordable for attendees

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with little to spare. “We have people turn out for punk, hard core, metal, hip-hop, reggae, country, comedy and dance events, and we are constantly expanding to different art forms to suit what our audience desires. Young people recognize talent and good entertainment

and aren’t, per se, gravitating towards one specific genre of music.” With the departure of promoter Tim Gardea, who moved to Sweden in the spring, Machuca is one of the few independents around. For years, Gardea led the field of independent promoters in Bakersfield with the caliber of touring acts he booked. “I think a loss in the number of shows was felt for a moment but people within the community such as myself are filling that role,” Machuca said. Berg, who recently paid Bakersfield a visit from his current home in Toronto, had a few a tips for Machuca. “I can only offer what is based on my own experience. I can’t offer anything that’s not my own. What worked for me during the time I was there was to fill the calendar, those three words. Keep it simple. A lot of people get caught up in booking national acts, but local bands are really important. That’s what worked for me. I had no control over how well these shows would do. I would just do my job to keep the calendar full. Everyone has desires and goals, but it’s all about action. Reaching out is important, and the kids will always have their say.” Berg no longer works in the music business but said he keeps up with the latest developments happening in Bakersfield through hometown connections and social networking. “I know that things evolve. Bakersfield has a great music scene, and there will always be bands coming up through the ranks. Jerry’s was a great business learning experience. I carry the lesson in all aspects of my life. I’m proud of the past, and wouldn’t have it any other way.” The upcoming Jerry’s Pizza schedule includes the two-day alt-rock “Summerfest,” featuring 15 confirmed acts on July 18 and 19, rapper Sapient on July 20, plus punk legends DRI on Oct. 17.

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TICKETS AVAILABLE AT THE FOX THEATER BOX OFFICE, EMPORIUM WESTERN STORE, 661-322-5200 - 888-825-5484 • VALLITIX.COM

Please see PAGE 27

Thursday, July 10, 2014 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street

Fab Four, flying sharks beat the summer heat Special cinema screenings today THE BAKERSFIELD CALIFORNIAN

he best place to be on a 105-degree Bakersfield scorcher is inside a chilled movie theater. But it’s not the AC that’s packing us in; it’s the inspired movie/music/theater/sports special programming at our first-run theaters. Take today, for example: Reading Cinemas at the Valley Plaza is screening the 1964 rock classic, “A Hard Day’s Night,” and over at Edwards in The Marketplace, those RiffTrax jokesters are having their way with the cheese-tastic basic cable classic “Sharknado.”

‘A Hard Day’s Night’ “Just one month after their popularity exploded in the U.S., John, Paul, George and Ringo began working on a project that would bring their revolutionary talent to the big screen,” reads the press materials announcing the screening. “‘A Hard Day’s Night’ reinvented the movie musical and exerted an incalculable influence on the music video.” The screenings are at 7 p.m. today and 11 a.m. Sunday. Tickets are $8.50 today and $5.50 Sunday, available at the box office or

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Machuca’s band Vlad Arthur can be found rocking the Jerry’s Pizza stage, when he’s not working at keeping crowds pouring in. “As an artist, I love juggling being a musician and show promoter. This is my life. I’m married to rock ’n’ roll. I love what I do and am committed to it like it’s my wife.” Tonight, Jerry’s Pizza will feature Bakersfield country singer Cowboy Calvin and the You Ain’t Ready Band. Showtime is 8 p.m., admission is $10, all ages. Jerry’s Pizza is located at 1817 Chester Ave. For more information, visit AM Entertainment Presents on Facebook or call 6331000.

Cris Cado

UNITED ARTISTS

The Beatles bound through the streets as they attempt to avoid fans and make it to a concert on time in “A Hard Day’s Night.”

online. Reading Cinemas is at 2000 Wible Road.

‘RiffTrax Live: Sharknado’ Join the RiffTrax crew of Michael J. Nelson, Kevin Murphy and Bill Corbett — best known for the 19881999 television series “Mystery Science Theater 3000” — for a special two-night event broadcast as they skewer the Syfy instant cult classic “Sharknado.” From the media materials: “Just when you thought ‘Sharknado,’ a movie about mega-cyclones sucking up sharks from the ocean and hurling them onto land, couldn’t get any more absurd, the stars of RiffTrax have blown those expectations right out of the water and created a perfect storm

SYFY

“Sharknado” will get the “Mystery Science Theater 3000” treatment.

of funny.” The screenings are at 8 p.m. today and 7:30 p.m. Tuesday. Admission is $10.50. Edwards is located at 9000 Ming Ave.

‘Shrek the Musical’ not same old song and dance THE BAKERSFIELD CALIFORNIAN

A summer theater workshop “shows you that kids (and ogres!) can do incredible things,” when “Shrek the Musical” hits the stage starting Saturday. Adapted from the Oscar-winning DreamWorks Animation film, the musical tells the story of Shrek, the ogre, and all his fairy-tale friends, including Fiona and Donkey. From a media release provided by Tonicism, the theater group mounting the show: “In a faraway kingdom turned upside down, things get ugly when an unseemly

ogre — not a handsome prince — shows up to rescue a feisty princess. Throw in a donkey who won’t shut up, a bad guy with a SHORT temper, a cookie with an attitude and over a dozen other fairy tale misfits, and you’ve got the kind of mess that calls for a real hero. Luckily, there’s one on hand ... and his name is Shrek.” The performances are at 2 p.m. Saturday, Sunday and next weekend, July 19 and 20, at the Spotlight Theatre, 1622 19th St. Admission is $10; $5 for children under 18. Children under 3 sitting in laps are admitted for free. Tickets can be purchased online at tonicism.com.

It was a hot, dusty and truly funky day on the set of the latest video shoot for Los Angeles neo-soul diva Cris Cado. Filmed on the balmy afternoon of June 29 at Ethel’s Old Corral, which is becoming a hot spot for independent filmmakers, the video made use of the unique visual backdrop for Cado’s single, “Crazy Love.” Deejay and SoCal music promoter Cid Hernandez, Los Angeles film director Steven Boe of Imaginal Cells Inc., and Cado collaborated on the Russ Meyerinspired music short. “The concept was to capture the style and feeling of the 1960s girl cult motorcycle and car films like ‘Girl on a Motorcycle’ and ‘The Mini-Skirt Mob’ and ‘Faster Pussy Cat! Kill! Kill!,’” said Hernandez, who pitched to Boe the idea of filming in his hometown of Bakersfield. “I was so happy Steve was open to working here. He was really instrumental in shaping the ‘cult moto’ concept into something workable for a music video format.” Hernandez, who’s been active in the underground Los Angeles music scene for years, has always had an affinity for authenticity in his work, as a supporter of the rare-groove vinyl-collecting community. Well-versed in vintage Jamaican roots reggae, ska, hip-hop, jazz, and northern soul music, Hernandez said his interest in working with Cado was based on mutual interests. “I was looking for new music for my Web radio podcast, ‘Royale Radio.’ I saw a Facebook post of some of her music, and I contacted her about adding a song to the podcast. Later on we had a meeting and decided to try working together. We are both in the same stylistic space in Los Angeles. After talking, we realized that we had the same musical sensibilities of vintage influence with modern interpretation.” Cado’s groove-oriented compositions, teamed with her laid-back vocals, are a blend of Chicago jazz chanteuse Anita O’Day, crossed with British soul, ala Amy Winehouse, all with a bit of a Southern drawl. She’s sophisticated, hip, smooth and despite filming a full day in 106degree weather, had nothing but love for Bakersfield. “I had an incredibly great experience,” said Cado. “Everyone I worked with was so cool and kind. I am so touched by the generosity of everyone involved. Gracious people made my work so pleasant and exciting, in spite of the hot weather.” Released earlier this spring, Cado’s independent seven-song EP debut, “Rain on the Concrete,” is a solid introduction to the singer-songwriter. Produced by Tru

PHOTO BY CHRISTINA PHELPS

Los Angeles singer Cris Cado filmed her latest video, “Crazy Love,” at various Kern locations, including Ethel’s Old Corral in Bakersfield on June 29.

James, a member of Los Angeles funk ensemble Stone Mecca, the record also features an appearance by hip-hop producer RZA of legendary rap group Wu Tang Clan, on the song “Grind is Gangsta.” “She’s got a good amount of traction with numerous shows and radio appearances,” said Hernandez. “With the completion of ‘Crazy Love,’ I think she’s in a good spot to springboard her sound and style into the global music market. We hope that Steven (Boe) will be open to other projects in the future, like our next video for ‘Grind Is Gangsta.’” But first Hernandez is eager to get the video for “Crazy Love” to fans, including members of Bakersfield’s Treads Scooter Club (Hernandez is a member) and the U.S.-Bakersfield chapter of the 59 Club motorcycle group, which helped spread the word via its website and extensive member base. By the time production day had arrived, 16 vintage racers and cruisers rolled into Ethel’s for a spot in the video. “Cris deals with a confrontation at Ethel’s and handles the trouble as a gang boss would,” said Hernandez of the video’s storyline. “There are scenic shots of her riding a Triumph motorcycle once she has dealt with the trouble.” Hernandez plans on having a local release show for the video that will include a concert with Cado once the final edit has been completed. “We will have a party near the end of the summer to thank everyone involved in the making of this video. Everyone in town is invited. Cris hopes to make Bakersfield a part of her regular rotation of cities to visit in the future. She made a lot of friends during the shoot.” Cado backed up that statement with profuse praise. “I think it’s a special town with special people,” she said. “A great change from L.A., where I am born and raised. Riding a bike in the desert was such a highlight. Bakersfield is for bikers — that’s for sure.” For more information on Cris Cado, visit criscado.com. Contributing columnist Matt Munoz covers the music scene for The Californian. He brings you “The Lowdown” every other Thursday.

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, July 24, 2014

Eye Street The Lowdown

Reggae rockers keeping roots deep Matt Munoz

lements Venue will play host to a Friday triple bill sure to please both current California reggae rock enthusiasts and those who prefer more roots with their riddim. Headlined by rising San Diego quintet Through The Roots, the show also will feature the irie vibes of Bakersfield’s very own champions of the genre, Amity Flow and Dub Seeds, who kick off the evening. While Bakersfield boasts a healthy fan base devoted to the hybrid sound, nothing compares to passion found closer to the coast, which boasts a scene stretching from Eureka in the north to San Diego and into Baja. No longer just a niche for summertime Warped Tours and beer festivals, acts like Brewfish, Iration, Arise Roots and Rebelution are now co-headlining major alternative rock festivals across the country. “It really just comes down to the music and the message as a combination,” said Through The Roots lead vocalist Evan Hawkins. “Reggae music is not a competition. This is a movement. We are all working together to put reggae music on the map. Everyone needs to hear it. The fact that it is getting crowded is amazing.” And the demand doesn’t seem to be slowing. College towns are popular destinations for acts whose sound owes as much to Bob Marley as it does to Sublime, which incorporated a punky party edge to the politically conscious style, paving the way to radio acceptance in the early ’90s. “Bob Marley and UB40 really got me hooked at a young age,” Hawkins said. “My mom would always be pumping the reggae around the house when I was just a youth. I didn’t under-

PHOTO COURTESY OF THROUGH THE ROOTS

San Diego reggae rock quintet Through The Roots appears Friday at Elements Venue.

stand the message at the time, but the groove had me locked.” Formed in 2008, the band gained a local following almost immediately, releasing a trio of independently pressed CDs and remix EPs while hitting the road to test the waters away from San Diego. “The majority of shows that we play are out of state,” said keyboardist Brady O’Rear. “We’re usually on nationwide or regional tours, so we get lots of traveling going on. During some down time or breaks we do more shows closer to home in California. We play San Diego about two to three times a year.” The group’s latest release, “Take You There,” is a nine-song blend of summer goodness, where feeling all right is a state of mind, no matter where you are in the world or how hot the asphalt is. “The summer season just brings such an awesome freespirited vibe,” said drummer Taylor Boatwright. “Nobody got work, school, any worries, so what better way then to spend your time grooving out at a reggae concert? The weather is perfect, the sun is up all night, and the pretty ladies are out to dance. You can't go wrong.” If

you’ve attended one of the local shows featuring heavy hitters from the California reggae rock scene, you already get the gist of Boatwright’s easygoing drift. The crowds are mellow, with guys and gals bobbing their heads together in harmony with the occasional one-handed conductor deploying a wave-and-peace sign, rising like a periscope above water. “We feel like we’re keeping what we do fresh, trying to give our listeners what they want, but at the same time giving them something new,” Boatwright said. “We’ve begun work on our new album already, and we feel like this is going to be our best work yet.” That commitment to keeping a positive attitude about their work has also kept them safe on the road, testing their patience and well-being along the way. “We’ve been through some close calls on the road, in dangerous conditions, and we’re very blessed to still be here today,” said guitarist Scott Curtis. “When you’re traveling a lot, and always on the road, these close calls are bound to happen. Definite bizarre moment was when we hit a moose in Idaho a few years ago. That thing was huge.” No need to worry about snow or wild animals on Friday as the band will be welcomed by fans ready for easy skankin’ in Bakersfield’s legendary heat. “We love to get the people

dancing, so if you don’t like to dance you should probably find a nice spot at the bar,” Hawkins said. “We love meeting our fans, hanging out with them and getting to know the ones that are supporting us. The community that this music creates is very unique and runs deep. We strive to keep that vibe going at our shows.” Friday’s showtime is 8 p.m. Admission is $10 online at elementsvenue.com or $12 at the door. Show is all ages. Elements Venue is located at 3401 Chester Ave. 869-1952.

Korn Row road sign theft Fans of Bakersfield hard rockers Korn who’ve noticed the Korn Row street sign missing from the back access road of the Rabobank Arena may have their fellow fans to blame. The theft took place about two months ago, said Rabobank Arena Marketing Manager Nick Wynne. Some fans have begun posting photos on themselves next to the signless street pole on the Instagram fan photo profile Kornbakersfield. The street sign was dedicated with much fanfare in 2006, with members of the band attending the ceremony. “It looked like someone took a saw to it,” Wynne said. “This is not the first time it has happened, so arena and city staff are looking into a signage solution that will be less prone to vandalism.” Fans planning to make the pilgrimage to prove their devotion needn’t be entirely disappointed. The plaque commemorating the 2006 dedication is still there — and untouched — near the entrance to the arena. Members of Korn could not be reached for comment. The band is currently on tour in support of their latest record, “The Paradigm Shift.”

Matt’s picks Funk Nights at The Regent, 2814 Niles St., 6 p.m. Saturday, free, 871-4140. Vinyl enthusiasts who consider

CASEY CHRISTIE / THE CALIFORNIAN

The sign for the access road behind Rabobank Arena, named Korn Row, keeps disappearing.

themselves old school and faithful to the origins of deejaying and emceeing should make plans to head to this special night dedicated to the preservation of funk music. The playlist spans the genre: early James Brown, the post-disco era of ParliamentFunkadelic and Solar Records, rare grooves of the ’80s, and the new jack swing. Deejays Party Boy, Noe G, Alex Gee, Danny P, Phate, Sparkle and more will be in the mix from the early evening to last call. Bring your marathon dancing shoes. Bunky Spurling at Kern River Brewing, 13415 Sierra Way, Kernville, 8 p.m. Saturday, free, 760-376-2337. Bunky Spurling is considered one of Kern County’s most gifted singer-songwriters and guitarists. Well-versed in American blues, jazz and classic, Americana-style roots, he demonstrates abilities that have earned him local and national acclaim from fans and critics. If you’ve never experienced the Bunky Spurling show, find out what you’ve been missing. It’s soulful, sincere and always tailored to fit the mood of his crowd. Highly recommended and best enjoyed with some of the Kernville brew pub’s signature ales. My favorite: Just Oustanding IPA.

TOMORROW NIGHT! FRIDAY JULY 25TH

NOVEMBER 2ND

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The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, August 7, 2014

Eye Street The Lowdown

Texas singer with Bako spunk Aaron Watson breaks through Nashville wall Matt Munoz

here’s no shaking Aaron Watson’s commitment to keeping the independent spirit of Texas alive in his music. From his respect and admiration for the music of Waylon Jennings to his solidarity with the current wave of fellow Texans storming the airwaves, Watson keeps it all Texas, all the time. Currently hitting a career stride after 14 years of hunkering below the peaks of the Nashville-dominated country charts, the singersongwriter is eager to share what he feels to be a kinship with Bakersfield when he returns to Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace on Aug. 14. “I think what we’re doing in Texas is no different than what happened with the Bakersfield Sound,” said Watson during a phone interview. “Buck wanted his own sound and that’s what he created. My dad, he handed down all of his Buck Owens and Merle Haggard vinyl records. I have ’em all.” And in the same vein of his heroes, Watson says there’s no rushing the organic nature of a good song. “I was raised in West Texas, just down the highway from where Waylon (Jennings) was raised, and I like the independence of what that outlaw movement brought to the table. There is that mentality that comes from living here.” Watson’s 11th album, 2012’s “Real Good Time,” continues to be the focus of his busy touring schedule and the source of his biggest hit, “July in Cheyenne,” which helped catapult the record to No. 9 on the Billboard

PHOTO COURTESY OF AARON WATSON

Aaron Watson appears Aug. 14 at Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace

country chart. “The week we’d found out we’d sold enough copies to debut that high, I had a writer call me from Billboard who said, ‘Aaron, I don’t mean any disrespect, but I’ve never even heard of you.’” Watson’s become accustomed to that response from country music media, which he said is becoming more disconnected from what’s going on outside Nashville’s major label mindset. “I don’t have anything against Nashville. My booking agency and a lot of our distribution is out of there. But I think Nashville has always had the reputation for having that cookie-cutter approach. Nobody wants to jump in the water until somebody else does it and then once somebody else does it, those other guys jump on board and everybody’s putting out an artist that sounds like the next big thing. I think that there are some very talented artists in Nashville that don’t get the opportunity to shine because a lot of different opinions from the major labels. I don’t deal with that in Texas.” Watson points to the suc-

cess of “July in Cheyenne” as an example of his beliefs. Inspired by the memory of late rodeo legend Lane Frost, the song also stands as a reminder of the delicate nature of life as exemplified by his newborn daughter, Julia Grace, who died of a heart defect just a few months before he wrote the song. “I struggled with that grief for months, and I had to get over my grief because I had to get up onstage and make a living for my family. I think in one of Merle’s songs, he talks about putting on that old ‘instamatic grin,’ and you know I felt like such a fake, because on the inside I was such a broken spirit. One night I said a little prayer, hung the guitar on the wall and asked the Lord if this was what he wanted me to do; ‘I could sure use your help.’” It was a late-night viewing months later of the 1994 biopic “8 Seconds,” about the life of Frost, that helped redirect Watson’s emotions back into work. “I’d seen the movie a hundred times, but this time I saw it from the perspective of a parent who’d lost their child. When it was over, I just felt that great need to write Lane’s mother a song. The song just wrote itself. I have no doubt in my mind it was an answered prayer.” Like Garth Brooks’ “The Dance,” a song also inspired by Frost, Watson’s tribute is a touching revisiting of a painful moment, as well as a celebration of life. “My wife, my children, my faith in Jesus, and just life in general inspires me to write.” Those unfamiliar with Watson before his Crystal Palace show next week can do plenty of catching up via his extensive discography, which includes both studio and live albums packed with tons of rowdy Texas grit, emotion and, of course, storytelling. “The greatest songs come from the heart, and that’s where you can compare writing songs in Texas and Nashville. I write songs

PHOTO COURTESY OF FIGMENT RECORDINGS

Bakersfield husband-and-wife duo Peppermint Kisses.

on my back porch, on my bus, not in some cubicle on the third floor figuring out writing for a certain demographic. And you know, country music always comes back to the songwriting, and right now, I think we’re really getting away from that. I think there has to be a moral to the story, not just a party anthem. Everything’s about a Dixie cup.” Tickets for the Aug. 14 show are $10, plus service charge, and available at vallitix.com. Showtime is 7 p.m., all ages admitted. Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace is located at 2800 Buck Owens Blvd. For more information, visit buckowens.com, or call 328-7560.

Peppermint Kisses Bakersfield husband-and-wife duo Funeral Club have just released a new 7-inch vinyl single, “Woodland Mischieves,” on New York independent label Figment Recordings, under the name of their side project, Peppermint Kisses. As Funeral Club, the duo craft-

Marty Stuart

ed a series of darkly romantic songs that helped them garner an impressive fan base around the globe. While the band’s name conjured images of the macabre, their sound was anything but. Difficult to categorize but too enchanting and atmospheric to resist, they recorded in their living room on basic equipment. “Peppermint Kisses is a huge change from what we have done in the past,” said Joseph Andreotti, who performs most of the instrumentation in both groups while his wife, Jenny Andreotti, handles vocals. “Every sound heard on these songs is made using an analog Korg MS20 synthesizer. It is not inspired by the 1980s, but by 1970s analog synthesizer pioneers such as Kraftwerk and Emerald Web.” Also reminiscent of Canadian electro duo Crystal Castles, the Bakersfield couple have created in “Woodland Mischieves” a work Please see LOWODWN / PAGE 30

Saturday, October 25TH

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The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, August 7, 2014

Eye Street Japanese film â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;House,â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;? Jenny said. As for the name Peppermint Kisses: â&#x20AC;&#x153;We wanted something that sounded innocent,â&#x20AC;? Joseph said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I thought it sounded like a Cocteau Twins song title, which fits our sound very well.â&#x20AC;? In addition to the Figment Recordings release,

LOWDOWN CONTINUED FROM PAGE 28

that stands apart from Funeral Clubâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s music â&#x20AC;&#x201D; though their influences remain much the same. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have been greatly inspired by the 1975 Peter Weir film â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Picnic At Hanging Rockâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and the 1977

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the duo have planned further projects down the line. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are lucky to be part of two incredible record labels: Figment Recordings is run by Drew Diver, who has helped produce The Wake, Travelogue, and has an amazing band called Soda Shop,â&#x20AC;? Andreotti said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;He reached out to us, as we have mutual friends. We will also be releasing a 12inch LP in early 2015 on Figment, and a 7-inch EP on Plastiq Musiq, which used to be part of Tooth & Nail Records. It is run by our friend Jacob Graham of The Drums, and David Barnhart.â&#x20AC;? While there are no live shows scheduled by Peppermint Kisses, that could change soon. All of the groupâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s current releases can be purchased at: figmentrecordings, plastiqmusiq.com or through the band at mailto:thepeppermintkisses @gmail.com.

Gregory Porter Former Bakersfield resident Gregory Porter has just released a new single and accompanying music

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Mattâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s picks Cnizah at Que Pasa Valley Plaza, 2701 Ming Ave., 8 p.m. tonight, free, 832-5011. The roc en Espanol crossover radio boom of the â&#x20AC;&#x2122;90s may have calmed, but not with diehard fans on both sides of the border who continue fueling the dreams of the roc movimiento. Bakersfield quintet Cnizah is working to put the genre back on its

feet. Formed from the ashes of another local roc en Espanol band, Likhy2, Cnizah is much more polished, mixing melodic rock and pop styles. You donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t need to speak the language to enjoy the vibe â&#x20AC;&#x201D; just rock out. Check out some of the bandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s music at Soundcloud.com/cnizahmusic. Robert Johnson Tribute at Sandriniâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, 1822 Eye St., 9 p.m. Saturday, $5, 322-8900. Legend has it that Delta blues singer-songwriter Robert Johnson sold his soul to the devil at the crossroads in exchange for talent and fame. Passing away in his prime, at age of 27, Johnson led a mythical life, which continues to serve as the subject of debate and storytelling. While itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s difficult to find any well-documented accounts of his short life, music historians released a best-selling comprehensive package of Johnsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s recordings in 1990. Its popularity continues to attract young ax men to the lab in search of the perfectly haunting, raw blues

PHOTO COURTESY OF GREGORY PORTER

Former Bakersfield resident Gregory Porter has just released a new single and accompanying music video â&#x20AC;&#x201D; a cover of the 1964 hit â&#x20AC;&#x153;The â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Inâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Crowd.â&#x20AC;?

feel the young master achieved. Confirmed to appear in this weekend tribute to Johnsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s music are Bakersfield roots music enthusiasts Chris Carton, Vince Galindo, Dustin â&#x20AC;&#x153;Catfishâ&#x20AC;? Meridith and Medka Thompson, with more to be announced prior to the show. Any appearance by the devil and his infernal guitar tuner is purely coincidental.

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video â&#x20AC;&#x201D; a cover of the 1964 hit â&#x20AC;&#x153;The â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Inâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Crowd,â&#x20AC;? originally made famous by singer Dobie Gray, as well as jazz pianist Ramsey Lewis. Taken from his latest release, the Grammy-winning â&#x20AC;&#x153;Liquid Spirit,â&#x20AC;? the video for the single features Porter taking a soulful strut, singing through city streets, encountering a variety of passers-by and social situations. Wearing his trademark cap, Porterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s smile shines through. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a jazzy, cool reinterpretation of an already funky classic. Check out the video on YouTube.

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Rabobank 1001 Truxtun Ave. ticketmaster.com or 800-7453000. (Listed ticket prices do not include additional fees.) Today: Prince Royce, 8 p.m. $33.50-$198.50. Sunday: Gurdas Maan, 7 p.m. $20. Aug. 16: Qc Roller Derby, 5 p.m. $10-$18. Aug. 24: WWE Live, 5 p.m., $15-$95. Sept. 4-7: Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus: Legends, show 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday; 11 a.m., 3 and 7 p.m. Saturday; 1 and 5 p.m. Sunday. ($10 Thursday only, select seating only); $18-$80. Sept. 17: Tyler Perry's â&#x20AC;&#x153;Hell Hath No Fury Like a Woman Scorned,â&#x20AC;? 8 p.m. $52.50-$57.50. Sept. 21: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Jason Coleman,â&#x20AC;? 3 p.m., presented by Bakersfield Community Concert Association, 3 p.m. $80 for eight concerts. 589-2478. Oct. 14: Straight No Chaser: The Happy Hour Tour, 7:30 p.m., $27-$47. Nov. 4: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Quattro,â&#x20AC;? presented by Bakersfield Community Concert Association, 7:30 p.m. $80 for seven concerts. 589-2478.

Nov. 22: PBR: Blue Def Velocity Tour, 7 p.m. $15$75. Dec. 7: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Mark 209,â&#x20AC;? presented by Bakersfield Community Concert Association, 3 p.m. $80 for six concerts. 589-2478. April 30-May 3, 2015: Marvel Universe Live!, 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 11 a.m., 3 and 7 p.m. Saturday, 1 and 5 p.m. Sunday, $40-$150.

JCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Place 1901 Chester Ave. vallitix.com or 322-5200. Oct. 5: Bakersfield Bacon Fest, live music, bacon eating contests, bacon cooking demonstrations, beer samples, 2 p.m. $45, $65 VIP. All guests receive a commemorative drink cup and T-shirt. Proceeds benefit Bakersfield Ronald McDonald House.

Buck Owensâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Crystal Palace 2800 Buck Owens Blvd. vallitix.com or 322-5200. (Listed ticket prices do not include additional fees.) Aug. 14: Aaron Watson, 7 p.m. $10. Aug. 21: James Otto â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Acoustic, 7:30 p.m. $15.

Aug. 27: Asleep at the Wheel, 7 p.m. $21-$29. Sept. 12: Band of Heathens, 7:30 p.m. $10. Oct. 18: Suzy Bogguss, 7 p.m. $16-$24. Oct. 31: Colt Ford, 7 p.m., $26-$34. Nov. 12: Chris Cagle, 7:30 p.m., $46.50-$54.50.

Stramler Park 3805 Chester Ave. vallitix.com or 322-5200. Aug. 17: The Hangover Beer Fest, noon, $30. Tickets can also be purchased at Los Hermanos, Mariscos Las Islitas, La Mina.

Fox Theater 2001 H St. vallitix.com or 322-5200. Prices listed are for the Box Office window only. Aug. 23: Glenn Miller Orchestra, 7:30 p.m., $52$72. Oct. 16: â&#x20AC;&#x153;In My Lifeâ&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Beatles Musical, 7:30 p.m. $41-$66. Oct. 25: Marty Stuart & His Fabulous Superlatives, 7:30 p.m. $41-$106. Nov. 2: Josh Turner, 7:30 p.m., $45.50-$70.50. Nov. 5: Moscow Ballet's Great Russian Nutcracker,

7:30 p.m., $34-$181. Dec. 7: Brian Regan, 7 p.m., $48.

Bright House Networks Amphitheater 11200 Stockdale Highway. All shows at 8 p.m., $12.50 per concert. ticketmaster.com or all Ticketmaster outlets or by calling 800-745-3000. (Listed ticket prices do not include additional fees.) Sept. 13: Starship with Mickey Thomas. Oct. 4: Bluffett: The Premier Jimmy Buffett Tribute.

Kern County Museum 3801 Chester Ave., 4373330. Sept. 6: Village Fest 2014, includes 15 drink samples and unlimited food samples, 6 to 10 p.m. $70. 21 and over only. bakersfieldvillagefest.com or vallitix.com or 322-5200.

Eagle Mountain Casino Friday: 38 Special, $35 general; $45 reserved. Sunday: Conjunto Primavera, 7 p.m.

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, August 21, 2014

Eye Street The Lowdown

Sisters Bowled over by Beatles Still fans, they will mark big milestone Matt Munoz

he story of my sisters’ trip to see the Beatles live at the Hollywood Bowl on Aug. 23, 1964, has become the stuff of legend in my family. I’ve probably wracked their memory banks to the point of frustration on more occasions than they can remember with my incessant questions on everything from their earliest recollection of the original show announcement to the last detail, including parking. It’s definitely one of those you-had-to-be-there stories, but one that I cherish almost as much as they do. And when they make their return to the iconic venue to celebrate with thousands of other Fab Four fans this weekend for “The Beatles’ 50th at the Bowl,” they can look forward to even more of my questions upon their return. “I was just being a teenager,” recalled my sister Carol, who, in our tiny hometown of McFarland, was just as enthralled with Beatlemania as any other girl in the country. “I really liked their music, and my favorite was Paul. The only other person I knew that had a favorite Beatle was my cousin Anna. She liked Ringo.” Keep in mind this was decades before the hyper-awareness of today’s teens, whose instant-gratification needs are met on a minute-by-minute basis through social media. According to my sister Maria, to stay up on the latest Beatles trends and news, she and Carol relied on the basic media of the day. “We listened to radio, read the newspaper and watched

PHOTO COURTESY OF MATT MUNOZ

This program book is from the original concert by the Beatles at the Hollywood Bowl on Aug. 23, 1964.

TV. I remember when the Beatles were on ‘The Ed Sullivan Show’ and the whole family sat excited waiting for them. Carol and I, of course, were screaming when they came on.” Beatlemania officially touched down on American soil in 1964 and with the group’s appearance on Sullivan’s show and news of a possible U.S. tour, all ears were on the radio. Once the announcement broke that the Beatles would be coming to the Hollywood Bowl, the mission was clear: Both sisters agreed they had to be there. “Maria made the plans to get the tickets and asked Mom to take us to L.A.,” Carol said. “I never expected to go. I just knew that we were going to try to get the tickets.” Hats off to our mother, Socorro, for braving the trip from McFarland to Hollywood on a moment’s notice with no guarantee of getting tickets. But like all good mothers do, she had a plan, putting a call in to her brother Art, who was working construction at the time in Los Angeles. After agreeing to sit in line for two hours amid what most likely was a scene of total teen hysteria, he made it

N NEON EON TREES TREES

PHOTO BY LAURIN LEE

Redadare — from left, Mikee Lee, Jacob Douville, Mike Peters, Darin Buoni, Ben Eccleston — has been building a steady following.

back safely with tickets in hand. The price range for that now-historic concert: $3 to $7. “Everything was ‘the Beatles,’ ‘the Beatles,’” recalled my mother. “That’s what was going on. Every time they came on the TV, we all ran to watch, even their grandmother.” “Mom drove us to Monterey Park, where my aunt Ernestine lived,” recalled Carol. “Mom, Maria and I, along with our friend from McFarland Juanita Heredia (now Juanita Payne), and our cousin Carmen headed to the show. Mom and Juanita waited in the parking lot during the show.” Once inside, it was bedlam. “I had never been to an L.A. concert,” added Carol. I was sur-

prised mom let us go in without a chaperone because it was crazy, girls screaming and crying.” According to Beatles historians, all 18,700 tickets were sold four months before the Hollywood Bowl show. The band took the stage at 9:30 p.m., performing a 12-song set that included “Twist and Shout,” “All My Loving,” “Can't Buy Me Love” and “I Want to Hold Your Hand.” “They weren’t close but it didn’t matter,” Maria said. “As soon as they started singing and playing I never sat down. We were actually there! Who would have thought? They played my favorite song, ‘She Loves You.’ “I couldn't believe how many people were there,” Carol said.

Sept. OCTOBER 29TH RD

“Not many boys at this concert. Another memory I have are that girls were throwing themselves in the pool of water that was once in front of the stage. Also, when I had gone into the restroom, I saw girls that were hysterical and crying. Remember, I’m a small-town girl that had never been to anything like this. I was amazed.” Over the decades, both sisters say they have kept up with the Beatles and remain fans. “I named my daughter after the song ‘Michelle,’” said Maria. “I have to say I really didn’t know what a significant event that was going to be. I tell people that I went to see the Beatles and I always get, ‘You saw the Beatles? Please see LOWDOWN / PAGE 30

Saturday, October 25TH

Marty Stuart

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The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, August 21, 2014

Eye Street LOWDOWN CONTINUED FROM PAGE 26

Wow!’ especially from young fans.” While there are no plans for any holograms of the Beatles reuniting onstage this weekend at any of the three scheduled tribute shows, there should be other surprises in store. Scheduled to appear is Eurythmics guitarist Dave Stewart, leading a band that will feature singers Martina McBride, Vanessa Amorosi, Billy Ray Cyrus, Michelle Branch, and more, plus emcee Bob Eubanks, who was instrumental in bringing the Beatles to the Hollywood Bowl in 1964. “I’m excited to go to the anniversary with Carol to relive the moment and with my sisters Monica, Laura and Melissa that were too young or not even born yet,” Maria said. “I’m looking forward to reminiscing with my sisters,” said Carol. “I’m hoping that Paul or Ringo are surprise guests.” The Beatles’ 50th at the Bowl happens Friday through Sunday at the Hollywood Bowl. For more

information, visit the hollywoodbowl.com.

Bako band update Do you ever see a band’s name on a poster and wonder what they sound like? If so, you’re not alone. To help with getting acquainted with some of those notso-familiar names, here’s a quick rundown on three bands of note: Redadare: This heavy rock quintet have become a welcome addition to many multi-band bills, in addition to carrying their own weight as headliners since forming three years ago. Booking one or two local shows a month, their brickby-brick method of fan building has served them well while they plot a return to the studio to record their sophomore release. Redadare is: Ben Eccleston, vocals; Mike Peters, guitar; Darin Buoni, guitar; Mikee Lee, bass; Jacob Douville, drums. Facebook.com/redadare4. Prisma Royal: Helping reignite Bakersfield’s Latin rock scene since forming last year, Prisma Royal has mastered a pop-infused sound and is riding some major online hype, with a

handful of shows and recordings getting airplay on local Spanish radio station, La Ligera. Recently dealt a setback following the abrupt departure of lead vocalist Daisy Sanchez, the band is eager to get back to the business of musica. No word on who will be stepping in to replace Sanchez. Prisma Royal is: Nunzio “Leon” Urbina, vocals, guitar and percussion; Milú Angelique, drums; and Jehdiah Woodrow, background vocals. Facebook.com/prismaroyal. Burning Image: A pioneer of Bakersfield’s punk rock and goth scene dating to the early ’80s, Burning Image is currently in the studio putting the finishing touches on their latest release, “The Grand Guignol,” the follow-up to 2011’s “Oleander.” Three of the band’s four members are original — Moe Adame, vocals and guitar; Tony Bonanno, guitar; and Paul Burch, drums; bassist Anthony Leyva is the “new” kid. Expect an early September release with live shows to follow. Burningimage.flavors.me/.

PHOTO COURTESY OF DENNIS HAMM

Bakersfield keyboardist Dennis Hamm will be appearing with bassist Thundercat at the FYF Festival in Los Angeles on Sunday.

Dennis Hamm at FYF If you’re heading to the sold-out FYF Festival in Los Angeles this weekend, make it a priority to catch Bakersfield keyboardist Dennis Hamm, performing with futuristically funky bass man Stephen Bruner, aka Thundercat, at the Lawn stage at 5:50 p.m. Sunday. After relocating to Los Angeles 10 years ago, Hamm has been busy touring and recording with a roster of jazz heavies, including Larry Carlton and Jonathan Butler, and singers like Babyface and

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Josh Groban. “Word of mouth, that’s all it’s been,” said Hamm in a recent phone interview about his busy schedule in L.A. “One gig leads to another bigger gig, and developing a reputation among other musicians around town.” Hamm’s collaboration with Bruner began three years ago, following an introduction by the bassist’s brother, jazz/rock drummer Ronald Bruner, known for his work with Lee Ritenour, and others. Hamm describes his gig

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with Bruner as a bridge between psychedelic rock and free-form jazz. Thundercat’s resume includes working alongside singer Erykah Badu, Flying Lotus, and Suicidal Tendencies. “He’s (Thundercat) part of this incestuous re-emergence of all this West Coast creativity. It’s a jazz gig where we get to do all these crazy bombastic jazz solos, but it’s also a rock show too.” More info at fyffest.com.

Matt’s picks Abbey Roadies at Sandrini's, 1918 Eye St., 9 p.m. Saturday, $5, 322-8900. Joining in the celebration to commemorate the Beatles’ 50th anniversary at the Bowl, Bakersfield's most devoted tribute to the Fab Four, the Abbey Roadies, present an encore performance of the Beatles “Revolver” album in its entirety. I suggest you attend this show for some local Beatlemania. Screaming and crying optional. The Barstool Saints at Texas 28, 1517 18th St., Saturday, 9 p.m., $5, 3277625. This triple bill of heavy rock and punk is destined to induce a hangover. The venue couldn’t be more appropriate for Ridgecrest’s Barstool Saints, who have destroyed a dive or two over the course of their career. They can rock, roll, shred and command a stage in what can best be described as Danzig meets Social Distortion meets Megadeth. If you can picture that, you’ll love this group. Also appearing: Jesus Christ Muscle Car and Redadare.

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, August 28, 2014

Eye Street The Lowdown

Ska hurrah, like the old days Reggae show to channel positive, feel-good vibe

Cesareo Garasa

his Friday at Jerry’s Pizza will be a return to the kind of show put on in the early ’90s at the influential downtown music venue Bam Bam’s: an allages concert focusing on traditional and modern reggae and ska. The hepcat main act is the LosAngeles-based The Delirians, signed to Angel City Records. Lead vocalist/guitarist Angel Salgado leads a seven-piece ensemble that channels the sound of ’60s ska and reggae with precision and ace instrumentation. Whereas newer South Cali-style reggae bands seem to champion a looser mellow groove and tighter shuffles akin to Sublime, the new breed of neo-traditionalists, like The Delirians, use the same vintage instruments and recording techniques of the genre’s pioneers to re-create the bouncy and infectious feel of those old scratchy recordings. “We have been seeing more and more youth listening to it (as well as) more and more DJs in (Los Angeles) doing weekly gatherings of reggae fans and the crowds just keep growing,” said Salgado, 27. At times of great upheaval and tumult in the world, people tend to turn to positive music, even if the lyrics emphasize a deeper social consciousness. “We live in a very crazy, sad time and we have to remember to be positive and (to) spread a positive message and a helpful one as well,” Salgado said. “No matter where you come from or where you go, you got to be positive and show love to each other.” With the

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE DELIRIANS

The Delirians will perform Friday at Jerry's Pizza. The Los Angeles ska band consists of, from left, Aaron Reyna, Anthony Medina, Jose Covarrubias, Ian Jacks, Joseph Quiñones, Angel Salgado and Eric Alvarez.

This Legend — from left: Steve Neufeld, Chris Castillo, L.P. Parsons and Ben Harper — will perform Saturday at Sandrini's.

complacency of our modern musical landscape — the domination of disposable musicians and over-the-top-manufactured outrage — the time for finding abandon in the simple joys of a fun, positive and energetic show couldn’t be better. Also performing are The Suppressors, continuing Fresno’s tradition of producing high-quality ska bands. The eight-piece frequently tours out of state and has a sound and feel reminiscent of their forebears, Let’s Go Bowling. Bakersfield’s own Easy In and Main Street will be starting the party off with youthful abandon. This is a show specifically tailored around the vibe of the bands; the music is upbeat and tight and the performers animated and engaging. Sometimes you have to escape the sturm and drang of the news and world at large, or maybe even escape turmoil closer to home, and just make a fool of yourself on the floor and dance,

are now either working at, performing at, or patronizing Sandrini’s. It’s become the grad school for music fans and musicians in their 30s. Even Jerry’s former promoter Nate Berg is lending a hand, helping out with Saturday’s show that features up-and-coming-band This Legend from Los Angeles. The name might not be familiar — they formed earlier this year — but their members are definitely no strangers to Bakersfield. L.P. Parsons, 34, and guitarist Ben Harper, 33, are both formerly of Yellowcard, which had a hit in 2003 with the song and album “Ocean Avenue.” Bassist/vocalist Steven Neufeld, 31, formerly of HeyMike!, lived here for many years and still has family here. Their music is energetic melodic pop-punk that bridges the musical sensibilities of (dare I say it?) Blink 182, Unwritten Law and NOFX. They have yet to issue a proper release, but within the few months they have been together, they’ve made astonishing strides: getting signed to Cyber Tracks records, working on

dance, dance. Or as Salgado promises: “Expect to get moving a bit ’cause we got some funky East Los Angeles coming to make you move, make you feel good and make you want more.” The Delirians, The Suppressors, The Easy In and Main Street, 7 p.m. Friday, Jerry’s Pizza, 1817 Chester Ave.; $10. 633-1000; advance tickets at brownpapertickets.com.

Cesareo’s picks This Legend, A Formal Adversary and The 99’s, 9 p.m. Saturday, Sandrini’s Bar, 1918 Eye St. $5. 21 and over. There has always been something familiar — a feeling of coming home — about Sandrini’s bar. And it’s not just some cosmic thing about that particular spot in downtown Bakersfield because the bars that formerly occupied the same address — Jelly’s, Lucky’s, Golddigger’s — never had that vibe. Then it hit me: It’s Jerry’s Pizza for grownups. The audiences and musicians who inhabited Jerry’s years ago

PHOTO COURTESY OF THIS LEGENDS

that full-length release, and being championed by a publicity and promotions team that are impressive in their thoroughness and efficiency. Singer Chris Castillo, 27, is enthusiastic about the fledgling band’s prospects. “We just want to hit the road so bad and show everyone our music. “Plus, this is like a dream come true: being in a band with the dudes that are in this band. So I personally want to get on the road and share the stage with this awesome group of guys and just create some memories.” Lending their own brand of O.C. punk and Bako twang will be the 99’s as well as A Formal Adversary with their intricate post prog-rock. Guides and Vinylgraph, 9 p.m. Friday, Texas 28, 1517 18th St. $5. Speaking of rising from the ashes of former projects, Guides out of Los Angeles will be bringing some of Silverlake’s hazy, pretty darkness to Texas 28 on Friday. Please see PAGE 27

SATURDAY

Sept. 6TH

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Thursday, August 28, 2014 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street

It’s twilight for Twilight at CALM BY KATY HANSON Contributing writer

s summer winds down, you may find yourself itching to get in one last quintessential activity of the season: the family picnic. Look no further than Twilight at CALM, an evening event that allows visitors to dine, picnic style, with the animals. The last Twilight event of the summer will take place Saturday, and there’s an additional inducement: The last Saturday of the month is Kids Free Day at CALM, which means all children 12 and get in free when accompanied by an adult. Attendees are encouraged to pack picnic dinners, to be enjoyed at any of the zoo's numerous picnic spots. Get there early to grab the prime locations — tables near the bear exhibit, where a lucky few can claim the zoo’s most popular inhabitants as their dinner companions. If you forget dessert or

Twilight at CALM When: 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday Where: CALM, 10500 Alfred Harrell Highway Admission: $5 for adults; free for children 12 and under and CALM members Information: 8722256, calmzoo.org

side dishes, chips, candy, ice cream, water and soda will be available for purchase. The gift shop, stocked with new inventory just last week, also will be be open. While many folks have had the opportunity to visit CALM during the day, zoo manager Lana Fain said that an evening visit to the offers a new and exciting experience. “In the evening, we always get a cool north breeze, which makes it a great time to visit CALM,” Fain said. “Many of the animals are nocturnal and

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 26

The members of the trio, guitarist/vocalist Chris Cogswell, bassist Be Hussey and drummer Jayson Larson have channeled their decades of combined experience all while allowing musical curiosity flourish. As Cogswell describes it, “It’s a little shoe gaze; a little punk rock” (although I’m a fan of Hussey’s description: “Nü-Gaze”). They play moody music that isn’t afraid to go from fuzzy dissonance to ethereally pretty passages. This ethos is served up best on their song “Careful, I Was Every Sin” which switches meters and jerky syncopation to finally arrive at an elegantly distorted and soaring ending. The band is doing a small tour in support of the new three-song seven-inch vinyl EP, which can be found on g--u--i--d-e--s.com (trust me, it took me awhile to find that). They usually employ a multimedia approach to performing, using video to enhance the visual aspect of their show and create, as Hussey describes, “thick sonic experience, hopefully engaging all the senses.” Or as Larson says “A sonic punch to the face followed by a loving caress.” Engaging, indeed. They will be supported by local act Vinylgraph, another group not afraid to mix sonic textures to great effect; ambient, soulful, electric and uniquely familiar. The Groovies with special guests Monty Byrom and Chuck Seaton, allages show, 8 p.m. Friday, Lengthwise: The Pub, 2900 Calloway Drive, Unit 100. Free

they become quite active at that time. Our docents will also be out with our ambassador animals to give our guests an up-close and personal experience with them.” If you haven’t been to CALM in the last year, there’s a new exhibit to look forward to: the Bighorn sheep. The CALM staff is also looking to add jellyfish and a touch tank by the first of the year. But the zoo relies on donations to make new attractions a reality, as well as maintain existing habitats. “Donations are imperative to the survival of CALM,” Fain said. “In order to grow, we do rely on financial support from this community. Every single dollar helps.” The community can offer support via monetary donations, zoo memberships, and more direct participation. “We are in constant need for volunteers to give their

admission. Ray Sadolsky has been an unsung hero in this town for a long time. The 50-something has, for years, lent his solid bass skills to many acts around town, but as any musician who is not a lead guitarist or singer (or both) will tell you, being part of a band’s backbone can be extremely satisfying — if a bit anonymous. On Friday (what a great night for music!) he’ll be joined by bandmate/guitarist/vocalist Mike Fleming at the Lengthwise Pub in Rosedale under their name The Groovies. Joining them will be Tanner Byrom (one of the best groove players this town has ever seen) on drums, and Mark Infante on harmonica. The music will run the gamut from soul to blues to funky rock ’n’ roll. What makes Friday extra special, however, is the return of guitarist/vocalist Monty Byrom and guitarist Chuck Seaton to their lineup for the evening. I’m sure they’ll trot out a few songs from Big House — the band that Seaton and the Byrom brothers played in. Speaking of Byrom, the performer has been getting a lot of notice lately for his upcoming album that’s scheduled for release in the fall. But pay attention at this show to the guys in the back. They’ve earned it and, if not for them, the guys in front wouldn’t be able to do their thing. Contributing columnist Cesareo Garasa is a Bakersfield musician who writes about music, pop culture and life. He brings you “The Lowdown” every other Thursday.

CASEY CHRISTIE / THE CALIFORNIAN

Louie, right, gets a greeting from Cinnamon as he exits the cool underground cave at CALM. They’ll join the other animals in greeting guests for Twilight at CALM.

time to help out with the animals, maintenance, and special events.” Volunteers are especially handy when the school year kicks off and the zoo prepares for yellow buses full of kids eager to learn about California wildlife. “Fall and spring bring the

field trips to CALM,” Fain said. “Field trips are designed as to what the teacher desires. It can include just a visit to the zoo, or it can include a wildlife presentation, train ride and grab bags. We usually have several docents on hand to give the kids

that up-close and personal experience with wildlife. A field trip to CALM is a memory maker.” All proceeds from Twilight at CALM will go toward the zoo's operations, including its Wildlife Rehabilitation Program, which helps to heal and

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The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, September 4, 2014

Eye Street The Lowdown

Starship comes in for landing Thomas’ classics finding new audience Matt Munoz No fooling around: Legions of young music fans are falling in love with Mickey Thomas, even if they don’t know it. Decades after he burned up the charts with the Elvin Bishoppenned “Fooled Around and Fell in Love,” the classic rocker is enjoying a second (or third or fourth?) wave of success with the song, featured on the blockbuster “Guardians of the Galaxy” soundtrack. The problem, if you can call it that: Everyone thinks that’s Bishop’s high tenor lamenting the end of his lothario ways. “I’ve been on a kind of mission for about the last 35 years or so to educate people to the fact that I sing the vocals on ‘Fooled Around and Fell in Love’ by Elvin Bishop,” said Thomas, 64, during a phone interview to promote his Sept. 13 show at Bright House Networks Amphitheatre. “There was some confusion obviously and when deejays play it, they always say, ‘Here’s Elvin Bishop.’ To this day when I perform it in my concert every night, there’s always a few surprised faces in the crowd saying, ‘Oh, I didn’t know he sang that?’” The concert will span Thomas’ nearly 40-year career, from solo artist to his work with Bishop to the hits he made with Starship, the last incarnation of the legendary Jefferson Airplane and Jefferson Starship. As for the attention coming his way from the “Guardian” soundtrack, the mildmannered vocalist couldn’t be more pleased — or surprised. “I didn’t find out until right before the movie

OCTOBER 23RD

PHOTO COURTESY OF STARSHIP

Guitarist Elvin Bishop performs with singer Mickey Thomas. Bishop’s single “Fooled Around and Fell in Love,” originally recorded with Thomas in 1975, is featured on the soundtrack to the movie “Guardians of the Galaxy,” winning the song a new generation of fans. Thomas will perform the hit in Bakersfield.

came out that the song was going to be on the soundtrack, but no one could have predicted what was gonna happen after that. “I feel very fortunate to be a part of that. When you look at all the people that have covered the song, I think Rod Stewart did a great job with his version, and in so many great movies like ‘Boogie Nights,’ ‘Invincible.’” (And let’s not forget the song’s inclusion in “Harold & Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay,” but that’s another story.) Thomas’ taste of fame in the Bishop band paled in comparison to the success of his subsequent work with

Starship with Mickey Thomas When: 8 p.m. Sept. 13 Where: Bright House Networks Amphitheatre, 11200 Stockdale Highway Tickets: $18.50, available at ticketmaster.com or at the gate. Information: 852-7777.

Jefferson Starship, following the departure of original Jefferson Airplane/Starship vocalists Grace Slick and Marty Balin. “I knew there was going to be politics when they left, but I think for me the concern I had was more of a musical one coming out of the Bishop band and with my background that was gospel,

Marty Stuart

R&B and blues. My perception of Jefferson Starship at the time was almost kind of a folk-rock band. Marty Balin’s songs coming out of the ’70s were mostly midtempo ballads at that time, songs like ‘Miracles,’ ‘Count on Me’ and ‘Runaway.’ I was really leery about joining the band, and it took me several months to actually decide to take the plunge and give it a shot.” Thomas’ recording debut on Jefferson Starship’s “Freedom at Point Zero” in 1979 helped shed the band’s conflicting reputations as both Woodstock hippies and soft rockers. The album’s lead track, “Jane,” helped set the group’s new harder-edged tone. “When we first started rehearsing the songs like ‘Jane’ and ‘Rock Music,’ I thought then, wow, this might actually work, taking my

Saturday, October 25TH

musical background, my voice, and my influence and put it on top of that heavier base musically that the was band was starting to lay down.” Enter the MTV age of music videos and the 1981 return of Slick to the lineup, a decision that would lead to a final name change to Starship, with a lighter, poppier sound tailored to the times. The hits — “We Built This City,” “Sara,” “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now” — were packaged in minimovie and radio edits, bound for another trip up the family friendly mid-1980s Billboard charts. Having abandoned the passion and daring of Slick’s 1960s classics like “White Rabbit” and “Somebody to Love,” Starship became bonafide radio darlings. “It was exciting in the beginning, but then the videos started to get a lot more expensive and a lot more involved conceptually, plus along with directors, story boarders, and cameramen, you also get your wardrobe mistresses who think they have a really good idea about what you should be wearing. Now I look back at some of those videos, I’m thinking, man, I shoulda just wore what I fell out of bed in, which was jeans and a T-shirt, instead of the goofy outfits they had on us. But, you know, hindsight is always 20/20.” The group disbanded in 1990 but Thomas revived it two years later, this time as a tribute to the band’s musical legacy. “My relationship with Grace is great. We don’t get a chance to see each other very often; she’s kind of consumed with her art. I run into Craig (Chaquico, the band’s former guitarist) every so often.” Today Thomas is content with having a wealth of material in his touring repertoire along with a new album, “Loveless Fascination,” released last year. “We have a lot of fun playing together onstage. We’re gonna Please see PAGE 27

Bacon & Craft Beer Festival Saturday Nov. 8TH @ 12:00 pm STRAMLER PARK

TICKETS AVAILABLE AT THE FOX THEATER BOX OFFICE, EMPORIUM WESTERN STORE, 661-322-5200 - 888-825-5484 • VALLITIX.COM

Thursday, September 4, 2014 The Bakersfield Californian

SIDEWALK SALE

Eye Street German rockabilly punk quartet the Sewer Rats heads to Jerry’s Pizza Saturday.

SAVE UP TO

PHOTO COURTESY OF SEWER RATS

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 26

cover all the bases, from Elvin Bishop to Starship, Jefferson Starship, plus we also do a tribute medley to the entire history of the band, going back to Jefferson Airplane with my co-vocalist, Stephanie Calvert. No dead time in this show.”

Matt’s picks Club Heresy at Club Replay, 4500 Buck Owens Blvd. 9:30 p.m. Saturday. $10. Monthly goth dance club Heresy continues its journey into darkness, spinning up hits from beyond the grave for those with a taste for adventure. Leave it to founder Mike Fowler to book some of the scene’s most reclusive live acts, many of which can be seen only on the goth music circuit. This weekend’s lineup is no exception with Los Angeles goth quartet Readership Hos-

tile, extreme sideshow performances by Dangerous D’s Shock Show, Nameless Fire Tribe, KSVG deejays Princess Darkness, Squab, plus Riskletter, and Grave Dancer. Get more info at heresyentertainment.com. The Sewer Rats at Jerry’s Pizza, 1817 Chester Ave., 8 p.m. Saturday. $10. 633-1000. Mixing the music of their American idols — Rancid, Social Distortion and the Stray Cats — with the industrial noise of their homeland, German quartet the Sewer Rats are a punkabilly nightmare of fun on record but especially onstage. Currently in the middle of a U.S. tour that hits all of the genre’s West Coast hot spots, the Sewer Rats will descend to the sweaty confines of the basement at Jerry’s Pizza. Also appearing are The Triggers and more. Highly recommended.

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The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, September 18, 2014

Eye Street The Lowdown

David J. as good as goth gets Artist will go acoustic for show in Bakersfield Matt Munoz

ritish goth rock pioneer David J. Haskins makes a rare visit to Bakersfield on Friday night, much to the delight of the children of the night. But don’t expect a traveling cavalcade of caskets, crucifixes and hooded figures from the cofounder of Bauhaus and Love and Rockets. For this intimate outdoor show, Haskins, armed with only his guitar and a mixed bag of songs handpicked from his darkly illustrious career, will be performing a solo acoustic set as part of a series of residential appearances. “I love the intimacy and the fact that each venue is unique,” said Haskins, 57, during a recent interview. “It is great to work directly with the music fans rather than often cynical promoters. I’m looking forward very much to visiting Bakersfield.” Add Haskins to the ever-growing list of artists taking their talents into the homes of fans, who collect little more than donations to pay for a performance. For the show’s co-hosts, Noelia and Jose Citialin, Haskins’ first visit to Bakersfield is a dream come true. “A friend of mine had told me that David J. was touring, playing at peoples homes and that ours would be the perfect place,” said Noelia Citialin. “I did some research at his website and I sent his manager photos of the house and I got a response within about 20 minutes they could do it on the date we picked. Of course, I sent a mass text all over Facebook. We couldn’t sleep. We were so excited. To me, Bauhaus are the Beatles of goth.” Citialin said the couple’s yard can accom-

PHOTO COURTESY OF ANDREW POTTER

Seventies funk music legends the Ohio Players appear at the Kern County Fair Budweiser Pavilion on Tuesday.

Friday’s showtime is 7 p.m. All attendees must RSVP with hosts Noelia and Jose Citialin by email at Noeliacitialin@gmail.com. Black attire is required by all attendees. Dancing will follow with deejays Josex, Princess Darkness and Decontrol. For more information, visit davidjonline.com.

Agent Orange at Texas 28 PHOTO COURTESY OF DAVID J

Goth rock music pioneer David J. will perform a rare acoustic show at an east Bakersfield residence on Friday.

modate about 70 people comfortably, 100 max. She’s limiting the guest list to true fans, “not to those who just come to party.” “This is going to be really special. How often to do you get to have a member of Bauhaus playing in your backyard? People can pay whatever they can afford: ten dollars to a hundred. If you have zero dollars, that’s OK too.” Asked whether longtime fans of Bauhaus or Love and Rockets can expect a reunion of either band following this tour, Haskins had some disappointing news, pulled

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directly from his upcoming book “Who Killed Mister Moonlight? Bauhaus, Black Magick and Benediction.” “In the case of the former, a very definite no, and if you read my book I think that you will understand why. As for the latter, highly unlikely but never say no.” And what of Bakersfield’s storied musical heritage? As it turns out, even a goth god like Haskins has heard of it. “I do have a great fondness for that kind of old-style country music. My album ‘Estranged’ is to a great degree a kind of cryinginto-your-whiskey alt-country record, although I’m sure that it would not be recognized as country in modern-day Nashville.”

Bakersfield College Football vs Long Beach

If surf guitar and punk rock are more your style, skate on over to Texas 28 to catch Orange County music legends Agent Orange, also on Friday night. Among the pantheon of SoCal punk legends, Agent Orange is responsible for giving the genre one of its greatest contributions, “Bloodstains,” a song any kid interested in forming his first band should practice to. The riffs are straightforward razor- edged “chunka-chunka” simplicity, matched with anthemic lyrics perfect for the scornful shouting O.C. suburban life seems to provoke. The group formed in 1979, and original bassist Steve Soto would lay a second claim to punk royalty by co-founding the Adolescents. Fronted by original guitarist/vocalist Mike Palm, who can still shred like the punk rock

Dick Dale that he is, the band is rounded out by a solid rhythm section, guaranteeing an evening of old-school surf guitar rage. Friday’s showtime is 8 p.m. Also appearing is Redadare, Smokey the Giant and Downfinger. Admission is $14. Tickets available at Vallitix.com and Going Underground Records in Bakersfield. Texas 28 is located at 1517 18th St. 327-7625.

Ohio Players at Bud Pavilion Throughout the ’70s, the city of Dayton, Ohio, was a hotbed for some of funk music’s all-time greatest groups: Slave, Lakeside, Bootsy’s Rubber Band, Zapp & Roger. All of them were unique in their own funky way, but none could match the majestic blaze of the Ohio Players, who make an appearance at the Kern County Fair’s Budweiser Pavilion on Tuesday. The irresistibly groovy “Funky Worm,” released in 1973, would help propel West Coast rap music into the mainstream two decades later after the hit was sampled by a variety of rappers, including N.W.A. and Too Short. The song’s high-pitched synthesizer eventually became a signature sound heard during much Please see LOWDOWN / PAGE 24

Saturday, October 25TH

Marty Stuart

NOVEMBER 2ND

THIS SATURDAY AT 6 PM! Bakersfield College Memorial Stadium

TICKETS AVAILABLE AT THE FOX THEATER BOX OFFICE, EMPORIUM WESTERN STORE, 661-322-5200 - 888-825-5484 • VALLITIX.COM

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, September 18, 2014

Eye Street LOWDOWN CONTINUED FROM PAGE 22

BAKERSFIELD SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA OCTOBER 4

GUNS ‘N HOSES CHARITY BOXING OCTOBER 11

STRAIGHT NO CHASER OCTOBER 14

CONDORS V STOCKTON OCTOBER 17-18

DISNEY ON ICE NOVEMBER 6-9

PBR VELOCITY TOUR NOVEMBER 22

SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE LIVE!

JANUARY 22

of the ’90s gangster rap era. It’s one of those songs that, once you hear it, you’ll know it, even if your knowledge of G-Funk is spotty. The group’s most successful years were spent straddling both the R&B and pop charts with horn-driven dance-floor burners like “Fire,” “Skin Tight” and “Jive Turkey (Part 1).” But it was their seventh studio album, “Honey,” featuring the monster single “Love Rollercoaster,” that cemented the group’s reputation for highly suggestive musical themes and gave rise to various urban legends. According to one story, reported by deejay Casey Kasem, the mysterious scream heard approximately at the 2:30 mark of “Love Rollercoaster” belonged to the album’s nude cover model, Playboy Playmate Ester Cordet, as her skin was being burned with hot bee honey. The other story goes that the scream belonged to a tortured rabbit squealing for mercy outside the recording studio. To boost record sales, the group refused to comment on the speculation, riding their coaster of urban legend to greater notoriety. It was later revealed that no bunnies, animal or female, were harmed in any way. The “scream” heard in the song was actually the result of an accidental studio trick involving the group’s keyboardist, who let out a screech during the session. The fair manages to coordinate at least one old-schoolers’ reunion night a year,

PHOTO COURTESY OF OHIO PLAYERS

Provocative cover art work was a major part of the Ohio Players' popularity throughout their career. Their 1975 album “Honey” featured the hit song “Love Rollercoaster.”

and the Ohio Players is it for 2014. Platform shoes and bell bottoms are welcome. Tuesday’s showtime is 8 p.m. Concert is free with fair admission.

Matt’s pick Members Only at B Ryder’s, 7401 White Lane, 9 p.m., Friday, $7, 397-7304. It’s an all ’80s music tribute from this wacky band of all-star costumed merrymakers. Prepare yourself to hear Madonna, Devo, Men at Work, and everything that made the decade a time to be strange and unusual. If the band doesn’t hook you after the first song, the wild reaction from their mostly Gen X-aged crowd will. They’re totally awesome, dude.

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, October 2, 2014

Eye Street The Lowdown

Gael-force entertainment Celtic Music Festival brings isles to Bakersfield

Matt Munoz

hether you hail from the Emerald Isle, the land of the Scots or merry old England, all Bakersfield clans are poised to unite — and you won’t have to put this union to a vote — when the Celtic Music Festival returns to the CSUB outdoor Amphitheater on Friday and Saturday. Now in its sixth year, the popular two-day festival, presented by the Kern County Scottish Society, promises traditional Celtic art, music, food and drink. It’s a chance for local Celts to get back to their roots and an opportunity for anyone else to learn more about the life in the British Isles. Bakersfield resident Steve West, looking to don his kilt once more, said this weekend’s festival will be the fourth he’s attended. “It’s part of my heritage, and the music is definitely something you don’t hear a lot. I am mostly a heavy metal guy, but there is some really good stuff and it really influences a lot of musical genres. You can definitely hear the Celtic influence in country music and I think it’s there in the heavy metal music I listen to.” Hitting the stage early, for a Friday night warmup, will be Celtica. Made up of European and American musicians, Celtica boasts a mix of bagpipers and drummers backed by an energetic, edgy alt-rock sound. Also on Friday there will be entertainment in liquid form at the festival’s scotch-tasting area, curated by Chris Uhde, president of the Southern California Whiskey Club. There will be traditional stouts and

PHOTO COURTESY OF CELTICA

Alternative rock act Celtica appears at the Bakersfield Celtic Music Festival at the CSUB Amphitheater on Friday and Saturday.

ales on tap as well. On Saturday, Celtica returns to headline, after sets by visiting acts Tempest and Molly’s Revenge. Local groups Banshee in the Kitchen and Wrenwood will take the stage as well for a musical Celt-o-rama. Those with an adventurous palate or a penchant for traditional Celtic eats should be sure to partake in the traditional Scottish dish of haggis. Made from a mix of sheep’s organs, spices, oatmeal, suet and more, then simmered for hours, it’s sometimes compared to menudo, the spicy Latin soup delicacy. Both dishes are classified as peasant fare and lauded for their healing properties, meaning that after one too many Guinnesses, haggis may be just what the doctor ordered. But if all those sheep organs sound like too much for even the strongest

OCTOBER 23RD

stomachs, not to worry: There will be plenty of average all-American-style food available. Attendees are allowed comfortable chairs, blankets or a small umbrella inside the festival. No outside food or drink is allowed. Small dogs on leashes are welcome, provided pet owners promise to pick up after them. Friday’s event is 7 to 10 p.m. Tickets are $10, or $29 if you want to include the scotch tasting from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Saturday’s event is from 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tickets are $20; free for children 10 and under. Tickets for students with IDs, military and seniors are $17. Or you can purchase the two-day festival pass for $25. All tickets can be purchased online at kernscot.org, by calling 888-825-5484 or at the gate.

Kevin Gardner Chalk one up for Bakersfield artist Kevin Gardner, whose artwork was handpicked by wild South African rap-rave music duo

PHOTO COURTESY OF CITY SOUND MILANO

South African hip-hop rave duo Die Antwoord has been featuring artwork by Bakersfield artist Kevin Gardner, including an appearance at the City Sound Milano tour in Milan, Italy.

Die Antwoord for use on their latest world tour. The work is projected on a giant screen onstage during the group’s wildly energetic performances. Gardner said he isn’t exactly sure how he came to the group’s attention, but he has a pretty good idea. “I never had any contact with them,” said Gardner, 22. “The only contact was the group’s frontman, Ninja, followed me on Instagram (KgTheOctopus) after seeing my drawing. I don’t really consider that being contacted though. I am a really big fan of their music, have been for a couple years now.” A familiar face in the Bakersfield indie art scene, Gardner said he’s flattered by the group’s ges-

Saturday, October 25TH

Marty Stuart

ture, which he found out about in June. Since then, the artist’s black-and-white image of Die Antwoord member Ninja has been part of the duo’s nightly live shows. “I follow a Facebook fan page called ZEF to DEATH and they posted up a picture from a show in Milan, Italy, and I noticed my drawing was on their screen in the background. I really loved how unique their styles were. You have Yo-Landi with her mulletstyle hair and Ninja with his stick and poke tattoos and face tattoos, both of them always wearing funky outfits. I love it because they aren’t afraid to express themselves and that’s my main focus when drawing portraits.” Please see LOWDOWN / 27

NOV. 21ST ON SALE TOMORROW!

TICKETS AVAILABLE AT THE FOX THEATER BOX OFFICE, EMPORIUM WESTERN STORE, 661-322-5200 - 888-825-5484 • VALLITIX.COM

Thursday, October 2, 2014 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street FRIDAY CONTINUED FROM PAGE 22

Kempner to celebrate the coastal city. “There’s certainly a reason why it’s known as the American Riviera,” said Metro owner Don Martin in an email. “The city fathers had great foresight in the ’20s to ’40s to not allow any skyscrapers along Cabrillo Boulevard on the waterfront. ... If not, it would most certainly be lined with giant hotels now. Instead it has kept its charming, almost villagelike nature.” A frequent visitor to the city, Martin said some of his own photos served as artists’ inspiration. Metro’s mezzanine gallery will display “The Best of Latination 6” from the popular September exhibition, and “Nest & Sacred Spaces,” the encaustic work of Heidi F Beal, will be up at Metro’s Eye Gallery. The Younger Gallery on Truxtun Avenue will open

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 26

Die Antwoord’s music is a tornado of beats, noise, twisted raps and erratic rhythms called “Zef” that may not be everyone’s cupo-tea, but for Gardner, it falls perfectly into his musical palette. “Music is a really big part of my creativity. I listen to all kinds of music, ranging from: rock, classic rock, soul, punk, metal, rap, R&B, etc. Some of my favorites are the Aggrolites, Yelawolf, Rancid, Die Antwoord, Lana Del Rey. Really anything that sounds good to me, I will listen to.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF STELLA MULLINS

A California state park-themed work by Marta Gaughen is in the exhibition of Kern County Fair art winners opening Friday at the BAA Art Center.

“Every Journey Tells a Story,” featuring the art of Bill Ryan, Eric Percival and Hank Washington. (The Bank of America building by the gallery offers free parking on Friday.) The Bakersfield Art Association’s Art Center will give people a chance to view first-place artwork from the recent Kern County Fair. The show, open to any top fair artists, not just

BAA members, is funded by the association’s scholarship committee. Artists in the display include Simon Burrows, Kelly Wonderly, Patti Doolittle, Karen King, Stella Mullins, Marta Gaughn, Norma Eaton, Jeanie Truitt, Kathy Beck and Jacey Cruz. Another fair art winner, Jesus Marcelo Rodriguez, will display his judges’ choice piece at Dagny’s

Coffee Co. as part of his solo show through the art association. The self-taught artist has always enjoyed sketching and drawing but further developed his work

after a watercolor workshop with Carol Bradshaw in 2009, according to a statement in the BAA newsletter. The art association is

also hosting a group show titled “Fall” in Dagny’s annex, featuring the works of Kathy Beck, Greg Stanley, Petra Delaguila, Norma Neil and Cheri Sperl.

Gardner’s artistic style resembles his eclectic musical tastes. “I would describe my original style as weird, brightly colored and bold. My portraits are more just straight to the point. With those I like to capture emotion and realism. With my original style I can use different colors and do things that are way out there, but sometimes I combine my original style with my portraits and it makes a pretty interesting combination. My biggest art influence is definitely Salvador Dali, even though my style of

painting isn’t surrealism.” In addition to getting a boost in the global art community online after his surprise break with Die Antwoord, Gardner continues making a name for himself locally as an active participant in the First Friday Art Walk. Displaying his variety of art pieces for fans and prospective art buyers every month, he’s got big plans for the future. “I have honestly been into art my whole life because I was raised into an artistic family. My dad made models and paint-

ings, my mom would draw and paint, and my brother would draw and paint also. I didn’t get serious with my art until eighth grade, so it has been about 10 years now. My future art plan is to have my own gallery exhibit, get into clothing to design shirts and just do as much as I can in the art field, if it involves art I am open try anything.” Gardner said given Die Antwoord’s and the public’s response to his work so far, he wouldn’t mind working directly with the group. “It is a really great feeling

knowing that people all around the world have probably seen my work, even though the people have no idea who I am. I’m not the only one, though. Die Antwoord uses a lot of fan art for their live show. As long as my art or my name is getting out there, I

think that is awesome. If they contacted me to do legitimate work for them, I would do it in a heartbeat.” For more information on Gardner and his artwork, find him during the First Friday Art Walk, or online at facebook.com/artbykeving, and Twitter: ItsNevikG.

PHOTO COURTESY OF DON MARTIN

“Hendry’s Beach” by Mary-Austin Klein is part of “Santa Barbara and the California Coast — Celebrating the American Riviera,” opening Friday at Metro Galleries.

EARLY BIRD SPECIALS MONDAY-THURSDAY 4:30-6:00 *order must be in by 6:00pm*

Have a slab of fun at Bakersfield Baconfest Forget about bringing home the bacon. It’s time to go out and enjoy some this weekend at Bakersfield Baconfest, the first swine soiree this fall (Bakersfield Bacon and Craft Beer Festival happens Nov. 8). Tickets are still available for Sunday’s event at JC’s Place downtown. The samples include themed items like maple bacon old-fashioned cocktails from Eureka!, bacon pie from Jerry’s Pizza, maple bacon ice cream bars from La Rosa and more from vendors such as Highland Cafe, Uncle’s BBQ and the Padre Hotel. General admission is $45, which includes unlimited food tastings and a dozen 3-ounce alcohol samples.

Bakersfield Baconfest When: 2 to 6 p.m. Oct. 5 (1 p.m. for VIPs) Where: JC’s Place, 1901 Chester Ave. Admission: $45, $65 VIP; includes commemorative drink cup and T-shirt Information: bakersfieldbaconfest.com

VIPs pay $65, granting them early entrance (1 p.m.), exclusive parking, access to a VIP lounge with full catering and bar and a swag bag with a Tshirt, souvenir cup and gift cards for

Eureka! and McDonald’s bacon clubhouse burgers. One lucky VIP will win a $225 gift card from the Limousine Scene, which can be used for two hours of service or toward any of the company’s tours. Music will be provided by Velorio, Therese and the Sweetness and Amity Flow. Proceeds from the festival will benefit the local Ronald McDonald House, helping sick children and their families. Tickets and more information available at bakersfieldbaconfest.com. — Stefani Dias, The Bakersfield Californian, sdias@bakersfield.com

CHOICE OF: • Top Sirloin (Certified Angus Beef) 8oz • Chicken Caesar Salad • Scallop Fettuccine with Alfredo Sauce • Chicken Piccata in Lemon Butter and caper sauce • Blackened Cod with buerre blanc sauce

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50 + TAX

Each meal includes bread, beans, salsa & choice of soup or salad with garlic mashed potatoes, cowboy potatoes or rice, with fresh vegetables. Not valid with any other offer. Not valid on holidays.

Add an order of Garlic Toast for $2.50 Add sauteed mushrooms to your steak $1.50 Finish off with a home-made dessert only $4.00 “KC’s Early Bird Specials - Worth The Visit” - Pete Tittl

Visit our website at www.kcsteakhouse.net for more coupons & specials.

2515 F Street 322-9910

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, October 16, 2014

Eye Street The Lowdown

Only thing blue about him is collar Engvall keeps it clean, like his fans expect Matt Munoz

e knew he was funny, but even his most devoted fans had to be surprised that Bill Engvall managed to Paso Doble his way to the finals of “Dancing with the Stars” in November. After that achievement, a stint as a television game show host and some work in film, Engvall has earned a black belt in entertainment. But it’s in his most celebrated role, as a standup comedian, that he visits Bakersfield’s Fox Theater on Oct. 23. Engvall was one quarter of the 2000 “Blue Collar Comedy Tour,” which made a name for him and his partners in crime: Jeff Foxworthy, Larry the Cable Guy and Ron White. Engvall, 57, said their Southern-fried attitudes and comedy styles blended like a four-part harmony. “You had four different views of comedy, and everybody brought in a different demographic,” said Engvall during a recent phone interview. “Jeff has the redneck thing, but really the biggest redneck of the tour was Larry. Ron had the young party types, Jeff and I were more of the family guys, then Larry brought in that group that was just ready to party.” The Blue Collar crew toured for six years and spawned three movies, a television show and a satellite radio show. “Just seeing the fans, you just couldn’t believe this was happening for a stand-up show. It was one of those things that when it’s all said and done, I can tell my grandkids that I was part of, probably one of the last

PHOTO COURTESY OF DRI

Southern Californa punk legends DRI will perform with a number of local bands for an all-ages show at Jerry's Pizza on Friday.

PHOTO COURTESY OF BILL ENGVALL

Tickets are currently on sale for comedian Bill Engvall’s appearance at the Fox Theater on Oct. 23.

great comedy tours that will ever happen again.” But the end of the tour brought new opportunities for the Texan, who eventually hosted his own game show before landing a slot on Season 17 of “Dancing with the Stars” in 2013. Engvall said he’d always been open to participating on the ABC series but when the offer came, he

was in no condition to dance. “They ended up calling me literally the day after I had knee surgery. I wasn’t sure if it was me or the Demerol that said yes.” Engvall admitted to having little confidence in his skills on the dance floor — and the judges generally agreed — but what he didn’t count on was the support from viewers at home. “I thought I’d be on the show a week, maybe two. Then I made it to the finals. It wasn’t because of my dancing, it was because I have great fans. I do a bit in my show

where I talk about it, and say, ‘You all watched it like a NASCAR race, just looking for the crash.” “Dancing with the Stars” was a welcome trip outside of his comfort zone, Engvall said, but he’s happy to get back to doing what comes naturally — hitting the road in support of a comedy tour. “That’s just who I am. It’s like if your neighbor got onstage. There’s no ritual; I just go up there and start talking. It’s much easier now than when you play at a club. Now, they’re paying to see you and there’s that relationship that’s already there. I just wanna foster that relationship so that when they leave, they say, ‘That was one of the best shows I’ve seen.’” Known for keeping his act clean, Engvall admitting to flirting with the temptation to go blue. But after a spontaneous experiment while on the Blue Collar tour, he decided to stick with what his fans expect. “Ron went up first and does what he does, and I thought, well I’m gonna try workin’ dirty. I got about four jokes in, and it didn’t feel right. It was funny because

Saturday, October 25TH

the audience was like, ‘What are you doing?’ Then I went back into my own clean stuff and they were right there with me. I just think that I’ve been doing it clean for so long that trying to be dirty just doesn’t fit me. I do joke with my friends and tell them my last show will be called, ‘Triple X and Don’t Bring Your Kids.’” Bill Engvall 8 p.m. Oct. 23. Fox Theater, 2001 H St. $51 to $71, plus fees, available at Vallitix.com or Fox box office. 324-1369.

Matt’s picks D.R.I. at Jerry’s Pizza, 1817 Chester Ave., 5 p.m. Friday. $15. 633-1000. On the heels of last weekend’s Alley Fest, Jerry’s Pizza promoter and Vlad Arthur lead vocalist Art Machuca has organized a similar carnival of noise. Kicking off after the final high school bell rings Friday, the allages shindig features 14 bands, ranging from punk to heavy metal to every subgenre imaginable. Headlining this two-stage smorgasbord of rage are American thrash punk metal legends D.R.I., which continues touring Please see LOWDOWN / PAGE 29

Merle Haggard

Marty Stuart

SAT. APRIL 25TH A Tribute to Local Heroes

Saturday November 8TH KERN COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS

ON SALE TOMORROW at 10 am!

TICKETS AVAILABLE AT THE FOX THEATER BOX OFFICE, EMPORIUM WESTERN STORE, 661-322-5200 - 888-825-5484 • VALLITIX.COM • FOXTHEATERONLINE.COM

Thursday, October 16, 2014 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street TRAINOR CONTINUED FROM PAGE 21

college kids, young working moms getting their kids to school in the morning, and that’s their demographic. When they asked me to do it, I said, ‘Heck, yeah.’ I have two girls, a 13-year-old and a 10-yearold, and they love that song. We’re really excited.” The boutique has been inundated with calls since the announcement of Trainor’s appearance was made; Nikkel has even been hit up for tickets from old friends she hasn’t talked to in 10 years. The exposure, she said, has been a welcome shot in the arm for her business, which opened nine years ago in a 600-square-foot space on Rosedale Highway, just west of Calloway Drive. Before long, she packed up her store’s designer denim, boots and sweaters and headed across the street to a bigger space before outgrowing that spot, eventually ending up with about 5,000 square feet of showroom space, not counting the warehouse, which serves not only local shoppers but her online customers. She estimates she ships out about 100 parcels a day. (The store offers a nice perk to in-town customers: Just place your order, swing by the shop and staffers will bring your package out to the car.)

Meghan Trainor in Bakersfield When/where: Nov. 7 at Spoiled Rotten Boutique, 10014 Rosedale Highway Tickets: Listen to KELLY-FM, 95.3 for chances to win or enter at Spoiled Rotten Boutique or through the shop’s Facebook or Instagram accounts. Information: For more about the boutique, visit shopspoiled.com

It’s a retail success story, which began, humbly enough, several years ago when she and her mother were having lunch at a Mexican restaurant in Rosedale, commiserating over the lack of fashion options in Bakersfield. “I had my first daughter then, and we’d have to drive to L.A. and go shopping because I was afraid she’d be wearing the same clothes everyone else had, which is a silly concern,” Nikkel conceded. “But I grew up super-duper poor in Oildale and wore my brother’s clothes. “My mom said we should open a store, and the guy sitting nearby said, ‘I have a storefront for you right next door.’ Thirty days later, I signed the contract. It’s taken 10 years to wrap our heads around it. Thank God it’s done well, and it’s been a ride ever since.”

LOWDOWN CONTINUED FROM PAGE 26

incessantly for fans of, literally, all ages. After forming in 1982 as hard-core punk quartet Suburbanites, the group’s sound developed into a storm of lightning guitar riffs and Gatling gun drumming, attracting a crossover audience from traditional punks to head bangers. To this day, they still rock like wild-eyed teenagers. Also appearing are Hossbruten, Betties Undead, Infirmities and more. Club Heresy at Rocket Shop Cafe, 2000 S. Union Ave., 10 p.m. Saturday. $10. 832-4800. It’s Halloween in Bakersfield — prime time for those of the spooky variety to come out and play. After a successful run inside Club Replay, the night devoted to alternative music, art and culture makes its debut inside Rocket Shop Cafe, at Bakersfield Municipal Airport.

APOCALYPSE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 21

repair a cut pipe in the fastest time and build a zombie weapon. “You see all the scrap there and have 20 minutes to make a weapon. They’ll be judged on creativity and weld quality,” Simkins said. The zombie-killing implements will be on display after the contest for closer inspection. Overnight camping is offered on Oct. 24 and the fun picks up at noon Oct. 25 when gates open and the tailgate party begins. For $20 per vehicle, guests are invited to set up and start the party, with vendors selling beer, bar-

While not the most obvious choice for a club of this nature, Heresy founder and promoter Mike Fowler assures his fiercely loyal attendees they won’t disappointed, promising a complete decorative transformation before the doors open. The group pulls no punches when it comes to creating a darkly unique atmosphere. Spinning in the venue’s main dance chamber will be KSVG resident goth music specialist Princess Darkness, while bringing the pain to the punk rock patio is deejay Squab. For a more intense delve into industrial electro sounds, deejays Riskletter and Grave Dancer will be raising spirits in the Sanctum Lounge. Also appearing will be classic punk rock tribute Cholo Biafra (disclosure: I, along with Californian contributor Cesareo Garasa are members of this band), plus Los Angeles alternative dance punk music chef Maxi Wild. Ages 18 and over admitted.

becue, tacos and more through the day. A stage will be set for live music, including country act Callie Bobsin. With hours of partying before the races start at 6, Simkins is sure people will be living it up — “there’s going to be craziness out there” — but in addition to added security, he expects the bro code to keep folks under control. “We’re asking people to police themselves and the people around them. It’s a zero-tolerance deal. If anyone is out of line, you’re gone.” Simkins said he realizes events like his need time to build, but he’s still hoping for a decent turnout for the inaugural festival. “Dude, if we could get 4,000 people each night ... if we get 4,000, I’d be stoked.”

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, October 30, 2014

Eye Street The Lowdown

Taft concert is the Nest big thing Matt Munoz

hen Truxton Mile came up with the idea of honoring its hometown of Taft with a concert, “we just figured we would ask the city to close the street, buy some kegs, charge a cover and call it a night,” said vocalist Ryan Coulter. But it turns out that even Taft, the Kern oil town that has managed to retain a healthy dose of its renegade Wild West spirit, has its red tape. “Organizing an event like this was something new for us from the very start; we had no clue what to expect,” Coulter said. But after going before the Taft City Council, meeting with the fire chief, police chief and city manager and purchasing insurance for the concert, the Back to the Nest festival is a go for Nov. 8. “The whole concept of this festival is primarily to thank Taft for their support of our band since its inception seven years ago,” Coulter said. “We wanted to give Taft their very own top-of-the-line professional production without charging an arm and a leg.” The setup of Back to the Nest will be a fairly simple production. For $5 a ticket, festival-goers will be treated not only to Truxton Mile but also Bakersfield country singer Whitney Wattenbarger, newcomer Sarah Lopez, Bakersfield violinist and fiddler-for-hire Paul Cartwright, and Shane Stubblefield, who will kick off the evening with a rousing rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” “We wanted to showcase some of the other country acts in town. We want to let people know that country music not only still exists in the Bakersfield area, but it thrives if given the proper support,” said Coulter, who added that all of the opening acts will join Truxton Mile for a few guest spots on a stage he described as the “crown

PHOTO COURTESY OF MICHAEL LEWIS

Bakersfield country band Truxton Mile — from left: Alec Olivieri, Ryan Coulter, Taylor Unruh — headlines Back to the Nest on Nov. 8. PHOTO BY C&B PHOTOGRAPHY

jewel of this event.” “We made sure that the sound and the sound coming from the stage would be nothing short of spectacular. We placed the majority of our budget into making this show something crazy and exciting.” The trio, which started as Good Question seven years ago, have weathered some comings and goings in the rhythm section, opted for a name change, released an EP, and built a loyal following in the Central Valley and along the coast. “We are truly blessed to have a dedicated following and support like we do,” said guitarist Taylor Unruh. “We have grown a lot as musicians as well as grown closer together as a unit.” And it shows. On the strength of the Truxton Mile’s rowdy concerts, the band has developed a reputation as a live act to see, attracting a mostly younger, twenty-something crowd of partygoers. And now they’re ready to

show their hometown how they’ve evolved. The epicenter of Back to the Nest is outside the front of the Taft Fox Theatre located on Center Street, the city’s main drag. “Downtown has really started booming in the last couple years,” Coulter said. “They host all sorts of cool events, including the First Friday cruise nights with live bands up and down the street. There are old buildings filling up with new local businesses, such as a local brewery/cafe, sports bar, a hip antique joint. These new businesses are breathing life into the downtown scene, all while keeping a really familiar, yet eclectic motif.” To keep bellies full inside the fenced-in block party, more than 20 vendors will sell everything from barbecue sandwiches to ice cream and hot dogs, plus specialty cocktails, domestic and craft brews and soft drinks. “Taft is always out to have a good time,” Coulter said. The trio plan to give fans a mix of old and new material from their catalog, along with reworked versions of pop and country hits. One of the my per-

Bakersfield country singer Whitney Wattenbarger will also appear at Back to the Nest.

sonal favorites, the group’s bluesy rendition of Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean,” is something you have to hear to believe. “We are aiming at getting in the studio very soon and hopefully have a new single out around the beginning of 2015,” said Unruh. “We have taken time off from playing to focus on our writing, and a lot of people have asked when we are going to play again, but just sit back and wait and see what we have coming next. We are very excited about the new material. The songs are without a doubt the best material we have had thus far.” Back to the Nest Festival, 6 p.m. Nov. 8, 514 Center St., Taft. $5, all ages; pre-sale tickets at Black Gold Coffee House and Deli, 508 Center St. in Taft and Olivieri Commercial Group, 10000 Stockdale HIghway, Bakersfield.

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

8900. Local Latin rhythmatists Velorio have managed to roll with the punches of revolving lineups, tour vehicles (their eco-conscious van caught fire on the Grapevine) and a series of other small setbacks. Through it all, the music, under the direction of founding member Alvaro Caceres and percussionist Adrian Nevarez, has never stopped. Rounding out their current lineup is former Holy Beast bassist Carlos Contreras, former Amity Flow guitarist James Barron and keyboardist Eric Lopez. Despite the new personnel, the group’s brand of cumbia rock house shakers are as potent as ever. Calling the show “Dia de los Velorios” (the name “Velorio” is Spanish for a funeral wake) attendees are asked to dress up in their favorite skeletal Dia de los Muertos makeup and rattle their bones on the dancefloor for All Souls Day. Also appearing is acoustic singersongwriter Johnny Cisneros and DJ Josex.

A Tribute to Local Heroes Saturday November 8TH KERN COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS TICKETS AVAILABLE AT THE FOX THEATER BOX OFFICE, EMPORIUM WESTERN STORE, 661-322-5200 - 888-825-5484 • VALLITIX.COM

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, November 13, 2014

Eye Street The Lowdown

Photographer changing focus Still photographer trying video project Matt Munoz

fter establishing himself with local bands and models as one of the most trusted and creative photographers in town, Robert Bejil is broadening his focus with the release of an indie action western flick, “Retribution of the Wolf,” starring Bakersfield actor Paul Wolverton. “I was never really interested in shooting video and I told myself that I would never do it,” Bejil said. “I think it has a lot to do with the slow-down of my photography. Video gives me a challenge, something new to learn, and helps me see things on set a lot differently. It is an entirely different way to tell a story and I'm just having fun exploring a

PHOTO COURTESY OF LA FAZ

Santa Maria Latin rock quartet La Faz appears for a free show at Elements Venue on Saturday night.

PHOTO BY ROBERT BEJIL

Rock photography is among Robert Bejil's favorite subjects. Pictured above is Ohiobased extreme metal act Skeletonwitch, taken at The Dome in Bakersfield in 2012.

new genre.” Bejil, 29, has become serious about filmmaking

after a collaboration with independent Bakersfield filmmaker Rickey Bird of

Bakersfield College Football vs Ventura • Last Home Game Of The Season •

THIS SATURDAY at 4 PM! Bakersfield College Memorial Stadium

Merle Haggard SAT. APRIL 25TH FEB. 26TH TICKETS AVAILABLE AT THE FOX THEATER BOX OFFICE, EMPORIUM WESTERN STORE, HEAVEN’S SCENT FLORAL SHOP, 661-322-5200 - 888-825-5484 VALLITIX.COM

Hectic Films, which began two years ago. Bejil was a member of the production team on Hectic’s popular zombie short “Naked Zombie Girl.” “Rickey really took me under his wing and opened my eyes to an entirely new industry.” Bejil, who plans to rejoin Hectic Films for a fulllength version of “Naked Zombie Girl,” recently wrapped a self-produced and directed zombie flick of his own, titled “Zombie Town.” The 61⁄2-minute short took a day to shoot. “I have had experience with the subject from previous projects, so it was only natural for my first try at creating a short film be about zombies. I also wanted to do something that I was familiar with and that an audience wouldn't have a hard time grasping.” Bejil is content with the final cut, released under the Robert Bejil Productions brand and available on HD video website Vimeo.com. But between his film projects, Bejil is happy to continue his work in still photography. “If it is live music photography, then I love shooting someone who is

PHOTO COURTESY OF JOHNNY RODRIGUEZ

Texas country icon Johnny Rodriguez appears tonight at Buck Owens' Crystal Palace.

charismatic, and puts on a great show. I especially love when a musician ‘turns it on’ for the camera, meaning they see me shooting and give me something really cool to photograph. For modeling and fashion work, I love a model that knows how to pose and knows their body. I try to choose people to work with that have an interesting look. I love both sides of the spectrum, beautiful and gritty.” Bejil said the competition among independent photographers has become fierce over the years. “The market is saturated, but I truly believe in order to stand out is just to do what you like to do. Technology is also getting cheaper to manufacture, and high quality cameras are a lot more affordable than they used to be.

Smart phones have made it a thousand times easier to take a photograph, edit it, create art, and share it. Needless to say, that creates a lot of competition.” Pondering his next move, Bejil said he’ll continue to roll with whatever comes his way, but for now he’s more than happy to be in Bakersfield with his 16month-old daughter, Penelope, and his fiance, Monica Fajardo. “I have been lucky to do some amazing things with my photography. I also learned very quickly in my career the power of saying, ‘no.’” For more on Robert Bejil, visit robertbejil.com

Matt’s picks Johnny Rodriguez at Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace, 2800 Buck Owens Blvd., 7:30 p.m. tonight, $40, 328-7560. Decades before the Mavericks’ Raul Malo, it was singer Johnny Rodriguez who ruled the country charts with his smooth, bilingual Texican charm. Discovered by singers Tom T. Hall and Bobby Bare at a Texas tourist trap, Rodriguez became one of country music’s biggestselling artists in the ’70s. His stretch of hit singles includes “Pass Me By (If You're Only Passing Through),” “Ridin' My Thumb to Mexico” and “That’s the Way Love Goes.” Also appearing is Bakersfield vocalist Daisy Sanchez, who after years as both a Mexican mariachi and Latin pop diva, has set her sights on country. Sanchez will be accompanied by local country vet Rick “Reno” Stevens. Please see LOWDOWN / 28

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, November 13, 2014

Eye Street

Teaching horses to be horses again BY JENNIFER SELF The Bakersfield Californian jself@bakersfield.com

horoughbred race horses know how to do two things: Run and run faster. But that’s a problem when their days at the track are over, said Tahlia Fischer, who rescues the animals. “They don’t know how to do normal horse things. Walking up a hill is completely foreign to these horses. All they know how to do is go forward and run.” Fischer, who belongs to an organization called Neigh Savers, is fostering one such horse in Bakersfield, though the group has placed nearly 80 animals in barns throughout the state. “All the horses in this particular nonprofit are off-track race horses,” said Fischer, 30. “They’re too slow or got injured and would otherwise go to auction in L.A. for bid and get bought by a rescue organization or the dog food company. We are the last chance.” Fischer, whose other passion is wine, will combine both pursuits this evening at a food-and-wine fundraiser for the group. Because raising horses is so demanding and the group’s requirements especially rigorous, Fischer is the only local member of Neigh Savers. Money raised at the Bakersfield fundraiser will support the group’s efforts to save horses throughout the state by helping to offset the cost of their care. “Oh my God, it’s very expensive,” said Fischer, who has three other horses in addition to her foster thoroughbred. “It’s about $500 a month per horse, so about $2,000 a month is what I put up to do this. There’s work and there has to be something else in life; this is my something else.” Fischer took in the horse, named Adam, about eight months ago. Though she said he had won a quarter million dollars for his owner during his racing career, the animal’s tendon snapped and that was that. “It’s cheaper for the owners to just take them to auction and not have to fix them,” she said. “If your car breaks down, why fix it if it’s cheaper to buy another one?” Fischer is working to rehabilitate Adam

LOWDOWN CONTINUED FROM PAGE 26

Jay Smith Group at Sandrini’s, 1918 Eye St., 9 p.m. Friday, $5, 322-8900. Smith's latest full-length record, “Too Many Notes,” was titled by fans in honor of the musician’s blisteringly fast-playing technique and an unusually entertaining live performance style. Joining Smith for the release are all the musicians featured on the recording, including powerhouses Patrick Contreras on electric violin, bassists Jay Jay Hicks, Gary Rink and Fernando Montoya, Cesareo Garasa on drums, saxophonist James Russell, and neo-soul vocalist Marlon Mackey. With the shortage of live jazz in a city that once burst at the seams with it, the show is a great reason to dust off your pork pie hat

Neigh Savers Fundraiser When: 5:30 p.m. Thursday Where: Krush Wine Bar and Restaurant, 10500 Hageman Road Cost: $29 Information: 695-8018

in the hopes he will be adopted. Depending on the horse’s condition, a new career — in barrel racing or another activity — can be an option. “Yesterday is the first day we’ve been working with Adam on the barrels,” said Fischer in a phone conversation Tuesday. “Adam did amazing. You see potential.” Though she has been around horses her entire life, it was about three years ago when Fischer rescued her first animals. She was stopped at a light on Niles and Mount Vernon, when she glanced over at a junk-strewn dirt lot that contained three “skeleton horses.” “You could see ribs, backbones. I was horrified.” The property was for sale, so she called the number and ended up tracking down the horses’ owner. After a protracted period of haggling, she paid $200 for the animals and still owns Johnny, the horse in the worst shape. “The vet said either put him to sleep or put him up for auction because he’s a people hater. “But I kept feeding him, and the vet gave me antibiotics and eventually he started warming up to me. Now he’s the most beautiful, awesome horse you will ever see in your life.” The wine event this evening will feature four varietals from MadoroM and Sextant. The companies will donate a portion of each bottle sold at the event to Neigh Savers, and Krush’s chef will prepare four appetizers to pair with the wines. Another fundraiser is set from 1 to 4 p.m. Nov. 22 at Steak & Grape in northwest Bakersfield. The price of admission is $40.

and head downtown. Copies of “Too Many Notes” will be sold at the show for $10. More information at jaysmithgroup.com. La Faz at Elements Venue, 3401 Chester Ave., 8 p.m. Saturday, free, 301-4681. In celebration of its third anniversary, Bakersfield’s Elements Venue is throwing a big concert bash, and everyone is invited. Headlining the free shindig is Santa Maria Latin pop rock quartet La Faz, who definitely have their sonic sights set on mainstream radio. With slick production and catchy melodies, the group could easily be played alongside some of Mexico’s biggest rock idols. Also appearing are Bako cumbia rockeros Velorio, and deejay Noe G. If you’ve never checked out Elements Venue, definitely take this opportunity to do so. Attendees also will enjoy free tacos and champagne. Sound like a fiesta to me.

Eye Stre reet

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2014

Film review

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

Arts Alive!

Animated penguins melt our hearts again BY ROGER MOORE Tribune News Service

Blame it on lowered expectations for the umpteenth cartoon starring those commando penguins from “Madagascar,” over-exposed little darlings who stole all those movies and went on to star in their own spinoff TV series. Or lay it at the feet of the Dreamworks Animation trademark style — slapstick for the kids, and a boatload of wisecracks aimed at the parents who also sit through these farces aimed at the under-8 crowd. But “Penguins of Madagascar” is as “cute and cuddly” as ever, and often downright hilarious. Kids will giggle at the plucky impertinence, the pratfalls and the sheer breakneck speed of the gags, and the occasional gas-passing joke. And their parents? The puns, movie references and impersonations are for grownups. Hip ones will grin at the witty touch of having iconoclastic German director and “Encounters at the End of the World” documentarian Werner Herzog play a comically callous documentary filmmaker in the opening scene. Here, on “Earth’s frozen bottom,” he captures the beginnings of the penguin team. Even as chicks, Skipper is in charge, impulsive and riffing in that Tom-McGrath-does-William Shatner-as-Kirk voice, leading tiny Kowalski (Chris Miller), Rico (Conrad Vernon) and the newly-hatched Private (Christopher Knights) into “adventure and glory like no penguin has seen before.” That flashback prologue sets up the dynamic that has played out for this cute and cuddly quartet ever since. “Kowalski! Analysis! Rico! Status report!” “Penguins of Madagascar” is about dopey and adorable Private’s efforts to become “a meaningful and valued member of the team.” He will have his chance when an octopus supervillain Please see ‘PENGUINS’ / E2

INSIDE “Horrible Bosses 2” not about the Man at all. Page E2

CALIFORNIAN FILE

COMING IN EYE STREET With 3 million lights twinkling in the night, you really can’t miss Holiday Lights at CALM — and thousands of Bakersfield families wouldn’t dream of it. The signature event at the zoo northeast of Bakersfield is the proper kickoff to the holiday season, and we give you the details on what to expect in Friday Eye.

GASLIGHT MELODRAMA

Austin Whitten, left, and Jay Stodder in Gaslight Melodrama’s “A Christmas for Santa Claus,” opening Friday.

Even Santa needs some Christmas magic Camille Gavin

ike most of us on this particular day, the folks at Gaslight Melodrama are celebrating Thanksgiving but they’re ready to jump right into the next holiday, and they mean business, with an extended schedule of 25 performances of the annual yuletide production. “We have additional performances of our Christmas show every year because it is our highest attended show and we want to make sure we can serve as many families as possible,” said Michael Prince, artistic director. “We do have many private parties that book early for certain performances.” This year’s edition is called “A Christmas for Santa Claus” and it opens on Friday, with two shows on Saturday. “The main themes of this year’s Christmas show are family and forgiveness,” Prince said. “Which is something I feel we all need to be reminded of — now more than ever.” Santa (Jay Stodder) will greet theatergoers at the door and offer each one a candy cane. When the curtain

rises he’ll be accompanied onstage by members of the Claus family and a longtime friend, all of whom decide it’s time for him to be the recipient instead of the giver. “After so many years of bringing Christmas joy and cheer to the families of the world, those who love Santa the most decide that it’s his turn to feel the magic of the Christmas spirit himself,” Prince said. “But, when Santa’s old friend, Jack Frost, (Josh Lubati) returns to the North Pole to nurse a broken heart, it’s up to everyone to show each other what the true meaning of Christmas really is.” Following the main stage show, Santa’s elves will go into the audience and mingle with people during Warren Dobson’s vaudeville revue, “Walk Like an Elf.” Others in the cast are Shawn Rader, Emily Candia, Ali Dougherty and Austin Whitten. The theater will be dark on Sunday but there’ll be five shows per weekend starting Dec. 5 as well as additional midweek performances ending on Dec. 23. Gaslight’s 2015 season begins on Jan. 23 with “The New Road to

Rosedale,” followed on March 20 by “My Big Fat Oildale Wedding,” an original show so popular it’s become a perennial at the melodrama. “The Life and Times of Johnny Mojave” comes next, on May 25; Warren Dobson’s “Summer Blast” on July 10; “The Princess of Pumpkin Center,” July 24; “Magic at the Marketplace,” Sept. 25; and 2015 holiday show on Nov. 27.

BAA marks its 70th By doing a little research via the Access Newspaper Data Base at Beale Memorial Library, I found this brief note that ran on The Californian’s editorial page on Oct. 21, 1944. “Commendable is the enterprise which, founded last month, has already sponsored three exhibits here,” said the paper. A later story notes that Charles La Rue Smith was the president, Daisy Urner, vice president. The “enterprise” was the Bakersfield Art Association, and its current members plan to celebrate its birth year with a combined Christmas and 70th anniversary party on Dec. 13. Over the years the BAA has occupied several locations, including the CunningPlease see ARTS / E2

The Lowdown

Stand-up veteran gets laughs while keeping it clean Matt Munoz

rian Regan’s ability to fill theaters to capacity without dropping a single expletive is an anomaly these days, given what many people consider to be funny. And Regan, 57, wants to assure fans he doesn’t plan to stray into blue material when he takes the stage at the Fox Theater on Dec. 7. The putting green, however, is another story. “I was tempted to answer with the F word just to be goofy right now,” said Regan during a recent phone interview. “It

actually depends on who I’m hanging out with. See, I play golf with my brothers and friends, and I’m sure if someone snuck a microphone in there, people would hear things out of me that they don’t hear onstage.” Unlike many comedians who create alteregos for the stage, Regan described himself as the grade school kid looking for

chuckles he’s always been. “I wasn’t the class clown, I was more the small-circle-of-friends clown. Outside of that group, I was pretty shy. Although I do remember one time getting back from lunch early before people came back to class. I hid in a closet until the whole class got back. When the teacher started teaching class, I just started waving my hands from the closet and making the kids laugh. The teacher didn’t know what was going on and I was like, ‘These laughs feel powerful.’ I can wave my hand and make an entire room of people laugh.” From that moment on, Regan developed a knack for getting laughs wherever he went: the high

Regan

school cafeteria, between busing tables as a college dropout, and eventually in comedy clubs, theaters and as the guest of David Letterman — 28 times and

counting. “My whole trip has been slow and cumulative. Even though the Letterman appearances are hugely important to me, I’ve never felt that any one time anywhere has resulted in the phones ringing off

the hook the next day. It’s always a slowly growing thing, this career of mine. Maybe I should start waving my hands more?” Regan’s evolution can be tracked on YouTube. His material is solid, but even if his jokes leave you cold, the hair is good for laughs: the mighty mullet of an early ’90s comedy special on through to the super spiky hair of his best-selling concert releases. “I am interested in how much comedy has evolved over the years. My bits onstage are more like vignettes, little minute-long things that have a beginning, middle and Please see LOWDOWN / E6

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, November 27, 2014

a longtime member and supporter of the BAA.” Cross, a Colorado native CONTINUED FROM E1 who came to Bakersfield in ham Memorial Art Gallery, 1931 and served as BAA whose construction in 1955president in 1976-77, is the 56 it actively promoted and mother of Fendrick, the curthen operated for more than rent president. 30 years until it was expandShe was well-known ed and became the presentregionally and “The Farm,” day Bakersfield Museum of depicting a dilapidated barn Art. behind a rickety fence and For about 10 years it had a under a threatening sky, is gallery in the East Hills Mall, one of the many watercolors before moving to the arts she did during her lifetime. district in downtown BakersEmerson began teaching field. art in what is now BakersAnd now the upcoming field High School in 1919 party heralds yet another and later at Bakersfield Collocation. After doing busilege. She was active in the ness as the Art Center at BAA and the local arts com1817 Eye St. for the past five munity until her death at 92 years, members are eager to in 1986. She is represented open a new retail place by an oil painting that when 2015 rolls around. Fendrick said was part of “As a fundraiser for our Emerson’s “Sunflower” upcoming move to 1607 series. 19th St., we are holding a Younger, whose ancestors raffle and silent auction,” came here in the late 19th said Iva Fendrick. “The raffle century, has done mostly items are three original metal sculptures in the last paintings by two of our 35 years but studied paintfounders, Vina Cross and ing at San Jose State and Ruth Emerson; the third UCLA during her college painting is by Betty Younger, years. She’s been a BAA

ARTS

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HORRIBLE THE PENGUINS BOSSES 2 OF MADAGASCAR

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GO & DO ‘A Christmas for Santa Claus’ When: 7 p.m. Friday, 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday Where: Gaslight Melodrama Theatre & Music Hall, 12748 Jomani Drive Admission: $25, $23 seniors and children 12 and under Information: 587-3377

BAA 70th Anniversary party When: 10 a.m. to noon Dec. 13 Where: Art Center, 1817 Eye St. Admission: Free Information: 869-2320 IVA FENDRICK

“The Farm” by Vina Cross, one of the founders of the Bakersfield Art Association, will be raffled off in recognition of the BAA’s 70th anniversary.

member since about 1956 and donated her oil and acrylic painting, “Mountain View,” for the fundraiser. “I did this in 1972 — I

signed some of my work at the time with my maiden name (Hoenshell) even though I was married,” she wrote in an email. “I had

three young daughters and I painted in the evening to relax.” Tickets for the paintings are $5 and can be purchased

now at the Art Center. Winners will be announced at the party on Dec. 13. Camille Gavin’s “Arts Alive” column appears on Thursday. Write to her at gavinarts@aol.com.

Comedy not about bosses at all BY ROGER MOORE Tribune News Service

Your enjoyment of “Horrible Bosses 2” is almost wholly dependent on your tolerance for clusters of funny actors, babbling, riffing — and in the case of Charlie Day, screeching — all at once. That’s how they communicate. And if we get headaches listening to them, imagine how they’re suffering for their art. Because it isn’t about bosses at all this time. But those poor working schlubs Nick, Kurt and Dale are still getting stiffed. As bad at it as they were the last time around, these clowns still think revenge will taste sweet. We catch up with the trio as they’re pitching their new gadget, the “Shower Buddy,” a showerhead that dispenses soap and shampoo and conditioner, etc., on local L.A.

‘Horrible Bosses 2’ ★★ Cast: Jason Bateman, Chris Pine, Jason Sudeikis, Jamie Foxx, Jennifer Aniston, Charlie Day, Christoph Waltz Running time: 108 minutes Rated: R

TV. The two goobers, Dale and Kurt (Charlie Day and Jason Sudeikis) are all about how to “be ourselves” on “Good Morning, L.A.” Nick is still the deadpan voice of sanity. “Let’s NOT be ourselves. ‘Ourselves’ is a dumpster fire.” They proceed to prove it when they’re pursued by a home shopping mogul — Chris Pine — and then that mogul’s dad (Christoph Waltz). They are out-maneuvered and stand to lose their startup company, their dream of “never having to work for anybody ever again,” forced to realize they will “always be (just) cogs in the machine.” So naturally the two dummies start talking revenge, with the more-sane Nick trying to talk them out of it. They’ll kidnap the son, ransom him to the dad and collect enough cash to save their company from the very guy trying to steal it. “Name one kidnapping movie where the kidnappers aren’t dead or in jail at the

WARNER BROS.

From left, Charlie Day, Jason Sudeikis and Jason Bateman take on Chris Pine in “Horrible Bosses 2.”

end.” “Nine to Five!” “OK, name TWO...” All this set-up is handled in a rush, just enough time for Pine to come off as a preening punk and Waltz as a smiler with a knife. “I make new enemies every day,” he purrs, Teutonically. “It’s called BUSINESS.” The guys have to cross paths with the survivors of “Horrible Bosses.” Start with Kevin Spacey’s hilarious exboss/now-inmate, hissing profane tirades of “advice” over a prison-visitation phone, then check in with the colorfully-named thug Jamie Foxx brought to life. He is still insulted by the stereotypes they lay on him. “You’ve got the N-word in your eyes!” And then there’s the sexcrazed dentist played by Jennifer Aniston, her eyes sparkling at the filthy words she gets to let out of her

mouth — or is that the tooobvious key lighting engineered to create sparkling eyes? There are plans to be made, intrigues, betrayals, cops to fool and a caper to carry out. Some of the laughs come from the infuriating ineptitude of the trio and the ways they get outflanked and out thought at every turn. Other giggles spin from the colorful profanity of one and all. And then there’s all that headache-inducing cacophony of babble. You can’t catch it all, which is just as well. The many improvisations are rarely much more than passably funny. The plot — packed with coincidences both explained and glossed over — doesn’t withstand any scrutiny. But the original cast — both heroes and villains — are still funny, with Spacey and Foxx flirting with hilarious.

DREAMWORKS

“Penguins of Madagascar” opens today. Pictured is Skipper, voiced by Tom McGrath.

‘PENGUINS’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE E1

named Dave (John Malkovich) sets out to rid the world of penguin-kind. But the Madagascar boys have competition in the heroics department. The well-financed, gadgetequipped North Wind inter-species commando team has a seal (Ken Jeong), a polar bear (Peter Stormare), an exotic, sexy owl (Annet Mahendru) and is led by a confident, oh-so-competent wolf (Benedict Cumberbatch). “No one breaks The Wind!” Director-turned voice actor Tom McGrath’s Skipper has always been what makes the penguins funny. Skipper refuses to be humbled, contradicted or corrected. His version of profanity is a hoot. “Parker Posey! Flippin’ Frozen Tundra!” And, since they chase Dave the octopus to Venice, “Venetian BLINDED again!” Every word out of that animated penguin’s 3D beak (you can even see the fine penguin feathers now) is funny. They pop up in Shanghai, which Skipper mistakes for Dublin. “All right boys, River Dance!” It doesn’t matter that the plot and charac-

‘Penguins of Madagascar’ ★★★ Cast: The voices of Tom McGrath, John Malkovich, Chris Miller, Benedict Cumberbatch, Peter Stormare, Werner Herzog Running time: 92 minutes Rated: PG

ters seem like a mishmash of other recent animated offerings, as long as McGrath is cracking wise. And the team of writers spare no pun in giving the villain just as many zingers, most of which will zing over the heads of the younger viewers. “Drew, Barry,” Dave orders his minions, “More power!” “William! Hurt them!” “Nicolas! Cage them!” “Halle! Bury them!” Whatever this little nothing of a cartoon comedy lacks — decent female characters, an original villain — the bottom line from this bottom-heavy brotherhood from the bottom of the world? They’re still cute, still cuddly, still as funny as a ninja penguin could ever be.

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, November 27, 2014

STARTS TOMORROW! TICKETS AVAILABLE AT THE FOX THEATER BOX OFFICE, EMPORIUM WESTERN STORE, HEAVEN’S SCENT FLORAL SHOP, 661-322-5200 - 888-825-5484 VALLITIX.COM

COURTESY OF MEZCAL

Fresh out of Visalia, Latin rockers Mezcal will perform Saturday at Texas 28.

LOWDOWN CONTINUED FROM E1

an end. If I think of something, for the sake of saying it out loud, I may say it to my kids.” Regan’s two children join the tour regularly, doubling as reminders to remain both humble and, yes, clean. “It’s very interesting to be onstage, and have a great show in front of 2,000 people. You said, ‘Good night,’ walk offstage, and your 11year-old daughter comes up and says, ‘Daddy, I need another Band-Aid on my pinky.’” Tickets for the Dec. 7 show are $50 and currently available at the Fox box office and Vallitix.com. The Fox Theater is located at 2001 H St. For more information call 3241369.

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

Wills, Trusts and Probate

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Does it take a lot of time to transfer assets to my revocable living trust? It will take some time—but you can do it now, or you can pay the courts and attorneys to do it for you later. One of the benefits of a living trust is that all your assets are brought together under one plan. Don’t delay “funding” your trust; a trust can only protect assets that have been transferred to it. Assets left out of the trust may force an unwanted probate. Call my office for more information on setting up your revocable living trust!

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Criterion Collection madness Nothing excites a film buff more than a mention of the “Criterion Collection,” especially during the holidays when the pickins’ are as deep as the discounts. Founded in 1984, the Criterion Collection company finds, preserves, restores and re-releases films deemed important to the history of filmmaking. At least that’s what extreme collectors like Frank Sullivan of Bakersfield and leagues of other devotees of the brand believe. “Criterion collectors are

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Matt’s pick Mezcal at Texas 28, 1517 18th St., 9 p.m. Saturday. $5. 327-7625. Visalia Latin rockers’ Mezcal have been entertaining audiences across the state for the past 10 years. Led by guitarist Carlos Rodriguez, who recently returned from an extended musical stint in France, the group has a global groove. A little Santana, a dash of Los Lobos, a shot of The Doors among others, they can get both funky and spicy when it’s time to jam. Rhythmically anchored by Rodriguez’s siblings Marisa and Estevan on drums and percussion, their live show never disappoints. Also appearing are Bakersfield Latin music newcomers La Marcha. Highly recommended. Contributing columnist Matt Munoz covers the music scene for The Californian. He brings you “The Lowdown” every other Thursday.

The Californian every day

End-of-Life Care

Before the cell phone goes on, before that morning meeting, before the hustle and bustle of daily life sets in, start your day right with The Bakersfield Californian.

What is the Veteran to Veteran Volunteer Program at Hoffmann Hospice? The Veteran to Veteran program at Hoffmann Hospice is an elite group of male and female volunteers who are veterans. They volunteer their time to help veteran hospice patients and their families by providing companionship and caregiver relief. Veteran patients usually feel a higher level of connectedness with a veteran volunteer and enjoy the comradery. The most valuable benefit to a veteran at this season of his life is the opportunity to share military stories with another veteran as some military stories are not usually shared with family and friends. Veteran volunteers also participate in veteran community events to maintain partnerships in the community and maintain awareness of all veterans’ services and resources.

2012 release of The Who’s 1979 drama, “Quadrophenia.” Catch the worn original version of the film on premium channels or pre-Criterion DVD and you’ll notice the difference immediately: The discolored, grainy quality and sound have been cleaned up, easily detectable on full high-definition systems. To get started, Sullivan recommends a visit to criterion.com. If movies are truly your thing, you’ll be right at home (and don’t forget to read the interesting debates in the discussion sections). Plus, if you sign up for the e-newsletter you’ll get info on the last-minute flash sales or holiday busts through stores such as Barnes & Noble. Speaking of which, All Criterion Collection titles are currently 50 percent off through Monday at Barnes & Noble. Personal favorites from my own Criterion Collection: “Repo Man,” “Rosemary’s Baby” and “Y Tu Mama Tambien,” although that may change with some recent additions. Does Sullivan expect a cap on his collection? “I'll put it this way. The day they stop making editions is the day I'll stop collecting films. Period.”

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Rosetta N. Reed

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downright religious,” said Sullivan, 30. “The online community on the company website is all the proof you need. We’re everywhere.” The Criterion Collection boasts more than a thousand titles from the history of cinema. Potential selections are subjected to a rigorous and lengthy process that begins with a film nomination and includes securing licensing permissions along with access to original surviving prints of each film. It’s that obsessive attention to detail that keeps Sullivan buying. “Initially it was the amazing cover art and packaging. Now it's simply because they're the best in quality and selection.” Sullivan’s first purchase in 2003: director David Cronenberg’s psychological thriller, “Dead Ringers.” Since then, he’s amassed more than 163 titles on DVD and Blu-ray, each package with varying numbers of discs that feature hours of bonus materials, interviews, video commentary, soundtracks, story booklets and limited-edition art. “I'd like to see them get some of their old laserdisc licenses back from movies like ‘Ghostbusters,’ ‘Taxi Driver,’ ‘Annie Hall’ and ‘Akira.’” Each Criterion film is as pristine as it was the day it came from the studio, sometimes even better. A prime example is the

Beth Hoffmann Director of Operations & Founder Hoffmann Hospice

Subscribe to The Californian and you will get • All of your local news, sports and entertainment • Money-saving coupons • Bakersfield Life™, our monthly lifestyle magazine • BWell™, our quarterly health and wellness magazine Call 392-5777, or visit bakersfield.com

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

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The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, December 11, 2014

Eye Street The Lowdown

Duo twangin’ and slangin’ Country rappers can bust redneck rhymes Matt Munoz

o one could have predicted that two polar opposites of the musical spectrum, country and rap, would one day align themselves as a force, or farce, to be reckoned with. But according to Dusty “Tex” Dahlgren, half of best-selling country rap duo Moonshine Bandits, who make a return appearance to B Ryder’s on Friday night, the concept is as organic as his Central Valley roots. “The music and concept, things we talk about, has always been the same,” said Dahlgren during a phone interview. “That’s what we grew up around, the whole agricultural, blue-collar country lifestyle.” Dalhgren and his high school buddy/partner in rhyme, Brett “Bird” Brooks, joined forces in 2003 in the ag town of Los Banos. The pair began their journey from the sticks to the big city as road-tripping brothers on a mission to preach their goodtime gospel. Their style is just what you’d imagine: slickly produced hip-hop beats, but with a downhome, almost hillbilly swagger woven into every verse. “We talk about stuff that is true to us and our surroundings. I think it’s just real music that just sells itself pretty much. Over time we just saw it starting to gain a little more traction. Then we’d reinvest our money and just kept climbing up the ladder.” The present-day country rap/hip-hop movement can trace much of its origins to the South with the release of

PHOTO COURTESY OF MOONSHINE BANDITS

California country rap duo Moonshine Bandits will perform at B Ryder’s on Friday.

rapper Bubba Sparx’s beat-heavy hit single “Ugly” in 2001. Dahlgren suggests country fans dig deeper into their parents’ old record collection for even more references. “If you think back, Johnny Cash was pretty much rappin’ on ‘I’ve Been Everywhere.’” Which makes a good point, but let’s not take away from the obvious: Dalhgren and Brooks are not Run DMC, nor are they making attempts to rewrite rap music’s hallowed history, written in New

York’s five boroughs and the gritty West Coast streets of Los Angeles and the Bay Area. “We grew up listening to a lot of West Coast hip-hop in the ’90s, and we also liked a lot of Southern rock-type stuff: Creedence Clearwater Revival, Lynyrd Skynyrd. “Our taste in music is pretty eclectic. Bubba Sparx was doing his thing about the same time we were doing our thing, but I’d say our styles were similar, but then he blew up on MTV.” While Sparx had the advantage of street cred built off his relationship with R&B and rap producer Timbaland, Moonshine Bandits built the early part of their career as independents without any

major label interest. “Oh man, we played everywhere: a ton of biker fests, including Sturgis, all kinds of country music festivals, dive bars, we even toured with the Insane Clown Posse. When we first started, a lot of people gave us a lot of respect for our hard work ethic, but also that we weren’t really selling out.” Following the release of their debut 2003 CD, “Soggy Crackerz,” the group continued touring and making connections with fans, known as the “Shiner Nation,” who also help as street marketers. “Over time we just saw it starting to gain a little more traction. Then, we’d reinvest our money and just kept climbing up the ladder. It’s been a long ride. It took us about 12 years before we started making any sort of money.” Dahlgren added there were, and still are, critics who dismiss the very thought of their hybrid style of music, good ol’ boy country roots or not. “You get some traditional country lovers who hate it, and you have those who love it. Then you have new country music lovers who really love it.” Dahlgren points out newschool country artist Jason Aldean’s 2011 hit song “Dirt Road Anthem” as an example of the sub-genre’s growing acceptance. The song’s popularity subsequently helped catapult the career of burly rhyme slangin’ songwriter Colt Ford. “Colt is a really good friend of ours who does similar music. So, you know, it’s out there. There’s just not a main platform for it yet, but there’s a lot of people doing it now. I don’t know if people understand it, but our last album, ‘Cali Country,’ was number 22 on the country Billboard chart. When you see our name up there with like Chase Rice and these guys that are spending millions on their radio campaigns, it’s pretty phenomenal.” With song titles like “For the Outlawz,” “Dive Bar Beauty

PHOTO COURTESY OF MARIA DEL PILAR

Maria Del Pilar, a Los Angeles singer-songwriter and 2015 Vive Latino featured performer, will perform Saturday at Sandrini’s.

Queen,” “Whiskey in My Soul” and “Arrest Me,” Dahlgren says each song acts like a call to arms at every show, especially in Bakersfield, where the group pulls in capacity crowds. “Buck Owens, Merle Haggard, Dwight Yoakam. It’s huge for us to go to Bakersfield.” Also appearing on Friday’s bill are rappers Big B and former Rehab frontman Demun Jones. That combination equals a lot of spilled beer. “A lot of our shows get really rowdy, but we rarely have any fights or anything like that. It’s just goodtime people partying pretty hard.” Friday’s showtime is 9 p.m. Tickets are $15. All ages admitted. B Ryder’s is located at 7401 White Lane. For more information, call 397-7304.

Matt’s pick Maria Del Pilar, Jackie Mendez & Thee Hurricanes at Sandrini’s, 1918 Eye St., 9 p.m. Saturday. $5. 322-8900. Please see LOWDOWN / PAGE 29

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Thursday, December 11, 2014 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street

Trio: Punk meets Victorian Steampunk group makes return visit to Bakersfield

Steam Powered Giraffe When: 5 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday Admission: $20 Saturday; $15 Sunday; suitable for all ages. Information: steampoweredgiraffe.com

BY MATT MUNOZ For The Californian

clectic San Diego art-cabaret trio Steam Powered Giraffe return to Cal State Bakersfield for a pair of yuletide-inspired science-fiction shows, with a decidedly Victorian twist. Formed in 2008, the three first hit the sidewalks busking in Balboa Park before catching their stride all over California. The group fully embraced the “steampunk” lifestyle, a pop culture subgenre inspired by turn-of-the-century science-fiction writers H.G. Wells and Jules Verne. Enthusiasts wear elaborate costumes that incorporate bustles and corsets for women and waistcoats or full three-piece suits for men. The clothing is edgy and the props look like they were stolen from the pages of the Verne classic, “Around the World in 80 Days.” But Steam Powered Giraffe has taken the art a step further, creating a mythology around the band and its lead players, who resemble antique singing automatons created in a robotics factory. Founded by twin siblings David and Isabella Bennett and artist Samuel Luke, Steam Powered Giraffe has moved beyond music to create comic books and art to further tell the story of their characters. San Joaquin Community Hospital pharmacist Tzu-Chi Hsu, who organized the event, said he isn’t as intense a fan of steampunk culture as he is the group. “I have a friend here in Bakersfield who

LOWDOWN CONTINUED FROM PAGE 26

During the Latin alternative music boom of the mid-2000s, singer-songwriter Pilar Diaz helped carry the flag for much of California’s burgeoning scene as a member of the group Los Abandoned. After catching the ear of Neil Young, the group was signed to his Vapor Records label, which released a condensed package of the group’s popular independent EPs. But following a few big breaks, including an appearance on the Conan O’Brien show, the group disbanded, with Diaz resurfacing as Maria Del Pilar to a SoCal sub-scene that, for the most part, had also abandoned much of itself. Her latest release, “Songs + Canciones I” shows off her growing strengths as a songwriter and lyricist, straddling both new wave and electro dance, while

first introduced me to the band. When he first told me the name, I was like ‘Steam Powered what?’” said Hsu, who organized the event himself as a fundraiser for the hospital. “When I listened to their music, I really liked their work.” Hsu traveled to see the band perform on the Queen Mary in Long Beach and after that worked for nearly a year to bring them to Bakersfield. Steam Powered Giraffe’s first show in Bakersfield was last December, and Hsu said the response was so great he was able to book them this year for a two-night stand. Bakersfield fan Leif Davisson attended last year’s performance at the Dore Theatre, after stumbling across the band on YouTube and visiting their website. “The show was great,” he said. “It’s very vaudevillian. There’s a lot of music, but then there are a lot of sketches and comedy during the act. They really get into the band’s story on stage. It’s just different than anything else I’ve ever seen.” Hsu added the show is about providing a unique form of entertainment in Bakersfield but also about giving back during the holidays.

she retains her Chilean soul. She was recently added to the massive Vive Latino music festival in Mexico City in March, where she’ll be performing to thousands alongside everyone from Dave Matthews Band, Die Antwoord, The Specials and Robert Plant. Joining her onstage is Gloria Estrada on guitarron and accordion. Also appearing is Los Angeles reggae soul music vocalist Jackie Mendez, backed by her Angel City Records’ label mates Thee Hurricanes, plus deejay Mark Morales. Contributing columnist Matt Munoz covers the music scene for The Californian. He brings you “The Lowdown” every other Thursday.

PHOTO COURTESY OF STEAM POWERED GIRAFFE

San Diego steampunk musical troupe Steam Powered Giraffe appears at CSUB's Dore Theatre Saturday and Sunday.

“A portion of the proceeds will be supporting the AIS Cancer Center at San Joaquin Community Hospital, same as last year.” In addition to tickets for the show, fans can purchase separate passes for a photo opportunity with the band at noon Saturday. Plus, there will be a vendor area located in the Albertson Room at the Dore before the shows. For attendees who want to make sure

they get the full Steam Powered Giraffe experience, Hsu recommended planning their attire well in advance. “There were a lot of people who came dressed up last year. Some came in various Victorian-era styles, while others dressed up like the performers themselves,” Hsu said. “There's no specific way you have to dress up. Just whatever you feel will fit the theme.”

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The Bakersfield Californian

Thursday, December 25, 2014

Eye Street The Lowdown

A great year for Truxton Mile Matt Munoz

t wasn’t a groundbreaking year for the new and different in the local music scene. In fact, many of last year’s noteworthy movers and shakers threw in the towel or disappeared without a word. And who can blame them? The entertainment business isn’t for everybody. But for those who choose to stick it out, the rewards eventually come. No band exemplifies the slow-and-steady-wins-the-race ethos better than Truxton Mile, my pick for local band of the year. The group’s stellar 2014 actually began in 2013, with the end-ofthe-year celebration of the EP “On My Way.” Not only did they sell out Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace, but they kept their poise when, just a few minutes before showtime, the power went out in a freak storm. Not a good omen? Most bands might have seen it that way, but Taylor Unruh, Ryan Coulter, and Alec Olivieri carried on by candlelight and an emergency generator, eking out a 90minute acoustic set before power was restored. That’s how the pros do it, kids. They continued building hopes in 2014 that they’d be the next local country act to break, a feat that hasn’t happened since the days of Smokin’ Armadillos and Big House. Skeptical? Just attend one of their shows and see how quickly you’ll be converted. They ended the year as strong as they started, staging their own festival in Taft as a way to say thanks to their hometown fans, thousands of whom showed up for the block party. And then came their longoverdue debut at the Fox Theater in Bakersfield, where they opened for country singer Easton Corbin. Expect a new collection of music from the group in the new year. Now, if only Bakersfield country radio would give Truxton Mile some well-deserved airplay. In the meantime, download their music or find the band online at facebook.com/truxtonmile. Keep up the good work, fellas.

Local promoters make good In 2014, music fans couldn’t find a daily Facebook update, downtown light pole, or handbill that didn’t bear at least one show belonging

PHOTO BY MICHAEL LEWIS

Bakersfield country band Truxton Mile— from left: Alec Olivieri, Ryan Coulter, Taylor Unruh — is Matt’s pick as band of the year.

to local indie promoters Art Machuca, Carlos Pena or Pat Spurlock. Machuca, who took over booking at the all-ages Jerry’s Pizza, filled the venue’s schedule with everything from metal and punk to hip-hop and acoustic acts, while making regular improvements to the basement stage sound system. Meanwhile, at Elements Venue at the Ice House, promoter Carlos Pena helped turn the rustic but remodeled (looking pretty swanky there) reception hall into a destination for live shows, especially reggae music. Equally busy was show promoter and KSVG 89.7 community radio personality Pat Spurlock. Hosting shows under his Phantom Stranger, Inc. brand, Spurlock organized regular monthly events at Sandrini’s, Riley’s Tavern, and Texas 28 in downtown Bakersfield. Hitting the streets the way bands used to do it years before social networking made musicians even lazier, Spurlock was a one-man army of posters and packing tape, committed to the cause in a very punk rock, DIY manner. Bravo.

Big year for Cali reggae Cali roots reggae shows continued drawing bigger audiences in Bakersfield at venues such as B Ryder’s and Elements Venue. Visitors like

Through the Roots, Hirie, Fortunate Youth and Irie Essence, to name a few, follow a musical formula of good-time, no-problem, hang-loose lyrics put to slightly modernized reggae rhythms. No Marley-style politics (with a few exceptions), these performers follow the lead of Sublime and the group’s late lead singer/songwriter Bradley Nowell. Local bands felt the love as well: Dub Seeds, Amity Flow, and Rasta Manana all stay busy supplying fans with reggae grooves. All eyes and ears will be on the Fox Theater in 2015, with shows by two of the genre’s biggest acts: Tribal Seeds from San Diego (Feb. 5) and Iration from Santa Barbara (March 7). Can both make the jump from club to theater in Bakersfield? We’ll see.

Matt’s 2014 music picks D’Angelo & The Vanguard, “Black Messiah”: R&B and soul music has floundered in the wake of EDM-infused dance pop over the last decade, but leave it to the surprise re-emergence of neosoul master D’Angelo to bring it back home to live instrumentation basics. It’s a record too organically funky to resist. Lana Del Rey, “Ultraviolence”: Oh, Lana. People either really love you or hate you. After “Born to Die” was released to polarizing reviews in 2010, Del Rey had a lot to prove musically to shake off the critics, or did she? Teaming with Black Keys guitarist Dan Auerbach, she didn’t completely reinvent her romantic wheel of darkness for “Ultraviolence,” but together they did create a cohesive collection of

hauntingly romantic expressions. Choice cuts: “Shades of Cool,” “Brooklyn Baby,” “West Coast.” Little Dragon, “Nabuma Rubberband”: A band worthy of far more attention and listeners than they receive, this electro pop quartet possesses a soulful quality that will make you take note of the current Swedish music scene. Ambitiously crafted with a much broader reach than the ultra-hip ambient style of their previous efforts, this release stands as the breakout in their respected but slow-burning career. No singles, just press play. Ximena Sarinana, “No Todo Los Puedes Dar”: When Sarinana’s debut album “Mediocre” dropped in 2008, she was instantly compared to a young Joni Mitchell and Fiona Apple by critics who branded her an old soul. But then she went and confused Spanish-speaking fans, myself included, with a more pop-oriented sophomore English-language release. Now she’s back closer to where she started, performing in her native tongue. Sarinana produced most of “No Todo Los Puedes Dar” herself, recalling her strengths as a songwriter with delicate emotion. Currently on repeat.

Hopes for 2015 To avoid making ill-fated predictions about what to expect in the Bakersfield music scene next year, I thought I’d take a different approach and share what I’d like to see. Wishful thinking is free, right? More female musicians and performers in Bakersfield: What I wouldn’t give to see more local women taking the stage. Yes, we have some strong vocalists holding it down steadily in various pockets of the city, but where are the guitarists, drummers, screamers and riot girls hiding? If the next Chrissie Hynde, Joan Jett or Patti Smith is out there in some rehearsal space, please make yourselves known soon. There’s much imbalance in our musical universe. More soul and jazz music: Believe it or not, Bakersfield was a hotbed for local soul and R&B groups back in the day. Among my earliest live-music recollections is catching a band called Black Diamond, which performed primarily funk hits of the late ’70s and ’80s before switching to deep-roots reggae, years before Bakersfield ever laid eyes on a dreadlock. Fast forward to 2014: Few R&B bands remain, and those that do feature mostly the same members performing

under different names. You can’t knock them for trying. But there are silver linings: Thanks to venues like the Jazz Lounge downtown and efforts by musicians like vocalist Marlon Mackey, bassist Jay Jay Hicks and others, live rhythm and blues is slowly heading back to the clubs. With regards to jazz, the official underdog of Bakersfield’s music scene, it’s mostly relegated to the corner of a restaurant populated by local socialites checking their phones. Of note in 2014 was the release of “Too Many Notes” by keyboardist Jay Smith, the return of saxophonist Isaiah Morfin, a well-attended Bakersfield Jazz Festival and greater activity from the CSUB and BC music programs. Till next year …

Matt’s picks Beat Surrender DJ Night at Sandrini’s Bar, 1918 Eye St., 9 p.m. Friday, free, 322-8900. It’s going to be a big one-nightonly house party-style homecoming for Alex Rodriguez, aka DJ Moustache, to tie a groovy ribbon on the holidays. Since relocating to Southern California last year to take a gig as general manager at the Glass House concert hall in Pomona, Rodriguez will make a rare appearance in Bakersfield, offering a chance to relive the popular Beat Surrender dance nights he threw downstairs at Sandrini’s. Spinning strictly vinyl soul and funk classics from the ’60s and ’70s, he starts the party once the needle drops. It’ll go non-stop until security throws the last-call houselights on. Come as you are, free your mind and let your booty lead the way to the dance floor. WMDs with Paul Cartwright at Texas 28, 1517 18th St., 9 p.m. Friday, free, 327-7625. 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, the quartet doesn’t need set lists, just time to stretch out. This year has been a particularly stellar one for Cartwright, who performed a jaw-dropping solo on violin with the Los Angeles Philharmonic at the Hollywood Bowl in July. That moment and more from Cartwright can be found all over YouTube. Highly recommended.